Parent Newsletter

Dear Parents,

As the school year nears its end and we celebrate the achievements of our students in the classroom, on the playing field, as leaders, as creative thinkers, as artists and more, we must always have an eye on the future and the direction of our school. While our students have remained dedicated to their faith and academics, it is easy to see the toll the pandemic and pressures of being a teenager have taken on many of our young women. 

Our students’ health and wellbeing must continue to take a front seat in the education process. Because of this, SJA will add a new team member to the Counseling Center next year with a part-time Wellness Coordinator. The Wellness Coordinator and Counseling Center will fully collaborate to expand our Social Emotional Wellness program. Programs designed will be integrated throughout the school community. The coordinator will provide education and training to students, parents, school personnel and counselors, collaborating also with community mental health providers. The coordinator will also help students with the transition to high school and college and assist students with stress-relieving strategies. We are excited to see how we will incorporate wellness initiatives into our curriculum, school activities and the lives of our students.

Please join me in wishing a “Happy Retirement” to two of SJA’s cherished members, Mary Kay Alford and Patrick O’Hara. Mary Kay has served in several roles during her 24 years at SJA, most notably as our first Technology Integration Specialist and more recently as our Assistant Campus Minister. Mary Kay spent many summers with our students on mission trips, and she was an early champion of our one-to-one laptop program and the advancement of technology at the school, working closely to train teachers in this area. Mr. O’Hara started a new career of teaching later in life. He came to us as a long-term substitute in the history department while a teacher was on extended absence. As the parent of an alum, he knew what SJA stood for and wanted to be a part of it. He revitalized the Youth Legislature Club and has been a favorite “host” of many SJA events. He was recently a featured talent at our annual FACS style show and is our resident comedian. We wish them both the best of luck in the future and pray they stay connected to SJA.

To our senior parents, thank you for entrusting your daughters to us. We appreciate the time, talents and resources you have given us over the years. We ask that you continue to keep SJA in your prayers as we educate the next generation of leaders. Thank you, thank you.

I pray each of you has an enjoyable summer filled with many blessings. Please continue to pray Pope Francis’ Prayer to St. Joseph during the summer months. 
    Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
    To you God entrusted his only Son; in you Mary placed her trust; with you Christ became man.
    Blessed Joseph, to us too, show yourself a father and guide us in the path of life.
    Obtain for us grace, mercy, and courage, and defend us from every evil. Amen.
 

I love what I do, I love who I do it with and I love that we do it together in the name of our patron, St. Joseph.  

Sincerely,

Stacia B. Andricain
Principal

EXAM SCHEDULE FOR SENIORS

Monday, May 10: Social Studies 7:30 a.m.; Theology 9:30 a.m.
Tuesday, May 11: Math 7:30 a.m.; Foreign Language 9:30 a.m.
Wednesday, May 12: Science 7:30 a.m.; English 9:30 a.m.

After their last exam, all seniors must “check out” of SJA. This means that when they are done using their tablets for exams, they should report to the librarian to start the process. Please back up prior to doing so. Seniors will be given a check-out list to make sure they have returned all Help Desk items, library and textbooks and have paid all monies owed (Dining Hall, tuition, etc.). Once the check-out process is complete, seniors can pick up their graduation caps from the Deans’ Office.

Seniors who do not have to take exams may go through the check-out process between Monday, May 10, and Thursday, May 13. Please begin with the librarian. 

Seniors taking an AP exam after May 13 must check out after their AP exam. These seniors will need to work with Dean of Women Erika Angarita on an individual check-out plan. She will contact those students by Friday, May 7.

Pre-Calculus/Pre-Calculus Dual Enrollment; Calculus/Calculus Dual Enrollment Final Exam

Friday, April 30, SJA Activity Center, 7:30-9:30 a.m. (extended time: 7:30-10:30 a.m.). Students will miss 1st through 4th hour classes. For additional information, please contact Lauren Morris (morrisl@sjabr.org).

AP EXAM SCHEDULE

Tests will be administered in the Activity Center.

