October 2025

VOCATIONS MASS
Tuesday, 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. 

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

ACADEMIC AWARDS/INDUCTION CEREMONY 
Wednesday, October 1, at 6 p.m. in the Academy Student Center. Parents of students being honored are invited to join us. Invitations were sent via email on September 4. We will recognize AP Scholars, ACT 30+ Club members, National Honor Society inductees, College Board National Recognition Program honorees, students who have earned academic letters and bars, National Merit commended students and semifinalists and International Science and Engineering Fair participants.

CANDLELIGHT CEREMONY 
Monday, October 6, Orchard and Batchelor Terrace, 6 p.m. (Please make note that this is a change from the original date of Wednesday, October 8.) 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 Stephanie Faucette (faucettes@sjabr.org) or Aimee Cronan (cronana@sjabr.org). Parents of freshmen should contact freshman class moderators Brooke Haigler (haiglerb@sjabr.org) or Allie Carlock (carlocka@sjabr.org).

CATHOLIC LEADERSHIP ENCOUNTER
Parents of freshmen, sophomores and juniors, along with their students, are invited to an informational meeting on Tuesday, October 7, 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 23-June 1, 2026, 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; providing 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.

FALL PEP RALLY
Friday, October 10, 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. 

SENIOR RETREAT 
Senior Retreat will be held Sunday and Monday, October 12 and 13, at Dry Creek Baptist Camp in Dry Creek, Louisiana. Faculty, staff and friends of SJA will help staff the retreat. Please keep the class of 2026 in your thoughts and prayers as they experience this sacred time.
 
Seniors will load the buses at St. Joseph’s Academy on Sunday, October 12, at 7:30 a.m. along Broussard Street and return to SJA at approximately 4 p.m. on Monday, October 13. 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 Richardson at richardsonc@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 13. Grandparents of freshmen 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 6, to Assistant Director of Advancement – Events Jennifer Knight at knightj@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2270.

SPECIAL SCHEDULE DAY: OCTOBER 14
On Tuesday, October 14, 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 service 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. All hours completed on Service Day will count toward seniors’ required hours, even if the site is different from their commitment site. For more information, please contact Assistant Campus Minister/Service Coordinator Rachael Duchmann at duchmannr@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2295.
 
No formal classes are held at SJA on October 14, and lunch will not be provided. There will be no after-school 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 14, please contact Dean of Women Christina Richardson at richardsonc@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, and there is no after-school supervision on test day.
10th Grade Sophomore Wellness Day: 7:25-10:30 a.m. No lunch provided, and there is no after-school supervision on test day. Sophomores may wear leggings or sweatpants with an SJA t-shirt. If leggings are worn, the t-shirt/top must cover the student’s bottom.
11th Grade Junior Wellness Day: 7:25-10:30 a.m. No lunch provided, and there is no after-school supervision on test day. Juniors may wear leggings or sweatpants with an SJA t-shirt. If leggings are worn, the t-shirt/top must cover the student’s bottom.
12th Grade Senior Service Day: Times will vary. Students should wear jeans (no rips) or school sweatpants with an SJA t-shirt and closed-toe shoes.

OPEN HOUSE 
Thursday, October 16, for 6th, 7th and 8th grade girls and their parents. We will follow Schedule 10, 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 17, and Monday, October 20. School is closed.

SJA PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT
Join us for the third annual SJA Pickleball Tournament, presented by Audi Baton Rouge, on Saturday and Sunday, October 18 and 19, in the Academy Student Center and Activity Center. Registration closes on Friday, October 3. We hope that you will join us for two days of fellowship, food and fun. Our tournament is open to men’s, women’s and mixed doubles teams. We welcome all alumnae, parents and friends 18 and older to participate. We look forward to seeing everyone there!

CLASS RING, GRADUATION ANNOUNCEMENT SECOND ORDERING SESSION 
Tuesday, October 21, Fife Student Commons during all lunch hours. Juniors are invited to order their school rings, and seniors are invited to order graduation announcements. 

