Parent Newsletter

Dear Parents,
    
It is hard to believe that we are just a few days away from the anniversary of school closings in Louisiana in 2020 due to COVID. Upon our return from the Mardi Gras break, I held a live broadcast with our faculty and student body about continuing to be strict in our efforts to keep COVID away from our campus and keep school open during the remaining 12 weeks of school. Teachers and lunch monitors will issue checklists (detention) to any student who is walking around without a mask at any point, who is standing or sitting too close to her friends and/or taking selfies. We are not doing this to be punitive; rather, we want to keep everyone safe during a time when we are growing fatigued by the restrictions. We need students to be mindful throughout the school day that their actions are for the protection of their teachers, the staff and their Sticker Sisters.  

If you missed last month’s virtual event with psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour, you can still view the recording in MySJA under News, Featured Content. Dr. Lisa is a foremost expert in the area of stress and anxiety in girls. Please take time to visit her website at www.drlisadamour.com for additional resources and information about her parenting podcast.  

3 … 2 … 1 … BLAST OFF! I am so excited to say that SJA will have an alumna in space! Hayley Arceneaux, a 2010 graduate, was chosen to be part of the first mission to orbit Earth without being a professional astronaut. The physician’s assistant at St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital will join three others on SpaceX Falcon 9 set to launch later this year. Her launch date will surely be an exciting time at SJA!

Twenty-one students from across all grade levels are currently taking part in an online civic engagement workshop called Empowering Female Voices: The President’s First 100 Days. The six-session workshop allows our students to meet with other next-generation changemakers from across the country by engaging in meaningful dialogue and action; develop empathy for the perspectives of others; and build the skills and confidence needed to make their voices heard.  Students are building relationships with peers from different backgrounds, examining the agenda of the U.S. President, sharing their own experiences and policy priorities and coming to understand the ways in which young women can influence the nation’s roadmap for the future. The workshops are sponsored by the National Coalition of Girls’ Schools.  

The Season of Lent is a time to recall our baptism as we reflect and prepare before the celebration of Easter. It is a time of fasting, prayer and almsgiving. In a time when we often think about what we can “give up,” we can instead (or in addition to) focus on adding “something new” that will help us grow closer to Christ. I pray that you find your “something new” during this Lenten season.

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

Soirée Virtual Auction, Dream Vacation Raffle

We wish we were gathering for The Soirée next week, but the ongoing challenges of COVID-19 have caused us to postpone our in-person event until November 11, 2021. Mark your calendars! In the meantime, our collective need to be socially distant does not mean we can’t raffle off a Dream Vacation or auction off a few great SJA items. 

The Soirée’s virtual auction is now live and will be available through March 4. The coveted SJA items up for grabs include Challenge Day packages for a freshman, a sophomore and a junior; Carpool Spots for next year’s sophomores; Junior & Senior Parking Spots; and more. Click here to start bidding now.

Dream Vacation Raffle tickets are available online here or by texting SJASoiree to 41444.

If you would like information about serving as a committee member, volunteering or sponsorship opportunities for the November 2021 event, please contact Assistant Director of Advancement Cydney Morris (morrisc@sjabr.org; 388-2270).

ACT GEAR UP FOR MATH

Saturday, February 27, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., St. Joseph Hall. This four-hour session deals with specific strategies, test-taking tips and tricks and practice for the math portion of the ACT. The cost is $45 per session, which includes the ACT practice book for that subject. The session can be purchased on ShopSJA under “Extended Programs”. Space is limited to 50 students. If you have any questions or need further details, please contact Dean of Curriculum & Instruction Aimee Urdiales (urdialesa@sjabr.org).

HOUR OF CODE

Monday, March 1. The Hour of Code is meant to serve as a general introduction to computer science. Students will work through a tutorial designed to familiarize them with some aspect of programming and computer science. We will follow Schedule 3 to provide a roughly hour-long program at the end of the day. Students will remain in their 8th hour class.

TESTING PREP IN-SCHOOL SESSION

Part of SJA’s Testing Prep Program is an in-school segment that will give students the skills and strategies they need as well as individualized practice for ACT and SAT testing. We had five 50-minute sessions in the fall and will have four in the spring. The next spring semester date is Thursday, March 4. These sessions are part of a grade-specific curriculum that focuses on the main test that occurs during that grade year as well as on general testing tips and anxiety tools. We will follow Schedule 10 on these days.

