August 2024

Dear Parents, 

The 2024-2025 school year is right around the corner, and I look forward to welcoming the 278 members of the class of 2028, a number of new upperclasswomen and all of their families. To all of you, welcome!

We are excited for Melissa Brocato ’89 to join our administrative team. In addition to being an alumna, Melissa is the mother of a 2023 graduate. She joins us with an impressive resume in education. She spent 26 years at LSU, most recently as assistant vice provost/president since 2017 and executive director of the Center for Academic Success since 2009. You will have the opportunity to meet Melissa at our Parents Back-To-School Night on August 14. 

Though there is a lot of information in our back-to-school newsletter, it includes everything you and your daughters need to know to start the school year off right. I ask that you please share this newsletter with your daughters to ensure they are aware of dates, events and expectations before the first day of classes. Should you have questions, our deans are ready to help.

For questions about your daughter’s schedule, contact Dean of Academics Aubrey DeJohn (dejohna@sjabr.org).
For questions about student orientation, parking and attendance, contact Dean of Women Christina Myles (mylesc@sjabr.org).
For questions about curriculum and additional ACT prep opportunities, contact Dean of Curriculum and Instruction Melissa Brocato (brocatom@sjabr.org).

I ask that you and your daughter also spend time reviewing the Student Parent Handbook. It is the responsibility of SJA families to read and agree to the changes and updates for the 2024-2025 school year and sign the handbook acknowledgment form, found in the yellow banner in MySJA upon login. 

There are two very important areas that I ask parents to pay special attention to. The first is class attendance. There is growing national concern regarding absenteeism, and we at SJA share in that concern. While everyone experiences occasional illness or family emergencies, our students are missing school for outside events, test anxiety and even convenience. While making up the missed work is important, much is lost when a student is not actually sitting in class. Students need to be active in their learning through discussion and participation. Our attendance policy is generous, but it does have limitations. If your daughter misses a class 15 times in a semester, she will not be given credit for the course and therefore cannot move on at SJA for the second semester. I will personally be in contact with the parents of any student in danger of losing credit due to absences. Every school day is important. There is never a skip day or a day where “nothing is happening.” Also, pay special attention now to mid-term and final exam dates. Students will not be allowed to reschedule exams due to vacation plans. Mid-terms are December 17-20, and finals are May 5-8 for seniors and May 20-23 for all other grade levels.  

The second area that I ask all parents to pay special attention to is the Safe Homes program. All parents will have the opportunity to agree to be part of this program when signing the handbook acknowledgment form. We ask that you please only agree to the terms if you plan to be present and observant when other students are at your home. For the students’ safety and the peace of mind of other parents, you are agreeing to ensure that no drugs or alcohol will be present at events in your home and that students will be supervised by adults. 

I look forward to a great school year as we spread the charism theme of We Are All One: Gifted and Transformed by the Spirit, in which we are called to celebrate, appreciate and respect the unique gifts of each person and all creation.

I look forward to seeing you at Back-to-School Night on August 14!

Sincerely,

Stacia B. Andricain, Principal
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.

STUDENT ORIENTATION
Tuesday, August 6, for freshmen and seniors, and Wednesday, August 7, for sophomores, juniors and seniors. Please note that seniors will attend both days of orientation. In addition to typical orientation activities on August 6, seniors will return on August 7 for a session with the college advisors, who will discuss the college admissions and application process. Laptops are required both days. 

Please be reminded that orientation is considered a school day, and your daughter should be present at the required time. If your daughter cannot attend her scheduled session, please submit the reason in writing to Dean of Women Christina Myles at mylesc@sjabr.org. For additional information, please call the Deans’ Office at (225) 388-2280.

Click here for orientation schedules. Regular uniforms are allowed on orientation days. The first full day of school is Thursday, August 8. We will follow Schedule 2 for this welcome gathering. Dress uniforms are required. (Seniors are permitted to wear their red shirts with their dress uniform.) Full dress uniforms are required for all students on Thursday, August 15, as we celebrate mass.

Freshmen are reminded to print their class schedules and bring them to school on their orientation day, as they will have a chance to go through their schedule, meet their teachers and find their classrooms. 

