From the Head of School
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!
A hallmark of a Saint Joseph’s Catholic School education is the spirit of collaboration between the school and its parents. To help facilitate more interaction between parents and school leadership, we started the TEAM initiative a couple of years ago to bring the two groups together regularly to increase trust and strengthen mission alignment. For those unfamiliar with this acronym, TEAM stands for Total Engagement Around the Mission.
This year, you are invited to a monthly presentation and discussion on a topic of interest for parents. The topics we will cover at the TEAM meetings this year include:
• Belonging at St. Joseph’s
• Calming the Anxious Generation
• Understanding the Hope & Fears of Parents & Teachers
• Choosing the Right Academic Course Load for Your Child
• Sports The St. Joseph’s Way
• Effective Tips for Helping Your Teens Open Up through Active Listening
• The Essential Element of a 21st Century Catholic School
The presentations and discussions each month will be led by me with staff members who have particular expertise, experience, and responsibility for the meeting topic.
To accommodate parent schedules, each TEAM meeting topic will be presented twice, once on Wednesday evenings at 6:00 PM and then the following Thursday morning at 8:00 AM during Flex Time. Each session will last one hour. I hope you will mark your calendars and plan to join us each month.
A Warm Welcome to Our New Faculty & Staff Members
Saint Joseph’s founding and long-term board chair, Margaret Ann Moon, loved to say, “God will send the people that we need when we need them.” I have seen this time and time again during my tenure at the school, including this year. It’s with gratitude and joy that I introduce you to Saint Joseph’s newest employees.
Danielle Adams is the school’s new Director of First Impressions. Yes, that’s actually her title! Danielle is located at the reception desk and answers the phone for the school. She’s the point of entry for all parents and guests. Danielle is a graduate of the University of South Alabama and is mom to Jeremiah (11th), Evie (9th), and John Martin (6th).
Suzanne Callahan , J.D. is our new 7th grade Grammar & Writing teacher. A graduate of Loyola University and Loyola University School of Law, Suzanne returned home to the South after living and teaching in California for several years.
Michael Fowler has returned for his second year teaching at Saint Joseph’s separated by a year when he discerned the priesthood in Rome. Mr. Fowler is teaching 9th grade Theology and one section of 8th grade girls' Religion. Michael holds a BA from Villanova. He is a 2008 graduate of SJCS.
Dr. Donna Frazier graduated from Furman University with a BS in Biochemistry and then obtained her Ph.D from the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine. She fell in love with science after having the “most phenomenal high school science teacher.” Dr. Frazier is teaching Biology and is mom to Charlie and Owen (10th)
Remi Gardner is SJCS’ newest College Guidance Counselor. Remi was born and raised in Rutherford, New Jersey. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Family Science & Human Development from Montclair State University and then a Master’s in School Counseling from Walden University.
Carly Grether is SJCS’s new School Conselor. Carly is a native of California and a graduate of Gonzaga University. She then received her Master’s in School Counseling from the University of Denver. She has spent the last two years as a Professional School Counselor in Arlington, VA.
Sandra Michaud is the school’s new French teacher. She is a native French speaker from Quebec, Canada. She graduated from Universite Du Quebec A Montreal with a bachelor's Degree in French Teaching as a Second Language. She has been in Greenville since 2015 and she loves teaching the French language and culture.
Sean Myer holds a BS from West Virginia University and an MS in Education from Nova Southeastern University. Sean and his family relocated to Greenville from Florida this summer where he taught at an esteemed Jesuit school for 14 years. Sean is teaching MS Science and HS Engineering at Saint Joseph’s and is helping us expand our STEAM offerings.
Rebecca Picillo is from Greenville where she graduated from Mauldin HS. She is a recent graduate of the University of South Carolina Upstate. She is teaching MS History
Kristin Sandor has relocated from Pawley’s Island to Greenville to be closer to her daughters. While in Pawley’s Island, Kristin taught at Lowcountry Preparatory School. She graduated from Western Carolina with a bachelor’s in English and received her master’s degree from Coastal Carolina University.
