April 2025

CHALLENGE WEEK
Monday-Friday, March 31-April 4. Dress guidelines will be emailed to students for each of the themed days. Students are expected to dress within the guidelines or wear their traditional SJA uniform. Students who are dressed outside of the guidelines will receive disciplinary consequences.

• Monday, March 31: ’Merica Monday (Dress in all red, white and blue.)

• Tuesday, April 1: Twin/Trio Tuesday (Dress alike with a friend or two, or dress as something that comes in twos or threes; i.e. salt and pepper or rock/paper/scissors.)

• Wednesday, April 2: Western Wednesday (Dress in western/country attire.)

• Thursday, April 3: Travel Thursday (Dress as a flight attendant, bus driver, etc., or a person who is traveling.)

• Friday, April 4: Challenge Day: GI Joseph (Dress in military green/camo; students are encouraged to wear their Challenge Day t-shirts.)

WINTER SPORTS ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, April 2, 7:30 a.m., Academy Student Center. We will follow Schedule 9.

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.

CHALLENGE DAY 2025
Friday, April 4, 4 p.m., at Catholic High School. This year’s theme is GI Joseph. Challenge Day is hosted by the SJA and CHS student councils.

Admission to Challenge Day is by ticket only. Tickets will be available for sale on SchoolCash Online beginning on Friday, March 28. Tickets will be available for seniors and juniors first, then to sophomores if there are tickets available. We will get ready for the competition with a pep rally on April 4 beginning at 1:35 p.m. in the Academy Student Center. We will follow Schedule 8 on this day. Students who purchase a ticket to Challenge Day will receive a wristband prior to the pep rally.

Parents are welcome to join us for the pep rally. You can check-in online in advance, and your name badge will be pre-printed and waiting in the lobby of the Academy Student Center. Please show a form of ID upon arrival. Please do not park in the Tyler & Possa Law Office lot. We ask that you park in a visitor spot on Kleinert or Broussard or on the streets surrounding campus. Parents should stand upstairs on the mezzanine for the pep rally, as downstairs is reserved for SJA faculty and staff.

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 students.

CHALLENGE DAY WATCH PARTY
The SJA Mothers’ Club and Alumnae Association Board invite all SJA alumnae, parents and friends to a Challenge Day Watch Party on Friday, April 4, at Uncle Earl’s (3753 Perkins Road, Suite E) to support the Redstickers as they compete against the Bears of Catholic High. Doors open at 3:30 p.m., and Challenge Day action begins at 4 p.m. Guests will enjoy light bites provided by the Mothers’ Club and Alumnae Association Board and a cash bar. Please note attendees must be 18 to enter and 21 to drink. RSVP to events@sjabr.org by Friday, March 28. We look forward to celebrating this exciting tradition with you!

If you can’t join us for the Watch Party, you can enjoy the livestream of Challenge Day.

MOTHER-DAUGHTER BRUNCH & STYLE SHOW
We are so excited for this year’s event, set for Sunday, April 6, at the Raising Cane’s River Center. Doors open at 10 a.m., and the style show begins at 11 a.m. Check-in tables are located upstairs outside of the ballroom. See you on the runway!

GRADUATION ANNOUNCEMENTS PICK UP
Monday, April 7, Investar Quad during all three lunch periods. Graduation tickets and gowns were handed out to seniors during their lunch periods on March 24. Graduation caps will be handed out after each student completes final exams and the senior checkout process.

SPRING CHOIR CONCERT
Tuesday, April 8, First Baptist Church, 6 p.m. Join us for an inspiring evening of choral music. All choir students will perform in this concert, which will include selections from Choir Festival, our Senior Farewell song, solos, small vocal ensembles and more. The concert is free, and no tickets are necessary.
 
