Parent Newsletter

Dear Parents,

Relationships: Sacred Threads that Connect. This is our charism theme for the 2021-2022 school year, and we are ready to do just that: Connect! While we cannot abandon every safety protocol from last year, we do look forward to welcoming you to campus to meet your daughter’s teachers at our Back-to-School Parent nights in August. I ask that you please carefully review the Reopening Plan (revised 8/2/21), as our parents will continue to play a vital role in keeping our school community healthy by monitoring your daughter and making the right call when it comes to her missing school due to any illness.  

SJA will continue to uplift our patron, St. Joseph, as the Pope’s proclamation of the Year of St. Joseph extends through December 2021. Your daughters will experience the humble servant, protector and provider through classroom curriculum, school activities and spiritual development. We ask that you join us in praying Pope Francis’ Prayer to St. Joseph each Monday morning:

Hail Guardian of the Redeemer, spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
To you God entrusted his only Son; in you Mary placed her trust;
With you Christ became Man.
Blessed Joseph, to us too, show yourself a father and guide us in the path of life.
Obtain for us grace, mercy and courage, and defend us from every evil. Amen.

As part of the faith development area of the strategic plan, SJA has introduced Becky Uffman Eldredge ’98 as our Mission Integration consultant. Sister Chris Pologa, our Pastoral Care Minister, will lead us through a further development of our current program. Main focuses will be supporting the mission by building a community-wide culture of inclusive excellence and providing opportunities for growth in our Catholic faith traditions. One specific opportunity will be to intentionally incorporate moments of meaningful daily prayer. We will accomplish this goal with the practice of examining our daily lives by praying the Examen each day as a school community. The Examen is a spiritual practice developed by St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits. Father Jean Pierre Medaille, a Jesuit priest, shared this form of prayer with the Sisters of St. Joseph, whose charism is rooted in Ignatian spirituality. Father Medaille prayed it with the Sisters as a guiding tool to keep their actions rooted in an intimate encounter with the living Christ in their daily lives. The Examen is a sharing of the heart, a daily prayer practice to help us review the day with God, grow in faith and become aware of God’s sustaining presence in our everyday lives. Within the Examen prayer, we thank God for the gifts of the day, walk through our entire day with the Holy Spirit, acknowledge the areas where we can improve and then look forward to the day to come by asking for God’s grace. 

SJA’s desire is to share this prayer practice with all members of our community. Our bell schedule has been adjusted for the 2021-2022 school year so that we can pray the Examen each school day at the end of 7th period.   

Becky is an award-winning author of two Christian books and writes on her blog, Into the Deep, which is focused on exploring Ignatian spirituality through the voices of women. With her master’s in pastoral studies from Loyola University New Orleans and a certificate of spiritual direction from Spring Hill College, Becky is an Ignatian-trained spiritual director, retreat facilitator and author. She leads a ministry that invites and accompanies people deeper in their walk with Christ through the practical tools of Ignatian spirituality. 

Also new this year is the addition of Melissa Shaw ’96 as Wellness Coordinator in the Counseling Center. Melissa will collaborate with the grade-level counselors to expand the Social Emotional Wellness Program for all students as well as provide resources for parents. The programming we design will be integrated throughout the school community via presentations and guest speakers on relevant topics, professional development and coaching and individual student/parent conferences. Look for more information in future newsletters about how you and your daughter can use the support service throughout the school year.  

Melissa has 20 years of experience in social work. She most recently served as a licensed clinical social worker and case manager at Baton Rouge Rehab Hospital. She has extensive experience in private practice working with adolescent girls. 

We are delighted to welcome a number of new faculty and staff members to campus. The professionalism and expertise they bring to our community is exciting. Look for an upcoming news story about these new members. Please pray for the success of our new school year, and we will continue to pray for you and each member of the SJA community each Wednesday morning.

I love what I do, I love who I do it with and I love that we do it together in the name of our patron, St. Joseph.  

Sincerely,

Stacia B. Andricain
Principal

REPLACEMENT FOR SHOP SJA
We will be transitioning to a new online purchasing feature for school-related fees and products for SJA students and parents. More information, as well as instructions for creating an account, will be emailed prior to the beginning of the school year.

TABLET INSURANCE
The insurance you purchased through SJA on your daughter’s tablet computer expired on June 30. If you have not yet renewed your policy for the coming school year, we strongly recommend that you do so. As you know, broken parts are costly to repair/replace. The policy covers the unit from fire/flood damage, vandalism, natural disasters, power surges due to lightening, accidental breakage (including drops/cracked screens/liquid spills), liquid submersion and theft. 

