May 2022 News & Notes

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 Headmaster

The St. Joseph’s Way Point #4 Personal Accompaniment

“The St. Joseph’s Way calls on teachers and staff t o accompany their students as they use their freedom to verify the school’s Christian proposal.”

Greetings from St. Joseph’s Catholic School!

As we approach the end of the school year, I want to invite you to take a few moments to reflect on all the ways that your sons and daughters have been accompanied by the teachers, staff, coaches, tutors, and other adults in our community this year, not to mention all the ways the students themselves have supported and accompanied one another.

The last few weeks have been some of the most challenging and difficult days we’ve ever experienced as a school community. The pain and loss we’ve felt on the occasion of the death of senior Emily Gushue will be with us indefinitely. And yet, I’ve watched with amazement and gratitude at all the ways in which the members of our community have come together to console, support, and love one another and the Gushue family. It’s been nothing short of extraordinary and a clear sign of Christ’s presence in our community.

The way we accompany one another, especially in times of trial, is a definite strong suit of our school community. One testament to the depth of the relationships built at St. Joseph’s is how often and how long our graduates stay together after high school, throughout college and beyond. It’s been wonderful to also see just how many graduates reach out to their teachers and coaches for years to come.

Celebrating the Class of 2022

During the month of May, we turn our attention and focus to celebrating all the ways the members of the Class of 2022 have enriched our community during their time at St. Joseph’s through the Red Door Ceremony, Academic Awards, and Senior Send Off, culminating in Baccalaureate Mass and Graduation on Friday evening, May 27. In next month’s letter, I’ll share with you some very impressive details about the

colleges and universities these students are attending and some information about the scholarships they’ll be taking with them.

For now, suffice it to say that the faculty, staff, and I truly feel blessed to have known, taught, and coached these young women and men. They are talented, kindhearted, generous of spirit, hardworking, and faith filled The SJ Way expresses our long term aspirations for our students and graduates in ways that ring true to the character of the senior class. “We pray for each of our students to experience God’s closeness, unconditional love, and particular calling in order to share that love and use their talents for the good of others. We believe that this discovery is the work and journey of a lifetime. We recognize that things will not always go the way we envisioned, and at times, longsuffering may be the order of the day for all involved. However, we believe and know from years of experience that God has a way of writing straight with our crooked lines. Therefore, we set our eyes on the lifelong journey of each person, knowing with great certainty that God in His infinite wisdom and merciful love will bring to completion and fulfillment the good work He has begun in each student.”

SJCS Welcomes a new Dean of Student Life on May 1 For our undergraduates and middle school students who will remain at St. Joseph’s next year, I have some exciting news to share with you. After an extensive, year long search, we have hired a new Dean of Student Life. His name is Rod Taylor and he comes to us with much direct school leadership experience, having worked more than two decades in both middle and high schools mainly in the Upstate. A Furman graduate, he’s excited to be returning to a Catholic school, having begun his educational career as a teacher in a Catholic school in Maryland. So he can get a jumpstart on getting to know our community for next year, he begins work at St. Joseph’s on May 1. Please be sure to extend a warm SJCS welcome to him when you have the chance to meet him.

In closing, please join us in praying for the following members of the SJCS family: for Jordan Plumblee on the passing of his grandfather; for Mary Kate, Connor, Evan and Maggie Farrell on the passing of their grandmother; for Susie Benkert on the passing of her mother in law. Also please keep faculty member Marj Malphrus in your prayers as she takes a leave of absence to focus her energies on fighting cancer.

With Love and Prayers, Keith F. Kiser Head of School

Things You Need To Know

Exam Schedules for AP, Senior, & Final Exams

Please see the Exam section of this News & Notes for full details of exams. Please avoid taking students out for appointments on exam days and remember that exams may not be taken early.

