Parent Newsletter

Dear Parents,

Earlier in the school year, we announced that six SJA seniors had been named National Merit Semifinalists. It was confirmed last week that all six have now been named Finalists in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program. Congratulations to Cori Claire Ellis, Maria Hargrave, Camille Kleinpeter, Madeline Krzystowczyk, Meredith Martin and Ava Kathryn Nesbit.

Congratulations to senior Margaret Moe who will spend a week in Washington, D.C., in early March as she represents Louisiana in the U.S. Senate Youth Program. Margaret has also been selected as a candidate for the United States Presidential Scholars Program. We are very proud of these students and their academic accomplishments.  

The Season of Lent is a time to recall our baptismal promises as we reflect and prepare before the resurrection of Christ. It is a time of fasting, prayer and almsgiving. As a commitment to almsgiving, we ask each student to consider making Sticker Sacks for St. Vincent de Paul on Wednesday mornings. For several years now, SJA has committed to providing brown bag lunches to the hungry in our Baton Rouge community. The Sticker Sack items include a wrapped peanut butter and jelly sandwich along with a small bag of chips, breakfast bar or snack-size bag of cookies, a pack of gum or a few mints and bottled water or sports drink.  

The Campus Ministry Office has several Lenten activities planned for students this month. Announcements and emails will be sent with specific information. Encourage your daughter to finish out her service hours early this month before the deadline at the end of March.

Parents, alumnae and guests have several opportunities to join us this month. On Friday, March 3, we are excited to welcome Hayley Arceneaux ’10 as she speaks to our school community about her Wild Ride from cancer survivor to rocket ship passenger. This may be just the bit of inspiration we all need in the world today.

Order your copy of her book today.   

We look forward to gathering as a school community for our Feast of St. Joseph Mass on Friday, March 17, as we celebrate the life of Joseph, our patron, our provider, our protector and humble servant of God. Bishop Michael Duca will be our celebrant. This day is also Give Day! We hope you can join in with the entire SJA community to give back to the place that has meant so much to you and your daughter. 

Rounding out the month is our Challenge Day Pep Rally on Friday, March 24. Since parents cannot attend the actual Challenge Day competition, the pep rally is the next best thing. Come see how the Pirates of the Academy plan to plunder the Bears of CHS.  

Congratulations to our amazing student-athletes! They put in so many hours of practice and competition, and it shows. Congratulations to the soccer team for winning the first Division I state championship in program history. The SJA Cheerleaders won their third consecutive national championship, and the Red Steppers dance team placed second in Game Day, second in Jazz and third in Hip Hop in their national championship. Look for more exciting news on social media about our winter and spring sports teams. Geaux Stickers!

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

EARLY DISMISSAL
Thursday, March 2, for Professional Learning Community. Students are dismissed at 1:46 p.m. We will follow 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.

ADORATION
Thursday, March 2, during all lunch periods (10:15 a.m.-1 p.m.), SJA Chapel. 

GUEST SPEAKER
Hayley Arceneaux, a 2010 Academy graduate and one of four people who went into space as part of SpaceX’s first private spaceflight, will visit campus on March 3 to speak to our student body. Parents are invited to attend. Hayley will speak beginning at 9:53 a.m. (Schedule 2) in the Academy Student Center. 

After returning home from space, Hayley chronicled her adventures by writing Wild Ride: A Memoir of I.V. Drips and Rocket Ships (Penguin Random House). Hayley will talk about her adventures, entertain questions from the audience and sign copies of her book, which is available for purchase on SchoolCash Online.

FROSH DANCE 
Saturday, March 4, 7:30-10:30 p.m. in the Academy Student Center. The theme is Lights on Broussard Street. All students must arrive by 8 p.m., and no one will be allowed to leave until 10 p.m.

Optional pictures with Kleinpeter Photography will be taken from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. upstairs in the mezzanine. Click here for the order form.

FROSH is for SJA girls only in grades 9-10. Students can choose to bring a male 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. The last day to purchase tickets is Wednesday, March 1.

Dress should be formal or semi-formal. Dress length should follow the “fingertip” rule. Dress should be appropriate, not skin tight. If your dress has a tulip hem (split in the front), make sure that the split is not too high. Avoid front keyhole openings, full open back, side openings, too much cleavage showing, etc. Click here for examples. Students must wear shoes at all times, so bring flats to change into. If attire is deemed inappropriate, a parent will be called, and students will have the option of leaving the dance to change into appropriate attire.

