Parent Newsletter

SJA’S CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS
We continue to be closed for the Christmas holidays. Classes resume on Wednesday, January 8. Please note that this date is a change from the original calendar that listed January 7 as the return-to-school date. 

The Main Office (in St. Joseph Hall) is closed and will reopen on Wednesday, January 8.

The Mission Advancement, Alumnae, Admissions, Human Resources, Facilities, Operations and Communications departments (in Mother Alice Hall) and the Finance Office (in Mother Thollot House) are closed and will reopen on Tuesday, January 7. If you have questions of a financial nature, please email Amy Jackson at jacksona@sjabr.org. 

The Help Desk (in Medaille Hall) is open on Monday and Tuesday, December 30 and 31, from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. and will reopen on Tuesday, January 7.

TRAINING EXERCISE AT SJA
A crisis planning training session for faculty and staff members in the Diocese of Baton Rouge Catholic Schools will take place at St. Joseph's Academy on Friday, January 3, while we are closed for the Christmas/New Year holidays. If you live or are in the area, you may see a large number of first-responder and law-enforcement vehicles on campus. The training session will take place from 7:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. Please note this is a training exercise only. 

EARLY DISMISSAL
Wednesday, January 8, for Professional Learning Community. We will follow Schedule 3 with students dismissed at 1:46 p.m. Please note that the library will remain open until 5:30 p.m. and that resource teachers (math, science, English and writing) will be available.

SJA SCIENCE FAIR 
Thursday, January 9, Activity Center. Participation in the Science Fair is required for students taking honors coursework in science. Students typically spend two school years doing extensive research and consulting with professional mentors. Projects can be viewed by the public from 7:30 until 11:30 a.m. Because projects will be dismantled immediately following judging, this is the only time available for public viewing. Judging will begin at 12 p.m. followed by an awards ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Awards will be given and qualifiers for the Region VII Science and Engineering Fair will be determined. 

Visitors planning to join us for the public viewing of projects can check-in online in advance, and their name badge will be pre-printed and waiting for them in the lobby of the Activity Center. Please show a form of ID upon arrival. 

SUMMER MISSION TRIP MEETING
All current freshmen, sophomores and juniors, as well as their parents, are invited to learn more about the summer 2025 mission trips with available spaces. The informational meeting will be held Wednesday, January 15, at 6 p.m. in the Dining Hall. If your daughter is already traveling on an SJA mission trip this summer, there is no need to attend the session. Please direct questions to Campus Minister Chelsea Colomb at colombc@sjabr.org.

RESPECT LIFE MASS 
Thursday, January 16. Dress uniforms are required. We will follow Schedule 4. Parents are invited to join us at 9:46 a.m. in the Academy Student Center. 

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

If you can’t join us but would like to watch the livestream, click here.

ADORATION
Thursday, January 16, during all three lunch periods in the Chapel at SJA. 

STUDENT COUNCIL FUN DAY 
Friday, January 17. The theme for this Fun Day is Jaws January. Students can dress as sharks, sea animals or lifeguards. 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 Myles Richardson at mylesc@sjabr.org. Please note that students who do not follow dress guidelines are subject to disciplinary action.

WINTER FORMAL 2025
Saturday, January 18, Academy Student Center, 8-10 p.m. This year’s theme is Under the Stars. All students must arrive at the dance by 8:30 p.m., and no one will be allowed to leave until 10 p.m. 
 
Tickets can be purchased in advance through a link that will be sent to students in early January. Cost is $20 per couple online or at the door.

• Students should bring their school ID to scan (or have a good picture of the full ID, including the barcode, on their phones) for entry to the dance and ticket purchase verification (guests do not need an ID).

• If you choose to purchase your ticket at the door, your SchoolCash Online account will be automatically charged for the price of the ticket ($20). There are no refunds for unused tickets.

• If your daughter purchases a ticket and is unable to attend, parents should email Mrs. Richardson at mylesc@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. 

The Winter Formal is for SJA girls only in grades 11-12. Students can choose to bring a date from another school or may come to the dance with other SJA students. SJA students are responsible for their date as well as his behavior before and at the dance. Dates must be no more than 20 years of age. 
 
