November 2022

Dear Parents,

Our chaplain, Father Matthew Dunn, will celebrate All Saints Day Mass with us on Tuesday, November 1, at 9:45 a.m. Parents, alums and friends are invited to join us. Parking can be found on Broussard Street or other surrounding streets near the school.  

Academic Excellence: ACT Data
Long ago, St. Joseph’s Academy set a standard of excellence in education for all students. Having a school culture that identifies and communicates the need for all students to meet or exceed college readiness benchmarks is essential to our strategic plan. When the 2022 ACT Profiles were released in October, they came with news that scores nationally were at their lowest in three decades and that for the first time since 1991, the national average was below 20. While educational research attributes the lower scores nationwide to COVID, the research also shows that scores were trending downward prior to school shutdowns and virtual learning.  

The chart below represents SJA’s five-year trend average and includes ACT test scores by that year’s senior class. We are very proud of our most recent graduates’ scores and the strides our faculty members have taken to collectively prepare all students for standardized tests.  

Five-Year Trends: Average ACT Scores

Year	English	Mathematics	Reading	Science	Composite
	SJA State	SJA State	SJA State	SJA State	SJA State National
2018	27.1 18	24.1 18.5	26.3 19.6	24.5 19.1	25.6 19.2 20.8
2019	27.7 18.7	23.8 18.2	26.8 19.2	24.6 18.8	25.9 18.8 20.7
2020	27.2 18.3	23.3 18.1	26.6 19.1	24.1 18.9	25.4 18.7 20.6
2021	25.6 18.1	22.2 17.8	25.3 18.8	23.0 18.6	24.1 18.4 20.3
2022	26.8 17.6	23.3 17.4	26.3 18.6	23.9 18.3	25.2 18.1 19.8

We also want to congratulate the class of 2022 for their excellent achievement on the ACT.

Class of 2022 Superscore Averages

English	Mathematics	Reading	Science	Composite
28.7	24.2	27.8	25.2	26.45

ACT has established college readiness benchmarks for designated college courses. A benchmark score is the minimum score needed in a specific ACT-tested area to indicate a 50 percent chance of obtaining a B or higher or approximately a 75 percent chance of obtaining a C or higher in credit-bearing college courses. The scores in the chart below are for the class of 2022. 
(Benchmark scores for 2022: English-18, Math-22, Reading-22, Science-23)

According to ACT research, the rigor of coursework has the greatest impact on ACT performance and college readiness. SJA has spent and will continue to spend time and resources in reviewing and evaluating the rigor and alignment of courses offered to ensure that our students have the content and skills necessary to be ready for and successful at the next level of education.  

Thank you for continuing to support our rigorous academic environment. We hope your daughter is enjoying success in the classroom and also in personal growth through her participation in clubs, organizations and athletics. The school and parents must continue to work in partnership as we develop your daughters, our students, into the leaders and thinkers of the future.

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

Sincerely,

Stacia B. Andricain
Principal

STICKER STAMPEDE
Join us on Saturday, October 29, for the Sticker Stampede on SJA’s campus. Half-mile and one-mile fun runs, 5K and 10K runs are available. The fun runs start at 8 a.m., and the 5K and 10K runs begin at 8:30 a.m. We will have food, adult beverages, music and entertainment for the kids. Online registration is now closed, but we will accept registrations at packet pickup on Friday, October 28 (9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in front of Mother Alice Hall) or on race morning beginning at 6:30 a.m. For more information, contact Alumnae Director Cori Martone Jones at martonec@sjabr.org. 

STUDENT COUNCIL FUN DAY 
Monday, October 31. The theme is StickOR Treat on Broussard Street. Full details and costume guidelines have been emailed to students.  

FEAST OF ALL SAINTS MASS
On Tuesday, November 1, St. Joseph’s Academy will celebrate our All Saints Day Mass. Dress uniforms are required. We will follow Schedule 4. Parents are invited to join us at 9:46 a.m. in the Academy Student Center. 

