BLACK HISTORY MONTH LEARNING FAIR
Thursday, February 29, during all three lunch periods, outside St. Joseph Hall. The SJA Diversity Club invites all students to check out the Black History Month Learning Fair during their lunch hours.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
Friday, March 1, and Thursdays, March 7, 14, 21 and 28, during all three lunch periods.
SJA/CHS CAN DRIVE
The annual Challenge Day Can Drive will be held March 4-8. We invite families to join us as we partner with Catholic High to collect food to benefit the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank. We ask that you not bring glass containers or beverages. PODS, located near the freshman carpool lane, will be open for donation drop-off before and after school each day. During the school day, please bring donations to the main office.
ADORATION
Wednesday, March 6, Chapel at SJA during all three lunch periods.
SJA TENNIS CLASSIC
Registration is open for the 2024 SJA Tennis Classic on March 8-10. Alumnae, parents and friends of SJA are invited to participate in a weekend of tennis, fellowship and fun at Bocage Racquet Club.
This event raises money for the SJA Tennis Classic Scholarship, which offers need-based tuition assistance to deserving students and their families. For more information, to sponsor or to register, click here.
FROSH DANCE
Saturday, March 9, 7:30-10 p.m. in the Academy Student Center. The theme is Spring Fling. All students must arrive by 8 p.m., and no one will be allowed to leave until 10 p.m.
Optional pictures with Snap Happy will be taken from 7:30 to 10 p.m.
FROSH is for SJA girls only in grades 9-10. Students can choose to bring a male date from another school or may come to the dance with other SJA students. SJA students are responsible for their date as well as his behavior before and at the dance.
Please note that tickets sales end on Thursday, March 7, at midnight. Tickets will not be sold at the door. If your daughter has a special circumstance and cannot purchase her tickets by the cutoff time, she should contact Dean of Women Christina Myles (mylesc@sjabr.org) by the end of the school day on March 7. Tickets are $20 per couple.
If you purchase a ticket for your daughter and she does not sign into the dance, we will notify you via phone. If you know in advance that your daughter will no longer be attending, please email Ms. Myles to notify her. Students who purchase a ticket but do not attend will not be refunded.
Dress should be formal or semi-formal. Dress length should follow the “fingertip” rule. Dress should be appropriate, not skintight. If your dress has a tulip hem (split in the front), make sure that the split is not too high. Avoid front keyhole openings, full open back, side openings, too much cleavage showing, etc. Click here for examples. Students must wear shoes at all times, so bring flats to change into. If attire is deemed inappropriate, a parent will be called, and students will have the option of leaving the dance to change into appropriate attire.
For males, a coat is recommended but not required. Males must wear a dress shirt, dress pants and tie. Facial hair should be trimmed and tidy. No facial piercings or visible tattoos are allowed.
All guests must follow school rules at all times. Appropriate face-to-face dancing is expected at all times. Proper behavior is expected at all times inside and outside of the Academy Student Center. Limos and party buses are not allowed. Those driving can park in the Academy Student Center lot or along Parker and Kleinert streets. There is no parking in the lawyers’ or synagogue lots. Those being dropped off should use the Academy Student Center carpool line. To help maintain the flow of traffic, please enter the lot from the north side and exit to the right towards Broussard only.
Please direct questions to Dean of Women Christina Myles at mylesc@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2278.
EARLY DISMISSAL
Monday, March 11, for Professional Learning Community. Students are dismissed at 1:46 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.
ACT TEST DAY FOR JUNIORS, PRE-ACT TESTING FOR FRESHMEN AND SOPHOMORES
Tuesday, March 12.
ACT TESTING FOR JUNIORS: All juniors will be required to take the ACT during the school day on March 12. They will only take the battery test (English, Math, Reading, Science). Since this is a special test given on a school day, some procedures are different. Juniors are asked to arrive at the Academy Student Center by 7:25 a.m.; the test should be finished by 12 p.m. unless your daughter receives extended time accommodations through ACT.
PRE-ACT TESTING FOR FRESHMEN AND SOPHOMORES: Freshmen and sophomores will take the Pre-ACT on March 12. Info on Pre-ACT will be given to freshmen and sophomores in March by their counselors. Students will be emailed their room location before the day of the test.
The schedule for March 12 is as follows:
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9th Grade: 7:25-11 a.m. for Pre-ACT Test; dismissal at 11 a.m. (no lunch provided); extended-time students dismissed at 12:30 p.m.
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10th Grade: 7:25-11 a.m. for Pre-ACT Test; dismissal at 11 a.m. (no lunch provided)
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11th Grade: 7:25 a.m.-12 p.m. for ACT; sign in at Academy Student Center (no lunch provided); extended-time students dismissed at 1:30 p.m.