Click here for dress guidelines. Dresses should be formal. Dress length should be mid-calf or floor length and should follow the rules included in the link. Students must wear shoes at all times, so bring flats to change into. 
 
For males, a coat is recommended but not required. There will be no coat check available at the dance. Males must wear a dress shirt, dress pants and tie. Facial hair should be trimmed and tidy. No facial piercings or visible tattoos are allowed. 

There will not be a bag check, so students are responsible for their items.

If an administrator deems that a student or her guest is not dressed appropriately, parents will be called, and the student/guest will be given the option of leaving the dance to change into appropriate attire. 
 
All guests must always follow school rules. Appropriate face-to-face dancing is expected at all times. 
 
Alcohol should not be a part of the Winter Formal (before, during or after the event). All students and guests are subject to being tested for alcohol consumption using the school’s breathalyzer. If alcohol is detected, parents will be called, and the student and her date will be sent home. Additional consequences will be discussed with the school’s administration. 
 
Limos and party buses are not allowed. Those driving can park in the Academy Student Center, Kleinert or Mother Thollot House lots and in any lot along Kleinert Street. There is no parking in the lawyers’ or synagogue lots. Those being dropped off should use the Academy Student Center carpool line.  

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. BIRTHDAY
Monday, January 20. School is closed.

JOB SHADOWING DAY
Juniors and seniors will participate in Job Shadowing Day on Thursday, January 23. Counselors will meet with students prior to the event to discuss expectations for the day. Students will complete reflection questions to be submitted to the counselors. Students are required to shadow a professional for at least six hours and may not shadow a parent. Please direct questions to your daughter’s grade-level counselor.
 
CAREER DAY
Freshmen and sophomores will participate in Career Day on Thursday, January 23. We will follow Schedule 6. Dress uniforms are required. Students will hear a large group Career Day speaker. They will also attend two career panels of their choosing. The panelists will share their experiences and offer insight into how they selected their career paths. Students will be given time to ask questions.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK 
Sunday-Saturday, January 26-February 1. Among the week’s events is the Distinguished Graduates Awards program, hosted by the Catholic Schools Office of the Diocese. The dinner/awards banquet will be held on Monday, January 27, at The Renaissance Baton Rouge Hotel. SJA’s honoree this year is The Honorable Elizabeth Engolio, 18th Judicial District Court, Division D.

Several faculty and staff members will be honored for milestone years of service to Catholic education during the Catholic Schools Week Mass. Being honored for 10 years are Valerie Brubaker, Lesley Cranow, Tina Grant, Erin Hart, Amy Parker and Jacqueline Savoia. Recognized for 15 years is Katie Amato. Honored for 20 years is JoAnne Campbell. Recognized for 25 years are Karen Douet-Wannamaker, Mary Beth Elfert and John Richardson.

Throughout the week, Student Ministry will lead the celebration of daily themes: Monday, Celebrating Community; Tuesday, Celebrating Students; Wednesday, Celebrating the Nation; Thursday, Celebrating Vocations; and Friday, Celebrating Faculty, Staff and Volunteers.

ADORATION
Thursday, January 30, during all three lunch periods in the Chapel at SJA. 

STUDENT SCHEDULING LUNCH & LEARN 
On Friday, January 31, teachers and students will be available in front of the Dining Hall during all lunch hours to showcase and provide information about course offerings for the 2025-2026 school year. Please encourage your daughter to visit the tables in order to discern the kinds of classes she would be interested in taking next school year. 

AP/DE SCHEDULING SEMINAR FOR PARENTS
On Monday, February 3, the administration and Academic Counseling Center will host two scheduling seminars (12-1 p.m. or 6-7 p.m.) for the parents of current freshmen, sophomores and juniors to present information about college prep, honors, dual enrollment and Advanced Placement courses.

If your daughter plans to enroll in an AP or dual enrollment course for the first time for the 2025-2026 school year, at least one parent must attend one of the seminars. If a parent attended in previous years, you are not required to attend again. If your daughter has already taken an AP or dual enrollment course and you did not attend last year, we strongly encourage you to do so this year. 

