Parent Newsletter

VOCATIONS MASS 
Wednesday, September 30, Academy Student Center. We will follow Schedule 4. Dress uniforms are required. Family and friends are invited to join us beginning at 9:46 a.m.

Guests can check in online in advance, and their name badge will be pre-printed and waiting for them in the lobby of the Academy Student Center. Please show a form of ID upon arrival. If you can’t join us but would like to watch via livestream, click here. 

Out of respect for the sanctity of the mass, we ask that all guests please refrain from bringing food and drink into the Academy Student Center.

ACADEMIC AWARDS/INDUCTION CEREMONY
Wednesday, September 30, at 6 p.m. in the Academy Student Center. Parents of students being honored are invited to join us. Invitations were sent via email in early September, and a reminder was sent September 25. We will recognize AP Scholars, ACT 30+ Club members, National Honor Society inductees, College Board National Recognition Program honorees, students who have earned academic letters and bars, National Merit students and top winners at the Louisiana State Science and Engineering Fair.

ADORATION
Thursday, October 1, all lunch periods, The Chapel at SJA. 

FLU SHOTS
Flu shots will be administered on Thursday, October 8, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Activity Center concession area. We will offer the injection form only and for ages 4 and up. Cost for students is $30. Please click here for more information. Please complete the screening questionnaire prior to receiving the shot. 

FALL PEP RALLY
Friday, October 9, 1:51 p.m., Academy Student Center. We will follow Schedule 3. Dress guidelines have been sent to students. Parents and guests are welcome.

Guests can check in online in advance, and their name badge will be pre-printed and waiting for them in the lobby of the Academy Student Center. Please show a form of ID upon arrival. 

FRESHMAN/SENIOR TESTING DAY: OCTOBER 13
On Tuesday, October 13, freshmen will take the PSAT 8/9, which serves as practice for the SAT. Seniors will take the ACT. There is no school for sophomores and juniors.  

Freshmen and seniors should arrive at school at the regular time and go straight to their assigned classroom, which will be emailed to them before test day and will be posted in St. Joseph Hall and Medaille Hall. Breakfast (optional) will be served in the Dining Hall from 6:50 to 7:20 a.m.

No formal classes will be held at SJA on October 13, and lunch will not be provided. There will be no after-school supervision available, so please make arrangements to have your daughter picked up at the dismissal times listed below. If there is a serious conflict which would prevent your daughter from attending school on October 13, please contact Dean of Women Christina Richardson at richardsonc@sjabr.org for permission to be absent. If you have questions about testing, please contact Dean of Curriculum and Instruction Melissa Brocato at brocatom@sjabr.org.
 
9th Grade PSAT 8/9: 7:25 a.m.; dismissal at 10:30 a.m. for standard time, 11:30 a.m. for extended time. No lunch provided, and there is no after-school supervision on test day.
10th Grade: No school.
11th Grade: No school.
12th Grade ACT: 7:25 a.m.; dismissal at 11 a.m. for standard time, 12:30 p.m. for extended time. No lunch provided, and there is no after-school supervision on test day.

CLASS RING, GRADUATION ANNOUNCEMENT ORDERING SESSION 
Jostens will be on campus on Wednesday, October 14, in the Fife Student Commons during all lunch hours. Juniors are invited to order their school rings; seniors are invited to order graduation announcements; and letter jackets can be ordered by athletes as well as students who received an academic letter during our Academic Awards assembly. 
 
Ordering will also be available on campus in the Fife Student Commons during all lunch hours on Tuesday, October 20, and again from 5 to 6 p.m. Parents are encouraged to attend the evening session with their daughters.
 
If you would prefer to order online, visit Jostens.com. For complete details, including a QR code to take you directly to the SJA order site, junior parents should click here. Senior parents should click here.

MISSION TRIP INTEREST MEETING
On Wednesday, October 14, parents with daughters in the classes of 2028 and 2029 are invited to an informational meeting regarding the mission trip program at SJA. Parents of students in the class of 2030 are also welcome to attend if interested; however, spots will be limited, and priority will be given to students in the classes of 2028 and 2029. We will gather at 6 p.m. in the Fife Student Commons. Please direct questions to Campus Minister Rachael Duchmann at duchmannr@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2295.

