\ February 2024 Edition
Saint Joseph’s School Prayer Glorious Saint Joseph, spouse of the Immaculate Virgin and Foster-Father of Jesus Christ; obtain for me and all the members of my family, a pure, humble, and charitable mind, and perfect resignation to the Divine Will. Be my guide and model throughout life that I may merit to die as you did in the arms of Jesus and Mary. Help us, Saint Joseph, in our earthly strife, to fulfill our responsibilities and ever to lead a pure and sinless life. Amen.
Contents From the Head of School ................... 1 Things You Need To Know .................. 3 From the Middle School Director ...... 6 From the High School Director .......... 6 From the Academic Support Services & College Counseling Office ............ 7 From the Athletic Department .......... 7 From the Business Office..................... 8 From the Development Office .......... 8 From the Fine Arts Department ......... 9 From the Parents Guild ..................... 10 From the School Nurse ...................... 10
From the Head of School Greetings from St. Joseph’s Catholic School! I hope this letter finds you and your family doing well. As we enter February, I think most of us are looking forward to the coming of spring and warmer weather. I know our spring coaches and athletes certainly are. It’s no fun playing tennis, softball, baseball, or any of the other spring sports in frigid temperatures! The heat is definitely on in the Saint Joseph’s gymnasium, however, as the basketball teams are enjoying good seasons. If you haven’t seen a game yet, I hope you’ll make a point to come out and support the Knights as the playoffs approach. You can find the schedule on the school’s website under the Athletics tab. While on the topic of athletics, I’m sure you are aware by now that the SC High School League has instituted a 3.0 multiplier for all 9th through 11th grade students in an attempt to better achieve “competitive balance” within the league. What that means for us is that those students who live outside of our assigned attendance zone, which is JL Mann High School, will now be counted as 3 people. Because nearly 70% of our students live outside of the JL Mann attendance zone, the new multiplier is bumping us up two classifications from 1A to 3A for the 2024-26 athletic seasons. Coach Nash and I traveled to Columbia twice in a week to appeal this classification placement and lost both our initial appeal to the SCHSL executive committee and the follow-up appeal a couple of days later to the appellate panel. It has become clear to us throughout the appeals process that the new multiplier was put into effect to curtail the success of a handful of private and charter schools, including Saint Joseph’s. While we support a level playing field and competitive play, we can’t help but feel as if our whole athletic program is being penalized for the success of some of our programs. Having lost both appeals that were available to us, we are considering what legal and/or legislative recourse we might still have, if any. Either way, I am confident that we will find a way to be competitive The Saint Joseph’s Way.
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Men’s Lenten Video Series The men who have been attending the monthly Well-Fed Dad Morning Prayer Breakfasts have asked for additional opportunities for fellowship, and some men who can’t make the morning meetings have asked for opportunities for fellowship at other times during the day. In response to both, we are inviting all SJCS dads to join us for a Men’s Lenten Lunch meeting on Fridays during Lent. We’ll meet at the school from Noon to 1:00 PM on Fridays when school is in session to watch and discuss a 10-12 minute video segment from a popular men’s series produced by the Knights of Columbus, called Into the Breach. Each episode focuses on a different topic (faith, friendship, fatherhood, marriage, etc) relevant to the lives of men. The videos are well done and should facilitate lively, helpful discussions. The first Men’s Lenten Lunch is Friday, February 16. We’ll have non-meat pizza available to grab for lunch when you arrive at Noon. Then we’ll start the video around 12:15 PM which will be followed by a discussion and closing prayer. We’ll have you on your way by 1 PM. For those planning to come, please enter the school through the front office and we’ll direct you to the meeting. I hope you’ll consider joining us. Please RSVP HERE so we know how many pizzas to buy. While on the topic of men’s fellowship, I want to remind all dads about the Men’s Retreat at Heart Ridge during the weekend of March 2-3, with an optional stay of Friday night, March 1. Click HERE for more information. You Belong Update: We Need Your Help to Reach the Finish Line! We are coming down the home stretch of the You Belong Campaign, and we need your help now to reach the finish line. We are still on track to begin construction as early as later this spring or this summer at the latest. We met with