Before and After School Program
The extended day program serves working families who desire both a parochial school education and supplementary day care in a Christian environment for children enrolled at Saint Joseph School in grades kindergarten through grade 8.

After School Art Program
Students may opt to enroll in art classes held after school by Mrs. Smith, our art teacher.  The program typically runs several times each year for 4-6 weeks.  Each course focuses on a specific art medium or project.

Day Off Program
Do you worry about dependable supervision for your child when the teachers attend professional days?
Finally, there is help! Consider enrolling your child in the Day Off Program.

Representatives Meetings
Students in grades five through eight may be selected to serve as representatives of their classes to meet with the principal to provide input and ideas on issues important to students.  Additionally, there is a suggestion box located outside the main office
for use by students in grades K-8.  Students who submit ideas which are selected may earn a No Uniform Day coupon.

School Store
Students may purchase items from the school store on Friday mornings.  School supplies, candy, puzzles and pins are some of the items available.

A sample of some of the items available at the school store:

Pens/pencils	$0.25
Pencil erasers	0.05
Rulers	0.25
Notebooks	1.00
Folders	0.25
Stickers	0.05
Lead pencils	1.00
Specialty items	0.50-1.00
Candy bars, crackers, trail mix	0.50
Smaller candies	2 or 3 for 0.25

Junior High Dances
Dances for students in grades 6-8 in all of the Catholic schools in Meriden are held periodically during the school year.  The Saint Joseph School dances are held in Rosary Hall and parents are encouraged to chaperone.

Sports Programs
Saint Joseph School offers basketball on the varsity and junior varsity levels.  We follow the Diocesan age guidelines: Varsity Teams:  Players must be students in grades 7 and 8 and attend the school they are representing. Junior Varsity Teams:  Players must be students in grades 5 and 6 and attend the school they are representing. Exceptions will be made in consultation with the principal.

Musical Theater
Students in grades 1-8 may join the Meriden Catholic School musical theater.  Rehearsals are held after school.

Builders Club
The Builders Club is a club, which is sponsored by the local Kiwanis Club.  Students in grades 6-8 may join.  This service club plans and organizes projects that will help the community.

Yearbook
Students in the eighth grade may participate in the writing and editing of the yearbook.

Scouting
Cub Scout, Brownies, and Girl Scout programs are available through the school.

Saint Joseph School Philosophy Regarding Extra-Curricular Activities

The goal of extra-curricular activities at Saint Joseph School is to conduct a wholesome and worthwhile program, which is consistent with and contributes to the philosophy of Saint Joseph School.  Extra-curricular activities make a contribution to the personal growth and development of the participant.  We strive to increase the student’s knowledge, contribute to his/her maturity, teach moral and ethical values, motivate the student to strive for excellence, instill a sense of pride in himself/herself and our school, and help produce an individual who realizes self-worth and maximum potential.

Student athletes will receive a copy of the Athletic Handbook when enrolling in a sporting program. A copy of the Athletic Handbook is also available on the school website (www.sjs-meriden.org/cougars). The sign-off form must be returned to the office before the student may participate.

Our coaches and advisors are aware of their obligations and responsibilities as visible representatives of Saint Joseph School.  Our coaches, advisors, and students have an obligation to serve as positive role models.

Objectives:
• teach fundamental skills
• develop good citizenship, honesty, emotional control, dependability and respect for rules, property and authority
• observe good sportsmanship and cooperation
• emphasize importance of physical fitness in the case of sports programs
• provide opportunities to develop lasting friendships with peers
• show that working together is necessary to achieve a common goal

Rules and Regulations for Extra-Curricular Activities

1. Permission slips must be signed by a parent before enrolling in any extra-curricular activity sponsored by Saint Joseph School.
2. Students and parents will remember that while participating in a Saint Joseph School-sponsored activity, they are ambassadors for the school.
3. Students and parents will display good sportsmanship, good teamwork, and cooperation in ALL extra-curricular activities. 
4. Students placed on academic probation may not be allowed to fully participate in extra-curricular activities.
5. In the case of sporting events, the decision of the officials or judges will be respected.
6. Students must be able to accept the corrections and/or instructions of the coaches or advisors.
7. Students and parents are required to take good care of all uniforms, costumes, props, or equipment and return them to the coach or advisor at the completion of the extra-curricular activity.  Parents will be billed for lost/damaged items.
8. Students are to maintain passing grades and exhibit exemplary behavior not only in school, but also on the school bus and at all school events.  Failure to do so may result in suspension or dismissal from the extra-curricular activity.  It will be the principal’s decision to suspend or dismiss a student from the activity.
9. Coaches/Advisors are NOT permitted to transport students.  Parents are responsible for seeing that their child is picked up ON TIME from ALL games, practices, and events.  Students who are not picked up on time may be asked to withdraw from the extra-curricular activity.
10. In the event that there is no school or an early dismissal, due to inclement weather, all extra-curricular activities planned for that day will be cancelled.  If the extra-curricular event is scheduled to occur on a day that school is not regularly scheduled to be in session, the coach/advisor of the activity will make the decision with regard to the weather.