Parent Newsletter

Dear Parents, 

I am excited to begin my third year as principal of St. Joseph’s Academy, to welcome our seniors, juniors and sophomores back to campus and to say a special hello to the class of 2023. Our theme for the 2019-2020 school year is Great Hearted Love: Serving the Dear Neighbor.  The term “serving the dear neighbor” stems from our early Sisters, whose desire to help others remains a guiding principle at the Academy to this day. Delving a little deeper into this theme, we look to the core value of service: addressing the needs of the time and of all peoples without distinction. In honoring the history of the Sisters, we must continue to work together in service to others. In that, I pray that our young ladies not see service as a task to be completed or an item to check off a list; rather, I pray that service becomes engrained in them into adulthood and that they become women for others. 

Thank you to the 200-plus seniors, juniors and sophomores who spent part of their summer in service to others through our mission trip program. Our students were able to work in service locally, nationally and internationally again this summer, forming meaningful relationships with their classmates and all of those they served alongside. A special thank you to the many SJA faculty and staff members who spent part of their summer chaperoning our trips!

I am very excited to welcome Aimee Wiles ’93 to the administrative team. She brings a wealth of experience in Catholic education, having served as a teacher, coach, assistant principal and principal during her career. Ms. Wiles will have a busy school year working with our faculty on our academic curriculum and alignment. She will be working on a new entrepreneurial program for our students as well as getting SJA ready for our next AdvancED accreditation review.  Another academic goal for this school year is evaluating our standardized test scores and how we work to prepare our students for those assessments. 

Since the curriculum will be such an important focus for us this year, we will be instituting a new bell schedule that will be early dismissal days for students (2:07 p.m.) every other Thursday. The reason for this change is to allow time for our teachers to work in professional learning communities (PLCs). Teachers who teach the same course will have time to work together on the course as it progresses through the school year. These PLCs will allow for professional dialogue and collaboration that will ultimately improve the educational environment of our school. Our goals are stronger leadership and teaching that will, in turn, lead to greater student achievement in the classroom. All early dismissals will be listed on the school calendar. If we experience school closures during the school year, that time will be made up by canceling the necessary number of early dismissals. We hope our students take advantage of these early release days by utilizing SJA’s resources, including having the library open for group or quiet work. We will also have our resource teachers (math, science and English) as well as the Writing Center available on these days. Sports practice and club meetings will not begin early on these days. 

Click here for our complete bell schedule.
 

Stacia B. Andricain
Principal

COMPUTER ORIENTATION REMINDERS 

We look forward to welcoming the class of 2023 (as well as any new students to SJA) during their required Computer Orientation session later this month. You received your daughter’s session dates in your acceptance packet. Please be reminded that the hours for this four-day session are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Thursday. We ask that your daughter bring headphones. Dress for Computer Orientation is school uniform (SJA or grammar school).

Students should be dropped off and picked up using the main carpool line, accessed via the driveway to the west of St. Joseph Hall. You will enter the driveway from Kleinert Avenue. Once dropped off, students will be directed to the Dining Hall by student workers. 

If your daughter has a specific health issue or concern, we ask that you email our school nurse, Marie Vukovics, at vukovicsm@sjabr.org. 
 
Please direct questions about Computer Orientation to Shelly O’Dowd (odowds@sjabr.org). 
 

Insurance on T938 Tablet Computers 

We strongly recommend that you purchase insurance on your daughter’s tablet computer. 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 lightning, accidental breakage (including drops/cracked screens/liquid spills), liquid submersion and theft. 

The cost of the computer insurance for the coming year (July 1, 2019-June 30, 2020) is $76.

Thank you to those who have already purchased insurance. If you are unsure if you have purchased insurance for the 2019-2020 school year, please contact Sharon Cashio (cashios@sjabr.org; 388-2246). 

The insurance process is managed in house, and SJA will act as your contact when you need to file a claim. For those who have not yet enrolled, we ask that you complete and electronically submit the application form as soon as possible. If you choose not to purchase insurance, please select that option on the form. 

You will pay for the insurance online through Worth Ave. Group. Click here. Please note that your insurance will not go into effect until we receive the electronically signed application form and payment. 

Please direct questions to Sharon Cashio at cashios@sjabr.org or 388-2246.
 