contractors at the end of January to review their proposals. We hope to select a builder in the coming weeks and seek final approval of the trustees at our next meeting. To date we have raised just over $5.3 million. While that is fantastic news, we are still short of our $6 million goal. After a year and a half of planning and fundraising, our dream of The Founders Saint Joseph’s Way Center is nearing reality, but we need to bridge the funding gap between now and when construction begins. Saint Joseph’s placement in the 3A classification of the SCHSL as noted above makes the athletic improvements we want to make on the heels of the You Belong campaign that much more urgent. While not technically part of the capital campaign, the school is committed to expanding its weight room and locker rooms. The current weight room is about half of the size it needs to be, and the area between the school and the stadium remains unfinished, which is why we are eager to build an entrance plaza with restrooms between the school building and the stadium. Moreover, the SCHSL has athletic facility requirements for hosting playoff games. Our facilities do not meet the 3A classification requirements nor are they sufficient for hosting larger 3A schools for football games. To cite an example, to host a 3A playoff football game, the home stadium must accommodate 3,000 fans. Currently, our stadium’s capacity is less than half of that as we don’t have permanent bleachers on the visitors side. The more we raise in the You Belong Campaign, the better suited we are to make these changes. All this is to say that if you haven’t yet had the opportunity to make a contribution to the campaign, please consider doing so now. Our incredible students need and deserve our support. Advancement Director Kevin Meyer’s column in this edition of News and Notes details how you can make a pledge to the You Belong Campaign. If you would like to discuss the campaign in person, Kevin and I would be more than happy to meet with you. Please just let one of us know. In closing, please join us in praying for the following members of the SJCS family: for Brigid, Clare’22 and Declan ‘20 McKinley on the passing of their grandmother; for Kate Marchant on the passing of her great grandmother; for Avelina Cornell on the passing of her grandfather; for Henry and Dean Dryden on the passing of their grandfather; for Kimberli Garrison on the passing of her grandmother; for the Capelle family on the passing of Finn Capelle; and for JJ and Jolene Moss-Frye on the passing of their mother. With Love and Prayers, Keith F. Kiser Head of School
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Things You Need To Know TEAM Meeting, February 1 The next TEAM roundtable discussion is Thursday, February 1 from 8:00-9:00 AM during the school’s Flex Period. All are welcome to attend. RSVPs are not required. Simply sign in at the front office on the morning when you arrive. Mid-Quarter Progress Update, February 1 Mid-quarter grades will be updated on Thursday, February 1 by 4:00 PM. An email will be sent to parents as a reminder to check your student’s progress in Blackbaud. Please contact teachers directly if you have any questions or concerns. Encore! Middle School Fine Arts Program, Deadline to register is February 5 The SJCS Fine Arts Department is continuing this after-school program for Middle School students in the spring semester. This program is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:15-4:15 PM and provides the opportunity to dive more into the following programs: Band, Strings, and Beginner Tap. Students can attend both days or choose just one. Additional program and registration details can be found HERE. The deadline to register is February 5. College Planning Night for Juniors, February 5 We will have Brand R. Stille, Vice President for Enrollment at Wofford College, here on February 5, 2024, at 7:00 PM in the JP II Center to present on some of the following topics : College Admission Calendar, Key Terms (Early Decision, Early Action, Rolling Admission, Wait List, Common Application, etc.), Student/Parent/School Responsibilities, How to Research College Information, College Entrance Exams, and Financial Aid. At least one parent must attend with their student. We will let you know who your college counselor will be and will begin scheduling individual student/family meetings following this meeting. Freshman & Sophomore College Counseling Night, February 8 We will be having our annual meeting for freshmen and sophomores and their parents on February 8, 2024, at 7:00 PM in the JP II Center to discuss general academic and college planning items. All freshman and sophomore families must attend this meeting at least once (either during the student’s freshman or sophomore year). Students are asked to sit with their parents. Re-enrollment Closes on February 9 Families received information in January about re-enrollment for the 2024-25 school year. The window to re-enroll will close on