BALFOUR GRADUATION ANNOUNCEMENTS ORDER DEADLINE

Graduation announcements can be ordered through March 5. Email balfourbr@yahoo.com or call (225) 756-1881 to place your order. Balfour will print and deliver announcements once graduation details have been finalized. Information on announcement pick up will be shared at a later date.

ACT DIAGNOSTIC TESTING

The next ACT Diagnostic Test is on Saturday, March 6, from 8 until 11:45 a.m. (Check-in begins at 7:45 a.m.; extended-time students will finish after 12:30 p.m.). Students practice taking a full-length ACT test in a test setting and receive specific feedback on the areas that they specifically 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 use of an ACT-released test. The cost is $15.50 and can be purchased on ShopSJA under “Extended Programs.” Please contact Dean of Curriculum & Instruction Aimee Urdiales (urdialesa@sjabr.org) for further details.

FRESHMAN RETREAT: MONDAY, MARCH 8

In order to follow COVID-19 regulations, we will divide our Freshman Retreat into two groups. The retreat will be held in the Academy Student Center from 8 to 11 a.m. for students with last names starting with A-K, and from 12 to 3 p.m. for students with last names starting with L-Z. There will be no before- or after-school care. Please make arrangements to pick up your daughter by 11 a.m. (A-K) or 3 p.m. (L-Z). 

The annual class retreat is mandatory. Please do not plan any other appointments or conflicts, as your daughter must be present for her entire retreat shift. There will be a virtual component for excused remote students. 

Parents, family and friends are invited to pray for the freshmen during their retreat by signing up for a 20-minute slot here. Please direct questions to Campus Minister Kathleen Evans (evansk@sjabr.org; 388-2265).

There is no school for sophomores or juniors on Monday, March 8.

SENIOR RETREAT: MARCH 8-9

Our seniors will go off campus to the Baton Rouge River Center for the first day of their retreat (March 8) while continuing to follow all school protocols regarding COVID-19. Seniors will meet at SJA at 7:30 a.m. to take buses to the River Center and will return to SJA by 8:30 p.m. Seniors will be on campus March 9 to each lunch with their freshmen Little Sisters. More information regarding the second day on campus will come from the senior class moderator. 

Parents, family and friends are invited to pray for the seniors during their retreat by signing up for a 20-minute slot here. Please direct questions to Campus Minister Kathleen Evans (evansk@sjabr.org; 388-2265).

COLLEGE AND CAREER DAY

Tuesday, March 9. We will follow a special schedule (see below). Freshmen and sophomores will hear from two guest speakers, and juniors will hear from SJA College Advisors Ellen Frazier and Allison Bruton. All presentations will be streamed into classrooms. 

First Bell: 7:25 a.m.  
Prayer & Pledge: 7:28 a.m. 
Attendance: 7:30-7:39 a.m.
College/Career Presentations: 7:45-8:36 p.m.  
1st Period: 8:42-9:23 a.m. 
2nd Period: 9:29-10:10 a.m. 
Announcements: 10:16-10:18 a.m.
3rd Period: 10:18-10:59 a.m. 
4th Period: 11:05-11:46 a.m. 
5th Period: 11:52 a.m.-12:33 p.m. 
6th Period: 12:39-1:20 p.m.
7th Period: 1:26-2:07 p.m. 
8th Period: 2:13- 2:54 p.m.

DADS' CLUB HELP NEEDED FOR BIG SIS/LITTLE SIS LUNCH

The Dads’ Club will serve a jambalaya lunch to the freshmen and seniors on Tuesday, March 9, during all three lunch hours. We are in need of 10 volunteers for each shift: 9:45-11:50 a.m.; 11:30 a.m.-12:40 p.m.; and/or 12:25-1:45 p.m. Dads can work one shift or all three. 

If you are able to help or have questions, please contact Dads’ Club Moderator Meg Gerald (geraldm@sjabr.org or 388-2254).

EARLY DISMISSAL

Wednesday, March 10, for Faculty Professional Development. Students are dismissed at 1:34 p.m. We will follow Schedule 8. 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.