School Handbook

The 2019-2020 School Handbook is located on the SJA website under the Parents and Students portals. Please note that it is the responsibility of students and parents to read this handbook and to be informed of its contents.

Click here for the School Handbook Acknowledgment Form. Signing and returning this form indicates that you have read the handbook and agree to follow and uphold the policies and practices of St. Joseph’s Academy. Parent/guardian signatures also grant permission for your daughter’s photograph, video image, name and/or interview answers to be used for publicity purposes on the SJA website, in Academy-produced publications and in various media outlets, including SJA’s social media platforms. (See the Communications section of the handbook for complete policy.)

The signed School Handbook Acknowledgment Form will be collected on your daughter’s orientation day during the administrative session. She may also turn it into the Deans’ Office. The form must be turned in no later than by Friday, August 9. 

Failure to abide by the policies of the handbook by either the student or the parent/guardian may result in the student’s removal from school. 

Handbook contents can be changed at any time during the school year. Students will be notified of changes via email; parents will be notified via the Parents Newsletter.
 

Personally Identifiable Information 

As a non-public school, St. Joseph’s Academy is not affected by the state law which requires parents to make an election at the beginning of each year to grant or deny consent for the school to collect your daughter’s Personally Identifiable Information and disclose it to the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA) for TOPS and other financial aid or to the state’s colleges and universities for admissions. We will share this information unless you request through your daughter’s grade-level counselor that it be withheld.
 

Dining Hall Accounts 

Please be sure that your daughter’s Dining Hall account has sufficient funds to begin the 2019-2020 academic year. Parents of freshmen and students new to SJA can create an online account through MyKidsSpending by clicking here after August 1, 2019. Click the Create Account bar at the bottom of the page, and follow the prompts. If you have an existing MyKidsSpending account, please log in and verify that the Auto Fund feature is enabled to prevent your daughter’s Dining Hall account from running a deficit. Please note that you will not be able to create a new account or fund an existing account prior to August 1. 

Cash is not accepted for Dining Hall account deposits but is accepted for lunch payments at the time of food purchase. More information is available at www.mykidsspending.com. Be sure to download the “Touch of SAGE” mobile app for Android and iOS to track events, view menus and more. 

For additional information, please contact Food Services Director Carlie Boone (boonec@sjabr.org; 388-2247).

 

Office Hours 

Beginning August 8, hours for the Main Office in St. Joseph Hall will be 6:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Monday through Friday. (Summer hours are 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. through August 7.) Hours for the Help Desk are 6:45 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. each weekday. The library is open each day until 5:30 p.m.
 

Uniform Items on Shop SJA 

PE shirts are available on Shop SJA and will be distributed by the PE teachers. Please note these shirts are required for PE classes during the school year, not summer PE. 
 

Class Schedules 

Student schedules will be posted on NetSJA prior to the start of the school year. Schedules will not be printed and provided to students; as a result, students must print their own schedules. Late requests for schedule changes will not be honored as the deadline for requesting changes has passed. Please direct questions to Dean of Academics Aubrey DeJohn (dejohna@sjabr.org; 388-2269).

Parents of freshmen and new students to SJA will receive NetSJA login instructions at the beginning of August.
 

Student Orientation 

Tuesday, August 6, for freshmen and some sophomores and Wednesday, August 7, for remaining sophomores, juniors and seniors. Click here for orientation schedules. The first full day of school is Thursday, August 8. Dress uniforms are required. Regular uniforms are allowed on orientation days. Dress uniforms will also be required on Thursday, August 15, as we celebrate mass. 

Freshmen are reminded to print their class schedules and bring them to school on their orientation day, as they will have a chance to go through their schedule, meet their teachers and find their classrooms. 

Please be reminded that orientation is considered a school day, and your daughter should be present at the required time. If your daughter cannot attend her scheduled orientation, please submit the reason in writing to Dean of Women Erika Angarita (angaritae@sjabr.org). For additional information, please call the Deans’ Office at 388-2280.
 

Yearbook and Student ID Pictures 

Kleinpeter Photography will take photographs for the SJA yearbook and student ID cards during student orientation. Click here for the Photo Order Form. The completed form and payment should be given to the photographer on your daughter’s designated picture day. Retakes will be taken on Tuesday, August 13, during all lunch periods.