For males, a coat is recommended but not required. 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.

All guests must follow school rules at all times. Appropriate face-to-face dancing is expected at all times. Proper behavior is expected at all times inside and outside of the Academy Student Center. Limos and party buses are not allowed. Those driving can park in the Academy Student Center lot or along Parker and Kleinert streets. There is no parking in the lawyers’ or synagogue lots. Those being dropped off should use the Academy Student Center carpool line.

Please direct questions to Dean of Women Christina Myles at mylesc@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2278.

SJA CHEERLEADER INFORMATION 
There will be a pre-tryout clinic on Monday and Wednesday, March 6 and 8, from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Activity Center. A tryout clinic will be held Tuesday-Wednesday, March 28-29, from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Activity Center. Stunt tryouts are Thursday, March 30, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. in the Activity Center, and material/tumbling tryouts will take place on Friday, March 31, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. in the Activity Center. 

In order to try out, students must attend the clinics and complete and return the tryout information packet by Friday, March 24. Please note that an up-to-date physical must be turned in prior to participating in clinics and tryouts. To receive a packet via email, or if you have any other questions, please contact Cheer Moderator Lauren Sommer at sommerl@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2306.

EARLY DISMISSAL
Tuesday, March 7, for Faculty Professional Development. Students are dismissed at 1:30 p.m. We will follow 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.

RED STEPPERS INFORMATION 
There will be a mandatory Red Steppers tryout meeting on Wednesday, March 8, at 5:45 p.m. in the Fife Student Commons. One parent must attend. A mandatory tryout clinic will be held on Monday and Tuesday, March 20 and 21, from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Academy Arts Center dance room. Tryouts will be held Sunday, March 26, in the Academy Student Center, 1-5 p.m. Please direct questions to coaches Jade McCune (mccunej@sjabr.org) or Shelly O’Dowd (odowds@sjabr.org).

FRESHMAN HAT DAY
Thursday, March 9. This is an annual tradition of the Big Sis/Little Sis program. Seniors will make hats for their freshmen little sisters. Hats are due by Monday, March 6. Freshmen will receive their hats before school on Thursday on the Batchelor Terrace in front of the Academy Arts Center. Parents of freshmen should address questions to Allie Mitchell at mitchella@sjabr.org or Brooke Haigler at haiglerb@sjabr.org. Senior parents should contact Alexandra Arceneaux at arceneauxa@sjabr.org, Aimee Cronan at cronana@sjabr.org or Emily Peavy at peavye@sjabr.org.

SJA TENNIS CLASSIC
Registration is open for the 2023 SJA Tennis Classic on March 10-12, 2023. Alumnae, parents and friends of SJA are invited to participate in a weekend of tennis, fellowship and fun at Bocage Racquet Club.

This event raises money for the SJA Tennis Classic Scholarship, which offers need-based tuition assistance to deserving students and their families. For more information or to register, click here.

FACULTY/STAFF DAY
Monday, March 13. No school for students. 

CATHOLIC HIGH CHEERLEADER INFORMATION
A mandatory pre-tryout meeting for parents and students will be held Tuesday, March 14, at 6 p.m. in the Brother Donnan Berry, SC Student Center. Tryouts are Sunday, March 26, in the CHS gym at 1 p.m. and may last as late as 6 p.m. Girls must learn a cheer and the fight song routine in advance. There will be tryout clinics (March 9 and March 21) to learn the routines.

A flyer containing tryout information is available in St. Joseph Hall room 105. Rising juniors and seniors are eligible to try out. Please direct questions to CHS cheerleader moderators Jennifer Thibodeaux and Carey Lauret at CHSCheer@catholichigh.org.

ADORATION
Thursday, March 16, during all lunch periods (10:15 a.m.-1 p.m.), SJA Chapel. 

CELEBRATION OF THE FEAST OF OUR PATRON, ST. JOSEPH
Friday, March 17. 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.

FEAST OF ST. JOSEPH FOOD COLLECTION 
In celebration of the Feast of our beloved patron, St. Joseph, we invite you to join the Sisters of St. Joseph and their lay associates to help those experiencing food insecurity. We are accepting individually wrapped fiber/granola bars and commercially wrapped sleeves of peanut butter crackers, cookies and cheese-and-crackers for our dear neighbors at the St. Vincent de Paul shelters.

