From the Head of School
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.
“Christ was faithful as a son over His house. We are Christ’s house if we hold firmly to our confidence and the boast of our hope.” Hebrews 3:6
Greetings from Saint Joseph’s Catholic School!
How do you look at your teenagers? Better yet, what do your sons and daughters see when you are looking at them?
Listen to what one young man named Mario said in an article I read recently:
“This morning I was having breakfast and like every morning my mother came in. Every morning as soon as she comes in, she reproaches me: my grades, classes, school, backpack, I am late, I am going to miss the bus… This morning… she came in and smiled at me. And you know what she said to me? ‘Mario, how nice it is that you are there, how happy I am. For 17 years I have been waiting to be looked at like that.”
What do today’s teenagers need? It’s a question many are asking
Here’s how one girl described the crisis among her friends in the same article quoted above:
“I am writing to you because I esteem you. You are an educator and I hope you can do something. I am 18 years old and it hurts me to think that my generation is slowly going to destroy itself…Two of my classmates attempted suicide. I noticed cuts on the wrists of one of my classmates…And I could go on…What do I do in front of my peers who are convinced they have no value?”
The author’s response resonates strongly with my experience and The Saint Joseph’s Way. He suggests something all parents, teachers, and coaches can do. Therefore, I want to share an extensive quote with you. The author is Franco Nembrini, who is an educator:
“(Young people) are convinced that they have no value. The terrible suffering I perceive stems from the perception that they have no value. But you don’t give yourself value in life. Someone who looks at you with a gaze of mercy gives it to you. This is the right word, the inevitable word. A gaze of mercy. Someone who looks at you and you understand that they would give their life for you, without first asking you for something in return, without first asking you to change.
Young people are tormented by performance anxiety. They are never good enough for anyone. They struggle to meet people who tell them ‘You are worth it.’ This is the Christian proclamation: God came down to earth to tell men that the more they are full of limitations, sinners, sick, poor…the more they deserve Christ’s sacrifice. This is Christianity…
Today this seems to me to be the crucial issue: it’s difficult to find adults. The crisis of these young people including our children is that they are not affirmed in their worth. ‘You are worthy,’ becomes ‘You would be worth it if…,’ and everyone sets their own condition…
We have all grown up with a certain courage and energy in life because someone has looked at us, not esteeming our appearance, but the truth of us, beyond our mistakes, our struggles, and inconsistencies…
This is lacking today. It’s missing because of the weaknesses, I think, of adults. We are weak in faith, because faith is the certainty of Christ’s victory, and the certainty of Christ’s victory gives a positive momentum that runs through all possible evil. Thinking that we can defend our children from evil, we end up protecting them from the world, that is, from reality, without being able to bet on their hearts, on their desire for good, on their greatness. We end up doing the opposite of what the educator should do.”
There’s a lot for parents, teachers, coaches, and anyone who interacts with teens to reflect on and pray about here. We all want our children to be successful; and so we push, pull, prod, encourage, admonish, and correct them so they’ll become the best versions of themselves. But, what motivates us? Love, fear, or some of both? Do we realize that something more important is needed? Perhaps ensuring our children recognize a gaze of unconditional love that conveys that they have infinite worth and matter regardless (or despite) their performance?
How many of our children are waiting to be looked at like Mario’s mother looked at him? If I had one “do-over” as a parent, it would be to make sure each of my children saw this gaze from me every day.
There was a Saint Joe’s dad some years ago, who I thought rode his boys pretty hard, maybe too hard, I wrongly thought. Like many of our dads, he was a driven and extremely successful man, yet he always seemed to have time for his kids. Nearly every time I saw them together, Dad gave the boys giant bear hugs. This father and I were talking one day when he received a text message, so he excused himself to respond. Later, he told me that the text was from one of his sons. He said he texts them daily to let them know how much he loves them.
As educators at Saint Joseph’s we aspire to look at your children with the unconditional love of Christ even as we push them to be the best math, English, history, and science students, athletes, and performers they can be. We see this as our primary mission. Thank you for partnering with us in the sacred work. May God grant us his patience and grace, especially in the doldrums of winter!
