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
Summer Greetings from All of Us at Saint Joseph’s!
As the school year was winding down, I had another “I wish you could have experienced that” moment. From time to time, I’ll experience something with our students that makes me think, I wish the parents could have seen that. I’ve shared some of these experiences in these pages before, as I believe they illustrate the true value of a Saint Joseph’s diploma.
The most recent example happened on “Senior Prank Day,” which is not an official thing but something that happens each May regardless and usually brings a smile to everyone’s face because of how clever (and non-destructive) our students are.
I hope this year’s “Senior Prank” becomes a new tradition. Their “prank” was to have an all-day cookout on the lawn near the high school parking lot, to which I had a front-row seat from my office. I watched the pickup trucks carrying grills, tents, coolers, and lawn games arrive in the morning, and eventually smelled the burgers and dogs cooking. I watched as throughout the day more and more faculty members showed up and the kids offered them a plate and invited them to take a seat. I made my way out there and saw Mr. Koon sitting amidst the students under the tent, hands folded behind his head, chatting it up with the students. He’d reportedly been there “all day.” Ms. Houmis was learning to play cornhole from JP Rambo, who is really good by the way. You want him on your team. Coach Nash raced (and lost) to Jack Flynn in the blow-up obstacle course.
You get the idea. It was an awesome Saint Joseph’s moment. More than one teacher who paid a visit and mooched food said that this should be something we do every year. Comments were made about
how much we like these kids and that we’re going to miss them. And to top it off, the seniors did an amazing job cleaning up at the end of the day.
Earlier that week, I wish you could have seen all of the students gather in the Saint John Paul II Center, awaiting the new Pope to walk out on the loggia of St. Peter’s in Rome. Word of “White Smoke” had spread quickly in the school and teachers were invited to bring their students to the JP II Center. Before long, the auditorium was filled with excited students, eager to see their new Pope and hear his new name. Of course, no one anticipated he would be from America. They broke out in a loud cheer and then a chant of U-S- A when they heard that he was born in Chicago and graduated from Villanova with a math degree. Words can’t describe the joy in the room that afternoon. I wish you could have seen it!
Later that weekend, I attended the wedding of two Saint Joseph’s graduates, both in their late 20s. It was great catching up with this SJCS friend group, which has stayed together and added other friends and spouses over the years. Not every path has been straight for all whom I have talked with, but there is a quality, solidity, and warmth typical of Saint Joseph’s graduates. I wish you could have heard them speak about how much the school community did for them and still means to them today. Those of you with SJCS graduates know what I’m talking about because you’ve witnessed your version of these friend-groups.
I had another moment like this under very different and somber circumstances at the prayer vigil for Deacon Juan Cantu, the father of Mariana and Daniel, who passed far too young at age 48 after succumbing to pancreatic cancer. Getting out of the car upon arrival at the church at St. Joseph’s in Anderson, I noticed a group of our students gathering to go into the church. It was Mariana’s soccer team who came to support and pray for her and her father. Deacon Sal, who gave a moving homily at the service, is the father of two Saint Joseph’s graduates. Deacon Cantu was a great man of faith, who was inspired by then 7-year-old Mariana to go to confession and return to the faith. May he rest in peace. Please join the school community in keeping their family in your prayers.
Reflecting and praying about all of this, I am overcome with gratitude for this school community. And more than any singular thing, the real value of a St. Joseph’s education is community as a whole: parents, teachers, coaches, campus ministers, and administrators all working together to form the minds, hearts, and souls of our students in the likeness of Christ.
Thank you for entrusting your sons and daughters to the Saint Joseph’s Catholic School community this year. We hope your family has a great summer. I can’t wait for the new school year (after a break, of course!) with the new building and a new schedule, and to see all the ways both are going to impact the student experience for the better.
The technology department is looking for volunteers to help with Chromebook setup during the summer. If interested contact Mr. Sokol
School Office Closed, May 26
The school and school offices will be closed on Monday, May 26 for Memorial Day.
