Parent Newsletter
- Events
- Campus Life
- Ongoing Reminders
- Counseling Center
- Student Resources
- Campus Ministry
- Mission Advancement
- Parent Clubs
- Sticker Shop
Events
LABOR DAY HOLIDAY
School is closed on Monday, September 2, in observance of Labor Day.
FACULTY PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAY
Tuesday, September 3. There is no school for students.
DADS’ CLUB GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Monday, September 9, 6 p.m., Fife Student Commons. Join other SJA dads for dinner and an evening of fellowship. Jay Clark, coach of the national champion LSU gymnastics team, will be our speaker. The cost of $10 per person includes dinner, beer, wine and soft drinks. Register now on SchoolCash Online.
PARENT/SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP WORKSHOPS
As we shared in our Back-to-School Parent Newsletter, the Counseling Center and the administration of St. Joseph’s Academy will offer grade-level workshops for parents during the coming year. Please note that at least one parent should attend.
Our first meeting is for the parents of sophomores on Thursday, September 12, at 6 p.m. in the Fife Student Commons. The topic is: Deep Dive into Test Prep and Understanding Your GPA.
STUDENT COUNCIL FUN DAY
Friday, September 13. The theme is Superhero September. Students can dress as their favorite superhero. 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.
SJA PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT
Registration for the second annual SJA Pickleball Tournament, presented by Audi Baton Rouge, closes on Friday, August 30. We hope that you will join us for two days of fellowship, food and fun. The event will be held on Saturday and Sunday, September 14 and 15, in the Academy Student Center and Activity Center. Our tournament is open to men’s, women’s and mixed doubles teams. We welcome all alumnae, parents and friends 18 and older to participate. We look forward to seeing everyone there!
SENIOR GRANDPARENTS’ WEEK
Monday-Friday, September 16-20, during all three lunch periods, Mother Alice Hall Community Room. Grandparents will join their seniors for lunch during their assigned lunch period on a designated day which was indicated on the invitation that was mailed earlier this month. Seniors will then take a photograph with their grandparents and lead them on a tour of campus. Grandparents should look for SJA Event signs posted around campus which indicate parking spaces. Grandparents are asked to RSVP by September 11 to Assistant Director of Mission Advancement – Events Jennifer Knight at knightj@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2270. Please check with your daughter’s grandparents to be sure they received their invitation. We ask that you contact Jennifer Knight if they don’t have their invitations by September 1.
BIG SIS/LITTLE SIS REVEAL
On Wednesday, September 25, freshmen “little sisters” will meet their senior “big sisters” as part of SJA’s traditional Big Sis/Little Sis program. The event will be held from 3 to 3:45 p.m. The program’s purpose is to welcome incoming freshmen to our school. Each freshman will be randomly matched with a senior group to foster new relationships with their peers and establish connections with their new classmates.
Several SJA-sanctioned activities and events occur throughout the year, all on campus: Candlelight Ceremony, Sweet Tooth Day and Hat Day. Seniors may invite their little sisters to join them in other activities, as well. While we want to foster relationships between the girls, parents must make final decisions as far as allowing your freshman daughter to participate in non-sanctioned events. We encourage parents of both seniors and freshmen to use the online Student Directory to communicate with one another if your daughters plan events outside of school.
Questions? Parents of seniors should contact senior class moderators Alexandra Arceneaux (arceneauxa@sjabr.org), Aimee Cronan (cronana@sjabr.org) or Emily Peavy (peavye@sjabr.org). Parents of freshmen should contact freshman class moderators Brooke Haigler (haiglerb@sjabr.org) or Kate Hutcheson (hutchesonk@sjabr.org).
ACADEMIC AWARDS/INDUCTION CEREMONY
Thursday, September 26, at 6 p.m. in the Academy Student Center. Parents of students being honored are invited to join us. Invitations will be sent via email. We will recognize students who have earned academic letters and bars, AP Scholars, members of the ACT 30+ Club, National Merit semifinalists and National Recognition Program honorees. We will also induct new members of the National Honor Society.
