Parent Newsletter
APRIL 2026
- Events
- Campus Life
- Ongoing Reminders
- Counseling Center
- Student Resources
- Campus Ministry
- Mission Advancement
- Parent Clubs
- Sticker Shop
Events
HOLY THURSDAY PRAYER SERVICE
Thursday, April 2. Dress uniforms are required. We will follow Schedule 2. Parents are invited to join us at 9:50 a.m. in the Academy Student Center.
Parents planning to join us can check-in online in advance, and their name badge will be pre-printed and waiting for them in the lobby of the Academy Student Center. Please show a form of ID upon arrival.
If you can’t join us but would like to watch the livestream, click here.
EASTER HOLIDAY
Friday, April 3, through Friday, April 10. There is no school for students or teachers. Classes resume on Monday, April 13.
The Main Office (St. Joseph Hall) will be closed for the week.
The Mission Advancement, Alumnae, Admissions, Facilities, Operations, Human Resources and Communications departments (Mother Alice Hall) and the Finance Office (Mother Thollot House) will be open Wednesday-Friday, April 8-10, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Help Desk will be open Wednesday-Friday, April 8-10, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
SERVICE HOURS DUE
Service hours for all students are due Monday, April 13. This means all hours must be completed and correctly logged in Mobile Serve and verified by the agency by this date. If your daughter’s service hours are not verified by an approved agency, they will not be counted. Please work with your daughter to ensure this is done. SJA approves service hours after agencies have verified them. All entries must be verified electronically by the agency. The only exception is for hours completed at the Missionaries of Charity Shelter & Soup Kitchen at St. Agnes, for which a form is given to each volunteer upon completion of her shift.
Please note that failure to turn in service hours by the deadline will result in disciplinary action. Seniors must complete their service requirements to graduate, and underclasswomen must complete their service hours to take their final exams.
Please direct questions to Assistant Campus Minister/Service Coordinator Rachael Duchmann at duchmannr@sjabr.org.
SPRING DANCE CONCERT
Tuesday, April 14, LSU Union Theater, 5:30 and 8 p.m. The SJA Dance department presents It’s Our Time. Tickets are available for purchase on SchoolCash Online.
STUDENT COUNCIL SPEECHES/SCHOOL SERVICE AWARDS/SENIOR SKIT
Thursday, April 16, Academy Student Center, 9:45 a.m. We will follow Schedule 4. Dress uniforms are required. Students seeking the offices of student body president, vice president, secretary/treasurer, historian and communications coordinator will present speeches to the student body. Following the speeches, we will recognize students who have given time in service to the school through campus organizations, and seniors will present their farewell to the student body.
ADORATION
Thursday, April 16, Chapel at SJA during all three lunch periods.
SPRING BAND CONCERT
Tuesday, April 21, Catholic High School Gym, 6 p.m. Featuring the Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz I and II, Clarinet Ensemble and a variety of music, from classical masterpieces to contemporary favorites.
FACS STYLE SHOW FOR PARENTS
Tuesday, April 21, 6:30 p.m. in the Activity Center. Students from Family and Consumer Science I, Clothing Construction and Advanced Clothing Construction will model outfits they have made.
FACS STYLE SHOW
Wednesday, April 22. We will follow Schedule 2. Students from Family and Consumer Science I, Clothing Construction and Advanced Clothing Construction will model outfits they have made.
ADORATION
Thursday, April 23, Chapel at SJA during all three lunch periods.
SPRING CHOIR CONCERT
Thursday, April 23, First Baptist Church, 6 p.m. All choir students will perform in this concert, which will feature songs from their award-winning festival performance, a farewell to our seniors and some special solos and surprises. The concert is free, and no tickets are necessary.
STUDENT COUNCIL FUN DAY
Friday, April 24. The theme is A Sweet Last Fun Day (candy or treats). Students may dress in candy-inspired clothes and accessories. They will receive dress guidelines via email. General Fun Day guidelines were included in the Back-to-School Parent Newsletter. If your daughter has questions about her costume, please encourage her to contact Dean of Women Christina Richardson at richardsonc@sjabr.org. Please note that students who do not follow dress guidelines are subject to disciplinary action.
SENIOR PROM
Saturday, April 25, 8-11 p.m., Catholic Life Center. Students must arrive no later than 9 p.m. and cannot leave until 11 p.m. This year’s theme is Night in NOLA. Tickets are available for purchase on SchoolCash Online. Tickets are $20 per person; purchase deadline is Wednesday, April 22, at 3 p.m. Tickets will not be sold after the deadline. If your daughter purchases a ticket and is unable to attend, parents should email Dean of Women Christina Richardson at richardsonc@sjabr.org before the dance. A member of the administration will call the parent of any student who purchased a ticket and did not attend unless advance notification is received. Students who purchase tickets but do not attend will not be refunded.
Seniors are reminded that dress for prom adheres to the same code as all other events at St. Joseph’s Academy, including no high slits, plunging necklines, exposed midriff/side cutouts and/or plunging, backless dresses. Those wanting to use a hired driver must get approval from Mrs. Richardson at richardsonc@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2278 by April 22. A list of all seniors (including their dates) planning to ride in the vehicle, as well as the vehicle type, must be sent by email when requesting approval. Party buses, RVs, trolley cars, etc., are not permitted. Traditional limos, sprinter vans or large suburban vans that seat no more than 20 passengers are allowed.
MAY CROWNING AND SERVICE AWARDS
Monday, April 27, 9:46 a.m., Academy Student Center. We will follow Schedule 4. Dress uniforms are required. We will begin the assembly with the crowning of Mary. Seniors participating in the annual ceremony are voted on by their classmates and the faculty/staff.
