Parent Newsletter

Dear Parents,

October in Louisiana means fall is in the air, even if just for a few days. It is also a time of being “tested” for our students. I mean this in both the literal and metaphorical way. Early in the month, our juniors, sophomores and freshmen will take standardized tests including the Pre-ACT, PSAT and ACT (optional for juniors and seniors). Taking these types of tests can cause stress and, in some, anxiety. I vividly remember taking the ACT for the first time in high school. Do you remember? There were no or very few prep classes or even test-taking strategies given to us. Students today can take advantage of several opportunities that we did not have. Some good and simple strategies for helping your daughter overcome text anxiety can be found here. These tips will be reinforced at school, as well.

Along with actual tests, our students are being tested daily in many areas of their lives: friendships, navigating social media and social pressures, academics, family and much more. Patience is a virtue that can, at times, become difficult to fulfill as the state of our world becomes increasingly complex and changes at an ever-accelerating rate. We are helping our students find ways to center themselves and find balance in life. Each day, we pray the Examen together. These are six minutes to pause, take deep breaths and ask God to be near with comfort and guidance by reviewing the last 24 hours. It has become a daily gift for me, and I pray it is or becomes a gift for your daughter, as well. Earlier in the week, the Counseling Center offered its first Mindful Monday event, a guided reflection to help with stress and to learn coping skills. We would love to see more students participate in these and other opportunities offered. With the beautiful weather, we will invite students to the orchard to have a picnic lunch, enjoy fun games, have a popsicle treat and be kids for a few minutes during the day.  

We look forward to welcoming you to campus for Back-to-School Night on Thursday, September 30, for junior and senior parents and Tuesday, October 5, for freshman and sophomore parents. Both nights begin at 6:15 p.m. in your daughter’s first period class with a video message from the school’s leadership. In order to keep our parents at a safe distance in the classrooms, we ask that only one parent per student attend. You will follow your daughter’s schedule, meet her teachers and hear an overview of her courses. With the limited time in each classroom, we ask that you reserve any specific questions regarding your daughter’s grades or progress for an email or phone conversation with the teacher after the event. You can find our faculty and staff directory on the SJA website should you like to contact your daughter’s teachers individually.

Remember to have your daughter’s schedule printed or saved on your phone. We will have Student Ambassadors located throughout campus to help you find your way. Masks are required for all visitors to campus. 

The Sticker Shop will be set up in the Dining Hall, so grab some SJA gear for you and your daughter. During your daughter’s lunch hour, the administration, Counseling Center staff and athletic director will be available for questions. 

As always, thank you for partnering with us as we educate your daughter in the spirit and charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph and the Gospel message of the Catholic Church.

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

Sincerely,

Stacia B. Andricain
Principal

BACK-TO-SCHOOL NIGHTS
Parents of juniors and seniors are invited to visit campus on Thursday, September 30, and parents of freshmen and sophomores are invited to visit on Tuesday, October 5. Both events start at 6:15 p.m. Parking is available on campus and in the Lawyers’ and Synagogue lots. Full details are included in Principal Stacia Andricain’s message.

Please direct Back-to-School Night questions to Dean of Academics Aubrey DeJohn at dejohna@sjabr.org.

VOCATIONS MASS/ACADEMIC AWARDS/INDUCTION CEREMONY
Thursday, September 30. We will divide the student body between our two gymnasiums to ensure social distancing. Mass in the Academy Student Center will be livestreamed on our Facebook page beginning at 9:35 a.m. Following mass, we will celebrate Academic Awards and induction ceremonies for the National Honor Society Induction and Student Council. Juniors and seniors will be in the Academy Student Center, and their academic awards/induction ceremonies will be livestreamed immediately following mass. Freshmen and sophomores will be in the Activity Center, and their academic awards/induction ceremonies will be available for viewing on our Facebook page later in the afternoon. Dress uniforms are required.

FLU VACCINES
Healthvacs will be on campus on Tuesday, October 5, to administer flu vaccines. Only the injection form of the vaccine will be available this year. The vaccine is for ages 4 and up. Cost for students and parents is $28. Vaccines will be given between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the concession area of the Activity Center. You will enter through the door near the Medaille Hall circle driveway.