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION

Friday, March 12, during all lunch periods (10:20 a.m.-1 p.m.), SJA Chapel. Parents are encouraged to pray with us from afar.

JUNIOR ACT IN MARCH

All juniors will take the ACT with the Writing Test on Tuesday, March 16. The test will begin at 7:30 a.m. and end at 11:45 a.m. (Extended time students will end the test at a later time.) Since the test is being given during the school day, some procedures are different. Students do not need to register for this test; the school has submitted all of the necessary information to register each student. If you have not paid for the test, please contact Amy House (housea@sjabr.org), class of 2022 guidance counselor, for more information.

Only juniors will be on campus this day. Freshman, sophomores and seniors will not have school. Please submit questions to Dean of Curriculum and Instruction Aimee Urdiales (urdialesa@sjabr.org).

CHS CHEERLEADER INFORMATION

A mandatory pre-tryout meeting for parents and students will be held Tuesday, March 16, at 6 p.m. in the CHS gym. Tryouts are Sunday, March 28, in the CHS gym at 1 p.m. and may last as late as 6 p.m. Girls must learn a cheer and the fight song routine in advance. There will be tryout clinics (March 11 and March 23) to learn the routines. Information packets are currently available in the deans’ offices. Rising juniors and seniors are eligible to try out. Please direct questions to CHS cheerleader moderator Jennifer Thibodeaux (jthibodeaux@catholichigh.org).

VIRTUAL DRAMA PRODUCTION

The SJA/CHS Black Box Company will livestream two one-act plays, Check, Please and It’s Not You, It’s Me, on March 18-21. Check, Please is about first dates gone wrong, and It’s Not You, It’s Me is a comedic series of breakups. Performance dates and times are Thursday, March 18, at 6:30 p.m.; Friday, March 19, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, March 20, at 2 and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, March 21, at 2 p.m. 

To comply with COVID restrictions, actors are rehearsing with masks and social distancing. The plays will be filmed in early March, with the actors taking off their masks only when recording their scenes. 

Details regarding ticketing and streaming will be provided when they are finalized.

CELEBRATION OF THE FEAST OF OUR PATRON, ST. JOSEPH

On Friday, March 19, we will have a Liturgy of the Word to celebrate the Feast of St. Joseph. The virtual prayer service will begin at 10:05 a.m. with the lighting of a candle in our classrooms. We invite family and friends to join our streamed service on the SJA Facebook page.

FEAST OF ST. JOSEPH FOOD COLLECTION

Pope Francis has declared this the Year of St. Joseph. We will kick off our celebration with a food collection on Friday, March 19. In conjunction with the Sisters of St. Joseph and their lay associates, we invite the SJA community to help those experiencing food insecurity. Food items will be collected for St. Vincent de Paul to help the dear neighbor. Students will receive information regarding their grade-specific donations from Pastoral Care Minister Sister Chris Pologa.

Parents, alumnae and friends may drop off food items in front of Mother Alice Hall (3080 Kleinert Avenue) between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. on March 19. We are accepting individually wrapped fiber/granola bars and commercially wrapped sleeves of peanut butter crackers, cookies and cheese-and-crackers.

GIVE DAY AT SJA

SJA’s annual Give Day will take place on Thursday, March 19. This is a 24-hour online giving event. Learn more at www.sjagiveday.org.

CHALLENGE DAY

Friday, March 26. The student councils of SJA and CHS will host Challenge Day at 4 p.m. at Olympia Stadium. The theme is SJA Undercover: Special Agent Sticker. Due to COVID-19 regulations, only the senior class, Student Council members and athletes will attend. We will follow all guidelines, including social distancing and wearing masks. More information about how to try out for the games has been sent to the students, and ticket information will be shared in the coming weeks.

EARLY DISMISSAL

Wednesday, March 31, 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.

YEAR OF ST. JOSEPH

We begin our celebration on March 19. Each member of our community will be given a prayer card with Pope Francis’ Prayer to St. Joseph.

Throughout the year, Campus Ministry will encourage the girls to consecrate themselves to St. Joseph, while theology classes will explore St. Joseph as the patron of our Sisters, the Diocese of Baton Rouge and local parishes. Students will learn about St. Joseph in sacred scripture, his titles and pray his Litany. We encourage you to join us in celebrating the Year of St. Joseph in the Church.

