Parent Newsletter

EXAM SCHEDULE FOR SENIORS
Monday, May 5
7:30 a.m.: Social Studies
9:30 a.m.: Math including all Math Dual Enrollment (Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Calculus Honors)
 
Tuesday, May 6
7:30 a.m.: Foreign Language
9:30 a.m.: Science
 
Wednesday, May 7
7:30 a.m.: Theology

After their last exam, all seniors must “check out” of SJA. This means that when they are done using their laptops for exams, they should report to the Help Desk to start the process. They should 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 5, and Thursday, May 8. Please begin with the Help Desk.

Seniors taking an AP exam after May 16 must check out after their AP exam. These seniors will need to work with Dean of Women Christina Richardson on an individual check-out plan.

PRE-CALCULUS/PRE-CALCULUS DUAL ENROLLMENT; CALCULUS/CALCULUS DUAL ENROLLMENT FINAL EXAM; CALCULUS HONORS DUAL ENROLLMENT FINAL EXAM
Monday, May 5, 9:30-11:30 a.m. (extended time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.), SJA Activity Center. Sophomores or juniors in these classes will miss 3rd, 4th and 5th hour classes (3rd-6th if extended time). For additional information, please contact Lauren Sommer (sommerl@sjabr.org).

AP EXAM SCHEDULE
Monday, May 5
8 a.m.: Biology at CHS
12 p.m.: Microeconomics at CHS
 
Tuesday, May 6
8 a.m.: Human Geography, SJA Activity Center
8 a.m.: Chemistry at CHS    
12 p.m.: United States Government and Politics, SJA Activity Center

Wednesday, May 7
8 a.m.: English Literature and Composition (English IV), SJA Activity Center
12 p.m.: Comparative Government and Politics, SJA Activity Center

Thursday, May 8
8 a.m.: Statistics at CHS     
12 p.m.: World History, SJA Activity Center

Friday, May 9
8 a.m.: APUSH, SJA Activity Center
12 p.m.: Macroeconomics at CHS

Monday, May 12
8 a.m.: Calculus AB/BC, SJA Activity Center

Tuesday, May 13
8 a.m.: French Language and Culture at CHS     
12 p.m.: Environmental Science at CHS

Wednesday, May 14
8 a.m.: English Language and Composition (English III), SJA Activity Center
12 p.m.: Physics, SJA Activity Center

Thursday, May 15
8 a.m.: Art History, SJA Activity Center
8 a.m.: Spanish Language and Culture at CHS  
12 p.m.: Computer Science Principles, SJA Activity Center

Friday, May 16
12 p.m.: Psychology, SJA Activity Center

EXAM SCHEDULE FOR GRADES 9-11
Tuesday, May 20
8 a.m.: Theology
 
Wednesday, May 21
8 a.m.: Science
 
Thursday, May 22
8 a.m.: Foreign Language
10 a.m.: Social Studies
 
Friday, May 23
8 a.m.: Math

Post-exam supervision will be provided in the Technology and Learning Center until 1 p.m. on Tuesday-Thursday, May 20-22. Campus will close on Friday, May 23, at 11:30 a.m. Please make arrangements to pick up your daughters accordingly.

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

MAY CROWNING AND SERVICE AWARDS
Wednesday, April 30, 1:35 p.m., Academy Student Center. We will follow Schedule 8. Dress uniforms are required. We will begin the assembly with the crowning of Mary. Seniors participating in the annual ceremony are voted on by their classmates and the faculty/staff.

Immediately following May Crowning, we will recognize members of each class who have given 50 or more hours of service during the school year. Seniors qualifying for the four-year service award will be honored at Honors Convocation. We will also recognize the winner of the Sticker Selfless Service Award.

Parents planning to join us can check-in online in advance, and their name badge will be pre-printed and waiting for them in the lobby of the Academy Student Center. Please show a form of ID upon arrival.