Summer Office Hours Begin May 27
Beginning Tuesday, May 27, summer office hours are 8:00 AM-Noon Monday-Thursday. The office will be closed on Fridays, as well as the week of June 30- July 4. The office re-opens July 7 and summer hours continue until August 1.
Ornament Contest Deadline, May 30
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. Click HERE for additional details. The deadline for submissions is May 30. Submit your artwork HERE Don't miss out on this awesome opportunity to have your art featured.
Theatre Summer Camps Begin June 2 (Register by May 31)
• 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.
Final Report Cards Available June 2
Fourth quarter (Q4)/Final Report Cards will be available in Blackbaud after 4:00 PM on June 2. An email will be sent from the Registrar’s Office to parents and students when report cards are finalized. Contact the teacher directly if you have any questions regarding your student’s grade. Please print a copy or save as a pdf for your records, car insurance discounts, and DMV.
Get
Ahead This Summer, June 9-20
There are two or three spots left in the summer Government class June 9-20. Get your semester credit finished in 2 weeks. As one senior this year said, "Summer government was the best decision I ever made!" Contact Mrs. Carr or Mrs. Broering for information and to sign up.
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
Course Schedules for Middle & High School
• High School: Students and parents will be notified via email when the 2025-2026 schedules are available in July. Students will have an opportunity to make limited change requests once schedules are made available.
• Middle School: Students will receive their final schedules on Orientation Day. Eighth grade parents will be contacted via email concerning their child’s World Language placement when their schedules are complete in late July.
Middle School Supplies
Middle school supply lists are being updated and will be available on the school website in mid-July. A link to the lists will be included in the August News and Notes
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 Friday, August 8 at The Preserve at Verdae This is a huge fundraiser for the Athletics department and a great way to spend a Friday with some friends. There are many opportunities to participate, sponsor, or volunteer. Check the Saint Joseph’s athletics page for more information.
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 need 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.
Used Textbooks
If you wish to donate books to Saint Joseph’s, please give priority to titles we are still using so that these textbooks can be distributed to our scholarship students and/or used in the classroom at the teacher's discretion.
Travel to France & Spain in May 2026
Announcement from Señora Russell: Great news! Our Spain & France 2026 (May 25 - June 3, 2026) trip is officially beginning to form. Registrations are coming in, and I wanted to remind you to register as soon as possible to make sure that you don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity, as spots are filling up quickly. The sooner our group is formed, the earlier the travel company is able to start booking our trip ensuring the best quality possible. If you are interested in providing this opportunity for your child, please email Señora Russell or visit the trip website HERE.
From the Assistant Head of School
“A calm, peaceful and tranquil heart is life and health to the body.”
~ Proverbs 14:30
If you’ve ever visited my office, you know that I keep the overhead lights off. I do the same thing at home, and it’s become the running joke of the family. “Can we please turn some lights on?” I used to think that the overhead lights incited migraines, but I’m not so sure anymore. What I really think I’m searching for is calm, quiet , and peacefulness. Somehow, I correlate bright lights with the opposite.
One of the attributes I most admire in people is the ability to remain gentle, patient, and mild even in the midst of distress and chaos. The more birthdays I have, the more I crave that disposition for myself. I don’t want to listen to noise and I don’t want to get distracted by bright things or worry about why my phone is buzzing. What I do want is the ability to pay attention to what matters most … what is right in front of me … or what I should anticipate is coming up behind me. Where am I right now and where do I need to be - in mind, body, and spirit?
My prayer for all of us this summer is that we find time for gentleness, patience, and mildness. Let us find ways to embrace calm, quiet, and peace so that we can be fully and mindfully present to the people we love the most, including our Heavenly Father. The summer can be a time to refresh, if we allow it. Know that I will be praying for all of you (in dim light!) that we recognize the opportunities God has in store for restoration and thanksgiving.
