March 2025

MARDI GRAS HOLIDAY
School is closed Monday-Friday, March 3-7, for the Mardi Gras holiday.

The Main Office (St. Joseph Hall) will be closed for the week. The Mission Advancement, Alumnae, Admissions, Human Resources, Operations, Facilities and Communications departments (Mother Alice Hall) and the Finance Office (Mother Thollot House) will be open Thursday and Friday, March 6 and 7, from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m.

The Help Desk will be open Thursday and Friday, March 6 and 7, from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. If your daughter has problems with her tablet computer, please encourage her to leave it at the Help Desk before the holidays begin. A representative from the Help Desk will email your daughter when her computer is ready to be picked up. Please direct questions to helpdesk@sjabr.org.

ACT TEST DAY FOR JUNIORS, PRE-ACT TESTING FOR FRESHMEN AND SOPHOMORES
Tuesday, March 11.

ACT TESTING FOR JUNIORS: All juniors will be required to take the ACT during the school day on March 11. They will only take the battery test (English, Math, Reading, Science). Since this is a special test given on a school day, some procedures are different. Information on the ACT and testing room locations will be emailed to juniors in March by Mrs. Valerie Brubaker, testing coordinator. The test begins at the regular school start time (7:25 a.m.) and should be finished by 12 p.m. unless your daughter receives extended-time accommodations through ACT.  

PRE-ACT TESTING FOR FRESHMEN AND SOPHOMORES: Freshmen and sophomores will take the Pre-ACT on March 11. Information on the Pre-ACT and testing room locations will be emailed to freshmen and sophomores in March by Mrs. Valerie Brubaker, testing coordinator.

The schedule for March 11 is as follows:

• 9th Grade: 7:25-11 a.m. for Pre-ACT test; dismissal at 11 a.m. (no lunch provided); extended-time students dismissed at 12 p.m.

• 10th Grade: 7:25-11 a.m. for Pre-ACT test; dismissal at 11 a.m. (no lunch provided); extended-time students dismissed at 12 p.m.

• 11th Grade: 7:25 a.m.-12 p.m. for ACT; dismissal at 12 p.m. (no lunch provided); extended-time students dismissed at 1:30 p.m.

• 12th Grade: There is no school for seniors.

Breakfast will be available for purchase before school, but no lunch or snacks will be available for purchase.

There are no formal classes at SJA on this day. There will be no after-school supervision, so please make arrangements to have your daughters picked up at the dismissal times listed above.

SWEET TOOTH AFTERNOON FOR SENIORS
Wednesday, March 12, Investar Quad. Freshman little sisters will host an afternoon social for the entire senior class. Seniors and freshmen will get together from 3 to 3:30 p.m. in the quad and enjoy a sweet treat. Please make note of the times, as this will affect carpool pickup.

EARLY DISMISSAL
Thursday, March 13, 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, March 13, Chapel at SJA during all three lunch periods.

SJA ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY
Thursday, March 13, 6:30 p.m., Academy Student Center. This year’s inductees are Laura Hallin Mumber ’86 (swimming), Ashley Duhon Deal ’88 (volleyball) and Dr. Rachel Fenner Zuzul ’14 (soccer). Tickets are available at www.sjahalloffame.org. The deadline to reserve your spot is Thursday, March 6.

STUDENT COUNCIL FUN DAY
Friday, March 14. The theme for this Fun Day is Marry Me March. Students can wear wedding or bridal attire. They will receive dress guidelines via email. General Fun Day guidelines were included in the Back-to-School Parent Newsletter. If your daughter has questions about her costume, please encourage her to contact Dean of Women Christina Richardson at richardsonc@sjabr.org. Please note that students who do not follow dress guidelines are subject to disciplinary action.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY MISSION TRIP FUNDRAISER
The Office of Campus Ministry will hold a fundraiser for SJA’s mission trips by selling parking tickets for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 15. Parking spots will be sold in SJA parking lots on Broussard, Parker and Kleinert. Tickets are $15 in advance and on the day of the parade. Parking lots open at 7 a.m. All presold spots will be reserved until 9:30 a.m. the morning of the parade. Tickets are now available for purchase only on SchoolCash Online. Each parking lot is listed as a separate item on SchoolCash Online. Drivers will have their receipts scanned upon entry. Ticket sales will open to the general public on Monday, March 3. Please direct questions to Campus Minister Chelsea Colomb at colombc@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2221.
 
YOU ARE MY LUCKY CHARM: FATHER-DAUGHTER DAY
What is luckier than a four-leaf clover? Dads and daughters spending a day together. Sunday,
March 16, is Father-Daughter Day at SJA. The day begins at 11 a.m. in the Academy Student Center with a prayer service and guest speaker, Chris Stelly, 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. Purchase lunch and t-shirts on SchoolCash Online. The deadline to register is Friday, February 28. Don’t delay; register today!