CHANGE IN SERVICE HOURS POLICY (2020-2021)

Due to the pandemic and the limited service opportunities available to SJA students, there is a change to the service requirements for 2020-2021 only. Students in grades 9 and 10 are required to complete 10 approved hours and log them into x2vol by April 1, 2021. To receive the service award for this year only, students in grades 9 and 10 must have 20 approved hours logged into x2vol by April 1, 2021.

Students in grades 11 and 12 are required to complete 15 approved hours and log them into x2vol by April 1, 2021. To receive the service award for this year only, students in grades 11 and 12 must have 25 approved hours logged into x2vol by April 1, 2021. Students should address questions to Sister Chris Pologa (pologac@sjabr.org). 

Please note: All service hours must be completed by April 1.

COURSES OUTSIDE OF THE SCHOOL DAY

If your daughter is enrolling in a course outside of regular school hours, an extra fee will be assessed. These courses include Journalism and Summer PE. Because faculty hiring is based on student course selections, students are not permitted to drop these courses after the last day of parent schedule approvals on March 25 unless there is an extenuating circumstance. If your daughter is allowed to drop a course, refunds will not be made.

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.

AP TESTING REQUESTS

If your daughter is interested in taking an AP test in a course that she is not enrolled in this year, she must receive approval from Dean of Curriculum & Instruction Aimee Urdiales (urdialesa@sjabr.org; 388-2215). All requests must be made by March 1, and late fees will apply. Approvals are granted based on the student’s academic record and discussions with her teachers. AP exams are typically $100 per exam, and families are responsible for this cost.

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.

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.

SUMMER ACT PREP

Gear Up for the ACT: During the summer, we will offer optional four-hour sessions for each subject-specific test of the ACT during the summer. These sessions will focus on strategies and practice techniques for that content-specific ACT test. The cost is $45 per session, which includes the ACT practice book for that subject. Space is limited to 50 students per session. Each session can be purchased on ShopSJA.

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: We will offer optional ACT Diagnostic Testing in which students practice taking a full-length ACT test in a test setting and receive specific feedback on the specific 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 and 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.

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.)

SUMMER PE

There are six sessions of Summer PE offered to students considering this option. Students must choose one session and may not attend other sessions to fulfill the requirements. Students must attend 12 of the 16 classes offered during the selected session and must complete home health assignments by the end of the last week of class. 9th period PE will not be offered next year. 

Session 1: June 1-June 24, 7-9 a.m.
Week 1: Tuesday-Friday
Weeks 2-4: Monday-Thursday

Session 2: June 1-June 24, 9-11 a.m.
Week 1: Tuesday-Friday
Weeks 2-4: Monday-Thursday

Session 3: June 1-June 24, 5-7 p.m.
Week 1: Tuesday-Friday
Weeks 2-4: Monday-Thursday

Session 4: June 28-July 22, 7-9 a.m.
Monday-Thursday

Session 5: June 28-July 22, 3-5 p.m. 
Monday-Thursday 

Session 6: June 28-July 22, 5-7 p.m.
Monday-Thursday

Additionally, please note that students who take Summer PE will not be permitted to schedule an unstructured period the next academic year. Also, students are not eligible to take summer PE for half-credit electives. Students who sign up must be physically capable of completing the session. If a student must enroll in summer school, she cannot take summer PE and would need to change her schedule.

The course fee is $200 and is payable in early April. Instructions for enrolling, paying and choosing sessions will be emailed to parents and students after course selections are made. 

Please direct questions to Dean of Academics Aubrey DeJohn (dejohna@sjabr.org; 388-2269).

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.

YEARBOOK ORDERS

If you have not yet purchased a 2020-2021 yearbook, click here to order. If you are unsure if you have already purchased a yearbook, select the Find Existing Order green bar, then enter your email address. The system only recognizes email addresses, not students’ names. Once your order is placed, you will receive a confirmation email from Herff Jones Yearbooks. Please direct questions to moderator Sara Rounds at roundss@sjabr.org.
 
The yearbook staff wants your pictures. If you have photographs from SJA sporting events, productions, afterschool events or other activities, we invite you to submit them for consideration and use in the 2029-2021 yearbook. Pictures should be uploaded to www.hjeshare.com. The school code is SJA.