Please bring the completed questionnaire and payment with you on October 5. Cash or checks made payable to Healthvacs are accepted. Please direct questions to Nurse Marie Vukovics at vukovicsm@sjabr.org.

LETTER JACKET SIZING
Wednesday, October 6, all three lunch periods. The Recognition Company will be in the concession area of the Activity Center to measure students for jackets and collect order forms. More information, including order forms, will be emailed in advance to those students who are eligible to purchase a jacket.

YEARBOOK DISTRIBUTION
The 2020-2021 yearbooks will be distributed to students in early October. Plans for distribution will be emailed to students once they are finalized.

PRE-ACT/PSAT TESTING
Tuesday, October 12, and Wednesday, October 13, are standardized testing days at SJA. Freshmen and sophomores will take the Pre-ACT (pre-test for the ACT) on Tuesday, October 12. This test is designed to model the ACT, using the same types of test questions, score scale and format. Sophomores, juniors and invited freshmen will take the PSAT/NMSQT on Wednesday, October 13. The PSAT/NMSQT serves as practice for the SAT and determines eligibility for the National Merit Scholarship Program for high school juniors.

No formal classes are held at SJA on these two days. There will be no afterschool supervision available on either day, 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 testing on October 12 or 13, please contact Dean of Women Erika Angarita (angaritae@sjabr.org; 388-2278) for permission to be absent. If you have any questions, please contact your daughter’s counselor.

Tuesday, October 12
Pre-ACT testing for 9th and 10th grades; Holocaust Activity (watching Schindler’s List with additional classroom activities in the following class days) for 11th grade.
All students arrive at school at the regular time and go straight to their assigned classroom.
Breakfast in Dining Hall (optional) 6:50-7:20 a.m.

9th Grade: 7:25-11 a.m. Pre-ACT Test; dismissal at 11 a.m. (no lunch provided)
10th Grade: 7:25-11 a.m. Pre-ACT Test; dismissal at 11 a.m. (no lunch provided)
11th Grade: 7:25-11:30 a.m. Holocaust Activity; dismissal at 11:30 a.m. (no lunch provided)
12th Grade: Senior Retreat

Wednesday, October 13
PSAT testing for 10th and 11th grades and invited freshmen (based on previous standardized test scores)
All students arrive at school at the regular time and go straight to their assigned classroom.
Breakfast in Dining Hall (optional) 6:50-7:20 a.m.

9th Grade: 7:25-11 a.m. Freshman Wellness Day
7:25-11 a.m. PSAT for invited freshmen (no lunch provided)
10th Grade: 7:25-11 a.m. PSAT Test; dismissal at 11 a.m. (no lunch provided)
11th Grade: 7:25-11 a.m. PSAT Test; dismissal at 11 a.m. (no lunch provided)
12th Grade: Senior Service Day

EARLY DISMISSAL
Tuesday, October 19, for Professional Learning Community. Students are dismissed at 1:49 p.m. (Schedule 3). Please note that the library will remain open until 5:30 p.m. and that resource teachers (math, science and English) as well as the Writing Center will be available.

BALFOUR REPRESENTATIVE ON CAMPUS
Wednesday, October 20, outside the Dining Hall during all lunch hours and again at 5-7 p.m. in the Dining Hall. Juniors are invited to order their school rings, and seniors are invited to order graduation announcements. Parents are encouraged to attend the evening session with their daughters.

OPEN HOUSE
Thursday, October 21, for 7th and 8th grade girls and their parents. Students are dismissed at 1:49 p.m. (Schedule 3). All students not assisting with Open House must be picked up by 2 p.m. The library will not be open for after-school hours. Students remaining on campus and working Open House will be provided refreshments. They must wear their dress uniform.

FALL HOLIDAY
Friday, October 22. School is closed.

EARLY DISMISSAL
Tuesday, October 26, for Faculty Professional Development. Students are dismissed at 1:33 p.m. (Schedule 8). Please note that the library will remain open until 5:30 p.m. and that resource teachers (math, science and English) as well as the Writing Center will be available.

CANDLELIGHT CEREMONY
Tuesday, October 26, Orchard, 6:30 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 will be given to students in their classes. In the case of rain, the event will be moved to the Activity Center.

