Buddy Program
Students are paired with their "buddy" grades for a wide variety of academic and social activities throughout the school year. 
Students in grades 8, 4 and Kindergarten are buddy grades. Students in grades 7 and 3 are buddies. Students in grades 6 and 2 are buddies. And students in grades 5 and 1 are buddies. Life-long friendships, across the grades, are formed.

Extended Day Programs
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. We offer a Before School Program, an After School Program and a Day Off Program, for dependable supervision when teachers attend professional days.

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.

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.

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.

Piano Lessons
Mrs. Jen Canell is available after school to teach private piano lessons. Please contact the school office to learn more about this opportunity and the cost of this program.

Paul Effman Instrumental Music Program
We are pleased to be able to offer instrumental band instruction during school hours, each week, to students in grades 3-8. 

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

Chess Club
This activity is recommended for students in grades 3-8. Whether you already know how to play chess or want to learn, join us on alternate Friday afternoons!

After School Reading Club
Students in grades 1 through 4 attend monthly after school meetings to celebrate their love of books and enjoy social activities centered around literacy.

After School Writing Club
Students in grades 4 through 8 are welcome to join the writing club, held after school on Wednesdays from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. Students improve their writing skills through creative activities and will author the student newspaper.

Representatives Meetings
Two students from each class in grades 5 through 8 are invited to attend monthly meetings with the school principal and administrative assistant to discuss important school issues. The representatives are responsible for selecting the school charity missions for each term. Additionally, student representatives are encouraged to hold classroom meetings to relay important information discussed at the meetings and to gather questions or concerns from students to be brought back to the meetings. The students have an opportunity to experience the democratic process at work.

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 be expected to read the Athletic Handbook when enrolling in a sporting program. A copy of the Athletic Handbook is also available on Edline.  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.