OPEN HOUSE
Thursday, October 15, for girls in grades 6, 7 and 8 and their parents. We will follow Schedule 10, with SJA students dismissed at 12:33 p.m. Breakfast will be served as usual. Grab-and-go snacks will be available to purchase until 1 p.m. All students not assisting with Open House must be picked up by 1 p.m. The library will not be open for after-school supervision. Students remaining on campus and working Open House will be provided refreshments. They must wear dress uniforms.

FALL HOLIDAY
Friday, October 16, and Monday, October 19. School is closed.

CANDLELIGHT CEREMONY 
Wednesday, October 21, Orchard and Batchelor Terrace, 6 p.m. This traditional ceremony is part of the Big Sis/Little Sis program. Families of freshmen and seniors are invited to join us. More information has been shared with students in their classes. In case of rain, the event will be moved to the Activity Center.

This is a mandatory event for all freshmen and seniors participating in the Big Sis/Little Sis program. Questions? Parents of seniors should contact senior class moderators Stephanie Faucette (faucettes@sjabr.org) or Aimee Cronan (cronana@sjabr.org). Parents of freshmen should contact freshman class moderators Brooke Haigler (haiglerb@sjabr.org) or Allie Carlock (carlocka@sjabr.org).

ADORATION
Thursday, October 22, all lunch periods, The Chapel at SJA. 

SENIOR RETREAT
Senior Retreat will be held Monday and Tuesday, October 26 and 27, at Dry Creek Baptist Camp in Dry Creek, Louisiana. Faculty, staff and friends of SJA will help staff the retreat. Please keep the class of 2027 in your thoughts and prayers as they experience this sacred time.
 
Seniors will load the buses at SJA on Monday, October 26, at 7:30 a.m. along Broussard Street and return to SJA at approximately 4 p.m. on Tuesday, October 27. Because Monday and Tuesday are regular school days for grades 9-11, seniors may not leave their cars on campus during the retreat. Seniors must be dropped off and picked up at SJA. If a senior has an extenuating circumstance in this regard, she must contact Dean of Women Christina Richardson at richardsonc@sjabr.org.
  
Please note that all SJA retreats are mandatory. For more information, contact Campus Minister Rachael Duchmann at duchmannr@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2295.

FRESHMAN GRANDPARENTS DAY
Monday, October 26. Grandparents of freshmen should have received an invitation to join their granddaughters during their assigned lunch period in the Academy Student Center. Each lunch period is 50 minutes long. Because of limited parking, we ask grandparents to arrive no earlier than 20 minutes before their granddaughters’ lunch period. Parking will be available in the Academy Student Center parking lot on Parker Street as well as in legal spots on Broussard and Parker streets.

Grandparents are asked to RSVP by Monday, October 19, to Assistant Director of Advancement – Events Jennifer Knight at knightj@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2270.

SPECIAL SCHEDULE DAY: OCTOBER 27
On Tuesday, October 27, sophomores and juniors will take the PSAT/NMSQT, which serves as practice for the SAT and determines eligibility for the National Merit Scholarship Program for high school juniors. Freshmen will participate in a special Wellness Day. Seniors will be off campus for their retreat. 

Students should arrive at school at the regular time and go straight to their assigned classrooms, which will be emailed to students before test day and will be posted in St. Joseph Hall and Medaille Hall. Breakfast (optional) will be served in the Dining Hall from 6:50 to 7:20 a.m.
 
No formal classes are held at SJA on this day, and lunch will not be provided. There will be no after-school supervision available, so please make arrangements to have your daughter picked up at the dismissal times below. If there is a serious conflict which would prevent your daughter from attending school on October 27, please contact Dean of Women Christina Richardson at richardsonc@sjabr.org for permission to be absent. If you have questions about testing, please contact Dean of Curriculum and Instruction Melissa Brocato at brocatom@sjabr.org.
 