JUNIOR RETREAT
Monday, March 17, at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish. Students will be bused from SJA to Sacred Heart and need to be at SJA no later than 7:30 a.m. They will return by 2:50 p.m. Lunch will be provided by the SJA Dads’ Club. Juniors will receive details about the day via email from Campus Minister Chelsea Colomb. Parents are reminded that attendance is required at all grade-level retreats.

NO SCHOOL FOR GRADES 9, 10 AND 12
While the juniors enjoy their class retreat, there is no school on March 17 for students in 9th, 10th and 12th grades.

EARLY DISMISSAL
Tuesday, March 18, for Faculty Professional Development. Students are dismissed at 1:30 p.m. (Schedule 8). Please note that the library will remain open until 5:30 p.m. and that resource teachers (math, science and English) as well as the Writing Center will be available.

SJA CHEERLEADER INFORMATION
Open Gym will be held Tuesday and Friday, March 18 and 21, 4-6 p.m. in the Activity Center. There will be tryout clinics on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, April 7, 8 and 10, 4-6 p.m. in the Activity Center. Stunt/material/tumbling tryouts will take place on Friday, April 11, 4-7 p.m. in the Activity Center.
 
In order to try out, students must attend the clinics and complete the online tryout form by Friday, April 4. Please note that an up-to-date physical must be turned in prior to participating in open gyms, clinics and tryouts. To receive a link to the online tryout form, or if you have any other questions, please contact Cheer Moderator Lauren Sommer at sommerl@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2306.

CATHOLIC HIGH CHEERLEADER INFORMATION
A mandatory tryout meeting for parents and students interested in trying out for CHS Cheer will be held Tuesday, March 18, at 6 p.m. in the Brother Donnan Berry, SC Student Center. Tryouts are Sunday, March 30, in the CHS gym at 2 p.m. and may last as late as 7 p.m. Girls must learn a cheer and the fight song routine in advance. There will be tryout clinics (March 13 and March 25) to learn the routines. Attendance at these clinics is not required but strongly recommended. If you are unable to attend a clinic, the material will be posted on the CHS Cheer Instagram account @CHSBRCheer.
 
A flyer containing tryout information is available in St. Joseph Hall room 105. Only rising juniors and seniors are eligible to try out. Please direct questions to CHS cheerleader moderators Jennifer Thibodeaux and Carey Lauret at CHSCheer@catholichigh.org.

CELEBRATION OF THE FEAST OF OUR PATRON, ST. JOSEPH
Wednesday, March 19. Dress uniforms are required. We will follow Schedule 4. Parents and friends are invited to join us at 9:46 a.m. in the Academy Student Center.

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.

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

ST. JOSEPH’S ALTAR
In honor of our patron, St. Joseph, we will have a St. Joseph’s Altar on campus on Wednesday, March 19. The blessing of altar will take place after mass (at approximately 11:10 a.m.), and the altar will be available for viewing until 3 p.m. All food will be donated to Queen of Peace Shelter at St. Agnes Catholic Church.

We invite families to bring food items on Tuesday, March 18, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please park in the circle drive in front of Mother Alice Hall (3080 Kleinert Avenue) and enter through the main doors of Mother Alice Hall. Please sign up here.

Please direct questions to Campus Minister Chelsea Colomb at colombc@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2221. Contact Ms. Colomb to arrange an alternate drop-off time, provide financial support of the altar and/or provide something not indicated on the Sign Up Genius.

GIVE DAY AT SJA
Give Day 2025 will take place on Wednesday, March 19. This is a 24-hour online giving event. Learn more at www.sjagiveday.org.

BLACK BOX SPRING MUSICAL
St. Joseph’s Academy and Catholic High School’s Black Box Productions Company is proud to announce their upcoming production of Godspell 2012 Revised Version, written by Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippen, Enchanted) and John-Michael Tebelak. The musical begins on Tuesday, March 18, with a preview night for SJA and CHS faculty and staff at 6:30 p.m. Dates and times are Wednesday-Saturday, March 19-22, at 6:30 p.m. with a matinee performance on Sunday, March 23, at 4 p.m. Performances will be in the Academy Arts Center Black Box Theater.

Godspell is based on the Gospel of Matthew and addresses current issues through parables and songs which the cast members use to bring to light the struggles and situations they face in today’s world. The show features an exciting score, including Billboard’s pop single hit Day by Day. Audiences will be entertained and inspired as the cast takes them through a wide variety of emotions through humor, creative storytelling and poignant moments of sadness and loss.