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12th Grade: Senior Wellness Day
Breakfast will be available for purchase before 7:29 a.m., but no lunch or snacks will be available for purchase.
There are no formal classes at SJA on this day. There will be no afterschool supervision, so please make arrangements to have your daughtered picked up at the dismissal times listed above.
SENIOR WELLNESS DAY
On Tuesday, March 12, seniors will gather as a class to hear speakers to help them prepare for college. Seniors will be dismissed at 11:45 a.m. In the first session, Kathy Saichuk, SJA teacher and health promotion coordinator at LSU, will speak about personal responsibility and maintaining a healthy lifestyle during college. Tanya Stuart, co-owner of and licensed social worker at Genesis Behavioral Health Services, will present important information regarding substance abuse. Seniors will also hear from Lieutenant Jason Silessi and Investigator Allissa Hauck from the Southeastern Louisiana University Police Department about college campus safety. Rachel Rhodes, associate director of donor engagement at the LSU Foundation, will speak about college campus organizations and Greek life. All presenters’ information will be applicable at any college your daughter may choose.
FRESHMAN HAT DAY
Thursday, March 14. This is an annual tradition of the Big Sis/Little Sis program. Seniors will make hats for their freshmen little sisters. Hats are due by Monday, March 11. Freshmen will receive their hats before school on Thursday on the Batchelor Terrace in front of the Academy Arts Center. Parents of freshmen should address questions to Allie Mitchell at mitchella@sjabr.org or Brooke Haigler at haiglerb@sjabr.org. Senior parents should contact Alexandra Arceneaux at arceneauxa@sjabr.org, Aimee Cronan at cronana@sjabr.org or Emily Peavy at peavye@sjabr.org.
SJA ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY
Thursday, March 14, 6:30 p.m., Academy Student Center. This year’s inductees are Kobi LeBlanc Chenevert ’93 (track & field and cross country), Katie Spansel Estep ’01 (basketball) and Heather Lott Winquist ’09 (golf). Tickets are available at www.sjahalloffame.org. The deadline to reserve your spot is Thursday, March 7.
BLACK BOX SPRING MUSICAL
St. Joseph’s Academy and Catholic High School’s Black Box Productions Company is proud to announce their upcoming production of the Broadway musical Annie. Dates are March 15, 16, 21, 22 and 23 at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 17, at 2 p.m. in the Academy Arts Center.
Annie is a timeless classic that follows the journey of a young orphan girl who is determined to find her parents. With help from her friends and a kind-hearted billionaire, Oliver Warbucks, Annie learns the true meaning of family and love.
Classic hits such as Tomorrow, N.Y.C., Hard Knock Life and many others make this a production for audiences of all ages. This musical has been performed and loved for three generations, and the Black Box Productions Company is delighted to introduce the lively musical numbers and touching story.
Tickets will be available on SchoolCash Online. Seating will be limited, so please purchase your tickets when they go on sale approximately two weeks before the show.
ST. PATRICK’S DAY MISSION TRIP FUNDRAISER
The Office of Campus Ministry will hold a fundraiser for SJA’s mission trips by selling parking tickets for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 16. Parking spots will be sold in Academy parking lots on Broussard, Parker and Kleinert. Tickets are $15 in advance and on the day of the parade. Parking lots open at 7 a.m. All presold spots will be reserved until 9:30 a.m. the morning of the parade. Tickets are now available for purchase only on SchoolCash Online. Each parking lot is listed as a separate item on SchoolCash Online. Drivers will have their receipts scanned upon entry. Ticket sales will open to the general public on March 4. Please direct questions to Campus Minister Jade Spears at spearsj@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2296.
JUNIOR RETREAT
Monday, March 18, at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish. Students will be bused from SJA to Sacred Heart and need to be at SJA no later than 7:45 a.m. They will return by 2:50 p.m. Lunch will be provided by the SJA Dads’ Club. Juniors will receive details about the day via email from Campus Minister Jade Spears. Parents are reminded that attendance is required at all grade-level retreats.
NO SCHOOL FOR GRADES 9, 10 AND 12
While the juniors enjoy their class retreat, there is no school on March 18 for students in 9th, 10th and 12th grades.
CELEBRATION OF THE FEAST OF OUR PATRON, ST. JOSEPH
Tuesday, March 19. 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.
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.
ST. JOSEPH’S ALTAR
In honor of our patron, St. Joseph, we will have a St. Joseph’s Altar on campus on Tuesday, March 19. The blessing of altar will take place after mass (at approximately 11:10 a.m.), and the altar will be available for viewing until 3 p.m. All food will be donated to Queen of Peace Shelter at St. Agnes Catholic Church.