The seminar beginning at 12 p.m. will take place in the Mother Alice Hall Community Room. The evening seminar will be held in the Fife Student Commons.

Please direct questions to Dean of Academics Aubrey DeJohn at dejohna@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2269. 

LOOKING AHEAD: SENIOR PARENT MEETING
The senior class moderators, grade-level counselor and dean of women will host a Senior Parent Supper on Wednesday, February 12, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Academy Student Center. We will review the senior events that are scheduled for the spring semester, as well as share a moment of fellowship as senior parents. The event is mandatory for at least one parent per student. Please note that seniors should not attend, as this information will be shared with them in their classes.

Please click here to RSVP by Monday, January 27.

COURSE SELECTION INFORMATION FOR 2025-2026
Grade-level counselors will visit students in their classes January 28-31 to discuss courses for the upcoming academic year.

The course selection process will be done online beginning Wednesday, January 29, through Thursday, February 6, by the end of the school day. Course selections should be made carefully and with parental involvement. Parental approval of courses selected by students will be done in late March. Instructions for the approval process will be emailed to you at that time.

If you have questions about or problems using the online course selection process, please contact Registrar Cristina Latiolais at latiolaisc@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2226 or Information Systems Manager Karen Faucheux at faucheuxk@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2220. Please direct questions about academics to Dean of Academics Aubrey DeJohn at dejohna@sjab.org or (225) 388-2269.

REGISTRATION FOR 2025-2026
Registration for current 9th-11th grade students opens on Friday, January 31, and is due on Monday, February 10. You will receive an email on January 31, with instructions for completing the online process. If you have questions about registration, please contact Registrar Cristina Latiolais at latiolaisc@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2226 or Systems Manager Karen Faucheux at faucheuxk@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2220. If you have questions about the registration fee or tuition options, contact Accounts Receivable Tuition Specialist Amy Jackson at jacksona@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2234. 

Please be reminded that the online registration process should be completed by one parent. In the case where a student’s parents do not live together, we ask that you determine which parent will complete the process. If you would like your student to have more than one family account in Blackbaud Tuition Management, please contact Mrs. Jackson.

TAX ID INFORMATION 
If tax information is needed for your 2024 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. 

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.

HANDICAPPED DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP
As a reminder, we have five handicapped-accessible drop-off and pick-up locations on campus for parents, visitors and students who need them. These locations, which have handicapped parking, ramps from the parking surface to the doors and direct ramp access into the buildings, are Medaille Hall, Mother Alice Hall, Academy Student Center, Fife Student Commons and Academy Arts Center. 

2024-2025 SCHOOL CALENDAR
Click here for important dates for the 2024-2025 school year. Please note that all dates are subject to change.

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

• December 23-January 7: Christmas

• January 20: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday

• March 3-7: Mardi Gras 

• April 18-25: Easter

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

ACT TEST PREP PROGRAM FOR 2024-2025 
ACT Diagnostic Testing: SJA will offer ACT Diagnostic Testing in the fall and spring of the 2024-2025 school year. Students will practice taking a full-length ACT test in a test setting and receive specific feedback on the areas where they need to work to improve their scores. Each student will receive a detailed report of her test results, stating specific skills and content areas to focus on to achieve a higher score. The test will simulate a real ACT test with the setting, timing and using an ACT-released test. The cost is $15.50 plus SchoolCash Online fees. Extended time is offered. The Diagnostic Test Session can be purchased on SchoolCash Online.
 
Remaining Diagnostic Testing Date
January 11, 2025 (8-11:30 a.m.)
 
Once students receive their scores from their Pre-ACT, ACT or ACT diagnostic test, they will have a better understanding of which areas they may want to improve or “gear up” for the next test.
 
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 2024 ACT date) and will do so again in the spring (before the March 2025 ACT date for juniors). These sessions focus on strategies and practice techniques for that content-specific ACT test. The cost is $55 plus fees for ACT math, science, reading and English. Your payment includes an ACT practice book for that subject. Space is limited to 50 students per session. Sessions can be purchased on SchoolCash Online.
 