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

SENIORS’ LAST DAY
Thursday, May 1. 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, and the Dads’ Club will provide a hamburger lunch. Seniors will be emailed additional information regarding dress and events for the day. We will follow Schedule 7. Please direct questions to senior class moderators Alexandra Arceneaux (arceneauxa@sjabr.org) or Aimee Cronan (cronana@sjabr.org).

SENIOR WALK
The seniors’ final walk begins at 2:23 p.m. on Thursday, May 1. 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. Seniors will meet their parents in the orchard at the end of the walk. Parents of seniors can RSVP here.

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

SENIOR MASS
Friday, May 2, 9:41 a.m., Academy Student Center. Senior Mass is the last opportunity for the school community to worship together with our seniors. Seniors are allowed two (2) guests at the mass and the reception immediately afterwards. Guests of seniors can RSVP here.

Due to parking limitations, we ask that students carpool with their parents and park in their usual school parking spot. Please do not park in the Tyler-Possa Lot or Synagogue lots. If your daughter does not drive/have a spot on campus, please park in one of the street visitor spots on Broussard Street. Even if there are open spots in the Synagogue or Tyler-Possa lots, please note that these are reserved for the employees of those establishments and are considered private property.

Seniors must be checked in by 9:30 a.m. They will be dismissed after mass to attend the reception with their two guests in the Fife Student Commons. If your senior has a sibling at SJA in another grade, this student is welcome to attend the reception but must have permission in advance from her teacher to miss class.

Seniors were given their graduation gowns during the week of April 17 and are required to wear them for Senior Mass with a white or light pastel-colored dress underneath. Any color dressy shoe is allowed.

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

You are invited to watch the livestream of Senior Mass here.

RING CEREMONY
Friday, May 2, 6:30 p.m., Academy Student Center. Dress uniforms are required. The ceremony will last approximately one-and-a-half hours. Please note there will be no parking in the Synagogue or Tyler/Possa lots. Parents, grandparents and siblings are invited to attend.

The class of 2026 will officially become the senior class at SJA. Juniors will join the 11,574 Academy alumnae who have preceded them in receiving their school rings. Students who ordered a ring through Jostens will have their ring delivered to the school. Students who are borrowing a ring from an alum or current student or who are using a championship ring should bring their ring to Dean of Women Christina Richardson’s office before or after school. Students who chose not to purchase or borrow a ring will receive a pin at no cost.

Please note that participation in Ring Ceremony is mandatory. If a junior cannot participate, she must submit a letter from her parents to Mrs. Richardson (richardsonc@sjabr.org). Practice will be held immediately after school on Friday, May 2, in the Academy Student Center. Juniors should plan to stay for 30 minutes after school and then to be back at SJA by 5:45 p.m.

Please direct questions about the evening to Ring Ceremony coordinators Katie Amato (amatok@sjabr.org) or Jeanne Boudreaux (boudreauxj@sjabr.org). Please direct questions about outstanding balances on rings to Jostens at (225) 928-5502.

EARLY DISMISSAL
Wednesday, May 7, for Faculty Professional Development. We will follow Schedule 8 with students dismissed at 1:30 p.m. Please note that the library will remain open until 5:30 p.m. and that resource teachers (math, science, English and writing) will be available.

ADORATION
Thursday, May 8, Chapel at SJA during all three lunch periods.

GAME DAY PREP
On Saturday, May 10, Baton Rouge Orthopaedic Clinic (8080 Bluebonnet Boulevard) will offer its 5th annual Game Day Prep from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. All middle and high school student-athletes in Baton Rouge and the surrounding areas are invited to get a free physical provided by licensed medical doctors and credentialed support staff. Please bring a completed LHSAA physical form with a parent or guardian signature. You are asked to RSVP here by Friday, May 2, at 5 p.m.

PRACTICE FOR HONORS CONVOCATION AND GRADUATION
Mandatory practice for Honors and Graduation for seniors will take place on Thursday, May 15, from 12:30 until 3 p.m. in the Academy Student Center. Practice is mandatory for all seniors unless permission is granted by Dean of Women Christina Richardson (richardsonc@sjabr.org).