9th Grade Freshman Wellness Day: 7:25-10:30 a.m. No lunch provided, and there is no after-school supervision. Freshmen may wear leggings or sweatpants with an SJA T-shirt or sweatshirt. If leggings are worn, the t-shirt/top must cover the student’s bottom.
10th Grade PSAT/NMSQT: 7:25 a.m.; dismissal at 10:30 a.m. for standard time, 11:30 a.m. for extended time. No lunch provided, and there is no after-school supervision.
11th Grade PSAT/NMSQT: 7:25 a.m.; dismissal at 10:30 a.m. for standard time, 11:30 a.m. for extended time. No lunch provided, and there is no after-school supervision.
12th Grade: Off campus at Senior Retreat.

GEAUX PINK VOLLEYBALL
The SJA volleyball team will host its annual Geaux Pink Game against St. Michael on Tuesday, October 27. Leading up to the game, the volleyball, cheer and dance teams will sell raffle tickets and baked goods during all lunch periods on October 20-23. Raffle items can also be purchased on game day. Winners will be announced after the second set of the varsity match. All proceeds from the bake sale, raffle, concessions and gate tickets will go to Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center to help in the fight against breast cancer. 

Geaux Pink T-shirts are also available for purchase on SchoolCash Online. Click here to view this year’s design and buy your t-shirt. Order deadline is Wednesday, October 7. Those wearing the shirt to the Geaux Pink game will be admitted free of charge.

SPECIAL SCHEDULE DAY: OCTOBER 28 
On Wednesday, October 28, sophomores and juniors will participate in a special Wellness Day. Seniors will be off campus participating in Senior Service Day, which is mandatory. There will be no school for freshmen. 

All sophomores and juniors should arrive at school at the regular time and go straight to their assigned wellness location, which will be emailed to students before Wellness Day. Breakfast (optional) will be served in the Dining Hall from 6:50 to 7:20 a.m.
 
No formal classes are held at SJA on this day, and lunch will not be provided. There will be no after-school supervision available, so please make arrangements to have your daughter picked up at the dismissal times below. If there is a serious conflict which would prevent your daughter from attending school on October 28, please contact Dean of Women Christina Richardson at richardsonc@sjabr.org for permission to be absent. If you have questions about testing, please contact Dean of Curriculum and Instruction Melissa Brocato at brocatom@sjabr.org.
 
9th Grade: No school
10th Grade Sophomore Wellness Day: 7:25-10:30 a.m. No lunch provided, and there is no after-school supervision. Sophomores may wear leggings or sweatpants with an SJA T-shirt or sweatshirt. If leggings are worn, the t-shirt/top must cover the student’s bottom.
11th Grade Junior Wellness Day: 7:25-10:30 a.m. No lunch provided, and there is no after-school supervision. Juniors may wear leggings or sweatpants with an SJA T-shirt or sweatshirt. If leggings are worn, the t-shirt/top must cover the student’s bottom.
12th Grade: Off campus for Senior Service Day.

THE SOIRÉE 
Make plans to join us for The SJA Soirée: Where Tradition Meets Generosity on Thursday, October 29. This is a casual, fun night of live music from the Peyton Falgoust Band, great food and drinks from some of Baton Rouge’s best restaurants, plus live and silent auctions and more. Come enjoy a relaxed evening with SJA parents, alumnae and friends. Get your friends together and purchase a table to guarantee a reserved seat!
 
Event tickets, as well as tickets for the Dream Vacation Raffle and Designer Purse Raffle, are on sale at www.sjasoiree.org. 
 
Contact Assistant Director of Advancement – Events Jennifer Knight at knightj@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2270 for more information. 

STUDENT COUNCIL FUN DAY 
Friday, October 30. The theme for this Halloween Fun Day is Stick or Treat on Broussard Street. Students 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.

Halloween costumes should adhere to the following guidelines:
1. Costumes must be tasteful and appropriate: not gory and not political. They should be culturally sensitive (the difference between cultural appreciation and appropriation). 
2. Costumes should provide enough coverage that any type of bra would not be exposed.
3. No bathing suits or bare midriffs (no crop tops).
4. Full face masks must be removed in class but can be worn during unstructured time.
5. No full-face paint, no glitter, no toy weapons.
6. A skirt or dress on the shorter side should be worn with leggings or stockings.
7. Costumes to avoid include middle school uniforms, dressing up like CHS boys and dressing as prisoners.

