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.
“A Samaritan, while traveling, came near to him: and when he saw him, he was moved with compassion and approached him… Jesus said to him, ‘Go and do likewise.” Luke 10:25-37
Greetings from Saint Joseph’s Catholic School!
I hope that the school year is off to a promising start for your family. The early reviews on the new daily schedule and The Saint Joseph’s Way Center have been overwhelmingly positive, with the main complaint being that high school lunch is late in the day. The students are quickly learning, however, that the cafeteria serves healthy and hearty snacks throughout the day.
As your family settles into new routines for the fall, I hope your plans this year include getting involved in the school. We want to see you and have the opportunity to get to know you. The entire experience is better for students when parents, administrators, and staff know one another well. Research supports this assertion, as the following quote from an article in Ed Week testifies: “For decades, research from around the world has shown that parents’ involvement in and engagement with their child’s education including through parent-teacher conferences, parent-teacher organizations, school events, and at-home discussions about school can lead to higher student achievement and better social-emotional outcomes.”
The theme for this school year was chosen in part to highlight the importance of the fourth point of The Saint Joseph’s Way, Personal Accompaniment. While this speaks first to the staff and teachers’ responsibility to know and support our students, it certainly extends to the desire we have to accompany our parents as you raise your teenage sons and daughters. The parent-school partnership is a hallmark of any Catholic school worthy of its name. To this end, we are continually looking for ways to engage you and invite you to campus. Here’s a sampling of upcoming events and programs we hope you will attend:
• Back to School Family Potluck Tailgate
• Meet the Teacher Night
• Parent-Teacher Conferences
• Parent/Administration “Coffee & Questions”
• Well-Read Mom Book Club
• Well-Fed Dad Prayer Breakfast
• Fine Arts and Athletic Events, as well as Supporting their respective Booster Organizations
• TEAM (Total Engagement Around the Mission) Parent Meetings (Topics and schedule still to be determined)
In addition, the school offers many volunteer opportunities. This is a great way to get an inside look at the school and help ensure an incredible experience for our students. We realize, of course, that some families have more availability than others, so we invite you to participate as you are able.
Finally, please say hello and introduce yourself when you see me at a school event or out and about in the community. I would love the opportunity to get to know you better.
In closing, please join us in praying for the following members of the SJCS family: for Zak Bourne (Class of 2029) on the passing of her father.
With Love and Prayers,
Keith F. Kiser Head of School
Labor Day, September 1
Things You Need To Know
There will be no classes. The school and school offices will be closed.
Well-Read Mom Begins, September 2
Tami Kiser and Eileen Coffey will be hosting the Well-Read Mom meetings again this year! The meetings will be the second Tuesday of each month at 10:00 AM. HOWEVER, the kick-off meeting in September will be the first Tuesday, September 2, at Eileen’s house (23 Timrod Way, Greenville, 29607). We highly encourage you to join the national organization HERE. It is not necessary to join the group, but it is well worth the membership fee for the extra audios and accompanying book with profiles of the authors and wonderful explanatory essays on each book, plus more. For the September 2 meeting, no preparation is needed. We will be reading and discussing two poems from the Reading Companion book. Then for October, it will be a discussion of Jane Austen's "Persuasion". Please RSVP to Eileen Coffey if you will be coming on Tuesday September 2 or if you would like to be included in future meetings.
Seniors & Parents College Counseling Meeting, September 4
Our annual meeting for seniors and their parents will be held on Thursday, September 4 in the new Saint Joseph’s Way Center. The meeting will begin at 6:30 PM and last for approximately one hour. At least one parent and their senior student should be in attendance for this informative meeting. Melissa Cline, Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management and Success at Furman University, will be here to present.