February 9. If you missed this window and would like to re-enroll your student, please contact Jenny Starks in Admissions to see if any spots remain in your student’s grade level. Well-Fed Dad, February 13 Please join us for the SJCS Well-Fed Dads Monthly Prayer Breakfast on Tuesday, February 13 from 6:45-7:45 AM at Saint Joseph's. Enjoy a Sully’s Steamers breakfast sandwich and coffee; followed by a short devotional talk given by a different SJCS male employee each month, as well as morning prayer from the liturgy of the hours. All St. Joseph's fathers are invited and encouraged to attend, regardless of their religious affiliation. Please RSVP HERE by the day before so we know how many sandwiches to purchase. South Africa Interest Meeting, February 13 Interested in traveling to South Africa in the summer of 2025? Come to an interest meeting on Tuesday, February 13 at 6:00 PM in Mrs. Carr's room (Room 205). You can take a look HERE at the itinerary and pricing before the meeting. We will visit the Cape of Good Hope, Nelson Mandela's home, and his cell on Robben Island, and go on safari. Spots are limited and parents are welcome. New York Encounter, February 16-18 Please pray for the seniors attending the New York Encounter in Manhattan. The New York Encounter is an annual three-day public cultural event in the heart of New York City. The 2024 edition takes place on Friday, February 16 - Sunday, February 18, at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City. The Encounter strives to witness to the new
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life and knowledge generated by the faith, following Pope Benedict XVI's claim that "the intelligence of faith has to become the intelligence of reality." To learn more about the event, click HERE. NO SCHOOL: Presidents’ Day, February 19 There is no school on Monday, February 19, in observance of Presidents’ Day. The school and school offices will be closed. Trip to London During Spring Break 2025 Interest Meeting, February 22 Interested in traveling to England? Attend the informational meeting on Thursday, February 22 at 6:00 PM to learn more. Click HERE to RSVP. Ms. McGrath and Mrs. Harvey are leading a group of students to London during the spring break of 2025! The exact dates will be posted at the end of this school year. Dates listed on the itinerary are used to begin the trip planning. Middle School Schedule, February 26-28 The Middle School students will have their regular schedule on February 26-27 while the high school has their minimester days. On February 28 middle school students will be taking grade-level field trips. Information about the field trips will be emailed to parents at a later date. HS Minimester, February 26 - 28 HS students will be participating in Minimester courses during this time. Minimester days do count as regular school days in the sense that attendance is tracked and absences count against a student’s total. NO SCHOOL: February 29 & March 1 There will be no school on Thursday, February 29, and Friday, March 1, due to faculty and staff professional development. Diocesan Youth Conference, March 9 & 10 The Diocese of South Carolina’s Youth Evangelization Team will be hosting a conference for high school students across the state, and St. Joe’s will be organizing a group to attend. The conference will be held at the Columbia Convention Center March 9-10. Registration information has been sent out to families and was due by January 26. Questions? Contact Catherine Showghi. Visit Washington DC over Spring Break, March 15-18 Mrs. Palmer and Mrs. Carr are taking a group of high school students to Washington DC over the March break! We will visit the African American History Museum, the Holocaust Museum, and the Capitol Building, including the Houses of Congress. Questions or want to sign up? Contact Meby Carr. Want to Help with MS YIG? HS YIG students should email Meby Carr if they are interested in working the Middle School Model UN this spring. Middle School Supplies Replenishment At this point in the school year, your child's school supplies may need a little boost. The teachers have mentioned that many students are in need of pencils, pens, highlighters, paper, etc. and maybe even a new pencil case. Please check with your child and send them with any needed supplies in order to be prepared for class. Upcoming Opportunities for Travel Ready for an adventure of a lifetime? Consider one of the following trips and be immersed in global learning opportunities that will boost independence and fuel curiosity: France & Spain Summer 2024 May 26-June 5, 2024
Explore Paris and Madrid with the Atlantic coast and Basque region in between! Highlights include a hotel in Paris just steps from the Arc de Triomphe, Versailles, a pilgrimage to Lourdes, San Sebastián, the Camino city of Bourgos, and final nights in the heart of Madrid. Hurry, registration is closing soon! View the itinerary and payment plans HERE. Questions? Contact Maria Russell or Jeanne McCoy.
