Campus Life

Students at St. Joseph Elementary School are strongly connected to a system of support services that assists each student in achieving the schoolwide learning expectations.  A wide variety of opportunities encourage students and staff to further individual and collective spiritual and moral development.  Students in kindergarten through 8th grade participate in age-appropriate activities that increase awareness of the needs of the parish, local, and global communities.  A sampling of these activities include student council-led morning prayer, prayer throughout the day, weekly Mass, and prayer services for liturgical and holiday celebrations.  To strengthen a spirit of connectedness throughout the school community, students belong to “Faith Families” that include a student from each grade.  7th and 8th grade students serve as the leaders of the families which gather for liturgy, weekly Town Hall meetings, and other activities.

Community Service

In addition to school-centered activities, students are also encouraged to participate in parish and community efforts. Students in grades 6 through 8 are required to complete 10 service hours per trimester.  Opportunities include weekend assistance in the local Special Olympics practices and events, working with parents to deliver Meals on Wheels, assisting at the parish Lenten Soup Nights, actively participating in Relay for Life, raising funds for cancer research and support, and participating in community clean-ups.

Student Leadership

7th and 8th graders serve on the student council and are elected in the spring by students in grades 3 through 7.  It is the council’s task to help develop and implement activities throughout the year. Activities such as food, clothing, and toy drives help students learn compassion for others through community outreach.  Student council members lead the morning prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, facilitate weekly Town Hall meetings and Super Kid awards, encourage school spirit through Spirit Rallies, and plan the annual Spirit Week.

Co-Curricular Activities

Additional opportunities for student enrichment include the yearbook committee, the annual Art Faire, the annual Science Fair, and participation in the Diocesan Young Authors Faire.  Other activities include the Chess Club, a weekly after-school Science Adventures program, and the MUSE band program. Students are also encouraged to join the parish children’s choir, which meets weekly after school. 6th graders attend Caritas each year; a weeklong, outdoor science camp that provides a unique opportunity for students to demonstrate a respect for all God’s creation and build relationships with classmates as well as students from other schools.