During the service, we will remember our deceased loved ones in prayer. As in the past, we will print a list of all the names of the deceased relatives and friends for whom you would like us to pray and place them on the altar. Please send the names of your loved ones to Mission Advancement Assistant Wendy Coniglio at conigliow@sjabr.org by Friday, October 28.

MOTHERS’ CLUB SOCIAL
Grab a friend and join us at the SJA Mothers’ Club Moms’ Night Out on Tuesday, November 1. We will gather at Bin 77 from 6 to 8 p.m. Catch up with old friends and meet new Sticker moms. Cost is $25. Click here to purchase tickets. Not a Mothers’ Club member? Sign up on SchoolCash Online or join at the door.

FRESHMAN RETREAT 
Monday, November 7, from 8 a.m. until 2:50 p.m. in the Academy Student Center. This is a time when freshmen come together to deepen their relationships with God and one another. The retreat will be led by senior Student Ministers and various faculty and staff members. Please do not make out-of-town plans or schedule appointments for your freshman daughter until after the retreat. Attendance at all grade-level retreats is mandatory for graduation. Further instructions regarding what to wear, what to bring and where to be dropped off and picked up will be emailed to the freshmen as the retreat date approaches. Please direct questions to Campus Minister Jade Spears at spearsj@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2296.

The Main Office will be closed on November 7. Additionally, the library will not be open following the retreat. Freshmen will need to be picked up at 2:50 p.m. in the carpool line near the Academy Student Center.

NO SCHOOL FOR GRADES 10, 11 AND 12
Monday, November 7. 

10TH ANNUAL STICKER SCRAMBLE 
On Monday, November 7, the SJA Dads’ Club will host the 2022 Sticker Scramble at TopGolf of Baton Rouge. The Sticker Scramble is now in its 10th year and has raised more than $100,000 for enhancements to SJA. The tournament offers men’s, women’s and mixed teams all vying for the top prize. 

Registration and warmup begin at 1:45 p.m.; tee time is 2 p.m. We will follow a scramble format and also offer prizes for the longest drive and hole in one. Space is limited! Click here to sign up or contact Dads’ Club Moderator Meg Gerald at geraldm@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2254. You can also visit www.stickerscramble.org for more information.

Our goal is to raise $10,000 this year. All sponsorships, gifts and services are tax deductible. Rain or shine, we hope to see you on November 7 at TopGolf!

BALFOUR REPRESENTATIVES ON CAMPUS 
Tuesday, November 8, outside the Dining Hall during all lunch hours. Juniors are invited to order their school rings, and seniors are invited to order graduation announcements.

FALL DRAMA PRODUCTION 
Tuesday-Sunday, November 8-13 (with no performance on Thursday, November 10, because of Open House at Catholic High). Join us in the Black Box Theater of the Academy Arts Center for the SJA/CHS Black Box Company’s first performance under new director Ms. Miklyn Herrin. This year’s fall production is Clue, based on the beloved 1985 film starring Tim Curry. The show follows a mysterious dinner party with six guests and an eccentric butler who leads them through an evening of blackmail and murder. 

Weeknight shows begin at 6 p.m., while weekend shows begin at 6:30 p.m. There are also matinee performances on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets go on sale on Monday, October 31, on SchoolCash Online. They are $14.75 per adult and $8.50 per students. There are no seating restrictions. The Black Box Company hopes to see you there! 

Please note that this production is not suitable for all viewers, especially young children. Be advised that the production contains a few instances of profanity, simulated violence and simulated death.

MID-QUARTER GRADES 
Second-quarter mid-quarter grades will be current on MySJA on Wednesday, November 9. Please direct questions regarding your MySJA account to Registrar Dana Schlotterer at schlottererd@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2236. Questions about grades should be directed to your daughter’s teacher(s) or the Counseling Center at (225) 388-2282.
• Third-quarter mid-quarter grades will be available on February 1.
• Fourth-quarter mid-quarter grades will be available on April 4 for seniors and April 20 for grades 9-11.

MISSION TRIP PARENT MEETING 
On Thursday, November 10, parents with daughters in the classes of 2024 and 2025 are invited to an informational meeting regarding the mission trip program at SJA. We will gather at 6 p.m. in the Academy Student Center. Please direct questions to Campus Minister Jade Spears at spearsj@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2296.