Immediately following May Crowning, we will recognize members of each class who have given 50 or more hours of service during the school year. Seniors qualifying for the four-year service award will be honored at Honors Convocation. We will also recognize the winner of the Sticker Selfless Service Award.
Parents planning to join us can check-in online in advance, and their name badge will be pre-printed and waiting for them in the lobby of the Academy Student Center. Please show a form of ID upon arrival.
Parking will be available on Broussard and in the residential area on the Broussard side of the school. Please do not block driveways. Please do not park at the Tyler/Possa Law Office or on their grass. Look for signs indicating visitor parking availability.
You are invited to watch the livestream of May Crowning and Service Awards here.
ACADEMY AWARDS
Tuesday, April 28, 9:41 a.m., Academy Student Center. Students from all grade levels will be recognized for academic and other achievements. Dress uniforms are required. We will follow Schedule 6.
Parents planning to join us can check-in online in advance, and their name badge will be pre-printed and waiting for them in the lobby of the Academy Student Center. Please show a form of ID upon arrival.
SENIORS’ LAST DAY
Wednesday, April 29. Parents and students are reminded that this is an academic day. Seniors may arrive on campus no earlier than 6:30 a.m. The Mothers’ Club will provide breakfast in the courtyard, and the Dads’ Club will provide a hamburger lunch. Seniors will be emailed additional information regarding dress and events for the day. We will follow Schedule 7. Please direct questions to senior class moderators Aimee Cronan (cronana@sjabr.org) or Stephanie Faucette (faucettes@sjabr.org).
SENIOR WALK
The seniors’ final walk begins at 2:23 p.m. on Wednesday, April 29. Parents who would like to be at the end of the walk should arrive at the orchard by 2:30 p.m. using any of the gate entrances. We are asking parents to be in this area only and not follow the seniors along the route on campus. Seniors will meet their parents in the orchard at the end of the walk. Parents of seniors can RSVP here.
Parking will be available on Broussard Street and in the residential area on the Broussard side of the school. Please do not block driveways. Please do not park at the Tyler/Possa Law Office or on their grass. Look for signs indicating visitor parking availability.
SENIOR MASS
Thursday, April 30, 9:41 a.m., Academy Student Center. Senior Mass is the last opportunity for the school community to worship together with our seniors. Seniors are allowed two (2) guests at the mass and the reception immediately afterwards. Guests of seniors can RSVP here.
Due to parking limitations, we ask that students carpool with their parents and park in their usual school parking spot. Please do not park in the Tyler-Possa Lot or Synagogue lots. If your daughter does not drive/have a spot on campus, please park in one of the street visitor spots on Broussard Street. Even if there are open spots in the Synagogue or Tyler-Possa lots, please note that these are reserved for the employees of those establishments and are considered private property.
Seniors must be checked in by 9:30 a.m. They will be dismissed after mass to attend the reception with their two guests in the Fife Student Commons. If your senior has a sibling at SJA in another grade, this student is welcome to attend the reception but must have permission in advance from her teacher to miss class.
Seniors were given their graduation gowns in March and are required to wear them for Senior Mass with a white or light pastel-colored dress underneath. Any color dressy shoe is allowed.
Schedule 6 will be followed, with dress uniforms required for grades 9-11.
You are invited to watch the livestream of Senior Mass here.
JUNIOR RETREAT MAKE UP DATE
Junior Retreat, which was cancelled because of an area-wide power outage on March 16, will be made up on the SJA campus on Friday, May 1, from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. Juniors should report to the Academy Student Center no earlier than 7:30 a.m.
The rest of campus will be closed, and freshmen and sophomores will not have classes this day.
Please note that practice for the Junior Ring ceremony, which takes place that evening, will be held immediately after retreat in the Academy Student Center. Juniors need to plan to stay for 30 minutes after their class retreat and then to be back at SJA by 5:50 p.m.
Campus Life
DINING HALL ACCOUNT REFUNDS
If your daughter is graduating or otherwise leaving SJA, please submit your request for a Dining Hall account refund to support@mykidsspending.com by Friday, May 1. You will be issued a reimbursement via ACH within seven business days. Please be sure to leave enough money in your daughter’s account to cover her Dining Hall expenses through the end of the school year. Refund requests submitted after the May 1 deadline may be delayed up to eight weeks.
For returning students, automatic funding will be paused over the summer. Automatic funding will be reactivated before the first day of school. If you would like to receive the balance of funds in your daughter’s account, please log into your My Kids Spending account, or contact support@mykidsspending.com for assistance. Again, please be sure to leave enough money in your daughter’s account to cover her Dining Hall expenses through the end of the school year.
Any person requesting a refund is asked to be sure your ACH information is correct in your My Kids Spending account to avoid delays in receiving your refund.
The parents of departing students may choose to transfer account balances to a younger sibling, cousin or family friend. If you wish to transfer an account balance, please email Food Service Director Lauren Guy at lguy@sagedining.com with the first and last names of both students, as well as their students ID numbers.
2026-2027 SJA STUDENT INSURANCE FOR ASUS ELITEBOOK B3402
The Insurance Form for your daughter’s tablet computer must be completed annually, whether you choose to purchase insurance on her computer or not. Please complete the form here. If you choose to purchase the insurance, it will not go into effect until we receive the completed form and payment through AKKO. If you choose not to purchase insurance, we ask that you indicate that option on the form.
The cost of the computer insurance for the coming year (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027) is $62. The insurance process is managed in house, and SJA will act as your contact when you need to file a claim. We highly recommend that you purchase insurance that will cover the unit from fire/flood damage, vandalism, natural disasters, power surges due to lightning, accidental breakage (including drops/cracked screens/liquid spills), liquid submersion and theft. The cost of insurance is minimal when compared to the cost of the parts needed to make repairs. To enroll, please complete and electronically submit the application form by Monday, June 15.
