St. 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.
From the Head of School
Lenten Greetings from St. Joseph’s Catholic School!
I hope you and your family are doing well. It’s hard to believe that we are in Lenten Season and about to begin the fourth quarter. As we do, I want to say a word about next year’s (2023-24) school calendar, the on and off days that were recently emailed to you, also found HERE. Scheduling to prioritize the academic needs of the students while trying to meet every family’s desire is definitely more art than science. We try to place breaks when we think the students and teachers need them in order to maintain energy and motivation throughout the ups and downs of the school year. We do this while balancing that priority with what the public, private, and Catholic schools are doing, realizing that our families have children in all of these schools. We also try to maximize available times for the scheduling of athletic games while making sure our theatre department has sufficient rehearsal time before upcoming productions, and students can attend retreats without letting down teammates, cast members, or their studies. With so many competing goods available to our students, it can be a real juggling act to fit it all in and impossible to please everyone.
This brings me to the decision we made to take Good Friday and the week after Easter off in April 2024 instead of the Greenville School District’s Spring Break. About 50% of our families have children in public schools, which leaves the other half of our families without ties to that calendar, many of whom have children in Catholic schools. So why did we choose Good Friday and the week after Easter for our break next year?
1. A break that week fit better with the flow of the academic calendar.
2. A break that week made more sense for the athletic calendar.
3. A break that week worked better for the rehearsal schedule for the Spring Musical.
4. It makes sense from a liturgical standpoint to vacation during Easter Week.
While this explanation won’t satisfy families with children whose breaks don’t align with ours next spring, I at least wanted you to understand why we set the calendar the way we did.
To try to accommodate those families with children in public schools, we are taking a half-day on the Friday that Greenville County Schools begin their Spring Break, as well as the following Monday off, giving families the opportunity for a 3 ½ day vacation.
While on the topic of scheduling, I did want to say a word about Graduation 2023. Because Baccalaureate Mass is part of Commencement, we wanted to move the event from the gym to a church to help ensure the celebration has the solemnity appropriate to the occasion. The only Catholic Church in the region large enough for our community is St. Mary Magdalene in Simpsonville. Thankfully, they are able to accommodate us on Friday, May 26. Some have asked about the 2:00 PM start time. There are two reasons for this:
1. We have received feedback from graduating families that they did not like the previous year’s start time of 5:00 PM because it made it difficult for families to get together for dinner either before or after graduation. A 2:00 PM start time allows for family celebrations that evening.
2. We are working around the church’s schedule, and there’s a wedding rehearsal on that Friday evening. That wedding and Mass schedules on Saturday also ruled out moving graduation to Saturday.
I hope all of this helps give you some understanding as to how we make decisions when it comes to the school calendar With so many competing goods to consider, it can be challenging to figure out a way to make all the opportunities available to as many students as possible.
In closing, I hope everyone enjoys the Lenten Season, and please continue to keep the school in your prayers.
With Love and Prayers, Keith F. Kiser Head of SchoolThings You Need To Know
MS Minimester Week, February 27-March 1
• Monday, February 27: MS students will be dismissed at 3:00 PM
• Tuesday, February 28: MS students will benefit from a presentation on internet safety from the South Carolina Attorney General's Office at 8:00 AM. Topics will include the proper use of social media, our digital footprint, cyberbullying, and how to protect our online privacy. Dismissal will be at 3:00 PM.
• Wednesday, March 1: MS students will participate in their own Minimester. The Sixth Grade Academy students will take a field trip to the Greenville Zoo. Seventh and eighth-grade students selected classes from a wide variety of offerings. All MS students will be released at noon that day.
HS Minimester, February 27 - March 1
High School Minimester will be held on Monday, February 27 through Wednesday, March 1.
NO SCHOOL, March 2 & 3
There will be no school on Thursday, March 2, and Friday, March 3, due to faculty and staff professional development.
Diocesan Youth Conference, March 3-4
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 is excited to be sending a group of 12 students to attend. The conference will be held at the Columbia Convention Center March 3-4. Questions? Contact SJCS Assistant Campus Minister Catherine Showghi.
National Social Studies Honor Society Applications Due March 7
National Social Studies Honor Society invitations have been delivered. Students should return the application and fee to Mrs. Carr by Tuesday, March 7.
Sophomore Course Selection Meetings, March 7-17
Course scheduling conferences with the College Counseling Office are required for current sophomores. Conferences for sophomores will be held March 7-17. It is recommended that the student and one parent attend the meeting, but students can attend the meeting without a parent present. Please sign up for a 15-minute session HERE Please use the student’s email account when signing up for a meeting. If your student has a study hall period or you do not see an appointment time that fits your schedule, you can email Jenn Albright to set up a meeting that is not offered on the link above.