CATHOLIC LEADERSHIP ENCOUNTER 
Parents and students in grades 9-11 are invited to an informational meeting on Monday, November 2, at 6 p.m. in the Brother Donnan Berry Student Center at Catholic High School. You will learn about next summer’s Catholic Leadership Encounter, set for May 29-June 7, 2027, in Estes Park, Colorado. This 10-day experience for SJA and CHS students will focus on increasing a student’s awareness of Catholic identity and discipleship; teaching skills to enable leadership and decision making; providing learning-by-doing experiences; and utilizing the Colorado outdoors for challenging environmental awareness and hiking activities. 

Please direct questions to CLE Director Charles Jumonville at cjumonville@catholichigh.org or (225) 505-3763.

SCHOOL CALENDAR  
Click here to view the 2026-2027 school calendar. Please make note of the mandatory retreat dates and testing sessions, as student attendance is required. We encourage families to use this calendar when planning vacations, college visits and other events to ensure they align with scheduled school breaks. 

Additionally, an overview of important dates for 2026-2027 school year can be found here. 

OFFICE HOURS
The Main Office in St. Joseph Hall is open from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

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

October 16 and 19: Fall Holiday 
November 23-27: Thanksgiving
December 21-January 4: Christmas
January 18: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday
February 8-12: Mardi Gras 
March 26-April 2: Easter

ACT UPDATES
St. Joseph’s Academy will continue to be a private ACT testing site for SJA students only on Saturday (national) testing dates. This will allow for more testing opportunities for our students throughout the year.

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 the test center code listed below that is associated with the date you would like to test. Please note this is for the national ACT test and is not associated with the school-day ACT required for seniors on October 13 and juniors on March 9 at SJA. Please keep in mind that the Science portion can be chosen as a test option on national (Saturday) ACT test dates, but it will not be included during school-day ACT Testing.

SJA will host the Saturday (national) ACT on the following dates: October 17, December 12, February 27, April 10, June 12, and July 10. The test center code is 161060.

Fall ACT Testing for the Class of 2027: SJA will continue to require all seniors to take the ACT on campus in the fall. The test will be on October 13.

This is a good opportunity to test in a familiar setting. Students will have the chance to improve their scores, which can lead to qualifying for a higher TOPS tier (provided all other requirements are met), strengthening their applications to colleges and increasing opportunities for merit-based scholarships and other financial awards. Families of students who scored a 31 or above will be contacted by Assistance Dean of College Prep and Testing Jonathan Durocher with more information. While a 31 is an impressive score and meets the ACT requirement for the highest level of TOPS, students are encouraged to continue pushing for their absolute best score.
 
SJA ACT TEST PREP PROGRAM FOR 2026-2027
Gear Up for the ACT: SJA offered four-hour sessions earlier this semester for each subject-specific test of the ACT (Reading, English, Math and Science) prior to October's test. The sessions focused on strategies and practice techniques for that content-specific ACT test section. These sessions will be offered again in the spring and will cost $55 plus fees for ACT Math, Science, Reading and English. Your payment includes an ACT practice book for that subject. Space is limited to 50 students per session. Sessions will be available for purchase on SchoolCash Online in November.

Please keep in mind that Gear Up Math sessions are designed for juniors or students who are in higher-level math classes. Additionally, the science test is optional on all national ACT dates, so your daughter is welcome to attend the Gear Up Science sessions should she be interested in taking the science portion.
 
ACT Diagnostic Testing: SJA offered ACT Diagnostic Testing through Revolution Prep. Students practiced taking a full-length digital ACT test in a test setting and received specific feedback on the areas where they need to work to improve their scores. Each student received a detailed report of her test results, stating specific skills and content areas to focus on to achieve a higher score. The test simulated a real ACT test with the setting, timing and use of an ACT-released test. Additional diagnostic tests will be offered in the spring and summer. The cost is $15.50 plus fees and will be available for purchase on SchoolCash Online in November. Extended time is offered.

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 2026-2027 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 2027. Otherwise, your daughter will receive her yearbook at the Six-Month Reunion for the class of 2027 in December of 2027.

SUMMER PE
Six sessions of Summer PE will be offered to students considering this option. Students must choose one session and may not attend other sessions to fulfill the requirements. Students must attend 10 of the 12 classes offered during the selected session. Classes will be two-and-a-half hours in length with no classes on Fridays (except Friday, July 9). Students will continue to complete home health assignments each week of class.
 