Parents of seniors should direct questions to senior class moderators Alexandra Arceneaux (arceneauxa@sjabr.org) or Emily Peavy (peavye@sjabr.org). Parents of freshmen should contact freshman class moderators Cristina Benigno (benignoc@sjabr.org) or Allie Mitchell (mitchella@sjabr.org).

STUDENT COUNCIL FUN DAY
Friday, October 29. The theme is “Monstober Halloween Fun Day.” Full details and costume guidelines will be emailed to students.

NEW DATE: 9th ANNUAL SJA STICKER SCRAMBLE
Monday, November 1, TopGolf of Baton Rouge. Hosted by the SJA Dads’ Club, the Sticker Scramble is now in its 9th year and has raised almost $90,000 for enhancements to SJA.

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

Our goal is to raise $10,000 this year. All sponsorships, gifts and services are tax deductible. Rain or shine, we hope to see you on November 1 at TopGolf!

SCHOOL CASH ONLINE REPLACEMENT FOR SHOP SJA
We continue to work with School Cash Online as we prepare to roll out our replacement for Shop SJA. In the meantime, please note that Shop SJA will continue to be used for school-related fees and products.

ACT TEST PREP PROGRAM FOR 2021-2022
Gear Up for the ACT: SJA will offer a four-hour session for each subject-specific test of the ACT during the fall (before the December 2021 ACT date) and spring (before the March 2022 ACT date for juniors). These sessions will focus on strategies and practice techniques for that content-specific ACT test. The cost is $46.50 for ACT Math, Science, Reading and English; ACT Writing will cost $20.75. Your payment includes an ACT practice book for that subject. Space is limited to 50 students per session. Each session can be purchased on Shop SJA.

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

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

ACT Diagnostic Testing: SJA will offer ACT Diagnostic Testing in the fall and spring of the 2021-2022 school year. Students will practice taking a full-length ACT test in a test setting and receive specific feedback on the areas in which they need to work to improve their scores. Each student will receive a detailed report of her test results, stating specific skills and content areas to focus on to achieve a higher score. The test will simulate a real ACT test, with the setting and timing and using an ACT-released test. The cost is $15.50. Extended time is offered. Each session can be purchased on Shop SJA.

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

Please direct questions about the Testing Prep Program to Dean of Curriculum & Instruction Aimee Urdiales (urdialesa@sjabr.org; 388-2215).

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

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

YEARBOOK ORDERS
The SJA yearbook captures once-in-a-lifetime memories in a single place. Click here to purchase your copy of the 2020-2021 yearbook today. A receipt will be emailed to you once your purchase is complete. Please note that the price increases by $5. If you have more than one daughter attending SJA, please purchase a copy under each student’s name.

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

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

UPCOMING: THE SOIRÉE
Please join us for The Soirée on Thursday, November 18. You’ll enjoy live music, silent and live auctions, a Dream Vacation Raffle and great food and drinks in the Academy Student Center. Event and raffle tickets plus other details are available at sjasoiree.org. If you would like information about volunteering or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Assistant Director of Mission Advancement Cydney Morris (morrisc@sjabr.org; 388-2270).

UPCOMING: GRANDPARENTS WEEK FOR SENIORS
Monday-Thursday, November 29-December 2. Seniors and grandparents will dine together during one of the days of the week, which will be indicated on the invitation, which will be mailed the week of October 11. Seniors will then take a photograph with their grandparents and lead them on a tour of campus. Grandparents should look for “SJA Event” signs posted around campus which will indicate parking spaces. Grandparents are asked to RSVP by November 19 to Assistant Director of Mission Advancement Cydney Morris (morrisc@sjabr.org; 388-2270).

SAVE THE DATE: SIX-MONTH REUNION
Friday, December 17, 12-1:30 p.m., in the Dining Hall. Sponsored by the SJA Alumnae Association. Our 2021 graduates are invited back to campus for a pizza party and to pick up their yearbooks. Contact Alumnae Director Cori Martone ’10 (martonec@sjabr.org; 388-2244) for details.
  
GRANDPARENTS DAY FOR FRESHMEN
Grandparents Day for Freshmen will be held during the spring semester. Once the date has been set, we will notify parents, and grandparents will receive an invitation. Please direct questions to Assistant Director of Mission Advancement Cydney Morris (morrisc@sjabr.org; 388-2270).