New Student Night, May 2

All newly enrolled students (students new to SJCS for fall 2022) and their parents are strongly encouraged to attend this important and informative night on campus. Personalized student packets will be available for pick up and a checklist covering a number of important topics will be reviewed. Students will split out into grade level meetings, and teachers will be on hand. Doors open at 6:30 PM, and the general session for all new students begins promptly at 7:00 PM in our JPII Center. Over 125 new students and their parents have been invited, so please arrive early to allow time to park and get seated. The evening will conclude by 8:30 PM and more information about this event was included in all acceptance packets.

Senior College T-Shirt Day, May 3

Seniors are invited to wear a college t shirt from their chosen college on Tuesday, May 3 Seniors should wear their t shirt with uniform bottoms. Please note, this is a date change from the April News & Notes.

Senior Graduation Surveys Due by May 3

All seniors must complete their Graduation Survey in Scoir as soon as possible, but no later than May 3, 2022. Completing this survey is essential in your college receiving your final transcript.

HS Academic Awards & Senior Red Door Ceremony, May 4

The HS Academic Awards Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, May 4 in the JPII Center at 12:15 PM. Only seniors and their parents will attend this ceremony. All seniors should wear their dress uniform that day. All senior parents are invited to attend, and you will be notified, in advance, if your child is receiving an award. The Academic Awards Ceremony will conclude with the Class of 2022 processing through the Red Door in the school’s annual Red Door Farewell Ceremony. This program marks an end of one spiritual journey and the beginning of a new one for our seniors. Parents should park in the sophomore parking lot (by the baseball dugout) and enter through the front lobby. Dismissal will be at 1:15 PM for the students not attending the ceremony.

MS Coffeehouse, May 6

On Friday, May 6 from 5:00 6:30 PM, the Fine Arts Department will be sponsoring a MS Coffeehouse in the Cafeteria. All MS students are encouraged to participate in this event, and we invite MS families to attend (any younger siblings must be accompanied by their parents). Lemonade will stand in for coffee as the beverage of the night, with plenty of fellowship and open mic entertainment. Equipment will be available for those interested in performing a favorite poem, song, or monologue. Entrance is through the Cafeteria/MS parking lot door and admission is $5.00 per person, to be paid by cash/check at the entry point.

Ornament Design Contest Ends May 6

Calling all Knights (students, alumni, faculty, staff, parents)! The Jubilate Arts Guild is looking for your best KNIGHT drawing or painting (oil, watercolor, or digital) to be next year’s Christmas ornament Submissions are due Friday, May 6 to Teresa McGrath . Details can be found HERE.

New High School Student Placement Testing, May 10 & May 12

Newly accepted and enrolled high school students who are entering grades 9 12 and who are currently completing high school courses in math and/or any level of world language for high school credit at their current school and wish to advance to the next level at St. Joseph’s will need to take SJCS Placement Tests. The tests will be held at SJCS on Tuesday, May 10 (World Language) and Thursday, May 12 (Math) beginning at 3:30 PM. Information regarding these tests was sent home in all new high school student acceptance packets, and all parents of new high school students should have already received an email with a link to the test registration form. Questions? Contact Jenny Starks in the Admissions Office.

Spring Concerts, May 10-12

This year, the Fine Arts Department will sponsor three spring concerts:

• Tuesday, May 10: Choral Ensembles

• Wednesday, May 11: Band Ensembles

• Thursday, May 12: Strings Ensembles

All concerts will begin at 7:00 PM in the JP II Center, and admission is free. Jubilate Arts Guild members will receive priority seating based on their membership level. Seating will not be assigned, but doors will open to Jubilate members only at 6:30 PM, followed by general admission at 6:45 PM Be sure to pick up your Jubilate Arts Guild member tag at check in. Additionally, the Fine Arts Department decals will be available for purchase in the HS Commons!

Greece Trip Interest Meeting, May 16

There will be an interest meeting for parents and students for the Greece 2023 trip next summer. The meeting will take place Monday, May 16 at 7:00 PM in the Meeting Room. Come find out the details of the ancient sites we'll visit and amazing activities. This trip is a great graduation gift for a student who will be graduating next year. Or, just a life changing opportunity to give your student. They will learn life skills, gain independence, and step on the soil of the places they have studied in their history and religion classes! The first 5 students who sign up receive a $100 scholarship (discount). Questions? Email Elaine Trakas.