Yearbook Orders 

The SJA yearbook captures once-in-a-lifetime memories in a single place. You can save $10 on the cost by purchasing your copy before school begins. Click here to purchase your copy today. A receipt will be emailed to you once your purchase is complete. If you have more than one daughter attending SJA, please purchase a copy under each student’s name.
 

Classes at Catholic High School 

Questions/issues for SJA students taking classes at CHS will be addressed during student orientation. Please direct curriculum questions to Dean of Academics Aubrey DeJohn (dejohna@sjabr.org; 388-2269). Transportation questions should be addressed to Dean of Women Erika Angarita (angaritae@sjabr.org; 388-2278). 
 

Liturgy Workshop 

Sunday, August 4, 1-3 p.m. in the Academy Student Center. This workshop is for all students, including incoming freshmen, interested in being part of Liturgy Committee. This includes students who would like to read, be an altar server, serve as a minister of the Eucharist and plan and prepare school liturgies. Register on Moodle under Liturgy Committee. For additional information, contact Liturgy Coordinator Hugo Andricain (andricainh@sjabr.org; 388-2227).

FIRST-DAY-OF-SCHOOL PRAYER SERVICE 

Thursday, August 8, 10:02 a.m. in the Academy Student Center. We will follow Schedule 5. Dress uniforms are required. Parents are welcome to attend. Parking for visitors is on Broussard Street, Kleinert Avenue, the Mother Alice Hall circle drive or in legal parking spots on the streets surrounding campus. Please do not park in the lawyers’ client lot or on the grass near the lawyers’ lot.

SJA 101/Freshmen Parents Back-to-School Night

This meeting for parents of all freshmen will be held on Monday, August 12, 6:15-8:45 p.m. in the Academy Student Center. Hear important information as your freshman daughter makes the transition from elementary school to high school. There will be presentations by school administrators, and parents will be offered the opportunity to visit their daughters’ classes and meet their teachers. Please bring a copy of your daughter’s schedule to the meeting. Student Ambassadors will be on hand to assist you with classroom locations.
 

First School Mass 

We will celebrate the Feast of the Assumption Mass on Thursday, August 15. We will follow Schedule 4; mass begins at 9:45 a.m. in the Academy Student Center. Parents and guests are welcome to join us. Please do not park in the lawyers’ client lot or on their grass. Look for legal parking on streets surrounding campus.

 

Freshman Social 

All freshmen from SJA and freshmen and 8th graders from Catholic High School are invited to a Freshman Social at CHS on Friday, August 16, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. SJA students will gather after school in the orchard and walk to CHS together. Chaperones will walk students back to SJA promptly at 5 p.m. for carpool pick-up. The social is designed to allow the freshman classes of both schools to meet new people and interact with old friends. Freshmen will be given more information during the first week of school.

 

Back-To-School Night for Parents of Students in Grades 10-12

Monday, August 19, 6:15-8:15 p.m., Academy Student Center. There will be presentations by school administrators and the Mission Advancement Office. You will also follow your daughter’s schedule to visit her classes and meet her teachers. Please bring a copy of your daughter’s schedule. Student Ambassadors will be on hand to assist you with classroom locations.
 

Mission Advancement Meeting for All New Parents of SJA (freshmen and new students in grades 10-12)

All new SJA parents are asked to schedule a meeting with the Mission Advancement Office. We have four dates and times from which to choose. Please select the meeting that works best for your schedule. The meetings will be held on Thursdays, August 22 and 29, at 6 p.m. and on Fridays, August 23 and 30, at 12 p.m. All meetings will be held in the community room of Mother Alice Hall (3080 Kleinert). Please select your date as soon as possible, as space is limited. 

Those unable to attend any of the four meetings will be asked to schedule a make-up meeting with the Mission Advancement Office. Please direct questions to Mission Advancement Director Meg Gerald (geraldm@sjabr.org; 388-2254).
 

Back-to-School Dance 

All students from SJA and CHS are invited to the Back-to-School Dance on Friday, August 23, from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Academy Student Center. Further details regarding ticket information, dance theme and parking/carpool instructions will be provided closer to the date of the dance.
 