FALL WELLNESS DAY
Friday, September 27, Investar Quad during all three lunch periods. The Counseling Center will host its Fall Huddle for students to enjoy a little self-care with the counselors. There will be games and treats.
VOCATIONS MASS
Monday, September 30, Academy Student Center. We will follow Schedule 4. Dress uniforms are required. Family and friends are invited to join us beginning at 9:46 a.m.
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.
Campus Life
2024-2025 SCHOOL CALENDAR
Click here for important dates for the 2024-2025 school year. Please note that all dates are subject to change.
HOLIDAY OFFICE CLOSINGS
The Main Office is closed on these holidays. Please plan accordingly.
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September 2: Labor Day
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October 18 and 21: Fall Holiday
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November 25-29: Thanksgiving
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December 23-January 6: Christmas
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January 20: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday
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March 3-7: Mardi Gras
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April 18-25: Easter
OFFICE HOURS
The Main Office in St. Joseph Hall is open from 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
MID-QUARTER GRADES
First-quarter mid-quarter grades will be current on MySJA at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, September 11. Please direct questions regarding your MySJA account to Registrar Cristina Latiolias at latiolaisc@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2226. Teachers may leave a mid-quarter report comment for students. If a comment is posted, parent(s) and students will receive an email that includes the comment. It will also show up on MySJA under Official Notes located at the top right corner of the screen. Questions about grades should be directed to your daughter’s teacher(s) or the Counseling Center at (225) 388-2282.
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Second-quarter mid-quarter grades will be available on November 8.
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Third-quarter mid-quarter grades will be available on February 5.
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Fourth-quarter mid-quarter grades will be available on April 4 for seniors and April 11 for grades 9-11.
ACT TEST PREP PROGRAM FOR 2024-2025
Gear Up for the ACT: SJA will offer a four-hour session for each subject-specific test of the ACT during the fall (before the December 2024 ACT date) and spring (before the March 2025 ACT date for juniors). 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; ACT writing will cost $25 plus fees. Your payment includes an ACT practice book for that subject. For some colleges, the Science portion is optional. Check the admission requirements for your chosen colleges. Space is limited to 50 students per session. Sessions can be purchased on SchoolCash Online.
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Fall Dates
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Math: September 14, 2024 (8 a.m.-12 p.m.)
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Reading: September 21, 2024 (8 a.m.-12 p.m.)
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Science: September 28, 2024 (8 a.m.-12 p.m.)
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English: October 12, 2024 (8 a.m.-12 p.m.)
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Spring Dates
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Math: January 25, 2025 (8 a.m.-12 p.m.)
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Science: February 1, 2025 (8 a.m.-12 p.m.)
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Reading: February 15, 2025 (8 a.m.-12 p.m.)
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English: February 22, 2025 (8 a.m.-12 p.m.)
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ACT Diagnostic Testing: SJA will offer ACT Diagnostic Testing in the fall and spring of the 2024-2025 school year. 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.
- 2024-2025 Dates
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August 17, 2024 (8-11:30 a.m.)
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October 5, 2024 (8-11:30 a.m.)
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January 11, 2025 (8-11:30 a.m.)
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ACT Testing for the Class of 2025 in the Fall at SJA: Mark your calendars! SJA will offer the class of 2025 an additional opportunity to take the ACT in a comfortable environment during the school day at SJA in the fall. The test will be October 29, 2024. The cost is $39 plus tax and will be available for purchase beginning August 12 on SchoolCash Online. The deadline to purchase is September 2. This test is only for seniors.
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.
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. You can save $10 by purchasing your copy before August 30. 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.
THE SOIRÉE: A REDSTICKER THURSDAY NIGHT
Tickets are now on sale for The SJA Soirée: A Redsticker Thursday Night, set for Thursday, October 24, 2024. Early bird ticket pricing will end in September, so don’t wait to purchase your tickets. Make plans to join us for a casual, fun night of live music from the Peyton Falgoust Band, great food and drinks from some of Baton Rouge’s best restaurants and caterers, live and silent auctions, bourbon tastings, mystery box pulls and much more!
The event will be held in the Fife Student Commons and Investar Quad. We invite you to 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 Jennifer Knight at knightj@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2270.