YEARBOOK AND STUDENT ID PICTURES
Kleinpeter Photography will take photographs for the SJA yearbook and student ID cards during student orientation. Click here for the order form. The completed form and payment should be given to the photographer at your daughter’s designated picture time during orientation. Students who do not take their yearbook and ID pictures during their orientation session will take their pictures on Wednesday, August 21, during all lunch periods. 

SENIOR PORTRAITS
Attention senior parents: If your senior daughter has not yet scheduled her photo session with Kleinpeter Photography for her cap-and-gown and drape shots, please do so at your earliest convenience. Please be reminded that appointments must be scheduled by July 31. 

Please direct questions to Kleinpeter Photography at kelly@kleinpeterphotography.com or (225) 928-7596. 

CLASS SCHEDULES 
Students will be notified by email when their class schedules have been posted online prior to the start of the school year. Schedules will not be printed and provided to students, so students must print their own schedules. Once the school year begins, schedule changes will be considered during the first two weeks of classes based on level changes only (i.e., moving from Algebra II Honors to Algebra II). These requests are honored only if dropping or adding a course does not affect class sizes or teacher load and if the change is possible in the student’s schedule. Because electives are not required courses and are based on student choice, schedule changes cannot be honored as the deadline has passed.

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

CLASSES AT CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
Questions/issues for SJA students taking classes at CHS will be addressed during student orientation. Please direct curriculum questions to Dean of Academics Aubrey DeJohn at dejohna@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2269. Transportation questions should be addressed to Activities Coordinator Aimee Cronan at cronana@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2266.

TABLET INSURANCE
Please be reminded that the Insurance Form must be completed annually, whether you choose to purchase insurance on your daughter’s computer or not. If you have not yet completed the form, we ask that you please do so here. If you choose to purchase the insurance, it will not go into effect until we receive the completed form and payment. If you choose not to purchase insurance, we ask that you indicate that option on the form. 

The cost of the computer insurance for the coming year (July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025) is $62. The insurance process is managed in house, and SJA will act as your contact when you need to file a claim.
 
Please direct questions to Technology Operations Manager Sharon Cashio at cashios@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2246.

DINING HALL ACCOUNTS 
Please be sure that your daughter’s Dining Hall account has sufficient funds to begin the 2024-2025 academic year. Parents of freshmen and students new to SJA can create an online account through MyKidsSpending after August 1, 2024. Click the Create Account bar at the bottom of the page and follow the prompts. If you have an existing MyKidsSpending account, please log in and verify that the Auto Fund feature is enabled to prevent your daughter’s Dining Hall account from running a deficit. Again, please note that you will not be able to create a new account or fund an existing account prior to August 1. 

Cash is not accepted for Dining Hall purchases. It is imperative that MyKidsSpending accounts are funded and active. Be sure to download the “Touch of SAGE” mobile app for Android and iOS to track events, view menus and more. 

For additional information, please contact Food Services Director Lauren Guy at lguy@sagedining.com.

SUMMER READING REMINDER 
Please be reminded that all students must complete a summer reading assignment for their English classes before the start of the school year. Click here for the summer reading list for the 2024-2025 academic year. 

SCHOOL HANDBOOK
The 2024-2025 School Handbook is located on the SJA website under the Parents and Students portals. It is the responsibility of students and parents to read the handbook and to be informed of its contents. Please note that changes to last year’s handbook are indicated with asterisks around amended or new policies.

The School Handbook Acknowledgment Form 2024-2025 can be found in the yellow banner in MySJA upon login. Both you and your daughter must log in and sign the form in order to submit. (Please note that only one parent needs to sign the acknowledgment form.) Signing and submitting this form indicates that you have read the handbook and agree to follow and uphold the policies and practices of St. Joseph’s Academy. 

Parent/guardian signatures also grant permission for your daughter’s photograph, video image, name and/or interview answers to be used for publicity purposes on the SJA website, in Academy-produced publications and in various external and SJA media outlets, including social media platforms. (See the Communications section of the handbook for the complete policy.)

The signed form must be submitted no later than the first day of school on Thursday, August 8.

Failure to abide by the policies of the handbook by either the student or the parent/guardian may result in the student’s removal from school. 

The School Handbook can be amended at any time during the school year. Parents will be notified of changes via the Parent Newsletter; students will be notified via email. Final interpretation of all items is determined by the administration. 