Session 1: June 7-24, 7-9:30 a.m. (Monday-Thursday)
Session 2: June 7-24, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. (Monday-Thursday)
Session 3: June 7-24, 2:30-5 p.m. (Monday-Thursday)
Session 4: June 7-24, 5-7:30 p.m. (Monday-Thursday)
Session 5: June 28-July 15, 7-9:30 a.m. (Monday-Thursday. No class will be held on Monday, July 5. Class will be held on Friday, July 9.)
Session 6: June 28-July 15, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. (Monday-Thursday. No class will be held on Monday, July 5. Class will be held on Friday, July 9.)
 
Please note that students who take Summer PE will not be permitted to schedule an unstructured period the next academic year. Also, students are not eligible to take Summer PE for half-credit electives. Students who sign up must be physically capable of completing the session. If a student must enroll in summer school, she cannot take Summer PE and would need to change her schedule.
 
The course fee is $235 and will be paid in early April. Instructions for enrolling, paying and choosing sessions will be emailed to parents and students after course selections are made. Please direct questions to PE Department Chair Amanda Henley at henleya@sjabr.org.

SAVE THE DATE: 14TH ANNUAL SJA STICKER SCRAMBLE 
On Wednesday, November 4, the SJA Dads’ Club will hold the 2026 Sticker Scramble presented by Stine at TopGolf of Baton Rouge. The Sticker Scramble is now in its 14th year and has raised more than $110,000 for campuswide enhancements. The tournament is open to men’s, women’s and mixed teams all vying for top prizes. 

To register to play or to help sponsor this great event, please click here or contact Dads’ Club Moderator Meg Gerald at geraldm@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2254. For event information, visit www.stickerscramble.org.

Our goal is to raise $10,000 this year. All sponsorships, gifts and services are tax deductible. Work a half-day, then join us, rain or shine. You’ll be home in time for dinner. We look forward to seeing you on November 4 at TopGolf!

UPCOMING: PICTURES WITH SANTA
The SJA Stickers for Life Club will host its second annual Pictures with Santa on Saturday, November 14, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Mother Alice Hall Community Room and Glass Porch. This fundraiser benefits the March for Life Pilgrimage to Washington, D.C., and other club projects. You will receive all the digital images taken during your session (photos with Santa and in a festive winter scene, as well).  

Sessions are $50 (plus SchoolCash Online handling fee). Register here. 

Once purchased, you will be emailed a sign-up link to reserve a time slot. 

SAVE THE DATE: MAHJONG MADNESS
As the holiday season approaches, SJA parents are invited to gather with friends for an evening of fun, fellowship and giving at Mahjong Madness on Thursday, December 3, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. in the Academy Student Center.

Whether you’re an experienced Mahjong player or completely new to the game, Mahjong Madness offers a welcoming environment for everyone. Hosted by The Mahjong House, this open-play event features tables organized by skill level, making it easy for beginners and seasoned players alike to enjoy the evening.

Guests will enjoy delicious food and drinks, festive holiday cheer and chances to win exciting door prizes throughout the night. Register individually and be paired with players of a similar skill level, or sign up as a team of four for a memorable night out with friends.

In addition to being a fun social event, Mahjong Madness supports the mission of St. Joseph’s Academy and helps provide opportunities for our students to learn, grow and thrive.

All ticket options include food, beverages and an evening of festive fun. 
•    BYOT (Bring Your Own Tiles, Mat and Racks)
      Individual: $75
      4-Player Team: $300
•    Bougie Mahj (We Provide Everything!) 
     Team (4 players): $350
     The ultimate convenience package! We’ll have your table fully set with tiles, racks and a mat. Just gather your team, grab a drink and enjoy a festive night of Mahjong.

Registration opens October 1. Click here to register online.

SAVE THE DATE: CLASS OF 2026 SIX-MONTH REUNION
Our 2026 graduates are invited back to campus for a light lunch and an opportunity to catch up with faculty, staff and friends on Monday, December 14, 12-1:30 p.m. We will gather in the Mother Alice Hall Community Room. The event is sponsored by the SJA Alumnae Association. Yearbooks will be available for pickup for those who did not opt to have them mailed. Contact Alumnae Director Alli Bourgeois ’14 at bourgeoisa@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2244 to RSVP by Friday, December 4.