Eighth Grade & Freshman Course Selection Meetings
Mrs. Charlton met with all rising sophomores in late January and February to review the course scheduling process and graduation requirements. Mrs. Smith presented scheduling information to all rising freshmen through their Theology class in early February. Any current 8th or 9th grade student who plans to submit a course appeal form is required to meet with a counselor (8th grade with Mrs. Smith and 9th grade with Mrs. Charlton) once their form is complete. Parent participation is mandatory for all course appeal conferences. Please contact Mrs. Charlton or Mrs. Smith to schedule a meeting.
Internet Safety Presentation for Parents, March 9
The Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Division of the SC Attorney General’s Office will be offering a presentation on internet safety for SJCS parents on Thursday, March 9 from 8:00-9:00 AM in the JPII Center. Topics that will be covered include: cyberbullying, sexting/sextortion, predators, inappropriate content, reporting, and setting guidelines. For more information click HERE.
Kairos Retreat, March 10-12
Please pray for those students who will be leading and attending our second Kairos retreat this year. Questions? Contact SJCS Assistant Campus Minister Catherine Showghi
Annual Fish Fry, March 10
Our Annual Lenten Fish Fry will be held on Friday, March 10 from 5:00-8:00 PM in the middle school parking lot. Park in the high school parking lot or baseball field parking lot. This is a wonderful evening with great music, great food, and great company. All fish dinners must be pre-ordered HERE We hope to see you there!
Last Scheduled Admissions Testing, March 11
The last scheduled admissions testing date for new students (in all grades) for Fall 2023 admission is Saturday, March 11. Applicants sign up for testing when they complete the online application found HERE .
Margaret Ann Moon Scholarship Deadline to Test, March 11
The final testing date for rising sixth-grade applicants to test for this scholarship is Saturday, March 11. All rising sixth-grade students who currently do not attend (nor have siblings attending) Upstate Catholic schools (including SJCS) are encouraged to apply. SJCS will award up to 5 middle school (half-paid tuition) scholarships to rising sixth graders based on a combination of academic merit and need . There is no fee to apply for this scholarship, and it is renewable each of the remaining two years of middle school if academic conditions are met while enrolled at SJCS. Applicants sign up for testing when they complete the online Margaret Ann Moon Scholarship Application found HERE.
First Round Admissions Notifications, March 15
If your child applied for admission to SJCS for Fall 2023, and he/she tested and completed the admissions process in January or February, the first round of notifications will arrive in mailboxes on or before March 15.
Third Quarter Grades Emailed, March 17
The link for third quarter report cards will be emailed to students after 4:00 PM on Friday, March 17. Please remember to check your spam folder. If you do not receive the link or have problems viewing the report card, please email the Registrar, Carol Curry. If you have any questions regarding your student’s grade, please contact the teacher.
Spring Break Week, March 20 - March 24
Spring Break will be the week of Monday, March 20 through Friday, March 24. Classes will resume on Monday, March 27. The school and school office will be closed.
White Christmas Spring Musical Production, March 30-April 2
Be sure to mark your calendars for the spring musical, White Christmas! Based on the classic holiday favorite, adventure with Bob Wallace and Phil Davis to Pinetree, Vermont where they plot to use their stardom to help their former General's business. This story of brotherhood and friendship contains all of Berlin's greatest hits: "Happy Holiday," "Blue Skies," and the reminder that "The Best Things Happen When You're Dancing!" While we've left the Christmas season, the heart of this show reminds us that the Christmas spirit of simplicity and generosity should be kept all year-long. Tickets will be available to purchase on the website in mid-March.
Calendar Clarification, April 5 & 6
The daily bell schedule for April 5 and April 6 has been switched. This means that students are dismissed at 3:00 PM on Wednesday, April 5 (and it will be a Thursday bell schedule) and at 1:15 PM on Thursday, April 6 (and it will be a Wednesday bell schedule). Friday, April 7 is the official start of our Easter Break.
Easter Break, April 7 - 11
Easter Break will begin on Friday, April 7. The school and school office will be closed. Classes will resume on Wednesday, April 12.
Academic Awards & Red Door Ceremony, May 12 – Please note date change
Due to some changes with AP Exams, the Academic Awards and Red Door Ceremony has been moved to Friday, May 12 at 2:00 PM in the John Paul II Center. The original date was Wednesday, May 10. Senior parents should make plans to attend this important event.