YEARBOOK SENIOR ADVERTISEMENTS

The Shield yearbook staff is now selling 2020-2021 Senior Ads. Log on to yearbookordercenter.com to learn more about purchasing an ad for your senior. Enter the school code 1590 to begin the process. Deadline for ad purchase is April 19. Please direct questions to Moderator Sara Rounds (roundss@sjabr.org).

SWEATPANTS REMINDER

Sweatpants can only be worn on dates determined by the administration. Students are allowed to wear either red or navy uniform sweatpants available for purchase in the Sticker Shop.

IMPORTANT DATES 2020-2021

Click here for a listing of important dates. Please be reminded that with the uncertainty of COVID-19 restrictions, this calendar is subject to change.

OFFICE HOURS/VISITORS TO CAMPUS

Following recommendations of healthcare officials, we are not allowing visitors to campus at this time. We ask anyone who needs to conduct business with the school to please call the person with whom they need to talk or the main line at (225) 383-7207. Office staff are available to assist you from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.

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 is a key component in the lives of our students, and we will do our very best to safely facilitate ways for our girls to encounter Christ. Campus Minister Kathleen Peek Evans will continue to offer weekly rosary, monthly adoration, Bible study and retreats following COVID-19 safety guidelines, prioritizing both the physical and spiritual health of our students. 

Additionally, students will have opportunities for morning adoration from 7 to 7:25 a.m. in the chapel on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays as well as Stations of the Cross during lunch hours for all of Lent.

Student Retreats

Remaining class retreats are scheduled as follows, but we ask that you note that these dates are subject to change. Please see the Events tab of this newsletter for detailed information about this year’s senior and freshman retreats. 

Freshman Retreat: Monday, March 8, 2021
Senior Retreat: March 8-9, 2021
Junior Retreat: April 12, 2021

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, 2021.

Please note that due to the pandemic and the limited service opportunities available to the SJA student body, there is a change in the service requirements for 2020-2021 only. Students in grades 9 and 10 are required to complete 10 approved hours and log them into x2vol by April 1, 2021. To receive the service award for this year only, students in grades 9 and 10 must have 20 approved hours logged into x2vol by April 1, 2021.

Students in grades 11 and 12 are required to complete 15 approved hours and log them into x2vol by April 1, 2021. To receive the service award for this year only, students in grades 11 and 12 must have 25 approved hours logged into x2vol by April 1, 2021.

Sister Chris Pologa is available on Tuesdays during all lunch periods to answer questions about service and to help students with service entries. Students may email her at pologac@sjabr.org or stop by her office in Mother Alice Hall, room 212.

As a reminder, failure to turn in service hours by the deadline will result in a checklist. Seniors must complete their service requirements in order to graduate from SJA, and all other students must complete their service hours in order to return to SJA the following year.

Annual Fund

For 152 years, the generous support of our alumnae, parents and friends has been a transformative force at St. Joseph’s Academy. We honor that legacy and the feast day of our patron, St. Joseph, with our fifth annual Give Day on Friday, March 19.

We ask for your participation this year as we celebrate the Feast of St. Joseph and demonstrate the love of the SJA community as we join forces nationwide to help benefit the legacy of St. Joseph’s Academy. We hope you will join us in providing educational enhancements to be enjoyed by your daughter, her fellow students and those to come.

The impact of your gift is not measured in dollars. Each and every gift is an affirmation, showing our students and faculty that you believe in them and in the mission of the Academy. And each gift helps us reach our participation goal and unlock our Challenge Gifts from generous donors.

There are many ways to get involved in SJA’s fifth Give Day. We encourage you to make an impact by making a gift of any size in one of these easy ways:

• Online: Visit www.sjagiveday.org on March 19 and select Make a Gift.
• Text message: Send the message SJA1868 to the number 41444 to make a gift through the easy, secure system.

We look forward to another successful day of giving by the faithful alumnae, parents and friends of St. Joseph's Academy. The opportunities afforded our young women would not be possible without your help.

If you have any questions, please 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). If you are purchasing a brick for your senior daughter, please place your order by March 28. This will ensure that the brick will be put in place by May 6. Click here to purchase your brick today.