STUDENT COUNCIL FUN DAY
Friday, November 11. The theme is Racing into NASCAR November. Full details and costume guidelines will be emailed to students.  

CAREER DAY BUSINESS EXPO
On Tuesday, November 15, juniors and seniors will have the opportunity to attend a business expo in the Academy Student Center during all lunch periods. The business expo will feature a variety of professionals in numerous fields and allow students to talk one-on-one with those who represent a field in which they may be interested. The purpose of the event is to help narrow the girls’ choices of whom they would like to job shadow in the spring semester.

THANKSGIVING PRAYER SERVICE
Wednesday, November 16. We will follow schedule 5. Dress uniforms are required. Parents are invited to join us at 10 a.m. in the Academy Student Center.

ADORATION
Thursday, November 17, during all lunch periods in the Chapel at SJA.

THE SOIRÉE
Soirée time is here! This is SJA’s premier fundraising event, and the Soirée Committee has been hard at work planning an amazing evening. We’d love to have a record number of parents in attendance this year! Please join us on Thursday, November 17, in the Academy Student Center. You’ll enjoy live music from Ned Fasullo and his Fabulous Jazz Trio, silent and live auctions, games and great food and drinks from local Baton Rouge restaurants. Event and raffle tickets plus other details are available at www.sjasoiree.org. 

If you would like information about donating an auction item or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Assistant Director of Mission Advancement Cydney Morris at morrisc@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2270.

APPLICATION DEADLINE/PLACEMENT TEST INFORMATION FOR INCOMING FRESHMEN
The application deadline for students entering the 9th grade for the 2023-2024 academic year is Friday, November 18. This is also the deadline for applying for merit-based awards. The application process is completed online. Visit www.applytosja.org.

The placement test will be administered on Saturday, December 3, at 8 a.m. Students must report to St. Joseph Hall by 7:45 a.m. The test will be completed by 11 a.m. This test is similar to the standardized tests students take in elementary school. Test results will help us determine placement for classes. Calculators are permitted. Pencils will be provided. If your daughter has a documented, diagnosed learning disability that qualifies her for extended time on standardized tests, please upload a copy of the diagnosis to your daughter’s profile page using your St. Joseph’s account by Wednesday, November 30. 

THANKSGIVING HOLIDAYS
Monday-Friday, November 21-25. There is no school for students or teachers. School resumes Monday, November 28. 

The Main Office (St. Joseph Hall) will be open on Monday and Tuesday, November 21 and 22, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

The Help Desk will be open Monday and Tuesday, November 21 and 22, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. If your daughter has a problem with her computer, please encourage her to leave it at the Help Desk before the holiday begins, and she will be issued a loaner. Please direct questions to helpdesk@sjabr.org.

The Mission Advancement, Alumnae, Facilities, Admissions, Human Resources, Communications and Mission Integration offices (Mother Alice Hall) and the Finance Department (Thollot House) will be open Monday and Tuesday, November 21 and 22, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., and closed the rest of the week. 

ADORATION
Monday-Friday, November 28-December 2 (except on Wednesday, November 30), 7-7:25 a.m., the Chapel at SJA.

EARLY DISMISSAL
Wednesday, November 30, for 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.

DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP FAMILY EVENT
Join us for an evening of conversation about technology on December 1 at 6 p.m. in the Academy Student Center. You and your family will participate in three fun activities designed to open up dialogue and help you better understand your roles as digital citizens. The event will give families an opportunity to discuss what is important to each of you in terms of technology use, screen time, privacy and social media. You will leave with plenty of resources to continue the conversation at home as well as tools to help you better implement your family’s values and priorities in digital spaces. As a result, your family will be able to reflect and prioritize your digital habits together. 

We ask that you RSVP by November 11. Please direct questions to Technology Integration Specialist Emily Peavy at peavye@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2272.