If you would prefer to order online, visit Jostens.com. For complete details, including a QR code to take you directly to the SJA order site, junior parents should click here. Senior parents should click here. 

MOTHERS’ CLUB FALL SOCIAL
The Mothers’ Club Social Committee has a fun event planned on Wednesday, 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. 

SPECIAL SCHEDULE DAY: OCTOBER 28 
On Tuesday, October 28, all seniors will take the school-day ACT. Students are required to wear their uniform and be in their assigned testing classroom by 7:30 a.m. on test day. Students are dismissed to go home after the test is complete. Estimated dismissal time is 11:30 a.m. for standard time and 12:30 p.m. for extended time. SJA Testing Coordinator Valerie Brubaker will meet with all seniors in October in their History classes to link their MyACT accounts to their October 28 school-day ACT test and to discuss test-day logistics.

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 after-school 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 28, please contact Dean of Women Christina Richardson at richardsonc@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, and there is no after-school supervision on this day. Freshmen may wear leggings or sweatpants with an SJA T-shirt or sweatshirt. If leggings are worn, the t-shirt/top must cover the student’s bottom.
10th Grade PSAT: 7:25 a.m.; dismissal at 10:30 a.m. for standard time, 11:30 for extended time. No lunch provided, and there is no after-school supervision on this day.
11th Grade PSAT: 7:25 a.m.; dismissal at 10:30 a.m. for standard time, 11:30 for extended time. No lunch provided, and there is no after-school supervision on this day.
12th Grade ACT for Seniors: 7:25 a.m.; dismissal at 11:30 a.m. for standard time, 12:30 p.m. for extended time. No lunch provided.

MISSION TRIP INTEREST MEETING 
On Wednesday, October 29, parents with daughters in the classes of 2027 and 2028 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 Chelsea Colomb at colombc@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2221.

THE SOIRÉE: A REDSTICKER THURSDAY NIGHT
Join us for The SJA Soirée: A Redsticker Thursday Night on October 30 in the Fife Student Center and Investar Quad. This is a casual, fun night of live music from the Peyton Falgoust Band, great food and drinks from some of Baton Rouge’s best restaurants, plus live and silent auctions and more. Come enjoy a relaxed evening with SJA parents, alumnae and friends. New this year: Get your friends together and purchase a table to guarantee a reserved seat!
 
Tickets are on sale at www.sjasoiree.org. Raffle tickets are also available for a Dream Vacation or your choice of one of three designer purses.
 
For more information, please contact Assistant Director of Advancement – Events Jennifer Knight at knightj@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2270.

STUDENT COUNCIL FUN DAY 
Friday, October 31. The theme for this Halloween Fun Day is Stick or Treat on Broussard Street. 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 Richardson at richardsonc@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 as prisoners.

UPCOMING: 13TH ANNUAL SJA STICKER SCRAMBLE 
On Wednesday, November 5, the SJA Dads’ Club will hold the 2025 Sticker Scramble at TopGolf of Baton Rouge. The Sticker Scramble, presented by Stine, is now in its 13th year and has raised more than $100,000 for enhancements to SJA. Prizes are given for first, second and third places as well as to the winners of the Ladies Cup.

Grab your team of three and sign up now, as space is limited! Women and men of all skill levels are welcome! If you are interested supporting this great event with a sponsorship or have questions, please 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 for school-wide enhancements. All sponsorship, gifts and services are tax deductible. Rain or shine, we hope to see you on November 5 at TopGolf!

UPCOMING: PICTURES WITH SANTA
The SJA Stickers for Life Club will host its second annual Pictures with Santa on Saturday, November 8, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Mother Alice Hall Community Room and Glass Porch. This fundraiser benefits the March for Life Pilgrimage to Washington, D.C., and other club projects. You will receive all the digital images taken during your session (photos with Santa and in a festive winter scene, as well).  

Sessions are $50 (plus SchoolCash Online handling fee). Register here. 

Once purchased, you will be emailed a sign-up link to reserve a time slot. 