Please direct questions to Technology Operations Manager Sharon Cashio at cashios@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2246.
TAX ID INFORMATION
If tax information is needed for your 2025 taxes, you may access your family tuition statements online through your Blackbaud Tuition Management account. The website address is parent.blackbaud.school. The SJA Tax ID # is 72-6001242. Please direct questions to Accounts Receivable Tuition Specialist Amy Jackson at jacksona@sjabr.org.
2025-2026 SCHOOL CALENDAR
Click here to view our monthly calendar. Please make note of the mandatory retreat dates and testing sessions, as student attendance is required. We encourage families to use the school calendar when planning vacations, college visits and other events to ensure they align with scheduled school breaks.
Additionally, an overview of important dates can be found here. Please note that dates may be subject to change.
OFFICE HOURS
The Main Office in St. Joseph Hall is open from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
HOLIDAY OFFICE CLOSINGS
The Main Office is closed on this remaining holiday. Please plan accordingly.
April 3-10: Easter
ACT UPDATE
SJA will host the ACT on July 11 for SJA and CHS students only. During the ACT registration process, the system defaults to search by zip code. To register for one of the national Saturday testing dates at SJA, you will need to choose the Change Location option and enter SJA’s test center code, 161060. Please note this is for the national ACT test and is not associated with the school-day ACT required for seniors in October and juniors in March at SJA.
CHS will host the ACT on April 11 and June 13 for students who would like more testing opportunities. Space is limited on these dates; early registration is encouraged.
ACT TEST PREP PROGRAM FOR 2025-2026
Gear Up for the ACT: SJA offered a four-hour session for each subject-specific test of the ACT during the fall (before the October 2025 ACT date) and did so again for the March 2026 ACT date for juniors. These sessions focused on strategies and practice techniques for that content-specific ACT test. These sessions will continue to be offered at the start of each semester, so current sophomores and juniors should consider scheduling these sessions next fall.
Students also completed five college prep sessions in preparation for the PreACT, PSAT and ACT taken on March 10. They rotated through sessions on ACT Math, ACT English, ACT Reading, PSAT/SAT and calculator usage. Any juniors who prefer the format and question styles of the PSAT should consider taking the SAT as an alternative to the ACT. TOPS accepts both scoring systems, and it may open up admission and scholarship opportunities for universities that require the SAT. We will not be administering the SAT on campus, but national test dates and sites can be found on the College Board website.
If you have questions about any of these programs, please contact the Assistant Dean of College Preparation and Testing Jonathan Durocher at durocherj@sjabr.org.
DAILY COMMUNITY PRAYER
Each day, St. Joseph’s Academy pauses at the end of 7th hour to lift our minds and hearts to God in prayer. We invite you to join us in our daily community prayer by visiting here or subscribing to SJA Community Prayer on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
WEDNESDAY MORNING ROSARY
Every Wednesday at 7 a.m., the rosary is recited in the Chapel at SJA.
YEARBOOK ORDERS
The SJA yearbook captures once-in-a-lifetime memories in a single place. Click here to purchase your 2025-2026 copy today. A receipt will be emailed to you once your purchase is complete. If you have more than one daughter attending SJA, please purchase a copy under each student’s name.
If you are purchasing a yearbook for your senior daughter, you may choose to have the book shipped directly to you after it’s published in the fall of 2026. Otherwise, your daughter will receive her yearbook at the Six-Month Reunion for the class of 2026 in December of 2026.
SENIOR YEARBOOK ADS
We also want to remind you that senior yearbook ads are now on sale. Yearbook ads contain photos and a personal message to your senior daughter. All ads must be purchased and created online through Varsity Yearbooks. Click here for available options. The deadline to submit an ad is April 12.
If you need assistance with creating your ad, please contact Varsity Yearbooks at 866-287-3096.
If you have not purchased a yearbook, you may do so while purchasing the ad. If you are unsure if you already purchased a book, click the “Find My Order” button at the bottom of the home screen.
SIZZLING SUMMER CELEBRATES 36 YEARS IN 2026
Girls in grades 3-9 will enjoy athletics, arts, academics, enrichment and technology camps during the month of June. Boys in grades 4-9 are invited to attend some technology camps. Click here for all the details and to register.
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 3:30 p.m. A map of the different routes for freshman and upperclass carpool lines can be found in the online handbook in the Drop-off/Pick-up by Car tab. After 3:30 p.m., students staying after school may be picked up in front of the Fife Student Commons or Medaille Hall.
Students are not to be picked up on neighboring streets or park their cars in the neighborhood without permission from the homeowner. Students who are identified as not following proper carpool procedures will meet with Assistant Dean of Women Brianna Sommers and will be issued a disciplinary consequence.
COLLEGE VISITS
Students are encouraged to visit colleges of interest during the summer and school holidays. Please reference the school calendar for the days students are not in school during the 2025-2026 school year.
Seniors are allowed three excused absences for college visits during the academic year. Juniors and sophomores are allowed two excused absences for college visits during the academic year. Freshmen are not allowed excused absences for college visits. Emailed notification of a student’s college visit must be submitted through the Attendance Reporting Form on MySJA at least one school day before the scheduled absence. If notification is not received, this will be marked as an unexcused absence. Any student who misses more than her allowed number of excused absences for college visits will receive an infraction. No college visits will be approved during mid-term exams, final exams or AP testing. Absences related to college visits are counted as part of the allotted 10 days per semester.
Seniors invited to attend university spring testing events, including LSU Spring Invitational, are allowed an additional excused absence(s) if they have followed proper check-out procedures and given advance notice.