Parents, alumnae and friends may drop off food items in the lobby of Mother Alice Hall (3080 Kleinert Avenue) from 7 to 7:30 a.m. or 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 15, and Thursday, March 16. Student donations will be accepted at the St. Joseph Altar by the chapel before school and during lunch hours on Wednesday, March 15, and Thursday, March 16. This is a great Lenten sacrifice to help weave one heart with the sacred threads that connect us to the dear neighbor in need.

GIVE DAY AT SJA 
SJA’s Give Day will take place on Friday, March 17. This is a 24-hour online giving event. Learn more at www.sjagiveday.org.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY MISSION TRIP FUNDRAISER 
The Office of Campus Ministry will hold a fundraiser for SJA’s mission trips by selling parking tickets for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 18. Parking spots will be sold in Academy parking lots on Broussard, Parker and Kleinert. Tickets are $15 in advance and on the day of the parade. Parking lots open at 7 a.m. All presold spots will be reserved until 9:30 a.m. the morning of the parade. Tickets are now available for purchase only on SchoolCash Online. Each parking lot is listed as a separate item on SchoolCash Online. Drivers will have their receipts scanned upon entry. Ticket sales will open to the general public on March 6. Please direct questions to Campus Minister Jade Spears at spearsj@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2296. 

MANDATORY BRUINETTES PARENT MEETING 
There is a mandatory Bruinettes meeting for parents on Monday, March 20, at 6 p.m. in the Catholic High School Student Center. Potential Bruinettes are also required to attend. Auditions for the 2023-2024 season will be in two parts. Round 1 will be held on Monday, March 27, in the CHS gym starting at 3:30 p.m. Round 2 will be on Tuesday, March 28, also in the gym at 3:30 p.m. Please direct questions to moderators Caroline Batsche (cbatsche@catholichigh.org), Jaime Olinde (jolinde@catholichigh.org) or Amy Owenby (aowenby@catholichigh.org). 

TEST PREP
Wednesday, March 22. We will follow Schedule 10. 

CHALLENGE WEEK
Challenge Season is upon us. This year’s theme is Pirates of the Academy. On each day of the week leading up to Challenge Day on March 24, students can dress up according to that day’s theme. Information regarding dress guidelines will be emailed to students. 

CHALLENGE DAY 2023
Friday, March 24, 4 p.m., at Catholic High School. Hosted by the SJA and CHS student councils. Admission by ticket only. Tickets will be sold to juniors and seniors the week of the event. If there are unsold tickets, they will be offered to sophomores. Details about purchasing tickets will be announced to students in the week leading up to Challenge Day. We will get ready for the competition with a pep rally beginning at 1:51 p.m. in the Academy Student Center. We will follow Schedule 3 on this day. Parents are welcome to join us for the pep rally. Please do not park in the Tyler and Possa Law Office lot. Please park on the streets surrounding campus. Due to space limitations, parents may not attend Challenge Day.

Students not attending Challenge Day will be dismissed at 2:50 p.m. More specific details about the week and the event will be emailed to the students.

PARENT INFORMATION MEETING FOR 2023 WASHINGTON, D.C., TRIP
Is your current sophomore or junior interested in the 2023 Thanksgiving trip to Washington, D.C.? There will be a parent information meeting on Sunday, March 26, at 6:30 p.m. in the Fife Student Commons. Trip details and registration information will be shared. Please email questions to trip coordinators Aimee Cronan (cronana@sjabr.org) or Elizabeth Fontenot (fontenote@sjabr.org).

JUNIOR RETREAT 
Monday, March 27, at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish. Students will be bused from SJA to Sacred Heart and need to be at SJA no later than 7:30 a.m. They will return by 2:50 p.m. Lunch will be provided by the SJA Dads’ Club. Juniors will receive details about the day via email from Campus Minister Jade Spears. Parents are reminded that attendance is required at all grade-level retreats.

NO SCHOOL FOR GRADES 9, 10 AND 12
While the juniors enjoy their class retreat, there is no school on March 27 for students in 9th, 10th and 12th grades.

ACT TEST DAY FOR JUNIORS, PRE-ACT TESTING FOR FRESHMEN AND SOPHOMORES
Tuesday, March 28. 