Eighth Grade Convocation Mass & Awards Ceremony, May 18

The Eighth Grade Convocation and Awards Ceremony will take place on May 18 at 12:15 PM. Parents and step parents are invited to attend. Parents should park in the sophomore parking lot (by the baseball dugout) and enter through the front lobby. All other students will be dismissed at 12:05 PM that day; however, any student is welcome to stay and join us for the celebration.

Schedule Change/12:15 PM Dismissal on May 18

Due to the 8th Grade Convocation & Awards Ceremony, all students (except for 8th graders) will be dismissed at 12:05 PM.

Improvisation Knight, May 19

The SJCS Theatre Department will sponsor an Improvisation Knight on Thursday, May 19. Join us for an entertaining evening of Improvisation as the students compete against each other on stage, using only their quick wit and humor. The show will start at 7:00 PM. Admission is $5 at the door, and concessions will be available for purchase. Jubilate Arts Guild members will receive priority seating based on their membership level; be sure to pick up your Jubilate Arts Guild member tag at check in. Seating will not be assigned, but doors will open to Jubilate members only at 6:30 PM, followed by general admission at 6:45 PM

Quarter 4 Ends May 19

Grading for the second quarter ends on Thursday, May 19. Parent and student access to gradebook and report cards in FACTS Family Portal will close Thursday afternoon to allow faculty to enter and finalize grades. Final report cards will be emailed home on June 7 after 4:00 PM

Team Day, May 20

Team Day is on Friday, May 20. This will be a half day with a 12:30 PM dismissal. Students should wear their House shirt and follow the dress down guidelines as detailed in the Parent/Student Handbook.

Textbook Purchasing List Posted, May 20

Textbook lists for 2022 2023 will be posted on St. Joseph’s website by May 20. The school’s official textbook vendor is BNC Services. Their online book store can be accessed HERE. Summer reading titles may be purchased through them starting June 6, 2022, and all other textbooks will be available beginning July 11, 2022. In some instances, the textbook list will direct you to websites other than BNC. BNC Services carries the majority of our textbooks and is a straightforward and easy way to secure the books needed. They offer books in new and used condition as well as a chance to sell books back at the end of the year. If you choose to use another vendor, please make sure to order by ISBN to ensure you have the correct edition and format. Also note that class schedules will not be finalized until mid July and will be issued via email. If you choose to purchase books early, please note that

you may be required to purchase additional books or different books based on your student’s actual schedule. From July 25 31, BNC offers St. Joseph’s discount shipping week. Orders over $99 qualify for free shipping that week only.

Sixth and Seventh Grade Schedule, May 23-25

All students will be dismissed at 12:15 PM on exam days from May 23 25. Sixth graders will not have exams, and seventh graders will have exams in Math and Literature only. They will have two extended classes each day matching the 8th grade and HS Exam schedule (detailed in this edition of News and Notes), except for the following since their Related Arts classes will not meet. Sixth graders will meet with their 8th period class at the 6th period exam time, and seventh graders will meet with their 8th period class during 3rd period exam time. There will be no MS classes on Thursday, May 26.

Eighth Grade Semester Exams, May 23 25

Eighth graders will follow the exam schedule and guidelines detailed in this edition of News and Notes with one exception. Their 8th period exam will take place at 10:20 AM on May 23 during the 2nd period exam time since there is no Related Arts exam. There will be no 8th grade exam on Thursday and 8th graders do not need to come to school that day unless they have a makeup exam. Please avoid taking students out for appointments on exam days and remember that exams may not be taken early.

Late Stay, May 23 25

We will have Late Stay on Monday through Wednesday (May 23 25) after the 12:15 PM dismissal, but NO Late Stay on Thursday, May 26, which is the last day of school, with a 10:00 AM dismissal.

Eighth Grade Social, May 25

The 8th grade social will be at the school on Wednesday, May 25 from 4:00 7:00 PM. This will be a time where the 8th graders can gather and celebrate with their class before they head into high school. There will be dinner, superlatives, and line dancing. If you are an 8th grade parent and would like to help, please reach out to Keitt Brace. An invitation will be sent out soon with all of the details.