Blaine Savage is the school’s new 6th grade history teacher. Like Rebecca above, Blaine comes to us from the University of South Carolina Upstate, where he graduated with a degree in education. Blaine is from the Upstate.
Dr. Jessica Schindler received her Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of South Carolina. She has worked for several years as a pharmacist. Dr. Schindler was raised in South Carolina, and rumor has it that she and SJCS Science Department Chair and HS VP Mr. Koon were classmates from 3rd grade through high school.
Norm Seidel comes to us after retiring from public school after a career as a teacher and administrator Mr. Seidel substituted at SJCS for several years before joining us this year as a part-time Math teacher. Before teaching, he was a professional baseball pitcher.
Aidan Sokol is a 2014 graduate of SJCS after which he matriculated to the University of Dallas where he earned a BS in Computer Science. Aidan teaches computer science and works in the school’s IT department.
Please be sure to extend a warm welcome to all of these employees when you have the opportunity to meet them. We look forward to all the great things they will do for students in the year ahead.
In closing, please keep longtime SJCS history teacher Dr. Kevin Stanton in your prayers. He is recovering from a bicycling accident in early August.
With Love and Prayers,
Keith F. Kiser Head of School
Things You Need To Know
Front Office Communications & Student Absences
If you know your child will be absent for the day, email the front office as soon as possible. Please remember to email any absences or questions that pertain to the front office to the following email address: frontoffice@sjcatholicschool.org. This will ensure that your email gets to the appropriate person. Please note: if you email the previous person (Dawn Hawkins) that email will not reach the front office.
Senior College Counseling Nuts & Bolts Meeting, August 29
The College Counselors will be meeting with all the seniors on Thursday, August 29 in the JPII Center during the Flex Period to review various procedures students will need to follow throughout the college application process. All seniors must attend this very important meeting. Parents are welcome to join at 8:45 AM for a meet and greet with our new college counselor, Remi Gardner, and essay consultant, Beverly Coleman.
Noon Dismissal, August 30
On Friday, August 30, all students will be dismissed at Noon.
Labor Day, September 2
There will be no classes. The school and school offices will be closed.
Encore! Middle School Fine Arts Program, Deadline to Register, September 3
The SJCS Fine Arts Department is launching a new after school program for Middle School students. This program is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:15- 4:15 PM and provides the opportunity to dive more into the following programs: Strings OR Musical Theatre. Additional program and registration details can be found HERE . The deadline to register is September 3.
Seniors & Parents College Counseling Meeting, September 5
Our annual meeting for seniors and their parents will be held on Thursday, September 5 in the John Paul II Center. The meeting will begin at 6:30 PM and last for approximately one hour. At least one parent and their senior student should be in attendance for this informative meeting. Melissa Cline, Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management and Success at Furman University, will be here to present.
Welcome Back International Tailgate & Auction, September 6
Join us Friday, September 6 from 5:30-7:00 PM for our Welcome Back International Tailgate. SJCS Parent Groups will be providing FREE hot dogs, condiments, plates, flatware, and napkins. There is no cost to attend, though we ask that you bring an international dish to share. If possible, please bring it in a disposable container. Please RSVP HERE by Monday, September 2. The Parents Guild, Fine Arts Booster Club, and the Athletic Booster Club will also have information about their groups and SJCS items for purchase. We hope to see everyone as we kick off a new school year and football season! Questions. Contact Katie Orbon
Trip to London, Spring Break 2025 Interest Meeting September 9
Interested in traveling to England? Attend the informational meeting on Monday, September 9 at 6:00 PM in the Library to learn more. Click HERE to RSVP. This trip will include guided walking and sight-seeing tours of London highlights, along with a visit to the Tower of London, Windsor Castle, and visits to Stonehenge, Bath, and Stratford-upon- Avon. The trip also includes a backstage tour of the National Theater, a workshop and performance at the Globe, and a West-End production. Trip details (including the itinerary, cost, payment plans, etc.) can be found HERE . This trip is open to current 9th grade through 12th grade SJCS students. Parents are also welcome to join us. Interested students and parents can register HERE. Questions? Contact Teresa McGrath or Christina Harvey.