Spring Gear-Up Dates

• Math: January 25, 2025 (8 a.m.-12 p.m.); recommended for students in Algebra II and above.

• Science: February 1, 2025 (8 a.m.-12 p.m.)

• Reading: February 15, 2025 (8 a.m.-12 p.m.)

• English: February 22, 2025 (8 a.m.-12 p.m.)

 
Please check athletic and other schedules prior to purchasing a testing session. SJA pre-purchases the supplies needed for each ACT test-prep session based on registrations and cannot guarantee a refund if your daughter cannot attend the session. The science portion of the ACT test will eventually become optional. Please check with specific institutions of interest to see if the science section will be required for admission.
 
If you have questions about any of these programs, please contact Dean of Curriculum and Instruction Melissa Brocato at brocatom@sjabr.org.

SUMMER PE
There are six sessions of Summer PE 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. Students will continue to complete home health assignments each week of class.
 
◾ Session 1: June 2-June 19, 7-9:30 a.m. (Monday-Thursday)
◾ Session 2: June 2-June 19, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. (Monday-Thursday)
◾ Session 3: June 2-June 19, 2:30-5 p.m. (Monday-Thursday)
◾ Session 4: June 2-June 19, 5-7:30 p.m. (Monday-Thursday) 
◾ Session 5: June 23-July 14, 7-9:30 a.m. (Monday-Thursday, no classes on July 3) 
◾ Session 6: June 23-July 14, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. (Monday-Thursday, no classes on July 3)
 
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 Sivi Miller at millers@sjabr.org.

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

YEARBOOK ORDERS
The SJA yearbook captures once-in-a-lifetime memories in a single place. Click here to purchase your copy today. A receipt will be emailed to you once your purchase is complete. If you have more than one daughter attending SJA, please purchase a copy under each student’s name. 

If you are purchasing a yearbook for your senior daughter, you may choose to have the book shipped directly to you after it’s published in the fall of 2025. Otherwise, your daughter will receive her yearbook at the Six-Month Reunion for the class of 2025 in December of 2025.

SENIOR YEARBOOK ADS
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 Herff Jones Yearbooks. Click here for available options are available. The deadline to submit an ad is April 11. 
 
If you need assistance with creating your ad, please contact Herff Jones 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.

ARRIVAL/DISMISSAL POLICIES
We ask for your partnership in reminding students who drive to school to be safe drivers, abiding by all the rules of the road and school zones, especially the speed limit. As a reminder, all students should be picked up in one of the two designated carpool lines until carpool ends at approximately at 3:30 p.m. A map of the different routes for freshman and upperclass carpool lines can be found in the online handbook in the Drop-off/Pick-up by Car tab. After 3:30 p.m., students staying after school may be picked up in front of the Fife Student Commons or Medaille Hall. 

Students are not to be picked up on neighboring streets or park their cars in the neighborhood without permission from the homeowner. Students who are identified as not following proper carpool procedures will meet with Dean of Women Christina Myles and will be issued a disciplinary consequence.  

SAFE DRIVING HABITS
Please remind your daughters to observe speed limits, especially around campus and in our campus parking lots. We have recently observed students engaged in unsafe driving practices, including texting while driving and speeding. We thank you for your partnership and continued modeling.

ATTENDANCE POLICY
If a student is absent due to illness, parents should complete the Attendance Reporting Form located under Resources in MySJA. For an absence for any other reason, advance notice of one school day must be sent by a parent via the Attendance Reporting Form located under Resources in MySJA for it to be considered. Parent notification of a student’s reason for an absence must be submitted by the end of the school day, or the absence will be considered unexcused and will not be changed. 

A student may not miss more than 15 full days (105 classes) or 15 times in a single course within a semester, regardless of whether absences are excused or unexcused.

Any student who arrives to her first-hour class after the tardy bell must report to the attendance coordinator’s office for a tardy slip. Beginning with the third unexcused tardy, an infraction is given.

Any student wanting to check out due to illness must report to the nurse’s office. If necessary, the nurse will call the student’s parent to obtain permission before the student leaves. Failure to check out in the nurse’s office because of an illness will result in an unexcused absence for missed class time.