AFTER-SCHOOL RULES AND REGULATIONS
After dismissal, students may remain on campus in one of the following designated areas: Fife Student Commons (FSC), quad, courtyard or the Technology and Learning Center (TLC) between 2:50 and 3:30 p.m. Please note that the 3:30 p.m. sign-in time is a change from the traditional 4 p.m. sign-in time from previous years. Students may not leave campus after dismissal to roam the neighborhood. At 3:30 p.m., an announcement will direct students who are not in after-school activities to sign in at either the FSC or TLC while they wait for their ride. The FSC and TLC are open until 5:30 p.m. Our security officer is on campus until 5:30 p.m. each school day. Students must sign out before leaving for the day.
If a student is not picked up by 5:30 p.m., this will be reported to Dean of Women Christina Richardson, and a plan will be made. After-school rules can be found in the school handbook under the Students and Parents portals. Please direct questions to Christina Richardson at richardsonc@sjabr.org or Brianna Sommers at sommersb@sjabr.org.
PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION
As a non-public school, St. Joseph’s Academy is not affected by the state law which requires parents to make an election at the beginning of each year to grant or deny consent for the school to collect your daughter’s Personally Identifiable Information and disclose it to the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA) for TOPS and other financial aid or to the state’s colleges and universities for admissions. We will share this information unless you request through your daughter’s grade-level counselor that it be withheld.
CUSTODY INFORMATION
St. Joseph’s Academy abides by the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) with respect to the rights of parents and, in the event of divorce, the rights of custodial and noncustodial parents. In the latter case, absent a court order to the contrary, the school will provide the noncustodial parent access to academic records and other school-related information regarding the student. If there is a court order specifying that no information is to be given, it is the responsibility of the custodial parent to provide the school with a copy of the court order. We do not need the complete court order, only the part dealing with custody. Please direct questions to Principal Stacia Andricain at andricaina@sjabr.org.
ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS
Please be reminded that we must have one valid, regularly checked email address in MySJA. If your email, phone number or physical address has changed since last time you updated our records, please let us know. If you have questions, please contact Registrar Cristina Latiolais at latiolaisc@sjabr.org.
SAFE DRIVING HABITS
Please remind your daughters to observe speed limits, especially around campus and in our campus parking lots. We also ask that you talk to your daughters about unsafe driving practices, including texting while driving. We thank you for your partnership and continued modeling.
SCHOOL CLOSURES
When school is closed due to weather or other circumstances, please be reminded that SJA generally follows the same procedures as the East Baton Rouge school system and Diocese of Baton Rouge. Closures will also be announced via our BrightArrow communication system.
If your phone number has changed since you last updated our records, or if you would like to add additional phone numbers to those we call/text, please contact Registrar Cristina Latiolais at latiolaisc@sjabr.org.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
If a student is absent due to illness, parents should complete the Attendance Reporting Form located under Resources in MySJA. For an absence for any other reason, advance notice of one school day must be sent by a parent via the Attendance Reporting Form located under Resources in MySJA for it to be considered. Parent notification of a student’s reason for an absence must be submitted by the end of the school day, or the absence will be considered unexcused and will not be changed.
A student may not miss more than 10 full days (70 classes) or 10 times in a single course within a semester, regardless of whether absences are excused or unexcused.
Any student who arrives to her first-hour class after the tardy bell must report to the attendance coordinator’s office for a tardy slip. Beginning with the third unexcused tardy, an infraction is given.
Any student wanting to check out due to illness must report to the nurse’s office. If necessary, the nurse will call the student’s parent to obtain permission before the student leaves. Failure to check out in the nurse’s office because of an illness will result in an unexcused absence for missed class time.
Most routine visits to the doctor should be scheduled outside of school hours. For appointments scheduled during school hours, a parent must fill out the Attendance Reporting Form in MySJA. When the student returns to school, she must present a note to the attendance coordinator signed by the physician to receive an excused absence. Notes may be submitted in the main office or by uploading them to the Attendance Reporting Form and must be submitted within three school days of the absence/check-in/check-out.
ATTENDANCE NOTIFICATIONS
To help streamline our process and keep accurate records, we are discontinuing the attendance email address. Please review the updated protocol below:
Medical Appointments
To ensure your daughter’s absence is recorded quickly and accurately, please submit documentation in one of two ways:
1. Upload through the Attendance Reporting Form found on the Resources page on MySJA.
2. Turn in a hard copy to the main office.
All Attendance Changes
Absences, tardies and checkouts must be submitted through the Attendance Reporting Form.
Using the Attendance Reporting Form helps us keep teachers updated in real time and avoids delays in recording absences. Thank you for supporting us in creating a more efficient system.
Counseling Center
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
Seniors
Kellie Braud Wintz '02, Class of 2026 Counselor (wintzk@sjabr.org; 388-2223)
Allison Bruton '95, College Advisor A-K (brutona@sjabr.org; 388-2299)
Ellen S. Frazier, College Advisor L-Z (fraziere@sjabr.org; 388-2251)
Please contact Mrs. Wintz if you have questions about your daughter pertaining to academic or mental wellness issues. Please contact Ms. Bruton or Ms. Frazier if you have questions pertaining to college applications.
IMPORTANT SENIOR CHECKOUT INFORMATION
Three forms are required as part of the senior-checkout process. The forms are (1) the College Admission Decision Form, (2) the Scholarships Awarded Form and (3) the Attending College Form. All forms can be found on the College Advising MySJA page and are due April 27. The Attending College Form serves as a formal request for us to send your daughter’s official final transcript to the college she chooses to attend.
If your daughter is still waiting on admissions decisions and will not be able to make her final college choice until May 1, please notify her college advisor.
FAFSA
Don’t forget to file your FAFSA as soon as possible, and please forward a copy of the confirmation of your submission to Mrs. Wintz at wintzk@sjabr.org by April 27. FAFSA is not only required for TOPS, but is also used at out-of-state colleges, including all public and private schools. After filing, you will receive a FAFSA Submission Summary. This summary will give you some basic information about your eligibility for federal student aid as well as answers to the questions on your FAFSA.