In closing, please join us in praying for the following members of the SJCS family: for John and Ethan Eberstein on the passing of their grandfather; for Kate and Tristan’21 Noel on the passing of their grandfather; for the Turmon family on the passing of Diane Turmon (who in the words of her son “was a brilliant shining light and a beacon of hope in a world often filled with darkness. She always saw the best in everyone and touched the lives of so many,”); for Emily and Miles Parrick on the passing of their grandfather.
With Love and Prayers, Keith F. Kiser
Head of School
Things You Need To Know
Junior Class College Counseling Night, February 3
Brand R. Stille, Vice President for Enrollment at Wofford College will be here Monday, February 3 at 6:30 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.
Mid-Quarter Progress Update, February 4
Mid-quarter grades will be updated by 4:00 PM on Tuesday, February 4. An email will be sent to parents as a reminder to check your student’s progress in Blackbaud. Please contact teachers directly if there are any questions or concerns.
Kona Ice Truck, February 6
As part of Bakhita Week, the Kona Ice Truck will be will set up in the MS parking lot by the gym during both lunches on Thursday, February 6. The faculty and staff get free cones.
Freshman & Sophomore College Counseling Night, February 6
We will have our annual meeting for freshmen and sophomores and their parents on Thursday, February 6 at 6:30 PM in the JP II Center and will discuss general academic and college planning items. All Freshman and Sophomore families must attend this meeting once (either during the students’ freshman or sophomore year). Students are asked to sit with their parents.
Walkathon (Rescheduled Date), February 11
The MS Walkathon has been rescheduled for Tuesday, February 11. All Middle School students are encouraged to participate and the proceeds collected from this event will go to support the programming of the Saint Joseph's Fine Arts Department. These activities and classes benefit every Middle School student! The top three participants who collect the most donations will be eligible for cash prizes and the students who complete the most laps during the Walkathon will also receive a special prize. Additional prizes will be given via lottery during the event!
In order to register to participate, two items must be completed by Friday, February 7:
1) Parents need to complete THIS permission form for their child. 2) Students must raise a minimum of $50 in donations through THIS donation link. The donation link can be sent to family and friends with a request to donate to support the event.
The attached Q&A form (HERE) will provide additional details. We will also need parent volunteers (sign up HERE) to ensure a successful event! Questions? Contact Fine Arts Department Chair, Teresa McGrath
Next Well-Fed Dad Meeting, February 15
Men of Saint Joseph’s are invited to attend a monthly prayer breakfast to be fed both physically and spiritually. We will meet at Saint Joseph’s on Wednesday, February 12 from 6:45-7:45 AM. The front office doors will open at 6:35 AM. Please RSVP HERE by Monday, February 10. This month’s speaker is Mike Munafo who will be speaking about the vice of pride. Questions? Contact Katie Orbon .
NO SCHOOL: Presidents’ Day, February 17
There is no school on Monday, February 17, in observance of Presidents’ Day. The school and school offices will be closed.
NO SCHOOL: Professional Development, February 18
There is no school on Tuesday, February 18, due to faculty and staff professional development.
Well-Read Mom Meeting, February 18
Well-Read Mom is a program that accompanies women in the reading of great books and spiritual classics to encourage personal growth, friendship, and meaningful conversations in order to explore the human condition and reorient ourselves to what is good, beautiful, and true. We meet the third Tuesday of each month from 6:308:00 PM at Saint Joseph’s. Our next meeting is Tuesday, February 18 and we will be discussing A Father’s Tale by Michael O’Brien. For more information, contact Sara Dellinger. We also have a Well-Read Mom group that meets on the second Tuesday of each month in the morning. Please contact Eileen Coffey for more information about time and location.
