September 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 Head of School

“There is need of only one thing.”

Luke 10:38 42

Greetings From St. Joseph’s Catholic School!

I hope the school year is off to a great start for you and your family. We have 659 students enrolled for this, our 30th academic year, an increase of 25 students from the first day last year. The students whom I have talked to seem to like the new bell schedule, especially the later start on Thursday mornings! We welcomed seven new teachers and staff members to our community this year, and we are grateful for the quality of the women and men who have been drawn to teach at our school. Please look for their profiles on the school’s website and social media platforms in the coming weeks. Please take a moment to introduce yourselves to them and extend a warm SJCS welcome when you have the opportunity. When you get to know them, I think you’ll be as pleased as I am that they are teaching your sons and daughters.

A major priority for the school this year is to increase parent engagement. A hallmark of Catholic education has always been the partnership between the school and its parents. Catholic teaching affirms that parents are the first educators of their children. We are grateful that you have chosen to partner with us in the most important calling of your life, the upbringing of your daughters and sons, and we’d like to get to know you better. This is why we developed a new parent workshop on the St. Joseph’s Way this summer. The administrative leadership team very much enjoyed spending a few hours with nearly 100 of our newest parents over the last two Saturdays. Based on the positive feedback from those families, we are considering offering that workshop to all school families later this year.

One helpful way for parents to become involved in the school is by volunteering. Parents who volunteer typically report higher satisfaction with their school. The same is true for parents at St. Joseph’s. There’s a twofold reason for this: 1. they get to know the school better “from the inside” and thus appreciate it more; and 2 they experience a greater sense of belonging and connection to the school community, with some developing lifelong friendships in the process.

Each year, the school publishes a list of volunteer opportunities and invites parents to sign up. I’m including the link to the parent volunteer form HERE for your convenience. There are literally dozens of opportunities. Please select one or more that suits your availability and interest. One area of the school that requires many volunteers to operate successfully is athletics. Please be generous in your response to requests from coaches, team moms, and the athletic office when they solicit volunteers. We simply can’t run those programs effectively without your involvement.

On a related matter, we’ve had some feedback from parents recently stating that it can be difficult for new parents to integrate into the community. Katie Orbon in the school’s Development Office is in the process of forming a small committee of parents to discern how best to facilitate better engagement and a sense of belonging for all of our parents. Thankfully, the student body is more diverse than ever, which enriches the experience for everyone even as it challenges all of us to step out of our comfort zones to take the time to extend a welcoming hand and get to know someone new.

One easy way for all parents to get to know the school better is to attend Meet the Teacher Night on Wednesday evening, September 14. This is a great opportunity to visit all of your children’s classrooms to meet their teachers and hear about their plans for the year. You’ll also have the opportunity to hear briefly from yours truly and members of the administrative staff regarding our priorities for the new year.

I want to thank Julie Schroeder for her service to the school throughout these last 14 years. Julie was an exceptional Physics teacher, Household Dean, and founder of Kairos at SJCS. We wish her all the best, as she made the difficult decision this summer to make the transition to a new career.

Finally, I'd like to invite all SJCS fathers to a Catholic Men's Retreat on Saturday, November 5 and Sunday, November 6 led by St. Joseph's own Chaplain, Father Jonathan Duncan, and Campus Minister, Gabe Lewis. I hope all dads will consider joining other men from the diocese for a weekend of prayer, fellowship, fun, and reflection on St. Joseph as the model and guide of true masculinity. Click HERE for more information and to register.

In closing, please join us in praying for the following members of the SJCS family: for David’12 and Mark’16 Estes on the passing of their grandmother.

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

Things You Need To Know

High School Course Add/Drop Period Ends August 26

High School students may request a change in schedule until 4:00 PM on Friday, August 26. Before requesting any schedule change, students and parents should review the school’s Academic Policies and Information in the 2022 2023 Parent/Student Handbook (found HERE), specifically as it pertains to Add/Drop and Withdrawal from a class. Add/Drop Forms are available in the College Counseling Office, Room B208.