SAFETY PLAN
As you read the School Handbook, you will notice the section regarding our safety plan has been removed. This was done in compliance with our insurance company to ensure that our plan does not fall into the wrong hands. The SJA safety policies and Emergency Action Plan are available upon request. Please contact Principal Stacia Andricain at andricains@sjabr.org.

STUDENT PROFILE AND EMERGENCY CONTACT FORMS 
In order for SJA to have up-to-date information on record for our students, we ask parents of returning 10th-12th grade students to complete the Student Profile and Emergency Contact forms, if you have not yet done so, at your earliest convenience. Both forms are located in MySJA. Please click on each yellow banner to complete each form. If you do not see a yellow banner, it may be that another parent/guardian has completed the process. Please direct questions to Assistant to the Registrar Stacy Rennhoff at rennhoffs@sjabr.org. 

HEALTH INFORMATION FORM 
It is a requirement that we have an updated health information form each year in order for your daughter to attend classes on campus. You will see the form in the yellow banner in MySJA upon login. This form must be completed by the first day of school on Thursday, August 8.

If you experience technical difficulties accessing any forms, please contact Information Systems Manager Karen Faucheux at faucheuxk@sjabr.org. If you have questions about the required medical information or other health-related information, please contact Nurse Marie Vukovics at vukovicsm@sjabr.org.

VACCINE EXEMPTION FORM
If you turned in an exemption form last year opting your daughter out of the Hepatitis A vaccine or any other vaccine, we need a new exemption form for the 2024-2025 school year. Click here for the exemption form from the state of Louisiana. If your daughter has since received the Hepatitis A vaccine, please submit a current, official immunization record signed by her provider. 
 
Please note that you will not be able to upload either of these records. The exemption form or new up-to-date record can be faxed to SJA at (225) 344-5714; emailed (a scanned copy) to Nurse Marie Vukovics at vukovicsm@sjabr.org; or delivered (a hard copy) to the school. A summary of vaccines from MyChart or LINKS is not considered a valid record for school purposes and will not be accepted.

REMINDER TO PARENTS OF SJA JUNIORS 
According to the state of Louisiana, “Students 16 years of age and entering the 11th grade are required by state law to show proof of having received a second dose of MCV4 (meningococcal) vaccine.” 

The state of Louisiana requires all schools to have a current official immunization record on file for all students showing that they have received the meningococcal booster within a one-month grace period following their 16th birthday. If you have decided against having the booster administered, an exemption form should be submitted each school year.

Once the vaccine has been administered and you obtain an official, signed, up-to-date immunization record from your student’s provider’s office, please log into MySJA and click the yellow banner to upload the record or exemption form to her file.

In preparation for your daughter’s junior year at SJA:

• If your daughter is already 16 years old or will turn 16 before the start of the new school year, you should have received an email in June from MySJA asking you to upload a signed State of Louisiana Universal Certificate of Immunizations, which you can get from your daughter’s provider. It will be due before the first day school on Thursday, August 8, or by one month after her 16th birthday.

• If your daughter will celebrate her 16th birthday after the start of the 2024-2025 school year, be sure to schedule an appointment when she is nearing her 16th birthday. The appointment needs to be on her birthday or within one month after her birthday. You will receive the email from MySJA asking you to upload a signed State of Louisiana Universal Certificate of Immunizations closer to her actual birthday. 

• If you have decided to opt out of the booster, an exemption form must be submitted each school year. Please email a scanned copy to Nurse Marie Vukovics at vukovicsm@sjabr.org or fax a copy to the school at (225) 344-5714, as we will need to sign it before uploading it to your daughter’s file. Please note that we will need a new exemption form at the beginning of each school year. 

Remember, a summary of vaccines from MyChart or LINKS is not considered a valid record for school purposes and will not be accepted.

If you are unable to upload the record, you can email a scanned copy to vukovicsm@sjabr.org or fax a copy to (225) 344-5714, and we will upload the record for you.

Please contact School Nurse Marie Vukovics at or vukovicsm@sjabr.org with any questions or concerns.