ACT TESTING FOR JUNIORS: All juniors will be required to take the ACT during the school day on March 28. They will take both the battery test (English, Math, Reading, Science) and Writing test. Since this is a special test given on a school day, some procedures are different. SJA will register each student for this test; students will not need to go online to register. Juniors are asked to arrive at the Academy Student Center by 7:25 a.m.; the test should be finished between 12 and 12:15 p.m. unless your daughter receives extended time accommodations through ACT.  

PRE-ACT TESTING FOR FRESHMEN AND SOPHOMORES: Freshmen and sophomores will take the Pre-ACT on March 28. Info on Pre-ACT will be given to freshmen and sophomores in March by their counselors. Students will be emailed their room location before the day of the test.  

The schedule for March 28 is as follows: 
9th Grade: 7:25-11 a.m. for Pre-ACT Test; dismissal at 11 a.m. (no lunch provided)
10th Grade: 7:25-11 a.m. for Pre-ACT Test; dismissal at 11 a.m. (no lunch provided)
11th Grade: 7:25 a.m.-12 p.m. for ACT; sign in at Academy Student Center (no lunch provided)
12th Grade: No School

SJA ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY 
Friday, March 31, 6:30 p.m., Academy Student Center. This year’s inductees are Mallory Hitt Allen ’06 (soccer, track and field); Nicki Genre Olinde ’98 (softball and volleyball) and Pete Boudreaux (contributor/distinguished volunteer). Tickets are available at www.sjahalloffame.org. The deadline to reserve your spot is Friday, March 24. 

SERVICE HOURS DUE 
Service hours are due Friday, March 31. This means all hours must be verified by the agency before this date. If your daughter’s service hours are not verified by an approved agency, they will not be counted. Please work with your daughter to ensure this is done. SJA approves service hours after agencies have verified them. All entries must be verified electronically by the agency. The only exception is for hours completed at the Missionaries of Charity at St. Agnes. 

Please note that failure to turn in service hours by the deadline will 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. 

Please direct questions to Assistant Campus Minister Chelsea Colomb at colombc@sjabr.org.
 

SCHOOL CALENDAR DRAFT
Here is the first draft of the school calendar for the 2023-2024 academic year. Dates for holiday breaks, as well as mandatory grade-level retreats, are listed. Please reference this calendar as you plan vacations or trips, avoiding absences on the days before or after breaks, as well as the mandatory retreat days for students. 

TAX ID INFORMATION 
If tax information is needed for your 2022 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.

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 12 of the 15 classes offered during the selected session and must complete home health assignments each week of class. 

Session 1: June 5-June 23, 7-9 a.m.
Monday-Friday

Session 2: June 5-June 23, 9-11 a.m.
Monday-Friday

Session 3: June 5-June 23, 5-7 p.m. (Two sessions will be held at this time.)
Monday-Friday

Session 4: June 26-July 18, 7-9 a.m.
Monday-Friday except July 3 and 4 

Session 5: June 26-July 18, 9-11 a.m.
Monday-Friday except July 3 and 4

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

TESTING PREP PROGRAM REMINDERS 
SJA’s Test Prep Program will continue this spring. Following are opportunities that your daughter can take advantage of:

In-class preparation: Teachers will continue to give subject-specific strategies and practice in their classes.  

Test Prep Days: Four full school days are dedicated to Test Prep (two in the fall, two in the spring) when students will follow a block schedule (Schedule 10) and learn about different aspects of testing, focusing on the ACT. A grade-specific curriculum has been developed focused on the primary test that occurs during that grade year as well as on general testing tips and tools for dealing with anxiety. Seniors will focus on transitioning to college and will have guest speakers and activities during the spring Test Prep Days. Junior sessions will focus on the ACT, as they will take the ACT on March 28. Sophomore sessions will focus on the Pre-ACT and ACT, as they will take the Pre-ACT on March 28. Freshman sessions will focus on skills for test taking, coping skills for anxiety, how to study and other important topics for a successful start at SJA.

Remaining date:
Spring: Wednesday, March 22

ACT Diagnostic Testing: We will offer optional ACT Diagnostic Testing for juniors and seniors throughout the year. Students will practice taking a full-length ACT in a test setting and receive specific feedback on the areas that they need to work on to improve their scores. Each student will receive a detailed explanation 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.  

Remaining date for ACT Diagnostic Testing: (All tests are on Saturday. Doors open at 7:45 a.m.; testing is from 8 to 11 a.m.)
March 4, 2023

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. The deadline to submit an ad is April 18. 