SCHOOL HANDBOOK CHANGES
The following policy has been added to the School Handbook
Valedictorian/Salutatorian Tiebreaker
Class of 2026: If there is a tie for valedictorian, a tiebreaker is only enacted if there are four or more students with equivalent GPAs who meet the requirements for valedictorian and salutatorian. In such cases, an average of these students’ numerical semester averages from every class their junior and senior years are calculated. The student with the highest average will be named the valedictorian, and the remaining students will all be named as salutatorians. In the event there is still a tie for valedictorian due to equivalent averages, those students will share the title of valedictorian, and the remaining students will be named salutatorians. In the event there is no tiebreaker due to three or fewer students having equivalent GPAs, no salutatorian will be named. There is no tiebreaker for salutatorian in any case. 

Final interpretation of these policies is made by the Administration.

The following (italicized) change has been made to the School Handbook.

Navy or black tights/leggings can be worn on cold days with or without uniform socks. Mid-calf leggings and yoga-type pants are allowed. 

POLLING PLACE
SJA is a polling precinct, and while voters come to campus during school hours, there is little to no disruption to our school day. 

ABSENCE DURING EXAMS
All students are expected to take their exams during their regularly scheduled time. Exams will take place Tuesday-Friday, December 13-16. If there is a serious conflict, special permission must be obtained at least a day in advance from Dean of Women Christina Myles at mylesc@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2278. All exams will be made up on Monday, December 19, and Tuesday, January 3, beginning at 8 a.m. Students who take more than one class in the same subject area must see Mrs. Bonnie Rader to schedule a conflict exam during exam days.

NEGATIVE BALANCE MIDTERM EXAMS POLICY
It is the policy of SJA that all tuition, fees and SAGE Dining Hall balances must be current prior to midterm exams. Parents will be notified if a student is to remain home on examination days if an account is not current. Delinquent payments made after Monday, December 5, must be paid by cash, cashier’s check or money order to be deemed received by SJA so the student will be allowed to take exams. For tuition balances, please direct questions to Accountant Louise Babin at babinl@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2234. For SAGE balances, please check your account online or call SAGE directly at 1-855-302-0070.

STUDENT DRESS CODE REMINDERS  
As we approach the winter months, the Administration wanted to remind families of the options students have regarding uniforms. All information can be found in our Student Handbook under Personal Growth – School Uniform Policy.  

Bottoms: Students are welcome to wear their plaid skirt, plaid shorts or navy blue pants during regular uniform school days. All regular uniform bottoms that can be worn daily must be purchased from one of our uniform vendors: Young Fashions, School Time or Inka’s S’Cool Wear. 
o Navy or black tights/leggings can be worn on cold days with or without uniform socks. Tights/leggings must go all the way to the ankle and into either the sock or shoes. Mid-calf leggings and yoga-type pants are allowed. 
o Students are only permitted to wear sweatpants as uniform bottoms during dates determined by the Administration. Administration will notify students and families of the date through our current communication methods. Sweatpants can be purchased from the Sticker Shop. They are not sold by our vendors.  
 
Outerwear: Any jacket or coat purchased from a uniform vendor must have an SJA logo. Students are welcome to wear the following: 
o Navy fleece jacket (with or without SJA logo). If the fleece does not have an SJA logo, it cannot have any logo. 
o Navy blazer or solid navy jacket 
o SJA letter jacket 
o  Overcoats can be any color but must be removed once in the classroom unless they are navy blue. 
o Rain coats or rain jackets. Students are allowed to wear any color rain jacket (on rainy days), but they must be taken off inside classrooms unless they are navy or red. 
o Sweaters. Students can choose from a variety of approved red sweaters: the traditional v-neck, the v-neck vest or cardigan that can be purchased from any of the three uniform vendors and worn on any school day and on dress uniform days. Only red sweaters are allowed on dress uniform days. 
o Sweatshirts/letter sweaters. Red or navy monogrammed sweatshirts must be purchased from the Sticker Shop and can be worn on a daily basis except for dress uniform days. This includes both the crewneck style and the quarter-zip style, as long as they are in the permitted color. CHS letter sweaters (Bruinettes, CHS Cheer, Band and Choir) and SJA sports team sweatshirts may only be worn on Fridays, as long as it is not a dress uniform day. 
o Students are welcome to layer sweatshirts but are not permitted to wear hoodies over or underneath their sweatshirts. Hoodies are not part of the regular uniform. 
 