Don’t miss this unique experience that is perfect for audiences of all ages. Tickets are now for sale here. Seating will be limited, so don’t delay in purchasing your tickets.

SJA/CHS CAN DRIVE
The annual Challenge Day Can Drive will be held March 20-26. We invite families to join us as we partner with Catholic High to collect food to benefit the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank. Please do not bring glass containers or beverages. PODS, located near the freshman carpool lane, will be open for donation drop-off before and after school each day. During the school day, please bring donations to the main office. There will be opportunities for donation drop-off on Saturday and Sunday, March 22-23, during specific time windows. Details will be sent directly to students once times are finalized.  
     
SJA TENNIS CLASSIC
Registration is open for the 2025 SJA Tennis Classic on March 21-23. Alumnae, parents and friends of SJA are invited to participate in a weekend of tennis, fellowship and fun at Bocage Racquet Club.

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

ADORATION
Thursday, March 27, Chapel at SJA during all three lunch periods.

SENIOR PROM
Saturday, March 29, 8-11 p.m., Ashley Manor. Students must arrive no later than 9 p.m. and cannot leave until 11 p.m. This year’s theme is High School Musical: A Night to Remember. Tickets will be available for purchase on SchoolCash Online after students return from the Mardi Gras break. Tickets are $20 per person; purchase deadline is Wednesday, March 26, at 3 p.m. Tickets will not be sold after the deadline. If your daughter purchases a ticket and is unable to attend, parents should email Dean of Women Christina Richardson at richardsonc@sjabr.org before the dance. A member of the administration will call the parent of any student who purchased a ticket and did not attend unless advance notification is received. Students who purchase tickets but do not attend will not be refunded.

The evening will include dancing and entertainment by Beaucoup Boogie. Seniors are reminded that dress for prom adheres to the same code as all other events at St. Joseph’s Academy, including no high slits, plunging necklines, exposed midriff/side cutouts and/or plunging, backless dresses. Those wanting to use a hired driver must get approval from Mrs. Richardson at richardsonc@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2278 by Wednesday, March 26. A list of all seniors (including their dates) planning to ride in the vehicle, as well as the vehicle type, must be sent by email when requesting approval. Party buses, RVs, trolley cars, etc., are not permitted. Traditional limos, sprinter vans or large suburban vans that seat no more than 20 passengers are allowed.

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.)

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. All students will be able to purchase Challenge Day t-shirts between Saturday, March 1, and Wednesday, March 12, on SchoolCash Online. T-shirt pickup will be during lunch periods beginning Monday, March 31.

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 beginning at 1:51 p.m. in the Academy Student Center. We will follow Schedule 3 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. 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.

WATCH PARTY DETAILS
All SJA alumnae, parents and friends are invited to join us for a Challenge Day Watch Party at Blend Wine Bar (304 Laurel Street #1B) as we cheer on our Redstickers against Catholic High! Challenge Day begins at 4 p.m.; doors open at 3:30 p.m. RSVP to events@sjabr.org by Friday, March 28, to join us at the Watch Party.
 
UPCOMING: 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.

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

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.

• March 3-7: Mardi Gras

• April 18-25: Easter

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

AP TESTING REQUESTS
If your daughter is interested in taking an AP test in a course that she is not enrolled in this year, she must receive approval from Dean of Curriculum & Instruction Melissa Brocato at brocatom@sjabr.org. All requests must be made by March 1, and late fees will apply. Approvals are granted based on the student’s academic record and discussions with her teachers. AP exams are typically $100 per exam, and families are responsible for this cost.

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.

SAVE THE DATE: MAHJONG MADNESS
SJA’s inaugural Mahjong Madness event is set for Wednesday, April 9, in the Academy Student Center. Mark your calendars and make plans to join us for all the fun! Times are 6 to 8:30 p.m., and the cost is $75 per person. Visit mahjongmadness.org to register.

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!

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

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

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

SENIOR YEARBOOK ADS
Senior yearbook ads are now on sale. Yearbook ads contain photos and a personal message to your senior daughter. All ads must be purchased and created online through Herff Jones Yearbooks. Click here for available options are available. The deadline to submit an ad is April 11.
 
If you need assistance with creating your ad, please contact Herff Jones at 866-287-3096. If you have not purchased a yearbook, you may do so while purchasing the ad. If you are unsure if you already purchased a book, click the “Find My Order” button at the bottom of the home screen.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

COUNSELING CENTER

The Counseling Center provides students with resources and support they need to be successful. Grade-level counselors support students during all four years at SJA. The Counseling Center collaborates with teachers and administrators to identify and discuss students who may need additional assistance and to determine best practices to reach all students both academically and socially. In addition, counselors meet with every student at least twice a year to discuss college and career readiness. Two full-time college advisors assist students with college and scholarship applications. A wellness educator designs programs in support of SJA’s social emotional wellness program.