We invite families to bring food items on Monday, March 18, from 4 to 6 p.m. Please park in the circle drive in front of Mother Alice Hall (3080 Kleinert Avenue) and enter through the main doors of Mother Alice Hall. Please sign up here.
Please direct questions to Campus Minister Jade Spears at spearsj@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2296. Contact Ms. Spears to arrange an alternate drop-off time, provide financial support of the altar and/or provide something not indicated on the Sign Up Genius.
GIVE DAY AT SJA
On Tuesday, March 19, we will celebrate our patron, St. Joseph, and our SJA community on our 8th annual Give Day. This is a 24-hour online giving event. Learn more at www.sjagiveday.org.
STUDENT COUNCIL FUN DAYS
On Friday, March 15, the theme is Meme March, with students dressing up as their favorite meme. On Wednesday, March 20, the theme is Working Wednesday, with students dressing as their future/favorite profession. On Thursday, March 21, the theme is Training for the Trophy. Students can wear boxing or athletic wear. Students will receive dress guidelines via email. General Fun Day guidelines were included in the Back-to-School Parent Newsletter. Please direct questions to Dean of Women Christina Myles at mylesc@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2278.
CHALLENGE DAY 2024
Friday, March 22, 4 p.m., at Catholic High School. This year’s theme is EMS: Code Sticker. Challenge Day is hosted by the SJA and CHS student councils. Admission is by ticket only. Tickets will be sold to juniors and seniors the week of the event. If there are unsold tickets, they will be offered to sophomores. Details about purchasing tickets will be announced to students in the week leading up to Challenge Day. We will get ready for the competition with a pep rally beginning at 1:51 p.m. in the Academy Student Center. We will follow Schedule 3 on this day. Parents are welcome to join us for the pep rally. Please do not park in the Tyler & Possa Law Office lot. We ask that you park in a visitor spot on Kleinert or Broussard or on the streets surrounding campus. Due to space limitations, parents may not attend Challenge Day.
Students not attending Challenge Day will be dismissed at 2:50 p.m. More specific details about the week and the event will be emailed to the students.
Parents planning to join us for the pep rally 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.
PARENT INFORMATION MEETING FOR 2024 WASHINGTON, D.C., TRIP
Is your current sophomore or junior interested in the 2024 Thanksgiving trip to Washington, D.C.? There will be a parent information meeting on Sunday, March 24, at 7 p.m. in the Fife Student Commons. Trip details and registration information will be shared. Please email questions to trip coordinators Aimee Cronan (cronana@sjabr.org) or Elizabeth Fontenot (fontenote@sjabr.org).
WINTER SPORTS ASSEMBLY
Tuesday, March 26, 7:30 a.m., Academy Student Center. We will follow the special schedule below.
First Bell: 7:25 a.m.
Community Gathering & Pledge: 7:30-7:48 a.m.
1st Period: 7:53-8:40 a.m.
2nd Period: 8:45-9:32 a.m.
Announcements: 9:37-9:39 a.m.
3rd Period: 9:39-10:26 a.m.
4th Period: 10:31-11:18 a.m.
5th Period: 11:23 a.m.-12:10 p.m.
6th Period: 12:18-1:02 p.m.
7th Period: 1:07-1:54 p.m.
Community Prayer: 1:54-1:58 p.m.
8th Period: 2:03-2:50 p.m.
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.
HOLY THURSDAY PRAYER SERVICE
Thursday, March 28. Dress uniforms are required. We will follow Schedule 2. Parents are invited to join us at 9:50 a.m. in the Academy Student Center.
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.
EASTER HOLIDAY
Friday, March 29, through Friday, April 5. There is no school for students or teachers. Classes resume on Monday, April 8.
The Main Office (St. Joseph Hall) will be open Wednesday-Friday, April 3-5, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Mission Advancement, Alumnae, Admissions, Facilities, Operations, Human Resources and Communications departments (Mother Alice Hall) and the Finance Office (Mother Thollot House) will be open Wednesday-Friday, April 3-5, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Help Desk will be open Wednesday-Friday, April 3-5, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
SERVICE HOURS DUE
Service hours are due Monday, April 8. This means all hours must be verified by the agency by this date. If your daughter’s service hours are not verified by an approved agency, they will not be counted. Please work with your daughter to ensure this is done. SJA approves service hours after agencies have verified them. All entries must be verified electronically by the agency. The only exception is for hours completed at the Missionaries of Charity Shelter & Soup Kitchen at St. Agnes.
Please note that failure to turn in service hours by the deadline will 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.
Please direct questions to Assistant Campus Minister Chelsea Colomb at colombc@sjabr.org.