Hats: Only beanies/wool/knit caps purchased from the Sticker Stop are allowed during the winter months. 

Please direct any questions about the uniform policy to Dean of Women Christina Myles at mylesc@sjabr.org. 

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

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

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

Dates for these sessions:
Fall: Thursday, November 10
Spring: Friday, January 20, and Wednesday, March 22

ACT Diagnostic Testing: We will offer optional ACT Diagnostic Testing for juniors and seniors throughout the year. Students will practice taking a full-length ACT in a test setting and receive specific feedback on the areas that they need to work on to improve their scores. Each student will receive a detailed explanation of her test results, stating specific skills and content areas to focus on to achieve a higher score. The test will simulate a real ACT test with the setting, timing and using an ACT-released test. The cost is $15.50.  

Dates for ACT Diagnostic Testing: (All tests are on Saturday. Doors open at 7:45 a.m.; testing is from 8 to 11 a.m.)
January 21, 2023
March 4, 2023

Gear Up for the ACT: We will also offer optional four-hour sessions on weekends for each subject-specific test of the ACT. These sessions will focus on strategies and practice techniques for that content-specific ACT test. The cost is $55 per session, which includes the ACT practice book for that subject. The cost for the Writing Session is $25. Space is limited to 50 students per session. All sessions are held on weekends.

Dates are as follows:
Math: February 4, 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
Science: January 28, 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
English: January 7, 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
Reading: February 12, 1-5 p.m.
Writing: January 29, 1-3 p.m.

ACT Test Day for All Juniors: All students in the junior class will be required to take the ACT on March 28, 2023. We will give this test during the school day. Parents are required to pay the registration fee. Students will not need to register for this test; the school will register all juniors. More information will be provided closer to the testing date.

Pre-ACT Test Day for All Freshmen and Sophomores: All freshmen and sophomores will be required to register and take the Pre-ACT on March 28, 2023. We will give this test during the school day. More information will be provided closer to the testing date.

AFTER-SCHOOL RULES AND REGULATIONS 
After dismissal, students remaining on campus must be in designated areas* only (Dining Hall, courtyard or library), where an afterschool monitor is present. Students may remain in or in front of the Dining Hall or in the courtyard from 2:50 p.m. until 4 p.m. At 4 p.m., an announcement will direct students to make their way to the library to sign in. Students may not leave campus after dismissal to roam the neighborhood. The library is open until 5:30 p.m. Our security officer is on campus until 5:30 p.m. each school day. 

If a student is not picked up by 5:30 p.m., this will be reported to Dean of Women Christina Myles, and a plan will be made. After-school library rules can be found in the School Handbook under the Students and Parents portals. Please direct questions to Linda Hall at halll@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2420.

*Finishing touches are being applied to the Fife Student Commons. Once the process is complete, this space will be added to our after-school program. We will share additional information as it becomes available. 

ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS
Please be reminded that we must have one valid, regularly checked email address on file. If your email, phone number or physical address has changed since last time you updated our records, please let us know. Questions should be addressed to Assistant to the Registrar Stacy Rennhoff at rennhoffs@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2318. 

ILLNESS, DOCTOR VISITS, TARDIES 
If your daughter is sick and will not attend school, please email Student Life Coordinator Cristina Benigno at attendance@sjabr.org by 8 a.m. If a student becomes ill during the day, she must report to Nurse Marie Vukovics’ office, and her parent will be called.

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

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

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

HOLIDAY OFFICE CLOSINGS
The main office is closed on these remaining holidays. Please plan accordingly.
November 21-25: Thanksgiving
December 19-January 3: Christmas
January 16: Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday
February 20-24: Mardi Gras 
April 7-14: Easter

NATIONAL TEST DATE FOR ALL JUNIORS 
All students in the junior class will be required to take the ACT on Tuesday, March 28, 2023. This will take place during the school day. It will include the writing portion. This date is a nationally recognized district test date, and the scores can be sent to colleges, LOFSA and other agencies. SJA will register the students for this test; registration on ACT.org is not permitted for this test. Parents will be required to pay for the test on SchoolCash Online. Testing details will be included in the February and March parent newsletters.