Senior Parking Spot Painting, August 28

The senior parking lot painting event will be on Sunday, August 28 from 2:00 5:00 PM. The cost is $25 per parking spot. Details went out to the senior class the first week of school. Questions? Contact SJCS Activities Director, Keitt Brace.

Attention Freshmen and New HS Student Parents, Deadline to Order is August 30

One of the most revered traditions at SJCS is the Red Door Ceremony, where incoming Freshmen and new HS students ‘enter’ high school through the Red Door that belonged to the original location of St. Joseph’s Catholic School, and is now currently located between the HS Commons and the JP II Center. Upon finishing their senior year, our graduates ‘exit’ high school by processing out the door. To commemorate this wonderful tradition, the Jubilate Arts Guild is selling a beautiful hand designed stained glass ornament. Click HERE to purchase your ornament.

Red Door Ceremony, August 31

All ninth grade students and new high school students will take part in the Red Door Ceremony prior to Mass on Wednesday, August 31 beginning at 10:32 AM. Parents are encouraged to attend the ceremony and stay for Mass. Parents will be allowed to enter the JPII Center at 10:15 AM.

• A Brief History: St Joseph’s opened its doors in August 1993 and the first 13 high school students entered the school through a red door which, at the time, was the entrance to a little house beside St. Michael’s Lutheran Church on Augusta Road. Although the house was subsequently demolished, the red door was donated to SJCS and placed on the school’s current campus at the entrance to our chapel, the center of the school. During the school’s 15th anniversary celebration in March 2008, the door was unveiled and St. Joseph’s began a new tradition. Beginning with the Class of 2008, all graduating seniors now process out through this door as a symbol of their farewell to St Joseph’s, marking not only an end but a new beginning All new high school students are formally welcomed into the school community each August by processing in through the red door, just as this door welcomed the first 13 high school students in 1993.

Labor Day, September 5

There will be no classes. The school and school offices will be closed.

Senior Students College Counseling Nuts & Bolts Meeting, September 8

The College Counselors will be meeting with all the seniors on Thursday, September 8 at 8:00 AM (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.

Senior & Parents Guidance Meeting, September 8

Our annual meeting for seniors and their parents will be held on Thursday, September 8 at 7:00 PM in the JPII Center. The meeting will last approximately one hour. At least one parent and their senior student must be in attendance for this informative meeting. Dr. Forrest Stuart, Interim Vice President for Enrollment Management at Lafayette College, will be here to present.

Mid-Quarter Grades Progress Update, September 9

Mid quarter grades will be updated on September 9. An email will be sent to parents as a reminder to check your student’s progress through the FACTS Family Portal. Please contact teachers directly if you have any questions or concerns.

Meet the Teacher Night, September 14

It is our hope that all middle school and high school parents will set aside Wednesday evening, September 14 from 6:00-8:15 PM for the annual Meet the Teacher Night. After a general session in the JPII Center with Mr. Kiser that begins promptly at 6:00 PM, parents will be able to walk through their child’s daily schedule. 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.

Alumni Homecoming Tailgate, September 16

Join us for our 2022 Alumni and Alumni Parent Homecoming Tailgate on Friday, September 16 at 7:00 PM under the big white tent on the top of the hill by the end zone. Join us for delicious tailgate food, drinks, fellowship and special door prizes as we cheer on our Knights! To RSVP click HERE.

Charleston Wraps Fundraiser Ends September 16 (Deadline Extended!)