HONORS CONVOCATION
Friday, May 16, 6:30 p.m., Academy Student Center. The event typically lasts two hours. Immediate family is invited to attend. Seniors will have the opportunity to take posed pictures with their escort in the Activity Center from 5 to 6 p.m. Seniors will receive an order form at Honors practice. Pictures will be taken by Kleinpeter Photography. Seniors choosing not to have pictures taken must check in by 6 p.m. in the Activity Center.

You can park in the Kleinert parking lot in addition to the Academy Student Center lot.

Any color long or mid-calf length formal dress or women’s dress pantsuit may be worn. An escort is optional. 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.

Please direct questions to Dean of Women Christina Richardson at richardsonc@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2278.

MASS AND ONE HUNDRED FORTY-EIGHTH COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES
Sunday, May 18, 3 p.m., Raising Cane’s River Center. Practice will be held on May 18 at 9 a.m. only for those students who have a special role in the graduation ceremony. All seniors, dressed in cap and gown, should report to the River Center no later than 2:30 p.m. to rooms L1-L4 by entering Arena Portal D. Each senior will be given two floor tickets and 18 general admission tickets. The entrance for floor seating will be Portal A on the ground level. Those guests with upper level/general admission tickets will enter upstairs in the galleria across from the east and west parking garages. Outside and inside doors to the arena will open at 2 p.m. A ticket is required to enter the arena. If additional tickets are needed, your daughter can request tickets from Mrs. Amanda Stinson at stinsona@sjabr.org.

There will be no designated handicap seating area. However, the upper level is accessible by elevator. Anyone who uses a mobility-assistance device may enter, along with one companion, through the River Road entrance.

Per River Center policy, all bags must be clear. Noisemakers, banners, fat heads and other signs or posters will be confiscated upon entry. Please save flowers and gifts for after 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 Christina Richardson at richardsonc@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2278.

PARKING SALE FOR 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR
Parking spots for the 2025-2026 school year will go on sale for rising seniors beginning May 1. On May 15, parking will open for students in grades 10-12. Spots can be purchased through SchoolCash Online. Parking will be assigned by grade level, with priority given to rising seniors, followed by rising juniors. Any remaining spaces will then be assigned to sophomores. Please address questions to Mrs. Amanda Stinson (stinsona@sjabr.org) or Mrs. Brianna Sommers (sommersb@sjabr.org).

MOTHER-DAUGHTER STYLE SHOW GALLERY
Mother-daughter portraits taken by Kleinpeter Photography at the 2025 Mother-Daughter Brunch & Style Show are now available to view and purchase. Click here for the gallery.

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 reading list for the summer of 2025.

NEGATIVE BALANCE FINAL 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 Wednesday, May 14, 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 Accounts Receivable Tuition Specialist Amy Jackson at jacksona@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2234. For SAGE balances, please check your account online or call SAGE directly at 1-855-302-0070.

SUMMER HOURS
Summer hours begin on Tuesday, May 27, and continue through Thursday, July 31. We will resume regular hours on Friday, August 1. SJA will be closed Wednesday-Friday, July 2-4, in celebration of the Fourth of July.

Summer hours are 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Thursday. We are closed on Fridays.

Please note that the Main Office will be open during SJA Welcome Week (July 28-31) from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

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 at vukovicsm@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2208.

NSHSS
Each summer, families receive information from the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS). Please be aware that NSHSS is not affiliated with St. Joseph’s Academy and that NSHSS regalia is not permitted at SJA graduation.

2025-2026 SCHOOL CALENDAR
Click here to view our 2025-2026 school calendar. Please take note of the mandatory retreat dates and testing sessions, as student attendance is required. We encourage families to use this calendar when planning vacations, college visits and other events to ensure they align with scheduled school breaks.