CALCULATOR REQUIREMENTS 
Students must have a TI-30XIIS scientific calculator for Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, Algebra III, Calculus and Calculus Honors. Pre-Calculus Honors and AP Calculus students are required to have a TI-84 Plus CE series graphing calculator. We ask that you permanently label calculators before bringing them to school. Please direct questions to Math Department Chair Lauren Sommer at sommerl@sjabr.org.

PE SHIRTS AND SHORTS
PE shirts will be available for purchase through the Sticker Shop and can be picked up during the students’ lunch hours. Any appropriate SJA or other t-shirt will be acceptable for PE classes until the PE shirts are available in the Sticker Shop. Also required for PE are red or navy athletic shorts, any brand, of appropriate length. Sticker Shop hours during the school year are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Please note the shop is not open on days when campus is closed.

YEARBOOK ORDERS
The SJA yearbook captures once-in-a-lifetime memories in a single place. You can save $10 by purchasing your copy before August 30. 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.

SUMMER OFFICE HOURS 
Summer hours are 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Thursday. We are closed on Fridays. We resume regular hours on Tuesday, August 6.

Please note that the Main Office will be open during the two weeks of Computer Orientation (July 22-25 and July 29-August 1) from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The office will be closed on Friday, July 26, and Friday, August 2.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL WELCOME AND PRAYER SERVICE
Thursday, August 8, Academy Student Center
We will follow Schedule 2. Dress uniforms are required. We will gather as a school community to kick off the 2024-2025 school year with the charism theme We Are All One: Gifted and Transformed by the Spirit. We will introduce the class of 2028 and new upperclass students as well as new faculty and staff members. This is a time of prayer as we strengthen our bond as a faith community. The Student Council executive board and class representatives elected in the spring will be inducted following the prayer service. (Details about elections for class representatives for the freshman class will be shared after school begins.) Family and friends are invited to join us beginning at 9:53 a.m.

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

PARENTS’ BACK-TO-SCHOOL DANCE 
The Dads’ Club invites all SJA parents to an adult-only Back-to-School Dance on Saturday, August 10, at 7 p.m. in the Academy Student Center. Tickets are $75 per couple or $37.50 individually and include food, beer, wine, soft drinks and daiquiris. The Groupie Package includes a reserved table for 10, two bottles of champagne and light-up party favors at your table. Come dance the night away to the sounds of The Chee-Weez. Grab your friends and join us as we celebrate the beginning of the new school year! Please direct questions to Dads’ Club Moderator Meg Gerald at geraldm@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2254.

Tickets are available for purchase on SchoolCash Online. If you have any difficulty purchasing your tickets, please contact Assistant to the Registrar Stacy Rennhoff at rennhoffs@sjabr.org.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL NIGHT
We welcome all parents to campus on Wednesday, August 14, from 6:15 to 8:16 p.m. for Back-to-School Night. Parents can visit their daughters’ classes and meet their teachers. Please bring a copy of her schedule. Attendance is optional.

We will have a new format this year. Parents will report directly to their daughters’ first period class to begin the evening. Parents will have the opportunity during their daughters’ lunch period to speak with an administrator or counselor if they choose to do so. 

Student Ambassadors will be on hand to assist you with classroom locations.

FIRST SCHOOL MASS 
We will celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Thursday, August 15, Academy Student Center. We will follow Schedule 4. Dress uniforms are required. Family and friends are invited to join us beginning at 9:46 a.m.

Guests 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.

FRESHMAN SOCIAL 
All freshmen from SJA and freshmen and 8th graders from Catholic High School are invited to a Freshman Social at CHS on Friday, August 16, from 3 to 4 p.m. SJA students will gather after school in the orchard and walk to CHS together. Chaperones will walk students back to SJA promptly at 4 p.m. for pick-up from the carpool line. The social is designed to allow the freshman classes of both schools to meet new people and interact with old friends. Freshmen will be given more information during the first week of school.

MOTHERS’ CLUB MEET & GREET
Friday, August 16, 3:30-5 p.m., Mother Alice Hall Community Room. This event is for new and current SJA moms to meet and see one another. 

LEGACY MASS
On Sunday, August 18, SJA’s Alumnae Office will host the annual Legacy Mass & Reception. Mass will be celebrated at 9 a.m. in the Chapel at SJA followed by a brunch reception in the Fife Student Commons. All current SJA students with their mothers, grandmothers and great-grandmothers who are Academy graduates are encouraged to attend. Please contact Alumnae Director Alli Bourgeois ’14 at bourgeoisa@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2244 for more information. RSVP at events@sjabr.org.