LEARNING CENTER 

The Learning Center provides free-of-charge assistance to any student needing extra help with math, science, English or writing. Academic counseling is also offered. No appointments are necessary for any tutoring.

MATH RESOURCE
Math Resource is available Monday-Friday during all three lunch hours and Monday-Thursday after school in the Learning Center classroom in the Technology and Learning Center. Email mcewenl@sjabr.org or pfiferc@sjabr.org.

SCIENCE RESOURCE
Science Resource is available Monday-Thursday after school in the Learning Center classroom in the Technology and Learning Center. Email  brownh@sjabr.org, laplacev@sjabr.org, brownd@sjabr.org or krzystowczykn@sjabr.org. 

ENGLISH RESOURCE (including writing) AND ACADEMIC COUNSELING
English Resource is available Monday-Thursday during all three lunch hours and Tuesday-Thursday after school in the Learning Center classroom in the Technology and Learning Center. Email abadiej@sjabr.org or saiaa@sjabr.org. 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.

RETREAT INFORMATION
2024-2025 Remaining Retreat Date

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

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

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

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

REQUIRED SERVICE PROGRAM 

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

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

ANNUAL FUND

It’s amazing how much alumnae, parents and friends do for St. Joseph’s Academy. Last year on SJA’s Give Day, we set a record for the most SJA Annual Fund gifts in one day. More than 900 donors raised more than $140,000 in just one transformative day.

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

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

We encourage you to make an impact at SJA by making a gift of any size in one of these easy ways:

• Online: Visit www.sjagiveday.org on March 19 and select Make a Gift.
• Scan the QR code to go directly to our giving page.
• Mail a check to SJA, 3015 Broussard Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70808.

Together, let’s make every moment count. One Day for SJA: March 19.

PAVE THE WAY BRICKS 

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

SJA MOTHERS' CLUB

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

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 Meet & Greet event to coincide with the Freshman Social hosted at CHS.
Co-chair needed.

Christmas Decorations
Use decor stored are 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 drink 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 once you become a member of the Mothers’ Club.   

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

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

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

SPECIAL THANKS
We thank the Party Blooms committee, led by Catherine Alford, Beth Couvillon and Lane Malone, for selling and distributing boutonnières for the FROSH Dance in February.

MOTHER-DAUGHTER BRUNCH & STYLE SHOW
SJA Mother-Daughter Brunch & Style Show t-shirts are now available on SchoolCash Online! Make sure you get yours by March 3, along with your tickets to this special event. We look forward to seeing our seniors walk the runway on Sunday, April 6, in the River Center Ballroom.

 

SJA DADS’ CLUB 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR JUNIOR RETREAT
The SJA Junior Retreat is set for Monday, March 17, at Sacred Heart. Dads will cook 350 burgers at the retreat site. We need 10-12 dads to help prep, cook and serve that day. We will move the Dads’ Club grill to Sacred Heart at 8 a.m. and start prepping at approximately 9 a.m. We serve between 11:30 a.m. and 12 p.m., so we should be finished picking up by 1:30 p.m. If you wish to volunteer, please click here.

If you have questions, feel free to contact Dads’ Club moderator Meg Gerald at geraldm@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2254.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR TENNIS TOURNAMENT
The SJA Alumnae Association hosts The Tennis Classic March 21-23 at Bocage Racquet Club. We need a few good men to help ice down and keep the beverages stocked during the event. You can sign up here. Please direct questions to SJA Alumnae Director Alli Bourgeois at bourgeoisa@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2244.

As March unfolds, the excitement at the Sticker Shop is reaching new heights! We’re dedicated to keeping you both stylish and spirited as we welcome the spring season. Here’s what’s making waves this month.

NEW MERCHANDISE COMING SOON
Exciting news! Keep your eyes peeled for fresh arrivals, including new t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats and other delightful merch coming soon. Want to stay in the Sticker Shop know? Follow us on Instagram at @sjastickershop for updates.  

STAY DRY IN STYLE
As spring showers approach, fear not! Our uniform rain jackets and school umbrellas are poised to keep you dry and oh-so-fashionable.

GIFT CARDS
Did you know that SJA Sticker Shop has gift cards? Purchase yours today at www.sjastickershop.org or come see us in the shop for the perfect way to share Sticker pride with friends and family.

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

Questions or suggestions? Reach out to us at stickershop@sjabr.org.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT
A heartfelt thank you for continuously supporting SJA and the Mothers’ Club by shopping at the Sticker Shop. Your enthusiasm helps us showcase and spread Sticker pride across our community.

March forward with style, Stickers! Geaux Stickers!