SERVICE HOURS DUE
Service hours for all students are due Wednesday, April 9, 2025. This means all hours must be completed and correctly logged in Mobile Serve and verified by the agency by this date. If your daughter’s service hours are not verified by an approved agency, they will not be counted. Please work with your daughter to ensure this is done. SJA approves service hours after agencies have verified them. All entries must be verified electronically by the agency. The only exception is for hours completed at the Missionaries of Charity Shelter & Soup Kitchen at St. Agnes, for which a form is given to each volunteer upon completion of her shift.
 
Please note that failure to turn in service hours by the deadline will result in disciplinary action. Seniors must complete their service requirements to graduate, and underclasswomen must complete their service hours to take their final exams.
 
Please direct questions to Assistant Campus Minister/Service Coordinator Noelle Shipley at shipleyn@sjabr.org.

SPRING DANCE CONCERT
Wednesday, April 9, LSU Union Theater, 6 and 8 p.m. The SJA Dance department presents Walk of Fame. A link to purchase tickets will be available soon.

EARLY DISMISSAL
Thursday, April 10, 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.

ADORATION
Thursday, April 10, Chapel at SJA during all three lunch periods.

SPRING BAND CONCERT
Friday, April 11, Catholic High School Gym, 6 p.m. Featuring the Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz I and II, Clarinet Ensemble and a variety of music, from classical masterpieces to contemporary favorites.

FACS STYLE SHOW
Tuesday, April 15. We will follow Schedule 3. The show for parents will take place that evening at 6:30 p.m. in the Activity Center. Students from Family and Consumer Science I, Clothing Construction and Advanced Clothing Construction will model outfits they have made.

STUDENT COUNCIL SPEECHES/SCHOOL SERVICE AWARDS
Wednesday, April 16, Academy Student Center, 9:45 a.m. We will follow Schedule 4. Dress uniforms are required. Students seeking the offices of student body president, vice president, secretary/treasurer, historian and communications coordinator will present speeches to the student body. Following the speeches, we will recognize students who have given time in service to the school through campus organizations, and seniors will present their farewell to the student body.

HOLY THURSDAY PRAYER SERVICE
Thursday, April 17. Dress uniforms are required. We will follow Schedule 2. Parents are invited to join us at 9:50 a.m. in the Academy Student Center.

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

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

ADORATION
Thursday, April 17, Chapel at SJA during all three lunch periods.

EASTER HOLIDAY
Friday, April 18, through Friday, April 25. There is no school for students or teachers. Classes resume on Monday, April 28.

The Main Office (St. Joseph Hall) will be closed for the week.

The Mission Advancement, Alumnae, Admissions, Facilities, Operations, Human Resources and Communications departments (Mother Alice Hall) and the Finance Office (Mother Thollot House) will be open Wednesday-Friday, April 23-25, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Help Desk will be open Wednesday-Friday, April 23-25, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

SPRING SPORTS ASSEMBLY
Monday, April 28, 7:30 a.m., Academy Student Center. We will follow Schedule 9.

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.

COLLEGE ESSAY WORKSHOP FOR JUNIORS
The Learning Center English tutors will host a second evening workshop on Monday, April 28, for juniors to assist in their college essay-writing efforts. The workshop will take place in the Fife Student Commons from 6 to 8 p.m. The evening session is designed to be a relaxed opportunity for juniors to get assistance with their college essays regardless of where they are in the process, from choosing a topic to brainstorming, revising or editing.

English tutors will continue to be available Monday-Thursday during all three lunch hours and Tuesday-Thursday after school in the Learning Center classroom in the Technology and Learning Center. Students can drop in or schedule an appointment for a writing conference through the Learning Center’s Moodle page.

ACADEMY AWARDS
Tuesday, April 29, 9:41 a.m., Academy Student Center. Students from all grade levels will be recognized for academic and other achievements. Dress uniforms are required. We will follow Schedule 6.

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

MAY CROWNING AND SERVICE AWARDS
Wednesday, April 30, 1:35 p.m., Academy Student Center. We will follow Schedule 8. Dress uniforms are required. We will begin the assembly with the crowning of Mary. Seniors participating in the annual ceremony are voted on by their classmates and the faculty/staff.