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 on page 66 of the online Parent-Student Handbook. 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 2026-2027 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 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. 

REMINDER: SICK CHECKOUT PROCEDURES 
Please remember that the online attendance form cannot be used to request a sick checkout. Students who are not feeling well or who become ill during the school day must report to Nurse Marie, who will contact a parent or guardian and complete the checkout process.

If your daughter contacts you during the school day to say that she does not feel well, she is still required to report to the nurse’s office for assessment before being checked out. Sick students may not check out through the Main Office. Any sick checkout completed through the Main Office will not be marked as excused.

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. Students may not leave campus after dismissal to roam the neighborhood or go to the convenience store expecting to return for sign-in. 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 TLC is open Monday-Thursday until 5:30 p.m., and the FSC is open Monday-Friday 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 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 
Attendance updates (absences, tardies and checkouts) for students can now be made directly through MySJA on the Parent Portal. Once logged into the portal, you will select your daughter’s page and report her absence. If a student is absent due to illness, parents should report the absence through MySJA by 7:30 a.m. that day. For an absence for any other reason, advance notice of one school day must be reported by a parent 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 doctor’s note for an absence can be uploaded through MySJA under Resources, or a hard copy can be turned into the Main Office. Emailed doctor’s notes will not be accepted. 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.

Absences, tardies and checkouts must be submitted through the Attendance Reporting Form through MySJA. Any student who arrives to her first-hour class after the tardy bell (7:28 a.m.) 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. 

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.

Academic Center for Excellence 

In order to support our students with Math, Science, English or writing, we have expanded our free-of-charge tutoring services. Along with a new name, the Academic Center for Excellence (formerly the Learning Center) has added tutors in each subject area, is offering more before-school times for Math tutoring and has added 12 peer tutors for writing assistance and three peer tutors for Math assistance. The Academic Center for Excellence has also moved into a new and larger space in room 103 of St. Joseph Hall. Academic counseling is also offered. 

No appointments are necessary for any tutoring. Please direct questions to Angelle Saia at saiaa@sjabr.org. 

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 Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 6:45 until 7:30 a.m. in the Aademic Center for Excellence classroom, room 103 of St. Joseph Hall. 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 Aademic Center for Excellence classroom, room 103 of St. Joseph Hall. 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 Aademic Center for Excellence classroom, room 103 of St. Joseph Hall. Email saiaa@sjabr.org. Students can schedule an appointment for a writing conference through the Aademic Center for Excellence MySJA page.

SPIRITUAL FORMATION 
SJA students can grow in their faith through various opportunities to pray, receive the sacraments and serve the dear neighbor. All students attend a monthly schoolwide mass or prayer service and an annual class retreat. The sacrament of reconciliation is offered to students biannually. Additionally, students may choose to participate in a weekly rosary, weekly Bible study, bimonthly Eucharistic Adoration, mission trips and various ministry clubs, including Student Ministry, Liturgy Committee, Liturgy Choir, Praise & Worship Band and Stickers for Life Club.

RETREAT INFORMATION
2026-2027 Retreat Dates
October 26-27, 2026: Senior Retreat
November 16, 2026: Freshman Retreat
February 22, 2027: Sophomore Retreat
April 30, 2027: Junior Retreat
 
Participation in retreats is required for promotion to the next grade level and to graduate from St. Joseph’s Academy. Appointments, co-curricular activities and travel should not be planned on a student’s retreat day(s). These absences will not be excused unless they are part of a school-sponsored event and approval is given by the Campus Minister. This includes, but is not limited to, out-of-school competitions for club teams, college visits, college recruitment events and any other outside events.
 
All absences, excused or unexcused, must be made up with a full Catholic retreat of equal or greater duration by the last regular day of school (not including exam days). A student who is absent from her grade-level retreat should research a retreat she can attend to fulfill the make-up requirement. She should submit the retreat request to the campus minister for approval. Retreats attended as mandatory elements of preparation of a sacrament (i.e., confirmation retreats) are not eligible to be used to make up a missed grade-level retreat. Retreats must be in person and intended for high school students.