Academic Awards/Induction Ceremony

Wednesday, August 28, 9:54 a.m., Academy Student Center. We will follow Schedule 2. We will recognize students who have achieved academic distinction by earning academic letters and bars, as well as induct National Honor Society members and Student Council leadership. Parents are welcome to attend. Parking for visitors is on Broussard Street, Kleinert Avenue, the Mother Alice Hall circle drive or in legal parking spots on the streets surrounding campus. Please do not park in the lawyers’ client lot or on the grass near the lawyers’ lot.
 

Big Sis/Little Sis Program

On Thursday, August 29, freshmen “little sisters” will meet their senior “big sisters” as part of SJA’s traditional Big Sis/Little Sis program. The event will be held from 3 to 4 p.m. The program’s purpose is to welcome incoming freshmen to our school. Each freshman will be randomly matched with a senior group to foster new relationships with their peers and establish connections with their new classmates.

Several SJA-sanctioned activities and events occur throughout the year, all on campus: Candlelight Ceremony, Sweet Tooth Day, Hat Day, Senior Mass flowers and Senior Goodbye letters. Seniors may invite their little sisters to join them in other activities, as well. While we want to foster relationships between the girls, parents must make final decisions as far as allowing your freshman daughter to participate in non-sanctioned events. We encourage parents of both seniors and freshmen to use the online Student Directory to communicate with one another if your daughters plan events outside of school.  

Questions? Parents of seniors should contact senior class moderators Aimee Cronan (cronana@sjabr.org) or Jackie Zeller (zellerj@sjabr.org). Parents of freshmen should contact freshman class moderator Angelle Terrell (terrella@sjabr.org).

 

Electronic Communications 

In our ongoing efforts to be responsible stewards of the earth’s resources, we feel strongly that electronic communications should replace paper communications whenever possible. Please note that if you choose to unsubscribe to any electronic message you receive from us, you are unsubscribing to all electronic communications. 

Please note that we must have one valid, regularly checked email address on file. If your email, phone number or physical address has changed since last time you updated our records, we ask that you let us know. Please address questions to Assistant to the Registrar Stacy Rennhoff (rennhoffs@sjabr.org; 388-2236). 
 

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/text 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; 388-2236) 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 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. 
 

2019-2020 School Calendar

Click here for the school calendar for 2019-2020.
 

Holiday Office Closings 

The main office is closed on these holidays. Please plan accordingly.

September 2	Labor Day
October 18	Fall Holiday
November 25-29	Thanksgiving
December 23-January 6	Christmas
January 20	Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday
February 24-28	Mardi Gras
April 10-17	Easter

 

NEW ONLINE HEALTH INFORMATION FORM

It is a requirement that St. Joseph’s Academy have a completed health information form on file for every student at the beginning of each academic year. We are pleased to inform you that starting this year, forms will be completed and submitted electronically. The online form will be available shortly. You will receive an email with usage instructions at that time. We ask that you complete and submit the form by August 30. 

In the meantime, if your daughter has a specific health issue, we ask that you contact School Nurse Marie Vukovics (vukovicsm@sjabr.org; 388-2208).
 

National Test Date for All Juniors

All students in the junior class will be required to register and take the ACT during the national test dates. This will take place during the spring semester. Parents will be required to pay the registration fee. More details will be sent closer to the test day in February or March of 2020.

 

Living in Community Reminders 

It is our expectation that parents and students carefully and together review all policies in the School Handbook, located on the website under the Students and Parents portals. Listed here are a few policies to which you should pay special attention.