The cost of the insurance for the coming year (July 1, 2021-June 30, 2022) is $76.

The insurance process will be managed in house, and SJA will act as your contact when you need to file a claim. If you have not yet enrolled, please complete the Technology Policy/Insurance form at your earliest convenience. If you choose not to purchase insurance, please select that option on the form. Please note that we need a signed form on file regardless of your decision to purchase insurance.

Click here to purchase the insurance policy through Worth Ave. Group. This payment portal will be open until July 31. Please note that your insurance will not go into effect until we receive both the electronically signed form and payment.

Please direct questions to Sharon Cashio (cashios@sjabr.org; 388-2246).

SCHOOL HANDBOOK
The 2021-2022 School Handbook is located on the SJA website under the Parents and Students portals. Please note that it is the responsibility of students and parents to read this handbook and to be informed of its contents.

The School Handbook Acknowledgment Form 2021-2022 can be found in the yellow banner in MySJA upon login. Both you and your daughter must login and sign the form in order to submit. Signing and submitting this form indicates that you have read the handbook and agree to follow and uphold the policies and practices of St. Joseph’s Academy. Parent/guardian signatures also grant permission for your daughter’s photograph, video image, name and/or interview answers to be used for publicity purposes on the SJA website, in Academy-produced publications and in various media outlets, including SJA’s social media platforms. (See the Communications section of the handbook for complete policy.)

The signed form must be submitted no later than Friday, August 13.

Failure to abide by the policies of the handbook by either the student or the parent/guardian may result in the student’s removal from school. 

The School Handbook can be amended at any time during the school year. Parents will be notified of changes via the Parents Newsletter; students will be notified via email. Final interpretation of all items is determined by the Administration. 

MEDICAL INFORMATION FORM
It is a requirement that we have an updated medical information form each year in order for your daughter to attend classes on campus. You will see the form in the yellow banner in MySJA upon login. These forms must be completed by Friday, July 30. 

If you experience technical difficulties accessing the forms, please contact Information Systems Manager Karen Faucheux (faucheuxk@sjabr.org). If you have questions about the required medical information or other health-related information, please contact Nurse Marie Vukovics (vukovicsm@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 (andricaina@sjabr.org; 388-2240). 

ACT TEST PREP PROGRAM FOR 2021-2022
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 2021 ACT date) and spring (before the March 2022 ACT date for juniors). These sessions will focus on strategies and practice techniques for that content-specific ACT test. The cost is $46.50 for ACT Math, Science, Reading and English; ACT Writing will cost $20.75. Your payment includes an ACT practice book for that subject. Space is limited to 50 students per session. Each session can be paid for on our new online purchasing feature once it’s implemented for the start of the school year.

Fall Dates:
Math: October 30, 2021 (8 a.m.-12 p.m.)
Science: November 6, 2021 (8 a.m.-12 p.m.)
Writing: November 7, 2021 (1-3 p.m.)
Reading: November 13, 2021 (8 a.m.-12 p.m.)
English: November 20, 2021 (8 a.m.-12 p.m.)

Spring Dates:
Math: January 29, 2022 (8 a.m.-12 p.m.)
Science: February 5, 2022 (8 a.m.-12 p.m.)
Reading: February 12, 2022 (8 a.m.-12 p.m.)
English: February 19, 2022 (8 a.m.-12 p.m.)
Writing: February 20, 2022 (1-3 p.m.)

ACT Diagnostic Testing: SJA will offer ACT Diagnostic Testing in the fall and spring of the 2021-2022 school year. Students will practice taking a full-length ACT test in a test setting and receive specific feedback on the areas in which 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 and timing and using an ACT-released test. The cost is $15.50. Extended time is offered. Each session can be paid for on our new online purchasing feature once it’s implemented for the start of the school year.

Dates:
August 14, 2021 (8-11:30 a.m.)
October 2, 2021 (8-11:30 a.m.)
November 27, 2021 (8-11:30 a.m.)
January 15, 2022 (8-11:30 a.m.)
March 5, 2022 (8-11:30 a.m.)

Please direct questions about the Testing Prep Program to Dean of Curriculum & Instruction Aimee Urdiales (urdialesa@sjabr.org).

ACADEMIC PREP WORKSHOP FOR PARENTS OF FRESHMEN
Transitioning to high school academics can sometimes be a challenge for incoming freshmen and their parents, as well. Melissa Brocato, director of LSU’s Center for Academic Success, and Jill Abadie, director of the SJA Learning Center, will host an academic prep workshop for parents of incoming freshmen with tips on study skills, organization and test taking. Lunchtime and evening sessions will be available on Wednesday, September 8, 12-1 p.m. and 6-7 p.m. More information will be sent to freshman parents closer to the date.