SJCS Parent TEAM Meeting, February 19 & 20
Parents are invited to join Head of School, Keith Kiser, for a presentation and discussion on an important topic regarding the education and formation of teenagers in today’s world. Our next presentation is February 19-20, 2025 - "Not My Child”- Dispelling Myths & Building Resilience: A Parent's Guide to Teen Substance Use. Learn How to Increase Protective Factors While Reducing Risk Factors." Presented by RIZE Prevention. TWO SESSIONS are being offered: Wednesday, February 19 at 6:00 PM or Thursday, February 20 at 8:00 AM
"Engineering Your Future” Career Fair, February 20
National Engineers Week is from February 16-22, 2025. To celebrate, Saint Joseph’s Introduction to Engineering Design Class is putting together a "career fair" type of event that will showcase the different fields of engineering and the ways students can pursue these careers. The "Engineering Your Future” Career Fair will take place on Thursday, February 20 at SJCS from 6:00-8:00 PM. At 6:00 PM we will start with a social gathering with food and drinks, and the fair will begin promptly at 6:30 PM We will have over 20 SJCS alumni, alumni parents, and current parents who will be available to discuss their engineering experience. The engineering fields that will be represented so far are: industrial, mechanical, electrical, software/computer science, environmental, civil, chemical, aerospace, and biomedical.
HS
Minimester, February 26 & 27
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.
Middle School Minimester, February 27-28
Middle School students will take part in their minimester classes at school during regular school hours on February 27-28. Information about the minimester choices was emailed to parents and students by Mrs. Crosby on January 23. Registration instructions will be emailed by Mrs. Broering starting with 8th grade on January 27, 7th grade on January 28, and 6th grade on January 29.
SJCS Art Festival, March 4
Mark your calendar for the first SJCS Art Festival, Tuesday, March 4 from 6:00-8:30 PM. This drop-in event will feature a school-wide art exhibit and performances showcasing the SJCS Fine Arts students. Look for additional information in the March News & Notes
NO SCHOOL: Professional Development, March 7
There will be no school on Friday, March 7, due to faculty and staff professional development.
SC Educational Scholarship Trust Fund Applications Close on March 15
The SC Educational Scholarship Trust Fund (ESTF) program began this year. Under the current program, any student who transferred from a public school system into a private school and met the income requirements was eligible for a $6,000 scholarship to be used on a variety of educational services that included private school tuition. In September of 2024, the SC Supreme Court deemed the program unconstitutional and private schools were no longer allowed to be recipients of ESTF funds. Currently, the SC Legislature is in the process of rewriting the bill to restructure the program as the K-12 Education Lottery Scholarships. The hope is that the decision made in September will be overturned and private schools will be allowed to receive ESTF funds and the new program will be opened to all families who meet the income requirement regardless of what type of school they attended the prior year. Applications for the 2025 - 2026 school year opened on January 15 and will remain open until March 15, 2025. Please click HERE for more information on ESTF funding and to see if your family qualifies.
Cyrano de BurgerShack, Spring Musical Production, April 10-13
Get ready for a modern twist on a classic tale. Our Spring Musical, Cyrano de Burger Shack , is a contemporary retelling of Cyrano de Bergerac. This jukebox musical features bangers from artists like Katy Perry, P!nk, and Bruno Mars, promising an entertaining night out with your besties. The show runs April 10-13, and tickets will go on sale in March.
Travel to London (New Travel Dates), Spring Break 2026!
Interested in traveling to England? 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-uponAvon. 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 travel dates will be posted at the end of this school year. Dates currently listed on the itinerary are to begin the trip planning and provide an estimated cost. This trip is open to current 8th grade through 11th grade SJCS students. Parents are also welcome to join us. Interested students and parents can register HERE. Register by 2/28 using the code 26EarlyBird for a $200 scholarship discount!
Travel to France & Spain in May 2026
Bonjour! ¡Hola! Señora Russell will be leading students on a trip to France and Spain May 25-June 3, 2026 (departing the Monday following Commencement). This trip is open to current 8-11th graders. The exciting itinerary leads us from Madrid to Paris, with the Mediterranean Coast in between. Starting in Madrid, we will see the Plaza de España, with its statue of Don Quixote, the majestic Alcalá Gate, the famous bullring Las Ventas, and the impressive Prado museum. From Madrid, we will travel by train to Barcelona, known for its artistic treasures and fine architecture. Students are sure to delight in all the sites as we discover Barcelona by bike. The highlight of our stay in the south of France will be a Gladiator games workshop and a tour of the Pont du Gard, a 161 foot Roman aqueduct in nearly perfect condition. Finally, we will be whisked away via fast train to Paris. We will visit the most famous landmarks in Paris. If you are interested in providing this opportunity for your child, please email Señora Russell or visit the trip website HERE.
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.
