St. Joseph Catholic School, rooted in Gospel values and centered on the Eucharist, celebrates the uniqueness of each child by providing a safe, nurturing environment, promoting academic excellence, encouraging service to others and cultivating artistic self-expression.
Notable Academics and Extracurriculars
Students at St. Joseph Catholic school are challenged by an academically rich curriculum taught by dedicated professionals using twenty-first century technology and methodologies. They receive a well-rounded education that integrates the core subjects with the arts.
In the science subjects, an eighth grade student placed fourth in the junior division for Physics and Astronomy at the Florida State Science Fair and received recognition from NASA this past year. Additionally, middle school students have moved on to higher rankings at the Martin County Science Fair, where they received awards in areas of Physics, Botany, and Engineering.
Students also have the opportunity to enter the Daughters of the American Revolution writing contest. This year, St. Joseph School was proud to have three middle school students win the contest for their respective grades. Students also participated in the Scripps Spelling Bee, with a fifth grade student moving on to the Martin County Spelling Bee.
In the area of athletics, students received the Treasure Coast Athletic Association Sportsmanship Award, which demonstrates true sportsmanship in all areas of sports among other schools in the league. In addition, students have won the golf championships from 2017-2019, and the boys basketball team and cross-country team won the most recent championships.
In band, the Jazz and Symphonic bands both received first place and a Superior Award at the Universal Studios Music USA Festival. For the first time ever, the Jazz band performed at this festival and an eighth grade student received recognition for his solo. Students have been invited to participate in four County honor bands, have been a part of the Florida Band Masters Association and the Florida Orchestra Association and have received Superior Awards for their solos/ensemble work under the direction of both Mr. Chris Kalwa and Mr. William Lindner.
The school’s drama department has grown exponentially over the past few years in quality and size. High-quality musicals have increased student interest and attention in our community. Under the direction of Mrs. Amy Rainis, the drama department also started a junior thespian troop in which students compete in state-wide competitions.
St. Joseph Catholic School is home to a state-of-the-art computer lab and well-stocked library. Students are taught how to use computer applications and programs, and generate high quality, curriculum-related artifacts with the technology. The school library houses over 8,000 volumes and is equipped with internet accessible computers.
Individualized Attention Tailored to Each Student
With a long history of serving the community through Catholic education, the school recognizes the importance of laying a strong faith and academic foundation at an early age.
The Early Childhood Program at the school fosters a Christ-centered, nurturing environment to young children in the Little Lambs, Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten, and Kindergarten programs. The school will realize its vision for the Early Childhood Program by recognizing that the development of the whole child is essential for learning to take place; understanding that human development can be stimulated and nurtured, not forced; recognizing the need and desires of young children to be exposed to experiences that will enable them to grow emotionally, socially, physically, academically, and spiritually; and providing timely learning experiences that promote the development of children while accommodating each child’s unique needs, interest, abilities, and talents.
Fostering of Spiritual Growth in Faculty and Students
Being ever-present and mindful of the mission statement, students and faculty know, recite and revisit the mission statement often. Spiritual growth is achieved daily through school-wide morning prayer led by the principal. As students go along their day, teachers integrate the mission into lessons in all content areas. Opportunities for leading school masses, learning about faith (saints, sacraments, liturgy, scripture, and morality) and becoming involved in ministry are a priority for students at St. Joseph Catholic School. Retreats and service projects provide real-life experience to put faith into action.
Based upon student interest, the school’s music department introduced a “praise band” to the various faith-based activities available for student participation. The praise band held its first concert last year and has grown to include a choir. The praise band also featured a Christmas concert over the holiday season and had members play at the 9:00 a.m. Sunday mass at the parish.
Initiatives in Support of a Wholistic Education
Students participate in a variety of community service and Christian social justice projects based on the seven principles of Catholic social teaching on the local, national, and global level. These activities include Carpenter’s Kitchen, the Long Sleeve Shirt Drive for migrant farmers, Operation Rice Bowl, The Kane Center, Run for Life, Nick’s Pantry, and Habitat for Humanity. Many of the food drives supply families in Pahokee with flour, rice, oil, beans and sugar, as well as monetary donations.
