October 2024

FALL WELLNESS DAY
Friday, September 27, Investar Quad during all three lunch periods. The Counseling Center will host its Fall Huddle for students to enjoy a little self-care with the counselors. There will be games and treats.

VOCATIONS MASS
Monday, September 30, 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 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. 

YEARBOOK DISTRIBUTION 
The 2023-2024 yearbooks will be distributed to students on Monday and Tuesday, September 30 and October 1, during all lunch periods.

PARENT/SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP WORKSHOP 
During the school year, the Counseling Center and the administration will offer grade-level workshops for parents. On Tuesday, October 1, parents of freshmen will gather in the Academy Student Center for a workshop on Teen Substance Abuse beginning at 6 p.m. All parents are welcome, but the meeting is required for at least one parent of freshman students. 

RESCHEDULED: PARENT/SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP WORKSHOP 
The Parent/School Workshop for parents of sophomores, originally scheduled for September 12 but cancelled by Hurricane Francine, has been rescheduled for Wednesday, October 2, at 6 p.m. Parents will gather in the Fife Student Commons for a workshop on the topic of Dive Deep into Test Prep and Understanding Your GPA. Please note that the meeting is required for at least one parent of sophomore students. 

ADORATION
Thursday, October 3, during all three lunch periods in the Chapel at SJA.

PEP RALLY
Friday, October 4, 1:51 p.m., Academy Student Center. We will follow Schedule 3. Dress guidelines have been sent to students. Parents and guests are welcome.

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. 

FLU VACCINE
Healthvacs will be on campus on Friday, October 4, to administer flu vaccines. Only the injection form of the vaccine will be available this year. The vaccine is for ages 4 and up. Cost for students and parents is $30. Vaccines will be given between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the concession area of the Activity Center. You will enter through the door near the Medaille Hall circle driveway. 

Please bring the completed questionnaire and payment with you on October 4. Cash or checks made payable to Healthvacs are accepted. Please direct questions to Nurse Marie Vukovics at vukovicsm@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2208.

CANDLELIGHT CEREMONY 
Wednesday, October 9, Orchard and Batchelor Terrace, 6 p.m. This traditional ceremony is part of the Big Sis/Little Sis program. Families of freshmen and seniors are invited to join us. More information has been shared with students in their classes. In case of rain, the event will be moved to the Activity Center.

This is a mandatory event for all freshmen and seniors participating in the Big Sis/Little Sis program. Questions? Parents of seniors should contact senior class moderators Alexandra Arceneaux (arceneauxa@sjabr.org) or Aimee Cronan (cronana@sjabr.org). Parents of freshmen should contact freshman class moderators Brooke Haigler (haiglerb@sjabr.org) or Kate Hutcheson (hutchesonk@sjabr.org).

SENIOR RETREAT
Senior Retreat will be held Sunday and Monday, October 13 and 14, at Tall Timbers Baptist Conference Center in Forest Hill, Louisiana. Faculty, staff and friends of SJA will help staff the retreat. Please keep the class of 2025 in your thoughts and prayers as they experience this sacred time.
 
Seniors will load the buses at St. Joseph’s Academy on Sunday, October 13, at 8 a.m. along Broussard Street and return to SJA at approximately 3:30 p.m. on Monday, October 14. Because Monday is a regular school day for grades 9-11, seniors may not leave their cars on campus during the retreat. Seniors must be dropped off and picked up at SJA. If a senior has an extenuating circumstance in this regard, she must contact Dean of Women Christina Myles at mylesc@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2278.
  
Please note that all SJA retreats are mandatory. For more information, contact Campus Minister Chelsea Colomb at colombc@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2221.

FRESHMAN GRANDPARENTS DAY
Monday, October 14. Grandparents of freshmen and students new to SJA should have received an invitation to join their granddaughters during their assigned lunch period in the Academy Student Center. Each lunch period is 50 minutes long. Because of limited parking, we ask grandparents to arrive no earlier than 20 minutes before their granddaughters’ lunch period. Parking will be available in the Academy Student Center parking lot on Parker Street as well as in legal spots on Broussard and Parker streets.