• Art History: Thursday, May 6, 12 p.m.
• Biology: Friday, May 14, 8 a.m. 
• Calculus AB & BC: Tuesday, May 4, 8 a.m.
• Chemistry at CHS: Friday, May 7, 8 a.m.
• English Language & Composition: Wednesday, May 12, 8 a.m.
• English Literature & Composition: Wednesday, May 5, 8 a.m.
• French at CHS: Monday, May 10, 8 a.m. 
• Human Geography: Tuesday, May 4, 12 p.m. 
• Latin: Tuesday, May 11, 12 p.m.
• Macroeconomics at CHS: Monday, May 10, 12 p.m. 
• Microeconomics at CHS: Wednesday, May 12, 12 p.m.
• Music Theory at CHS: Wednesday, May 12, 12 p.m. 
• Physics C: Mechanics at CHS: Monday, May 3, 12 p.m. 
• Psychology: Tuesday, May 11, 12 p.m.
• Spanish Language & Culture at CHS: Tuesday, May 11, 8 a.m.
• Spanish Literature & Culture: Friday, May 7, 8 a.m. 
• Statistics: Monday, May 17, 12 p.m. 
• United States History: Thursday, May 6, 8 a.m. 
• United States Government & Politics: Monday, May 3, 8 a.m. 
• World History: Monday, May 10, 8 a.m.

EXAM SCHEDULE FOR GRADES 9-11

Monday, May 24: Theology 8 a.m.; Math 10 a.m.
Tuesday, May 25: Science 8 a.m.; Conflicts 10 a.m.
Wednesday, May 26: Foreign Language 8 a.m.; Social Studies 10 a.m.
Thursday, May 27: English 8 a.m.; Conflicts 10 a.m.

Post-exam supervision will be provided in the library until 2 p.m. on Monday-Wednesday, May 24-26. Campus (including the library) will close on Thursday, May 27, at 11:30 a.m. Please make arrangements to pick up your daughters accordingly. 

On Monday-Thursday, the Dining Hall will serve breakfast/snacks beginning at 7 a.m. and continuing until the second exam begins at 10 a.m.

SERVICE AWARDS

Wednesday, May 5, during all three lunch hours. In spite of restricted service opportunities during 2020-2021, SJA students completed 24,959.25 hours of community service. Because of our ongoing inability to gather as a school community, we ask that students pick up their service award during their lunch period from Sister Chris Pologa. She will be in the Dining Hall at the island.

We will have a slide show of service work from throughout the year. Student names will be listed by grade. Receiving awards will be 158 freshmen who completed 20 approved hours, 159 sophomores who completed 20 approved hours, 191 juniors who completed 25 approved hours and 48 seniors who completed 25 approved hours this year. Please note that the 125 seniors who will receive the four-year service award will be recognized at the Honors Convocation on May 19 rather than on this day. 

In this the Year of St. Joseph, students will receive a service card, St. Joseph icon prayer card and a small statue of St. Joseph designed by Sister Mary Southerland, CSJ and produced in our STEM Lab.

MAY CROWNING

Wednesday, May 5, 2:28 p.m., SJA Orchard. The senior class will attend, and all other grade levels will watch via livestream on SJA’s Facebook page. Parents of the 10 seniors chosen by their classmates and the faculty/staff to take part in the ceremony will be invited to attend. 

Dress uniform is required. Seniors must wear white button-down shirts. We will follow a special schedule.

SENIORS' LAST DAY

Thursday, May 6. Parents and students are reminded that this is an academic day. Seniors may arrive on campus no earlier than 6:30 a.m. The Mothers’ Club will provide breakfast in the courtyard. Seniors will be emailed additional information regarding dress and events for the day. We will follow the Schedule 7. Please direct questions to senior moderators Angelle Saia (saiaa@sjabr.org) or Aimee Cronan (cronana@sjabr.org).

SENIOR WALK

The seniors’ final walk begins at 2:28 p.m. on Thursday, May 6. Parents who would like to be at the end of the walk should arrive to the orchard by 2:30 p.m. using any of the gate entrances. We are asking parents to be in this area only and not follow the seniors along the route on campus. Parents are required to wear a mask for the entire event, even though it is outside. We also ask that you remain socially distant from other parents. Seniors will meet their parents in this area at the end of the route. 

Parking will be available on Broussard and in the residential area on the Broussard side of the school. Please do not block any driveways. Please do not park at the Tyler Possa Law Office or on their grass. Look for signs indicting parking availability.

SENIOR MASS

Friday, May 7, Academy Student Center, 9:40 a.m. The senior class will gather with Father Joshua Johnson to celebrate their final mass at SJA. The mass will be livestreamed on SJA’s Facebook page for students in grades 9-11 as well as parents and families of seniors. 

Seniors must be checked in by 9:30 a.m. and will be dismissed after mass. Seniors were given their graduation gowns on April 15 and 16 and are required to wear them for Senior Mass with a white or light pastel-colored dress underneath. Any color dressy shoe is allowed. Seniors must wear masks. There should be no writing on the masks. 

Schedule 6 will be followed, with dress uniforms required for grades 9-11. 