• Senior Retreat: Sunday-Monday, October 12-13, 2025
• Freshman Retreat: Monday, November 10, 2025
• Sophomore Retreat: Monday, March 2, 2026
• Junior Retreat: Monday, March 16, 2026

DAILY COMMUNITY PRAYER
Each day, St. Joseph’s Academy pauses at the end of 7th hour to lift our minds and hearts to God in prayer. We invite you to join us in our daily community prayer by visiting here.

2024-2025 SCHOOL CALENDAR
Click here for important dates for the remainder of the 2024-2025 school year. Please note that all dates are subject to change.

OFFICE HOURS
The Main Office in St. Joseph Hall is open from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

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@mykidsspending.com by Friday, May 2. 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 2 deadline may be delayed up to eight weeks.  
 
For returning students, automatic funding will be paused over the summer. Automatic funding will be reactivated before 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 person 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 Lauren Guy at lguy@sagedining.com with the first and last names of both students, as well as their students ID numbers.

SJA ACT TEST PREP PROGRAM FOR 2025-2026
For those who choose to take the ACT this summer, there are two ACT testing dates:
•    June 14, 2025
•    July 12, 2025

Gear Up for the ACT: SJA will offer four-hour sessions during the summer for each subject-specific test of the ACT (reading, English, math, and science) prior to the two summer testing dates above. These sessions will focus on strategies and practice techniques for that content-specific ACT test. The cost is $55 plus fees for ACT math, science, reading and English. Your payment includes an ACT practice book for that subject. Space is limited to 50 students per session. Sessions can be purchased on SchoolCash Online.
 
Students are encouraged to review the scores they received from their spring 2025 ACT test taken at SJA or their most recent scores to determine which subject areas they need to work on. Counselors recently reviewed these scores with students in their English classes.

Summer 2025 Dates and Topics
Monday, June 2: English
Wednesday, June 4: Reading
Friday, June 6: Math
Saturday, June 7: Science
Monday, June 9: ACT Diagnostic
Monday, June 23: Reading
Tuesday, June 24: English
Monday, June 30: Math
Tuesday, July 1: Science

Fall 2025 Dates and Topics
Saturday, August 16: ACT Diagnostic
Saturday, September 13: Math
Saturday, September 20: Science
Saturday, October 4: Reading
Saturday, October 11: English

ACT Diagnostic Testing: SJA will offer ACT Diagnostic Testing in the summer through Revolution Prep. Students will practice taking a full-length ACT test in a test setting and receive specific feedback on the areas where they need to work to improve their scores. Each student will receive a detailed report 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 $15.50 plus fees. Extended time is offered. The Diagnostic Test Session can be purchased on SchoolCash Online.

ACT Testing for the Class of 2026 in the Fall at SJA: Mark your calendars! SJA will offer the class of 2026 an additional opportunity to take the ACT in a comfortable environment during the school day at SJA in the fall. The test will be on October 28 and will be required for all seniors. Data shows that most students scored the highest score in the fall of their senior year. The cost will be less than $45 (the specific price will be shared in July) and will be available to purchase at the beginning of the next school year through SchoolCash Online. This test is only for seniors.

SJA ATHLETICS STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING PROGRAM, SUMMER 2025
Open to student-athletes (freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors who are trying out for or on any athletic team for the 2025-2026 academic year) and students who are not on an SJA athletic team.

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 27-July 30
Times: 6:15-8 a.m. Monday-Thursday
Cost: $100

Please direct questions to Liz Fontenot, MS, SCS at fontenote@sjabr.org or Megan Welsh at welshm@sjabr.org.

Please note that Strength and Conditioning is offered after school throughout the school year.

SAVE THE DATE
The Dads’ Club invites all SJA parents and their friends to an adult-only Back-to-School Dance on Saturday, August 16, at 7 p.m. in the Academy Student Center. Tickets are $80 per couple or $40 per person and include food, beer, wine, soft drinks and daiquiris. Come dance the night away to the sounds of Pants Party. Grab your friends and celebrate the beginning of the school year. You can purchase tickets here. Please direct questions to Dads’ Club moderator Meg Gerald at geraldm@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2254.