Grandparents are asked to RSVP by Monday, October 7, to Assistant Director of Advancement – Events Jennifer Knight at knightj@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2270.

SPECIAL SCHEDULE DAY: OCTOBER 15 
On Tuesday, October 15, freshmen will take the PSAT 8/9 which serves as practice for the SAT. Sophomores and juniors will participate in a special on-campus Wellness Day. Seniors will be off campus participating in Senior Service Day, which is mandatory.  

Freshmen, sophomores and juniors arrive at school at the regular time and go straight to their assigned classroom, which will be emailed to them before test day and will be posted in St. Joseph Hall and Medaille Hall. Breakfast (optional) will be served in the Dining Hall from 6:50 to 7:20 a.m.

Seniors will receive an email with instructions for signing up for a shift. Once students have signed up, they will receive an email with specific details for their site. Site-specific permission slips will be sent to students and must be signed by a parent. For more information, please contact Assistant Campus Minister/Service Coordinator Noelle Shipley at shipleyn@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2295.
 
No formal classes are held at SJA on October 15, and lunch will not be provided. There will be no afterschool supervision available, so please make arrangements to have your daughter picked up at the dismissal times listed below. If there is a serious conflict which would prevent your daughter from attending school on October 15, please contact Dean of Women Christina Myles at mylesc@sjabr.org for permission to be absent. If you have questions about testing, please contact Dean of Curriculum and Instruction Melissa Brocato at brocatom@sjabr.org.
 

• 9th Grade PSAT: 7:25 a.m.; dismissal at 10:30 a.m. for standard time, 11:30 a.m. for extended time. No lunch provided.

• 10th Grade Sophomore Wellness Day: 7:25-10:30 a.m. No lunch provided. Sophomores may wear leggings or sweatpants with an SJA t-shirt.

• 11th Grade Junior Wellness Day: 7:25-10:30 a.m. No lunch provided. Juniors may wear leggings or sweatpants with an SJA t-shirt.

• 12th Grade Senior Service Day

OPEN HOUSE 
Thursday, October 17, for 6th, 7th and 8th grade girls and their parents. We will follow Schedule 11, with SJA students dismissed at 12:33 p.m. Students will receive a link to an online lunch order form. They can choose between two pre-packaged options: ham and cheese or honey mustard chicken tender wraps. Breakfast will be served as usual. All students not assisting with Open House must be picked up by 1 p.m. The library will not be open for after-school hours. Students remaining on campus and working Open House will be provided refreshments. They must wear dress uniforms.

FALL HOLIDAY
Friday, October 18, and Monday, October 21. School is closed.

MISSION TRIP INTEREST MEETING
On Tuesday, October 22, parents with daughters in the classes of 2026 and 2027 are invited to an informational meeting regarding the mission trip program at SJA. We will gather at 6 p.m. in the Dining Hall. Please direct questions to Campus Minister Chelsea Colomb at colombc@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2221.

CATHOLIC LEADERSHIP ENCOUNTER
Parents of freshmen, sophomores and juniors are invited to an informational meeting on Wednesday, October 23, at 6 p.m. in the Brother Donnan Berry Student Center at Catholic High School. You will learn about next summer’s Catholic Leadership Encounter, set for May 24-June 2, 2025, in Estes Park, Colorado. This 10-day experience for SJA and CHS students will focus on increasing a student’s awareness of Catholic identity and discipleship; teaching skills to enable leadership and decision making; learning-by-doing experiences; and utilizing the Colorado outdoors for challenging environmental awareness and hiking activities. 

Please direct questions to CLE Director Charles Jumonville at cjumonville@catholichigh.org or (225) 505-3763.

HOUR OF CODE 
Thursday, October 24. We will follow Schedule 8. Students will participate in this engaging, hands-on introduction to the world of computer programming. The Hour of Code global movement reaches millions of students in more than 180 countries. Participants explore the fundamentals of coding in a fun and accessible way, building problem-solving skills, logical thinking and creativity. These are valuable skills that will not only boost their confidence in technology but also empower them in our digital world. Whether they’re interested in art, science, music or engineering, coding will help open doors to countless opportunities.
 