RESPONDING TO OFFERS OF COLLEGE ADMISSIONS
May 1 is the nationally recognized deadline to respond to offers of admission to colleges and universities. Institutions that adhere to the Statement of Principles of Good Practice of the National Association for College Admission Counseling commit to holding a student’s position in the incoming class until that date. Students should notify the admissions office of their decision to accept or decline an offer by phone, email or mail.
DUAL ENROLLMENT TRANSCRIPTS
If your daughter completed any dual enrollment courses and is not attending LSU, after her final grade for the course is posted by LSU, she must request that the LSU Registrar’s Office send an official LSU transcript to the college she plans to attend. This ensures proper verification of college credit and accurate course placement during orientation.
While the SJA final transcript lists dual enrollment courses, SJA can only award high school credit, not college credit hours. To request a transcript, visit the LSU Registrar website and select Request a Transcript (located near the bottom of the page under What can we help you with today?).
Because processing times may vary, we recommend also requesting a copy be mailed to your home. Bring this unopened copy to orientation in case it is needed for academic advising.
AP CREDIT
AP scores are released in mid-July. To send scores to a college, students must log into their College Board account and request a score report. We recommend bringing a printed copy or screenshot of scores to orientation in case official scores have not yet been received.
Students are not required to send all AP scores. They may choose which scores to share by completing the “withhold scores” form on the College Board website. One free score report is available each year; the deadline for this year’s free report is June 20, 2026.
TOPS
For students who have completed the FAFSA, TOPS award information will be available beginning in mid-June through your daughter’s LOSFA Student Hub account. Mrs. Wintz is assisting seniors with setting up their LOSFA accounts during small group meetings this month. Please note that SJA cannot verify TOPS eligibility. For questions, contact LOSFA or the financial aid office at your daughter’s college.
SENIORITIS
Starting April 1, seniors will have 15 class days remaining. This is an exciting time, with many end-of-the-year activities approaching; however, it is important that all students stay focused and finish the semester strong.
There are several things you can do to help your daughter stay focused.
1) Remind her that grades still matter to colleges, so it’s important to keep them up.
2) Approach college conversations and responsibilities in a positive way and during a stress-free time.
3) Cherish the time you have with her and make it a point to schedule family time at least once a week.
If your daughter has academic or personal concerns as her senior year comes to a close, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Wintz.
A MESSAGE FROM SJA’S WELLNESS EDUCATOR
Melissa Shaw ’96
shawm@sjabr.org; (225) 388-2347
April is here, and with it comes both excitement and reflection as our seniors approach the final stretch of their high school journey. Maintaining consistent wellness habits – sleep, hydration, balanced nutrition and movement – remains essential during this time of transition. These practices support energy, mental clarity and emotional stability. Continuing to build emotional intelligence will serve students well beyond graduation.
Senior Wellness Education has been completed for this semester; however, students are always encouraged to check in if they would like to revisit topics or explore new areas of interest. This time of year is especially busy as they prepare for final exams and graduation, making it even more important to stay grounded in healthy habits and strong support systems. We are also looking forward to Girls Just Want to Have Sun on April 16 during all lunch hours as one of our final opportunities to gather, connect and celebrate wellbeing together.
It has been a meaningful opportunity for me to support and connect with this class as they prepare for what lies ahead. As always, I am in the Counseling Center to support the wellbeing of all students in collaboration with our Counseling Center team. Stay well!
Juniors
Lindsay Carlino ’02, Class of 2027 Counselor (carlinol@sjabr.org; 388-2225)
Allison Bruton, M.Ed., College Advisor (A-La) (brutona@sjabr.org; 388-2299)
Ellen S. Frazier, M.S.+30, College Advisor (Le-Z) (fraziere@sjabr.org; 388-2251)
Please contact Ms. Carlino 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 the college search process.
ACADEMIC PROGRESS
The fourth quarter has begun as juniors finish up their third year at SJA. Report cards are posted to MySJA. If you have any questions about your daughter’s academic progress, please contact Ms. Carlino.
ACT
All juniors completed the ACT during a school day in March. Once your daughter’s scores are available in her ACT portal, we encourage you to review them together and compare them with the admissions requirements of the colleges she is considering. While some colleges are now test-optional, many schools (and scholarship programs such as TOPS) still require test scores.
Because the college admissions landscape continues to evolve, it is important to note that current admissions requirements may change by the time the class of 2027 applies. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting each college’s official website.
After the March test, we strongly discourage students from waiting until September to take the ACT again. If your daughter is not already registered for the April test, please be aware of the upcoming deadlines: May 8 for the June 13 ACT and June 5 for the July 11 ACT. Summer testing dates fill quickly, so early registration is encouraged.
Please note that SJA will not administer the ACT in June, so students should plan to register at a nearby testing site. SJA will offer the July ACT, and this administration will be limited to SJA students only. Additionally, there is a handout in your daughter’s MySJA College Advising Class if you have any difficulty with the registration process.
When registering, we recommend selecting the paper-based test rather than the computer-based option. We also do not recommend registering for the Science or Writing sections, as these are no longer required by colleges, and the Science section is not included in a student’s superscore.
Finally, while summer can be a less stressful time to test, students should continue preparing by practicing with test prep materials in the weeks leading up to their exam.
COLLEGE PLANNING CLASSROOM VISITS AND SMALL GROUP MEETINGS AT LUNCH
Ms. Bruton and Ms. Frazier visited junior Theology classes March 2-6. This was our second classroom presentation this semester, and the topics covered included valuable information that your daughter needs to know to be on track with the college search process as she heads into the summer before her senior year. Other important information included some of the most recent changes in the college application process, test-optional policies, the importance of creating a realistic college list, application types, teacher letters of recommendation and, finally, the mandatory forms that rising seniors are required to submit to their college advisors by the first day of classes, August 7, 2026.