SCHOOL IDS/LANYARDS 
Students will be expected to wear their school ID on the school-issued lanyard at all times. The ID must be worn on the outside of the uniform so it is visible. Students not wearing their ID will be required to purchase a new one for $2 and/or receive a checklist. Replacement IDs can be purchased in SJ105 before or after school. 

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

YEARBOOK ORDERS 
The SJA yearbook captures once-in-a-lifetime memories in a single place. Click here to purchase your copy today. If you aren’t sure if you ordered a yearbook, click on Find your Order to search. 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.  

SAVE THE DATE: SIX-MONTH REUNION 
Friday, December 16, 12-1:30 p.m., in the Dining Hall. Sponsored by the SJA Alumnae Association. Our 2022 graduates are invited back to campus for a light lunch and an opportunity to catch up with faculty, staff and friends. Yearbooks will be available for pickup. Contact Alumnae Director Cori Martone Jones ’10 at martonec@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2244 for details or to RSVP.

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

ROOTED IN THE CHARISM: PANEL WITH THE SISTERS
On Charism Day for our faculty and staff, several Sisters spent time with us and shared their insight and experience of the CSJ charism. Many of the faculty reported that this was the highlight of the day. It really was a gift. As the Sisters shared their experiences and living out the charism, we got a sense of the diversity of the Sisters, with different personalities and gifts. This is important, because each of us must bring our own flavoring to living out the charism. Here are some take-aways from the panel: 
• Use the gifts God has given you. 
• Sister Joan Laplace shared that when she worked as principal, there were certain things she “didn’t do,” like sick, throwing-up children. Get the right people to help you. You are the right people. The Sisters entrust their charism and mission to you. 
• We must always ask ourselves whose voice is not being heard. We must accompany and listen to those on the fringes. We should be asking this about our community, faculty, staff and students: Whose voice is not being heard? 
• A theme that came up through all the panelist, and an important aspect of living out the charism, is presence. Can we be the real presence of Christ to each other? We need to be present and listen to people, to see each person as a hidden treasure, to fully engage people with respect, especially when they have different values. This requires self-introspection and being honest about personal barriers to encounter people. And give people the benefit of presuming good will. As Sister Chris Pologa said, “The charism is caught,” and it flows from prayer and quality of presence. 
• Embrace a spirituality of seeing God in every relationship and moving forward in love. 
• The importance of being stretched. Sister Joan shared that some of the things she has been involved with would have never been on her radar had she not joined the Sisters. God will call the community to stretch beyond the confines of our imagination, especially when it comes to thinking beyond ourselves and considering global issues. 
• Sister Janet Franklin invited us to consider the language of the Generous Promises. When we hear words like risk, collaboration, change, mutual responsibility and accountability, do we resonate with these words and mission? These words and corresponding actions need to be a part of our lives. The commitment is meant to stretch us to think and act globally in a community that will challenge us but also invite us to exercise our leadership and make our contribution. The rule of life for the Sisters is called the evolving design, which invites us to be open to the dynamism of the Holy Spirit working anew in every generation. 
• The importance of inclusive love and finding creative and meaningful ways to engage others as we co-author the world anew. 
• Regarding the quality of prayer, it’s more than talking to God but also learning how to listen to God talk to us. We need quiet time to develop our ability to listen. And this needs to gradually develop over time. The shortest prayer is “help!” 

REFLECTIONS ON THE MAXIMS: THERE’S A MAXIM FOR THAT!
Maxim 3 
• Translated from French: “Empty yourself continually in honor of the Incarnate Word who emptied himself with so much love for you (Phil.2:7). Make your commitment to live in the practice of the most sincere, true and profound humility possible to you. Do so on all occasions, to everyone but especially to God, from whom must come all the blessings of your institute.”
• Simplified: “Humility is truth. Let your sincere love flow from it.”
• Updated: “Learn to see your ego and how it operates, and then choose love. Gentleness can rule the day!”  