SOIRÉE: A REDSTICKER THURSDAY NIGHT
Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 30, and make plans to attend this casual, fun night of live music from the Peyton Falgoust Band, great food and drinks from some of Baton Rouge’s best restaurants, live and silent auctions, mystery box pulls and much more! Tickets will go on sale soon!
 
This year’s event will be held in the Fife Student Commons and Investar Quad. Come enjoy a relaxed evening with SJA parents, alumnae and friends.
 
As the planning committee continues our work to make this year’s Soirée the best ever, we would love to have your support as an event sponsor, auction item donor or Dream Vacation Raffle participant. If you own a business or work for a business that you would like to promote, please contact Assistant Director of Mission Advancement Jennifer Knight at knightj@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2270.
 
Keep checking our website www.sjasoiree.org for updated information!

SIZZLING SUMMER CELEBRATES 35 YEARS IN 2025
Girls in grades 3-9 will enjoy athletics, arts, academics, enrichment and technology camps during the month of June. Boys in grades 4-9 are invited to attend some technology camps. Click here for all the details and to register.

WEDNESDAY MORNING ROSARY
Every Wednesday at 7 a.m., the rosary is recited in the Chapel at SJA.

YEARBOOK ORDERS
The SJA yearbook captures once-in-a-lifetime memories in a single place. 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.

If you are purchasing a yearbook for your senior daughter, you may choose to have the book shipped directly to you after it’s published in the fall of 2025. Otherwise, your daughter will receive her yearbook at the Six-Month Reunion for the class of 2025 in December of 2025.

SENIOR YEARBOOK ADS
Senior yearbook ads are now on sale. Yearbook ads contain photos and a personal message to your senior daughter. All ads must be purchased and created online through Herff Jones Yearbooks. Click here for available options. The deadline to submit an ad has been extended to May 1.
 
If you need assistance with creating your ad, please contact Herff Jones at 866-287-3096. If you have not purchased a yearbook, you may do so while purchasing the ad. If you are unsure if you already purchased a book, click the “Find My Order” button at the bottom of the home screen.

ARRIVAL/DISMISSAL POLICIES
We ask for your partnership in reminding students who drive to school to be safe drivers, abiding by all the rules of the road and school zones, especially the speed limit. As a reminder, all students should be picked up in one of the two designated carpool lines until carpool ends at approximately at 3:30 p.m. A map of the different routes for freshman and upperclass carpool lines can be found in the online handbook in the Drop-off/Pick-up by Car tab. After 3:30 p.m., students staying after school may be picked up in front of the Fife Student Commons or Medaille Hall. 

Students are not to be picked up on neighboring streets or park their cars in the neighborhood without permission from the homeowner. Students who are identified as not following proper carpool procedures will meet with Dean of Women Christina Myles and will be issued a disciplinary consequence.  

SAFE DRIVING HABITS
Please remind your daughters to observe speed limits, especially around campus and in our campus parking lots. We have recently observed students engaged in unsafe driving practices, including texting while driving and speeding. We thank you for your partnership and continued modeling.

ATTENDANCE POLICY
If a student is absent due to illness, parents should complete the Attendance Reporting Form located under Resources in MySJA. For an absence for any other reason, advance notice of one school day must be sent by a parent via the Attendance Reporting Form located under Resources in MySJA for it to be considered. Parent notification of a student’s reason for an absence must be submitted by the end of the school day, or the absence will be considered unexcused and will not be changed. 

A student may not miss more than 15 full days (105 classes) or 15 times in a single course within a semester, regardless of whether absences are excused or unexcused.

Any student who arrives to her first-hour class after the tardy bell must report to the attendance coordinator’s office for a tardy slip. Beginning with the third unexcused tardy, an infraction is given.