SUMMER READING REMINDER
Please be reminded that all students must complete a summer reading assignment for their English classes before the start of the school year. Click here for the summer reading list for the 2021-2022 academic year. 

DINING HALL ACCOUNTS
Please be sure that your daughter’s Dining Hall account has sufficient funds to begin the 2021-2022 academic year. Parents of freshmen and students new to SJA can create an online account through MyKidsSpending by clicking here after August 1, 2021. Click the Create Account bar at the bottom of the page and follow the prompts. If you have an existing MyKidsSpending account, please log in and verify that the Auto Fund feature is enabled to prevent your daughter’s Dining Hall account from running a deficit. Please note that you will not be able to create a new account or fund an existing account prior to August 1. 

Cash is not accepted in the Dining Hall for purchases or account deposits. It is imperative that MyKidsSpending accounts are funded and active. More information is available at www.mykidsspending.com. Be sure to download the “Touch of SAGE” mobile app for Android and iOS to track events, view menus and more. 
 
For additional information, please contact Food Services Director Amy Patureau (patureaua@sjabr.org; 388-2247).

OFFICE HOURS
Summer hours for the Main Office in St. Joseph Hall are 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 8 a.m.-12 p.m. on Fridays through July 30. For August 2-6, hours are 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Beginning Monday, August 9, we will resume regular hours of 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

AFTER-SCHOOL LIBRARY HOURS
After-school library hours are from the final bell until 5:30 p.m. If a student is not picked up by 5:30 p.m., this will be reported to Dean of Women Erika Angarita, and a plan will be made. Students waiting to be picked up must report to the library by 4 p.m. After-school library rules can be found in the School Handbook under the Students and Parents portals. Please direct questions to Librarian Rebecca Stagg (staggr@sjabr.org; 388-2235).
  
PE SHIRTS AND SHORTS
PE shirts will be available for purchase on the new purchasing platform and will be distributed by the PE teachers. Any appropriate SJA or other t-shirt will be acceptable for PE classes until the PE shirts are distributed. Also required for PE are red or navy athletic shorts, any brand, of appropriate length. 

CLASS SCHEDULES
Student schedules will be posted online prior to the start of the school year. Schedules will not be printed and provided to students; as a result, students must print their own schedules. Once the school year begins, schedule changes will be considered during the first two weeks of classes based on level changes only (i.e., moving from Algebra II Honors to Algebra II College Prep). These requests are honored only if dropping or adding a course does not affect class sizes or teacher load and if the change is possible in the student’s schedule. Because electives are not required courses and are based on student choice, schedule changes cannot be honored as the deadline for requesting changes has passed.

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

STUDENT ORIENTATION
Monday, August 9, for freshmen and sophomores; and Tuesday, August 10, for juniors and seniors. Click here for orientation schedules. Regular uniforms are allowed on orientation days. The first full day of school is Wednesday, August 11. Dress uniforms are required. Dress uniforms will also be required on Thursday, August 19, as we celebrate mass.

Masks are optional (but recommended) for students. All unvaccinated individuals are strongly encouraged to wear a mask while on campus regardless of social distancing.

Freshmen are reminded to print their class schedules and bring them to school on their orientation day, as they will have a chance to go through their schedule, meet their teachers and find their classrooms. 

Freshmen parents are asked to use the Kleinert lot carpool line to drop off and pick up their daughters. Sophomores parents should use the Academy Student Center carpool line to drop off/pick up their daughters

Please be reminded that orientation is considered a school day, and your daughter should be present at the required time. If your daughter cannot attend her scheduled time, please submit the reason in writing to Dean of Women Erika Angarita (angaritae@sjabr.org). For additional information, please call the Deans’ Office at 388-2280.

YEARBOOK AND STUDENT ID PICTURES 
Kleinpeter Photography will take photographs for the SJA yearbook and student ID cards during student orientation. Click here for the order form. The completed form and payment should be given to the photographer at your daughter’s designed picture time. Retakes will be taken on Thursday, August 19, during all lunch periods. 

YEARBOOK ORDERS
The SJA yearbook captures once-in-a-lifetime memories in a single place. You can save $10 on the cost by purchasing your copy before school begins. Click here to purchase your copy today. SJA's school code is 1590. 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.