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Greece Spring Break 2025
Visit Athens and cruise around the Greek islands (including Ephesus and the island of Patmos/the cave of the Apocalypse) and experience modern Greek culture and cuisine. All the details (including the itinerary, cost, payment plans, insurance options, and travel dates) can be found HERE. Questions? Email Elaine Trakas.
London Spring Break 2025
This trip will include guided walking and sight-seeing tours of London highlights, along with a visit to the Tower of London, Windsor Castle, and visits to Stonehenge, Bath, and Stratford-upon-Avon. The trip also includes a backstage tour of the National Theater, a workshop and performance at the Globe, and a West End production. Trip details (including the itinerary, cost, payment plans, etc.) can be found HERE. The exact dates will be posted at the end of this school year. Dates listed on the itinerary are used to begin the trip planning. This trip is open to current 8th grade through 11th grade SJCS students; parents are also welcome to sign up. There is an additional fee for adult participants. Interested students and parents can register HERE. Refer to links above for scholarship discount. Questions? Contact Teresa McGrath or Christina Harvey.
South Africa Summer 2025
Interested in going on safari or reaching the Cape of Good Hope, cooking an authentic South African meal, or staying in a Zulu village? Come to South Africa in the summer of 2025. View the itinerary and set up payment plans HERE. Questions? Contact Meby Carr or Leigh Berman.
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From the Middle School Director The recent spat of bone-chilling cold weather had me thinking a lot about my move from Wisconsin. Many people thought it was weather I could tolerate, or at least manage comfortably. Truth be told, I have a very low tolerance for this weather now, and I am very, very grateful that these short dips into the frost-covered mornings are very short-lived in South Carolina! While the milder climate in South Carolina was certainly an added bonus for our outdoor loving family, the main driver in our decision to move from a community that we had known for most of our lives was Saint Joseph’s Catholic School. Because we had dedicated so much time and energy into our schools, our workplaces and the community around us, those who knew us were perplexed at our decision to leave. However, it was a long, intentional process of investigation, prayer, and discernment that brought us to the place where we could say confidently - that we wanted the Saint Joseph’s experience for our two youngest children. As long-time investors in Catholic education, we’ve experienced schools with strong academic preparation and opportunities for involvement in sports and the arts. What was most important to us, though, was finding a community that was committed to shaping and forming our children with virtues that aligned with our most strongly held beliefs and values - accountability, fortitude, perseverance, independence - all encapsulated within a framework of faith. If we are a people of faith, then we know that, if not directed toward the pursuit of God’s kingdom, all our efforts are in vain. My husband and I reflect often on the impact of SJCS on the lives of our two youngest children. What we wished and hoped for is evidenced in our children’s experience with teachers, friends and their families, and the support and impact of the greater Saint Joseph’s community. We see all of this as a tremendous gift and opportunity an experience that has helped us as parents navigate the seemingly endless barrage of negative influences that work to draw us away from the things that matter the most. Almost every prospective parent whom I meet tells me that someone they know and trust introduced them to the idea of SJCS. Currently, we are in the middle of our admissions process - applications, testing, tours, and interviews. If you know someone who is, or would be, interested in sending their child to SJCS, please tell them not to delay in contacting us. Last year, we had to put students on a waitlist. That is not our preference for families who truly want to join our community. Thank you for all that you do to support the growth and experience of our students in this school. Please continue to pray for us - that God send us His blessings and wisdom so that we can bring His kingdom to fruition.