SAVE THE DATE: 12TH ANNUAL SJA STICKER SCRAMBLE
On Wednesday, November 6, the SJA Dads’ Club will hold the 2024 Sticker Scramble at TopGolf of Baton Rouge. The Sticker Scramble is now in its 12th year and has raised more than $100,000 for campuswide enhancements. The tournament offers men’s, women’s and mixed teams all vying for the top prize.
To register to play or to help sponsor this great event, please click here or contact Dads’ Club Moderator Meg Gerald at geraldm@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2254. For event information, visit www.stickerscramble.org.
Our goal is to raise $10,000 this year. All sponsorships, gifts and services are tax deductible. Rain or shine, we look forward to seeing you on November 6 at TopGolf!
Ongoing Reminders
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.
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
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.
Contact Us
Counseling Center Staff
Valerie Brubaker
Seniors
Alexandra Giardina, Class of 2025 Counselor (giardinaa@sjabr.org; 388-2283)
Allison Bruton, College Advisor A-J (brutona@sjabr.org; 388-2299)
Ellen S. Frazier, College Advisor K-Z (fraziere@sjabr.org; 388-2251)
Please contact Ms. Giardina if you have questions about your daughter pertaining to academic or personal concerns. Please contact Ms. Bruton or Ms. Frazier if you have questions pertaining to college admissions including applications, scholarships, recommendation letters and transcript requests. Additionally, any college/scholarship application, including the Common Application, that asks for the counselor’s name is to be completed with the name of your daughter’s college advisor, not Ms. Giardina.
SENIOR FALL CHECK-IN VISIT
Ms. Giardina will be meeting with your daughter this fall for a personal and academic check-in, including a discussion regarding her estimated TOPS GPA. Please contact Ms. Giardina if you have questions about your daughter pertaining to academic or personal concerns.
NACAC COLLEGE FAIR IN BATON ROUGE
The NACAC College Fair will be held in person this year on Tuesday, October 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Raising Cane’s River Center. There are currently more than 50 colleges that will be represented, and new colleges are added weekly. This event is optional, and students must register to attend. Please note that students can sign up on the day of the fair. When students register, they will receive a confirmation email with a QR code. This code is scanned by the college representatives to track who they speak to at the fair. It is important to note that demonstrated interest and interaction with colleges look favorable during the application process. Students can click here to register and view participating colleges and universities.
COLLEGE CAMPUS VISITS
One of the best ways to determine if a college is the right fit for your daughter is to visit the campus and meet with ambassadors and members of the various departments.
Seniors are allowed three excused absences for college visits during the academic year. These three days are not in addition to the 15 days already allowed. Juniors and sophomores are allowed two excused absences for college visits during the academic year. When necessary, a travel day is allotted for each college visit. Notification of a student’s college visit and confirmation of the tour from the university, if applicable, must be sent to the Attendance Coordinator at attendance@sjabr.org by a parent at least one school day before the scheduled absence. If notification is not received, the absence will be marked as unexcused. 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 midterms, final exams or AP testing. Please note that any day missed for college visits, whether considered excused or unexcused, counts towards a student’s overall absences for the semester. No college visits will be approved during the month of December or after April 15 of a student’s senior year.
COLLEGE REP VISITS ON SJA’S CAMPUS
College representatives will be visiting with our students both in-person and virtually this semester. As usual, email announcements will be sent ahead of time, and the visits will be announced daily in our regular morning announcements. Upcoming visits also appear in Naviance Student.
ACT/SAT TESTING
Although many colleges have gone “test optional” for admission and scholarship purposes, many are trending back to requiring an ACT or SAT score, and a strong test score could potentially enhance a student’s application at a test-optional school.
Even schools that are test optional for admission may require a test score for scholarship consideration. We are still strongly encouraging our seniors to take the ACT (or SAT) if they haven’t already, and retake as needed. TOPS still requires an ACT or SAT score.
Click here to view the ACT National Saturday test dates. Registration for the ACT is done through the student’s account at https://www.act.org/. Click here to view the SAT National Saturday test dates and register. Registration for the SAT is completed through the student’s College Board account using the same link.