No Middle School Classes, May 26

Middle school students will not have school on Thursday, May 26. The high school will be dismissed at 10:00 AM on that day after their last exam.

Graduation Practice, May 26

Graduation practice will begin promptly at 1:00 PM in the Gym. This is a required event for ALL seniors, and they should plan to be at practice from 1:00 3:00 PM. All seniors must be present and arrive on time at this practice in order to walk at Commencement.

Senior Sunset, May 26

Senior Sunset will be Thursday, May 26 from 7:00 9:00 PM on campus. There will be dinner, yard games, and the chance to gather one last time on campus before you graduate. An invitation will be sent out soon with all of the details. We hope to all seniors there!

Baccalaureate Mass & Commencement, May 27

The Class of 2022 will graduate at 7:00 PM in the SJCS Gym. The doors will open for seating at 6:00 PM.

Ornaments for Sale, Order by May 27

Calling all senior parents: Graduation will be here soon, and your student will be walking through the Red Door one last time. Be sure to order your commemorative Red Door ornament HERE for them to cherish the memory of their days at St. Joseph’s. Questions? Contact Christine Balts

School Holiday, May 30

The school and school offices will be closed on Monday, May 30 for Memorial Day.

Summer Office Hours Begin May 31

Beginning Tuesday, May 31, summer office hours are 8:00 AM 1:00 PM Monday Thursday. The office will be closed on Fridays, as well as the week of July 4 8. The office re opens July 11 and summer hours continue until August 5.

The Riches of our Faith Presentation by Scott Hahn, June 6

St. Joseph’s Catholic School is excited to host Catholic biblical scholar and apologist Dr. Scott Hahn for a presentation entitled The Riches of Our Faith on Monday, June 6 at 7:00 PM in the JP II Center. This event is being co sponsored by the Catholic Information Center, Heart Ridge Retreat & Cultural Center, and St. Joseph’s Catholic School. This is a ticketed event. To register and see a schedule for the evening, click HERE

Athletic Summer Camps Begin June 6

Sign ups for our Athletic Summer Camps can be found HERE

Fine Arts Summer Camps Begin June 6

Sign ups for our Fine Arts Summer Camps can be found HERE.

Final Report Cards, June 7

Quarter 4/Final Report Cards will be emailed on June 7 after 4:00 PM. Please remember to check your spam email. If you do not receive a report card link, please email Carol Curry If you have any questions regarding your student’s grade, please contact the teacher directly.

Course Schedules Available Mid-July

HS students and parents will be notified via email in mid July when schedules are available in FACTS Family Portal. Students will have an opportunity to make limited change requests once they receive their schedules. MS students will receive their schedules when school begins in August.

Rising Senior College Essay Workshop, July 18 21

The College Counseling Office will hold a college application essay workshop for rising seniors July 18 21. College Admission Counselors will be present throughout the week to lead and assist students through the brainstorming and revision process. The times, cost, registration link, and other important information were sent to all rising seniors in April.

Rising Senior Application Boot Camp, August 3 & 4

The College Counseling Office will host a free college application boot camp for rising seniors on August 3 and 4 at SJCS. All rising seniors are welcome. Other details including the times, exact location, and registration link, will follow in an email later this summer.

Third Annual SJCS Athletic Department Golf Tournament, August 5

Save the date for the third annual SJCS Athletic Department Golf Tournament at The Preserve at Verdae Golf Course on August 5. 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! The Knights Athletic Booster Club is the all sport Booster Club for SJCS. Thank you for your generous support of all SJCS athletes.

Let’s Travel in 2023!

• Travel to Japan: The Japan trip scheduled for this summer has been postponed to next summer. If you are interested in traveling to Japan during the summer of 2023, you can still join the trip. See the itinerary, register, and make payment arrangements all by clicking HERE.