RING CEREMONY

Friday, May 7, Academy Student Center. The ceremony begins at 5:30 p.m. for last names Adler-Landry and 7 p.m. for last names Latil-Zelden. Each junior will be issued two guest tickets. Dress uniforms are required. 

The class of 2022 will officially become the senior class at SJA. Juniors will join the 10,480 Academy alumnae who have preceded them in receiving their school rings.

Please note that participation is mandatory. If a junior cannot participate, she must submit a letter from her parents to Dean of Women Erika Angarita (angaritae@sjabr.org). Practice will be held immediately after school on Friday, May 7, in the Academy Student Center. 

Juniors must use an official SJA graduation ring, either purchased from Balfour or borrowed from an SJA alumna. Rings ordered from Balfour will be delivered directly to campus in advance of the ceremony. Juniors may also use a state championship ring, either their own or borrowed from a current SJA student or alumna. Borrowed rings should be returned to the owner immediately following the ceremony. If you need help borrowing a ring, please let us know.

There will be no parking in the synagogue lot. 

Please direct questions about the evening to Ring Ceremony coordinator Sarah McCann at mccanns@sjabr.org or Angelle Terrell at terrella@sjabr.org. Please direct questions about outstanding balances on rings to Balfour at (225) 756-1881.

LETTER JACKET AND SWEATER ORDERS

Wednesday, May 12, Academy Student Center mezzanine during all three lunch periods. Orders may be placed by those who have lettered in academics, activities and/or athletics. Please direct questions to Athletic Director Dorinda Beaumont (beaumontd@sjabr.org; 388-2290).

VIRTUAL PAINTING CLASS

All Academy graduates as well as current students and their mothers are invited to join us virtually on Thursday, May 13, at 7 p.m. as SJA alumna Maria Prochaska Boudreaux ’84, owner of Fleur de ME Designs, hosts a virtual painting class. Maria will have all canvases pre-sketched and textured and will walk you through a step-by-step tutorial on how to paint the image. Thanks to the generosity of Maria and Fleur de ME Designs, the class is being offered at the low price of $35 and includes all materials. Materials will be available for pick-up on campus Wednesday and Thursday, May 12 and 13 in Mother Alice Hall.

For more information, please contact Mothers’ Club Moderator and Alumnae Director Katie Jeter Valenciano ’04 at valencianok@sjabr.org or register by clicking here. Spots are limited, so act now!

ADORATION

Friday, May 14, all three lunch periods, Chapel at SJA.

HONORS CONVOCATION

Graduation and Honors practice for seniors will take place on Tuesday, May 18, from 9 until 11:30 a.m. in the Academy Student Center. Practice is mandatory for all seniors unless permission is granted by Dean of Women Erika Angarita (angaritae@sjabr.org; 388-2278). 

Honors Convocation is Wednesday, May 19, at the Lamar Dixon Expo Center beginning at 7:30 p.m. The event typically lasts 90 minutes. Seniors must be checked in by 7:15 p.m. Each senior will be given three guest tickets. If a senior chooses to have an escort present her, that person must be included as one of her three guests. 

Any color long or mid-calf length formal dress or dress pantsuit may be worn. If a senior is escorted by a man, preferred attire is dress pants, jacket and tie, a suit or a tuxedo. If the escort is a woman, preferred attire is a dress or dress pants. Masks must be worn by everyone in attendance for the duration of the event. Seniors must wear a solid-color mask. 

Each student will have a picture taken by Kleinpeter Photography with her escort as they process on stage. To view and purchase images, please visit www.kleinpeterphotography.com and click View Events. Honors Convocation will be listed under the SJA heading. 

Please direct questions to Dean of Women Erika Angarita (angaritae@sjabr.org; 388-2278).

EARLY DISMISSAL

Friday, May 21, for Professional Learning Community. Students are dismissed at 1:50 p.m. We will follow Schedule 3. Please note that the library will remain open until 5:30 p.m. and that resource teachers (math, science and English) as well as the Writing Center will be available.

Mass and One Hundred Forty-Fourth Commencement Exercises

Sunday, May 23, 3 p.m., Raising Cane’s River Center. Practice will be held on May 23 at 9 a.m. only for those students who have a special role in the graduation ceremony. All seniors should report to the River Center no later than 2:30 p.m. and report dressed in cap and gown to rooms L1-L4 by entering Arena Portal D. Each senior will be given two floor tickets for parents and four upper-level tickets for additional guests. The entrance for floor seating (red tickets) will be Portal A on the ground level. Those guests with upper level/general admission tickets (white tickets) will enter upstairs in the galleria across from the east and west parking garages. Outside doors to the River Center will open at 1 p.m. The arena will open at 2 p.m. A ticket is required to enter the arena. There will not be a separate section for handicap seating. All upper-level seating will be accessible by elevator.  