Charleston Wraps provides a variety of unique gifts, gourmet food, home decor, handbags, and holiday fare. It has something for everyone! Get a head start on your Christmas shopping and find something for yourself as well, while supporting the SJCS Jubilate Arts Guild and Fine Arts Department! Place your order HERE. Please share this link with all your friends and family to support Fine Arts at SJCS

Homecoming Dance, September 17

The SJCS Homecoming Dance will take place on Saturday, September 17 from 8:00 11:00 PM at the Hangar (21 Airport Road). The cost will be $20 per person. This dance is open to all SJCS high school students. More details will be sent to high school students via email. Questions? Contact SJCS Activities Director, Keitt Brace

Italy Trip and Japan Trip Interest Meeting, September 21

Interested in finally traveling abroad this year? Come to the interest meeting for the SJCS spring break trip to Italy led by Mrs. Carr and Mrs. Palmer. The meeting will also have information about the SJCS trip to Japan this June The meeting is Wednesday, September 21 at 6:30 PM in the Meeting Room. Details on the Italy trip can be found HERE. Details on the Japan trip can be found HERE. You can see the itinerary, price, payment plans, and sign up online. Questions? Contact Mrs. Carr

Middle School Coffeehouse, September 23

On Friday, September 23 from 5:00-6:30 PM, the Fine Arts Department will be sponsoring the first MS Coffeehouse of the year. ALL MS students are encouraged to participate in this informal, open mic style 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, entertainment, and baked goods. 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 per person, to be paid by cash/check at the entry point. MS students: Mark your calendar for the spring MS Coffeehouse on May 5.

Parent Coffee, September 28

Immediately following morning drop off, all SJCS parents are welcomed and encouraged to come to the cafeteria for coffee, a light breakfast, and fellowship. Beginning at 8:00 AM in the JPII Center, Keith Kiser, Head of School, other school administrators, and several parent volunteer leaders will be on hand to share information about the new school year, talk about opportunities for involvement, and be available to answer your questions. This is a great opportunity to hear from and speak with school officials and parent leaders in a small, informal setting. Click HERE to RSVP by Friday, September 23.

Financial Aid Night for Senior Families, October 4

On Tuesday, October 4 at 7:00 PM, Melissa M. Barnette, Associate Director of Financial Aid at Furman University, will be conducting a general Financial Aid meeting to discuss the various types of aid, scholarships (including the state scholarships, scholarships through the colleges and private 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 in the Meeting Room.

Campus Ministry & GS “Beginning Day”, October 8

All 9th 12th graders are invited to join the SJCS GS group at the Campus Ministry Beginning Day on Saturday, October 8. It’s a day to discover how friendship with others and with God makes it possible to not just “survive” high school, but to live it with meaning. More information will be sent out from the Campus Minister Gabe Lewis

Admissions Open House, Sunday, October 9

Please help us fill the campus on October 9 by inviting a prospective parent (relative, friend, neighbor, or co worker) to our annual Admissions Open House. The event begins at 1:00 PM 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.

How Can You Help?

• We are encouraging current SJCS families to pick up an Open House Yard Sign at Meet the Teacher Night here on September 14. This visible sign in your yard could also serve as a reminder to speak to a neighbor (or any prospective family) about your child’s St. Joseph’s experience. A strong enrollment helps all of us, and we thank you, in advance, for helping us recruit next year’s students.

• 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 on their application who recommended SJCS. After the new student attends school for one quarter, the recruiting family receives a $500 credit on their November tuition bill. For more information, click HERE

Attention Eighth Grade Parents

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 tuition paid) 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 25, 2023.

Ninth Grade PSAT Testing, October 12

All freshmen will take the PSAT 8/9 on Wednesday, October 12 with dismissal at Noon. 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. Further test details will be communicated via email and in the October News and Notes. Questions? Contact Melissa Broering.

Tenth & Eleventh Grade PSAT Testing, October 12

The PSAT will also be administered to all sophomores and juniors here at school on the morning of Wednesday, October 12, with dismissal at Noon. 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. Further test details will be communicated via email and in the October News and Notes. Questions? Contact Melissa Broering

SAT Test at School for Seniors Only, October 12

Seniors have the opportunity to take the SAT at school on Wednesday, October 12. The cost is $60 and this administration will not include the Essay portion of the exam. More information about the test itself can be found in the SAT School Day Student Guide found HERE. Register HERE by Thursday, September 9 at 4:00 PM if you would

like to take the SAT test at school on Wednesday, October 12 during our regular school hours. Seniors who do not take the SAT will be out of school on this day. Questions? Contact Melissa Broering

Noon Dismissal on October 12 & Schedule Change October 13

Dismissal will be at Noon on Wednesday, October 12 for all students. On Thursday, October 13, we will follow the M, T, F schedule with all classes meeting.