ADORATION
Thursday, October 24, during all three lunch periods in the Chapel at SJA.

THE SOIRÉE: A REDSTICKER THURSDAY NIGHT
Tickets are on sale for The SJA Soirée: A Redsticker Thursday Night, set for Thursday, October 24. 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 and sparkling wine 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.

CLASS RING, GRADUATION ANNOUNCEMENT ORDERING SESSION
Monday, October 28, Fife Student Commons during all lunch hours and again at 5-7 p.m. Juniors are invited to order their school rings, and seniors are invited to order graduation announcements. Parents are encouraged to attend the evening session with their daughters. Be on the lookout for order information soon. 

SPECIAL SCHEDULE DAY: OCTOBER 29
On Tuesday, October 29, seniors who registered to take the ACT during the school day will report to the Activity Center. Seniors who opted not to take the October 29 ACT will not have classes that day. Sophomores and juniors will take the PSAT/NMSQT, which serves as practice for the SAT and determines eligibility for the National Merit Scholarship Program for high school juniors. Freshmen will participate in a special Wellness Day. 

All students should arrive at school at the regular time and go straight to their assigned classrooms, which will be emailed to students before test day and will be posted in St. Joseph Hall and Medaille Hall. Breakfast (optional) will be served in the Dining Hall from 6:50 to 7:20 a.m.
 
No formal classes are held at SJA on this day, and lunch will not be provided. There will be no afterschool supervision available, so please make arrangements to have your daughter picked up at the dismissal times below. If there is a serious conflict which would prevent your daughter from attending school on October 29, please contact Dean of Women Christina Myles at mylesc@sjabr.org for permission to be absent. If you have questions about testing, please contact Dean of Curriculum and Instruction Melissa Brocato at brocatom@sjabr.org.
 

• 9th Grade Freshman Wellness Day: 7:25-10:30 a.m. No lunch provided.

• 10th Grade PSAT: 7:25 a.m.; dismissal at 10:30 a.m. for standard time, 11:30 for extended time. No lunch provided.

• 11th Grade PSAT: 7:25 a.m.; dismissal at 10:30 a.m. for standard time, 11:30 for extended time. No lunch provided.

• 12th Grade ACT for Registered Seniors: 7:25 a.m.; dismissal at 11:30 a.m. for standard time, 12:30 p.m. for extended time. No lunch provided.

STUDENT COUNCIL FUN DAY 
Thursday, October 31. The theme for this Halloween Fun Day is Ghouls Just Wanna Have Fun. Students 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 Myles at mylesc@sjabr.org. Please note that students who do not follow dress guidelines are subject to disciplinary action.

Halloween costumes should adhere to the following guidelines:

1. Costumes must be tasteful and appropriate: not gory and not political. They should be culturally sensitive (the difference between cultural appreciation and appropriation). 

2. Costumes should provide enough coverage that any type of bra would not be exposed.

3. No bathing suits or bare midriffs (no crop tops).

4. Full face masks must be removed in class but can be worn during unstructured time.

5. No full-face paint, no glitter, no toy weapons.

6. A skirt or dress on the shorter side should be worn with leggings or stockings.

7. Costumes to avoid include middle school uniforms, dressing up like the boys and dressing up like prisoners.

ALL SAINTS DAY
On Friday, November 1, St. Joseph’s Academy will observe All Saints Day with a schoolwide mass in the Academy Student Center. During mass, we will remember our deceased loved ones in prayer. Family and friends are invited to join us beginning at 9:46 a.m. 

As in the past, we will print a list of the names of the deceased relatives and friends for whom you would like us to pray. The list will be placed on the altar during mass. Please send the names of your loved ones to Wendy Coniglio at conigliow@sjabr.org by Wednesday, October 30.

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. 

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.

• 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

OFFICE HOURS 
The Main Office in St. Joseph Hall is open from 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

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. For some colleges, the Science portion is optional. Check the admission requirements for your chosen colleges. Space is limited to 50 students per session. Sessions can be purchased on SchoolCash Online.
 