For the safety of all guests, the River Center has instituted a clear bag policy. Air horns, confetti guns and poppers are considered contraband and are not permitted inside the building. Weapons of any kind, including pocket knives, mace and those with licenses to carry, are prohibited. Items which are confiscated will be discarded. Please note that outside food and beverages cannot be brought in. You will also be required to check the following items at Guest Services: strollers, balloons, large gift bags and large signs. 

Masks will be mandated by SJA and the Raising Cane’s River Center for all guests for the duration of the ceremony.  

Kleinpeter Photography will photograph graduation. To view and purchase images, please visit www.kleinpeterphotography.com and click View Events. Graduation will be listed under the SJA heading. 

Please direct questions to Dean of Women Erika Angarita (angaritae@sjabr.org; 388-2278).

SUMMER READING LIST

The St. Joseph’s Academy English Department considers our reading curriculum to be our most significant contribution to the Academy’s mission to “educate young women as responsible and unifying members of the world community” in keeping with the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph. In asking our students to spend precious summer hours reading, we encourage them to continue the mission-based development of academic excellence and unifying empathy that reading provides.

Click here for the summer reading list for the 2021-2022 academic year.

TABLET INSURANCE

The insurance you purchased through SJA on your daughter’s tablet computer will expire on June 30. We strongly recommend that you renew your policy for next year. As you know, broken parts are costly to repair/replace. The policy covers the unit from fire/flood damage, vandalism, natural disasters, power surges due to lightening, accidental breakage (including drops/cracked screens/liquid spills), liquid submersion and theft. 

The cost of the insurance for the coming year (July 1, 2021-June 30, 2022) is $76.

The insurance process will once again be managed in house, and SJA will act as your contact when you need to file a claim. To enroll, please complete the Technology Policy/Insurance form by Friday, May 28, 2021. If you choose not to purchase insurance, please select that option on the form and return it by May 28. Please note that we need a signed form on file regardless of your decision to purchase insurance.

Click here to purchase the insurance policy through Worth Ave. Group. This payment portal will be open between May 1 and July 31. Please note that your insurance will not go into effect until we receive both the electronically signed form and payment.

Please direct questions to Sharon Cashio (cashios@sjabr.org; 388-2246).

DINING HALL ACCOUNT REFUNDS

If your daughter is graduating or otherwise leaving SJA, please submit your request for a Dining Hall account refund to support@odin-inc.com by Friday, May 7. You will be issued a reimbursement via ACH within seven business days. Please be sure to leave enough money in your daughter’s account to cover her Dining Hall expenses through the end of the school year. Refund requests submitted after the May 7 deadline may be delayed up to eight weeks.  
 
Accounts for returning students will be frozen over the summer to prevent auto-funding. Accounts will be reactivated for the first day of school. If you would like to receive the balance of funds in your daughter’s account, please log into your My Kids Spending account, or contact support@mykidsspending.com for assistance. Again, please be sure to leave enough money in your daughter’s account to cover her Dining Hall expenses through the end of the school year.
 
Any parent requesting a refund is asked to be sure your ACH information is correct in your My Kids Spending account to avoid delays in receiving your refund.
 
The parents of departing students may choose to transfer account balances to a younger sibling, cousin or family friend. If you wish to transfer an account balance, please email Food Service Director Amy Patureau (apatureau@sagedining.com) with the first and last names of both students.

NEGATIVE BALANCE FINALS EXAMS POLICY FOR 9th-11th GRADE STUDENTS

It is the policy of SJA that all tuition, fees and SAGE Dining Hall balances must be current prior to final exams. Parents will be notified if a student is to remain home on examination days if an account is not current. Delinquent payments made after Monday, May 17, must be paid by cash, cashier’s check or money order to be deemed received by SJA so the student will be allowed to take exams. For tuition balances, please direct questions to Accountant Louise Babin (babinl@sjabr.org; 388-2234). For SAGE balances, please check your account online or call SAGE directly at 1-855-302-0070.

MEDICATIONS

We ask that parents pick up their daughter’s prescription and over-the-counter medications before the last day of school. We are not able to store these medications over the summer. Please direct questions to School Nurse Marie Vukovics (vukovicsm@sjabr.org; 388-2208).

SUMMER HOURS

Summer hours begin on Tuesday, June 1, and continue until Monday, August 2, when we resume regular hours. SJA will be closed Monday and Tuesday, July 5 and 6, in celebration of the Fourth of July. 