Retreat questions should be directed to Campus Minister Rachael Duchmann at duchmannr@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2295.
 
REQUIRED SERVICE PROGRAM
2026-2027 Service Policy
The SJA service policy states that freshmen and sophomores are required to complete 15 hours of service during the 2026-2027 academic year while juniors and seniors must complete 20 service hours. The 2026-2027 Freshman and Sophomore Service Directory and the 2026-2027 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 2026-2027 service year for current students began on April 14, 2026, and will end on Wednesday, April 7, 2027. Students who are new to SJA for the 2026-2027 school year can begin earning service hours on Monday, June 1, 2026, and end on Wednesday, April 7, 2027. Hours for all students must be verified by the supervisor no later than Friday, April 9, 2027. 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 on October 26 and 27, members of the senior class participate in a day of service in the Baton Rouge community on October 28. 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.

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 Isabel Knaup at knaupi@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2221.

As a parent of a St. Joseph’s Academy student, you are an important part of our community. Whether you’re volunteering on campus, cheering on the Redstickers at athletic events, supporting performances and competitions or celebrating your daughter’s accomplishments, your involvement helps make the SJA experience extraordinary.

The same spirit of support is reflected in the many parents and family members who give to the SJA Annual Fund each year. Their generosity helps provide opportunities that enrich every aspect of student life and strengthen the educational experience for all students.

Annual Fund gifts have helped expand Advanced Placement course offerings, enhance classroom technology and improve campus spaces including the Academic Center for Excellence. These investments help ensure that SJA students have the resources they need to learn, grow and succeed.

Every gift makes a difference. By joining fellow parents in supporting the SJA Annual Fund, you demonstrate your commitment to the mission of the Academy and the young women we are privileged to serve. We invite you to join fellow parents in supporting the programs, facilities and opportunities that help our students learn, grow and thrive.

Make your gift to the SJA Annual Fund today by clicking here or visiting the SJA website.
Thank you for your partnership and for all you do to support SJA and our students. If you have questions about the Annual Fund, please contact Meg Gerald at geraldm@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2254.

PAVE THE WAY BRICKS
Make your mark on SJA’s campus by purchasing a brick for your daughter. Engraved brick pavers are placed by the St. Joseph the Worker statue near the Pennington Science Center. 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. 

SJA Mothers' Club

It’s not too late to join the Mothers’ Club for this year. Joining us is a great way to know about SJA Mothers’ Club events, meet other moms and support your Sticker daughter! Your membership dues and volunteer service are crucial. Both enable us to support our girls and the SJA community throughout the year. If you haven’t joined for the 2026-2027 school year, we invite you to join now!

PARENTS WHO PRAY
Parents Who Pray is a committee that supports the SJA community through confidential prayer requests and group prayer. If you are interested in joining in community prayer, join the Parents Who Pray Committee by clicking here. If you have prayer requests, they can be sent to parentswhopray@sjabr.org.

This month, Parents Who Pray are requesting special prayer requests for your dearly departed for special intention prayers for All Souls’ Day.

PARTY BLOOMS
Need a boutonnière for Homecoming? The Mothers’ Club has you covered. Boutonnières are $22, and you can place your order on SchoolCash Online beginning Friday, October 2, until Monday, October 19, at midnight. Pickup will take place on the glass porch of Mother Alice Hall on Friday, October 23, from after school until 3:30 p.m.

FALL SOCIAL 
Mark your calendar for a fun evening with the Mothers’ Club Social Committee on Thursday, October 22, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Superior Grill Highland. Come connect and unwind with other SJA moms. Tickets are $35 and include your first drink and hors d’oeuvres. Watch for the official invitation and registration link coming soon.

STUDENT APPRECIATION DAY 
We will kick off Student Appreciation Days with our Halloween treats during all three lunch hours on Friday, October 30. The girls will enjoy cookie cake as their special October treat.

FRESHMAN GRANDPARENTS’ DAY
Freshman Grandparents’ Day is scheduled for Monday, October 26. We could still use some monetary donations for cookies. If you can help, use this link to sign up.
 