CLASSES AT CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
Questions/issues for SJA students taking classes at CHS will be addressed during student orientation. Please direct curriculum questions to Dean of Academics Aubrey DeJohn (dejohna@sjabr.org; 388-2269). Transportation questions should be addressed to Dean of Women Erika Angarita (angaritae@sjabr.org; 388-2278).

BACK-TO-SCHOOL WELCOME AND PRAYER SERVICE
Wednesday, August 11. We will follow a special schedule after third hour. Dress uniforms are required. The service will be streamed into classrooms.

DADS’ CLUB BACK-TO-SCHOOL GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
The Dads’ Club will hold its back-to-school meeting on Thursday, August 12, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Walk-On’s Corporate Enterprises Office, 3960 Burbank Drive (70808). Our guest speaker is LSU Women’s Basketball Coach Kim Mulkey. This meeting is open to all current SJA dads. Cost is $25 per person and includes dinner and two drink tickets for either beer, wine or soft drinks.

Sign up here by August 5. Space is limited, so don’t delay!

SJA 101/FRESHMAN PARENTS BACK-TO-SCHOOL NIGHT
This meeting for parents of all freshmen will be held on Monday, August 16, 6:15-8:45 p.m. in the Academy Student Center. Hear important information as your freshman daughter makes the transition from elementary school to high school. There will be presentations by school administrators, and parents will be offered the opportunity to visit their daughters’ classes and meet their teachers. Please bring a copy of your daughter’s schedule to the meeting. Student Ambassadors will be on hand to assist you with classroom locations. 

Masks are optional (but recommended) for adults. All unvaccinated individuals are strongly encouraged to wear a mask while on campus regardless of social distancing. Attendance at this event is optional. There will not be an online option.

FIRST SCHOOL MASS
We will celebrate the Feast of the Assumption Mass on Thursday, August 19. We will follow Schedule 4; mass begins at 9:45 a.m. in the Academy Student Center and Activity Center. Students, faculty and staff will follow school protocols for masks and distancing. Family and friends can watch the livestream of the mass on our Facebook page. 

FRESHMAN SOCIAL
All freshmen from SJA and freshmen and 8th graders from Catholic High School are invited to a Freshman Social at CHS on Friday, August 20, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. SJA students will gather after school in the orchard and walk to CHS together. Chaperones will walk students back to SJA promptly at 4:30 p.m. for carpool pick-up. The social is designed to allow the freshman classes of both schools to meet new people and interact with old friends. Freshmen will be given more information during the first week of school. We will follow school safety protocols during this event. 

LEGACY MASS 
Sunday, August 22. Mass will be celebrated at 9 a.m. in the Chapel at SJA, followed by a brunch reception. This annual event is hosted by the SJA Alumnae Office. All current SJA students, along with their mothers, grandmothers and great-grandmothers who are Academy graduates, are encouraged to attend as we celebrate legacy families. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Alumnae Director Cori Martone (martonec@sjabr.org; 388-2244).

BACK-TO-SCHOOL NIGHT FOR PARENTS OF STUDENTS IN GRADES 10-12
Monday, August 23, 6:15-8:15 p.m. We will not have a large opening gathering. We ask that you report directly to your daughter’s first class, where you will watch a video from SJA’s leadership. The night will include the opportunity to transition through your daughter’s eight-period day and meet her teachers. Please bring a copy of your daughter’s schedule. Student Ambassadors will be on hand to assist you with classroom locations. We are asking that only one parent per student attend. Masks are optional (but recommended) for adults. All unvaccinated individuals are strongly encouraged to wear a mask while on campus regardless of social distancing. 

MISSION ADVANCEMENT MEETING FOR ALL NEW PARENTS OF SJA
(FRESHMEN AND NEW STUDENTS IN GRADES 10-12)
All new SJA parents are asked to schedule a meeting with the Mission Advancement Office. We have four dates and times from which to choose. Please select the meeting that works best for your schedule. The meetings will be held on Tuesday, August 24, at 12 p.m. or 6 p.m.; Wednesday, August 25, at 6 p.m.; and Thursday, August 26, at 12 p.m. All meetings will be held in the community room of Mother Alice Hall (3080 Kleinert). Please select your date as soon as possible, as space is limited. 

Those unable to attend any of the four meetings will be asked to schedule a make-up meeting with the Mission Advancement Office. Please direct questions to Mission Advancement Director Meg Gerald (geraldm@sjabr.org; 388-2254). Masks are optional (but recommended) for adults. All unvaccinated individuals are strongly encouraged to wear a mask while on campus regardless of social distancing.