Spaces Still Available to Travel to Japan, June 23-July 2
Japan is beautiful in June! Travel with 20 students and parents to Japan from June 23 to July 2. Visit the base of Mt. Fuji, explore Tokyo's anime district, sleep at a Buddhist retreat, and reflect at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial. The deadline to sign up for the school trip to Japan is March 5! After that deadline, late fees will apply. To see the itinerary, sign up, and set up a payment plan, click HERE. Questions? Contact Meby Carr with any questions.
Register now for the France & Spain trip May/June 2024
Ready for adventure? Madame McCoy and Señora Russell are leading a trip to France and Spain from May 28 to June 7, 2024. Experience the culture and language you have been studying in your language classes. Climb to the top of the Eiffel tower, take a sunset cruise down the Seine, ride a bike through the gardens of Versailles, make a pilgrimage to Lourdes, taste pintxos in San Sebastián and paella in Madrid, step into a Fairytale in Segovia, and learn flamenco from a professional dancer. These are just a few of the highlights of the trip. More information and registration can be found HERE . Questions? Contact Jeanne McCoy
Greece Trip June 21-29, 2024
Take advantage of the lowest price by signing up now. International travel broadens the mind, brings school lessons to life, and makes the world a little smaller. Students also gain self-confidence, learn independence, and make new friends. Some of the many sights and adventures of this 8-day trip include visiting the Parthenon, Delphi, the Cave of the Apocalypse, the ancient city of Ephesus, and taking a cruise to several islands including Santorini, Mykonos, and Rhodes. More info and registration can be found HERE . Questions? Contact Elaine Trakas.
Has Your Information Changed?
If you have had a change of address, phone number, or email, please email your updates to Jenny Starks.
New Visitor Software Has Been Implemented
A new visitor software system has been implemented. This system is for safety and to ensure an accurate count of students, staff, and visitors in the building at any particular time, in the unlikely event of an emergency. All parents, visitors, and volunteers will be required to have an ID (ex. driver’s license) to scan upon arrival. Please be patient with us as we implement this new system. This system is very similar to ones used throughout the country as well as Greenville County.
From the Middle School Director
Teach me Your way, O Lord, that I may walk in Your truth. Psalm 86:11
It happens like clockwork. February and March are months that we see an increase in classroom disruptions. There are several reasons attributed to this timing … Spring fever, several weeks without a break, growth spurts or a combination of all of it. Now, these disruptions are to be expected for middle school students - talking out of turn, laughing at a classmate's antics … as parents, you understand it because you’ve seen it. And, to be fair, on the referral-worthy list of possible infractions, we are talking about things that teachers in most other schools would categorize as venial sins (to use Catholic terminology). Yet, they are still disruptions, and at St. Joseph’s we are adamant about sustaining classrooms where learning is a priority. As I told the students earlier, lunch detentions have gone away. They were surprised - and pleased - until I told them that consequences for classroom disruptions start with an after-school detention, and move up the scale from there! Still, it is very important to us that all students feel valued and respected, even in times of discipline and redirection. Loving them means that, at times, we have to say “no” or “that is enough .”
With that, I have to tell you about a new practice that was implemented this semester by our 8th grade teaching team called the “Golden Ticket ” The idea came to us from Mrs. Walsh, our 8th and 9th grade Algebra teacher. The Golden Ticket was the offspring of a similar practice that was in place at the school she taught at in Indiana. Our 8th grade teachers nominate students to be recognized for their positive contributions to their class and our school. Three students are then selected to join the 8th grade teachers in their bi-weekly team meetings. Just prior to the start of the meeting, one of the teachers finds the student in their Related Arts class and presents them with the Golden Ticket, and the student is invited to join the teachers for part of the meeting. (You can just imagine what these students are thinking … “What is going on here???”) During the meeting, each teacher takes a turn speaking to that student’s qualities and observed growth during the year. It is such an amazing and exhilarating experience to watch the students as they hear, in person, what their teachers appreciate about their work and their quiet leadership. I’m not sure who gets more out of it - the students or the teachers! As I told the three 8th grade recipients this week, they - each in their own way - create the culture that is Saint Joseph’s. It is a privilege to walk alongside them as they grow in wisdom, confidence, and grace.
Rest assured that your children are in a community that values them for who they are - full of life, spirit, questions, disruptions, do-overs, and everything and anything in between - every single one of them. So, keep on praying for this school family, that we continue to love, guide, nurture, and accompany every day, in all ways.
Each one of us needs other people. Even weakness, if endured together with others, can become a strength that will make the world better.