• Travel to Italy: The spring break 2023 trip to Italy is active now! Sign up soon for the best price and prepare to see the best parts of Italy: the Catacombs, a Papal audience, Michelangelo’s David, and incredible food are all part of this trip. See the itinerary, costs, and sign up information HERE

• These trips are open to all current 8th 11th grade students. Questions? Contact Mrs. Carr.

BNC Textbook Buyback

Parents who wish to sell books back to BNC may do so online. BNC Services will buy back textbooks that meet their condition requirements and send the money directly to you. You do not have to have purchased your books through BNC Services to participate. You may also sell your books back to BNC Services through their website. They will cover shipping costs. This short video (found HERE) will provide you with complete instructions.

Student IDs for 2022-2023

IDs are used to purchase lunch and items at the School Store as well as check in/out for Late Stay. Students are issued one ID free of charge when they enter the school as a new student. Students who attend middle school at SJCS are also given a new (free) ID when they enter the high school as freshmen. Outside of these times, ID replacements cost $5.00. Students should keep their IDs from year to year and returning students should show up on the first day of school with their ID. New IDs for the 2022 2023 school year will be issued to all new students and all freshmen about a week or two after Yearbook Photo Day. Contact Mary Cummings for questions or to request a replacement ID.

Important Dates for 2022-2023

Please click HERE for important dates for the 2022 2023 school year.

Has Your Information Changed?

If you have had a change of address, phone number, or email, please email your updates to Jenny Starks.

AP Exam Schedule

Monday, May 2

Exam Schedules

7:30 AM: US Government & Politics

11:30 AM: Chemistry

Wednesday, May 4 7:30 AM: English Literature & Composition Thursday, May 5 11:30 AM: Statistics

Friday, May 6

Monday, May 9

7:30 AM: European History

7:30 AM: United States History

11:30 AM: Art History

7:30 AM: Calculus AB

7:30 AM: Calculus BC

Tuesday, May 10 7:30 AM: English Language & Composition

Wednesday, May 11 7:30 AM: Spanish Language & Culture

Thursday, May 12

11:30 AM: Biology

7:30 AM: French Language & Culture

11:30 AM: Physics 1: Algebra Based

Friday, May 13 11:30 AM: Physics 2: Algebra Based

Students must report to the Meeting Room at the times listed above. AP students are excused from all of their classes on any day they have an AP exam, and they may arrive later or leave campus early. However, if it is beneficial to attend other classes on that day, they should do so. If students stay on campus after an exam, they must check in at the front office before reporting to class. They may not leave campus after a morning exam and return to school for a later class.

Senior Exam Schedule

Monday, May 16

Tuesday, May 17

Wednesday, May 18

8:05 10:00 AM: History

10:20 AM 12:15 PM: Math

8:05 10:00 AM: World Language/Electives

10:20 AM 12:15 PM: Science

8:05 10:00 AM: Theology

10:20 AM 12:15 PM: English

Thursday, May 19 Make ups as needed

Final Exam Schedule, Grades 8-11 for Non-AP Courses

Monday, May 23 8:05 10:00 AM: Period 1 Exam

10:20 AM 12:15 PM: Period 2 Exam

Tuesday, May 24 8:05 10:00 AM: Period 3 Exam

10:20 AM 12:15 PM: Period 4/5 Exam

Wednesday, May 25 8:05 10:00 AM: Period 6 Exam

10:20 AM 12:15 PM: Period 7 Exam

Thursday, May 26 8:05 10:00 AM: Period 8 Exam

10:20 AM 12:15 PM: Make up Exams

Exam Guidelines

• Students are not allowed to test early.

• SJCS Exemption Policy: Excepting math courses, juniors and seniors can exempt exams in year long courses if they have a 90 average in the course by the Friday before final exams are scheduled to begin. Exemption averages are calculated by averaging the fall semester grade with the third and fourth quarter grades. Students on probation or those who have certain disciplinary actions may not be eligible.

• Eighth grade students should go to morning Household on exam days.

• High school students should report directly to their exam room and must be seated by 8:00 AM. Anyone not in attendance after 8:00 AM will be considered tardy. No students are to be admitted to the exam

once the exam has been distributed. Likewise for the second exam, students should be seated and attendance taken by 10:15 AM, and no student will be admitted after the exam has been distributed.