Second Annual Middle School Walk-A-Thon, September
5
All middle school parents were sent an email for our first big fundraiser and social event of the year, The Walk-AThon for the Fine Arts Department, on Friday, September 5 from 3:00–6:00 PM in the high school parking lot. This fun-filled afternoon will feature a live DJ, games like cornhole and hula hoop contests, sidewalk chalk art, prizes, and a surprise or two! Our own Campus Ministry team will be on hand to help create a joyful, communitycentered atmosphere, and every participant will enjoy Chick-Fil- A, Kona Ice, snacks, candy, and water. Plus, don’t miss Mrs. Anne Meyer’s interactive art installation. It will be an unforgettable creative experience! Students will walk laps to raise funds that directly support all of our Fine Arts programs, enriching the artistic life of every middle school student at SJCS. Parents are invited to join us at 5:30 PM for awards in the high school parking lot celebrating the most laps walked and the most funds raised. Prizes will be awarded! Let’s come together to celebrate creativity, community, and the artist in each one of us. Click on the following links to sign up or donate money (share the donation link with loved ones): Permission Form, Donation Form, Sign Up Genius Form.
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 Blackbaud. Please contact teachers directly if you have any questions or concerns.
Welcome Back International Tailgate & Auction, September 12
Join us Friday, September 12 from 5:30-7:00 PM for our Welcome Back International Tailgate. SJCS Parent Leader Groups will be providing FREE hot dogs, condiments, plates, flatware, and napkins. There is no cost to attend, though we ask that you bring an international dish to share. If possible, please bring it in a disposable container. Please RSVP HERE by Monday, September 8. The Parents Guild, Fine Arts Boosters, and the Athletic Boostes will also have information about their groups and SJCS items for purchase. We hope to see everyone as we kick off a new school year and football season! Please contact Katie Orbon if you have any questions.
Meet the Teacher Night, September 24
It is our hope that all middle school and high school parents will set aside Wednesday evening, September 24 from 6:30-8:00 PM for the annual Meet the Teacher Night. Parents will be able to meet their child’s teachers and hear from school administration. In order to keep the evening flowing smoothly and to get everyone out by 8:00 PM, this evening should not be viewed as conference time and is for parents only
College Counseling Seminar Series for Juniors & Seniors Begins, September 26
The College Counseling Office will have various sessions planned for seniors and juniors during Community Time throughout the first semester. Students and parents will be given information about these events in advance. We encourage students to attend as many of these events as possible
• Friday, September 26 at 9:40 AM: I’m a Junior; What Should I Be Doing? (Juniors) This includes a mini PSAT Prep Session with Brantley Goforth
• Friday, October 24 at 9:40 AM: College Experience Faculty/Staff Panel (All grade levels)
• Friday, November 14 at 9:40 AM: Topical Session for Seniors (Seniors)
• Tuesday, December 9 at 8:15 AM: Conversations with Counselors (All grade level parents; a time to simply come and ask questions individually or as a group)
• Friday, December 12 during HS Lunch: Senior Stress Relief Session (Seniors) More information on spring sessions to come!
Paying for College - Virtual Event for Senior Families, September 30
Jeremy Spencer, Senior Director of Admission, Recruitment, and Communications at Roger Williams University will be conducting a general Financial Aid meeting on Tuesday, September 30 at 6:00 PM. He will discuss the various types of aid, scholarships, the CSS Profile, federal money (grants, loans, work study), and a general overview of the FAFSA for this year’s graduating seniors. The meeting will be held virtually. A link to the meeting will be sent to all senior families via email in September.
Admissions Open House, Wednesday, October 1
Please help us fill the campus on October 1 by inviting a prospective parent (relative, friend, neighbor, or coworker) to our annual Admissions Open House. The event begins at 8:30 AM and officially kicks off the admissions season for the upcoming school year. Families interested in SJCS will have a chance to tour the campus with current students, meet and speak with teachers, coaches, and parents, and learn more about opportunities both in and out of the classroom. This is a once-a-year event, so please help us to spread the word. Registration is open and spots are limited. You can register HERE
• How Can You Help? Current SJCS families can earn a $500 tuition credit for actively recruiting new families to Saint Joseph’s. When a new family applies for admission, they have the opportunity to name the Saint 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.