Individual college planning meetings with each junior will be completed before Easter break to discuss specific colleges on their college lists, to answer any questions students may have and to outline important next steps before August and Senior Orientation.
The college advisors also hosted two Junior Parent Meetings on March 12 and March 18 to present the information provided to their daughters in our January and March classroom presentations. Parents were encouraged to have honest family conversations with their daughters about the schools on their college lists regarding Academic Fit, Financial Fit and Social/Emotional Fit to ensure that students have at least one match college on their lists that they would happily attend if accepted.
Additionally, Ms. Carlino has been hosting small groups during lunch regarding student resumes, cumulative GPAs and TOPS core GPAs. Each student will update her resume and save it in her Counseling Center folder on her SJA OneDrive.
FINAL EXAMS APPROACHING
As excitement amps up for the upcoming Easter break, anxiety and stress levels can go up when students realize that final exams are also around the corner. Once we return from the break, there are 26 school days left before exams. Finals are scheduled for May 18-21. Please help your daughter reduce her stress level by encouraging her to begin preparation for exams over the Easter holidays. It is also important to remind your daughter that many of the exams focus on application of the course information learned over the semester rather than simple reiteration of the information.
LEADERSHIP, VOLUNTEER AND SUMMER PROGRAMS
The counselors receive information on many leadership, volunteer and summer programs available to high school students throughout the year. The information received about each program is posted to your daughter’s Counseling Center 2027 MySJA page. There are currently 50 programs posted. The Counseling Center in no way endorses any of the programs listed but is merely passing the information along to students. Please contact the program directly with questions and for more information.
COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING RESOURCES
While Ms. Carlino can be a great resource to your daughter at school, many students can benefit from mental health counseling services in the community. If you are interested in seeking these services for your daughter, please do not hesitate to reach out to Ms. Carlino for help figuring out a few clinicians who may be a good fit. Looking at a list of counselors who accept your insurance can be overwhelming. There is a long list of resources available on the Counseling Center 2027 MySJA page that can be accessed through your daughter’s account. This list is updated at least once per semester.
SENIOR ORIENTATION DATES AUGUST 2026
Please be aware that Senior Orientation is two days and is scheduled for August 5 and 6. Seniors must attend both days to complete important steps for senior year and the college application process, including senior ID photos, laptop reimaging, administration’s expectations and establishing application accounts.
A MESSAGE FROM SJA’S WELLNESS EDUCATOR
Melissa Shaw ’96
shawm@sjabr.org; (225) 388-2347
April is here, and with it comes an important time for juniors as academic and social demands continue to build. Maintaining strong wellness habits – sleep, hydration, balanced nutrition and movement – remains essential for supporting both performance and emotional balance. Regular movement helps reduce stress, improve focus and promote overall wellbeing. Continuing to strengthen emotional intelligence is especially valuable during this time.
Junior Wellness Education wrapped up in March with a focus on being a supportive Sticker Sister and taking ownership of their environment to help combat gossip and bullying. Many students were honest in acknowledging that they have witnessed or even participated in unkind behavior in the past. With increased awareness and reflection, their follow-up responses showed meaningful growth and a deeper understanding of their impact on others. I am so proud of their honesty and growth and hopeful they will carry these lessons forward in how they support one another.
We are also looking forward to Girls Just Want to Have Sun on April 16 during all lunch hours as a time to connect and recharge. As always, I am in the Counseling Center to support the wellbeing of all students in collaboration with our Counseling Center team. Stay well!
Sophomores
Allison Adler Dasso ’16, Class of 2028 Counselor (dassoa@sjabr.org; 388-2281)
CLASSROOM VISITS FOR STANDARDIZED TEST RETURN
I will be visiting all 10th grade English classes during the month of April to return and interpret your daughters’ PreACT and PSAT test scores. I encourage you to sit down with your daughters to review their results once they have received their score reports.
The PreACT is an important step in preparation for the ACT, which will be taken in the spring of your daughter’s junior year per ACT recommendation. Students will not only be receiving their score report but will also receive the test booklet used so that they may review the questions that they missed.
The PSAT is the practice test for the SAT and, most importantly, the National Merit qualifying exam for juniors. I will be discussing the many sub-scores that College Board provides. It is important to remember that this test is normed for juniors.
COLLEGE & CAREER GROUP
Last month, I went into classes for my College & Career Group with sophomores. During this meeting, we discussed important factors that your daughters should consider when making a college list. They calculated their estimated TOPS GPA, updated their resume and began their college list in Naviance. The students will pick one college of interest and do a search on their website for various details, such as location, cost, extracurriculars, possible major of interest, etc.
LEADERSHIP, VOLUNTEER AND SUMMER PROGRAMS
The counselors receive information on many leadership, volunteer and summer programs available to high school students throughout the year. The information received on each program is posted to your daughter’s Counseling Center MySJA Page. There are currently 50 programs posted. The Counseling Center in no way endorses any of the programs listed but is merely passing the information along to students. All of the information received on each program is provided. Please contact the program directly with questions and for more information
A MESSAGE FROM SJA’S WELLNESS EDUCATOR
Melissa Shaw ’96
shawm@sjabr.org; (225) 388-2347
April is here, offering a perfect opportunity to reset and stay consistent with wellness routines as the school year continues. Prioritizing sleep, hydration, balanced nutrition and regular movement remains essential. These habits support sustained energy, improved focus and the ability to manage stress effectively. Emotional intelligence continues to play an important role in overall wellbeing and relationships.
While formal in-class wellness education has been completed for this semester, students are always encouraged to check in if they would like to revisit topics or explore new areas of interest.
