Parent Newsletter

SJA’S CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS 
We continue to be closed for the Christmas holiday. We hope that your families are enjoying all the blessings of the season. Classes resume on Tuesday, January 6. 

The Main Office (in St. Joseph Hall) is closed and will reopen on Tuesday, January 6.

The Mission Advancement, Alumnae, Admissions, Human Resources, Facilities, Operations and Communications departments (in Mother Alice Hall) and the Finance Office (in Mother Thollot House) will be open on Monday and Tuesday, December 29 and 30, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., then closed for the remainder of the week. These offices will reopen on Monday, January 5. 

The Help Desk will follow the same schedule with the exception of a 2 p.m. closing time on open days. 

SJA SCIENCE FAIR 
Thursday, January 8, Activity Center. Participation in the Science Fair is required for students taking honors coursework in science. Students typically spend two school years doing extensive research and consulting with professional mentors. Projects can be viewed by the public from 7:30 until 11:30 a.m. Because projects will be dismantled immediately following judging, this is the only time available for public viewing. Judging will begin at 12 p.m. followed by an awards ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Awards will be given and qualifiers for the Region VII Science and Engineering Fair will be determined. 

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

SUMMER MISSION TRIP PARENT INFORMATIONAL MEETING
All current freshmen, sophomores and juniors, as well as their parents, are invited to learn more about the summer 2026 mission trips with available spaces. The informational meeting will be held Thursday, January 8, at 6 p.m. in the Fife Student Commons. If your daughter is already traveling on an SJA mission trip this summer, there is no need to attend the session. Please direct questions to Campus Minister Chelsea Colomb at colombc@sjabr.org.

RESPECT LIFE MASS 
Tuesday, January 13. Dress uniforms are required. We will follow Schedule 4. Parents are invited to join us at 9:46 a.m. in the Academy Student Center. 

Guests 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. 

If you can’t join us but would like to watch via livestream, click here.

DADS’ CLUB GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Wednesday, January 14, 6:30-9 p.m. in the Fife Student Commons. We’ll enjoy dinner, beer, wine and soft drinks, fellowship and conversation. We will also hear from guest speakers Russell Brock, LSU Beach Volleyball coach, and Ronnie Rantz, CEO/President of the LSU Sports Hall of Fame and owner of the Baton Rouge Rougarou and Lake Charles Gumbeaux Gators. Reserve your spot today. The cost is $20 per person. The evening is open to all current SJA dads and their adult guests.

Please direct questions to Dads’ Club moderator Meg Gerald at geraldm@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2254.

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. BIRTHDAY
Monday, January 19. School is closed.

JOB SHADOWING DAY
Juniors and seniors will participate in Job Shadowing Day on Thursday, January 22. Counselors will meet with students prior to the event to discuss expectations for the day. Students will complete reflection questions to be submitted to the counselors. Students are required to shadow a professional for at least six hours and may not shadow a parent. Please direct questions to your daughter’s grade-level counselor.
 
CAREER DAY
Freshmen and sophomores will participate in Career Day on Thursday, January 22. We will follow Schedule 6. Dress uniforms are required. Students will hear a large group Career Day speaker. They will also attend two career panels of their choosing. The panelists will share their experiences and offer insight into how they selected their career paths. Students will be given time to ask questions.

STUDENT COUNCIL FUN DAY
Friday, January 23. The theme for this Fun Day is JEANuary. Students can dress in denim attire. They will receive dress guidelines via email. General Fun Day guidelines were included in the Back-to-School Parent Newsletter. If your daughter has questions about her costume, please encourage her to contact Dean of Women Christina Richardson at richardsonc@sjabr.org. Please note that students who do not follow dress guidelines are subject to disciplinary action.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK 
Sunday-Saturday, January 25-31. Among the week’s events is the Distinguished Graduates Awards program, hosted by the Catholic Schools Office of the Diocese. The dinner/awards banquet will be held on Monday, January 26, at The Renaissance Baton Rouge Hotel. SJA’s honoree this year is Kellie Geoffroy Elisar ’06, director of Health Services and chief pharmacist at St. Vincent de Paul.