Summer hours are 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 8 a.m.-12 p.m. on Fridays. 

Please note that the Main Office will be open during the two weeks of Computer Orientation (July 19-22 and July 26-29) from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

NATIONAL ACT TEST SITE UPDATE

Due to current COVID-19 school guidelines, we will be a private ACT testing site for SJA students only for the National ACT Testing dates through July of 2021. School-day procedures for social distancing and cleaning will be followed during the test. If you have already registered for the National ACT, no action is necessary. If you would like to register, please visit http://www.act.org/. During the registration process, the system defaults to search by zip code. You will need to choose the Change Location option and enter the test center code 161060. Please note this is for the National ACT test and is not associated with the ACT required for juniors in March or the ACT Prep courses that are offered. Please direct questions to Assistant to the Deans Cristina Benigno at benignoc@sjabr.org.

SUMMER ACT PREP

Gear Up for the ACT: SJA will offer a four-hour session for each subject-specific test of the ACT during the summer. (ACT Writing will be a two-hour session.) These sessions will focus on strategies and practice techniques for that content-specific ACT test. The cost is $46.50 per session for ACT Math, Science, Reading and English. ACT Writing will cost $20.75. Your payment includes the ACT practice book for that subject. Space is limited to 50 students per session. Sessions can be purchased on ShopSJA (Extended Programs).

Dates:
June 8: ACT Reading, 12-4 p.m.
June 9: ACT Writing, 12-2 p.m.
June 10: ACT Science, 12-4 p.m.
June 14: ACT Math, 12-4 p.m. 
June 16: ACT English, 12-4 p.m. 
July 8: ACT English, 12-4 p.m.
July 9: ACT Writing, 12-2 p.m.
July 12: ACT Math, 12-4 p.m.
July 14: ACT Science, 12-4 p.m.
July 15: ACT Reading, 12-4 p.m.

ACT Diagnostic Testing: SJA will offer ACT Diagnostic Testing throughout the summer in which students practice taking a full-length ACT test in a test setting and receive specific feedback on the areas that they need to work on to improve their scores. Each student will receive a detailed explanation of her test results, stating specific skills and content areas to focus on to achieve a higher score. The test will simulate a real ACT test, with the setting, timing and using an ACT-released test. The cost is $15. Extended time is offered for each testing date. The Diagnostic Tests can be purchased on ShopSJA (Extended Programs).

Dates:
June 4: 8-11:30 a.m.
June 30: 8-11:30 a.m.
July 23: 8-11:30 a.m.
(Extended time tests normally end between 12:45 and 1 p.m.)

SJA ATHLETICS STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING PROGRAM, SUMMER 2021

Open to rising freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors who are trying out for or are on any athletic team for the 2021-2022 academic year. 

It is the mission of the Strength and Conditioning Program to maximize each SJA athlete’s genetic potential in every component of athleticism and decrease the potential for injury in an environment that is safe, fun, motivational and intense.

Dates: May 31-July 23 (Monday-Friday)
Times: 6:15-7:30 a.m. (25-person cap) and 7:45-9 a.m. (25-person cap)
Cost: $100 
Questions: Liz Fontenot, MS, SCS (fontenote@sjabr.org)

You can register and pay on Shop SJA in early May. Please note that you must print the registration form and bring it with you on the first day you come to training. 

A weekly sign-up genius link will be sent for Strength and Conditioning. You must sign up each week for the days you are coming. Because there is a 25-person cap per session, you won’t be able to work out if you haven’t signed up.

PARENT/ALUMNAE VIRTUAL RETREAT

Join fellow SJA parents and alumnae virtually on Saturday, June 19, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. as we renew and recharge our spirit. This summer’s retreat theme, Anchoring Our Hope in the Promises of God, will help illuminate the promises God made to us, and you will leave with practical tools and prayer practices for going to your inner chapel that will help increase your hope and anchor your life in God’s firm foundation.

The retreat, held via Zoom, will be led by Becky Uffman Eldredge, SJA class of 1998. She is an Ignatian-trained spiritual director, retreat facilitator and writer who helps others create space to connect faith and everyday life. She is the author of the newly released book, The Inner Chapel (Loyola Press). Retreat registration is $39 and includes materials. For more information, contact Alumnae Director Katie Jeter Valenciano (valencianok@sjabr.org; 388-2240). 

To register, click here.

2021-2022 DATES

We have determined start and end dates for the 2021-2022 academic year. Student orientation will take place August 9 and 10, 2021, with the first day of school on August 11. The last day of the school year will be May 26, 2022. Please note these dates are subject to change.