From the High School Director Just a few moments ago, I left the JPII Center after a Rosary service with the student body. We invited SJCS faculty members who speak various world languages to lead a decade of the Rosary, with the rest of us responding in English. We had five different languages represented to initiate each section of the prayers (Afrikaans, Croatian, Spanish, French, and Arabic), and I can think of at least three or four more that are spoken in our community. This is one of the great blessings of being part of the Universal Church, but as Saint Francis reminds us, sometimes the best way to share the Gospel is without words. As we head toward Saint Joseph’s the Worker Day, I know our whole community will embrace it as an opportunity to put the love of Christ front and center in Greenville. My best to all of you this winter!
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From the Academic Support Services & College Counseling Office High School Course Requests for 2024-2025 The 2024-25 course request process for high school classes will begin at the end of January and continue throughout the month of March. Students and parents in grades 8-11 will receive an email from the Registrar, Carol Curry, with detailed information pertaining to the course request process, graduation requirements, course appeals for Honors and AP courses, etc. During the designated registration period scheduled for the week of January 29 through February 2, students will select their initial course requests online in Blackbaud. Counselors will set up individual conferences with students and parents in February and March to review academic progress, graduation and college aspirations, as well as course requests for next year. During this meeting, counselors will facilitate any changes to requested courses and process any Course Appeal Requests. Seniors & All High School Students Make sure that you are visiting the College Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Event link (found HERE) on the College Counseling page regularly as we add new scholarship opportunities as we receive them. Senior College Acceptances/Scholarships Please continue to share your good news and update the College Counseling Office on college acceptances and scholarship awards. College Visits Sophomores, juniors and seniors who would like to visit colleges should register for visits through the colleges’ websites or with the admissions offices and then email The Front Office to let us know what date(s) you will be attending the college visit. Please give the front office as much notice as possible). Please remember to bring back the proper documentation and turn it in at the front office (College Visit Record Form with required signatures and official documentation—see form for details). Juniors should also consider signing up for the college visit minimester. This is a great opportunity to visit a few local colleges or one to two further away colleges without having to use your college visit days or personal days. College Counseling is on Instagram This is just a reminder that the College Counseling Office has an Instagram account. Please be sure to search and follow sjcs_collegecounseling for scholarship updates, application process tips and tricks, college visit announcements, and much, much more! This is a great way to stay connected with our office so we encourage everyone to follow along.
From the Athletic Department •
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Did you know that without volunteers like YOU it would be impossible to effectively run all of the sporting Events in which our students at St Joe’s compete? Talk to a Booster Club member at the next sporting event to find out how YOU can help support ALL of our Knights by joining the Booster Club and volunteering! Check out and support all of the other Middle School, JV, and Varsity sports as we wrap up the Winter Sports Season on the Athletics Calendar HERE! Do you have a student athlete who plays any sport at Saint Joseph’s? Are you grateful for the amazing coaches and growth opportunities that SJCS athletics provides your child? Or are you simply just proud to be a Knight and love our school? If you answered yes to any of those questions, then please make sure you join the Knights Athletic Booster Club (HERE) today! Your membership fees are critical to providing the financial support ALL our athletic teams need to enhance program excellence. Click HERE to join or get more information on the various membership levels and benefits. You will receive one, two, four, or six key tags, depending on membership level, for free admission to all non-playoff home games and you can present your key tag at any Sully’s Steamers for a free promotional item. A huge "thank you" to those who have already joined!