Several faculty and staff members will be honored for milestone years of service to Catholic education during the Catholic Schools Week Mass. Being honored for 10 years are Holly Browning, Allison Bruton, Amanda Henley, Jade McCune, Cord McKeithen, Bonnie Rader, Meredith Smith and Linda Thompson. Recognized for 15 years are Hugo Andricain, Sharon Cashio, Stephanie Faucette and Lauren Sommer. Honored for 20 years are Aubrey DeJohn, Greg Hanner, Cristina Latiolais, Michelle Lofland and Sara Rounds. Recognized for 25 years is Sharon Ogra. Recognized for 30 years are Stacia Andricain, Cecilia Methvin and Angelle Saia.

The faculty and staff have selected 10 seniors to represent SJA at the Catholic Schools Week Mass. They are Elizabeth Bertucci, Virginia Braud, Hayley Cavalier, Camille Cotton, Louisa deBlieux, Linley Denstel, Isabella DuBos, Olivia Funes, Sydney Kline and Clare Valluzzo.

Throughout the week, the Office of Mission Integration will lead the celebration of daily themes: Monday, Celebrating Community; Tuesday, Celebrating Students; Wednesday, Celebrating the Nation; Thursday, Celebrating Vocations; and Friday, Celebrating Faculty, Staff and Volunteers. 

All students, faculty and staff are invited to join Diocesan-wide efforts in collecting items during our annual Catholic Schools Week Drive, January 20-27. Information will be sent to students following the Christmas break.

STUDENT SCHEDULING LUNCH & LEARN
On Friday, January 30, teachers and students will be available in front of the Dining Hall during all lunch hours to showcase and provide information about course offerings for the 2026-2027 school year. Please encourage your daughter to visit the tables in order to discern the kinds of classes she would be interested in taking next school year. 

AP/DE SCHEDULING SEMINAR FOR PARENTS
On Tuesday, February 3, the administration and Academic Counseling Center will host two scheduling seminars (12-1 p.m. or 6-7 p.m.) for the parents of current freshmen, sophomores and juniors to present information about college prep, honors, dual enrollment and Advanced Placement courses.

If your daughter plans to enroll in an AP or dual enrollment course for the first time for the 2026-2027 school year, at least one parent must attend one of the seminars. If a parent attended in previous years, you are not required to attend again. If your daughter has already taken an AP or dual enrollment course and you did not attend last year, we strongly encourage you to do so this year. 

The seminar beginning at 12 p.m. will take place in the Mother Alice Hall Community Room. The evening seminar at 6 p.m. will be held in the Fife Student Commons.

Please direct questions to Dean of Academics Aubrey DeJohn at dejohna@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2269. 

LOOKING AHEAD: SENIOR PARENT/STUDENT MEETING
The senior class moderators, grade-level counselor and dean of women will host a Senior Parent/Student Meeting on Wednesday, February 4, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Academy Student Center. We will review the senior events that are scheduled for the spring semester, need-to-know information for senior closeout and alumnae information. Senior students should be accompanied by at least one parent in order to get all details for dress for upcoming events, graduation and honors information and other details. Light refreshments will be served. Attendance will be taken.

SECOND-QUARTER REPORT CARDS, MIDTERM, FIRST-SEMESTER GRADES
Second-quarter report card grades, midterm grades and first-semester grades are now available on MySJA. Please note, makeup exam grades will be updated continuously on the report card as they are posted by faculty. Please check daily for updates on any missing grades.
 
Once you log in and select your daughter from the dropdown on the left, you will see a Report Cards option under Performance on the Progress tab. Click Report Cards and select Quarter 2 Report Card.
 
Numerical grades are given for quarter and exam grades. Letter grades are calculated for semester grades at the end of each semester: Quarter (40%) + Quarter (40%) + Exam (20%) = Semester Grade. Cumulative GPAs are reported at the end of each semester and can be found at any time in MySJA on your student’s profile in the Progress tab under Performance and Transcripts. Only semester grades appear on your daughter’s transcript, and only semester grades are used in computing the St. Joseph’s Academy official cumulative GPA for a student transcript. Colleges use the most current cumulative GPA from your daughter’s transcript for admission and scholarship decisions. Report cards are not sent to colleges.
 