SIZZLING SUMMER CELEBRATES 31 YEARS IN 2021

Girls in grades 3-9 will enjoy athletics, arts, academics, enrichment and technology camps during the month of June. This year, we are also inviting boys in grades 3-9 to attend our technology camps. Click here for all the details and to register.

COLLEGE VISITS

Students are encouraged to visit colleges of interest during school holidays. Seniors are allowed three excused absences for college visits during the academic year. Juniors and sophomores are allowed two excused absences for college visits during the academic year. Written notes from a parent or guardian must be given to Dean of Women Erika Angarita (angaritae@sjabr.org) at least one week prior to the college visit. Seniors invited to attend university spring testing events, including LSU Spring Invitational, are allowed an additional excused absence(s) if they have followed proper check-out procedures. No college visits will be approved after April 15 of the student’s senior year.

TAX ID INFORMATION

If tax ID information is needed for your 2020 taxes, please contact Louise Babin in the SJA Finance Department at babinl@sjabr.org or 388-2234.

SENIOR TRIPS

Please be reminded that SJA does not sponsor senior trips.

CUSTODY INFORMATION

St. Joseph’s Academy abides by the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) with respect to the rights of parents and, in the event of divorce, the rights of custodial and noncustodial parents. In the latter case, absent a court order to the contrary, the school will provide the noncustodial parent access to academic records and other school-related information regarding the student. If there is a court order specifying that no information is to be given, it is the responsibility of the custodial parent to provide the school with a copy of the court order. We do not need the complete court order, only the part dealing with custody. Please direct questions to Principal Stacia Andricain (andricaina@sjabr.org; 388-2240).

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

SJA generally follows the same procedures as the East Baton Rouge School Board and Diocese of Baton Rouge. School closures due to weather and other circumstances are announced via our phone messaging system. If your phone number has changed since you last updated our records, or if you would like to add additional phone numbers to those we call, please contact Stacy Rennhoff (rennhoffs@sjabr.org; 388-2318) in the Registrar’s office.

To improve the efficiency of our phone alerts, we ask that parents add St. Joseph’s Academy – (225) 383-7207 – to their contacts and to listen to voice messages before hitting their phone’s call-back button. When we receive a large number of calls from parents before they listen to the voice message, it results in busy phone lines. Thank you for your cooperation as we strive to keep you informed.

SJA TELEPHONE SYSTEM

The school’s main number is (225) 383-7207, but you are encouraged to call faculty and staff directly. Faculty members do not have physical phones; rather, their phone numbers connect directly to a voice mail box. Click here for the faculty/staff directory.

SCHOOL IDs/LANYARDS

Students will be expected to wear their school ID on the school-issued lanyard at all times. The ID must be worn on the outside of the uniform so it is visible. Students not wearing their ID will be required to purchase a new one for $2 and/or receive a checklist. Replacement IDs can be purchased in the Deans’ Office before or after school.

ROSARY

Each Wednesday at 7 a.m., outside of the Chapel at SJA. In case of inclement weather, we will move inside the chapel. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, participation is limited to SJA students and faculty/staff members only. Please remember that face coverings and social distancing are required.

Counseling Center

The Counseling Center provides students with resources and support they need to be successful. Grade-level counselors support students during all four years at SJA. The Counseling Center collaborates with teachers and administrators to identify and discuss students who may need additional assistance and to determine best practices to reach all students both academically and socially. In addition, counselors meet with every student at least twice a year to discuss college and career readiness. Two full-time college advisors assist students with scholarship and college applications.

Learning Center 

The Learning Center provides free-of-charge assistance to any student needing extra help with math, science, English or writing. Also offered is academic counseling. Peer tutoring in foreign languages is provided by members of the National Honor Society and Beta Club. These student-led sessions are offered between 3 and 4 p.m. on Monday through Wednesday in the library. No appointments are necessary for any tutoring.

MATH RESOURCE

Math Resource is available Monday through Thursday during all three lunch hours and Tuesday and Wednesday from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Learning Center classroom in the library. Email mayk@sjabr.org.

SCIENCE RESOURCE

Science Resource is available Monday through Thursday during all three lunch hours and Tuesday and Wednesday from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Learning Center classroom in the library. Email brownh@sjabr.org, laplacev@sjabr.org or krzystowczykn@sjabr.org.

ENGLISH RESOURCE AND ACADEMIC COUNSELING 

English Resource is available Monday through Thursday during all three lunch hours and Tuesday and Wednesday from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Learning Center classroom in the library. Email abadiej@sjabr.org.