We are excited for the upcoming Girls Just Want to Have Sun wellness event on April 16 during all lunch hours. This will be a great opportunity for students to take a break, engage in positive activities and prioritize their wellbeing during a busy time of year. As always, I am in the Counseling Center to support the wellbeing of all students in collaboration with our Counseling Center team. Stay well!
Freshmen
Ally Giardina, Class of 2029 Counselor (giardinaa@sjabr.org; 388-2283)
The fourth quarter has begun, and freshmen are finishing up their first year at SJA. When students return from Easter break, there are only five weeks remaining until final exams begin. Final exams are scheduled for May 18-21. If you have questions about your daughter’s academic progress, please do not hesitate to contact me.
COLLEGE PREP
Each student will start her academic resume this semester. This resume will be used when students need to request letters of recommendation and apply for college admissions and scholarships in the future. It is important that students begin this during their freshman year, since they are involved in so many activities both inside and outside of school. By the time students are seniors, it can be challenging to recall every sport, club, activity, service hour and major project they have participated in. This resume will be updated each year and saved in their Counseling Center folder.
CLASSROOM VISITS
I have been visiting classes for College and Career Planning Lunch and Learn meetings. This is an opportunity for your daughters to learn more about their career goals, aptitudes and interests.
A MESSAGE FROM SJA’S WELLNESS EDUCATOR
Melissa Shaw ’96
shawm@sjabr.org; (225) 388-2347
April is here, bringing a renewed sense of energy as we move further into the spring semester. This is a great time to stay grounded in daily wellness habits. Sleep hygiene remains the foundation, along with proper hydration, balanced nutrition and consistent movement. These habits support mood, focus, stress management and overall wellbeing. Continuing to build emotional intelligence is especially important during this stage of growth.
Freshman Wellness will wrap up this month, with a focus on developing healthy adjustments to life’s stressors. Students are encouraged to recognize how far they have come in successfully transitioning to high school while also preparing for final exams. In addition, they have been educated on recognizing signs of anxiety and depression in themselves and their peers so they feel empowered to seek help when needed.
We are also looking forward to our upcoming wellness event, Girls Just Want to Have Sun, taking place during all lunch hours on April 16. This is a fun opportunity to engage, connect and recharge. As always, I am in the Counseling Center to support the wellbeing of all students in collaboration with our Counseling Center team. 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-Friday during all three lunch hours, on Monday-Thursday after school until 4:30 p.m. and on Wednesday and Thursday mornings from 6:45 until 7:30 a.m. in the Learning Center classroom in the Technology and Learning Center. Email pfiferc@sjabr.org or krzystowczykn@sjabr.org.
Science Resource
Science Resource is available Monday-Thursday during all three lunch hours and after school until 4:30 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 (including writing) and Academic Counseling
English Resource is available Monday-Thursday during all three lunch hours and Monday-Wednesday after school until 4:30 p.m. in the Learning Center classroom in the Technology and Learning Center. Email abadiej@sjabr.org or saiaa@sjabr.org. Students can schedule an appointment for a writing conference through the Learning Center MySJA page.
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, Liturgy Committee, Liturgy Choir, Praise & Worship Band and Stickers for Life Club.
JUNIOR RETREAT RESCHEDULED
The junior Class Retreat has been rescheduled to be held on Friday, May 1, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The retreat will now take place on SJA’s campus in the Academy Student Center. Students should not arrive at school or be dropped off until 7:30 a.m. Lunch will be provided by the Dads’ Club.
The Main Office will be closed on Friday, May 1. Additionally, the Technology and Learning Center and Fife Student Commons will not be open following the retreat. Please note that practice for the Junior Ring ceremony, which takes place that evening, will be held immediately after retreat in the Academy Student Center. Juniors need to plan to stay for 30 minutes after their class retreat and then to be back at SJA by 5:50 p.m.
If you have a known conflict, please contact Dean of Women Christina Richardson (richardsonc@sjabr.org) by Thursday, April 2.
Please direct retreat questions to Campus Minister Chelsea Colomb at colombc@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2221.
REQUIRED SERVICE PROGRAM
The SJA service policy states that freshmen and sophomores are required to complete 15 hours of service during the 2025-2026 academic year while juniors and seniors must complete 20 service hours. The 2025-2026 Freshman and Sophomore Service Directory and the 2025-2026 Junior and Senior Service Directory can be found on MySJA and the Service Hour Opportunity Teams Channel. Please review the revised policies before completing service hours. Students can participate in opportunities outside of those included in the service directories only after receiving written permission via email from the Assistant Campus Minister/Service Coordinator. All students will use their Mobile Serve account to log service hours. These accounts for incoming freshmen will be set up during SJA Welcome Week. User guides for the website and cellular application can be found on the Service Hour Opportunities Team Channel. Parents, grandparents and immediate family members cannot verify students service hours.
The 2025-2026 service year for current students began on April 10, 2025, and will end on Monday, April 13, 2026. Hours must be verified by the supervisor no later than Wednesday, April 15, 2026. All service hours must be logged electronically in each student’s school-issued Mobile Serve account. Hard-copy verifications will not be accepted. Failure to complete service hours by the deadline will be examined on a case-by-case basis and may result in disciplinary action. Seniors must complete their service requirements in order to graduate from SJA, and underclasswomen must complete their service hours in order to take their final exams.
All service hours must be done through a non-profit agency or through a for-profit business, with prior written approval, that serves those most in need. Service performed through a for-profit business must be non-clerical in manner. Tasks such as filing, answering the phone, etc., will not be permitted as part of the service program. SJA and CHS club hours do not roll over at any time, and SJA and CHS club hours must be independent and separate from the SJA service program. SJA and CHS sports team hours do not roll over at any time, and SJA and CHS sports team hours must be independent and separate from the SJA service program.