Please email your daughter’s teacher(s) if you have questions about grades. Please direct questions about report cards and MySJA to Registrar Cristina Latiolais at latiolaisc@sjabr.org.

DEPARTMENT NAME CHANGE
We are pleased to share that the Foreign Language Department has been renamed the World Languages Department.

COURSE SELECTION INFORMATION FOR 2026-2027
Grade-level counselors will visit students in their classes Tuesday-Friday, January 27-30, to discuss courses for the upcoming academic year.

The course selection process will be done online beginning Tuesday, January 27, through Friday, February 6, by the end of the school day. Course selections should be made carefully and with parental involvement. Parental approval of courses selected by students will be done in late March. Instructions for the approval process will be emailed to you at that time.

If you have questions about or problems using the online course selection process, please contact Registrar Cristina Latiolais at latiolaisc@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2226 or Information Systems Manager Karen Faucheux at faucheuxk@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2220. Please direct questions about academics to Dean of Academics Aubrey DeJohn at dejohna@sjab.org or (225) 388-2269.

REGISTRATION FOR 2026-2027 
Registration for current 9th-11th grade students opens on Monday, February 2, and is due on Friday, February 13. You will receive an email on February 2 with instructions for completing the online process. If you have questions about registration, please contact Registrar Cristina Latiolais at latiolaisc@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2226 or Systems Manager Karen Faucheux at faucheuxk@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2220. If you have questions about the registration fee or tuition options, contact Accounts Receivable Tuition Specialist Amy Jackson at jacksona@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2234. 

Please be reminded that the online registration process should be completed by one parent. In the case where a student’s parents do not live together, we ask that you determine which parent will complete the process. If you would like your student to have more than one family account in Blackbaud Tuition Management, please contact Mrs. Jackson.

TAX ID INFORMATION 
If tax information is needed for your 2025 taxes, you may access your family tuition statements online through your Blackbaud Tuition Management account. The website address is parent.blackbaud.school. The SJA Tax ID # is 72-6001242. Please direct questions to Accounts Receivable Tuition Specialist Amy Jackson at jacksona@sjabr.org. 

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

Additionally, an overview of important dates can be found here. Please note that dates may be 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.

HOLIDAY OFFICE CLOSINGS 
The Main Office is closed on these remaining holidays. Please plan accordingly.

December 22-January 5: Christmas
January 19: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday
February 16-20: Mardi Gras 
April 3-10: Easter

SUMMER PE
Six sessions of Summer PE will be offered to students considering this option. Students must choose one session and may not attend other sessions to fulfill the requirements. Students must attend 10 of the 12 classes offered during the selected session. Classes will be two-and-a-half hours in length with no classes on Fridays. Students will continue to complete home health assignments each week of class.
 
Session 1: June 8-25, 7-9:30 a.m. (Monday-Thursday)
 
Session 2: June 8-25, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. (Monday-Thursday)
 
Session 3: June 8-25, 2:30-5 p.m. (Monday-Thursday)
 
Session 4: June 8-25, 5-7:30 p.m. (Monday-Thursday
 
Session 5: June 29-July 16, 7-9:30 a.m. (Monday-Thursday)
 
Session 6: June 29-July 16, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. (Monday-Thursday)
 
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 $235 and will be paid 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 PE Department Chair Amanda Henley at henleya@sjabr.org.

ACT UPDATE
SJA will host the ACT on July 11 for SJA and CHS students only. During the ACT registration process, the system defaults to search by zip code. To register for one of the national Saturday testing dates at SJA, you will need to choose the Change Location option and enter SJA’s test center code, 161060. Please note this is for the national ACT test and is not associated with the school-day ACT required for seniors in October and juniors in March at SJA.
 
CHS will host the ACT on April 11 and June 13 for students who would like more testing opportunities. Space is limited on these dates; early registration is encouraged.

