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
Easter Greetings from All of Us at Saint Joseph’s Catholic School!
It was a strange beginning to Easter. Waking up to the news of Pope Francis’ death on Easter Monday and watching his burial on the following Saturday certainly tempered the joy at the beginning of the most joyful of liturgical seasons. Pope Francis and his teachings have been ever-present realities at Saint Joseph’s since he was elected Pope in the Spring of 2013. Every Thursday morning for the past couple of years, we have read a passage from one of his teachings as part of our Morning Prayer Service. Francis’ teachings on the virtues and vices were the basis of the witness talks at the Well-Fed Dad Prayer Breakfasts this year. Throughout his pontificate, I have eagerly awaited and devoured his Wednesday Catechesis, Apostolic Exhortations, and Encyclical documents. It’s not an exaggeration to state that Pope Francis’ teachings have profoundly impacted The Saint Joseph’s Way. May we pay a lasting tribute to him by putting his words into action. May Pope Francis Rest in Peace, and may the Holy Spirit guide the college of cardinals as they select the new Pope, a process we will follow closely as a school community.
As the calendar flips from April to May, we are coming down the homestretch of the school year, and the finish line is now clearly in sight. Hopefully, the long Easter weekend gave the students and the teachers the rest they needed for a strong finish. The flu, other illnesses, and a high pollen count have impacted attendance and affected our school community over the last few months. Hopefully, the worst is behind us, and a healthy student body is gearing up for final exams.
It won’t be long before the celebrations begin in honor of the Class of 2025, which will take place throughout May including the Academic and Red Door Ceremony, Senior/Parent Dodgeball, followed by Senior
Sunset, all culminating in Baccalaureate Mass and Commencement at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church in Simpsonville on Friday afternoon, May 23.
As I was signing their diplomas last week in preparation, the words of the school’s Founding Board Chair, Margaret Ann Moon, came to mind: “Our graduates are destined to change the world.” Thinking of the overwhelmingly positive impact these students have had on the school community during their years here, I have no doubt they will fulfill that promise each in their unique way. Watching them lead prayer, witness to their faith, serve those in need, strive for academic excellence, discuss hard things with integrity and charity, compete with intensity and class, and sing with joy, I can’t wait to hear about all the great things they will do in college and beyond.
Speaking of college, I thought the community would like to see some preliminary statistics for the Class of 2025, so you can see just how accomplished these students are:
• 100% of the senior class has reported being awarded at least one scholarship, totalling nearly $14 million
• They have been accepted into 96 different universities (including DC)
• They have been accepted to 9 different Catholic universities
• At least 6 members of the senior class have signed/committed to play a college-level sport
A heartfelt thank you to all the teachers, coaches, counselors, and administrators who have prepared these students for the next steps in their educational journey.
Circling back to the topic of homestretches and strong finishes, Derby Knights, the school’s annual gala, was a wonderful celebration in support of our students. Thank you to all the sponsors, donors, volunteers, and school staff members who transformed the school gymnasium into Churchill Downs to raise badly needed funds so the school can continue to provide generous tuition assistance to our deserving students. The generosity of our school community makes it possible for Saint Joseph’s to award $2 million in financial support for the 2025-2026 school year, as it has done for several years in a row now. We are committed to helping all families invest in their children’s future. Thank you for helping to make that possible through your support of the Gala and Annual Fund.
With Love and Prayers,
Keith F. Kiser Head of School
Things You Need To Know
Exam Schedules for AP, Senior, & Final Exams
Please see the Exam section of this News & Notes for full details of exams. Please avoid taking students out for appointments on exam days and remember that exams may not be taken early.
Senior Celebration Day, April 30
Seniors are invited to wear a college t-shirt from their chosen college on Wednesday, April 30. Seniors should wear their t-shirt with approved dress down day bottoms. The College Counseling Office, along with the Parents Guild, will also have a special celebration with lunch, dessert, a group photo of all seniors, as well as some other photo opportunities in the Gym during periods 6 and 7. Make sure to bring your appetite and smiles!
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.
Looking for the perfect gift to honor your upcoming Graduate? Order by May 5
Our beautiful stained glass Red Door ornament is a wonderful token to commemorate your student’s years at SJCS, and they make great gifts! If you order by May 5, you can pick them up when you watch your senior walk out the Red Door during our historic Red Door Ceremony on May 8. You can order Red Door ornaments HERE. We also have a limited number of our past Christmas ornaments still available. Perfect for Mother’s Day or Father's Day! To order any of the past ornaments, contact the Jubilate Arts Guild HERE.
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.
Schedule Change/2:00 PM Dismissal on May 8
Due to the Red Door Ceremony and HS Academic Awards, all students (except for seniors) will be dismissed at 2:00 PM.
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. Parents should park in the sophomore parking lot (by the baseball dugout) and enter through the front lobby. All other students will be dismissed at 2:00 PM that day; however, any student is welcome to stay and join us for the celebration.
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!
Schedule Change/NOON Dismissal on May 14
Due to the 8th Grade Convocation and Awards Ceremony, all students (except for 8th graders) will be dismissed at NOON on Wednesday, May 14.