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SJA test center code: 161060
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TOPS code: 1595
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NCAA code: 9999 (for those students registered with the NCAA Eligibility Center for college athletics)
Please note that students should have a record of their passwords. This is not information that is kept on record at SJA. Last spring, your daughter saved her password to a reference sheet for future use. Should she not remember her password, she should reference this list or reset her password so that she can regain access to her account.
ADDITIONAL COLLEGE INFORMATION
In August, Ms. Bruton and Mrs. Frazier met with seniors during their orientation to set up Common Application accounts, link those accounts to Naviance and complete FERPA waivers. They then met with your daughters in history and English classes to introduce them to the specific application forms and to assist them with more sections of the Common Application. During the week of August 26-30, Ms. Bruton and Mrs. Frazier held help sessions during all lunch hours. When students return to school after Labor Day, they will be invited to one-on-one appointments in September and October to discuss college applications. These appointments will be scheduled over the next several weeks, but students can always email, stop by or Teams chat anytime they have questions or require a meeting with their college advisor. College advisors have emailed parents and students links to recordings of their presentations from the first three weeks of school. These links are available for reference and/or if students would like to listen to them for clarification about anything that was discussed. These presentations do not replace students’ individual one-on-one appointments, but they do contain helpful information regarding the first steps in the college-application process. Links to the presentations and other helpful documents are also available in your daughters’ Class of 2025 College Advising Moodle Class.
A MESSAGE FROM SJA’S WELLNESS EDUCATOR
Melissa Shaw ’96
shawm@sjabr.org; (225) 388-2347
I hope your daughters are the masters of healthy sleep hygiene. I will meet with them later in the semester for in-class wellness education. This year is special in that our seniors’ spring semester includes college-tailored wellness programming. I am not ready for them to graduate and will be teary eyed with you at graduation.
We have our Fall Huddle on Friday, September 27, at all lunches for your daughters to enjoy a little self-care with the counselors. As always, I am here to provide additional resources and support in collaboration with our Counseling Center team. See you soon and Stay Well!
Juniors
Kellie Braud Wintz, LCSW-BACS
Class of 2026 Counselor
wintzk@sjabr.org; (225) 388-2223
CLASSROOM ORIENTATION VISITS
On August 15-19, I met with juniors during their theology classes. My presentation was emailed to parents and students and is posted to my Moodle page, as well. My goal this year is to make sure that all parents and students are on the same page and receiving the most up-to-date information regarding college readiness. Reviewed during my classroom visits were reminders about TOPS; the differences between weighted GPA, unweighted GPA and core GPA; important standardized testing dates; information about topics to be covered during your daughter’s individual appointment with me this semester; information on Job Shadow Day; and what to look forward to in spring regarding college prep.
INDIVIDUAL STUDENT MEETINGS
I will meet with all juniors individually during the fall semester regarding college readiness. During this time, your daughter and I will review her academic resume, update her college list that she created during her college and career group last spring and discuss her career interests. The goal of this meeting is to prepare her for the meeting with her college advisor in the spring.
PSAT
All juniors will take the PSAT on Tuesday, October 29. The PSAT is the test that juniors take to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program and is a practice for the SAT. It includes tests in reading, writing and language and math and is scored 320-1520. Your daughters took this test last year as a sophomore so that they could become acclimated to the format of the test.
COLLEGE VISIT OPPORTUNITIES
NACAC College Fair
On Tuesday, October 8, parents and students can meet with the many college representatives who will be in attendance to discuss admissions and opportunities at their respective institutions. Registration is required. This is a great opportunity for your daughter to meet with various schools and have her questions answered.
College Rep Visits
Throughout this school year, many college representatives will come to SJA or have virtual visits during the school day. This is a great opportunity for your daughter to meet with reps of schools that she is interested in possibly attending. Juniors may attend these meetings if they are scheduled during their unstructured hours, during lunch or have their teacher’s permission to miss class. All college rep visits are posted on the school calendar. The girls also receive email reminders so that they can plan accordingly.