ACT TEST PREP PROGRAM 2025-2026
ACT Diagnostic Testing: SJA offered ACT Diagnostic Testing in the fall and will do so during the spring semester. Students will practice taking a full-length, timed, ACT-released 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 cost is $15.50 plus fees. Extended time is offered. The Diagnostic Test Session can be purchased on SchoolCash Online.
 
Remaining 2025-2026 Diagnostic Date
January 10, 2026 (8-11:30 a.m.)
 
Once students receive their scores from their Pre-ACT, ACT or ACT diagnostic test, they will have a better understanding of which areas they may want to improve or “gear up” for the next test. Gear Up sessions are recommended for students who are in their junior or senior year or for sophomores taking advanced courses.
 
Gear Up for the ACT: SJA offered a four-hour session for each subject-specific test of the ACT during the fall (before the October 2025 ACT date) and will do so again in the spring (before the March 2026 ACT date for juniors). These sessions 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.
 
Spring Dates
Math: January 31, 2026 (8 a.m.-12 p.m.); recommended for students in Algebra II and above.
Science: February 7, 2026 (8 a.m.-12 p.m.)
Reading: February 21, 2026 (8 a.m.-12 p.m.)
English: February 28, 2026 (8 a.m.-12 p.m.)
 
Please check athletic and other schedules prior to purchasing a testing session. SJA pre-purchases the supplies needed for each ACT test-prep session based on registrations and cannot guarantee a refund if your daughter cannot attend the session. The science portion of the ACT is optional at national testing centers, and composite scores are now calculated using only math, English and reading scores. Please check with specific institutions of interest to see if the science section will be required for admission.
 
If you have questions about any of these programs, please contact the Assistant Dean of College Preparation and Testing Jonathan Durocher at durocherj@sjabr.org.

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 or subscribing to SJA Community Prayer on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

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 2025-2026 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 2026. Otherwise, your daughter will receive her yearbook at the Six-Month Reunion for the class of 2026 in December of 2026.

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. Our school code is 1590. The deadline to submit an ad is April 11. 
 
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 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 Assistant Dean of Women Brianna Sommers and will be issued a disciplinary consequence.  

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 2025-2026 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. Freshmen are not allowed excused absences for college visits. Emailed notification of a student’s college visit must be submitted through the Attendance 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. Absences related to college visits are counted as part of the allotted 10 days per semester.

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 Richardson, 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 Christina Richardson at richardsonc@sjabr.org or Brianna Sommers at sommersb@sjabr.org.

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 Registrar Cristina Latiolais at latiolaisc@sjabr.org. 

SAFE DRIVING HABITS
Please remind your daughters to observe speed limits, especially around campus and in our campus parking lots. We also ask that you talk to your daughters about unsafe driving practices, including texting while driving. We thank you for your partnership and continued modeling.

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 BrightArrow communication 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/text, please contact Registrar Cristina Latiolais at latiolaisc@sjabr.org. 

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 10 full days (70 classes) or 10 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 uploading them to the Attendance Reporting Form and must be submitted within three school days of the absence/check-in/check-out.

ATTENDANCE NOTIFICATIONS
To help streamline our process and keep accurate records, we are discontinuing the attendance email address. Please review the updated protocol below:

Medical Appointments
To ensure your daughter’s absence is recorded quickly and accurately, please submit documentation in one of two ways:
1. Upload through the Attendance Reporting Form found on the Resources page on MySJA. 
2. Turn in a hard copy to the main office. 

All Attendance Changes
Absences, tardies and checkouts must be submitted through the Attendance Reporting Form.

Using the Attendance Reporting Form helps us keep teachers updated in real time and avoids delays in recording absences. Thank you for supporting us in creating a more efficient system.

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 pfiferc@sjabr.org or krzystowczykn@sjabr.org.

Science Resource
Science Resource is available Monday-Thursday during all three lunch hours and 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 Monday-Wednesday 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 MySJA 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, Liturgy Committee, Liturgy Choir, Praise & Worship Band and Stickers for Life Club.
 