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Please note that once a membership form is received, it can take a week or so to process. You will receive an email when your key tags are available for pick up. Thank you for your patience. Interested in advertising your business or just showing your family’s support for Saint Joseph’s athletics? We have updated our banner program to create enhanced visibility at our sports venues and more flexible options for where you would like your logo displayed. Click HERE for more information on athletic sponsorships.
From the Business Office Tuition Accounts Minimester charges will be billed to student accounts in February. If you have any questions regarding your incidental charges or tuition payments, please contact Ann Gushue. Tuition Credit Program Thank you to many of our school families for employing our Student Recruitment Tuition Credit Program this past school year. The Student Recruitment Tuition Credit Program is designed to reward current Saint Joseph’s families for actively recruiting new families to Saint Joseph’s. When a new family applies for admission, they have the opportunity to name the Saint Joseph’s family on their application who recommended SJCS. After the new student(s) attends school for one quarter, the recruiting family receives a $500 credit on their next tuition bill. Tuition Assistance Tuition Assistance applications are currently available through Blackbaud Financial Aid. To be considered for financial assistance, all current families must submit their application by February 15. All new families must submit their application by April 1. Failure to apply before the deadline may result in families not receiving funds. Please note this change in dates from previous years. Senior Tuition Accounts In order to participate in Baccalaureate Mass and Graduation, all senior tuition and fees, excluding the June draft, must be paid in full by May 17. Please contact Ann Gushue if you have questions regarding your senior’s account, or if you need to set up a payment plan for past-due accounts.
From the Development Office Annual Auction Gala Mark your calendars for the 2024 Annual Auction Gala on Friday, April 26: “Mardi Gras Knights Ball.” Our Gala Committee members are working diligently to prepare for our school’s largest fundraiser, which supports our students. Some Gala needs to keep in mind as we enter Gala Season: • Bottles of wine for the wine pull • Baskets that can be used for the silent auction • Theater or concert tickets • Silent and Live auction items • Vacation homes or timeshares for our live auction If you are able to help, contact Katie Saad (Gala Chair), Sheay Noel (Gala Co-Chair), or Katie Orbon in the Development Office. Annual Fund Our goal this fiscal year (July 2023 – June 2024) is to engage the financial support of 100% of our school families, faculty, and staff in giving to the Annual Fund. We will track participation numbers by grade level throughout the year. Currently the 6th grade is leading the way with a participation level of 43%!
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Helping families afford a Saint Joseph’s education is a foundational principle to our identity as a Catholic school. The Annual Fund fulfills this responsibility by providing approximately 5% of the school’s overall budget. These dollars are raised every year through the generosity of our community. Our Annual Fund goal for this year, which includes proceeds from the Gala, is $525,000. Please contact Kevin Meyer with any questions or make an online donation! You Belong Campaign Saint Joseph’s started the You Belong Campaign in the Spring with a goal of $6 million to build the Saint Joseph’s Way Center. This building will contain a large multipurpose room (seating 175-200), four new Theology classrooms and offices for Campus Ministry, Student Support Services, and College Counseling. To date, we have raised 88% of the goal, and we need your help to reach the finish line! We plan to break ground on the new building this summer and open it in the Fall of 2025. If you’d like more information on the campaign and the plans, please refer to our campaign webpage. Please contact Kevin Meyer with any questions or if you’d like information on how to make a pledge to the campaign.