College Campus Visits
Students are encouraged to visit colleges of interest during school holidays; however, juniors are allowed two excused absences for college visits during the academic year. Per the SJA Handbook, notification of a student’s college visit and confirmation of the tour from the university, if applicable, must be submitted through the Absence Reporting Form by a parent at least one school day before the scheduled absence. If notification is not received, the absence will be marked as unexcused.
A MESSAGE FROM SJA’S WELLNESS EDUCATOR
Melissa Shaw ’96
shawm@sjabr.org; (225) 388-2347
I hope you are all sleeping well and feeling successful at the start of this year. October is going to be a busy month for Junior Wellness Education. Plans are in the works for our upcoming Wellness Day in October, and I also will be visiting your daughters in classrooms to educate them on Growth Mindset and Test Anxiety.
We have our Fall Huddle on Friday, September 27, at all lunches for your daughters to enjoy a little self-care with the counselors. As always, I am here to provide additional resources and support in collaboration with our Counseling Center team. See you soon and Stay Well!
Sophomores
Lindsay Carlino ’02
Class of 2027 Counselor
carlinol@sjabr.org; (225) 388-2225
CLASSROOM ORIENTATION VISITS
At the very beginning of school, I met with all students in person through their theology classes. During my meeting, I reviewed the differences in their weighted, unweighted and core GPAs. Students and parents need to be aware of this since every college uses its own standards for granting admission and awarding scholarships. These GPAs vary depending on the courses your daughter takes.
For instance, the Taylor Opportunity Program (TOPS) requires a core GPA of a 2.5 in the 19 courses in the TOPS curriculum and a 20 on the ACT to be awarded scholarship money toward tuition to in-state colleges and universities. Your daughter’s TOPS GPA is not included on her transcript, as it is calculated separately by the state. Some helpful links about the TOPS program are listed below.
The requirements for the SJA honors diploma were also reviewed during my visit. For a complete list of the requirements, please visit the following page: https://www.sjabr.org/students/handbook/academic-excellence.
STANDARDIZED TESTING
PSAT
All sophomores will take the PSAT on Tuesday, October 29. The PSAT is the test that juniors take to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program and is a practice for the SAT test. It includes tests in writing and language and math and is scored 320-1520. Providing our sophomores with the opportunity to take this test will give them an advantage in that they can familiarize themselves with the timing and question format for this high-stakes test during their junior year.
PreACT
All sophomores will take the Pre-ACT on Tuesday, March 11. The Pre-ACT is a valuable test in that it is an official practice test for the ACT. It includes tests in English, math, reading and science and is scored 1-36 just like the ACT, but it has fewer questions and will take less time to administer. This test also provides students with a predicted ACT score range based on their performance.
I explained these two tests during my classroom visits in August. Your daughter can find test prep information for both the Pre-ACT and PSAT on her Counseling Center Class of 2027 Moodle page. Students will receive results along with an explanation during classroom visits in the spring semester.
BALANCING LIFE AND MENTAL HEALTH
A portion of my classroom visit was spent discussing the importance of maintaining a good balance among the various areas of her life (family, spiritual life, physical health, emotional health and social/community). It is important that your daughter can recognize when things are out of balance and implement some reflection and relaxation techniques so that she can think clearly to problem solve. I discussed the following indicators that can help her identify when she is stressed and struggling.
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Negative self-talk
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Reactions that are exacerbated
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Drastic changes in sleep patterns
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Drastic changes in eating habits
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Isolation from friends, family and activities she once enjoyed
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Physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches and feeling jittery
While many of these can be considered typical for your daughter’s stage in development in the short term, they can be problematic if prolonged. I discussed several examples with your daughter about how she can tell if she needs to reach out for help to deal with an issue. In addition, I gave her many examples of stress-relief techniques so she can deescalate to calm down and think clearly. A few I shared were:
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Communicate with parents, school counselor and other mentors
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Avoid doom scrolling on social media
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Prayer
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List things to be thankful for
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Take quiet time to reflect
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Keep established routines
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Check-in with a friend
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Be active
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Sleep
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Guided relaxation/imagery (mindfulness)
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Grounding
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Music/Dance
COMMUNITY COUNSELING RESOURCES
While I can be a great resource to your daughter at school, many students benefit from counseling services in the community. If you are interested in seeking counseling services for your daughter, please do not hesitate to reach out to me for help figuring out a few clinicians who may be a good fit. I know that looking at a list of counselors who accept your insurance can be overwhelming. I also have six pages of resources available on the Counseling Center Moodle page that can be accessed through your daughter’s account. I update this list at least once per semester.