Immediately following May Crowning, we will recognize members of each class who have given 50 or more hours of service during the school year. Seniors qualifying for the four-year service award will be honored at Honors Convocation. We will also recognize the winner of the Sticker Selfless Service Award.

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

Parking will be available on Broussard and in the residential area on the Broussard side of the school. Please do not block driveways. Please do not park at the Tyler/Possa Law Office or on their grass. Look for signs indicating visitor parking availability.

CHANGE TO HANDBOOK
A change has been made to the School Handbook, as follows. The change will go into effect this summer. Changes are marked with an asterisk.

*Credit Recovery*
*Beginning in the summer of 2025, students may remediate a course in summer school if they earned a D or F semester grade during the most recent school year. Students may not attend summer school for remediation for a previous school year. Students may not remediate a course if an A, B or C grade is earned. Only those classes that are required for graduation may be remediated. Students may not remediate an elective course.*

*If a student fails a semester by earning a grade of F, she must follow the failure policy below to return to SJA the next school year and graduate.*

*A student may choose to remediate a course for a grade of D in a semester in order to improve her GPA, including her TOPS GPA.*

Grades received in summer school courses do not replace the failed grade *on a student’s SJA transcript* but are averaged in as an additional grade. *For her TOPS GPA, the grade earned in summer school replaces the semester grade earned.*

*Example SJA Transcript*

Students taking summer school courses must do so at Catholic High School unless special permission has been granted by the Dean of Academics. Students attending summer school may not take summer P.E.

Students who fail three or more subjects during the fall semester may be asked to leave St. Joseph’s Academy. Students who fail more than four semesters cannot return to SJA the following school year or graduate from SJA. Students are not allowed to repeat a grade.

Failure Policy
First semester: If a student fails a course for the first semester, in order to pass the course for the year, she must earn at least a C average for the second-semester letter grade. In such cases, on the student’s final transcript in the Student Transcript System (*STS*), the transcript database for the Louisiana Department of Education which is used for TOPS eligibility and college admissions, the student is assigned one letter grade for the entire course.

*Example*

A student would not be assigned a letter grade lower than a D if she earned a C or higher in semester two. If she earns a D for the second semester, she does not pass the course and must make up the half-credit from the first semester in summer school. Once completed, the summer school grade replaces the semester grade in STS.

*Failure in second semester:* If she earns an F and fails the second semester, in addition to failing the first semester, she must earn the whole credit in summer school. Students who pass the first semester and fail the second semester must make up the second semester in summer school.

2025-2026 SCHOOL CALENDAR
Click here to view the first draft of our 2025-2026 school calendar. Please take note of the mandatory retreat dates and testing sessions, as student attendance is required. We encourage families to use this calendar when planning vacations, college visits and other events to ensure they align with scheduled school breaks.

•    Senior Retreat: Sunday-Monday, October 12-13, 2025
•    Freshman Retreat: Monday, November 10, 2025
•    Sophomore Retreat: Monday, March 2, 2026
•    Junior Retreat: Monday, March 16, 2026
•    Senior Grandparents Week: Monday-Friday, September 22-26, 2025
•    Freshman Grandparents Day: Monday, October 13, 2025

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.

2024-2025 SCHOOL CALENDAR
Click here for important dates for the remainder of 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.
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.

DINING HALL ACCOUNT REFUNDS
If your daughter is graduating or otherwise leaving SJA, please submit your request for a Dining Hall account refund to support@mykidsspending.com by Friday, May 2. You will be issued a reimbursement via ACH within seven business days. Please be sure to leave enough money in your daughter’s account to cover her Dining Hall expenses through the end of the school year. Refund requests submitted after the May 2 deadline may be delayed up to eight weeks.  
 
For returning students, automatic funding will be paused over the summer. Automatic funding will be reactivated before the first day of school. If you would like to receive the balance of funds in your daughter’s account, please log into your My Kids Spending account, or contact support@mykidsspending.com for assistance. Again, please be sure to leave enough money in your daughter’s account to cover her Dining Hall expenses through the end of the school year.
 