Greece Trip Interest Meeting, October 13

The Greece trip is still planned for June 9-17. The trip is packed with wonderful adventures and sights in Athens, Delphi, and a cruise to Myconos, Santorini, Rhodes, and Patmos! There is an interest meeting for parents and students on Thursday, October 13, at 7:00 PM in the Meeting Room. But you don't have to wait until then. For more information, email Elaine Trakas Travel like this helps students develop independence and a broader worldview while connecting what they learn in the classroom with the real world. This is a great Christmas or graduation gift!

Election Poll Work Training Session for November 8

High School students aged 16 and older who are interested in working the election polls on Tuesday, November 8 should see Mrs. Carr. We will have a training session at school for which you receive service hours and you also get paid for your work at the polling location

New Meal Plans from FLIK

HERE you will find information about FLIK’s new meal plans (monthly, semi-annual, and annual). Since school has started, FLIK will honor the $25 MySchoolBucks credit to anyone who signs up for the annual plan by August 31 and FLIK will refund any meal plan purchases made in August. Any monthly meal plan must be signed up 2 weeks before the start of a new month.

Confirmation Preparation

Seventh and eighth grade Catholic parents should contact their home parish to find out about registration for Confirmation preparation. Though St. Joseph’s seventh grade Religion classes cover Confirmation, each parish has its own requirements and they need to know which children are planning to be confirmed in the upcoming year. This is usually during eighth grade, but depending on the parish date for Confirmation, some preparation may begin in seventh grade.

Submit Your Work to INSCAPE

INSCAPE, SJCS’s Literary Magazine, welcomes you to the new year! If you have been a Knight before this year, then you recently received last year’s edition. Enjoy this beautiful compilation of poetry and art from our students and staff. We welcome you to submit your poetry and art for Inscape 2023. Details and instructions for submission can be found HERE.

Employment Opportunity in the Business Office

SJCS is hiring for a 12 month full time Controller. Details regarding this position may be found HERE.

From the Middle School Director

“May the Lord bless and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you His favor and give you His peace.”

Numbers 6: 24-26

I like to exercise in the mornings before I get to school. Sometimes I go to the YMCA, and sometimes I ride the exercise bike in my garage. When I feel like I really need some serious prayer time, or a solution to a situation, I stay in the garage. I can pray and concentrate in peace. And I’m not sure what it is about that exercise bike (or the garage, for that matter), but I’ve had an unusual number of issues resolved during that time. So I keep at it.

A few weeks ago, I devoted my bike in the garage prayer time to the start of this school year. During that time, a very specific scripture phrase came to mind … “a year of favor from the Lord.” Now, whether my attention to this phrase was spirit inspired, or simply wishful thinking, I decided it was a beautiful, hope filled phrase to consider.

As I thought about that particular phrase some more, I wondered if our Lord really does have a year of favor in store for us. We could certainly make the argument that we are due for one. I also thought that maybe I was being called to consider what a year of favor looks like, and what my role in that could or should be. Recognizing that our control over many things is limited, I’ve developed a list of things I can control to promote a year of favor and blessing:

• Engage everyone with authenticity and sincerity, careful to listen more than speak.

• Promote calm, peace, and predictability by doing what I say I will do.

• Embrace each person for who they are, with gratitude and grace.

• Promote holistic wellness through proper care of body, mind, and spirit.

• Spend a lot more time in prayer and on my bike in the garage.

Please pray for all of us in the St. Joseph school community, that our Lord truly will look on us with favor, blessings, protection, and peace.

From the High School Director

When the past becomes the enemy of the future.

We all have this one priest who just sticks with us. Life may force us to be separated by thousands of miles, but he lives in our memory as the priest who could do no wrong. Maybe he was a great confessor. Maybe his homilies always hit us just so. Or maybe we just liked him.