A MESSAGE FROM SJA’S WELLNESS EDUCATOR
Melissa Shaw ’96
shawm@sjabr.org; (225) 388-2347
I hope everyone has implemented a healthy sleep plan and has enjoyed seeing your daughters buzz around campus. I will be meeting with your daughters for in-class wellness education this month to educate them on vaping as a maladapting coping mechanism. I am also planning our upcoming Wellness Day in October.
We have our Fall Huddle on Friday, September 27, at all lunches for your daughters to enjoy a little self-care with the counselors. As always, I am here to provide additional resources and support in collaboration with our Counseling Center team. See you soon and Stay Well!
Freshmen
Mary Beth Elfert, Class of 2028 Counselor
elfertm@sjabr.org; (225) 388-2281
MEETING YOUR DAUGHTER
I just completed classroom visits with the Class of 2028 to provide an overview of freshman year as well as my role throughout the year. In addition, I have begun my individual meetings, and my goal is to build a rapport with them so they feel comfortable using me as a resource.
In my classroom presentation, I emphasized the importance of grades even in freshman year. Grades are reported on MySJA. Please take time to review your daughter’s grades periodically. If you have any concerns or would like to discuss her academic progress, please contact me. Also, if you see that your daughter needs additional assistance, the SJA Learning Center is available to provide extra help at no charge during lunch periods and after school. The Learning Center can also provide you with a list of private tutors.
COMMUNICATION
You will receive emails from me throughout the year updating you on classroom visits and information that has been given to your daughter. If you have any questions or concerns about your daughter at any time during the year, please feel free to contact me at (225) 388-2281 or elfertm@sjabr.org. I am happy to help!
HELP WITH THE TRANSITION
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Recognize the changes your daughter has gone through and will continue to go through this year.
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Ask your daughter about the best parts of her day at school. Keep the talk positive.
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When trying to find out information from your daughter, open-ended questions can be beneficial rather than ones that can be answered with a quick “yes,” “no” or “fine.”
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Listen. Sometimes your daughter just needs to vent. Change is scary for everyone, and the transition to high school is a big step.
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Encourage her to get involved in clubs and athletics. In addition to this being a great way to make new friends, it also assists with time-management skills.
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Meet the parents of any friends your daughter has made. These connections are important.
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Make sure she gets enough sleep. Removing all electronic devices, including her computer and phone, from her bedroom at night facilitates a good night’s sleep.
A MESSAGE FROM SJA’S WELLNESS EDUCATOR
Melissa Shaw ’96
shawm@sjabr.org; (225) 388-2347
This year is off to a great start! I hope everyone has implemented a healthy sleep hygiene plan. In my role as SJA’s Wellness Educator, I will meet your daughters for presentation on topics related to mental health and wellness. This fall, I will give a presentation to our freshmen educating them on all the things related to healthy relationships. I am also busy planning this year’s Freshman Wellness Day for later next month. Then I am here in the Counseling Center to provide additional resources and support in collaboration with our Counseling Center team.
We have our Fall Huddle on Friday, September 27, at all lunches for your daughters to enjoy a little self-care with the counselors. Stay Well!
Student Resources
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 through Thursday during all three lunch hours and from 3 to 5 p.m. 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 through Thursday during all three lunch hours and Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 3 to 5 p.m. 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 AND ACADEMIC COUNSELING
English Resource is available Monday through Thursday during all three lunch hours and Tuesday and Wednesday from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Learning Center classroom in the Technology and Learning Center. Email abadiej@sjabr.org or saiaa@sjabr.org.
Campus Ministry
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.
