From the Head of School
Saint Joseph’s School Prayer
Glorious Saint Joseph, spouse of the Immaculate Virgin and Foster-Father of Jesus Christ; obtain for me and all the members of my family, a pure, humble, and charitable mind, and perfect resignation to the Divine Will. Be my guide and model throughout life that I may merit to die as you did in the arms of Jesus and Mary. Help us, Saint Joseph, in our earthly strife, to fulfill our responsibilities and ever to lead a pure and sinless life. Amen.
“Christ was faithful as a son over His house. We are Christ’s house if we hold firmly to our confidence and the boast of our hope.” Hebrews 3:6
Greetings from Saint Joseph’s Catholic School!
I hope you and your family had a restful and enjoyable Spring Break. My daughter informed me on the way into the parking lot after the break that we have 40 days left in the school year. Later that morning I interviewed an 8th grader who told me: “No, there are actually 38 days of school left!” But who’s counting? I guess the students are!
During the break, Tami and I had the opportunity to see our granddaughters play soccer. We had a great time cheering on their school team to a comeback overtime victory. Our granddaughters attend Cane River Middle School in Burnsville, North Carolina. You might recognize the town because it is located in Yancey County, parts of which were severely damaged by Hurricane Helene due to the flooding of the Cane River. Our son’s family was one of the many families in the region who were unable to communicate with loved ones for three days. Thankfully, their small flower farm was spared any real damage, but some neighbors lost their homes in the storm. Our granddaughters missed more than a month of school. And while life is returning to normal, signs of devastation throughout the county remain. (Some members of SJCS’ Senior Class saw some of this firsthand, when they traveled to Spruce Pine, NC, just down the road from Burnsville, for their Senior Mission Trip during MiniMester )
So, this middle school soccer game on a sunny yet blustery, cold afternoon was anything but ordinary. It carried a significance way beyond the game itself for me. To cheer the girls on with families from a community that had been through so much made, the outcome of the game, as exciting as it was, pale by comparison. It’d be hard for me to overstate the perspective-taking impact this experience has had on me, and I wanted to share it with you to help us keep perspective as the spring sports season comes into full bloom.
If you have a son or daughter participating, I hope you can enjoy it for what it is, an opportunity to see your child enjoy a sport they love. Over the years, I’ve watched parents lose their perspective (and minds!) when sports don’t go the way they hoped they would for their children. Trust me, I’ve been there as a parent myself. I’ve been on the sidelines more than once wondering why my child was not playing, worrying about how that might impact his self-esteem, and forgetting all I believe about the nature and purpose of sports. When I think about the challenges these same children of mine now face as adults, it puts all the “sideline concerns” I once had when they were in high school in perspective.
As administrators, we talk a lot about how sports should serve the overall mission of our Catholic school. Athletic Director/Head Football Coach Eric Nash has summarized our vision in a document called Athletics The Saint Joseph’s Way. He recently summarized that document for parents in a presentation at the March TEAM Meeting. If you did not attend, I’ve included the document (HERE) for your reference. If your child is one of the 80% of our students who participates in at least one sport, I hope you will take the time to read it. While admittedly some coaches are better at some parts of this than others, this is the experience we are committed to working toward providing for all of our athletes.
Also, Coach Eric Nash was recently interviewed on the podcast Faith and Sport discussing the role sport plays in building virtue and character. I’ve linked the podcast HERE I hope you’ll listen. Coach Nash joins the show just after the 30-minute mark.
While on the topic of sports, I’ll wrap my letter by letting you know that the school remains committed to improving our athletic facilities as outlined during the You Belong Campaign. Those improvements include expanded stadium seating, a renovated plaza to include restroom facilities, the addition of a girls’ locker room, and an expanded weight room. Thanks to an anonymous leadership gift, we are looking into the feasibility of undertaking the stadium renovations this summer. We’ll keep you updated as our plans solidify.
In closing, please join us in praying for the following members of the SJCS family: for Sister Lucita on the passing of her mother.
With Love and Prayers,
Keith F. Kiser Head of School
Things You Need To Know
Next Well-Fed Dad’s Meeting, April 9
The next Well-Fed Dad Men's Prayer Breakfast is Wednesday, March 12 at 6:45 AM. Someone will be there to open the door at 6:35 AM. As always, there will be time for fellowship and discussion, and we'll share prayer concerns and have Morning Prayer together before heading off to work at 7:45 AM. Breakfast sandwiches and coffee will be served for breakfast. Please RSVP HERE so we know how many sandwiches to have on hand. Please park in the visitors spots in front of the main building or in the sophomore lot.