Any person requesting a refund is asked to be sure your ACH information is correct in your My Kids Spending account to avoid delays in receiving your refund.
 
The parents of departing students may choose to transfer account balances to a younger sibling, cousin or family friend. If you wish to transfer an account balance, please email Food Service Director Lauren Guy at lguy@sagedining.com with the first and last names of both students, as well as their students ID numbers.

SJA ACT TEST PREP PROGRAM FOR 2025-2026
Gear Up for the ACT: SJA will offer four-hour sessions during the summer for each subject-specific test of the ACT. These sessions will 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.

The two ACT testing dates for the summer are:
•    June 14, 2025
•    July 12, 2025
 
SJA is hoping to offer a set of ACT Gear Up sessions prior to each testing date.
•    Reading, English, math and science sessions will be offered on dates prior to June 14, and another set of reading, English, math and science sessions will be offered on dates prior to the July 12 date.
•    Summer dates for the ACT Gear Up sessions will be included in the May Parent Newsletter.
 
ACT Diagnostic Testing: SJA will offer ACT Diagnostic Testing in the summer through Revolution Prep. 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 fees. Extended time is offered. The Diagnostic Test Session can be purchased on SchoolCash Online. Summer Dates for the ACT Diagnostic sessions will be posted in the May Parent Newsletter.

ACT Testing for the Class of 2026 in the Fall at SJA: Mark your calendars! SJA will offer the class of 2026 an additional opportunity to take the ACT in a comfortable environment during the school day at SJA in the fall. The test will be on October 28 and will be required for all seniors. Data shows that most students scored the highest score in the fall of their senior year. The cost will be less than $45 (the specific price will be shared in July) and will be available to purchase at the beginning of the next school year through SchoolCash Online. This test is only for seniors.

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.

JOIN THE SOIRÉE PLANNING COMMITTEE
Would you like to be part of the planning for this year’s SJA Soirée: A Redsticker Thursday Night? We would love to have you join our committee! If you are interested, please click here to let us know your particular area of interest. And mark your calendars for Thursday, October 30, 2025, and be sure to join us!

SIZZLING SUMMER CELEBRATES 35 YEARS IN 2025
Girls in grades 3-9 will enjoy athletics, arts, academics, enrichment and technology camps during the month of June. Boys in grades 4-9 are invited to attend some technology camps. Click here for all the details and to register.

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. The deadline to submit an ad has been extended to May 1.
 
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. Students can schedule an appointment for a writing conference through the Learning Center’s Moodle page. 

SPIRITUAL FORMATION 

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

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

Since St. Joseph’s Academy opened its doors in 1868, much has changed in high school education. We have kept – and more often set – the pace. At the same time, we have held on to our cherished pillars: faith development, academic excellence and personal growth. St. Joseph’s Academy has educated generation after generation of young women to be responsible members of the world community.

Wow! What a day! On March 19, the entire Redsticker community came together to make SJA Give Day another one for the record books. Because of the generosity of you and scores of generous donors like you, we exceeded our goal with more than 950 donors raising more than $160,000 for our ninth SJA Give Day! Our success is a testament to the sacred thread the runs through the Redsticker community. As one, we work together to continue to create the next opportunity for our students. Thank you for believing in the mission of SJA.

If you missed the opportunity to give during SJA Give Day 2025, no worries. You can still make a difference in the lives of SJA students with your gift to the SJA Parent Annual Fund. Click here to make your gift or visit www.sjagiveday.org for more information.

If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact Mission Advancement Director Meg Gerald at geraldm@sjabr.org or  (225) 388-2254.

PAVE THE WAY BRICKS 

Make your mark on SJA’s campus by purchasing a brick for your daughter. Engraved brick pavers are placed 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.

SJA MOTHERS' CLUB

LOOKING FOR A FEW GREAT LADIES
The Mothers’ Club is looking for co-chairs for the following committees. Volunteers should feel comfortable using SignupGenius and typically move up to the chair position in the second year. If you are interested in learning more about any of these positions, please contact Caroline Lemann at (225) 603.6778 or cslemann@icloud.com.  