RETREAT INFORMATION
2024-2025 Retreat Dates
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October 13-14, 2024: Senior Retreat, Tall Timbers, Forest Hill, Louisiana
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November 11, 2024: Freshman Retreat, SJA
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February 24, 2025: Sophomore Retreat, SJA
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March 17, 2025: Junior Retreat, TBA
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.
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.
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 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 are 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.
Mission Advancement
SJA ANNUAL FUND
The SJA Annual Fund is an essential component of our fundraising efforts. Last year’s appeal raised $656,680, supporting curriculum, faculty enrichment, facility enhancements and other areas of need. Our parents are key to the success of the Annual Fund. Last year, they contributed almost $200,000 towards the total. Thank you to everyone who partnered with us in 2023-2024.
Outside of tuition, the SJA Annual Fund is the second largest source of revenue for St. Joseph’s Academy. Please help us to continue to grow the SJA Annual Fund and provide vital support to the Academy community by making a contribution during the 2024-2025 fiscal year. Upperclass parents received their commitment forms in the mail earlier this month. Freshman parents received their commitment forms at the freshman parent meeting on August 21 or August 22.
Click here to donate online today. Thank you in advance for your generosity and support in continuing the tradition of excellence for our students.
For additional information, please contact Mission Advancement Director Meg Gerald at geraldm@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2254.
PAVE THE WAY BRICKS
Make your mark on SJA’s campus by purchasing a brick for your daughter. Engraved brick pavers are placed 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.
Parent Clubs
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 is officially under way. 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 2024-2025 school year, we invite you to join now!
If you would like to get more involved in the Mothers’ Club and chair or co-chair a committee, please contact the Mothers’ Club Membership Chair at sjamcmembership@sjabr.org.
SPECIAL THANKS
Thank you to chairs Danielle Mack and Meshelle Fargason and committee for hosting the Back-to-School faculty/staff luncheon on Friday, August 2. All faculty and staff received lunch and an SJA blanket provided by the Mothers’ Club to thank them for all their hard work throughout the school year.
Thank you to Allyson Bonner and her committee for hosting the Meet & Greet Social on Friday, August 16. Refreshments and snacks were provided after school as a way to welcome new moms to the SJA community.
PARENTS WHO PRAY
Please be reminded that prayer requests can be sent to parentswhopray@sjabr.org.
SJA Dads' Club
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 Father-Daughter Day and the Sticker Scramble, benefit our daughters. Are you ready to join for the 2024-2025 school year? Sign up now on SchoolCash Online to join the best group of guys on campus.
The first 100 dads to join will have their names put into a drawing to receive two complimentary tickets and t-shirts for Father-Daughter Day in the spring. Plan now to join us for a day of fun and fellowship with your daughter and other SJA dads and daughters.
Sticker Shop
We hope everyone is settling back into the school groove. We’re excited to bring you the latest from the SJA Sticker Shop to make rocking your SJA gear a breeze for everyone!
New parents, remind your girls about lunchtime visits to the Sticker Shop on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. They can pick up pre-purchased items or just enjoy some shopping therapy.
Bookmark www.sjastickershop.org and check out the goodies!
From uniform essentials to fall sport must-haves, we’ve got you covered. Think sweatshirts, blankets, hats, new water bottles and even an SJA tote bag.
Overheard in the Sticker Shop:
“I’m loving the new quarter-zip uniform sweatshirt!”
“Too adorable!”
“Seriously, cuteness overload!”
“My dad’s about to become an SJA style icon!”
We have shopping options for everyone! Swing by during lunch, shop online for pickup or stop by in person. We are in Mother Alice Hall (3080 Kleinert Avenue). Ring the bell to be let in, and we’re ready to help.
We’re open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Note: We’re closed when the campus is closed.
Major credit cards, ApplePay and cash are all good. Any questions? Email us at stickershop@sjabr.org.
For the inside scoop, follow us on Instagram @sjastickershop.
Thanks for the love for SJA and the Mothers’ Club. When you shop at the Sticker Shop, you’re not just buying. You’re supporting our mission. Let’s flaunt that SJA spirit together!