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.

BEYOND THE HABIT
The Congregation of St. Joseph launched a new podcast earlier this school year. It is called “Beyond the Habit” and is co-hosted by two younger Sisters of St. Joseph, Sister Erin McDonald and Sister Coleen Gibson. Six episodes are already available, and the second season launches soon. This interview-style podcast features different guests each episode. 

COLLEGE VISITS
Students are encouraged to visit colleges of interest during the summer and school holidays.

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 sent to the Student Life Coordinator at least one 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 the month of December or after April 15 of a student’s senior year.

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: Student Commons, quad, courtyard or the Technology and Learning Center (TLC) between 2:50 and 4 p.m. Students may not leave campus after dismissal to roam the neighborhood. At 4 p.m., an announcement will direct students to sign in at either the TLC or Student Commons while they wait for their ride. The TLC and Student Commons 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 library rules can be found in the School Handbook under the Students and Parents portals. Please direct questions to Linda Hall at  halll@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2420.  
 
ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS
Please be reminded that we must have one valid, regularly checked email address on file. If your email, phone number or physical address has changed since last time you updated our records, please let us know. Questions should be addressed to Assistant to the Registrar Stacy Rennhoff at rennhoffs@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2318. 

ILLNESS, DOCTOR VISITS, TARDIES 
If your daughter is sick and will not attend school, please email Student Life Coordinator Cristina Benigno at attendance@sjabr.org by 7:30 a.m. If a student becomes ill during the day, she must report to Nurse Marie Vukovics’ office, and her parent will be called.

Most routine visits to the doctor should be scheduled outside of school hours. If a parent knows in advance that a student must arrive late or leave early for a doctor’s appointment, parental permission must be emailed to the Student Life Coordinator at attendance@sjabr.org. When the student returns to school, she must present a note signed by the physician to the Student Life Coordinator in order to receive an excused absence. 

Students are expected to be on time for every class. A student who arrives on campus after the 7:28 a.m. tardy bell must report to the Student Life Coordinator’s office for a tardy slip before entering class. An infraction will be issued upon the third unexcused tardy and for each additional unexcused tardy to school or class. 

2022-2023 SCHOOL CALENDAR
Click here for important dates for the 2022-2023 school year. Please note that all dates are tentative and subject to change.

HOLIDAY OFFICE CLOSINGS
The main office is closed on this remaining holiday. Please plan accordingly.
April 7-14: Easter

WEDNESDAY MORNING ROSARY 
Every Wednesday at 7 a.m., the rosary is recited in the Chapel at SJA. Parents are invited to join us.

“The Sister of St. Joseph moves always towards profound love of God and love of neighbor without distinction.” (Excerpt from the Consensus statement of the Sisters)

ROOTED IN THE CHARISM
Fasting, Prayer and Almsgiving. During this season of Lent, Christ invites us to be intentional about fasting, prayer and almsgiving as means to enter deeper into the mystery of God’s unifying love. Love is not something that happens by accident but requires an intentional fostering of interior freedom (sanctity) and connection with each other (joy) to respond in love (action). 

Sanctity, Joy and Action relates to the spiritual rhythm of fasting, prayer and almsgiving. Sanctity recognizes that God sets us aside for love. As we strip away the false self through fasting and embrace our authentic self, this better prepares us for a deeper relationship with Christ and each other. We do not fast to remain empty, but rather we empty ourselves in the sure hope of being filled with love. In this way, the emptiness of fasting draws us to the communion of prayer. 

Joy flows forth as this communion of love makes us more alive. Prayer reminds us that the ultimate source of communion comes from dialogue with God. But the flame of love is never meant to be selfishly hoarded but shared with others. With great joy comes great responsibility.

Joy moves us to action, almsgiving, by which we respond to and imitate the very generosity of God’s mercy and love. In this, we share with others what God has abundantly given to us.

UPCOMING FACULTY AND STAFF RETREAT
Please pray for our faculty and staff as they attend their annual retreat on March 13. The retreat will focus on the Spirituality of St. Francis De Sales which continues to influence the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph. Three focal points will be Salesian optimism, the practicalities of the devout life and the spirituality of the heart.