“We shall steer safely through every storm, so long as our heart is right, our intention fervent, our courage steadfast, and our trust fixed on God.”
~ St. Francis de Sales
St. Joseph, pray for us!
With Prayer and Thanksgiving,
Wanda Jaraczewski Assistant Head of School
From the Academic Support Services & College Counseling Office
Final Senior Transcripts
Senior transcripts with final grades and GPA will be sent out during the first and second week of June to the college you indicated in your Graduation Survey. If your college requires a form to be included with the transcript, please make sure the College Counseling Office has this form. Please note that this does not include the Final Report Form for Common App schools, as we already have these forms.
Student-Athletes: NCAA Eligibility Center
• Seniors who have committed to play a sport in college or are planning to try out must register with the NCAA (Division I and II) or NAIA and request that their final transcripts be sent to them.
• Juniors who are going through the recruitment process and are thinking about playing at the collegiate level must also register with the NCAA and request that their end-of-year transcripts be sent to the NCAA.
Rising Senior Families
If you would like to have a follow-up meeting, please contact the College Counseling Office to set one up. All students are encouraged to try to meet with their college counselor at least one time during the summer.
PSAT, SAT, & ACT Test Prep
Summer is the perfect time for rising sophomores and juniors to start preparing for upcoming fall PSAT testing and for rising seniors to brush up for the SAT and ACT tests. There are many free online test prep opportunities, including SAT, ACT, and Khan Academy. Princeton Review and Kaplan Test Prep both have free resources, as well as other online prep courses for a fee. If you are interested in local in-person test prep, contact one of the College Counselors for tutors' names and contact information.
From the Athletic Department
From the Booster Club
Happy Summer! The Knights Athletics teams had another amazingly successful year. The Booster Board is already gearing up for next year to help support our stellar student athletes.
• Be on the lookout for the new bus wrap that was made possible by your contributions to the Booster Club.
• Please consider joining the Booster Club next year to help support Saint Joseph’s athletics. GO KNIGHTS!!
Student Tuition Accounts
From the Business Office
As we approach the end of the school year, please review your student's tuition account for any outstanding charges. Sign in to Tuition Management and choose the 2024-2025 School Session. At this time, all accounts should be paid up in order for students to receive their final report card and new class schedule. Please contact Nikki Hamby if you have any questions regarding your account.
Education Scholarship Trust Fund Program (ESTF)
SC School Choice bill was signed into law last week. This is very exciting news, as this will allow families who meet the income requirements to receive $7,500 per student to be used to offset private school education. Income requirements are based on the number of children in a family and are broader than you might expect, so please go to SC School Choice for more information to see how this might impact your family. Applications open May 19.
From the Development Office
Annual Fund
• Helping families afford a Saint Joseph’s education is a foundational principle to our identity as a Catholic school. The Annual Fund fulfills this responsibility by providing approximately 5% of the school’s overall budget. These dollars are raised every year through the generosity of our community.
• Our Annual Fund goal for this fiscal year (July 2024- June 2025), which includes proceeds from the Gala, is $550,000 and our total through mid-May is $425,000. Please consider an Annual Fund donation to help us reach our goal by June 30. Please contact Kevin Meyer with any questions or make an online donation
You Belong Campaign
• Saint Joseph’s started the You Belong Campaign in the Spring of 2023 with a goal of $6 million to build the Saint Joseph’s Way Center. This building will contain a large multipurpose room (seating 175-200), four new Theology classrooms and offices for Campus Ministry, Student Support Services, and College Counseling. Construction on the new building is happening now and it will open in the Fall of 2025.
• We have also identified a number of athletic priorities (cost estimate of $4.5 million) that we are planning to undertake. These include adding stadium seating, restrooms, and a baseball press box, improving accessibility and expanding our weight room and locker room facilities. If you’d like more information on the campaign and the plans, or to make a pledge or donation, please refer to our campaign webpage or contact Kevin Meyer with any questions.