Mid-Quarter Grades Progress Update, September 10
Mid-quarter grades will be updated on September 10. An email will be sent to parents as a reminder to check your student’s progress through Blackbaud. Please contact teachers directly if you have any questions or concerns.
Well-Fed Dad, First Meeting, September 11
We are excited to announce that the monthly Well-Fed Dad Prayer Breakfasts will resume this school year. Last year, Pope Francis dedicated nearly half of his Wednesday general audiences to teaching about the virtues and vices. In keeping with the theme for this year that "we are Christ's House if we hold firmly to our confidence and the boast of our hope," a different Saint Joseph's father will speak at each breakfast about a particular virtue that's important to their family and/or a vice that they've striven to overcome through Christ's grace. The first prayer breakfast is scheduled for Wednesday, September 11 at 6:45 AM in the Meeting Room. The first speaker is Ted Stewart, and he will be speaking about the virtue of faith. Someone will be at the front office door to let you into the building beginning at 6:35 AM. Please kindly RSVP so we know how many breakfast sandwiches to purchase.
Meet the Teacher Night, September 11
It is our hope that all middle school and high school parents will set aside Wednesday evening, September 11 from 6:00-8:15 PM for the annual Meet the Teacher Night. After a general session in the JPII Center with Mr. Kiser, which begins promptly at 6:00 PM, parents will be able to walk through their child’s daily schedule and meet their child’s teachers. If you have more than one student at SJCS, you will want to choose which classes are most important for you to visit and/or mom and dad can follow different schedules. In order to keep the evening flowing smoothly and to get everyone out by 8:15 PM, this evening should not be viewed as conference time and is for parents only
Spirit Week, September 13-21
Spirit Week is around the corner! We will be hosting activities and fundraisers to benefit Best Buddies International, an organization that is passionate about making a lasting impact on the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The week will last from September 13-21 and will include lunchtime competitions, nightly social events, and lots of opportunities for good food; all to benefit an amazing cause. The week will culminate with the Homecoming Football Game on Friday, September 20 and the Homecoming Dance on Saturday, September 21 from 8:00-10:00 PM at Gallery 85. Be on the lookout for specific details to follow.
Well-Read Mom, First Meeting, September 17
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 first meeting is Tuesday, September 17. For more information, contact Sara Dellinger. There is also a group that meets on the second Tuesday of each month in the morning. Please contact Eileen Coffey for more information about time and location.
College Information Session, September 17
Brown, Columbia, University of Chicago, and Vanderbilt will be hosting a group information session at our school on Tuesday, September 17 from 7:00-8:30 PM. More information, including registration, will be sent out to high school families in September.
Alumni, Alumni Parent, & SJCS Retirees Homecoming Tailgate, September 20
Join us for our 2024 Alumni, Alumni Parent, and Retirees Homecoming Tailgate on Friday, September 20 at 5:30 PM under the big white tent on the softball field. Join us for delicious tailgate food, drinks, fellowship, and special door prizes as we cheer on our Knights! Please RSVP HERE by Monday, September 16.
SJCS Parent TEAM Meeting, First Meeting, September 25
The spirit of collaboration between the school and its parents has always been a hallmark of a Saint Joseph’s Catholic School education. To help facilitate this partnership, parents are invited to join Head of School, Keith Kiser, and a different member of his staff each month for a presentation and discussion on an important topic
regarding the education and formation of teenagers in today’s world. To accommodate parent schedules, each topic will be presented twice, once on Wednesday evenings at 6:00 PM and then the following morning (Thursdays) at 8:00 AM. Each session will last one hour.