Most routine visits to the doctor should be scheduled outside of school hours. For appointments scheduled during school hours, a parent must fill out the Attendance Reporting Form in MySJA. When the student returns to school, she must present a note to the attendance coordinator signed by the physician to receive an excused absence. Notes may be submitted in the main office or by emailing attendance@sjabr.org.

COLLEGE VISITS
Students are encouraged to visit colleges of interest during the summer and school holidays. Please reference the school calendar for the days students are not in school during the 2024-2025 school year.  

Seniors are allowed three excused absences for college visits during the academic year. Juniors and sophomores are allowed two excused absences for college visits during the academic year. Emailed notification of a student’s college visit must be submitted through the Absence Reporting Form on MySJA at least one school day before the scheduled absence. If notification is not received, this will be marked as an unexcused absence. Any student who misses more than her allowed number of excused absences for college visits will receive an infraction. No college visits will be approved during mid-term exams, final exams or AP testing. 

Seniors invited to attend university spring testing events, including LSU Spring Invitational, are allowed an additional excused absence(s) if they have followed proper check-out procedures and given advance notice.
 
AFTER-SCHOOL RULES AND REGULATIONS 
After dismissal, students may remain on campus in one of the following designated areas: Fife Student Commons (FSC), quad, courtyard or the Technology and Learning Center (TLC) between 2:50 and 3:30 p.m. Please note that the 3:30 p.m. sign-in time is a change from the traditional 4 p.m. sign-in time from previous years. Students may not leave campus after dismissal to roam the neighborhood. At 3:30 p.m., an announcement will direct students who are not in after-school activities to sign in at either the FSC or TLC while they wait for their ride. The FSC and TLC are open until 5:30 p.m. Our security officer is on campus until 5:30 p.m. each school day. Students must sign out before leaving for the day.

If a student is not picked up by 5:30 p.m., this will be reported to Dean of Women Christina Myles, and a plan will be made. After-school rules can be found in the school handbook under the Students and Parents portals. Please direct questions to Dawn Lorio at loriod@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2420.  
 
PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION
As a non-public school, St. Joseph’s Academy is not affected by the state law which requires parents to make an election at the beginning of each year to grant or deny consent for the school to collect your daughter’s Personally Identifiable Information and disclose it to the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA) for TOPS and other financial aid or to the state’s colleges and universities for admissions. We will share this information unless you request through your daughter’s grade-level counselor that it be withheld.

CUSTODY INFORMATION 
St. Joseph’s Academy abides by the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) with respect to the rights of parents and, in the event of divorce, the rights of custodial and noncustodial parents. In the latter case, absent a court order to the contrary, the school will provide the noncustodial parent access to academic records and other school-related information regarding the student. If there is a court order specifying that no information is to be given, it is the responsibility of the custodial parent to provide the school with a copy of the court order. We do not need the complete court order, only the part dealing with custody. Please direct questions to Principal Stacia Andricain at andricaina@sjabr.org. 

ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS 
Please be reminded that we must have one valid, regularly checked email address in MySJA. If your email, phone number or physical address has changed since last time you updated our records, please let us know. If you have questions, please contact Assistant to the Registrar Stacy Rennhoff at rennhoffs@sjabr.org. 

SCHOOL CLOSURES
When school is closed due to weather or other circumstances, please be reminded that SJA generally follows the same procedures as the East Baton Rouge school system and Diocese of Baton Rouge. Closures will also be announced via our School Messenger alert system (phone and text). 

If your phone number has changed since you last updated our records, or if you would like to add additional phone numbers to those we call/text, please contact Assistant to the Registrar Stacy Rennhoff at rennhoffs@sjabr.org.

COUNSELING CENTER

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.

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 and Monday-Thursday after school in the Learning Center classroom in the Technology and Learning Center. Email mcewenl@sjabr.org or pfiferc@sjabr.org.

SCIENCE RESOURCE
Science Resource is available Monday-Thursday after school 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 Tuesday-Thursday after school in the Learning Center classroom in the Technology and Learning Center. Email abadiej@sjabr.org or saiaa@sjabr.org.