ACADEMIC AWARDS/INDUCTION CEREMONY 
We typically hold this ceremony as a schoolwide gathering early in the academic year. This year, due to changes in our COVID protocols and our desire to limit large gatherings, we are evaluating the best way to recognize our students in the coming weeks. We will notify students and parents when details are finalized. 

BIG SIS/LITTLE SIS PROGRAM 
On Wednesday, September 1, 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 4 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.

We will follow school safety protocols and guidelines. Masks are optional (but recommended) for students and school employees. All unvaccinated individuals are strongly encouraged to wear a mask while on campus regardless of social distancing. While outdoors, masks are not required as long as proper social distancing can be maintained. 

Several SJA-sanctioned activities and events occur throughout the year, all on campus: Candlelight Ceremony, Sweet Tooth Day, Hat Day, Senior Mass flowers and Senior Goodbye letters. 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 (alexandraa@sjabr.org) or Emily Peavy (peavye@sjabr.org). Parents of freshmen should contact freshman class moderator Cristina Benigno (benignoc@sjabr.org) or Allie Mitchell (mitchella@sjabr.org).

INFORMATION FOR 2021 WASHINGTON, D.C., TRIP
Is your current junior or senior interested in the 2021 Thanksgiving trip to Washington, D.C.? Watch for an informational email coming soon with trip details and registration information. Please email questions to trip coordinator Aimee Cronan (cronana@sjabr.org).

NSHSS
We have been made aware that a number of families receive information from the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) during the summer months. We want you to be aware that NSHSS is not affiliated with St. Joseph’s Academy and that NSHSS regalia is not permitted at SJA graduation. 

ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS
As responsible stewards of the earth’s resources, we feel strongly that electronic communications should replace paper communications whenever possible. Please note that if you choose to unsubscribe to any electronic message you receive from us, you are unsubscribing to all electronic communications. 

Please note that we must have one valid, regularly checked email address on file. If your email, phone number or physical address has changed since last time you updated our records, we ask that you let us know. Please address questions to Assistant to the Registrar Stacy Rennhoff (rennhoffs@sjabr.org; 388-2318). 

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
SJA generally follows the same procedures as the East Baton Rouge School Board and Diocese of Baton Rouge. School closures due to weather and other circumstances are announced via our phone messaging system. If your phone number has changed since you last updated our records, or if you would like to add additional phone numbers to those we call, please contact Stacy Rennhoff (rennhoffs@sjabr.org; 388-2318) in the Registrar’s office.

To improve the efficiency of our phone alerts, we ask that parents add St. Joseph’s Academy – (225) 383-7207 – to their contacts and to listen to voice messages before hitting their phone’s call-back button. When we receive a large number of calls from parents before they listen to the voice message, it results in busy phone lines. Thank you for your cooperation as we strive to keep you informed.

SJA TELEPHONE SYSTEM
The school’s main number is (225) 383-7207, but you are encouraged to call faculty and staff directly. Faculty members do not have physical phones; rather, their phone numbers connect directly to a voice mail box. Click here for the faculty/staff directory. 

2021-2022 SCHOOL CALENDAR 
Click here for important dates for the 2021-2022 school year. Please note that all dates are tentative and subject to change.

HOLIDAY OFFICE CLOSINGS 
The main office is closed on these holidays. Please plan accordingly.
September 6: Labor Day
October 22: Fall Holiday 
November 22-26: Thanksgiving
December 20-January 3: Christmas
January 17: Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday
February 28-March 4: Mardi Gras 
April 15-22: Easter

CALCULATOR REQUIREMENTS 
Students must have a TI-30XIIS scientific calculator for Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, Algebra III and Business Calculus. Pre-Calculus Honors and AP Calculus students are required to have a TI-84 Plus CE series graphing calculator. We ask that you permanently label calculators before bringing them to school. Please direct questions to Math Department Chair Lauren Sommer (sommerl@sjabr.org).

NATIONAL TEST DATE FOR ALL JUNIORS 
All students in the junior class will be required to take the ACT on Tuesday, March 29, 2022. This will take place during the school day. This ACT test will include the writing portion. This date is a nationally recognized district test date, and the scores can be sent to colleges, LOFSA, etc. Parents will be required to pay for the test on our new purchasing platform; the cost of the test is $62 per student. Payment is due by November 15, 2021. More details will be sent closer to the test day in the February and in the March parent newsletter.

MYSJA
Parents of freshmen and new students to SJA will be able to view their daughter’s grades in MySJA. Instructions will be sent at the beginning of August. 

PARKING AT SJA
Parking will continue to be a privilege for juniors and seniors only. We will continue to provide security for our school and parking lots between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. each school day. We ask parents of freshmen and sophomores to make carpool or other transportation arrangements. 