Counseling Center

The Counseling Center provides students with resources and support they need to be successful. Grade-level counselors support students during all four years at SJA. The Counseling Center collaborates with teachers and administrators to identify and discuss students who may need additional assistance and to determine best practices to reach all students both academically and socially. In addition, counselors meet with every student at least twice a year to discuss college and career readiness. Two full-time college advisors assist students with scholarship and college applications. A wellness coordinator designs 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. Also offered is academic counseling. Peer tutoring in foreign languages is provided by members of the National Honor Society and Beta Club. These student-led study groups are offered after school one day a week. Students will receive an email each week with details.

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

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

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

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

ACT Prep Courses

We would like to provide you with information about test preparation classes. SJA does not promote any particular course; rather, we are sharing opportunities should your daughter want or need additional test-taking help. 

The Extra Point will hold after-school classes at SJA in October. For more information, visit https://extrapointtestprep.com/

Princeton Review: www.princetonreview.com

Mastery Prep: https://masteryprep.com/

Best in Class BR: https://bestinbr.com/act-prep/

Magnolia Prep: www.magnoliaprep.com

Khan Academy: https://www.khanacademy.org/join/T5BB5SDJ

Sylvan Learning Center: https://locations.sylvanlearning.com/us/baton-rouge-blue-bonnet-la/act-prep

Studyville: www.studyville.com 

Materials found on the ACT website: www.act.org

SPIRITUAL FORMATION
SJA students can grow in their faith through various opportunities to pray, receive the sacraments and serve the dear neighbor. All students attend a monthly schoolwide mass or prayer service and an annual class retreat. The sacrament of reconciliation is offered to students during the seasons of Advent and Lent. Additionally, students may choose to participate in a weekly rosary, weekly Bible study, monthly Eucharistic Adoration, mission trips and various ministry clubs, including Student Ministry (juniors and seniors), Liturgy Committee, Liturgy Choir, Praise & Worship Band and Respect Life Club.
  
STUDENT RETREATS
Participation in retreats is required for graduation. Please plan accordingly. For additional information, contact Campus Minster Alise Alexander Ruch (rucha@sjabr.org; 388-2255).

Dates and locations are subject to change.
 
Senior Retreat: Monday-Tuesday, October 11-12, West Baton Rouge Community Center, Port Allen (Students will be bused to the treat location from SJA.)
Junior Retreat: Monday, February 7, Location TBA
Sophomore Retreat: Monday, November 8, SJA
Freshman Retreat: Monday, March 28, SJA

REQURED SERVICE PROGRAM
Service is an integral part of the SJA curriculum. Important information about this year-long program can be found on the SJA website under the Faith tab. Senior Service Day for the class of 2022 will be held on Wednesday, October 13, 2021. Seniors and their parents will receive additional information soon. 

In addition to Senior Service Day in October, we are hosting a schoolwide drive to honor Founder’s Day of the Sisters of St. Joseph. Students can drop off diapers and feminine hygiene products in St. Joseph Hall between October 1 and October 12. Diapers will be donated to the Junior League of Baton Rouge’s diaper bank. Feminine hygiene products will be donated to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul shelters and Catholic Charities of Baton Rouge. This is a Class Cup competition, and no service hours will be offered for donations. 

The deadline for completing service requirements is April 1, 2022. There will be checkpoints throughout the year to ensure timely completion of the required service hours.

All students should have their own login information for x2VOL.com and be enrolled in the Service Hour Project Moodle page. This page contains several how-to guides for logging hours and the 2021-2022 Service Directory. The page is updated each Monday with current service opportunities.
 
Our service coordinator, Ms. Jade Spears, is available during all lunch periods to answer questions about service and to help students with service entries. Students may also email her at spearsj@sjabr.org or stop by the Campus Ministry office in Mother Alice Hall, room 206.
 
Please note that failure to turn in service hours by the deadline will result in a checklist. Seniors must complete their service requirements in order to graduate from SJA, and underclasswomen must complete their service hours in order to return to SJA the following year.