MISSION ADVANCEMENT MEETING FOR ALL NEW PARENTS OF SJA 
All new SJA parents (freshmen and new upperclass students) are asked to attend a meeting with the Mission Advancement Office and SJA Counseling Center. We have three dates and times from which to choose. Please select the meeting that works best for your schedule. The meetings will be held on Wednesday, August 21, at 12 p.m.; and Thursday, August 22, at 12 or 6 p.m. All meetings will be held in the community room of Mother Alice Hall (3080 Kleinert Avenue). Please select your date as soon as possible, as space is limited. 

Those unable to attend any of the three meetings will be asked to schedule a make-up meeting with the Mission Advancement Office. Please direct questions to Mission Advancement Director Meg Gerald at geraldm@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2254.

EARLY DISMISSAL
Thursday, August 22, 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, writing and English) will be available.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL DANCE
All students from SJA and CHS are invited to the Back-to-School Dance on Friday, August 23, from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Catholic High School Gym. Further details regarding tickets, dance theme and parking/carpool instructions will be provided closer to the date of the dance.

PARKING AT SJA
Parking is a privilege for seniors, juniors and sophomores. We will continue to provide security for our campus and parking lots between the hours of 6:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. each school day. We ask parents of freshmen to make carpool or other transportation arrangements as well as sophomores without a driver’s license. Sophomores, juniors and seniors must have a valid driver’s license (not a learner’s permit) to register a vehicle and purchase a parking spot. A spot cannot sit empty. If a student will not have a car to drive, then she must wait until she has a car before purchasing a spot. 

Parking for seniors will be available for purchase on SchoolCash Online starting on Tuesday, July 23. Parking for juniors and sophomores will be available for purchase on SchoolCash Online starting on Wednesday, July 24. Required information and payment must be completed by Wednesday, July 31, at 3 p.m. Any spots purchased after this time will be assigned after the original round of parking assignments is complete.

Parking lot spots are $324.75 if purchased in the first semester (August-December) and $162.50 in the second semester (January-May). Students will be able to list their lot choices in order of preference. However, specific lot assignments and parking spaces will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis within each grade. If a student is assigned to a lot that is not her preference, she will not be allowed to request a refund or to switch to street spot. Senior spots will be assigned first in the following lots: Synagogue, Kleinert, Mother Thollot House and Academy Student Center. Junior spots will be assigned after seniors in the following lots: Synagogue, Kleinert and Mother Thollot House. Sophomore spots will be assigned after juniors in the following lots (based on availability): Synagogue, Kleinert and Mother Thollot House.

Street parking spots are $108.50 and sold on a first-come, first-served basis. There are only 50 spots available for street parking. Students will be assigned a specific section of street parking for the year. Seniors will receive priority with purchasing street spots first on Tuesday, July 23, with any remaining spots being available to all on Wednesday, July 24. For safety reasons, our goal is to have as few students parking on the street as possible.

Students will receive their parking assignments by email on Friday, August 2, and should park in their assigned spot when they come for orientation. During the first week of school, students will receive an email telling them when to pick up their passes. They must bring a copy of their driver’s license to receive their parking pass. Parking passes must be picked up by Friday, August 16, and should always remain visible in the vehicle. Students who park on campus without a parking permit are subject to disciplinary action. 

Please direct questions to Attendance Coordinator Amanda Stinson at stinsona@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2202.

SAVE THE DATE: PARENT/SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP WORKSHOPS
The Counseling Center and the administration of St. Joseph’s Academy will offer grade-level workshops for parents during the coming year. Please add these events to your calendar and plan to have at least one parent in attendance.

Our purpose is to create open lines of communication between parents and the school as we strive to proactively address issues of specific importance to your daughters. Additional details, including workshop times, will be shared as we near each date. 