SPIRITUAL FORMATION 

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

RETREAT INFORMATION
2024-2025 Remaining Retreat Dates

• February 24, 2025: Sophomore Retreat, SJA

• March 17, 2025: Junior Retreat, Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church

Participation in retreats is required for promotion to the next grade level and to graduate from St. Joseph’s Academy. Appointments, co-curricular activities and travel should not be planned on a student’s retreat day(s). These absences will not be excused unless they are part of a school-sponsored event and approval is given by the campus minister.

All absences, excused or unexcused, must be made up with a full Catholic retreat of equal or greater duration by the last regular day of school (not including exam days). A student who is absent from her grade-level retreat should research a retreat she can attend to fulfill the make-up requirement. She should submit the retreat request to the campus minister for approval. Retreats attended as mandatory elements of preparation of a sacrament (i.e., confirmation retreats) are not eligible to be used to make up a missed grade-level retreat.

Retreat questions should be directed to Campus Minister Chelsea Colomb at colombc@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2221.

REQUIRED SERVICE PROGRAM 

The SJA service policy states that freshmen and sophomores are required to complete 15 hours of service during the 2024-2025 academic year, and juniors and seniors must complete 20 service hours. The 2024-2025 Freshman and Sophomore Service Directory and the 2024-2025 Junior and Senior Service Directory can be found on MySJA, the Service Hour Project Moodle page and the Service Hour Opportunity Teams Channel. Please review the policies and service directories before completing service hours.
 
The 2024-2025 service year for current students began April 9, 2024. The service year for freshman and students new to SJA began June 1, 2024. Service hours for all students are due on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. Failure to complete service hours by the deadline will be examined on a case-by-case basis. However, completion of SJA’s service-hour requirements is necessary to advance to the next grade level and is a requirement for graduation.
 
Students may participate in opportunities other than those included in the service directories only after receiving written permission via email from the Assistant Campus Minister. All service hours must be done outside of normal school hours. All service hours must be done through a non-profit agency or through a for-profit business, with prior written approval, that serves those most in need. Service performed through a for-profit business must be non-clerical in manner. Tasks such as filing, answering the phone, etc., will not be permitted as part of the service program. Visiting with patients in nursing homes or hospice facilities does not need prior approval. Donations of any kind, including Sticker Sacks or meals prepared and delivered to soup kitchens or homeless shelters, are not eligible for the service program. However, SJA may offer a schoolwide donation opportunity for service hours. SJA reserves the right to limit the number of hours earned on mission trips; hours earned on SJA mission trips will be determined and applied after the trip is complete. This will ensure students receive accurate credit for the number of hours served.

In conjunction with their senior retreat, members of the senior class participate in a day of service in the Baton Rouge community. This experience serves as an opportunity for the class to give back to the community as a group. Students are assigned to a service site for this day. Senior Service Day is considered part of the senior retreat and is a requirement for graduation. 
 
Please direct questions about service hours to Assistant Campus Minister/Service Coordinator Noelle Shipley at shipleyn@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2295.

ANNUAL FUND

As we prepare to welcome the New Year, we are grateful for the spirit of generosity demonstrated by the St. Joseph’s Academy community. On campus and throughout the world, the impact of an SJA education is evident through our shared commitment to serving the dear neighbor.

With the close of 2024 and the dawn of 2025, let us continue to inspire and serve one another, believing in the difference we can make together.

Please consider supporting the faith development, academic excellence and personal growth of our Academy students with a gift to the Parents Annual Fund before the year is over. Your annual contribution is more than a gift; it is an investment in our young women and the good work they will accomplish now and in the years ahead. You can make your gift or pledge online by clicking here. You may also mail a check to St. Joseph’s Academy, 3015 Broussard Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70808.

Thank you for your support. We wish you happiness, peace and joy in the coming year.

PAVE THE WAY BRICKS 

Make your mark on SJA’s campus by purchasing a brick for your daughter. Engraved brick pavers are placed around the Fife Student Commons. For more information, contact Mission Advancement Assistant Wendy Coniglio at conigliow@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2336. Click here to purchase your brick today. If you are purchasing a brick for your senior daughter, please submit your order by March 1. This will ensure that the brick will be put in place by the seniors’ last day on May 1.