For me, it was Father Mike. On the calendar he was only my priest for a short time, but he looms large in my memory and in my spiritual formation. He was straight out of central casting for a New York priest. He didn’t put up with nonsense, but he was capable of great laughter. His mother would come to visit at times. She was a larger-than life woman and when the two of them went at each other it was a sight to behold. Father Mike died in 2020; and though I had not seen him in several years, I still feel his absence.

My memories of him are a source of encouragement and strength, but if I’m not careful they can confound me as well. Remembering only the best about someone is a little grace we show to one another, but we all know how easy it is for everyone who comes after our favorite to come up a little short. “He’s good,” we say, “but he’s no _______.” The past, or more likely our selective memory of it, becomes the enemy of the present and future.

The real danger is that it can lead us to overlook the many graces we have in the here and now. For instance, while I still miss Father Mike, I have benefitted from the wise counsel of several priests over the years, including many of those here in Greenville. Their bold proclamation of the Gospel in our city is an inspiration to many, myself

included. But there are still times when I hear in the back of my mind “that’s not how Father Mike would have done that…,” and in those moments I risk missing the word they have for me.

Our tendency to hold the romanticized past in such high regard always makes the present seem like a decline. True, sometimes it is a decline. But the proper response in those moments isn’t despair or resentment it’s hope. Hope based on the character of a God who can make all things new, and who always uses the present to call us unto Himself. My prayer this year is that we hear, and heed, that call.

From the Academic Support Services & College Counseling Office

College Counseling is on Instagram

We are excited to announce that the College Counseling Office has officially launched an Instagram account! Please be sure to search and follow sjcs_collegecounseling for scholarship updates, application process tips and tricks, college visit announcements, and much, much more This is a great way to stay connected with our office so we encourage everyone to follow along!

College Rep Visits

Numerous colleges have already scheduled campus visits, and we are currently working to schedule many others. Some colleges still have travel restrictions imposed, so we may be hosting some virtual visits, but the majority of visits will be done in person. These visits will be communicated via Scoir and on the College Counseling page of the SJCS website under “Colleges Visiting SJCS”. Students must register for visits through their Scoir account, at least one day in advance. We attempt to schedule as many of these visits during the high school lunch period so that juniors and seniors can participate without missing class time. However, sometimes visits will need to take place at another time during the school day and in these cases, those students who have a particular interest in the college will need to ask permission from his or her teacher to be excused from class. This will take place at the discretion of individual instructors. Please encourage your child to attend as many of these informal meetings as possible. These sessions provide great opportunities for students to talk with the college reps in a relaxed setting along with their classmates.

College Visits

Juniors and seniors are permitted to visit colleges or attend early decision day. In order for a college visit to count as a field trip, you must provide advance notice of the trip to the front office, and documentation (standard college visit letters) from the college or university must be provided immediately after the visit. Second semester sophomores and all juniors are allowed two (2) college visits. Seniors are allowed up to four (4) college visits over the course of the academic year.

To Access FACTS Family Portal

To access the FACTS Family Portal, click HERE and enter your username and password.

From the Athletic Department

Winter 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 at student central at Bigteams.com prior to the first tryout or practice (this includes all Summer Practices). No paper forms will be accepted, no exception. If you were an SJCS athlete in 2021-2022, 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 Pre Participation 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 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. This website is available in any language. To change the language, click on the person icon in the top right corner.

From the Athletic Booster Club

• Do you have a student athlete who plays any sport at St. Joseph’s? Are you grateful for the amazing coaches and growth opportunities that SJCS athletics provides your child? Or are you simply just proud to be a Knight and love our school? If you answered yes to any of those questions, then please make sure you join the Knights Athletic Booster Club today! Your membership fees are critical to providing the financial support ALL our athletic teams need to enhance program excellence.

• Click HERE to join or get more information on the various membership levels and benefits. If you are considering joining at the Platinum level, the deadline for names to be listed on our stadium and gym banners is September 9. You will receive one, two, four or six key tags, depending on membership level, for free admission to all non playoff home games, AND you can present your key tag at any Sully's Steamers for a free promotional item! A huge "thank you" to those who have already joined! Please note that once a membership form is received, it can take a week or so to process. You will receive an email when your key tags are available for pick up. Thank you for your patience.