Spain-France Trip Final Interest Meeting, October 1
Señora Russell and Mr. Koon will be leading students on a trip to France and Spain from May 25 - June 3, 2026. The exciting itinerary leads us from Madrid to Paris, with the Mediterranean Coast in between. We will also explore Barcelona and Provence in the South of France. A final interest meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 1 at 6:30 PM in Room B-105. If you are unable to attend, please email Señora Russell or click HERE for more information.
9th Grade PSAT Testing, October 10
All freshmen will take the PSAT 8/9 on Friday, October 10 at 8:10 AM with dismissal at approximately 11:00 AM. The purpose of the PSAT 8/9, which is the first in the College Board's SAT Suite of Assessments, is to establish a starting point in terms of college and career readiness as students transition to high school. The results help educators and students figure out what students need to work on most so that they are ready for college. Students will take the PSAT on their Chromebooks via the Bluebook app, which is already installed. More information about the test can be found HERE , including ideas for practice. Further test details will be communicated via email. Questions? Contact Melissa Broering.
10th & 11th Grade PSAT Testing, October 10
All sophomores and juniors will take the PSAT on Friday, October 10 at 8:10 AM with dismissal at approximately 11:00 AM. This test is a shortened, practice version of the SAT and it provides a good opportunity for students to get comfortable with the format, pacing, and questions on the SAT. For juniors, this test also serves as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) and it is the only way to be considered for National Merit scholarships. Students will take the PSAT on their Chromebooks via the Bluebook app, which is already installed. More information about the test can be found HERE , including ideas for practice. Further test details and practice information will be communicated via email. Questions? Contact Melissa Broering.
SAT Test at School for Seniors Only, October 10
Seniors have the opportunity to take the SAT at school on Friday, October 10 from 8:10 AM to approximately 11:00 AM. The cost is $60 and students will test on their Chromebooks via the Bluebook app, which is already installed. More information about the test can be found HERE. Seniors who do not take the SAT will be out of school on that day. If you would like to take the SAT test at school on Friday, October 10, please register HERE by Sunday, September 7. Questions? Contact Melissa Broering
Used Uniform Sale, October 15
We will host our first official Used Uniform Sale on Wednesday, October 15. If you wish to turn in uniform items for credit, please plan to turn them in during car line or at the front office on or before October 14. More details will be sent leading up to the sale.
Veterans Day Program, November 11
Saint Joseph's will be recognizing Veterans Day this year with a program of acknowledgement and appreciation on Tuesday, November 11. We would very much like to have members of our Saint Joseph's Community attend. Please let me know if you or a family member are military active service or a veteran, and would like to come speak in our assembly, a class, or just have breakfast and be recognized. Email Meby Carr by October 15 for details and to register. We will hold the assembly during our community time from 9:25-10:20 AM, with a light breakfast immediately beforehand for attendees.
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
Travel to Greece Summer 2027
This is a great opportunity to see some of the ancient sites that students have learned about in history and religion. This trip is open to all current 8th graders to juniors. Parents are welcome as well. Our trip will take place June 5-13, 2027. All the details (including the itinerary, cost, payment plans, insurance options, and travel dates) can be found HERE . Parents: join us for an information meeting via Zoom on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at 5:00 PM. Use the link found HERE. Questions? Contact Elaine Trakas
Support SJCS High School Youth in Government (YIG)
YIG is selling ornaments from the White House Historical Association to provide scholarships for students to attend YIG this year. Please consider purchasing this beautiful, historic ornament to benefit our YIG attendees HERE. YIG delegates will also be taking orders in person.
Attendance Reminders
If your student is going to be absent, please notify the front office via phone or email. Please send your student's name, the date they will be absent, and the reason to the Front Office. Please submit documentation from a doctor's office if your student is absent due to an appointment.
Extracurricular Attendance Policy
Any student who is participating in an extracurricular activity such as athletics and theatre, must be present for the last 3 academic carriers of the day. A student may not leave school early due to an illness and participate in an extracurricular activity that day.
Early Dismissal Policy
Early dismissals cannot be accommodated after 2:30 PM unless there is an emergency. Late requests disrupt classroom learning and interfere with front office preparations for school-wide dismissal.