• Students should bring review materials for other exams and study quietly if they finish an exam before the end of the exam period. Silence should be maintained from the moment exams are distributed until all exams are collected at the end of the exam period. Students with questions should raise their hands quietly.

• Once an exam begins, students are not permitted to leave the room. Restroom trips should be for emergencies only and then only after the student has turned in their exam.

• Students with only one exam on a given day need be present only for that exam. If they do not have a 10:20 AM exam, they may leave at the end of the 8:00 AM exam period. Similarly, if students do not have an 8:00 AM exam, they do not need to report until the 10:20 AM exam period (by 10:15 AM). All students leaving or arriving between the exam times should enter/exit through the front office.

From the Middle School Director

A few Sundays ago, my husband and I stopped at a popular local establishment to pick up some lunch after our errands. John was eager to get home, but I convinced him to go through the drive through anyway by telling him Johnny would be thrilled with a meal from his favorite takeout. Let’s just say that the drive through experience was less than ideal.

At the height of lunch hour, a throng of conference attendees descended on this popular place for lunch. Add to that the regular Sunday crowd, and a worker who called in sick, and a logistical, tactical nightmare erupts. As the wait went on (30 minutes in total), I started my rosary app (you can get two rosaries done in 30 minutes), looked up some things I needed on Amazon, and profusely apologized to my husband for not listening to him in the first place. About 20 minutes into the wait, I went into the restaurant, planning to ask for a refund so we could be on our way. While I expected to see chaos, I instead discovered a young crew calmly but busily serving an overflowing crowd. Most of the crowd seemed oblivious to the wait, and those who weren’t oblivious looked at their watches a lot, but remained calm and patient themselves. I was impressed with the resilience and positivity of the crew, wondering how they really must have been feeling inside … wondering how Johnny, or any of our students, would have handled that situation … and wondering if maybe the reason I was in the wait was that I needed a reminder of the power of kindness.

During these last few weeks of school, patience can grow thin. Anxiety over tasks yet undone are amplified by the calendar countdown. None of us students, parents, faculty, or staff are immune to the pressure. We are, however, equipped to offer a smile, a text of encouragement, some words of reassurance, or an offer to really listen to those who need to be heard. At least once a day, if not several, I witness these expressions of kindness in our school community. By no means perfect, we are still able to demonstrate that the call to be Christ to one another is our highest and greatest work.

Lord,

Our school year is almost at its end. Meet us where our worries and fears reside, and shower us with your gifts of patience, perseverance, understanding, and right judgment. Stir in us the desire to bring Your light, joy, and peace to all those in our care, especially to those most in need. Encircle us with Your compassion, and protect us from all the things that threaten our health and well being. You are enough for us. You are so worthy of our praise and thanksgiving.

Amen.

From the High School Director

I usually try to make my end of year column about something fairly benign, but this year I wanted to put a couple of issues in front of our community that could have implications for all our students as early as this coming school year.

I am excited to announce that we are piloting a concurrent enrollment program with Syracuse University. Students who take Introduction to Sociology can earn college credit for the class as well as an elective credit at St. Joseph’s. This one semester course will be offered through our History Department, and students will earn a transferable credit and transcript from Syracuse University. The cost for this program is only a fraction of what a college credit normally costs and is paid entirely to Syracuse. This is a great opportunity to earn a college credit without taking a full year AP level course. It will be open to juniors and seniors, and there are some participation requirements from Syracuse. If you’re interested in learning more about this opportunity, please contact the College Counseling Office ASAP since we need a minimum of five students for this to work.

“The ultimate test of your greatness is how you treat every human being.” St. Pope John Paul II

Additionally, I want to take a moment to talk about something that comes up in the college admissions process, but that many people misunderstand. It’s called strength of schedule, and many competitive colleges and universities use it to evaluate potential students. They’re looking for students who challenged themselves in high school by taking classes that many people find intimidating. Honors and AP designations are part of this equation, but so too are classes that are known to be challenging but are not required. A course in physics, for instance, at any level, is a way of showing strength of schedule since it’s not part of our standard curriculum. An additional year of world language study is another good move for students trying to set them selves apart. If you’re on the fence about what to do next year, or if you know you’re looking at some competitive colleges, consider contacting the College Counseling Office to talk about either of these great options.