• Interested in advertising for your business or just showing your family’s support for St Joseph’s athletics? We have updated our banner program to create enhanced visibility at our sports venues and more flexible options for where you'd like your logo displayed. Click HERE for more information on athletic sponsorships.

• Show your support for the Varsity Football team, and join your fellow fans and classmates at 5:30 PM every home game for a pre game tailgate starting on August 26. This season, we will have Food Trucks so bring yourself, your family, and friends early for some great food!

From the Business Office

Tuition Accounts

• St. Joseph’s uses FACTS for all tuition and incidental billing. You can access your student’s tuition account through the FACTS Family Portal. Using the FACTS Portal, you will be able to select the day you prefer to pay tuition as well as set up a schedule to pay incidentals. If you need assistance setting up your FACTS account, please contact Ann Gushue

• Each student also has a debit account for cafeteria and school store purchases. Payments can be made by bringing cash or a check to the front office, or online at MySchoolBucks

• Questions about your tuition account? Contact Ann Gushue.

Cafeteria Service

FLIK Dining Services is our cafeteria services provider. The cost for a full lunch is $6.50. This is a slight increase over last year due to the increase in food costs. Breakfast items are served from 7:30 7:45 AM, lunch is served during MS and HS lunch periods, and snacks are sold for 45 minutes at the end of each school day. In addition, a la carte items such as pizza, sandwiches, and salads are served during Household on Wednesdays. Trays for Household snacks, Household lunches, and/or team meals are also available for purchase. Please contact Chef Stacey for information on the items available for Household lunches and snacks.

Cafeteria Balances

FLIK, our cafeteria service, has updated their point of sale system. This system will be used for all cafeteria and School Store purchases. FLIK system offers a declining balance program that can be used to purchase lunch, breakfast, snacks, drinks, and St. Joseph’s logo items. Since FLIK is not set up to extend credit to students, the new software will not allow a balance due of $50.00 or more. You can check your students balance at MySchoolBucks To put money on your account, you can send cash or a check to the attention of FLIK or pay online at MySchoolBucks.

School Store

The School Store is open every school day during lunch periods, before school, and after school. Staffed by parent volunteers, the store is located at the entrance to the school cafeteria. The store stocks snacks and some school supplies (highlighters, pens, notecards, etc.), locker accessories (locker ladders and magnets), and St. Joseph’s logo items (SJCS t shirts, car decals and license plates). Purchases at the School Store can be made using cash, or the student’s MySchoolBucks account.

Late Stay

Late Stay is available each day after school until 6:00 PM. Any student not involved in a supervised after school activity must report to Late Stay by 3:30 PM. The cost for Late Stay is $4.50 an hour.

Tuition Credit Program

Thank you to many of our school families for employing our Student Recruitment Tuition Credit Program this past school year. We greatly appreciate you referring families to SJCS! This program is ongoing and we hope that more SJCS parents will choose to take advantage of this for 2023 2024 recruitment. Click HERE to read about the program, and note that the $500 tuition credit will be issued on your November statement after the student you referred to SJCS has attended classes for one quarter.

From the Development Office

Annual Fund

Our goal this fiscal year (July 2022 – June 2023) is to engage the financial support of 100% of our school families, faculty, and staff in giving to the Annual Fund. We will track participation numbers by grade level throughout the year, beginning in October.

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. 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 $550,000. Please contact Kevin Meyer with any questions, download your Annual Fund Donation Form today or make an online donation!

From the Fine Arts Department

Fine Arts Sponsorships Deadline, October 1

Attention business owners! Want to reach a larger audience? JAG would like to introduce our sponsorship program. We are offering our corporate sponsors a chance for promotion with advertising in the programs of our six main Fine Arts events. The size of the ad depends on the level of sponsorship. In addition to an ad in our programs, our sponsors will get further promotion through social media, the Fine Arts’ website, and special signage in the lobby at our events. Click HERE for more information on sponsorship levels and benefits. If you join our sponsorship program before October 1, you will maximize your investment by being included in the first Fine Arts program of the year, the Fall Play!