Any student wanting to check out due to illness must report to the nurse’s office. If necessary, the nurse will call the student’s parent to obtain permission before the student leaves. Failure to check out in the nurse’s office because of an illness will result in an unexcused absence for missed class time.

Most routine visits to the doctor should be scheduled outside of school hours. For appointments scheduled during school hours, a parent must fill out the Attendance Reporting Form in MySJA. When the student returns to school, she must present a note to the attendance coordinator signed by the physician to receive an excused absence. Notes may be submitted in the main office or by emailing attendance@sjabr.org.

COLLEGE VISITS
Students are encouraged to visit colleges of interest during the summer and school holidays. Please reference the school calendar for the days students are not in school during the 2024-2025 school year.  

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. Emailed notification of a student’s college visit must be submitted through the Absence Reporting Form on MySJA at least one school day before the scheduled absence. If notification is not received, this will be marked as an unexcused absence. Any student who misses more than her allowed number of excused absences for college visits will receive an infraction. No college visits will be approved during mid-term exams, final exams or AP testing. 

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 and given advance notice.
 
AFTER-SCHOOL RULES AND REGULATIONS 
After dismissal, students may remain on campus in one of the following designated areas: Fife Student Commons (FSC), quad, courtyard or the Technology and Learning Center (TLC) between 2:50 and 3:30 p.m. Please note that the 3:30 p.m. sign-in time is a change from the traditional 4 p.m. sign-in time from previous years. Students may not leave campus after dismissal to roam the neighborhood. At 3:30 p.m., an announcement will direct students who are not in after-school activities to sign in at either the FSC or TLC while they wait for their ride. The FSC and TLC are open until 5:30 p.m. Our security officer is on campus until 5:30 p.m. each school day. Students must sign out before leaving for the day.

If a student is not picked up by 5:30 p.m., this will be reported to Dean of Women Christina Myles, and a plan will be made. After-school rules can be found in the school handbook under the Students and Parents portals. Please direct questions to Dawn Lorio at loriod@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2420.  
 
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.

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 at andricaina@sjabr.org. 

ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS 
Please be reminded that we must have one valid, regularly checked email address in MySJA. If your email, phone number or physical address has changed since last time you updated our records, please let us know. If you have questions, please contact Assistant to the Registrar Stacy Rennhoff at rennhoffs@sjabr.org. 

SCHOOL CLOSURES
When school is closed due to weather or other circumstances, please be reminded that SJA generally follows the same procedures as the East Baton Rouge school system and Diocese of Baton Rouge. Closures will also be announced via our School Messenger alert system (phone and text). 

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/text, please contact Assistant to the Registrar Stacy Rennhoff at rennhoffs@sjabr.org.

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 college and scholarship applications. A wellness educator designs programs in support of SJA’s social emotional wellness program.

LEARNING CENTER 

The Learning Center provides free-of-charge assistance to any student needing extra help with math, science, English or writing. Academic counseling is also offered. No appointments are necessary for any tutoring.

MATH RESOURCE
Math Resource is available Monday-Friday during all three lunch hours and Monday-Thursday after school in the Learning Center classroom in the Technology and Learning Center. Email mcewenl@sjabr.org or pfiferc@sjabr.org.

SCIENCE RESOURCE
Science Resource is available Monday-Thursday after school in the Learning Center classroom in the Technology and Learning Center. Email  brownh@sjabr.org, laplacev@sjabr.org, brownd@sjabr.org or krzystowczykn@sjabr.org. 

ENGLISH RESOURCE (including writing) AND ACADEMIC COUNSELING
English Resource is available Monday-Thursday during all three lunch hours and Tuesday-Thursday after school in the Learning Center classroom in the Technology and Learning Center. Email abadiej@sjabr.org or saiaa@sjabr.org. Students can schedule an appointment for a writing conference through the Learning Center’s Moodle page. 