The vehicle registration process will be completed on Shop SJA. Those who complete the registration form will be given either a street spot or an assigned spot according to a lottery system. Seniors will be assigned first, then juniors.  

Follow these steps for registering your daughter’s vehicle for a parking permit for the 2021-2022 school year. Please keep in mind that you are allowed to register your daughter’s car only if she has a valid driver’s license and a vehicle to begin parking by Monday, August 9. Permits must be purchased by Thursday, August 5, at 3 p.m.

1. Required information and payment must be completed online. Juniors and seniors must have a valid driver’s license (not a learner’s permit) by Monday, August 9 (orientation day), in order to register a vehicle. If your daughter’s birthday falls after this date, her form will not be processed, and the payment will be refunded.
2. Submit the completed form and pay online ($283.75 for an assigned spot or $77.25 for a street permit) by Thursday, August 5, at 3 p.m.  
3. Parking lot spots are sold on Shop SJA and assigned by a lottery, not first-come/first-served. All students who purchase a parking permit for a lot spot have an equal chance of being assigned a parking spot located in a lot. Seniors will be assigned before juniors. Included in the lottery are these five lots: Kleinert, Synagogue, Mother Thollot House, Lawyers and the gymnasium. 
4. Street parking is sold on Shop SJA on a first-come, first-served basis and is not included in the lottery. There are a limited number of spots available for valid street parking. For safety reasons, our goal is to have as few students on the street as possible.
5. The student must bring a copy of her driver’s license in order to receive her parking tag. If a student does not have a license, or if she has a learner’s permit, she is not eligible to get a tag and should not complete a form at this time. 
6. If a student is assigned a spot and given a permit, she must use the space. A spot cannot sit empty. If your daughter will not have a car to drive beginning the day she gets the tag, she must wait until she is ready to park to complete the form.
7. If a student chooses to be in the lottery for a spot and is assigned a lot that is not her preference, she will not be allowed to then request to a refund to park on the street.

SCHOOL IDS/LANYARDS
Students will be expected to wear their school ID on the school-issued lanyard at all times. The ID must be worn on the outside of the uniform so it is visible. Students not wearing their ID will be required to purchase a new one for $2 and/or receive a checklist. Replacement IDs can be purchased in the Deans’ Office before or after school. 

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

STUDENT ACCIDENT INSURANCE 
SJA carries student accident insurance through Wellfleet Insurance. All students are automatically covered, so there is no need to enroll.  

Coverage limit is $30,000 per injury from the first day of school until the last day of school. The policy pays 80 percent of the reasonable and customary expenses incurred for necessary medical, dental or hospital care (within 104 weeks for Accidental Dental expenses) up to a maximum of $30,000 for any one injury, subject to the deductible amount, excess provision and exclusions.  

Expenses incurred after one year from the date of injury are not covered. Deductible is $100, or the amount collectible from any other insurance sources, subject to the excess provisions, if applicable. Liability for school-time-only coverage will be limited to the part of expenses that is in excess of the total benefits payable by other valid coverage on an expense-incurred or provision-of-services basis. 

Students are covered for injury that occurs:

• while on the school premises during the hours and days when classes are in session and while participating in or attending any school activity, including athletics, sponsored by and under the direct and immediate supervision of the school;
• while away from the school premises, if participating in a school-sponsored, directly supervised activity, including all athletics on field trips;
• while commuting directly and without interruption to or from their place of residence and school for regular school-day sessions; and/or
• while traveling to or from any school-sponsored, directly supervised activity, including athletic events, in a school-authorized vehicle.

Please note that virtual insurance coverage extends to students participating in a school- sponsored class or activity whether at school or elsewhere. 

To receive a claims form, or if you have questions, please contact Director of Operations Linda Thompson (thompsonl@sjabr.org; 388-2305).

SAFETY REPORT
SJA is in compliance with federal regulations concerning asbestos. All federal guidelines for underground pipes are also in compliance. Additionally, both the sprinkler and fire alarm systems have been tested and certified for another year. 

For further information, contact Maintenance Supervisor Arthur Smith (smitha@sjabr.org).

PESTICIDE HYPERSENSITIVTY
SJA is in compliance with Act 237 and maintains a registry of students who are hypersensitive to pesticides. If your daughter has this sensitivity, please send written verification by a licensed physician and your written statement regarding her condition so we may attend to her needs. Send verification to School Nurse Marie Vukovics (vukovicsm@sjabr.org).