• Mandatory for Freshman Parents (encouraged for all parents)
  Tuesday, October 1: Preventing Substance Abuse in Teens (Drugs/Alcohol) 
  Tentative Location: Academy Student Center
   

• Mandatory for Sophomore Parents
  Thursday, September 12: Deep Dive into Test Prep and Understanding Your GPA
  Tentative Location: Fife Student Commons
   

• Mandatory for Junior Parents
  Monday, April 7, or Tuesday, April 8: College Planning 
  Tentative Location: Fife Student Commons
   

• Mandatory for Senior Parents
  Wednesday, February 12: Senior Supper to Review End-of-the-Year Events
  Tentative Location: Academy Student Center

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

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

• September 2: Labor Day

• October 18 and 21: Fall Holiday 

• November 25-29: Thanksgiving

• December 23-January 6: Christmas

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

• March 3-7: Mardi Gras 

• April 18-25: Easter

ARRIVAL/DISMISSAL REMINDERS 
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.  

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.  
 
ACT TEST PREP PROGRAM FOR 2024-2025
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 2024 ACT date) and spring (before the March 2025 ACT date for juniors). 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; ACT writing will cost $25 plus fees. 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.
 
Fall Dates

• Math: September 14, 2024 (8 a.m.-12 p.m.)

• Reading: September 21, 2024 (8 a.m.-12 p.m.)

• Science: September 28, 2024 (8 a.m.-12 p.m.)

• English: October 12, 2024 (8 a.m.-12 p.m.)

 
Spring Dates

• Math: January 25, 2025 (8 a.m.-12 p.m.)

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

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

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

  
ACT Diagnostic Testing: SJA will offer ACT Diagnostic Testing in the fall and spring of the 2024-2025 school year. Students will practice taking a full-length ACT test in a test setting and receive specific feedback on the areas where they need to work to improve their scores. Each student will receive a detailed report of her test results, stating specific skills and content areas to focus on to achieve a higher score. The test will simulate a real ACT test with the setting, timing and using an ACT-released test. The cost is $15.50 plus fees. Extended time is offered. The Diagnostic Test Session can be purchased on SchoolCash Online.

2024-2025 Dates

• August 17, 2024 (8-11:30 a.m.)

• October 5, 2024 (8-11:30 a.m.)

• January 11, 2025 (8-11:30 a.m.)

ACT Testing for the Class of 2025 in the Fall at SJA: Mark your calendars! SJA will offer the class of 2025 an additional opportunity to take the ACT in a comfortable environment during the school day at SJA in the fall. The test will be October 29, 2024. The cost is $39 plus tax and will be available for purchase beginning August 12 on SchoolCash Online. The deadline to purchase is September 2. This test is only for seniors.

STUDENT ACCIDENT INSURANCE
SJA carries student accident insurance through Scholastic Insurance. All students are automatically covered, so there is no need to enroll.  

Coverage limit is $25,000 per injury from the first day of school until the last day of school. The policy pays 100 percent of the reasonable and customary expenses incurred for necessary medical, dental or hospital care (with an additional dental benefit of $1,000) up to a maximum of $25,000 for any one injury, subject to the deductible amount, excess provision and exclusions. Click here for a brochure.

Expenses incurred after one year from the date of injury are not covered. Deductible is $100, or the amount collectible from any other insurance sources, subject to the excess provisions, if applicable. Liability for school-time-only coverage will be limited to the part of expenses that is in excess of the total benefits payable by other valid coverage on an expense-incurred or provision-of-services basis. 

Students are covered for injury that occurs:

• while on the school premises during the hours and days when classes are in session and while participating in or attending any school activity, including athletics, sponsored by and under the direct and immediate supervision of the school;

• while away from the school premises, if participating in a school-sponsored, directly supervised activity, including all athletics on field trips;

• while commuting directly and without interruption to or from their place of residence and school for regular school-day sessions; and/or

• while traveling to or from any school-sponsored, directly supervised activity, including athletic events, in a school-authorized vehicle.

Please note that virtual insurance coverage extends to students participating in a school- sponsored class or activity whether at school or elsewhere. 

To receive a claims form or if you have questions, please contact Director of Operations Linda Thompson at thompsonl@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2305.

SAFETY REPORT 
SJA is in compliance with federal regulations concerning asbestos. All federal guidelines for underground pipes are also in compliance. Additionally, both the sprinkler and fire alarm systems have been tested and certified for another year. 

For further information, contact Maintenance Supervisor Arthur Smith at smitha@sjabr.org.