• Students cannot be dropped off at school earlier than 6:30 a.m. All students (unless participating in a team practice or club event) must be picked up by 5:30 p.m. Any student not picked up by this time will be subject to a fine. Please refer to the School Handbook for information about late fees. 
• Daily attendance is required of all students. The 2019-2020 school calendar is included in this newsletter. We ask that you adhere to the holiday schedule. If a student is absent due to non-medical appointments, vacation/trips or other events that are not deemed necessary by the administration, her absence will be considered unexcused, and she will be issued a disciplinary consequence. Students who are ill are asked to follow the procedure in the handbook in order for absences to be considered excused. We ask that you make every effort to schedule all appointments during your daughter’s lunch period or after school. Absences for issues other than illness or a family emergency must be discussed with Dean of Women Erika Angarita in advance.
• The required length of the uniform skirt and shorts must be no shorter than 2 inches above the top of the knee. Please make sure that any shorts or skirts that do not meet this requirement are altered before the start of school. Failure to have the correct length may result in disciplinary consequences.  
• Hair must be natural in color. If your daughter’s hair color is found to be extreme as determined by Dean of Women Erika Angarita, she will be required to make immediate corrections to the color. Please note that extremely short/shaved haircuts or haircuts which include carved shapes are not permitted. If your daughter is considering a very short haircut, she should discuss it in advance with Dean of Women Erika Angarita.
• To accommodate the needs of our seniors, we will allow up to three excused school days for college visits. Sophomores and juniors will be allowed two days. Arrangements must be made in advance through the Students’ Receptionist’s office. 

Questions regarding these policies should be directed to Dean of Women Erika Angarita (angaritae@sjabr.org; 388-2280). 

 

Parking at SJA 

Parking will continue to be a privilege for our juniors and seniors only. We will continue to provide security for our school and parking lots between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. each school day. We ask parents of freshmen and sophomores to make carpool or other transportation arrangements. 

The vehicle registration process will be completed on ShopSJA. Those who complete the registration form will be given either a street spot or an assigned spot according to a lottery system. Seniors will be assigned first, then juniors.  

Follow these steps for registering your daughter’s vehicle for a parking permit for the 2019-2020 school year. Please keep in mind that you are allowed to register your daughter’s car only if she has a valid driver’s license and a vehicle to begin parking by Wednesday, August 7. Permits must be purchased by Monday, August 5 at 3 p.m.

1. Required information and payment must be completed online. Juniors and seniors must have a valid driver’s license (not a learner’s permit) by Wednesday, August 7, (junior/senior orientation day) in order to register a vehicle. If your daughter’s birthday falls after this date, her form will not be processed, and the payment will be refunded.
2. Submit the completed form and pay online ($283.75 for an assigned spot or $77.25 for a street permit) by Monday, August 5, at 3 p.m.  
3. This is a lottery, not first-come/first-served, so all students who purchase a parking permit have an equal chance of being assigned a parking spot in a lot. Seniors will be assigned before juniors.
4. Included in the lottery are these four lots: Kleinert, Synagogue, Mother Thollot House and the gymnasium. 
5. The student must bring a copy of her driver’s license in order to receive her parking tag. If a student does not have a license, or if she has a learner’s permit, she is not eligible to get a tag and should not complete a form at this time. 
6. There are a limited number of spots for valid street parking. If more than 60 students choose the street, seniors will be assigned first, then juniors. If more juniors want a street spot than are available, a lottery will be held for the remaining spaces. Juniors not getting a street spot will be moved to their alternate spot in a lot for the increased parking fee.
7. If a student is assigned a spot and given a permit, she must use the space. A spot cannot sit empty. If your daughter will not have a car to drive beginning the day she gets the tag, she must wait until she is ready to park to complete the form.
8. If a student chooses to be in the lottery for a spot and is assigned a lot that is not her preference, she will not be allowed to then request to a refund to park on the street.
9. For safety reasons, our goal is to have as few students on the street as possible and in an assigned lot.

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 or during the student’s lunch period. 
 

Calculator Requirements

Students must have a TI-30XIIS scientific calculator for Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Pre-Calculus and Business Calculus. Pre-Calculus Honors and AP Calculus students are required to have a TI-84 Plus series graphing calculator. Advanced Math: Functions and Statistics requires a calculator but has no specific calculator requirement. Please permanently label calculators before bringing them to school. Please direct questions to Math Department Chair Kristine Davis (davisk@sjabr.org).

 

Free Heart Screenings

The Louisiana Pediatric Cardiology Foundation provides free heart screenings to high school student-athletes. The SJA Athletic Department recommends that each athlete undergo this free screening. Please click here for more information about scheduling your appointment.

 

Safety Report 

SJA is in compliance with federal regulations concerning asbestos. All federal guidelines for underground pipes are also in compliance. For further information, contact Maintenance Supervisor Arthur Smith (smitha@sjabr.org).