Introducing the SJCS Resource Closet
SJCS is excited to announce a new community initiative. We've established a resource closet on the third floor of the high school to collect clothing and essential items for our neighbors in need. Beginning in September, we will accept donations of new and gently used clothing in all sizes, from infant to adult, as well as travel-sized toiletries. Please ensure all items are clean and in good condition. You can drop off donations at the front desk, Healthroom, SJ Way Center, or Sister Lucita's classroom. Please label your donation "Catholic Charities" so we can distinguish it from other items. Members of the Compassion Crew will deliver all donated items to Catholic Charities of the Upstate regularly. Questions? Contact Nurse Katy, Sister Lucita, or Mrs. Charlton
Cafeteria Service
FLIK Dining Services provides cafeteria service during the school day. The cost for a full lunch is $8.25. Lunch is served during MS and HS lunch periods, and snacks are sold at the end of each school day.
Late Stay
Late Stay is available each day after school until 6:00 PM. Any student not involved in a supervised after-school activity must report to Late Stay by 3:30 PM. The Registration fee for Late Stay is $30 per family and will be assessed the first day a student uses the Late Stay Program. The hourly rate for Late Stay is $4.50. This amount will not be prorated. Late Stay charges are billed weekly through the Blackbaud Tuition Management system.
Confirmation Preparation
Seventh and eighth grade Catholic parents should contact their home parish regarding registration for Confirmation preparation. Each parish has its own requirements regarding classes and timing according to diocesan guidelines. Saint Joseph's Catholic School does not provide Confirmation preparation or the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Required Community Ser vice 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
From the Assistant Head of School
“God made us for joy. God is joy, and the joy of living reflects the original joy that God felt in creating us.” ~ Saint Pope John Paul II
There is nothing quite like the joy that comes when the school halls are filled with our students again after the summer break. No matter our role, or our experience, we never feel quite ready. We desire to give our students the very best experience we can provide, and with that desire comes an enormous amount of responsibility and preparation. As we encourage our students to strive for excellence in all that they do, we commit ourselves to that work as well.
This year, we welcome an incredibly dynamic and excellent group of educators to the Saint Joseph’s community. Not only are they knowledgeable in their content areas, they exude joy, positivity, and serve as a reminder of Christ’s love to our young people. Please greet them when you have a chance, and offer words of support and encouragement. The ministry of working with our students requires an indescribable level of dedication, and we are fortunate to have these people with us.
Neil Casey - Strings Instructor
Neil Casey joins our community from Spotsylvania County Public Schools in Northern Virginia. Before that, he taught at the University of South Carolina for over 20 years. He received his BA in Music Education and a Violin Performance Certificate, as well as a Master of Music in Orchestral Conducting. He is also the new Music Director for the Greenville County Youth Orchestra.
Donna Frank - 6th Grade Foundations
Donna Frank earned a BA in Communications and Master's in Education from John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio. Three of Donna’s children attended and graduated from St. Joseph’s in 2021, 2022, and 2024. For the last 25 years, Donna has taught in various schools and parishes with the last 10 years at Roper Mountain Science Center in the labs and planetarium. She is grateful to serve the Saint Joseph’s community in this role.
Laura Giuggio - 7th Grade Grammar & Writing
Laura Giuggio joins Saint Joseph’s from Boston, Massachusetts. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Dayton and a Master’s Degree in Educational Technology from Westfield State University. Having attended Catholic schools from kindergarten through college and spending the majority of her 30+ year teaching career in Catholic education, Laura is deeply committed to her faith-based educational journey. She is thrilled to continue that journey at the prestigious Saint Joseph’s Catholic School in Greenville.