~Pope FrancisFrom the High School Director
We might think of it as the St. Joe’s Arms Race. That’s a little over the top, but it’s not too far off from the way a few parents have described it to me. I’m not talking about our rivalry with some other schools (though some Cold War jokes do come to mind). No, I’m talking about the Wednesday morning Household snack period. Nobody wants to be the family that forgets (we’ve been there!), but we also don’t want to raise the bar such that every week it gets more elaborate, more complicated, and more expensive.
Household snack is a great support for the students and a major contribution to the Household program, which we want to continue to build and strengthen. But it’s also become a source of stress for many families. It can be difficult to come up with something that will satisfy the kids hunger without breaking the bank, because even at only $4 or $5 a kid, we can drop $100 in a flash. Additionally, a lot of parents are dropping things off at the main office on Wednesdays and that can get a bit hectic. On more than one occasion a snack has been picked up by the wrong Household, leaving at least one group high and dry. Dropping things off at the front desk, while
convenient, doesn’t always come with a guarantee that the snack will end up in the right place. It’s much better to send it in with your student in the morning and have them take it directly to Household.
I’d like to propose a couple of ways we can make this easier, and still provide a snack that is substantial enough to meet the need.
First, consider using Flik. They have different menu options that can be done for HH snack, including pizza, chicken tenders, fruit, etc. You can find their menu options HERE. This is a great option, especially for those times that we’re extra busy. To order from Flik, just email Chef Stacie, but make sure you give her enough time to have food on hand.
Second, there are lots of snacks that are popular without breaking the bank. Several boxes of cereal and 2-3 gallons of milk work great (please send bowls and spoons too). Sandwich platters are pretty easy if you remember in time and they get devoured pretty quickly. Chips/salsa and cheese with crackers both work pretty well. With that one, remember that this needs to get students through the day. Bagels and cream cheese are always popular. Hot dogs are easy, especially if you have a way to keep them warm (insulated coolers do surprisingly well). We’ve done meatball subs several times utilizing a crock pot, and as long as you’ve checked with the Household Dean beforehand that’s a pretty good option too. Mac and cheese is great (but don’t put peas in it…I made that mistake once and my kids were nonplussed). The big muffins you can get at some of the super stores are pretty popular too. Finally, pasta salad works too!
Remember, the goal here is to provide the kids with a good, nourishing snack without constantly raising the ante. Lastly, before trying something new for snack, you might want to contact the HH Dean to make sure they’re good with any new options. Some are messier than others!
From the Academic Support Services & College Counseling Office
Senior College Acceptances/Scholarships
Please continue to share your good news and update the College Counseling Office of college acceptances and scholarship awards. With nearly 90% of the senior class reporting acceptances so far, they’ve been offered over $6.5 million in scholarships.
Financial Aid Reminder for Seniors
Please make sure that you have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and (if applicable) the CSS Profile. Both of these forms were available beginning last October and many schools have February and March deadlines. The federal government, along with the colleges to which you applied, require you to fill out the FAFSA form in order to receive federal aid and financial aid packages.
SAT & ACT Testing
Although many colleges are announcing that these tests will be test optional for next year, juniors are still encouraged to register to take both the ACT and SAT at least once before the end of their junior year. SAT test dates can be found HERE and ACT test dates can be found HERE
Juniors: Individual College Planning Meetings
Don’t forget to schedule your individual family college planning meeting with your College Counselor. All juniors should meet with their College Counselor at least once before the end of April.
Juniors: College Match Program
In March, we will begin our College Match program with the junior students. It is important that the students know their Scoir login information and that they complete the questionnaires that are emailed to them prior to each session.
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 remember to bring back the proper documentation (College Visit Record Form with required signatures and official documentation—see form for details) and turn it in at the Front Office.
High School Course Scheduling
• During the month of March, counselors will continue meeting with students in grades 8-11 to review high school courses requested for next year and discuss any course appeal requests for Honors or AP classes. March 17 is the final date to review Course Appeal Request Forms with a counselor and submit to the College Counseling Office.
• Course requests should be given careful consideration at this time since the master schedule is dependent on total requests and not a "first come, first serve" basis. Once the master schedule is set, course changes will be limited.