 

Pesticide Hypersensitivity 

SJA is in compliance with Act 237 and maintains a registry of students who are hypersensitive to pesticides. If your daughter has this sensitivity, please send written verification by a licensed physician and your written statement regarding her condition so we may attend to her needs. Send verification to School Nurse Marie Vukovics (vukovicsm@sjabr.org).

 

Carpool

If you are interested in forming a carpool in your neighborhood, please contact Students’ Receptionist Erin McLean (mcleane@sjabr.org; 388-2256) beginning Thursday, August 1.

 

After-School Library Hours 

After-school library hours are 2:50-5:30 p.m. If a student is not picked up by 5:30 p.m., this will be reported to Dean of Women Erika Angarita, and a plan will be made. Students waiting to be picked up must report to the library by 4 p.m. After-school library rules can be found in the School Handbook under the Students and Parents portals. Please direct questions to Librarian Rebecca Stagg (staggr@sjabr.org; 388-2235).

  
Tuition Policy 2019-2020 

St. Joseph’s Academy is committed to providing an environment of excellence for young women in the Baton Rouge community. The SJA Board of Directors has established guidelines for tuition income. Click here for the Tuition Policy for the 2019-2020 academic year.

 

Student Accident Insurance

SJA carries student accident insurance through Guardian Insurance Company. All students are automatically covered, so there is no need to enroll.  

Coverage limit is $30,000 per injury from the first day of school until the last day of school. The policy pays 80 percent of the reasonable and customary expenses incurred for necessary medical, dental or hospital care (within 104 weeks for Accidental Dental expenses) up to a maximum of $30,000 for any one injury, subject to the deductible amount, excess provision and exclusions.  

Expenses incurred after one year from the date of injury are not covered. Deductible is $100, or the amount collectible from any other insurance sources, subject to the excess provisions, if applicable. Liability for school-time-only coverage will be limited to the part of expenses that is in excess of the total benefits payable by other valid coverage on an expense-incurred or provision-of-services basis. Students are covered for injury that occurs:

• while on the school premises during the hours and days when classes are in session and while participating in or attending any school activity, including athletics, sponsored by and under the direct and immediate supervision of the school;
• while away from the school premises, if participating in a school-sponsored, directly supervised activity, including all athletics on field trips;
• while commuting directly and without interruption to or from their place of residence and school for regular school-day sessions; and/or
• while traveling to or from any school-sponsored, directly supervised activity, including athletic events, in a school-authorized vehicle.

Click here for a claim form for submission. Please direct questions to Director of Operations Linda Thompson (thompsonl@sjabr.org; 388-2305).

 

Save the Date: Grandparents Week for Seniors

Grandparents of seniors will receive an invitation to join their senior granddaughters for lunch during the week of September 16. Seniors and grandparents will dine together in Mother Alice Hall during one of the days of the week, which will be indicated on the invitation. Seniors will then take a photograph with their grandparents and lead them on a tour of campus. Parents, we ask that you work with your daughter’s grandparents so they know to meet her in Mother Alice Hall (3080 Kleinert Avenue) rather than the Activity Center, where they met when she was a freshman. Grandparents should look for “SJA Event” signs posted around campus which will indicate parking spaces. Grandparents are asked to RSVP by Tuesday, September 10, to Assistant Director of Advancement Jennifer Knight (knightj@sjabr.org; 388-2270).

 

Save the Date: Grandparents Day for Freshmen

Monday, October 14. Grandparents of freshmen are invited to join their granddaughter during her assigned lunch period in the Academy Student Center. Each lunch period is 50 minutes long. Because of limited parking, we ask grandparents to arrive no earlier than 20 minutes before their granddaughter’s lunch period. Parking will be available in the Academy Student Center parking lot on Parker Street as well as on Broussard and Parker streets. Invitations will follow. 

Grandparents are asked to RSVP by Monday, October 7, to Assistant Director of Advancement Jennifer Knight (knightj@sjabr.org; 388-2270).

 

Save the Date: The Soirée

Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 24, 2019, for The Soirée. Join us for music by Ned Fasullo and His Fabulous Big Band Orchestra, silent and live auctions and great food and drinks in the Academy Student Center. If you would like information about volunteering or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Assistant Director of Advancement Jennifer Knight (knightj@sjabr.org; 388-2270).