Whitney Mitchell - Honors Anatomy & Physiology
Whitney Mitchell joins our community from Oak Ridge, TN. She moved here in 2021 and started working at Saint Joseph's Catholic School as the Sports Medicine Athletic Trainer. This year she decided to become our Anatomy & Physiology teacher, where she will continue to build up and help our students who want to enter into the medical field. She has a BS in Science for Athletic Training from King University in Bristol, TN. With over seven years experience in Sports Medicine, Whitney is grateful for the opportunity to serve the students and families at Saint Joseph's
Tricia Reese - 6th Grade English Language Arts
Tricia Reese joins SJCS with over twenty years of teaching experience in Catholic education in the Diocese of Charleston. She has a BS in Education from the College of Charleston and a Master's Degree in Reading Education from The Citadel. She is looking forward to helping students make the transition to middle school. She is also the proud mother of two SJCS alumni.
Thomas Regan - 6th Grade History & Campus Ministry
Thomas Regan joins our community straight from Clemson University where he received a BA in Secondary Education in Social Studies. Thomas teaches 6th grade Ancient World History in our 6th Grade Academy. He also helps out with our Campus Ministry program at Saint Joseph’s where he has several years of experience in youth
ministry working for the Diocese of Charleston, Saint Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, and Life Teen Summer Camps.
Mindy Rock - 8th Grade Science
Mindy Rock has made the transition to Saint Joseph’s after spending the last seven years at Hillcrest Middle School in Simpsonville. She comes with a BS in Educational Studies Middle Level Science and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Mindy is excited to be a part of the Saint Joseph's family.
Lanina Russell - 8th Grade Algebra & Pre-Algebra
Lanina Russell is a graduate of Loyola Marymount University, where she earned a degree in Mathematics with a minor in Secondary Education. She brings four years of experience teaching Algebra at Marymount High School in Los Angeles, CA and South Eugene High School in Eugene, OR. As a devout Catholic and mother of five, including a freshman at Saint Joseph’s, she values faith, family, and the importance of supporting each child’s growth both in and out of the classroom.
Eric Schaefer - 9th Grade Composition & Literature
Eric Schaefer is overjoyed to be a part of SJCS. He has a Ph.D. in English from Baylor University. For the past nine years, he was an assistant professor of English at Limestone University. Eric attributes his love for literature in no small measure to the writings of Flannery O' Connor.
Kathryn Sielbeck - Honors Modern Literature (11th Grade)
Kathryn Sielbeck earned a BA in English from The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and a Master’s in Education from Vanderbilt University. She is in her 12th year of teaching high school literature— most recently at Veritas Preparatory School in Greenville, SC, and before that at Brentwood High School outside of Nashville, TN. She and her husband, Bate, moved to Greenville in June of 2019 and share daughters, Virginia (5), Marigold (2), and are expecting their third in November.
Matthew Slay - Band Director
Matthew Slay has a Bachelor of Music from the University of South Carolina. He has been involved with the band world since 2009 where he has worked with middle school, high school, and collegiate level programs. He has been in Greenville since 2022 where he worked with a majority of band programs in the area and now he is honored to spend that energy solely at Saint Joseph's Catholic School.
Todd Varn - 7th/8th Grade Speech, HS Weightlifting & Football Coach (Offensive Coordinator)
John Todd Varn is fairly new to Saint Joseph’s. Todd is originally from Cayce, SC, where he attended Airport High School . He went on to attend North Carolina State University where he played football and received degrees in Mass Communications and Journalism. Todd has been married to his wife, Kris, for 30 years and they have three children, two grown twin boys (25) who both teach and coach at South Florence, and a daughter who is a sophomore at Clinton High School. Todd has over 30 years of experience in collegiate coaching, including time at NC State, Newberry College, VMI, Charleston Southern, Western Carolina , and Presbyterian College. He feels blessed to be at a place that is so family oriented and academically enriched. He says football is great but the school and people are even better.
Victoria Vas - 8th Grade Theology & Campus Ministry
Victoria Vas was born and raised in Danbury, Connecticut. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Theology and Catechetics from Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio. After graduation, she returned to Connecticut, where she taught high school Theology and led a parish youth group. She later moved back to Steubenville to work in Franciscan's Admissions Office while earning a Master of Arts in Catholic Studies. Between her time in the classroom and in administration, Victoria has worked in the field of education for six years, and she is excited to be returning to the classroom.
With Prayer and Thanksgiving, Wanda Jaraczewski
Assistant Head of School