From the Athletic Department
Summer Sports Training
Please keep in mind that any student participating in a sport for the 2023-2024 school year at SJCS must have a physical dated after April 1, 2023, and complete the required forms ONLINE at Big Teams (found HERE) prior to the first tryout or practice (this includes Off Season Practices and Weights). No paper forms will be accepted, NO EXCEPTIONS! Returning athletes, please use your existing login. The required forms that must be filled out online prior to the first practice (including summer practices) are: Pre-Participation History and PreParticipation Sports Physical Exam (please print and take with you to your doctor, and then upload), Parent Consent Form, Concussion Form, a copy of your athlete’s birth certificate, and Steadman Hawkins form. All required athletic forms must be submitted through Student Central at Big Teams.com found HERE . Information for new athletes on how to create the parent and student login at Big Teams will be available on the SJCS website HERE. Please note that you must login to the SJCS website first. Be sure to type St. Joseph’s Catholic School in the search line when looking for our school. This website is available in any language. To change the language, click on the person icon in the top right corner. Also, there is a new Big Teams feature where you can toggle between the athlete account and parent accounts once linked. To do this, click My Profile and Linked accounts.
Fourth Annual SJCS Athletic Department Golf Tournament, August 4
Save the date for the fourth annual SJCS Athletic Department Golf Tournament at The Preserve at Verdae golf course on August 4. The Athletic Department will be hosting this fundraiser for all sports teams. These funds will be used to support all the teams that make up St. Joseph’s athletics. This has replaced many of the individual fundraisers that each team has done in the past. We strongly encourage the whole St. Joseph’s Community to participate in the golf tournament. All alumni, families, and friends are welcome!
Save the Date - A Knight with Legends Hall of Fame Induction
The Booster Club is hosting our second Hall of Fame Induction Banquet on Thursday, August 3, 2023. We will be accepting nominations through the end of March. For details on nomination criteria and to submit a former athlete, coach, or program supporter for Hall of Fame membership, click HERE
Support Knights Athletics
Do you have a student athlete who is playing a spring sport? It’s never too late to join the Booster Club. 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. A huge "thank you" to those who have already joined .
Sponsorship Opportunities
Interested in advertising your business or just showing your family’s support for Knights Athletics? We have updated our banner program to enhance visibility at our sports venues and provide more flexible options for where you would like your banner displayed. Click HERE for more information on athletic sponsorships.
Thank You
Knights Athletics could not function without the dedicated support of parent volunteers. If there is someone you think goes above and beyond in this capacity, please email Kelly Gillespie so we can highlight this person as a designated "Volunteer All Star".
From the Business Office
Re-Enrollment Deadline
The deadline to re-enroll for the 2023-2024 school year has passed. If you have not yet re-enrolled your student, please contact Jenny Starks in the Admissions Office to see if there are any remaining spots.
Flexible Tuition
Flexible Tuition offers individualized tuition rates for families based on a family’s documented financial ability to pay. Any family that is unable to pay the full price (which is set based upon the real cost to educate a student at SJCS) is invited to apply for an individual rate. That rate will be determined based upon a strictly confidential analysis of the family’s financial position with the assistance of FACTS, an independent, third-party organization. Flexible Tuition is awarded on an annual basis and must be applied for each year. To get to the FACTS application website, click HERE.
Tuition Payment Plans
For the convenience of our families, St. Joseph’s offers four different tuition payment plans:
• Plan A – one payment due July 31, 2023
• Plan B – two payments due July 31, 2023 and January 31, 2024
• Plan C – ten monthly payments beginning in July 2023 and continuing until April 2024
• Plan D – eleven monthly payments beginning in July 2023 and continuing until May 2024
Tuition Insurance
St. Joseph’s has a no refund policy related to tuition. After July, no portion of tuition and fees paid or outstanding will be refunded or canceled in the event of absence, withdrawal, or dismissal from the school of the student. In view of the obligation, the school provides a Tuition Insurance Plan for all monthly and semi-annual payment plans to protect your yearly financial obligation under the terms of the Enrollment Contract. This program ensures tuition and fees (prepaid and due) in the event of separation according to the terms of the policy. If you are paying one annual payment (Plan A), you may opt to purchase tuition insurance. The cost of optional tuition insurance is $198.00 for Middle School and $222.00 for High School. Contact Lisa Lawrence to sign up for the optional insurance for Plan A selections or any other tuition insurance questions.
Senior Tuition Accounts
In order to participate in Baccalaureate Mass and Graduation, all senior tuition and fees must be paid in full, except for the June tuition, by May 19. Contact Ann Gushue with any questions regarding tuition and fees due.
Tuition Recruitment Credit
In an effort to recruit more families like yours to St. Joseph’s Catholic School, and reward our best customers to help us with this endeavor, the school offers a $500 Tuition Credit Program. Based on parent feedback, we have learned that “Word-of-Mouth” is our most effective advertising medium for attracting families. The Tuition Credit Program is designed to reward current St. Joseph’s families for actively recruiting new families to St. Joseph’s. When a new family applies for admission, they have the opportunity to name the St. 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, usually in November. Click HERE to read more about the program qualifications.
Annual Auction Gala Update