SJA MOTHERS' CLUB

Do you want to know about SJA Mothers’ Club events, meet other moms and support your Sticker daughter? Then join the Mothers’ Club! Your membership dues and volunteer service are crucial. Both enable us to support our girls and the SJA community throughout the year. If you haven’t joined for the 2024-2025 school year, we invite you to join now! 

PARENTS WHO PRAY
Did you know the Mothers’ Club has a Parents Who Pray (PWP) Committee? This is one of our committees you can join once you become a member of the Mothers’ Club.   

PWP Committee members will also pray for individual intentions. Please submit your prayer requests to parentswhopray@sjabr.org.

All prayer requests are welcome, and please know that we are sensitive to sharing details. Information will be kept confidential unless otherwise requested. 

At least once a month you will receive an email with requests to pray for a special intention for our SJA community and our broader community. We will also inform you of additional opportunities to gather in person to pray together.

SPECIAL THANKS
A huge thank you to Marcy Hubbs and Anna Arceneaux and their teams of mom and dad volunteers who worked over the holidays to beautifully decorate campus for the Christmas season. 

Our thanks to Stacie Lacour and Gretchen Ferachi and their committee who offered snacks and drinks to prospective students when they were on campus on December 7 to take placement exams.

Class t-shirts have been delivered thanks to Keisha Tassin, who ordered and arranged their delivery. 

Kristina Funes, Stephanie Mayeux and Mollie Carby worked with the Dads’ Club to provide doughnuts and a hot chocolate bar as a special treat to students between their mid-term exams. 

Finally, thank you to the parent volunteers who generously donated funds to buy Christmas gift cards for the faculty and staff of SJA and SAGE Dining Services.

MOTHER-DAUGHTER BRUNCH & STYLE SHOW

SJA DADS’ CLUB 

Dads’ Club members have a busy spring semester. Some of the highlights of our spring activities are the sophomore and junior class retreats, Father-Daughter Day, the seniors’ last day and exam treats. Your membership dues, in combination with the profits from Dads’ Club-sponsored events including Father-Daughter Day, the Sticker Scramble and the Parents’ Back-to-School Dance, benefit our daughters. Are you ready to get involved during the second semester? Sign up now on SchoolCash Online to join the best group of guys on campus. 

As we are in awe of the joy of the season, we hope your daughters survived the necessary but sometimes stressful mid-term exams and are having time to relax during their well-deserved Christmas break. The anticipation of unwrapping Sticker Shop gifts adds an extra layer of excitement, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your incredible support.
 
STYLISH WINTER WARDROBE
We’ve spotted many of our students donning their new striped beanies and rocking the red and navy versions of the quarter-zip sweatshirts. The Queen of Sparkles collection continues to shine, offering sweaters in both short- and long-sleeved options to elevate your Sticker Pride with a touch of glamour.

YOUR ONE-STOP GIFT SHOP
The Sticker Shop remains your go-to destination for a variety of gifts, including:
• Jewelry
• Water bottles
• Pop sockets
• Hats
• Scarves
• Pajamas
• Sweatshirts
• Abundant spirit wear for our devoted supporters
 
CONVENIENT SHOPPING OPTIONS
Make your shopping experience hassle-free with these convenient options:
• Your daughter can drop by the Sticker Shop during her lunch period for quick and easy shopping.
• Click here to shop online and pick up your order during our store hours.
• Join us in person! Park in the circle drive in front of Mother Alice Hall (3080 Kleinert Avenue), and Ms. Clarinda will be delighted to assist you.
• Sticker Shop Store Hours: We’re here on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please note that the shop is closed on days when campus is closed.
 
A HEARTFELT THANK YOU
Your ongoing support of the Sticker Shop and St. Joseph’s Academy is genuinely appreciated. Let’s fill this holiday season with lasting memories full of Sticker Pride!
 
Wishing you and your family a joyful and restful holiday season.