Remaining Fall Dates
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.

Remaining 2024-2025 Dates
October 5, 2024 (8-11:30 a.m.)
January 11, 2025 (8-11:30 a.m.)

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. You can save $5 by purchasing your copy before October 31. 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.

SAVE THE DATE: SJA STICKER SCRAMBLE 
On Wednesday, November 6, the SJA Dads’ Club will hold the 2024 Sticker Scramble, presented by Stine Lumber, 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!

SAVE THE DATE: CLASS OF 2024 SIX-MONTH REUNION 
Friday, December 20, 12-1:30 p.m., Fife Student Commons. Sponsored by the SJA Alumnae Association. Our 2024 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 for those who did not opt to have them mailed. Contact Alumnae Director Alli Bourgeois ’14 at bourgeoisa@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2244 to RSVP by Friday, December 13.

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.

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 Retreat Dates

• 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.

We are truly one! Our Parents Annual Fund campaign is off to a great start. Thank you to all the parents who have already sent their pledge or donation. If you have not made your pledge, please do so at your earliest convenience. 

The deadline for returning your Parents Annual Fund commitment form is Monday, September 30. Please note that you have until June 30, 2025, to fulfill your pledge. Gifts to the Annual Fund support the people and programs that make SJA special, including vital and inspiring academic, athletic and arts programming; a talented faculty; and personal attention.
 
We hope that you will take this opportunity to partner with us in the mission of the school and give a meaningful gift that expresses the value that you place on the educational experience at St. Joseph’s Academy. Each gift makes a difference in the school life and learning of our students. Contributions to the Annual Fund are tax-deductible and may even be matched by your employer. 
 
To begin the new school year, the SJA faculty and staff reached 100 percent giving for the 13th year in a row! We are striving to reach 100 percent parent participation for the first time this year. Please consider a gift to SJA, no matter the size. Click here to give now.
 
The only gift that is too small is the one that is not made at all.
 
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.

FALL SOCIAL
The Mothers’ Club Social Committee has a fun event planned on October 22 from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Colonel’s Club. Come out to meet and socialize with other SJA moms. Tickets are $30 and include first drink and hors d’oeuvres. Register on SchoolCash Online. 

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.

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 including Father-Daughter Day, the Sticker Scramble and the Parents’ Back-to-School Dance, 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.

Fall is in full swing, and the Sticker Shop is your go-to spot for all things spirited and stylish. We’re excited to share some fantastic updates with you!

Our latest additions are nothing short of spectacular, crafted by the talented local artist Jenny Culotta. Explore custom sketches, tea towels, notecards and notepads of our SJA campus gates, as well as an acrylic framed sketch, ideal for any occasion. And that’s not all! Stay tuned as we bring back the beloved red Chick-a-dee brand sweatshirt and introduce a new dri-fit unisex t-shirt.

As the days grow cooler, now’s the perfect time to have your daughter try on our sweatpants. We will be posting on Instagram when we have all sizes available in stock, so make sure you like and follow SJA Sticker Shop on Instagram. Our sweatpants range in size from XS to XXL and are available in both red and navy. We have both wide-leg and straight-leg options, so you’re sure to find the perfect pair for every member of the family. Stay snug and comfortable this fall season.

SHOPPING MADE SIMPLE
Your Daughter In-Person: She can drop by during her lunch period to explore our latest offerings.
Online: Shop from the comfort of your home by browsing our collection.
You In-Person: Drive over and park in the circle drive in front of Mother Alice Hall (3080 Kleinert Avenue). Get buzzed in, sign in with Mrs. Clarinda and come shop with us!
Store Hours: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.*
*Please note, we’re closed on days when the campus is closed.

SHOW YOUR STICKER PRIDE
Every purchase at the Sticker Shop not only lets you express your Redsticker spirit but also supports our wonderful SJA community and Mothers’ Club. We are genuinely grateful for your continued support as we make this year one to remember.

Thank you for being an integral part of our vibrant community. We’re eager to help you showcase your Sticker pride!