Eighth Grade Convocation Mass & Awards Ceremony, May 14
The Eighth Grade Convocation Mass and Awards Ceremony will take place on Wednesday, May 14 at 12:30 PM and last approximately 90 minutes. Families are invited to attend. All other students will be dismissed at 12:00 PM that day; however, any student is welcome to stay and join us for the celebration.
Fine Arts Improvisation Knight, May 15
The SJCS Theatre Department will sponsor an Improvisation Knight on Thursday, May 15. Join us for an entertaining evening of Improvisation as the students compete against each other on stage, using only their quick wit and humor. The show will start at 7:00 PM and admission is $5 at the door. Concessions will be available for purchase. Jubilate Arts Guild members will receive priority seating based on their membership level; be sure to pick up your Jubilate Arts Guild member tag at check-in. Seating will not be assigned, but doors will open to Jubilate members only at 6:30 PM, followed by general admission at 6:45 PM.
Access to Blackbaud Gradebooks Closes May 16
The fourth quarter (Q4) marking period ends on Friday, May 16. Parent and student access to Gradebooks in Blackbaud will close Friday at 4:00 PM for faculty to update Report Card grades for the marking period. Access to Gradebooks will resume once Report Cards are finalized.
Textbook Purchasing List Posted, May 16
Textbook lists for 2025-2026 will be posted on the SJCS website by Friday, May 16. The school’s official textbook vendor is BNC Services. Sales through BNC earn 5% cash back to the school. BNC’s online bookstore can be accessed HERE. Summer reading titles may be purchased through them starting May 27, and all other textbooks will be available beginning June 23. BNC Services carries the majority of our textbooks and is a straightforward and easy way to secure the books needed. They offer books in new and used condition as well as a chance to sell books back at the end of the year. If you choose to use another vendor, please make sure to order by ISBN to ensure you have the correct edition and format. Also note that class schedules will not be finalized until midJuly and will be issued via email. If you choose to purchase books early, please note that you may be required to purchase additional books or different books based on your student’s actual schedule. From July 28 - August 3, BNC offers Saint Joseph’s discount shipping week. Orders over $149 qualify for free shipping that week only.
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.
Senior Vs Senior Parent Dodgeball, May 19
Please mark your calendar for the Monday, May 19 Senior Vs Senior Parent Dodgeball game. The Senior Sunset will follow. The theme for this year, for both parents and seniors, is "dress like a SUPERFAN of your new college." Prizes to include best in theme, most competitive, and most spirited. Be on the lookout for an email in early May for more information and to RSVP. This event will be held in the stadium.
Sixth & Seventh Grade Schedule, May 19-21
All students will be dismissed at 12:15 PM on exam days from May 19-21. Sixth graders will not have exams and 7th graders will have exams in Math and Literature only. They will have two extended classes each day, matching the eighth grade and HS exam schedule, with the following exception: since their Related Arts classes will not meet,
sixth graders will meet with their 7th period class at the 1st period exam time, and seventh graders will meet with their 7th period class during the 2nd period exam time. There will be no MS classes on Thursday, May 22.
Eighth Grade Semester Exams, May 19-21
Eighth graders will follow the exam schedule and guidelines detailed in this edition of News and Notes except for the following: their 7th period exam will take place at 8:05 AM on May 21 during the 5th period exam time, since there is no Related Arts exam. There will be no 8th grade exam on Thursday, May 22 and 8th graders do not need to come to school that day unless they have a makeup exam. Please avoid taking students out for appointments on exam days, and remember that exams may not be taken early.
Late Stay, May 19-21
We will have Late Stay on Monday through Wednesday, May 19-21, after the 12:15 PM dismissal, but there is NO Late Stay on Thursday, May 22, which is the last day of school, with a 10:00 AM dismissal.
Graduation Practice, May 22
Graduation practice will begin promptly at 1:00 PM on Thursday, May 22 at St. Mary Magdalene Church. This is a required event for ALL seniors, and they should plan to be at practice from 1:00–3:00 PM. All seniors must be present and arrive on time at this practice in order to walk at Commencement. Graduation tickets will also be distributed at practice.
No Middle School Classes, May 22
Middle school students will not have school on Thursday, May 22. The high school will be dismissed at 10:00 AM on that day after their last exam. There is no Late Stay on that day.
Baccalaureate Mass & Commencement, May 23
The Class of 2025 will graduate at 2:00 PM at St. Mary Magdalene Church on Woodruff Road. The doors will open for seating at 1:00 PM. Each graduate receives nine tickets. This will also be livestreamed for those who do not have a ticket to attend.
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-1:00 PM 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.
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) and Final Report Cards will be accessible in Blackbaud after 4:00 PM on Monday, June 2. An email will be sent from the Registrar’s Office to parents and students when Report Cards are finalized.
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.
Summer Volunteer Opportunity (Rising 9th-12th Grade)
The technology department is looking for volunteers to help with Chromebook setup during the summer. If interested contact Mr. Sokol
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 Available Mid-July
HS students and parents will be notified via email in mid-July when schedules are available in Blackbaud MS students will receive their schedules when school begins in August.
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 at The Preserve at Verdae. Please mark your calendars to attend this amazing event that goes a long way in providing vital funds for our Athletic programs.
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.
Exam Schedules
Students must report to the Meeting Room at the times listed above. Computer Science A and Art History exams will be held in the Library. 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 9-11 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