SPIRITUAL FORMATION 

SJA students can grow in their faith through various opportunities to pray, receive the sacraments and serve the dear neighbor. All students attend a monthly schoolwide mass or prayer service and an annual class retreat. The sacrament of reconciliation is offered to students biannually. Additionally, students may choose to participate in a weekly rosary, weekly Bible study, bimonthly Eucharistic Adoration, mission trips and various ministry clubs, including Student Ministry (juniors and seniors), Liturgy Committee, Liturgy Choir, Praise & Worship Band and Respect Life Club.

REQUIRED SERVICE PROGRAM 

The SJA service policy states that freshmen and sophomores are required to complete 15 hours of service during the 2024-2025 academic year, and juniors and seniors must complete 20 service hours. The 2024-2025 Freshman and Sophomore Service Directory and the 2024-2025 Junior and Senior Service Directory can be found on MySJA, the Service Hour Project Moodle page and the Service Hour Opportunity Teams Channel. Please review the policies and service directories before completing service hours.
 
The 2024-2025 service year for current students began April 9, 2024. The service year for freshman and students new to SJA began June 1, 2024. Service hours for all students were due on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. Failure to complete service hours by the deadline will be examined on a case-by-case basis. However, completion of SJA’s service-hour requirements is necessary to advance to the next grade level and is a requirement for graduation.
 
Students may participate in opportunities other than those included in the service directories only after receiving written permission via email from the Assistant Campus Minister. All service hours must be done outside of normal school hours. All service hours must be done through a non-profit agency or through a for-profit business, with prior written approval, that serves those most in need. Service performed through a for-profit business must be non-clerical in manner. Tasks such as filing, answering the phone, etc., will not be permitted as part of the service program. Visiting with patients in nursing homes or hospice facilities does not need prior approval. Donations of any kind, including Sticker Sacks or meals prepared and delivered to soup kitchens or homeless shelters, are not eligible for the service program. However, SJA may offer a schoolwide donation opportunity for service hours. SJA reserves the right to limit the number of hours earned on mission trips; hours earned on SJA mission trips will be determined and applied after the trip is complete. This will ensure students receive accurate credit for the number of hours served.

In conjunction with their senior retreat, members of the senior class participate in a day of service in the Baton Rouge community. This experience serves as an opportunity for the class to give back to the community as a group. Students are assigned to a service site for this day. Senior Service Day is considered part of the senior retreat and is a requirement for graduation.

Please direct questions about service hours to Assistant Campus Minister/Service Coordinator Noelle Shipley at shipleyn@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2295.

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 it is today.

As the school year nears its end, I ask for your participation in the SJA Annual Fund. 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 $10,000 away from our goal. Will you please help? Don’t wait. Give online now by clicking here, or send your check to the SJA Foundation, 3015 Broussard Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70808. One gift. Any amount. Your support matters. Together, we are SJA.

Enjoy the excitement of the end of the school year, and thank you for your support of the SJA Annual Fund.

PAVE THE WAY BRICKS 

Make your mark on SJA’s campus by purchasing a brick for your daughter. Engraved brick pavers are placed around the Fife Student Commons. For more information, contact Mission Advancement Assistant Wendy Coniglio at conigliow@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2336. Click here to purchase your brick today.

SJA MOTHERS' CLUB

USED UNIFORM SALE AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
The Pass-It-Along Used Uniform Sale will take place from 8 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 7, in the community room of Mother Alice Hall. The sale will include gently used uniform apparel and other SJA items at discounted prices.

Volunteers are needed to help on the day of the sale as well as with sorting and set up on May 20, 21 and 22 and June 5. Please click here to sign up to assist.

PARENTS WHO PRAY
Did you know the Mothers’ Club has a Parents Who Pray (PWP) Committee? This is one of our committees you can join as a member of the Mothers’ Club.   

PWP Committee members will also pray for individual intentions. Please submit your prayer requests to parentswhopray@sjabr.org.

All prayer requests are welcome, and please know that we are sensitive to sharing details. Information will be kept confidential unless otherwise requested.