Named Endowment Funds
A Named Endowment Fund is an enduring gift that will support programs that are meaningful to you in perpetuity. The following funds have been established and are providing continued support:
• The Bikulege Family Foundation Endowment for Athletics
• The McNicholas Family Scholarship
• The Michael D. Miros Scholarship
The total current value of the SJCS Endowment is about $1.3 million and it will yield an annual payout to help offset budgeted expenses. SJCS uses Catholic Investment Services to manage our Endowment investments in accordance with Catholic social teaching. For more information about these funds or to get information about establishing an endowment fund, please contact Kevin Meyer.
From the Fine Arts Department
Stay Connected with SJCS Fine Arts Department!
Did you know that the SJCS Fine Arts Guild is active on Facebook and Instagram? Follow us to stay in the loop with all the latest arts news, events, and updates!
• Instagram: @sjcsfineartsgvl
• Facebook: SJCS Fine Arts Department
Join our online community and never miss a beat of the exciting happenings in our Fine Arts programs!
Jubilate Arts Guild Board Openings for 2025-2026
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! The Board meets once a month all year for regular business, or you can volunteer to assist at specific events. All middle school students partake of the Fine Arts programs and the majority of our high school students participate in band, strings, guitar, chorus, dance, theater, and/or visual arts. 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 the Jubilate Arts Guild HERE for more information.
Early Bird Sponsorship Discount for 2025-2026
Secure your sponsorship of the Jubilate Arts Guild for next year at a 10% discount, now through June 1. For new and continuing JAG sponsorships, we are pleased to provide a 10% discount for all sponsorships paid in full by
June 1. Click HERE for more information on sponsorship levels. Contact the Jubilate Arts Guild HERE to take advantage of this limited time offer!
From the Parents Guild
Thank You!
Thank you to Amy Doyle, Jill Sullivan, and the Bach family for volunteering for our annual Fish Fry.
Help SJCS Earn Money Over the Summer
Do you shop at any or all of the below stores? Sign up for free and help us earn money!
• Publix: HERE
• Harris Teeter: HERE
• Lowes Food: HERE
• Box Tops/Walmart: HERE
Get Involved for 2025-2026
Parents Guild is a great way to be involved in the school and connect with other SJCS parents. We are looking to fill several committee and board positions for next year. Contact Parents Guild today on how to get involved.
From the School Nurse
SC Certificate of Immunization
All students must have a valid SC Certificate of Immunization on file in Magnus Health prior to the start of classes. Out of state vaccination records may be taken to your local physician or the health department for transcription to the correct form. Religious exemptions are NOT allowed for school entry.
Magnus Health
Student Health Records must be updated in your child's Magnus Health Account. This includes conditional questions, vital health records, a SC Certificate of Immunization, consent for treatment, and permission for over the counter medication provided by SJCS.
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 prior to the first day of classes.
Inhalers
Students with asthma should have an updated action plan 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 for the 2025-2026 school year.
From the Technology Services Department
Chromebook Pick- Up for the 2025-2026 School Year
Students will be able to pick up their Chromebooks in their Households during student orientation, locker setup, or the first day of school for the 2025-2026 school year (grades 7-12).
Student Email Accounts & Google Drive
Students new to SJCS for the 2025-2026 school year will receive information regarding their email addresses over the summer. All students should periodically check their email over the summer.
eBooks from the Library
St. Joseph’s Library/Media Center can be accessed from home via the school’s website, and eBooks can be checked out over the summer. Some of the required and optional summer reading titles can even be checked out through the MISBO Digital Library. MISBO encourages users to use the Sora app. To use MISBO, you’ll need to search for Saint Joseph’s Catholic School from the drop-down menu and have a user ID in order to use the service. If you need to be reminded of your user ID or password, contact Rod McClendon.