Fine Arts Programming

There are several opportunities to get involved in the Fine Arts program outside of the regular class schedule. Events meet as listed below; contact the teachers for each class if you would like more information.

High School Stage Crew: The stage crew schedule varies, but is usually scheduled after school three days a week and on Saturdays Questions? Contact Teresa McGrath.

Shop Safety Certification Class: This class will be offered in the fall for High School students. Interested? Contact Teresa McGrath.

Pep Band: Open to all band students, with at least one year of playing experience at SJCS. Pep Band rehearses on Wednesday afternoons from 1:30-3:00 PM to prepare to play at the Varsity home Football games. Questions? Contact Brian Doyle or Marjorie Malphrus

All School Choir: All students are invited to join the St. Joseph Singers. Rehearsals will be during both MS and HS lunch on Tuesdays in Room C301 (the Dance Room). Grab your lunch quickly and join the group! Students may attend as their availability allows. Questions? Contact Angela Hayes.

Volunteers Needed

Please contact Teresa McGrath for more information on how to volunteer for either of the opportunities below:

• Any parents or students willing to donate their time and talents to the Fine Arts Department through their sewing skills

• Any parents willing to assist in the Scene Shop during after school and Saturday crew sessions

Opportunities to Support the Fine Arts

Join: Show your love for the Arts by joining our Fine Arts Booster Club, the Jubilate Arts Guild (JAG). With membership support this past year, we were able to purchase several items to benefit the department, including a tenor saxophone and bass drum for Band, drying racks and artwork displays for Visual Arts, sheet music for Strings & Chorus, a washer and dryer for Theatre, and a speaker and music for Dance. In addition to supporting the Fine Arts with your membership purchase, there are many benefits to joining JAG, including discount tickets and priority seating at many Fine Arts events. The 2022-2023 membership form can be found HERE

Volunteer: Looking to get more involved? All MS students and most HS students are involved in the Arts in some way at SJCS. JAG is in need of parent volunteers to serve on the JAG committee for the 2022 2023 school year. We have various officer positions available, and several committee vacancies. Come to a meeting to discover how much fun it can be supporting the Arts. Want more information? Contact the Jubilate Arts Guild president, Cindy Davis

Purchase a wreath: Our famous Wreath Sale will begin in October. You have probably heard about the beautiful live wreaths, table toppers, and swags that can be delivered to you and your loved ones (or business associates). And they last! Look for more information in future News and Notes on how to order these wonderful holiday decorations.

Order an Ornament: Don't forget to order your SJCS Red Door ornament to commemorate your child’s time at St. Joseph’s. Click HERE to purchase your ornament. Additionally, information on the 2022 SJCS Christmas ornament, designed by SJCS Student Natalie Wills, will soon be available There are also a limited number of last year’s "Year of St. Joseph" ornaments still available. Contact Christine Balts if you are interested. Orders will be filled on a first come, first served basis.

Jubilate Knight for the Arts Talent Show

Mark your calendars for our Fine Arts Department annual talent competition and fundraiser, Jubilate Knight for the Arts, on Saturday, February 11, 2023. All members of the school community are invited to participate in this event, and the sale of voting tokens aids in funding the needs of our dance, choral, instrumental, theatre, and visual arts programs. Preparations for this family friendly fun evening begin in the fall, so dust off the dancing shoes, exercise the vocal chords, or come up with an act to showcase your own unique talent. Look for more information in later New & Notes. In addition, if you are interested in joining the planning committee, we are always in need of volunteers to help put together this exciting event for our SJCS family. Contact Cindy Davis for more information.