Why is humility so important to the spiritual life? Because unless we remain open, we cannot properly receive. If we don’t properly receive the gifts of others, we become filled with pride and arrogance rather than gratitude and joy. Humility is about gracious openness: to truth, to beauty, to goodness, to love. St. Augustine said, “If you ask me what the essential thing in the religion and discipline of Jesus Christ is, I shall reply: first, humility; second, humility, and third, humility.” Without humility, without this fundamental openness and recognition of our own inner poverty, we cannot receive what others offer to us as a gift, and more importantly, we cannot receive that person as a gift. Humility keeps our ego in check and becomes the conduit for the flow of sincere love.

Counseling Center

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

Learning Center 

The Learning Center provides free-of-charge assistance to any student needing extra help with math, science, English or writing. Also offered is academic counseling. Peer tutoring in foreign languages is provided by members of the National Honor Society and Beta Club. These student-led sessions are offered between 3 and 4 p.m. on Wednesday in the library. No appointments are necessary for any tutoring.

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

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

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

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

SPIRITUAL FORMATION
SJA students can grow in their faith through various opportunities to pray, receive the sacraments and serve the dear neighbor. All students attend a monthly schoolwide mass or prayer service and an annual class retreat. The sacrament of reconciliation is offered to students biannually. Additionally, students may choose to participate in a weekly rosary, weekly Bible study, bimonthly Eucharistic Adoration, mission trips and various ministry clubs, including Student Ministry (juniors and seniors), Liturgy Committee, Liturgy Choir, Praise & Worship Band and Respect Life Club.
  
STUDENT RETREATS
Participation in retreats is required for graduation. Please plan accordingly. For additional information, contact Campus Minister Jade Spears (spearsj@sjabr.org; 388-2296).

Dates and locations are subject to change.

Junior Retreat: Monday, March 27, Sacred Heart of Jesus Church (Baton Rouge)
Sophomore Retreat: Monday, February 6, SJA
Freshman Retreat: Monday, November 7, SJA

REQUIRED SERVICE PROGRAM

As a reminder, our service policy states that freshmen and sophomores are required to complete 15 hours of service during the 2022-2023 academic year while juniors and seniors must complete 20 service hours. 
 
To support and encourage service as a regular part of the lives of our students, we recognize those girls who go above and beyond the required service hours. Students completing 50 hours of service in one school year will receive special recognition at the end of the year. Students who complete 50 hours of service all four years are recognized at the Honors Convocation for seniors in May. 
 
All service hours must be done through a non-profit agency or through a for-profit business, with prior written approval, that serves those most in need. Service performed through a for-profit business must be non-clerical in manner. Tasks such as filing, answering the phone, etc., will not be permitted as part of the service program. Visiting with patients in nursing homes or hospice facilities does not need prior approval. All service hours must be done outside of normal school hours. Donations of any kind, including Sticker Sacks, are not eligible for the service program. However, SJA may offer a schoolwide donation opportunity for service hours. SJA reserves the right to limit the number of hours earned on mission trips; hours earned on SJA mission trips will be determined and applied after the trip is complete. This will ensure students receive accurate credit for the number of hours served.
 
The Freshman and Sophomore Service Directory and the Junior and Senior Service Directory can be found on MySJA and the Service Hour Project Moodle page. These directories include approved agencies. Students may only participate in opportunities outside of those included in the service directories after receiving written permission via email from the Assistant Campus Minister.

Service hours are tracked electronically through MobileServe. If you have not set up your MobileServic account, please contact Assistant Campus Minister/Service Coordinator Chelsea Colomb at colombc@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2221 to schedule a meeting.

Ms. Colomb is available during all lunch periods to answer questions about service and to help students with service entries. Students may also email her at colombc@sjabr.org or stop by the Campus Ministry office in Mother Alice Hall, room 206.

Service hours are due Friday, March 31, 2023. Please direct questions about service to Ms. Colomb at colombc@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2221.