WRITING CENTER

The Writing Center provides instruction, resources and support. Trained peer consultants help students gain competence and confidence as writers through one-on-one sessions. Students schedule appointments through the Writing Center Moodle page. After-school workshops are offered on a variety of topics. The Writing Center is modeled on university writing centers and is a place for all writers at any stage of the writing process. Email knottsl@sjabr.org.

ACT Prep Courses

We would like to provide you with information about test preparation classes. SJA does not promote any particular course; rather, we are sharing opportunities should your daughter want or need additional test-taking help.  

Former SJA math faculty member Kevin Landry offers ACT prep courses on campus. Faculty members Brianna Sommers and Rhonda Baird are also on the teaching staff. Students may take individual content courses or the full program. Visit The Extra Point at https://extrapointtestprep.com/

Princeton Review: www.princetonreview.com

Mastery Prep: https://masteryprep.com/

Best in Class BR: https://bestinbr.com/act-prep/

Magnolia Prep: www.magnoliaprep.com

Khan Academy: https://www.khanacademy.org/join/T5BB5SDJ

Sylvan Learning Center: https://locations.sylvanlearning.com/us/baton-rouge-blue-bonnet-la/act-prep

Peer+Plus Diagnostic & Tutorial Service: https://www.facebook.com/peerplustutoring/

Studyville: https://studyville.com/

Zach Roubein Tutoring: https://www.zachroubeintutoring.com/

Materials found on the ACT website: www.act.org

Spiritual Formation 

Faith development continues to be a key component of SJA student formation through weekly rosary on Wednesday mornings, weekly bible study during all lunch hours on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and monthly adoration. Campus Ministry offers these opportunities for students to encounter Christ within the daily rhythm of life at SJA.

Required Service Program

Mother Teresa of Calcutta inspired us this year to do small things with great love as we served the dear neighbor. Thank you to one and all who contributed their time, talent and treasure to the building up of our oneness in the Body of Christ during this challenging pandemic time. We are truly transformed by God’s Spirit. SJA students completed 24,959.25 hours of community service this year, in spite of restricted service opportunities.

SJA was recognized on April 21 by the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank for responding to the needs of the dear neighbor with gospel compassion and generosity this year. Way to go ’Stickers.

It is our hope that we return to “normalcy” for the 2021-2022 academic year as we follow the charism theme, Relationships: Sacred Threads that Connect. Service requirements for the upcoming year are listed below and may also be found on the SJA Moodle service page. We strongly encourage students to work on their service hours over the summer.

Freshman Year: 15 total hours
10 hours in elderly care or environmental concerns
5 hours in a Christian service of their choice
      
Sophomore Year: 15 total hours
10 hours in child development, education or literacy
5 hours in a Christian service of their choice
      
Junior Year: 20 total hours
10 hours devoted to individuals with special needs or in a healthcare field
10 hours in a Christian service of their choice
      
Senior Year: 20 total hours
10 hours in fields related to hunger, poverty and homelessness
10 hours in a Christian service of their choice

Summer service hours for next year’s sophomores, juniors and seniors may be entered into www.x2vol.com starting June 1. Service hours are due Friday, April 1, 2022. There will be checkpoints throughout the year to ensure timely completion of the service requirement. Please direct questions to Service Coordinator Sister Chris Pologa at pologac@sjabr.org.

Annual Fund

Each year, we invite you to make an Annual Fund gift. These gifts are immediately available to support all that makes St. Joseph’s Academy the vibrant community and four-time National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence it is today. 

As the school year nears its end, if you have not yet participated in the SJA Annual Fund, I ask that you do so. The fund supports the legacy of faith development, academic excellence and personal growth for which the Academy is well known. Our great history, our current success and the strength of the future depend on your support of the Annual Fund. Your gift, no matter the amount, makes a positive and significant impact on our school, students, faculty and staff.

Our fiscal year ends June 30. We are only $5,000 away from our Annual Fund goal. Will you please help? Don’t wait. Give online now by clicking here. One gift. Any amount. Your support matters. Together, we are SJA.

Thank you in advance for your contribution.

If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact Mission Advancement Director Meg Gerald (geraldm@sjabr.org; 388-2254).

Pave the Way Bricks 

Buy a brick and leave a lasting legacy. Engraved brick pavers are placed outside the Sister Agatha Dining Hall. For more information, contact Mission Advancement Assistant Wendy Coniglio (conigliow@sjabr.org; 388-2336). Click here to purchase your brick today.

SJA Mothers' Club

Thank you so much to those who joined the SJA Mothers' Club for the 2020-2021 school year. Your dues allowed us to serve our SJA community throughout the year with student and teacher appreciation events and much more. Next year’s membership drive has begun. Click here to join today!