SJA Mothers' Club

Thank you to all the mothers who have joined the SJA Mothers’ Club this year. It is not too late to join. If you are not yet a member of the Mothers’ Club, please click here to register today.
 
The Mothers’ Club currently seeks a chair and co-chair to host the Used Uniform Sale at the end of the school year. For more information, please email Kelly Vaughan at sjamcvp@sjabr.org.
 
It has been an unprecedented school year, and many of our traditional Mothers’ Club events have been affected. Due to COVID restrictions, the Mothers’ Club board and committee members are working to modify and adapt our events to best serve our school community. Thank you to all of our committee chairs and volunteers for your hard work and dedication. For those of you who have been able to volunteer, we appreciate you adhering to the new guidelines. The opportunities we have had to be on campus this year have all gone well. For those of you who have not yet had a chance, we are all looking forward to the time when we can be more involved again. Your patience and willingness to serve are much appreciated.
 
During these unprecedented times, one thing we can all do is support our school community with prayers. Remember to send your prayer requests to parentswhopray@sjabr.org.

Because of the continuing restrictions in place because of COVID-19, the SJA Mother-Daughter Style Show, An Evening Under the Sea, has been cancelled. The event was originally scheduled for Friday, April 30, at the Raising Cane’s River Center. After much brainstorming and discussion, the guidelines and restrictions presented by multiple sources simply prevent us from gathering. We are saddened that so many have not had the opportunity to share this time-honored tradition. Thank you to all who have provided their time, efforts and enthusiasm.

While this year’s event has been canceled, you can still collect the anchor charm for 2021. By joining the Mothers’ Club on Shop SJA, you will be registered to receive a charm. Deadline to join and to be registered is Friday, February 26. Only one registration is needed per family. Join the Mothers’ Club today and continue the time-honored tradition of collecting charms. We tentatively plan to distribute charms on Friday, April 30. Details will be shared as they are finalized.

SJA Dads' Club

The Dads’ Club reminds you that it’s not too late to join. 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. Your membership dues, in combination with the profits from Dads’ Club-sponsored events such as Father-Daughter Day and The Sticker Scramble, benefit our daughters. 

Click here to sign up for The Dads’ Club.

Due to concerns for the health and safety of our SJA community, Father-Daughter Day 2021 scheduled for April 18 has been cancelled. We look forward to celebrating our dads and daughters next school year.

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., location TBA. Please direct question to Coach Amanda Henley (henleya@sjabr.org; 603-1022).

SWIMMING TRYOUTS

Only new members will try out on Sunday, April 11, 2-4 p.m., Crawfish Aquatics. Only one-piece suits are allowed. Please direct questions to Coach George Newport (newportg@sjabr.org; 223-7382) or Coach Nan Murtagh (murtaghn@sjabr.org; 388-2330).

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.

SUPPORT THE 'STICKERS

See the athletic pages of the SJA website (under Student Life, Athletics) for winter and spring sports schedules. Please direct questions to Athletic Director Dorinda Beaumont (beaumontd@sjabr.org; 388-2290).

Spring is in the air at the Sticker Shop, and we have great garden flags! Red and white with our logo in the center, these are perfect for any yard. We have new large red water bottles that are a must have for staying hydrated throughout the day. A darling new white hoodie with pockets and a glitter sleeve is also new on the shelf. Thin everyday hoodies with script writing and short-sleeve throwback ribbed sweatshirts are essential to round out your Redsticker wardrobe. We also carry a new men’s polo checkered shirt in red or navy. We have car decals for all sports or alumnae available.
  
Bucket hats, visors, baseball caps, trucker-style hats, windbreakers, stadium chairs and dri-fit quarter-zip performance pullovers are great for watching your Sticker at any spring event.
 
Uniform sweatshirts, sweatpants and rain jackets are available to purchase in the Sticker Shop all year.
 
We have clay plaques, coffee mugs, a necklace with class mascots, beach towels, PJ bottoms and a plush blanket for incoming Stickers. Check back with us next month for graduation ideas and gifts! Check out our online store today!
 
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 or parents can do curbside pickup in the MAH circle drive during the hours listed above. Simply call (225) 388-2237 upon your arrival.