SJA Dads' Club

The Dads’ Club is off to a busy start! We have upcoming volunteer opportunities for you.

DADS ON DUTY
Want to start your day with smiles, school spirit and a little extra coffee? Join Dads on Duty!

Once a month, SJA dads help welcome students to campus by assisting with morning carpool, opening car doors and helping our Redstickers start their day on a positive note. It’s an easy and meaningful way to be visible on campus and support the SJA community.
 
We still have volunteer spots available for upcoming shifts and need 12 dads each month. The volunteer time is from 6:15 to 7:30 a.m.
 
The dates for volunteering are October 2, November 6, December 4, January 8, February 5, March 5, April 9 and May 7.
 
Ready to help? Sign up here.
 
JOIN TODAY: DAD JOKES NOT REQUIRED
A father’s presence can make all the difference in his daughter’s high school experience. Through the SJA Dads’ Club, fathers have the opportunity to become more involved in campus life, connect with fellow parents and create lasting memories with their daughters throughout the year.

The Dads’ Club supports a variety of beloved SJA traditions and events, including:

• Father-Daughter Day
• Sticker Scramble Golf Tournament
• Exam Week Donuts & Smoothies
• Dads on Duty
• Class Retreat Support

Whether you have a few hours to volunteer or would simply like to stay connected, there’s a place for you in the Dads’ Club. Membership offers a meaningful way to support the SJA community while sharing in experiences your daughter will remember for years to come.

If you haven’t joined yet, we encourage you to learn more and become a member today. Together, we can make this school year an unforgettable one for our daughters and our SJA community.

STICKER SCRAMBLE
Join the SJA Dads’ Club for the 14th Annual Sticker Scramble presented by Stine on Wednesday, November 4, at TopGolf Baton Rouge.

Since its inception, the Sticker Scramble has raised more than $100,000 to support enhancements that benefit the entire SJA community. This year, the Dads’ Club hopes to raise an additional $10,000 for school-wide improvements and we invite parents, alumnae, friends and supporters to be part of the fun.

The event welcomes women and men of all skill levels, making it a great opportunity to enjoy an evening of friendly competition and fellowship while supporting SJA. Teams of three will compete for 1st-, 2nd- and 3rd-place honors, along with the coveted Ladies Cup.

Space is limited, so gather your team and register today! 

Sponsorship opportunities are also available for businesses and individuals who would like to support this longstanding SJA tradition. All sponsorships, gifts and services are tax-deductible.

For sponsorship information or questions, please contact Meg Gerald at geraldm@sjabr.org or 225-388-2254.

Fall has arrived, and the Sticker Shop is your go-to spot for a little SJA Spirited, Joyful and Adorable!

OCTOBER SPECIAL
Comfort Colors sweatshirts are just $20 (regularly $30) for the month of October! Sizes and colors are limited, so stop by early for the best selection.

COOLER WEATHER IS COMING
Now is the perfect time for your daughter to stop by and try on our SJA sweatpants before the cooler temperatures arrive. They’re comfortable, cozy and perfect for fall days on campus.

Follow us on Instagram @sjamothersclub.stickershop for promotions, upcoming news, new arrivals and Sticker Shop updates.

CELEBRATING AN OCTOBER BIRTHDAY?
Students with an October birthday receive 10 percent off one item during their birthday month.
And we haven’t forgotten our summer birthdays! If your daughter celebrated during the summer, she can still stop by the Sticker Shop and enjoy her birthday discount.

THREE EASY WAYS TO SHOP
Students: Your daughter can visit the Sticker Shop during her lunch period on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Shop Online: Browse and shop our collection anytime from the comfort of home.

Parents, Come See Us! We’d love to have you shop in person. Park in the circle drive in front of Mother Alice Hall, 3080 Kleinert Avenue. Ring the bell to be buzzed in, sign in with Mrs. Clarinda and then come see us in Room 116.

Tuesday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
The Sticker Shop is closed whenever campus is closed.

SHOW YOUR REDSTICKER SPIRIT
Every Sticker Shop purchase is a fun way to show your SJA pride while supporting the SJA Mothers’ Club and our school community.

Thank you for supporting the Sticker Shop. We look forward to seeing you and your daughters this fall!