HANDBOOK ADDENDUM
Per school policy, the school handbook can be amended at any time during the school year. Parents are notified of changes via the Parent Newsletter. Below is a new addition to the handbook.

Foreign Language Honor Societies
St. Joseph’s Academy offers membership in three Foreign Language Honor Societies: Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica (SHH) for Spanish, National Latin Honor Society (NLHS) and Société Honoraire de Français (SHF) for French. Each recognizes high academic achievement and encourages ongoing interest in language and cultural studies. Students who meet the criteria are invited to apply in the fall and, upon acceptance, are inducted during a spring ceremony. Members receive recognition through pins awarded at the Academy Awards Ceremony and diploma seals for graduation.
 
Qualifications for Membership

• Actively enrolled in an upper-level foreign language course (Level III or higher)
• Completed at least three semesters of the language with an A average in those semesters
• Overall weighted GPA of 3.5 or higher
• No D or F semester grades in any previous foreign language course
• Good behavior record with no discipline issues
• Transfer students must complete one full semester of the language at SJA before eligibility.

Membership Application and Induction
Eligible students will be invited to apply during the first few weeks of school. Applicants must submit a completed form and teacher recommendation and meet all listed criteria. Chapter sponsors may consult the Dean of Women regarding discipline concerns. Accepted students will receive a congratulatory letter outlining membership expectations and details for the induction ceremony.
 
Membership Expectations

• Maintain a 3.5 cumulative weighted GPA
• Complete at least five hours of service related to the language. Specific details on volunteer activities can be found on the MySJA Honor Society Page.
• Maintain a good behavior record
• Submit dues ($15) and meet all deadlines

Failure to meet expectations may result in probation or removal from the society.

CALENDAR CHANGES
Please make note of several changes to our school calendar:

• Exam Preparation Days in May will be held on May 14 and 15 (rather than May 15 and 18).
• May Crowning/Service Awards will be on Monday, April 27 (Schedule 4).
• Seniors’ Last Day will be on Wednesday, April 29 (Schedule 7).
• Senior Mass will be on Thursday, April 30 (Schedule 6).
• There is no school for seniors on Friday, May 1. 

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

Additionally, an overview of important dates can be found here. Please note that dates may be subject to change.

ATTENDANCE NOTIFICATIONS
To help streamline our process and keep accurate records, we are discontinuing the attendance email address. Please review the updated protocol below:

Medical Appointments
To ensure your daughter’s absence is recorded quickly and accurately, please submit documentation in one of two ways:
1. Upload through the Attendance Reporting Form found on the Resources page on MySJA. 
2. Turn in a hard copy to the main office. 

All Attendance Changes
Absences, tardies and checkouts must be submitted through the Attendance Reporting Form.

Using the Attendance Reporting Form helps us keep teachers updated in real time and avoids delays in recording absences. Thank you for supporting us in creating a more efficient system.

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

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

October 17 and 20: Fall Holiday 
November 24-28: Thanksgiving
December 22-January 5: Christmas
January 19: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday
February 16-20: Mardi Gras 
April 3-10: Easter

SUMMER PE
Six sessions of Summer PE will be 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 8-25, 7-9:30 a.m. (Monday-Thursday)
 
Session 2: June 8-25, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. (Monday-Thursday)
 
Session 3: June 8-25, 2:30-5 p.m. (Monday-Thursday)
 
Session 4: June 8-25, 5-7:30 p.m. (Monday-Thursday
 
Session 5: June 29-July 16, 7-9:30 a.m. (Monday-Thursday)
 
Session 6: June 29-July 16, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. (Monday-Thursday)
 
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 Amanda Henley at henleya@sjabr.org.

ACT UPDATE
St. Joseph’s Academy and Catholic High School have combined ACT test sites to offer more testing opportunities for our students throughout the year.
 
During the ACT registration process, the system defaults to search by zip code. To register for one of the national Saturday testing dates at SJA, you will need to choose the Change Location option and enter the test center code listed below that is associated with the date you would like to test. Please note this is for the national ACT test and is not associated with the school-day ACT required for seniors in October and juniors in March at SJA.
 