Pass It On Used Uniform Sale 
We are collecting any uniforms no longer needed for the Pass It On Used Uniform Sale on Saturday, June 5, in the Dining Hall. If you have uniform items that your daughter has outgrown, please consider donating them. Please send uniforms to the Main Office in St. Joseph Hall before the end of the school year.

Committee Assignments
Once again this summer, Mothers’ Club will be using Sign Up Genius for next year’s volunteer committee assignments. The sign up with your choices of committees will go out this summer. Look for this email in July.

SJA Dads' Club

Calling all dads. Beat the rush! Sign up now for the SJA Dads’ Club for the 2021-2022 school year.

The Dads’ Club works in partnership with the school on a variety of events throughout the school year. Some of the highlights of our involvement are class retreats, Seniors’ Last Day, Open House and exam snacks, to name a few. Each year, your membership dues, in combination with the profits from Dads’ Club-sponsored events including Father-Daughter Day and The Sticker Scramble, benefit our daughters. 

You will have the opportunity to sign up in August at Back-to-School Night, but why wait? You can sign up online right now!

If you have any questions, please contact the Dads’ Club Moderator Meg Gerald at geraldm@sjabr.org.

SPRING PLAYOFF SCHEDULE

Track
Regional Meet: Thursday, April 29, Catholic High School, time TBA
State Meet: Saturday, May 8, LSU, 12 p.m.

2021-2022 SJA ATHLETIC TRYOUT DATES

All student-athletes must have an LHSAA physical form completed and signed by a physician and their parents before they can try out for any SJA sport. The form can be found on MySJA in the Resources Board, Athletics. You will print the form and take it to your daughter’s physician to complete and sign. This form can also be found on the SJA website here. Please scan the completed form, or take a picture of it with your smartphone, and upload to MySJA, Resources, Athletics before tryouts.

Please note that student-athletes must attend all tryout dates listed with their sport.

BASKETBALL TRYOUTS

Wednesday-Thursday, May 19-20, 4:30-6 p.m., and Wednesday, June 2 (if necessary), 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m., Academy Student Center. Please direct questions to Coach Tim Waller (wallert@sjabr.org; 388-2224).

CROSS COUNTRY ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING

Tuesday, May 11, 3:15-4:30 p.m., Health Room in Activity Center.   Please direct questions to Coach Mark LaHaye (lahayem@sjabr.org; 603-6575)

SOCCER TRYOUTS

Monday-Tuesday, May 17-18, 4-5 p.m. for returning players, SJA Stadium, Field #4, Burbank Complex.
Tuesday-Wednesday, May 25-26 and, if necessary, Thursday, May 27, 10-11 a.m. for new players, SJA Stadium, Field #4, Burbank Complex. Please direct questions to Coach Kyle Carmouche (carmouchek@sjabr.org; 229-6749).

SOFTBALL TRYOUTS

Tuesday-Thursday, May 18-20, 4-6 p.m., Sacred Heart. Please direct question to Coach Amanda Henley (henleya@sjabr.org; 603-1022).

TRACK AND FIELD INFORMATION/ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING

Wednesday, September 8, 3-3:45 p.m., Health Room in Activity Center. Please direct questions to Coach Charlie Daigle (daiglec@sjabr.org; 270-6029).

VOLLEYBALL TRYOUTS

Monday-Wednesday, May 17-19, 3:30-6 p.m., Academy Student Center. Please direct questions to Coach Sivi Miller (millers@sjabr.org; 388-2298). 

All other sports will have their tryouts during the fall semester of 2021.

Please direct questions to Athletic Director Dorinda Beaumont (beaumontd@sjabr.org; 388-2290).

It’s shocking that this school year is almost over. What a year it has been. Thank you for adjusting as the Sticker Shop went online this year and supporting the shop with no instore shopping. 

Graduation is just around the corner. Commemorate that wonderful milestone with a unique SJA keepsake. Choose from a variety of items including our super-soft SJA embroidered blanket, a ceramic plaque of the front gates, SJA jewelry, canvas plaques displaying the SJA shield in gold, an SJA coffee mug to study with in college and much more.

Shop here now! 

All items that have been purchased online must be picked up by Thursday, May 13, which is the last day the shop will be open. 

Many thanks to our countless volunteers who worked in the shop this year and during our popup shop. We could not do it without you!

The Sticker Shop is located in Mother Alice Hall and open on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Students can shop through the window of the Sticker Shop located across from the chapel, and parents can do curbside pickup in the Mother Alice Hall circle drive during the hours listed above. Simply call (225) 388-2237 upon your arrival.