Cyrano de BurgerShack, Spring Musical Production, April 10-13
Get ready for a modern twist on a classic tale! Our Spring Musical, Cyrano de BurgerShack, is a contemporary retelling of Cyrano de Bergerac. This jukebox musical features bangers from artists like Katy Perry, P!nk, and Bruno Mars, promising an entertaining night out with your besties. The show runs April 10-13 and tickets are available to purchase HERE Discount codes were emailed to Jubilate Arts Guild members in March.
Mid-Quarter Progress Update, April 11
Mid-quarter grades will be updated by 4:00 PM on Friday, April 11. An email will be sent to parents as a reminder to check your student’s grades in Blackbaud. Please contact teachers directly if you have any questions or concerns.
Next Well-Read Mom Meeting, April 15
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 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM at Saint Joseph’s. Our next meeting is Tuesday, April 15 and we will be discussing Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi and With Reflections on a Father’s Love by Franco Nembrini. For more information, contact Sara Dellinger We also have a Well-Read Mom group that meets on the second Tuesday of each month in the morning. Contact Eileen Coffey for more information about time and location.
Calendar Clarification, April 16 & April 17
The daily bell schedule for April 16 and April 17 has been switched. This means that students are dismissed at 3:00 PM on Wednesday, April 16 (and it will be a Thursday bell schedule) and at 1:15 PM on Thursday, April 17(and it will be a Wednesday bell schedule). Friday, April 18 is the official start of our Easter Break.
Easter Break, April 18 & April 21
Easter Break will begin on Friday, April 18. Classes will resume on Tuesday, April 22. The school and school office will be closed.
Juniors & Seniors:
Transition to College Workshop, April 24
We are excited to invite Juniors and Seniors to a special transitioning to college workshop presented by the University of South Carolina's Counseling Center. While the presenters will mostly be focusing on the transition to college, we feel that both Juniors and Seniors can benefit from this very informative session! It is strongly encouraged that all Seniors attend and parents are welcome as well. This meeting will take place during the Flex Period (8:00-9:00 AM). The first 25 attendees will receive a Chick-fil- A biscuit!
SJCS Parent TEAM Meeting, April 24
Saint Joseph’s believes its graduates are destined to change the world. Learn how we prepare them to face the unique challenges of today’s world with faith, confidence, an open heart, positivity, hope, charity, and a willingness to engage with those who don’t see the world the way they do. There will only be one session for this TEAM meeting on Thursday, April 24 at 8:00 AM.
New Student Night, May 5
All newly accepted students (students new to SJCS for fall 2025) and their parents are required to attend this informative evening on campus beginning at 7:00 PM in the JPII Center. Students will split into Middle and High School meetings and teachers will be on hand as well. There will also be a “meet and greet” with our Booster
Club, Jubilate Guild, and Parents Guild. More information about this night was included in all new student acceptance packets. Questions? Contact Jenny Starks in the Admissions Office.
Spring Concerts - May 6, 7, & 8
Celebrate the end of the year at the Fine Arts Spring Concerts:
• Tuesday, May 6 - Spring Band Concert
• Wednesday, May 7 - Spring Choral Concert
• Thursday, May 8 - Spring Strings Concert
All concerts will begin at 7:00 PM in the St. John Paul 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. Click HERE to join JAG for this membership benefit.
HS Academic Awards Ceremony & Senior Red Door Ceremony, May 8
The HS Academic Awards Ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 8 in the JPII Center at 2:00 PM. 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 2025 processing out through the Red Door in the school’s annual Red Door Farewell Ceremony. This program marks the end of one spiritual journey and the beginning of a new one for our seniors.
Ornament Contest Deadline, May 9
The Jubilate Arts Guild wants YOU to design our 2025 Christmas Ornament! This year’s theme is HOPE, celebrating the 2025 Jubilee Year. Show off your creativity with a circular design that captures the spirit of hope. The deadline for submissions is May 9. Submit your artwork HERE. Don't miss out on this awesome opportunity to have your art featured!
Senior Vs Senior Parent Dodgeball, May 19
Please mark your calendar for the May 19 Senior Vs Senior Parent Dodgeball game. The Senior Sunset will follow. More details to follow in the May News & Notes.