Meet & Greet Committee: Friday afternoon in mid-August
Organize event to coincide with the Freshman Social hosted at CHS. Co-chair needed.

Christmas Decorations
Use decor stored at SJA to beautifully decorate campus for the Christmas season. The committee will work with volunteers one afternoon before Thanksgiving to set up decorations and one afternoon after the new year to take down decorations. Co-chair needed.

Science Fair Reception: early January
Provide food and drinks for the students participating in Science Fair as well as the judges and faculty. Wonderful opportunity for a mom whose daughter will be participating in Science Fair. Co-chair needed.

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 as 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
We thank Catherine Alford, Beth Couvillion, Lana Malone and the Party Blooms Committee who have organized and will deliver boutonnières for Prom on March 28.

Thanks to Catherine Jumonville and Chantelle Larussa and their committee for hosting a beautiful spring luncheon for the faculty and staff on March 26.

SJA DADS’ CLUB 

YOU ARE MY LUCKY CHARM: FATHER-DAUGHTER DAY
What is luckier than a four-leaf clover? Dads and daughters spending a day together. Father-Daughter Day at SJA has been rescheduled to Sunday, March 30. The day will begin at 11 a.m. in the Academy Student Center with a prayer service and our guest speaker, Chris Stelly, the executive director of Louisiana Entertainment. Following the prayer service, dads and daughters will enjoy lunch and games on campus. Compete in a multitude of games with and against your daughter for prizes and bragging rights. You can still purchase lunch on SchoolCash Online.

LOOKING FOR A FEW GOOD DADS
Thursday, May 1, is the last day at SJA for the class of 2025, and the Dads’ Club would like to send them off with a great meal prepared by you. We are looking for 20 dads to help prepare, grill and serve the burger lunch to the senior class. If you like to grill or just want to come help serve, please join us.
 
We will start at approximately 8 a.m. preparing the grill and cooking 400 burgers. We will begin serving lunch at 10:04 a.m. and end at 12:32 p.m. Bring your apron and favorite spatula.

If you would like to volunteer, please click here. Please direct any questions to Dads’ Club moderator Meg Gerald at geraldm@sjabr.org.

As April unfolds, we at the Sticker Shop are excited to bring you a delightful array of options to celebrate milestones and stay stylish. Here’s what’s in store for you this month.

GRADUATION GIFTS GALORE
Whether you’re commemorating an 8th-grade graduation or a high school milestone, we have the perfect gifts to mark the occasion. Choose from a variety of items including the iconic Pura Vida Bracelet in SJA colors, exquisite jewelry pieces, trendy stickers, magnets, ceramic plaques, ornaments, acrylic keepsakes, mugs, water bottles, cozy blankets and an array of sweatshirts. Can’t decide? Opt for a gift card, and let them choose their favorite!

UNIFORM SHOPPING MADE EASY
Looking to get a head start on next year’s uniform shopping? We’ve got you covered! Our shelves are fully stocked with uniform essentials, including sweatpants, sweatshirts, PE shirts and PE Script Shorts in both red and navy. Please note that all other uniform items can be purchased at school uniform stores in town.

SHOPPING OPTIONS FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE
Have your daughter visit the Sticker Shop during her lunch period.
Prefer online shopping? Explore our offerings at www.sjastickershop.org.
Enjoy an in-person shopping experience at Mother Alice Hall, Room 116, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. We accept major credit cards and cash.
Please note, we are closed on days when the campus is closed.

QUESTIONS OR SUGGESTIONS?
We value your feedback! Reach out to us at stickershop@sjabr.org with any questions, suggestions or concerns.

Thank You for Your Continued Support:
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to you for your continued support of SJA and the Mother’s Club by shopping at the Sticker Shop. Your patronage allows us to uphold and spread the Sticker Pride throughout our community.
Let's make April a month filled with celebration and Sticker Pride! Geaux Stickers!