Required Community Service Hours
All students are required to complete and submit their community service hours through MobileServe. The service hour requirements are as follows: Freshmen must complete 10 hours, Sophomores must complete 15 hours, Juniors must complete 20 hours, and Seniors must complete 20 hours. Service opportunities are regularly shared through the SJCS Service Classroom, so be sure to check for updates. Questions? Contact Mrs. Charlton
Attention Current Eighth Graders & Freshmen
All current Freshmen are required to meet with Mrs. Charlton, Dean for Academic Success, to discuss their course scheduling for the 2025- 2026 school year. Parents are welcome to attend but are only required if their child is submitting a course appeal. For current 8th graders, these meetings are optional unless the student is submitting a course appeal. Meetings will begin in January, and a link will be sent to students and parents to register for their meeting. Questions? Contact Mrs. Charlton
Attendance Policy Reminder
SJCS considers attendance essential for academic performance and as a basis for awarding course credit. Excessive absences more than 10 for a year-long class or five for a semester class may require seat-time recovery. Students should be mindful that both excused and unexcused absences count toward yearly totals. Absences due to chronic or extended illness or extreme hardships must be approved by the Dean for Academic Success and verified by a physician’s statement. Additionally, students participating in extracurricular activities (e.g., athletics, theater) must be present for at least the last four academic periods on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday, and the last two periods on Wednesday and Thursday. Students who leave school early due to illness may not participate in extracurricular activities that day. Questions? Contact Mrs. Charlton.
Sixth Grade Academy Helping Build Wells in India & Africa
As part of both our Sixth Grade Academy’s Terrific Tuesday activities and our Altruism in Action Program, students heard about the transformative work of Set Free Alliance. One of the trades being taught is tailoring; in learning to sew, young girls in the program use donated fabric to hand sew stuffed elephants (fondly named Wellas in honor of the wells being built). The girls then sell the Wellas and donate the money earned to rescue other children being held in slavery, thus breaking a cycle of misery and continuing their new cycle of hope. Another portion of the money raised is used to dig wells in their needy communities. If you would like to help us in this meaningful endeavor, you may purchase one (or more) elephants (large elephants are $15.00 and small elephants are $10.00) by contacting Mrs. Shapiro in the 6th Grade Academy. If you would like more information about Set Free Alliance, click HERE
From the Assistant Head of School
“No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening - it is painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.” ~ Hebrews 12:11
We are committed to the formation of our students in all elements of their being - body, mind, and spirit. An important part of that education is helping students and parents understand the impact and dangers of substance use and abuse during the teenage years. To help our community with this education, we’ve partnered with RIZE Prevention so that we all can grow in knowledge and understanding about this part of our young people’s lives. RIZE Prevention is a non-profit organization whose mission is “to equip teens with the knowledge, skills, and resilience they need to grow up drug-free, ensuring a brighter and healthier future.” Their middle school program is focused on providing students with the information and resources they need to overcome the temptations around them. Our sixth grade students began that program in January, and it will continue throughout the semester.
We’ve also asked RIZE Prevention to come and speak to all our parents about this topic. I encourage you to consider attending our next TEAM (Total Engagement Around the Mission) Meeting, titled:
Not MY Child - Dispelling Myths
& Building Resilience: A Parent's Guide on Teen Substance Use Learn How to Increase Protective Factors While Reducing Risk Factors
Two sessions are scheduled. Wednesday, February 19 at 6:00 PM and Thursday, February 20 at 8:00 AM during our Flex Time.
Many of us consider the Saint Joseph’s community an extension of our families. We want our children in a place where they feel cared for, known, loved, and safe. Likely, we’ve all experienced the impact of substance abuse in one way or another. We know how devastating that impact can be. And while some consider substance use a decision that only affects the user, or that it’s a personal decision or family matter, we know better now. If we truly are a community that cares for everyone in this place, then we have a responsibility to do all we can to proactively guide, model, and inspire healthy living. The connection of events outside the school with what happens inside can’t be dismissed or overlooked. And the best place to start is arming ourselves with wellfounded, credible information.
More information about RIZE Prevention can be found HERE. Please continue to pray for all of us in the Saint Joseph’s community. We are praying for you.
With Prayer and Thanksgiving, Wanda Jaraczewski
Assistant Head of School