REFLECTIONS ON THE MAXIMS: THERE’S A MAXIM FOR THAT!
Maxim 6
Translated from French: “Put aside your old self so that you can put on the new,” (Eph. 4:22-24) and accordingly lead a life dead to the world and to self-love, full of gentleness, humility of heart, true sincerity, modesty, interior and exterior peace and of charity toward the neighbor; in a word, (a life) completely modeled on the holiness and the pleasing virtues of Jesus which you should develop in yourself. Thus, you can by grace draw many people who will profit by your example and your conversations.
Simplified: “Shed old ways that keep you self-centered. Embrace love. Be love.” 
Updated: “Keep evolving yourself. Other people find that attractive.”    

To love, you must foster those qualities which make love possible. In fact, look at any of your relationships and ask yourself, “What is necessary to love this person?” The answer will be gentleness, humility, sincerity, modesty and peace. These are the things Christ offers to us and the things Christ wants to empower us to offer to each other. By striving to love others more than power, pleasure, honor and wealth, we grow in unity with divine love.

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 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. Also offered is academic counseling. Peer tutoring in foreign languages is provided by members of the National Honor Society and Beta Club. These student-led sessions are offered between 3 and 4 p.m. on Wednesday in the library. No appointments are necessary for any tutoring.

MATH RESOURCE
Math Resource is available Monday through Thursday during all three lunch hours and from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Learning Center classroom in the library. Email blanchardn@sjabr.org or gubertj@sjabr.org.

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

SPIRITUAL FORMATION
SJA students can grow in their faith through various opportunities to pray, receive the sacraments and serve the dear neighbor. All students attend a monthly schoolwide mass or prayer service and an annual class retreat. The sacrament of reconciliation is offered to students 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.
  
STUDENT RETREATS
Participation in retreats is required for graduation. Please plan accordingly. For additional information, contact Campus Minister Jade Spears (spearsj@sjabr.org; 388-2296).

There is one remaining class retreat this year. The Junior Retreat will be held on Monday, March 27, at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church (Baton Rouge). Additional information will be sent in the weeks prior.

REQUIRED SERVICE PROGRAM
As a reminder, our service policy states that freshmen and sophomores are required to complete 15 hours of service during the 2022-2023 academic year while juniors and seniors must complete 20 service hours. 
 
To support and encourage service as a regular part of the lives of our students, we recognize those girls who go above and beyond the required service hours. Students completing 50 hours of service in one school year will receive special recognition at the end of the year. Students who complete 50 hours of service all four years are recognized at the Honors Convocation for seniors in May.
 
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. 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.
 
The revised Freshman and Sophomore Service Directory and the Junior and Senior Service Directory can be found on MySJA and the Service Hour Project Moodle page. These directories include approved agencies. Students may only participate in opportunities outside of those included in the service directories after receiving written permission via email from the Assistant Campus Minister.

Service hours are tracked electronically through MobileServe.

Assistant Campus Minister/Service Coordinator Chelsea Colomb is available during all lunch periods to answer questions about service and to help students with service entries. Students may also email her at colombc@sjabr.org or stop by the Campus Ministry office in Mother Alice Hall, room 206. Service hours are due Friday, March 31, 2023. 

Service Directory Clarifications
• St. Vincent de Paul and other shelters: Only time spent within the soup kitchen or shelter can be counted as service hours. Any time spent buying or preparing food outside of the agency’s facility cannot be counted as service hours. This would be a donation and is in direct violation of the service policy. 
• Baton Rouge General: The only hours that can be counted at Baton Rouge General are those working with the Healthy Kids Project. All other volunteer opportunities at the hospital must receive prior approval. 

Please note that these changes will not affect service hours already logged and submitted. They will be in effect moving forward.

Please consult the service policy and the appropriate directory for your grade level prior to completing and logging hours.

SJA GIVE DAY 2023: MARCH 17

It’s amazing how much alumnae, parents and friends do for St. Joseph’s Academy. Last year on SJA’s Give Day, we set a record for the most SJA Annual Fund gifts in one day. More than 750 donors raised more than $135,000 in just one transformative day.

Those numbers are impressive, and they wouldn’t be possible without the unwavering loyalty of parents, alumnae, friends, grandparents, faculty and staff. SJA Give Day is about far more than money. It’s about connection and togetherness, the entire Sticker family working together to build what comes next at SJA. What makes the day special is that it doesn’t succeed based on the number of dollars raised but by the number of people reached. 

SJA Give Day reminds us that everyone can have an impact. Everyone can make a difference. Any amount matters. 