 

Rosary 

Each Wednesday at 7 a.m., Chapel at SJA. Parents, family members and Catholic High School students are welcome to join us. Please park on Broussard Street.
 

SJA Annual Fund

The SJA Annual Fund, our school’s annual appeal, is an essential component of the Academy’s fundraising efforts. Last year’s appeal raised $530,688, supporting curriculum, faculty enrichment, facility enhancements and other areas of need. Our parents are key to the success of the Annual Fund. Last year, they contributed $231,538 towards the total. Thank you to everyone who partnered with us in 2018-2019.  

After tuition, the SJA Annual Fund is the second largest source of revenue for St. Joseph’s Academy. Help us to continue to grow the Annual Fund and provide vital support to the school community by making a contribution during the 2019-2020 fiscal year. Parents of sophomores, juniors and seniors will receive their commitment cards at Back-to-School Night on Monday, August 19. Freshman parents will receive their commitment cards at the freshman parent meeting of their choice on either August 22 (6 p.m.), August 23 (12 p.m.), August 29 (6 p.m.) or August 30 (12 p.m.).

Click here to donate online today. Thank you in advance for your generosity and support in continuing the tradition of excellence for our students.

For additional information, please contact Mission Advancement Director Meg Gerald (geraldm@sjabr.org; 388-2254).

 

Pave the Way Bricks

Make your mark on SJA’s campus by purchasing a brick for your daughter. 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.
 

We encourage all parents to join these important organizations which do so much to heighten and complement our students’ experiences at SJA. To join the Mothers’ Club for the 2019-2020 academic year, click here. To join the Dads’ Club for 2019-2020, click here.

We have been made aware that over the course of the summer, some Mothers’ Club members received emails that appeared to be from the club’s president. These messages contained urgent language asking for money or gift cards. Please note that the Mothers’ Club will never send an urgent email asking for a donation.

We ask that you always check the source of such an email. Click on the sender’s email address to determine if it’s among your trusted contacts. You should not click the links in a suspicious email. Please note that the Mothers’ Club will never send an email asking for personal information, usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, expiration dates of CVV. 
 

The Sticker Shop, run by the SJA Mothers’ Club, has settled into our new location in Mother Alice Hall on Kleinert Avenue, and we welcome you to visit us this year. This is our on-campus retail store for all of your family’s official SJA spirit items. We offer a large selection of merchandise, including short- and long-sleeve T-shirts, new athletic shorts that can be worn for PE, men’s polo shirts, children and baby T-shirts, dri-fit long-sleeve shirts, sweatshirts, pajama shorts, jewelry, blankets, hats, coffee cups, umbrellas, stadium seats, vehicle decals for all sports, water bottles, phone wallet stickers, SJA plaques and more. 

You can preorder SJA nutcrackers on Shop SJA in September and October. Supplies are limited, so place your order early.

We now carry uniform sweatshirts, sweatpants and rain jackets in the Sticker Shop all year.

The shop is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. We accept all major credit cards, ApplePay, cash or checks made payable to SJA Mothers’ Club.

We look forward to seeing you soon! Please direct questions to stickershop@sjabr.org.

Student-Athlete Packets

Any student interested in trying out for an athletic team must upload a completed and signed doctor’s LHSAA physical form before the first day of team tryouts or workouts. The rest of the athletic forms packet, including a copy of the student’s birth certificate, must be completed and submitted online once the student is selected for the team. We are pleased to inform you that starting this year, forms will be completed and submitted electronically. The online form will be available shortly. You will receive an email with usage instructions at that time.
 

Swim Team Information

Tryouts: Monday, August 5, 3-5 p.m., Crawfish Aquatics Indoor Pool. 
Mandatory Parent/Swimmer Meeting: Wednesday, August 7, 6 p.m., Activity Center Health Room
First Day of Practice: Tuesday, August 13, 3:30-5 p.m., AC Lewis YMCA (Foster Drive)

 

Track and Field Informational/Organizational Meeting

Wednesday, September 4, 3-3:45 p.m., Health Room in the Activity Center. Please direct questions to Coach Charlie Daigle (daiglec@sjabr.org).

 

Save the Date: Sticker Scramble

The 8th Annual Sticker Scramble will be held on Monday, April 6, at TopGolf.