At least once a month you will receive an email with requests to pray for a special intention for our SJA community and our broader community. We will also inform you of additional opportunities to gather in person to pray together.

SPECIAL THANKS
We thank Catherine Alford, Beth Couvillion, Lana Malone and the Party Blooms Committee for organizing and distributing boutonnières for Prom on March 28.

Thanks to Catherine Jumonville and Chantelle Larussa and their committee for hosting a delicious appreciation luncheon for the faculty and staff on March 26. The Mexican luncheon was catered by Zippy’s.

Shout out to Kristina Funes and Stephanie Mayeux who coordinated smoothies for students on April 11. A special thank you to SJA parents Kasey and Sean Cangelosi for helping to make this possible.

A wonderful time was had by all the moms and daughters who enjoyed the 2025 Mother-Daughter Brunch & Style Show on April 6. The event was a huge success thanks to the efforts of chair Elise Cazes, co-chair Amy Fasullo, committee chairs Julie Watson, Sydney Braud, Kim Leboeuf, Heddie Murthy, Katey Bergeron, Chrissy Roussel and Tina Rispone and all of the their hard-working committee members. Outstanding job.

Thanks to Julie Perrault who hosted the Challenge Day watch party at Uncle Earl’s.

We are also looking forward to the Senior Reception following Senior Mass on Friday, May 2. Ashley Pere and her committee are hard at work to honor the class of 2025 on this special day.

SJA DADS’ CLUB 

LOOKING FOR A FEW GOOD DADS
Thursday, May 1, is the last day at SJA for the class of 2025, and the Dads’ Club would like to send them off with a great meal prepared by you. We are looking for another eight dads to help prepare, grill and serve the burger lunch to the senior class. If you like to grill or just want to come help serve, please join us.
 
We will start at approximately 8 a.m. preparing the grill and cooking 400 burgers. We will begin serving lunch at 10:04 a.m. and end at 12:32 p.m. Bring your apron and favorite spatula.

If you would like to volunteer, please click here. Please direct any questions to Dads’ Club moderator Meg Gerald at geraldm@sjabr.org.

As we near the end of another school year, it’s hard to believe how quickly time has flown by. But fear not! The Sticker Shop is here to help you with any last-minute graduation or new student gifts. Whether you’re looking for a thoughtful present or want to treat yourself, we’ve got you covered. Order online or visit us in person, and let us assist you in finding the perfect gift. And if you’re unsure of what to get, consider a gift card for the recipient to shop at her convenience.
 
EXCITING NEW ITEMS
Get ready to celebrate the soon-to-be graduates, new students, alumnae or current students with our latest arrivals! We’re thrilled to introduce insulated shatterproof cups featuring the SJA shield and artwork showcasing the gates by local artist Jen Culotta. We also have plaques, ornaments and even cozy pajamas!
 
STOCK UP FOR NEXT YEAR
Looking to get a head start on next year’s purchases? We have a wide selection of t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, jewelry, keepsakes, water bottles and even PJs in your school colors. Plus, we’re fully stocked in all sizes of PE Script shorts, uniform sweatshirts/sweatpants and rain jackets.
 
SHOPPING OPTIONS FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE
Have your daughter swing by the Sticker Shop to visit us in person during her lunch period. Enjoy an in-person shopping spree at Mother Alice Hall, Room 116, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Please note, we are closed on days when the campus is closed.)

Prefer online shopping? Explore our offerings at www.sjastickershop.org.

We accept major credit cards, ApplePay and cash.
We will be closed during the summer except for a few select dates. Please refer to our Instagram @sjastickershop for special summer hours.

QUESTIONS OR SUGGESTIONS?
We value your input! Reach out to us at stickershop@sjabr.org with any questions, suggestions or concerns.
 
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT
A heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you for your unwavering support of SJA and the Mothers’ Club through your patronage of the Sticker Shop. Your support enables us to uphold and spread Sticker Pride throughout our community.
 
As the school year draws to a close, we wish you all a fun and safe summer filled with cherished memories.