From the Parents Guild

Letter from the Parents Guild President, Rebecca Feldman

Welcome to a new school year! All parents and caregivers of St. Joseph’s students are automatically a member of the Parents Guild – no need to join! It is the Parents Guild’s goal to engage parents with the school through volunteer opportunities. We provide support to the administration, faculty, and staff, as well as the student body and families. We are hoping that after two and a half years of “typical school life” being impacted by the pandemic, that it will be a year full of events and family involvement. There are many ways to get involved and

engage within daily school life by using God given gifts to serve our community. Your help is wanted, needed, and appreciated! Please reach out to anyone on the board with any questions or ideas. We look forward to a fantastic year with each of you!

Parents Guild 2022-2023 Board

With a new year brings a new Parents Guild Board to promote and foster parent support for the mission of the school, the academic, spiritual, and moral growth of its students, and the work of its faculty. Parents Guild seeks to coordinate the involvement of the parents in the daily life of the school.

The 2022 2023 Board is as follows: Rebecca Feldman, President; Jenna Howard, VP Parent Engagement; Nikki Hamby, VP Ways and Means; Andrea Meade, Treasurer; Stephanie Wilkins, Secretary; Lisa Ireland, High School Rep/ Parents Ambassadors; Mary Beth Galbreath, Middle School Rep/Parents Ambassadors

Volunteer Opportunities

Parent involvement at St. Joseph’s is an essential part of our growing and active community. Your time and talents can contribute to the life of the school, making St. Joseph’s a vibrant and engaging community. Your help is wanted, needed, and appreciated. An added bonus… we have a lot of fun! Click HERE to access the Parent Volunteer Opportunities form and get involved with Parents Guild, Athletic Boosters, Fine Arts Boosters, Gala, and Campus Ministry. We look forward to serving with you!

No Cost Fundraisers

Please visit the Parents Guild page on the SJCS website HERE to learn ways to participate in no cost fundraising programs for 2022-2023. These include Publix, Harris Teeter, Lowes, Box Tops for Education, and Amazon. It’s easy to do and helps the school.

Spirit Wear

The School Store will have official SJCS outerwear and spirit wear available for purchase. Look for our online Spirit Wear sale email coming soon!

School Store

Knights and Nobles, the St. Joseph’s School Store, is open every school day before and after school and during the lunch periods. Staffed by parent volunteers, the store is located at the entrance to the school cafeteria. The store stocks grocery items for before school snacks (granola bars and juice) and after school snacks, with a limited selection of sweet treats available at lunchtime. The store also stocks some school supplies (highlighters, pens, notecards, etc.), locker accessories (locker ladders and magnets), and St. Joseph’s spirit wear (some items from spring sale and a restock after the fall sale).

New this year: School Store purchases may be charged to the students’ My School Bucks account or may be paid for with cash. There will no longer be a separate charge account through the parent portal. Spirit Wear items must be paid for with cash or check made payable to the school. While the store is designated as a fund raising source, the School Store will have pricing comparable to the FLIK prices and will try to keep reasonable rates.

Used Uniforms

There are still items from our semi annual Used Uniform Sale available. Items are stored in the School Store and the front desk can provide access to parents wishing to shop items.

Thank You

Thank you to Patricia Hanson for her hard work to make the Used Uniform Sale a success and to Lynn Courchaine for setting up the School Store and coordinating volunteers

From the School Nurse

Student Illness

Students with signs or symptoms of illness should not attend school or extracurricular activities. Absences should be reported to the Front Office.

COVID

Students with symptoms of COVID or who have been exposed to COVID should be tested. PCR, antigen, and home COVID testing are all acceptable tests this year. COVID positive student tests should be reported to the school by using the COVID reporting form located on the school website.

Medication Policy

It is against St. Joseph’s policy for a student to carry ANY medication on their person without physician permission, parent permission, and permission from the school nurse to self administer and self monitor. Failure to comply with the medication policy may result in disciplinary action.

Allergies

If your child has a life threatening allergy, please make sure you have an updated care plan in Magnus Health and emergency medication available in the health room. Care plans must be signed by both parent and physician.

Inhalers

Students with asthma should have updated action plans and medication available for them if needed. Please discuss with your child's physician to see if medication needs to be stored in the health room.