Visiting patients in nursing homes or hospice facilities does not need prior approval. All service hours must be done outside of normal school hours. Donations of any kind, including Sticker Sacks, are not eligible for the service program. However, SJA may offer a schoolwide donation opportunity for service hours. SJA reserves the right to limit the number of hours earned on mission trips; hours earned on SJA mission trips will be determined and applied after the trip is complete. This will ensure students receive accurate credit for the number of hours served.
In conjunction with their senior retreat, members of the senior class participate in a day of service in the Baton Rouge community. This experience serves as an opportunity for the class to give back to the community as a group. Students are assigned to a service site for this day. Senior Service Day is considered part of the senior retreat and is a requirement for graduation.
Please direct questions about service hours to Assistant Campus Minister/Service Coordinator Rachael Duchmann at service@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2295.
2026-2027 Service Policy and Directories
Students returning to SJA in fall of 2026 may begin earning service hours for the 2026-2027 academic year on April 14, 2026. Please note there are changes to the Service Policy, and service exclusions that may be different from previous editions. If your daughter is interested in an opportunity that is not explicitly stated within the service directory, please email service@sjabr.org for approval.
Click here for the 2026-2027 Service Policy.
The 2026-2027 Freshman and Sophomore Directory can be found here. The 2026-2027 Junior and Senior Directory can be found here.
Please direct questions about service hours to Assistant Campus Minister/Service Coordinator Rachael Duchmann at service@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2295.
Mission Advancement
Since St. Joseph’s Academy opened its doors in 1868, high school education has evolved in many ways. Through every era, we have not only kept pace, but often led the way while remaining firmly rooted in our core pillars of faith development, academic excellence and personal growth. Generation after generation, St. Joseph’s Academy has educated young women as responsible and unifying members of the world community.
What an incredible day March 19 turned out to be! The entire Redsticker community came together to make SJA Give Day one for the record books. Thanks to you and the generosity of our community, we surpassed our goal with more than 970 donors contributing more than $173,000 during our 10th SJA Give Day! This incredible success reflects the sacred thread that binds us together. Together, we continue to create new opportunities for our students. Thank you for believing in the mission of SJA.
If you missed the chance to participate in SJA Give Day 2026, there is still time to make a meaningful impact. Your gift to the SJA Parent Annual Fund continues to nurture the growth and success of our students. Click here to make your gift or visit www.sjagiveday.org for more information.
If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact Mission Advancement Director Meg Gerald at (225) 388-2254 or geraldm@sjabr.org.
PAVE THE WAY BRICKS
Make your mark on SJA’s campus by purchasing a brick for your daughter. Engraved brick pavers are placed near the Fife Student Commons. For more information, contact Mission Advancement Operations Manager Wendy Coniglio at conigliow@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2336. Click here to purchase your brick today.
Parent Clubs
SJA Mothers' Club
If you would like to get more involved in the Mothers’ Club and chair or co-chair a committee for 2026-2027, please contact the Mothers’ Club membership chair at sjamcmembership@sjabr.org.
PARENTS WHO PRAY
Please be reminded that prayer requests can be sent to parentswhopray@sjabr.org.
PARTY BLOOMS FOR PROM
Order your boutonniere on SchoolCash Online. The cost is $22, and pick up will take place after school on Friday, April 24, until 3:30 p.m. in the glass porch of Mother Alice Hall.
SJA Dads' Club
LOOKING FOR A FEW GOOD DADS
Wednesday, April 29, is the last day at SJA for the class of 2026, and the Dads’ Club would like to send them off with a great meal prepared by you. We are looking for 20 dads to help prepare, grill and serve a burger lunch to the senior class. If you like to grill or just want to come help serve, please join us.
We will start at approximately 8 a.m. preparing the grill and cooking 400 burgers. We will begin serving lunch at 10:04 a.m. and end at 12:32 p.m. Bring your apron and favorite spatula. If you would like to volunteer, please click here. Please direct any questions to Meg Gerald, our Dads’ Club moderator, at geraldm@sjabr.org.
Sticker Shop
As April unfolds, the Sticker Shop is excited to offer a wonderful selection of items to help you celebrate milestones and stay stylish. Here is what we have in store this month.
GRADUATION GIFTS GALORE
Whether you are celebrating an 8th grade graduation or a high school milestone, the Sticker Shop has the perfect gift to mark the occasion. Choose from a variety of items including the iconic Pura Vida bracelet in SJA colors, jewelry, stickers, magnets, ceramic plaques, ornaments, acrylic keepsakes, mugs, water bottles, cozy blankets and a variety of sweatshirts.
Not sure what to choose? A Sticker Shop gift card is always a great option and allows graduates to pick out something they will love.
UNIFORM SHOPPING MADE EASY
Now is a great time to get a head start on next year’s uniform shopping. The Sticker Shop is fully stocked with uniform essentials including sweatpants, sweatshirts, PE shirts and PE Script Shorts in both red and navy. Please note that all other uniform items can be purchased at local school uniform stores.
SHOPPING OPTIONS FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE
• Students may visit the Sticker Shop during their lunch period.
• Shop online anytime at www.sjastickershop.org.
• Visit us in person in Mother Alice Hall, Room 116, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
(Please note that the Sticker Shop is closed on days when the SJA campus is closed.)
We accept major credit cards and cash.
QUESTIONS OR SUGGESTIONS?
We value your feedback. Please contact us at stickershop@sjabr.org with any questions, suggestions or concerns.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT
We extend our heartfelt thanks for supporting SJA and the Mothers’ Club by shopping at the Sticker Shop. Your support helps us continue to promote and celebrate Sticker pride throughout our community.
Let’s make April a month filled with celebration and Sticker Pride. Geaux Stickers!