SJA will host the ACT on December 13 and July 11. The test center code is 161060.
 
CHS will host the ACT on October 18, April 11 and June 13. The test center code is 182570.

SJA ACT TEST PREP PROGRAM FOR 2025-2026
Gear Up for the ACT: SJA will offer four-hour sessions during the summer for each subject-specific test of the ACT (reading, English, math, and science) prior to the two summer testing dates above. These sessions will focus on strategies and practice techniques for that content-specific ACT test. The cost is $55 plus fees for ACT math, science, reading and English. Your payment includes an ACT practice book for that subject. Space is limited to 50 students per session. Sessions can be purchased on SchoolCash Online.

Students are encouraged to review the scores they received from their spring 2025 ACT test taken at SJA or their most recent scores to determine which subject areas they need to work on. Counselors recently reviewed these scores with students in their English classes.  These classes are recommended for students who have taken or are currently enrolled in Algebra II. 
 
Remaining Fall 2025 Dates and Topics
Saturday, October 4: Reading
Saturday, October 11: English
 
ACT Diagnostic Testing: SJA will offer ACT Diagnostic Testing in the summer through Revolution Prep. Students will practice taking a full-length ACT test in a test setting and receive specific feedback on the areas where they need to work to improve their scores. Each student will receive a detailed report of her test results, stating specific skills and content areas to focus on to achieve a higher score. The test will simulate a real ACT test with the setting, timing and using an ACT-released test. The cost is $15.50 plus fees. Extended time is offered. The Diagnostic Test Session can be purchased on SchoolCash Online.
 
ACT Testing for the Class of 2026 at SJA: SJA will offer the class of 2026 an additional opportunity to take the ACT in a comfortable environment during the school day at SJA in the fall. The test will be on October 28 and will be required for all seniors. Data shows that most students scored the highest score in the fall of their senior year. The cost will be less than $45 and is available to purchase a through SchoolCash Online. This test is only for seniors.

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 or subscribing to SJA Community Prayer on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

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 2025-2026 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 2026. Otherwise, your daughter will receive her yearbook at the Six-Month Reunion for the class of 2026 in December of 2026.

SAVE THE DATE: CLASS OF 2025 SIX-MONTH REUNION 
Monday, December 15, 12-1:30 p.m., Fife Student Commons. Sponsored by the SJA Alumnae Association. Our 2025 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 5.
 

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 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 Assistant Dean of Women Brianna Sommers and will be issued a disciplinary consequence.  

COLLEGE VISITS
Students are encouraged to visit colleges of interest during the summer and school holidays. Please reference the school calendar for the days students are not in school during the 2025-2026 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. Freshmen are not allowed excused absences for college visits. Emailed notification of a student’s college visit must be submitted through the Attendance 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. Absences related to college visits are counted as part of the allotted 10 days per semester.

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 Richardson, 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 Christina Richardson at richardsonc@sjabr.org or Brianna Sommers at sommersb@sjabr.org.

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 Registrar Cristina Latiolais at latiolaisc@sjabr.org. 

SAFE DRIVING HABITS
Please remind your daughters to observe speed limits, especially around campus and in our campus parking lots. We also ask that you talk to your daughters about unsafe driving practices, including texting while driving. We thank you for your partnership and continued modeling.

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 BrightArrow communication system. 

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 Registrar Cristina Latiolais at latiolaisc@sjabr.org. 

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

A student may not miss more than 10 full days (70 classes) or 10 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 uploading them to the Attendance Reporting Form and must be submitted within three school days of the absence/check-in/check-out.

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 pfiferc@sjabr.org or krzystowczykn@sjabr.org.

Science Resource
Science Resource is available Monday-Thursday during all three lunch hours and 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 Monday-Wednesday 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 MySJA 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, Liturgy Committee, Liturgy Choir, Praise & Worship Band and Stickers for Life Club.
 