• September 25-26 Topic: Belonging at St. Joseph’s - Learn about the school’s efforts to ensure every student is known, loved, & engaged and what parents can do to facilitate this.
Admissions Preview Day (formerly called Open House), Wednesday, October 2
Please help us fill the campus on October 2 by inviting a prospective parent (relative, friend, neighbor, or coworker) to our annual Admissions Preview Day. The event begins at 9:00 AM and officially kicks off the admissions season for the upcoming school year. Families interested in SJCS will have a chance to hear a few testimonials, tour the campus with current students, meet and speak with teachers, coaches, and parents, and learn more about opportunities both in and out of the classroom. This is a once-a-year event, so please help us to spread the word. Registration opens August 30 and there are limited spots.
• How Can You Help? Current SJCS families can earn a $500 tuition credit 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 who recommended SJCS on their application. After the new student attends school for one quarter, the recruiting family receives a $500 credit on their November tuition bill.
Paying for College: Virtual Event for Senior Families, October 7
On Monday, October 7 at 6:00 PM, Gina Rigby, Assistant Director of Financial Aid at Roger Williams University, will be conducting a general Financial Aid meeting to discuss the various types of aid, scholarships, the CSS Profile, federal money (grants, loans, work study), and a general overview of the FAFSA for this year’s graduating seniors. The meeting will be held virtually; a link to the meeting will be sent to all senior families via email in October.
Ninth Grade PSAT Testing, October 11
All freshmen will take the PSAT 8/9 on Friday, October 11 at 8:00 AM with dismissal at approximately 11:00 AM. The purpose of the PSAT 8/9, which is the first in the College Board's SAT Suite of Assessments, is to establish a starting point in terms of college and career readiness as students transition to high school. The results help educators and students figure out what students need to work on most so that they are ready for college when they graduate from high school. The PSAT 8/9 will be administered in a digital format on student Chromebooks. Further test details and ideas for practice will be communicated via email. Questions? Contact Melissa Broering
Tenth & Eleventh Grade PSAT Testing, October 11
All sophomores and juniors will take the PSAT on Friday, October 11 at 8:00 AM with dismissal at approximately 11:00 AM. This test is a shortened, practice version of the SAT, and it provides a good opportunity for students to get comfortable with the format, pacing, and questions on the SAT. For juniors, this test also serves as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT), and it is the only way to be considered for National Merit scholarships. The PSAT will be administered in a digital format on student Chromebooks. Further test details and ideas for practice will be communicated via email. Questions? Contact Melissa Broering.
SAT Test at School for Seniors Only, October 11
Seniors have the opportunity to take the SAT at school on Friday, October 11 from 8:00 AM to approximately 11:00 AM. The cost is $60 and this administration will be digital format. More information about the test itself can be found in the SAT School Day Student Guide (HERE ). Please register HERE by Friday, September 6 at 9:00 PM if you would like to take the SAT test at school on Friday, October 11. Seniors who do not take the SAT will be out of school on this day. Questions? Contact Melissa Broering.
11:00 AM Dismissal, October 11
Dismissal will be at 11:00 AM on Friday, October 11, for all students.
Schedule Change for Thursday, October 17
Flex period will be moved to the end of the day on Thursday, October 17 as part of a Middle School Walk-a-thon fundraiser sponsored by the Fine Arts Department. The school day will begin with the Thursday
morning prayer service at 8:00 AM . Flex time will begin at 2:00 PM. Please update your calendars accordingly. Specific details regarding the Walk-a-thon event will be sent to SJCS families later in September.
Make a Difference – Be an Election Poll Worker, Training October 26
Not old enough to vote? Want to be involved anyway and earn some money? Apply to be a poll worker for the 2024 elections. Students can apply and take the poll worker class at SJCS on Saturday, October 26 at 9:00 AM. Service hours are available, plus Greenville County will pay a stipend. Want to learn more? See Mrs. Carr if you are 16-18 years old and interested. Adults are welcome as well. Questions? Contact Mrs. Carr.