RETREAT INFORMATION
2025-2026 Remaining Retreat Dates
March 2, 2026: Sophomore Retreat, SJA
March 16, 2026: Junior Retreat, Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church
 
Participation in retreats is required for promotion to the next grade level and to graduate from St. Joseph’s Academy. Appointments, co-curricular activities and travel should not be planned on a student’s retreat day(s). These absences will not be excused unless they are part of a school-sponsored event and approval is given by the Campus Minister. This includes, but is not limited to, out-of-school competitions for club teams, college visits, college recruitment events and any other outside events.
 
All absences, excused or unexcused, must be made up with a full Catholic retreat of equal or greater duration by the last regular day of school (not including exam days). A student who is absent from her grade-level retreat should research a retreat she can attend to fulfill the make-up requirement. She should submit the retreat request to the campus minister for approval. Retreats attended as mandatory elements of preparation of a sacrament (i.e., confirmation retreats) are not eligible to be used to make up a missed grade-level retreat. Retreats must be in person and intended for high school students.
 
Retreat questions should be directed to Campus Minister Chelsea Colomb at colombc@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2221.
 
REQUIRED SERVICE PROGRAM
The SJA service policy states that freshmen and sophomores are required to complete 15 hours of service during the 2025-2026 academic year while juniors and seniors must complete 20 service hours. The 2025-2026 Freshman and Sophomore Service Directory and the 2025-2026 Junior and Senior Service Directory can be found on MySJA and the Service Hour Opportunity Teams Channel. Please review the revised policies before completing service hours. Students can participate in opportunities outside of those included in the service directories only after receiving written permission via email from the Assistant Campus Minister/Service Coordinator. All students will use their Mobile Serve account to log service hours. These accounts for incoming freshmen will be set up during SJA Welcome Week. User guides for the website and cellular application can be found on the Service Hour Opportunities Team Channel. Parents, grandparents and immediate family members cannot verify students service hours.
 
The 2025-2026 service year for current students began on April 10, 2025, and will end on Monday, April 13, 2026. Hours must be verified by the supervisor no later than Wednesday, April 15, 2026. All service hours must be logged electronically in each student’s school-issued Mobile Serve account. Hard-copy verifications will not be accepted. Failure to complete service hours by the deadline will be examined on a case-by-case basis and may result in disciplinary action. Seniors must complete their service requirements in order to graduate from SJA, and underclasswomen must complete their service hours in order to take their final exams.
 
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. SJA and CHS club hours do not roll over at any time, and SJA and CHS club hours must be independent and separate from the SJA service program. SJA and CHS sports team hours do not roll over at any time, and SJA and CHS sports team hours must be independent and separate from the SJA service program.
 
Visiting patients in nursing homes or hospice facilities does not need prior approval. All service hours must be done outside of normal school hours. Donations of any kind, including Sticker Sacks, 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 Rachael Duchmann at service@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2295.

As we prepare to welcome the New Year, we are grateful for the spirit of generosity demonstrated by the St. Joseph’s Academy community. On campus and throughout the world, the impact of an SJA education is evident through our shared commitment to serving the dear neighbor.

With the close of 2025 and the dawn of 2026, let us continue to inspire and serve one another, believing in the difference we can make together.

Please consider supporting the faith development, academic excellence and personal growth of our Academy students with a gift to Parents Annual Fund before the year is over. Your annual contribution is more than a gift; it is an investment in our young women and the good work they will accomplish now and in the years ahead. You can make your gift or pledge online by clicking here. You may also mail a check made payable to St. Joseph’s Academy to SJA, 3015 Broussard Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70808.

Please address questions to Mission Advancement Director Meg Gerald at geraldm@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2254.

Thank you for your support. We wish you happiness, peace and joy in the coming year.

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

If you are purchasing a brick for your senior daughter, please submit your order by February 20. This will ensure that the brick will be put in place by the seniors’ last day on April 29.

