SJS Weekly Newsletter: August 12, 2026

Our Theme for the 2026–2027 School Year: Mercy Begins with Me

Throughout this school year, students and staff will be encouraged to recognize the many ways we can share God’s mercy through kindness, forgiveness, compassion, and service—remembering that mercy begins with each one of us.

Day 1 Private Transportation (Car Line) Dismissal

• Dismissal begins promptly at 1:40 PM.
• All vehicles must arrive via Lorraine Avenue.
• School personnel will direct vehicles into the upper church lot for staging.
• Please display your student name placard clearly in your windshield. New placards will be available at Supply Drop-Off.
• Vehicles will be grouped and directed into the main school driveway in batches.
• Students will be dismissed and loaded as each group of vehicles reaches the designated loading area.
• Once all students in a group are safely loaded, the vehicles will be released together, and the next group will move forward.

Please remain in your vehicle and follow the directions of school personnel to help ensure a safe and efficient dismissal.

Education Commission Update

Thank you to all the school families who took the time to nominate parent representatives for the Parish Education Commission. We were grateful to receive so many nominations and are truly blessed to have so many parents willing to serve our parish and school.

We’re pleased to announce the parent representatives who will serve on the Parish Education Commission for the next three school years:

• Molly Humpert — Education Commission Chair
• Steve Schutzman — Grades K–2 Parent Representative
• Kristen Thompson — Grades 3–5 Parent Representative
• Sam Beiting — Grades 6–8 Parent Representative

Thank you to Molly, Steve, Kristen, and Sam for answering the call to serve our school community!

📅 BACK-TO-SCHOOL DATES

K–8

August 14 Supply Drop-Off & Meet the Teacher 12:00–2:00 p.m.

* Stay tuned for potential changes due to the school not having power currently

August 18 First Day of School • Full Day • No Buses

August 27 Grades 6–8 Parent Mini Night • 5:30 p.m. K–5 Parent Orientation • 6:30 p.m.

PRESCHOOL

September 3 Preschool Opening Meetings

September 4, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Supply Drop-Off & Meet the Teacher

September 8–9 First Days of Preschool

View the complete school calendars below for more information:

K-8 Calendar

Preschool Calendar

Alternate Bus Transportation

Kenton County Transportation has introduced a new standardized bus pass for students who need alternate transportation. Beginning after the first two weeks of school, students must give the completed pass to the driver each time they ride a different bus or ride the bus instead of their usual car transportation.

Parents must contact the school office in advance so staff can confirm space is available with the Transportation Office. No bus passes will be issued during the first two weeks of school.

📚 2026–2027 Activity Fees

Activity fees for the 2026–2027 school year will be added to families’ FACTS accounts within the next week or so. No action is needed until the fee appears in your account.

Kindergarten: $226

Grade 1: $208

Grade 2: $204

Grade 3: $226

Grade 4: $212

Grade 5: $182

Grade 6: $225

Grade 7: $215

Grade 8: $400

Activity fees include field trips, service-learning projects, Chromebook/iPad insurance, enrichment supplies, assignment books, holiday parties, in-school PTO activities and the $100 School Resource Officer fee.

All activity fees must be paid through FACTS.

🌸Little Flowers Girls’ Club

Girls ages 5 and older are invited to grow in their Catholic faith and build friendships through stories of the saints, Scripture, crafts, songs, and badge-earning activities. Little Flowers Girls’ Club is open to girls from SJS, public school, homeschool, and PREP.

VIEW THE LITTLE FLOWERS FLYER

DOWNLOAD THE REGISTRATION FORM

Questions? Contact Susanne Thomson at susannethomson04@gmail.com or Heidi Monson at mrshmonson@gmail.com.

🤖 Robotics Club: Important Dates

Mark your calendar for these upcoming robotics meetings and events:

• Wednesday, August 12 at 6:00 p.m. Parent Information Meeting — Noll Hall
• Wednesday, August 19 from 2:00–4:00 p.m.FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Challenge meetings begin for 4th and 5th graders — Noll Hall
• Tuesday, August 25 from 3:00–5:00 p.m. VEX Robotics meetings begin for middle school students — Covington Catholic. Students will meet after school and be transported to Covington Catholic.
• Wednesday, August 26 at 6:00 p.m. FLL Challenge Coaches Hands-On Workshop — Northern Kentucky University. The workshop is free for St. Joseph robotics coaches. Contact elaine@silbers.net or silbere1@nku.edu for details.
• Wednesday, October 21 from 2:00–4:00 p.m. FLL Explore meetings begin — Noll Hall

🌴Cavalier Cabana - Parents' Night Out

Join us Friday, August 21, for an evening of light bites, music, and island vibes as we kick off the new school year together.

📍 Villa Hills Civic Club

🕖 7:00–10:00 p.m.

💲 $50 per couple

All proceeds benefit the Cavalier Call.

🍎 Cafeteria Volunteers Needed

Our Cafeteria Volunteer sign-up is now open for August through December!

Volunteers play an important role in helping lunchtime run smoothly for our students and staff. Whether you can serve once or several times throughout the semester, we'd love to have your help. Volunteer Shifts 🕥 10:30–11:35 a.m. 🕦 11:35 a.m.–12:40 p.m.

🌭 SJS Skyline Day

Tuesday, August 25 | 10:30 a.m.–10:00 p.m.

Skyline Chili – Crescent Springs

Dine in, carry out or visit the drive-thru and mention SJS when ordering. Skyline will donate 15% of proceeds to our school!

🚧 Construction & Traffic Reminder

Construction on the new parish building begins next week. Please review the updated traffic patterns for arrival and dismissal before the start of construction.

We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we adjust to these changes together!