Important Information About Grandparents Day, November 25
Grandparents Day is Monday, November 25 from 9:30 AM-12:15 PM. This is a wonderful opportunity for grandparents or special friends to tour the school and have lunch with their grandchildren. This is for grandparents of both middle school and high school students. Invitations will be mailed to all current grandparents we have in our system. Please log into your Blackbaud account and make sure your child’s grandparents are listed in the contact card tab. It is extremely important that grandparents RSVP in advance. A hot lunch will be served and we want to make sure we have enough food and seating for everyone. Last year we had over 600 people attend! Please contact Katie Orbon if you have any questions. We look forward to welcoming everyone!
Attention Eighth Grade Parents/Eighth Grade Day, January 22, 2025
SJCS eighth grade parents will receive an important letter in September from Keith Kiser, Head of School, about transitioning your child from eighth to ninth grade. This letter will cover many important topics for eighth grade families. If your child plans to re-enroll here for ninth grade, it is not necessary that he/she “apply” for high school, as your child is already a student in our school. However, it is required that all SJCS eighth graders complete our high school admissions test. This test provides us valuable data on our current eighth grade class, allows your son/daughter a chance to compete for one of two academic (half-off tuition) scholarships awarded each year to incoming ninth graders, and will assist us in placing your child in the correct high school classes. The test will be given to all SJCS eighth graders during the school day on Eighth Grade Day, which falls on Wednesday, January 22, 2025.
Sixth Grade Girls' Lunch Group
On Tuesdays during Middle School Lunch all 6th Grade Girls are invited to a "6th Grade Girls' Lunch Group ." Students can bring their lunch to Ms. Grether's Office (in the 6th Grade Academy) and meet new friends!
Tea with Ms. G
On Thursdays during Flex Period (8:00-9:00 AM) Ms. Grether will run a morning group called "Tea with Ms. G" in her office located in the 6th Grade Academy. Enjoy a relaxing and calm space during late start mornings, have a cup of tea and meet other SJCS students.
WWI & WWII Trip Summer 2025
In June of 2025, come walk where heroes have trod, experience a real English high tea, and travel the canals of Amsterdam. Join Mrs. Carr, Mr. Carr, and Coach Nash on a trip that immerses you into WWI and WWII events. Walk in trenches in Belgium, Churchill's War Rooms in London, and the beaches of Normandy. Click HERE to see the full itinerary, price, payment plans, and to sign up. The trip is open to 8th graders through seniors Questions? Contact Mrs. Carr.
Confirmation Preparation
Seventh and eighth grade Catholic parents should contact their home parish regarding registration for Confirmation preparation. Each parish has its own requirements regarding classes and timing according to Diocesan guidelines. Saint Joseph's Catholic School does not provide Confirmation preparation or the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Cafeteria Service
FLIK Dining Services provides cafeteria service during the school day. The cost for a full lunch is $7.95. Breakfast items are served from 7:30-9:00 AM, lunch is served during MS and HS lunch periods, and snacks are sold at the end of each school day.
Late Stay
Late Stay is available each day after school until 6:00 PM. Any student who remains on campus after dismissal and who it not involved in a supervised after-school activity must report to Late Stay by 3:30 PM. The Registration fee for Late Stay is $30 per family and will be assessed the first day a student uses the Late Stay Program. The hourly rate for Late Stay is $4.50. This amount will not be prorated. Late Stay charges are billed weekly through the Blackbaud Tuition Management system.
Required Community Service Hours
Please encourage students to join the "SJCS Service" Google Classroom. An invitation to join has been sent to all high school students. Opportunities for obtaining volunteer hours will be disseminated periodically. All completed community service hours must be logged in MobileServe using the student's school email address. The requirements by grade level are as follows: Freshmen-10 hours, Sophomores-15 hours, Juniors-20 hours, and Seniors-20 hours. Questions? Contact Greshan Charlton
Has Your Information Changed?
If you have had a change of address, phone number, or email, please email your updates to Mary Cummings