CARPOOL 
If you are interested in forming a carpool in your neighborhood, please contact Students’ Receptionist Erin McLean (mcleane@sjabr.org; 388-2256) beginning Wednesday, August 4.

SAVE THE DATE: 9TH ANNUAL SJA STICKER SCRAMBLE
On Monday, October 4, the SJA Dads’ Club will hold its 2021 Sticker Scramble at TopGolf of Baton Rouge. The Sticker Scramble is now in its 9th year and has raised almost $90,000 for enhancements to SJA.

If you are interested in playing or in supporting this great event with a sponsorship, please contact Dads’ Club Moderator Meg Gerald (geraldm@sjabr.org; 388-2254). You can also visit www.stickerscramble.org for more information.

Our goal is to raise $10,000 this year. All sponsorships, gifts and services are tax deductible. Rain or shine, we hope to see you on October 4 at TopGolf!

SAVE THE DATE: THE SOIRÉE
Mark your calendars for Thursday, November 18, for The Soirée. Join us for music by Ned Fasullo and His Fabulous Big Band Orchestra, silent and live auctions and great food and drinks in the Academy Student Center. Tickets and other details are available at sjasoiree.org. If you would like information about volunteering or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Assistant Director of Advancement Cydney Morris (morrisc@sjabr.org; 388-2270).

Counseling Center

The Counseling Center provides students with resources and support they need to be successful. Grade-level counselors support students during all four years at SJA. The Counseling Center collaborates with teachers and administrators to identify and discuss students who may need additional assistance and to determine best practices to reach all students both academically and socially. In addition, counselors meet with every student at least twice a year to discuss college and career readiness. Two full-time college advisors assist students with scholarship and college applications. A wellness coordinator designs social emotional wellness programs that are integrated throughout the school community.

Learning Center 

The Learning Center provides free-of-charge assistance to any student needing extra help with math, science, English or writing. Also offered is academic counseling. Peer tutoring in foreign languages is provided by members of the National Honor Society and Beta Club. These student-led sessions are offered between 3 and 4 p.m. on Monday through Wednesday in the library. No appointments are necessary for any tutoring.

MATH RESOURCE
Math Resource is available Monday through Thursday during all three lunch hours and Tuesday and Wednesday from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Learning Center classroom in the library.

SCIENCE RESOURCE
Science Resource is available Monday through Thursday during all three lunch hours and Tuesday and Wednesday from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Learning Center classroom in the library. Email brownh@sjabr.org, laplacev@sjabr.org or krzystowczykn@sjabr.org.

ENGLISH RESOURCE AND ACADEMIC COUNSELING
English Resource is available Monday through Thursday during all three lunch hours and Tuesday and Wednesday from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Learning Center classroom in the library. Email abadiej@sjabr.org.

WRITING CENTER
The Writing Center provides instruction, resources and support. Trained peer consultants help students gain competence and confidence as writers through one-on-one sessions. Students schedule appointments through the Writing Center Moodle page. After-school workshops are offered on a variety of topics. The Writing Center is modeled on university writing centers and is a place for all writers at any stage of the writing process. Email knottsl@sjabr.org.

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 during the seasons of Advent and Lent. Additionally, students may choose to participate in a weekly rosary, weekly Bible study, monthly 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. Information will be provided after school starts.
  
STUDENT RETREATS
Participation in retreats is required for graduation. Please plan accordingly. For additional information, contact Campus Minster Alise Alexander Ruch (rucha@sjabr.org; 388-2255).

Dates and locations are subject to change.
 
Senior Retreat: Sunday-Monday, October 10-11, Tall Timbers Retreat Center, Woodworth
Junior Retreat: Monday, February 7, Location TBA
Sophomore Retreat: Monday, November 8, SJA
Freshman Retreat: Monday, March 28, SJA

REQURED SERVICE PROGRAM
Service is an integral part of the SJA curriculum. Important information about this year-long program can be found on the SJA website under the Faith tab. The 2021-2022 Service Directory can be found on Moodle. Please read this information so you are aware of requirements. The deadline for completing service requirements is April 1, 2022. There will be checkpoints throughout the year to ensure timely completion of the service requirement. 

The x2VOL program for tracking service hours has an iOS app. Students can download the app and log in to their account from their iPhone; there is no Android app at this time.

During Computer Orientation, incoming freshmen and students new to SJA will register their x2VOL account. Assistant Campus Minister and Service Coordinator Jade Spears will verify their membership. Students will receive information on how to log hours in August. A how-to guide is also available on Moodle. 

Returning students who completed service hours during the summer should enter their hours into x2VOL by the first day of school. Students who have transferred into SJA will be invited in August to visit Campus Ministry during their lunch hour to enroll in x2VOL and to have questions answered. 