From the Fine Arts Department View the December 2023 Christmas Concerts In case you missed this year's Christmas concerts, you can view them all on the SJCS Fine Arts YouTube Page. • Band Concert • Choral Concert • Strings Concert The Music Man, Spring Musical Production, March 22-25 Be sure to mark your calendars for the spring musical production of The Music Man! Performances will be March 22-25 and tickets will be available to purchase at the end of February. Volunteers Needed Please contact Teresa McGrath for more information on how to volunteer for either of the opportunities below: • Any parents or students willing to donate their time and talents to the Fine Arts Department through their sewing skills • Any parents willing to assist in the Scene Shop during after-school and Saturday crew sessions Theatre Summer Camps • June 3-6: HS Improvisation (Rising 8th-12th Graders) from 3:00-5:00 PM • June 3-7: Rising Stars (Rising 3rd-8th Graders) from 9:00 AM-1:00 PM Click HERE for additional details and registration. Jubilate Knight for the Arts Talent Competition, February 10 • The Event: The Fine Arts Department’s annual Jubilate Knight for the Arts Talent Competition and Fundraiser is a family-friendly event, highlighting our artistically-gifted school community. Doors will open at 6:00 PM and the Talent Competition will begin at 7:00 PM. Patrons will enjoy an evening of fabulous entertainment and can vote ($1 per vote) on their favorite acts to benefit our theatre, choral, dance, strings, band, and visual arts programs. • Tickets: All seats are General Admission, with priority seating for Jubilate Arts Guild members. You can join the Jubilate Arts Guild HERE. Advanced ticket sales are available at a reduced price: students and alumni $7, adults $10, and family $65. Tickets purchased at the door will all be at an increased cost: students and alumni $10, adults $15. A stream-only option is also available for those not able to attend in person for $25. Advanced tickets and StreamPasses can be purchased HERE. • Voting: All voting will take place using GiveSmart. Save time the night of the event and pre-register with GiveSmart HERE. You can also share the link to encourage friends and families to vote for your favorite acts/artists.
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To Volunteer: Lend your talents and time to the Jubilate Knight committee. It takes a lot of manpower to facilitate such an event, and we can always use your help! If you are interested in helping out the night of the event or the Friday afternoon before, contact Cindy Davis.
Christmas Wreath Sales Success Many thanks to our SJCS community for making our wreath sales a huge success. The beautiful fall wreaths and arrangements were a great addition to the line of products available to bring the spirit of the holidays to your home. We’ll be back again next year! Advertise Your Business in our Fine Arts Programs It’s not too late to advertise your business at our Fine Arts events. Upcoming events include the Jubilate Knight for the Arts Talent Competition and Fundraiser, the spring musical, and the spring concerts. If you would like to see your business ad in our program for these events, click HERE or contact Christine Balts. Become a Member of the Jubilate Arts Guild Board for 2024-2025 Interested in supporting the Fine Arts? The Jubilate Arts Guild is our Fine Arts booster club that provides much needed support to the Fine Arts department. If your student participates, or is interested, in theatre, visual arts, dance, band, orchestra, or chorus, then you know how enriching these programs are. Becoming a member of our JAG board is a great way to get involved and help support the Fine Arts. If interested, contact JAG President Cindy Davis.
From the Parents Guild • • •
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A very special thank you to all of those who contributed to the Staff Holiday Luncheon. The cookie swap was a huge hit and the staff were all very appreciative of the catered Portofino's luncheon. The November “Spirit Knight" at The Slice was a huge success! Be on the lookout for more information for our next "Spirit Knight" in February. Catholic Schools Week is January 28-February 3. As part of the week, the Parents Guild is hosting a staff appreciation catered luncheon on Friday, February 2. At the luncheon, each staff member is given a gift card as a token of our appreciation for all they do for our children and families. A SignUp Genius email will be sent with ways to volunteer for the luncheon. Serving on the Parents Guild is such a wonderful way to get connected to our school. There are so many ways to serve and get involved. Anyone interested in volunteering next year, please contact Jenna Howard.
From the School Nurse Student Illness Students who are not feeling well during the school day must be evaluated in the health room BEFORE contacting a parent. Students may not use cell phones or watches to contact parents regarding illnesses until they have checked in with the nurse. Medication Policy It is against Saint Joseph's policy for a student to carry ANY medication on their person without physician permission, parent permission, and permission from the school nurse to self-administer. Students who have asthma and or life-threatening allergies should have updated care plans in Magnus Health as well. Failure to comply with the medication policy may result in disciplinary action.