SJA Mothers' Club

Do you want to know about SJA Mothers’ Club events, meet other moms and support your Sticker daughter? Then join the Mothers’ Club! Our membership drive continues. Your membership dues and volunteer service are crucial. Both enable us to support our girls and the SJA community throughout the year. If you haven’t joined for the 2025-2026 school year, we invite you to join now! 

PARENTS WHO PRAY
Please be reminded that prayer requests can be sent to parentswhopray@sjabr.org.

CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS
Thanks to the Mothers’ Club, SJA is beautifully decorated for the holidays. We so appreciate their efforts to add to so many festive touches to campus!

SAVE THE DATE: MOTHER/DAUGHTER STYLE SHOW
We’re thrilled to share that this year’s Mother/Daughter Style Show, The Good Luck Edit, will be held on campus on March 22. Doors open at 9:30 a.m., and we can’t wait to welcome you for a morning filled with fun, fashion and community.

Tickets go on sale February 2, so please keep an eye out. This is an event you won’t want to miss!

SJA Dads' Club

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
The Dads’ Club will hold a general membership meeting on Wednesday, January 14, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. in the Fife Student Commons. Our guest speaker is LSU Beach Volleyball coach Russell Brock and Ronnie Rantz, CEO/President of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Foundation and owner of the Baton Rouge Rougarou and Lake Charles Gumbeaux Gators. We will have a delicious meal, fellowship and conversation. It promises to be a great evening. The cost is $20 per person and includes dinner, beer, wine or soft drinks.

The evening is open to all current SJA dads and their adult guests. Register now through SchoolCash Online. 

Please direct questions to Dads’ Club moderator Meg Gerald at geraldm@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2254.

SAVE THE DATE FOR SJA FATHER-DAUGHTER DAY
Sunday, March 15, is Father-Daughter Day at SJA. The day will begin at 11 a.m. in the Academy Student Center for a prayer service and guest speaker Dixon McMakin, followed by lunch and games on campus. Compete with and against your daughter for prizes and bragging rights. Save the date now! More information will follow.

HAVEN’T JOINED? YOU STILL CAN!
The Dads’ Club works in partnership with the school on a variety of events throughout the 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 the Parents’ Back-to-school Dance, Father-Daughter Day and the Sticker Scramble, benefit our daughters. Haven’t joined yet for the 2025-2026 school year? Sign up now to join the best group of guys on campus. 

If you have any questions, please contact Dads’ Club Moderator Meg Gerald at geraldm@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2254.

As we embrace the joy of the season, we hope your daughters navigated mid-term exams with confidence and are finding time to rest and recharge during their well-deserved Christmas break. The excitement of unwrapping Sticker Shop gifts adds an extra layer of holiday cheer, and we are truly grateful for your continued support.

STYLISH WINTER WARDROBE
New navy and white beanies will be arriving in the store soon. We also have a classic white quarter-zip in stock, perfect for staying warm while showing off your Sticker pride. Our Queen of Sparkles collection continues to be a favorite, featuring both short- and long-sleeved sweaters that add a touch of glamour to the season.

Be sure to follow the Sticker Shop and the Mothers’ Club on Instagram at @SJAStickerShop for the latest news and merchandise.   

YOUR ONE-STOP GIFT SHOP
The Sticker Shop is your destination for a thoughtful selection of gifts, including:

• Jewelry
• Water bottles
• Pop sockets
• Hats
• Pajamas
• Sweatshirts
• Plenty of spirit wear for our devoted supporters

CONVENIENT SHOPPING OPTIONS
We offer several ways to make your holiday shopping easier:

• Your daughter can shop during her lunch period for quick and convenient purchases.
• Shop online and pick up your order during store hours.
• Visit us in person by parking in the circle drive in front of Mother Alice Hall (3080 Kleinert Avenue). Ms. Clarinda will be happy to assist you.

STICKER SHOP STORE HOURS
Open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Please note: The shop is closed on days when the campus is closed.

A HEARTFELT THANK YOU
We are sincerely grateful for your ongoing support of the Sticker Shop and St. Joseph Academy. May this holiday season be filled with meaningful moments and plenty of Sticker pride. Wishing you and your family a joyful and restful holiday season.