Ms. Spears is available during all lunch periods to answer questions about service and to help students with service entries. Students may also email her at spearsj@sjabr.org or stop by the Campus Ministry office in Mother Alice Hall, room 206.

Please note that failure to turn in service hours by the deadline will result in a checklist. Seniors must complete their service requirements in order to graduate from SJA, and underclasswomen must complete their service hours in order to return to SJA the following year.

Annual Fund

The SJA Annual Fund, our school’s annual appeal, is an essential component of St. Joseph’s Academy’s fundraising efforts. Last year’s appeal raised more than $567,000, 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 $187,000 towards the total. Thank you to everyone who partnered with us in 2020-2021.

Outside of tuition, the SJA Annual Fund is the second largest source of revenue for St. Joseph’s Academy. Help us to continue to grow the SJA Annual Fund and provide vital support to the St. Joseph’s Academy community by making a contribution during the 2021-2022 fiscal year. Upperclass parents will receive their commitment forms at Back-to-School Night on Monday, August 23. Freshman parents will receive their commitment forms at the freshman parent meeting of their choice on either Tuesday, August 24, at 12 p.m. or 6 p.m.; Wednesday, August 25, at 6 p.m.; or Thursday, August 26, at 12 p.m. 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 (geraldm@sjabr.org; 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 near Mary’s Garden. For more information, contact Mission Advancement Assistant Wendy Coniglio (conigliow@sjabr.org; 388-2336). Click here to purchase your brick today.

SJA Mothers' Club

Our Mothers’ Club membership drive is officially under way. With COVID restrictions easing up, we should have many more opportunities to get involved. Your membership dues and volunteer service are crucial. Both enable us to support our girls and the SJA community throughout the year. Click here to join the SJA Mothers’ Club today! 

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 2021-2022 school year? If so, simply click here.

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. Save the date of Sunday, April 3, 2022, and join us for a day of fun and fellowship with your daughter and other SJA dads and daughters.

The Dads’ Club will hold its back-to-school meeting on Thursday, August 12, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Walk-On’s Corporate Enterprises Office, 3960 Burbank Drive (70808). Our guest speaker is LSU Women’s Basketball Coach Kim Mulkey. This meeting is open to all current SJA dads. Cost is $25 per person and includes dinner and two drink tickets for either beer, wine or soft drinks.

Sign up here by August 5. Space is limited, so don’t delay!
 

TRYOUT REMINDERS
Please be reminded that all student-athletes must have an LHSAA physical form completed and signed by a physician and their parents before they can try out for any SJA sport. The form can be found on MySJA in the Resources Board, Athletics. You will print the form and take it to your daughter’s physician to complete and sign. This form can also be found on the SJA website under Quicklinks, Forms. Please scan the completed form, or take a picture of it with your smartphone, and upload to MySJA, Resources, Athletics before tryouts.

TRACK AND FIELD INFORMATION/ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING
Wednesday, September 8, 2019. 3 - 3:45 p.m., Activity Center. Please direct questions to Coach Charlie Daigle (daiglec@sjabr.org; 270-6029).

Please direct questions regarding the SJA athletic program to Athletic Director Dorinda Beaumont (beaumontd@sjabr.org; 388-2290).
 

The Sticker Shop, run by the SJA Mothers’ Club, is your online retail store for all of your back-to-school essentials including uniform sweatshirts, sweatpants and rain jackets. We also invite you to visit us for all your family’s official SJA spirit items.  

We can help you get ready for fall sports, and we offer a large selection of merchandise for everyone in the family, including short- and long-sleeve t-shirts, sweatshirts, athletic shorts that can be worn for PE, men’s polo shirts, children and baby t-shirts, dri-fit long-sleeve shirts, pajama shorts and pants, blankets, hats, stadium seats, vehicle decals for all sports, water bottles, phone wallet stickers, SJA plaques and more.

ORDER PICKUP
Curbside pickup will be available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. from the circle driveway in front of Mother Alice Hall (3080 Kleinert Avenue) when school is open. When you arrive on campus, call the Sticker Shop at (225) 388-2237, and a Mothers’ Club volunteer will bring your items to your vehicle. Additionally, students can pick up pre-purchased items on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays during their lunch periods through the Sticker Shop window.

We look forward to helping you show your Sticker Pride!

We accept all major credit cards, ApplePay, or checks made out to SJA Mothers’ Club. Please send any questions to stickershop@sjabr.org.

Visit www.SJAStickerShop.org to start shopping today!