We encourage you to make an impact at SJA by making a gift of any size in one of these easy ways:
• Online: Visit www.sjagiveday.org on March 17, and select Make a Gift.
• Text message: Send the message SJAGiveDay to the number 41444 to make a gift through the easy, secure system.

So get ready and put March 17 on your calendar for SJA Give Day 2023!

Learn more at www.sjagiveday.org!
 

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 15. This will ensure that the brick will be put in place by the seniors’ last day on May 4.

SJA Mothers' Club

MOTHERS’ CLUB MEMBERSHIP
Please 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. It’s a great way to keep up with what’s going on around campus, participate in events, meet other moms and support your Sticker daughter. Join now on SchoolCash Online by clicking here.  

The Mothers’ Club supports our community with prayers through the Parents Who Pray initiative. Please submit your special intentions requests to parentswhopray@sjabr.org. Prayers can be requested to be confidential.

SJA Dads' Club

ROCKIN’ AT SJA: THE 2023 FATHER-DAUGHTER DAY 
You do not want to miss this gig! Sunday, April 30, 2023, is Father-Daughter Day at SJA. The day will begin at 11 a.m. in the Academy Student Center with a prayer service and our guest speaker, Ned Juneau, father of sophomore Jaci Juneau. Following the prayer service, enjoy lunch and games on campus. Compete in a multitude of games with and against your daughter for prizes and bragging rights. The grilled hamburger lunch and t-shirts are available for purchase when registration opens on March 1 at SchoolCash Online. 

LOOKING FOR A FEW GOOD MEN
Tennis Tournament: The SJA Alumnae Association hosts The Tennis Classic March 10-12. We need a few good men to help ice down and keep the beverages during the event. If you are available one of those days or have questions, please contact SJA Alumnae Director Cori Martone Jones at martonec@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2244.

Junior Retreat: Junior Retreat is set for Monday, March 27, at Sacred Heart. For the juniors’ lunch, the dads will cook 325 burgers at the retreat site. We need 8-10 dads to help prep, cook and serve that day. 
 
We will move the Dads’ Club grill to Sacred Heart at 8 a.m. that morning and start prepping at approximately 9 a.m. We serve between 11:30 a.m. and 12 p.m., so we should be finished picking up by 1:30 p.m.

If you wish to volunteer or have any questions, please contact Dads’ Club Moderator Meg Gerald at geraldm@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2254.

DADS’ CLUB MEMBERSHIP
It is not too late to join the Dads’ Club. The Dads’ Club works in cooperation with the school on a variety of events throughout the school year. Some of the spring semester highlights where we assist are with retreats, seniors’ last day, Sticker Spectacular 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 are returned back to school for the benefit of our daughters. 

Go to SchoolCash Online to sign up for The Dads’ Club today!

SOCCER
Congratulations to the SJA soccer team for bringing home the first Division I state championship in program history! The Redstickers defeated Dutchtown 1-0 on February 25.

TRACK
The track and field team will be celebrated for its runner-up finish in the LHSAA Indoor Track and Field Championship at the Winter Sports Assembly on March 8 in the Academy Student Center beginning at 7:30 a.m.

Outdoor Track & Field: Tip-Off Invitational on March 4 at Catholic High

SOFTBALL
The season has started! Get game tickets or season passes at slocaltix.com by searching for St. Joseph’s Academy as the venue.

BOWLING
State Team Finals: March 22
State Individual Championship: March 30-31

POWERLIFTING
State Championship at the Cajundome: March 23-24

Please direct questions regarding the SJA athletic program to Athletic Director Erin Hart at harte@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2260.

Spring is coming upon us quickly, and our uniform rain jackets or school umbrellas will help keep you dry in those spring showers. We also have plenty of t-shirts when you’re ready to shed your sweatshirts, and we have multiple options when it comes to hats, including our new smiley caps. 

The simple Pura Vida Bracelet is a great way to display your school colors in a stylish and affordable way and would also make a nice gift for next year’s new “Bee” freshmen.

We are fully stocked in all sizes of the PE Script Shorts in both red and navy.

We offer the following ways to shop for your convenience:

• 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 is available when the shop is open. Park in the circle drive in front of Mother Alice Hall (3080 Kleinert Avenue) and call the Sticker Shop at (225) 388-2237. A Mothers’ Club volunteer will bring your items to your vehicle.

STICKER SHOW STORE HOURS
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Please note 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!