From the Athletic Department

Requirements for Students Participating in Sports

Please keep in mind that any student participating in a sport for the 2022 2023 school year at SJCS must have a physical dated after April 1, 2022, and complete the required forms online HERE prior to the first tryout or practice. No paper forms will be accepted, no exceptions. If you were an athlete in 2021 2022, please use your existing login. The required forms that must be filled out online prior to the first practice 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 PlanetHS (formerly Arbiter Athlete) found HERE. Information for new athletes on how to create the parent and student login at Planet HS 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.

Knights Athletic Booster Club

• The Knights Athletic Booster Club has established an official Hall of Fame, to honor those athletes, coaches and benefactors who have contributed to the foundation of athletic success and program excellence at St. Joseph's Catholic School that we all enjoy today. The 2022 Inaugural Class will be formally inducted on May 21, at a banquet given in conjunction with our annual Coaches Appreciation dinner. Ticket information can be found on the school website. We hope you will join us to celebrate these deserving Knights!

• As a reminder, our monthly meetings are typically held on the third Wednesday of every month at 5:30 PM in the Boardroom. They are open to anyone who has a passion for athletics, works well with a great group of people, and has a willingness to serve. We are in special need of volunteers who can help manage our concession stands. If you have ever purchased a concession or enjoyed the convenience of having food and drinks available during our home games, please consider volunteering some of your time to help make sure we are able to continue to offer this service to our fans. Booster Club is deeply dependent on volunteer manpower, so please consider sharing some of your time and talents.

From the Business Office

Tuition Accounts

In order to participate in Baccalaureate Mass and Graduation, all senior tuition and fees must be paid in full, except for June tuition, by May 20, 2022. All other student’s tuition and fees must be paid in full before students can receive their 2022 2023 class schedule.

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. 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.

Used Textbooks

As the school year comes to a close, please consider donating any unwanted used textbooks to St. Joseph’s. These textbooks are distributed to our scholarship students.

From the College Counseling Office

Seniors: Final Transcripts

We will send final transcripts to the college(s) that you indicate on your Graduation Survey. Please note that this also includes the NCAA. Final transcripts will be sent out the first and second weeks of June. If your college requires a form to be included with the transcript, please make sure the College Counseling Office has this form. Please continue to bring in all college acceptance letters and scholarships offers to us.

Juniors: Questionnaire for Counselor Recommendation

All juniors must complete a questionnaire for their college counselor. This information is extremely important as your counselor begins to write your recommendation letter so, please complete it as soon as possible, but no later than the beginning of July. We strongly encourage you to take your time and be as detailed as possible in your responses. The link to the survey is HERE.

Rising Senior Families

If you would like to have a follow up meeting, please contact the C ollege Counseling Office to set one up. Please note that Jenn Albright is scheduled to return from her maternity leave in June. All students should try to meet with their College Counselor at least one more time before the end of the school year or in June. Parents who have not yet filled out the Junior Parent Questionnaire should do so before the end of May.

From the Development Office

Annual Fund

Our goal this fiscal year (July 2021 June 2022) is to engage the financial support of 100% of our school families, faculty, and staff in giving to the Annual Fund. As of the end of March an impressive 45% of our school families have contributed. Congratulations to the 8th grade which is leading with a grade level participation of 52%! We will continue to track these participation numbers through the Gala.

Helping families afford a St. Joseph’s education is a foundational principle to our identity as a Catholic school. The Annual Fund fulfills this responsibility by providing approximately 6% of the school’s overall budget. It accounts for 75% of the funding that is not covered by tuition. 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. The Annual Fund total through March was $436,000! Please contact Kevin Meyer with any questions, download your Annual Fund Donation Form today or make an online donation!