Theatre Summer Camps Begin June 2
• June 2-5: HS Improvisation (Rising 8th-12th Graders) from 3:00-5:00 PM
• June 2-6: Rising Stars (Rising 3rd-8th Graders) from 9:00 AM-1:00 PM Click HERE for additional details and registration
Rising Senior College Essay Workshop, June 16-20
The College Counseling Office will hold a college application essay workshop for rising seniors June 1620. College Admission Counselors will be present throughout the week to lead and assist students through the brainstorming and revision process. Space is limited to the first 50 students who register and we currently have approximately 10 spots remaining. The times, cost, and registration can be accessed HERE
Rising Senior Application Boot Camp, August 1 & 4
The college Counseling Office will host a free college application boot camp for rising seniors on August 1 and August 4 at SJCS. All rising seniors are welcome. More details, including the specific times and registration link, will follow in an email later this summer.
Annual Saint Joseph’s Golf Tournament, August 8
The Annual Saint Joseph’s Golf Tournament is scheduled for August 8. Please mark your calendars to attend this amazing event that goes a long way in providing vital funds for our Athletic programs.
Join our SJCS Parents in Prayer Group on Thursdays!
If you are looking for additional prayer time, a way to deepen your Lent this year, or just fellowship with other SJCS parents and supporters, please join us on Thursdays at 2:00 PM. You will check in at the front desk and Mrs. Adams will direct you to whatever room we are assigned for that week. During these gatherings, we first offer prayers for SJCS (students, faculty, administration, and alumni and LOTS of great stuff), and then we pray the
Rosary. It typically lasts from 2:00-3:00 PM. There is also an email group that receives prayer requests on a regular basis that prays for us too. We would love to increase our fellowship in this group, so please join us!
Travel to London, Spring Break 2026!
Interested in traveling to England? This trip will include guided walking and sight-seeing tours of London highlights, along with a visit to the Tower of London, Windsor Castle, and visits to Stonehenge, Bath, and Stratford-uponAvon. The trip also includes a backstage tour of the National Theater, a workshop and performance at the Globe, and a West-End production! Trip details (including the itinerary, cost, payment plans, etc.) can be found HERE . The exact travel dates will be posted at the end of this school year. Dates currently listed on the itinerary are to begin the trip planning and provide an estimated cost. This trip is open to current 8th grade through 11th grade SJCS students. Parents are also welcome to join us. Interested students and parents can register HERE
Travel to France & Spain in May 2026
Bonjour! ¡Hola! Señora Russell will be leading students on a trip to France and Spain May 25-June 3, 2026 (departing the Monday following Commencement). This trip is open to current 8-11th graders. The exciting itinerary leads us from Madrid to Paris, with the Mediterranean Coast in between. Starting in Madrid, we will see the Plaza de España, with its statue of Don Quixote, the majestic Alcalá Gate, the famous bullring Las Ventas, and the impressive Prado museum. From Madrid, we will travel by train to Barcelona, known for its artistic treasures and fine architecture. Students are sure to delight in all the sites as we discover Barcelona by bike. The highlight of our stay in the south of France will be a Gladiator games workshop and a tour of the Pont du Gard, a 161-foot Roman aqueduct in nearly perfect condition. Finally, we will be whisked away via fast train to Paris. We will visit the most famous landmarks in Paris. If you are interested in providing this opportunity for your child, please email Señora Russell or visit the trip website HERE.
Required Community Service Hours
All students are required to complete and submit their community service hours through MobileServe. The service hour requirements are as follows: Freshmen must complete 10 hours, Sophomores must complete 15 hours, Juniors must complete 20 hours, and Seniors must complete 20 hours. Service opportunities are regularly shared through the SJCS Service Classroom, so be sure to check for updates. Questions? Contact Mrs. Charlton
Exam Schedules
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.
Time
Final Exam Schedule, Grades 8-11 for Non-AP Courses
May 19
May 20
May 21
May 22
May 23 8:05 AM10:00 AM
Make Up Exams (If Needed)
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.
• 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.
6th & 7th Grade Class Schedule and 8th Grade Exam Schedule
Time Monday May 19 Tuesday May 20 Wednesday May 21
8:05 AM10:00 AM
10:20 AM –12:15 PM
6th Grade: 2nd Period
7th Grade: 1st Period
8th Grade: 1st Period Exam
6th Grade: 3rd Period
7th Grade: 7th Period
8th Grade: 2nd Period Exam
6th Grade: 4th Period
7th Grade: 3rd Period
8th Grade: 3rd Period Exam
6th Grade: 5th Period
7th Grade: 4th Period
8th Grade: 4th Period Exam
6th Grade: 6th Period
7th Grade: 5th Period
8th Grade: 7th Period Exam
6th Grade: 7th Period
7th Grade: 6th Period
8th Grade: 6th Period Exam