PESTICIDE HYPERSENSITIVITY 
SJA is in compliance with Act 237 and maintains a registry of students who are hypersensitive to pesticides. If your daughter has this sensitivity, please send written verification by a licensed physician and your written statement regarding her condition so we may attend to her needs. Send verification to School Nurse Marie Vukovics at vukovicsm@sjabr.org.

CARPOOL 
If you are interested in forming a carpool in your neighborhood, please contact Attendance Coordinator Amanda Stinson at stinsona@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2202 beginning Wednesday, July 31.

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. 

NSHSS
We have been made aware that a number of families receive information from the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) during the summer months. We want you to be aware that NSHSS is not affiliated with St. Joseph’s Academy and that NSHSS regalia is not permitted at SJA graduation. 

NIL APPS AND CLUB
The SJA administration and athletic department are aware of new apps to form NIL clubs. Students and parents are not allowed to form or join any NIL club in the name of St. Joseph’s Academy for the purpose of soliciting donations for members of our athletics teams. SJA is not associated with any NIL club or membership.  

STUDENT COUNCIL FUN DAYS 
Details about each Fun Day, including theme-specific dress guidelines, will be included in each month’s Parent Newsletter as well as emailed to students. General guidelines are as follows:

• IDs must be worn with costume at all times.

• No spaghetti tank tops/no sports bras visible.

• No crop tops of any kind/no exposed midriff of any kind.

• No skirts or shorts shorter than school skirts.

  • The distance from the bottom hem of the skirt to the top of the student’s knee should be no more than two-three inches (i.e. the dimensions of an SJA ID).

  • If leggings are worn as part of the costume, the student’s bottom/buttock must be fully covered by her top. 

• No toy weapons.

• No glitter/no feathers.

• No full-face paint/no full-face masks.

• No faux facial hair.

• No sleepwear (PJs, boxers, night gowns). Onesies are permitted.

• No swim wear, bathing suits (over or under clothing).

• No lamp-shading (bottoms should be longer than the t-shirt).

Themes for the 2024-2025 School Year 

• August 23: Aloha August (dress in tropical or Hawaiian attire)

• September 13: Superhero September (dress as your favorite superhero)

• October 4: Pep Rally; theme TBA

• October 31: Ghouls Just Wanna Have Fun (Halloween)

• November 22: Nostalgic November (dress as your favorite childhood TV show or throwback movie)

• December 13: Deck the Halls December (Christmas attire)

• January 17: Jaws January (sharks, sea animals or lifeguards)

• February 14: Falling For You February (Valentine’s Day attire)

• March 14: Marry Me March (wedding or bridal attire)

• Challenge Week

  • March 31: ’Merica Monday (USA theme)

  • April 1: Twin/Trio Tuesday (dress as part of a famous twin set or trio)  

  • April 2: Western Wednesday (country attire)

  • April 3: Travel Thursday (dress as a tacky tourist, airline attendant, pilot or other mode of transportation)

  • April 4: Challenge Day (theme TBA)

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.

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.

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

THE SOIRÉE: A REDSTICKER THURSDAY NIGHT
Tickets are now on sale for The SJA Soirée: A Redsticker Thursday Night, set for Thursday, October 24, 2024. Early bird ticket pricing will end in September, so don’t wait to purchase your tickets. Make plans to join us for a casual, fun night of live music from the Peyton Falgoust Band, great food and drinks from some of Baton Rouge’s best restaurants and caterers, live and silent auctions, bourbon tastings, mystery box pulls and much more!

The event will be held in the Fife Student Commons and Investar Quad. We invite you to enjoy a relaxed evening with SJA parents, alumnae and friends. 

As the planning committee continues our work to make this year’s Soirée the best ever, we would love to have your support as an event sponsor, auction item donor or Dream Vacation Raffle participant. If you own a business or work for a business that you would like to promote, please contact Jennifer Knight at knightj@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2270.

SAVE THE DATE: 12TH ANNUAL SJA STICKER SCRAMBLE 
On Wednesday, November 6, the SJA Dads’ Club will hold the 2024 Sticker Scramble at TopGolf of Baton Rouge. The Sticker Scramble is now in its 12th year and has raised more than $100,000 for campuswide enhancements. The tournament offers men’s, women’s and mixed teams all vying for the top prize. 