From the Fine Arts Department

Jubilate Arts Guild Openings

Have you been wondering what the Jubilate Arts Guild is? Have you been wondering how you can get involved in an organization that impacts all the students here at SJCS? JAG is the place for you! We are the Fine Arts booster club and we have a position for you, no matter how much or how little time you have to invest. We meet once a month, before school for those with busy work schedules. All middle school students partake of the Fine Arts Programs and the majority of our high school students participate in band, strings, chorus, dance, theater, and/or visual arts. Positions we are looking to fill for the 2022 23 school year:

• Vice President/Jubilate Knight Chair: Functions mainly as the chair for Jubilate Knight, our annual talent show fundraiser.

• Membership Coordinator: Keeps track of incoming memberships and membership correspondence.

• Treasurer: Keeps track of funds coming in and out. Relays the accounting already done by the school accounting department.

• Public Relations: Communicates with the school’s PR to relay information about Fine Arts events to be posted to the school’s website and social media.

• Tech Week Meals and Concessions: Coordinates the feeding of our theater students during the week of the performances, and the selling of concessions at the performances. SignUpGenius is your friend.

• Ways and Means: Coordinates the various fundraisers the Fine Arts department does throughout the school year.

• We are also looking for people to be on our Jubilate Knight committee to help put together and promote our amazing annual talent show and fundraiser.

If you would like to join a fun group of parents who support the Fine Arts here at SJCS, JAG is where you need to be! Contact Cindy Davis for more information.

From the Parents Guild

Thank You

Thank you to Jill Sullivan and Amy Ryberg Doyle for organizing our recent Fish Fry The food was delicious, and the entire event set up was fantastic!

Keep the Donations Coming!

Did you know that SJCS receives a check every month from Amazon? Plus, we receive funds from Publix, Harris Teeter, and Lowe’s Foods. We need these funds to continue our efforts in improving the school. In just a few minutes, you can set up your account and help us start gaining rewards. To find out more details and sign up, click HERE

From the School Nurse

COVID Update

• After a long 2 years, South Carolina now treats COVID 19 as an endemic virus. As part of their layered management approach, DHEC continues to recommend vaccination against COVID as the leading public health strategy. You can read more about this strategy HERE Individuals who have symptoms of COVID or have been in contact with a COVID positive individual are encouraged to test. The Quarantine and Isolation Calculator, found HERE, is easy to use and provides guidance for close contacts and for those who test positive.

• Please contact the School Nurse or Contact Tracer If you have questions about symptoms or testing. We appreciate your patience and understanding over the last 2 years.

From the Technology Services Department

Senior Chromebook Return Information

• All seniors are required to return their Chromebooks to the Library by May 19, immediately following the end of the last senior exam.

• Chromebooks may be returned to the library earlier than May 19 if the Chromebook is no longer needed for classes or exams.

• Chromebooks are to be returned with the charger and case. The case should be emptied of all items except the Chromebook and charger.

• Your student account will be charged for any items not returned or for any damages.

• The charges for non returned items are: Chromebook $300, Charger $15, and Case $25. The damage charge is $25.

• All students will be given a receipt at turn in and if damages are found, they will be noted, and the appropriate fee can be paid at the time of turn in or billed to your student account.

Grades 6-11 Chromebook Return Information

• All students in grades 6 11 are required to return their Chromebooks to the Library by May 26, immediately following the end of the last exam at 10:00 AM.

• Chromebooks may be returned to the library earlier than May 26 if no longer needed for classes or exams.

• Chromebooks are to be returned with the charger and case. The case should be emptied of all items except the Chromebook and charger.

• Your student account will be charged for any items not returned or for any damages.

• The charges for non returned items are: Chromebook $300, Charger $15, and Case $25. The damage charge is $25.

• All students will be given a receipt at turn in and if damages are found, they will be noted, and the appropriate fee can be paid at the time of turn in or billed to your student account.

Volunteer Summer Opportunities for Students

There will be volunteer service opportunities available this summer to assist the Technology Department in preparing for the 2022 2023 year. Interested? Email Mary Cummings