Annual Fund

By now you should have received your Annual Fund commitment form in the mail. Thank you to all the parents who have already sent in their pledge or donation. If you have not made your pledge, please do so. The deadline for making your Parents Annual Fund pledge or donation is Monday, October 11. Gifts to the Annual Fund support the people and programs that make SJA special, including faith formation; vital and inspiring academic, athletic and arts programming; a talented faculty and staff; personal attention; and enhanced sanitation for a healthy learning environment.

We hope that you will take this opportunity to partner with us in our mission and give a meaningful gift that expresses the value you place on the educational experience at St. Joseph’s Academy. Each gift makes a difference in the school life and learning of a student. Contributions to the Annual Fund are tax-deductible and may even be matched by your employer.  

The SJA Faculty and Staff reached 100 percent giving for the 10th year in a row! We as parents are striving to reach 100 percent participation for the first time this year. Please consider a gift to SJA, no matter the size. If you’re ready to make your gift, click here. Or text SJA1868 to 41444.

The only gift that is too small is the one that is not made at all.  

For additional information, please contact Mission Advancement Director Meg Gerald (geraldm@sjabr.org; 388-2254).

Pave the Way Bricks 

Make your mark on SJA’s campus by purchasing a brick for your daughter. Engraved brick pavers are placed near Mary’s Garden. For more information, contact Mission Advancement Assistant Wendy Coniglio (conigliow@sjabr.org; 388-2336). Click here to purchase your brick today.

SJA Mothers' Club

Our Mothers’ Club membership drive is officially under way. Please note our membership is annual, and we ask that you join every year. Your membership dues and volunteer service are crucial. Both enable us to support our girls and the SJA community throughout the year. Click here to join the SJA Mothers’ Club today! 

Senior moms, if you are cleaning white shirts out of the closet, please consider donating them to the Pass-it-On Uniform Sale. White shirts and all items are appreciated for this sale, held each June. Please send any items you’d like to donate to the Main Office in St. Joseph Hall. 

Please be reminded that prayer requests can be sent to parentswhopray@sjabr.org.

SJA Dads' Club

The Dads’ Club works in partnership with the school on a variety of events throughout the year. Some of the highlights of our involvement are class retreats, seniors’ last day, Open House and exam snacks, to name a few. Your membership dues, in combination with the profits from Dads’ Club-sponsored events such as Father-Daughter Day and the Sticker Scramble, benefit our daughters. Are you ready to join for the 2021-2022 school year? If so, simply click here.

SJA INVITATIONAL CROSS COUNTRY MEET
Saturday, October 2, Highland Road Park, 8 a.m. 

VOLLEYBALL SENIOR NIGHT
Tuesday, October 19, versus Denham Springs, Academy Student Center. The recognition ceremony will precede the varsity match at 6 p.m. 

SWIM TEAM CITY MEET
Friday and Saturday, October 29 and 30, Crawfish Aquatics. Times TBA. 

Please direct questions to Athletic Director Dorinda Beaumont (beaumontd@sjabr.org; 388-2290).

The Sticker Shop is your one-stop shop for all spirit apparel, uniform sweats and accessories and the perfect place to find a gift for any Redsticker! 
 
We are excited to announce the newest items to the SJA Sticker Shop:

• Uniform PE T-shirts
• Class T-shirts arriving soon for distribution
• Umbrellas
• Homecoming mugs (Order deadline is October 10). The mugs are a popular item and are customized with hand-painted names. Distribution will take place the week before Homecoming

We offer the following ways to shop for your convenience:

• Visit us on either of the Back-to-School Nights. We will be located in the Dining Hall.
• Have your daughter shop during her lunch period by visiting the Sticker Shop window.
• Click here to shop online. 
  Online orders may be picked up by a student during her lunch period or through our curbside pickup. Curbside pickup available when the shop is open. Park in the circle drive in front of Mother Alice Hall (3080 Kleinert Ave) and call the Sticker Shop at 388-2237. A Mothers’ Club volunteer will bring your items to your vehicle.
• Sticker Shop store hours: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
  Please note that we are not open on days when campus is closed.

Thank you for continuing to support SJA and the Mothers’ Club by shopping at the Sticker Shop. We look forward to helping you show your Sticker Pride!

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

Visit www.sjastickershop.org to start shopping today!