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

Our goal is to raise $10,000 this year. All sponsorships, gifts and services are tax deductible. Rain or shine, we look forward to seeing you on November 6 at TopGolf!

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 through Thursday during all three lunch hours and from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Learning Center classroom in the Technology and Learning Center. Email crifasia@sjabr.org or krzystowczykn@sjabr.org.

SCIENCE RESOURCE
Science 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 Technology and Learning Center. 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 Technology and Learning Center. Email abadiej@sjabr.org.

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

RETREAT INFORMATION 2024-2025

• October 13-14, 2024: Senior Retreat, Tall Timbers, Forest Hill, Louisiana

• November 11, 2024: Freshman Retreat, SJA

• February 24, 2025: Sophomore Retreat, SJA

• March 17, 2025: Junior Retreat, TBA

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

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

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

REQUIRED SERVICE PROGRAM

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

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

SJA ANNUAL FUND 
The Annual Fund is an essential component of St. Joseph’s Academy’s fundraising efforts. Last year’s appeal raised $656,680, supporting curriculum, faculty enrichment, facility enhancements and other areas of need. Our parents are key to the success of the Annual Fund. Last year, they contributed almost $200,000 towards the total. Thank you to everyone who partnered with us in 2023-2024.  

Outside of tuition, the SJA Annual Fund is the second largest source of revenue for St. Joseph’s Academy. Please help us to continue to grow the SJA Annual Fund and provide vital support to the Academy community by making a contribution during the 2024-2025 fiscal year. Upperclass parents will receive their commitment forms in the mail the week of August 19. Freshman parents will receive their commitment forms at the new parent meeting of their choice on either Wednesday, August 21, at 12 p.m. or Thursday, August 22, at 12 p.m. or 6 p.m.

Click here to donate online today. Thank you in advance for your generosity and support in continuing the tradition of excellence for our students.

For additional information, please 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

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

If you would like to get more involved in the Mothers’ Club and chair or co-chair a committee, please contact the Mothers’ Club Membership Chair at sjamcmembership@sjabr.org.

MOTHERS’ CLUB MEET & GREET
Friday, August 16, 3:30-5 p.m., Mother Alice Hall Community Room. This event is for new and current SJA moms to meet and see one another. We look forward to seeing you there! 

PARENTS WHO PRAY
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 2024-2025 school year? Sign up now on SchoolCash Online to join the best group of guys on campus. 

The first 100 dads to join will have their names put into a drawing to receive two complimentary tickets and t-shirts for Father-Daughter Day in the spring. Plan now to join us for a day of fun and fellowship with your daughter and other SJA dads and daughters. 

Welcome, class of 2028, the newest Flamingos! Welcome back Dolphins, Turtles and Bees! We are your go-to destination for all SJA spirit items, gifts and uniforms.  

The Sticker Shop is your ultimate online and retail store for back-to-school essentials like uniform sweatshirts, sweatpants, PE t-shirts and rain jackets. Run by the SJA Mothers’ Club, the Sticker Shop has you covered with all the official SJA spirit items your family needs. Visit us online at www.SJAStickerShop.org or drop by our physical location in Mother Alice Hall.  

But that’s not all! We’ve got an impressive range of merchandise to help you gear up for fall sports and cater to everyone in the family, from short- and long-sleeve t-shirts, dri-fit long-sleeve shirts, pajama shorts and pants, blankets, hats, vehicle decals for all sports, water bottles, SJA plaques and much more.  

Shopping options? We’ve got you covered there, too! Your daughter can conveniently shop during her lunch period. Alternatively, you can shop online and have her pick up your order during her lunch break, or swing by our shop yourself. Just park in the circle drive in front of Mother Alice Hall (3080 Kleinert Avenue), ring the doorbell and we’ll be delighted to assist you.

Our Sticker Shop store hours are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please note that we are closed on days when the campus is closed. 

We accept all major credit cards, ApplePay and checks made payable to SJA Mothers’ Club. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at stickershop@sjabr.org.

Thank you for your ongoing support of SJA and the Mothers’ Club. By shopping at the Sticker Shop, you’re not just getting your Sticker Pride on, but you’re also contributing to our mission. We can’t wait to assist you in showcasing your SJA spirit!