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

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

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

SJA ANNUAL FUND

When parents support the SJA Annual Fund, they are indicating a depth and breadth of confidence in the school. Like each thread in a beautiful tapestry, every donor and every gift to the Annual Fund is vital to maintaining the quality of education at SJA. 

Support for the SJA Annual Fund provides resources for innovation and growth while also allowing for quick responses to unexpected challenges and opportunities. Gifts of all sizes from parents, alumnae and friends transform lives by inspiring students, faculty and staff and enhancing the campus, making possible what tuition and the endowment alone cannot. 

You are essential to achieving one of the school’s strategic goals: to increase the percentage of families who support the Annual Fund each year and ultimately reach 100 percent. We cannot do this without you. Whether your resources allow you to give $25 or $2,500, your gift is important and will truly make a difference – certainly to our participation rate, but more importantly, to our students. 

Click here to give now.

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 (conigliow@sjabr.org; 388-2336). Click here to purchase your brick today.

SJA Mothers' Club

You’re invited to a Fall Social! Click here to sign up for the Mothers’ Club Fall Social on Tuesday, November 1, at Bin 77 from 6 to 8 p.m. All SJA moms are invited. You do not have to be a member of the Mothers’ Club. However, if you have not already joined for this school year, we encourage you to do so. Your membership dues and volunteer service are crucial. Both enable us to support our girls and the SJA community throughout the year. It’s a great way to keep up with what’s going on around campus, participate in events, meet other moms and support your Sticker daughter. Join now on SchoolCash Online by clicking here. We hope to see you at Bin 77 this Tuesday!

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

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. Haven’t joined for the 2022-2023 school year? You can do so now on SchoolCash Online to join the best group of guys on campus. 

CROSS COUNTRY
Regional Meet: November 3, 9:40 a.m., Highland Road Park
State Meet: November 14, 10:30 a.m., Northwestern State University

SWIM
State Swim Meet: November 16-19, Sulphur Rec & Aquatics Center

VOLLEYBALL
Playoffs start November 1
Please be reminded that season and athletic passes are not accepted for playoff games. 
State Tournament: November 10-12 

BASKETBALL
Tickets are available at slocaltix.com. Search St. Joseph’s Academy as the venue.
SJA Basketball Jamboree: November 9, 3 p.m., Academy Student Center

SOCCER
Tickets are available at slocaltix.com. Search St. Joseph’s Academy as the venue.
Scrimmage vs. Parkview: November 12 (varsity at 6 p.m., JV at 7:30 p.m.), SJA Stadium (BREC Burbank Field 4)
Varsity Home Opener vs. Catholic of Point Coupee: November 22, 6 p.m., SJA Stadium (BREC Burbank Field 4)

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

The Queen of Sparkles is here. We are currently taking preorders for the navy long-sleeve and white short-sleeve sweaters with SJA sparkle script. These items are estimated to be delivered at the end of November.

Also new are a navy fleece vest and white Columbia Fishing Shirt with the SJA crest, a great gift for the SJA dad or supporter.

We should see cooler weather next month, and we’ve already seen glimpses of the SJA beanie hats around campus. We are expecting more of the new red and cream beanies with a faux fur pompom any day, so keep checking back with the store. We also have scarves, blankets, PJs and plenty of items to keep you warm and cozy.

It will be Christmas before you know it! The online shop has a great selection of items that would make perfect Christmas gifts or stocking stuffers. The custom SJA nutcrackers remain very popular this year, so if interested, hurry before they sell out!

Official uniform sweatshirts/sweatpants and PE shirts are in stock and available for purchase.
We offer the following ways to shop for your convenience:

1. Have your daughter shop during her lunch period by visiting the Sticker Shop window.
    
2. Click here to shop online.
   Online orders may be picked up by a student during her lunch period or through our curbside pickup. Curbside pickup is available when the shop is open. Park in the circle drive in front of Mother Alice Hall (3080 Kleinert Avenue) and call the Sticker Shop at (225) 388-2237. A Mothers’ Club volunteer will bring your items to your vehicle.
    
3. Sticker Shop Store Hours
   Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.*
   *We are not open on days when campus is closed.