 

General Information

Please direct questions regarding the SJA athletic program to Athletic Director Dorinda Beaumont (beaumontd@sjabr.org; 388-2290).
 

 

Spiritual Formation

SJA students can grow in their faith through monthly Eucharist, group prayer, reconciliation services, retreats, weekly rosary, weekly Bible study, mission trips and service opportunities. Various ministry clubs are available, including Student Ministry (juniors and seniors), Liturgy Committee, Liturgy Choir and Respect Life Club. Information will be provided after school starts.

 
Student Retreats

Participation in retreats is required for graduation. Please plan accordingly. For additional information, contact Campus Minster Alise Alexander (alexandera@sjabr.org; 388-2255).
 
Senior Retreat: Sunday-Monday, October 13-14, Tall Timbers Retreat Center, Woodworth
Junior Retreat: Monday, March 23, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Brusly
Sophomore Retreat: Monday, November 11, SJA
Freshman Retreat: Tuesday, March 10, SJA

 

Required Service Program 

Service is an integral part of the SJA curriculum. Important information about this year-long program can be found on the SJA website under the Faith tab. The Service Directory can be found on Moodle. Please read this information so you are aware of requirements. The deadline for completing service requirements is April 1, 2020. There will be checkpoints throughout the year to ensure timely completion of the service requirement. 

The X2vol program for tracking service hours has a smart phone app. Go to your app store, search x2vol and follow the prompts.

In August, Pastoral Care Minister and Service Hours Coordinator Sister Chris Pologa will visit freshman theology classes to register the students into the X2vol computer program and help them download the app on their phones.

Returning students who completed service hours during the summer should enter their hours into X2vol by the first day of school. Returning students should remember that if they updated their SJA password, they also need to update their X2vol password. 

Students who have transferred into SJA will be invited in August to visit with Sister Chris during their lunch hour to enroll in X2vol and to have questions answered. 

Every Tuesday in August, Sister Chris will be in the cafeteria at the island to help students with service entries. Students may also email her at pologac@sjabr.org or stop by her office in Mother Alice Hall, room 212.

Service hours must be performed between June 1, 2019, and April 1, 2020. 

 

Learning Center 

St. Joseph’s Academy is pleased to introduce a new program for the start of the 2019-2020 academic year. The Learning Center will provide free-of-charge assistance to any student needing extra help with math, science, English or writing. 

Math Resource
Math Resource is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays during all three lunch hours and
on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3 to 5 p.m. (location TBA).

    
Science Resource
Science Resource is available from 3 to 5 p.m. Days and location will be communicated
once the schedule has been finalized. 
 

English Resource
English Resource hours may vary week by week. Days and location will be
communicated once the schedule has been finalized.


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.
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.
 

Counseling Center

The Counseling Center provides students the resources and support they need to be successful. Grade-level counselors support students during all four years at SJA. Two full-time college-advisors assist students with scholarship and college applications and provide each girl with as many choices for her future as possible.

Counselors hold quarterly grade-level meetings to discuss students who may need additional assistance and to identify those students who deserve special recognition for accomplishments. All teachers in each grade level collaborate on determining the practices which will best reach all students. In addition, counselors meet with every student at least twice a year to discuss college and career readiness.

Allison Hipwell Bruton ’95 Counseling Center Director College Advisor (A-K) brutona@sjabr.org (225) 388-2299	Ellen Smith Frazier College Advisor (L-Z) fraziere@sjabr.org (225) 388-2251
Mary Beth Elfert Class of 2020 Counselor elfertm@sjabr.org (225) 388-2281	Niki Banta Class of 2021 Counselor bantan@sjabr.org (225) 388-2283
Amy Scheurich House ’97 Class of 2022 Counselor  housea@sjabr.org (225) 388-2295	Lindsay Carlino ’02 Class of 2023 Counselor carlinol@sjabr.org (225) 388-2225

 

ACT Course

SJA math faculty member Kevin Landry offers an ACT course on campus. New offerings include online courses and tutoring. Faculty members Cindy Downs and Brianna Sommers are also on the teaching staff. Students may take individual content courses or the full program. For details and to register, visit The Extra Point at https://extrapointtestprep.com/