RETREAT INFORMATION
2025-2026 Retreat Dates
October 12-13, 2025: Senior Retreat, Dry Creek Baptist Camp, Dry Creek, Louisiana
November 10, 2025: Freshman Retreat, SJA
March 2, 2026: Sophomore Retreat, SJA
March 16, 2026: 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. This includes, but is not limited to, out-of-school competitions for club teams, college visits, college recruitment events and any other outside events.
 
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. Retreats must be in person and intended for high school students.
 
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 2025-2026 academic year while juniors and seniors must complete 20 service hours. The 2025-2026 Freshman and Sophomore Service Directory and the 2025-2026 Junior and Senior Service Directory can be found on MySJA and the Service Hour Opportunity Teams Channel. Please review the revised policies before completing service hours. Students can participate in opportunities outside of those included in the service directories only after receiving written permission via email from the Assistant Campus Minister/Service Coordinator. All students will use their Mobile Serve account to log service hours. These accounts for incoming freshmen will be set up during SJA Welcome Week. User guides for the website and cellular application can be found on the Service Hour Opportunities Team Channel. Parents, grandparents and immediate family members cannot verify students service hours.
 
The 2025-2026 service year for current students began on April 10, 2025, and will end on Monday, April 13, 2026. Hours must be verified by the supervisor no later than Wednesday, April 15, 2026. All service hours must be logged electronically in each student’s school-issued Mobile Serve account. Hard-copy verifications will not be accepted. Failure to complete service hours by the deadline will be examined on a case-by-case basis and may result in disciplinary action. Seniors must complete their service requirements in order to graduate from SJA, and underclasswomen must complete their service hours in order to take their final exams.
 
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. SJA and CHS club hours do not roll over at any time, and SJA and CHS club hours must be independent and separate from the SJA service program. SJA and CHS sports team hours do not roll over at any time, and SJA and CHS sports team hours must be independent and separate from the SJA service program.
 
Visiting 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. 
 
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 Rachael Duchmann at service@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2295.

WE ARE TRULY ONE
Our Parents Annual Fund is off to a great start. Thank you to all the parents who have already sent in their pledge or donation!

If you haven’t made your pledge yet, now is the time. Gifts to the Annual Fund support the people and programs that make St. Joseph’s Academy exceptional: inspiring academic, athletic and arts programming; a talented and dedicated faculty; and the personal attention that helps each student thrive.

We invite you to partner with us in the mission of the school and make a meaningful gift that reflects the value you place on the SJA educational experience. Every gift makes a difference in the life and learning of a student.

Contributions to the Annual Fund are tax-deductible and may even be matched by your employer.

We’re proud to share that the SJA faculty and staff reached 100 percent giving for the 14th year in a row! Now we as parents are striving to reach 100 percent participation for the first time ever. Please consider a gift to SJA, no matter the size. The only gift that is too small is the one that is not made at all. Click here to make your gift to the Annual Fund.

For additional information, please contact Mission Advancement Director Meg Gerald at geraldm@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2254.

PAVE THE WAY BRICKS
Make your mark on SJA’s campus by purchasing a brick for your daughter. Engraved brick pavers are placed near the Fife Student Commons. For more information, contact Mission Advancement Operations Manager 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 2025-2026 school year, we invite you to join now! 

PARENTS WHO PRAY
Please be reminded that prayer requests can be sent to parentswhopray@sjabr.org.

PARTY BLOOMS PICKUP
Please be reminded that pick up for the CHS Homecoming dance boutonnieres will be held on Friday, October 3, after school in Mother Alice Hall (until 4 p.m.).

FALL SOCIAL
The Mothers’ Club Social Committee has a fun event planned for 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. 

STUDENT APPRECIATION DAY
We will kick off Student Appreciation Days with our Halloween/October treats during all three lunch hours on October 31. 

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 the Parents’ Back-to-school Dance, Father-Daughter Day and the Sticker Scramble, benefit our daughters. Are you ready to join for the 2025-2026 school year? Sign up now to join the best group of guys on campus. 

If you have any questions, please contact Dads’ Club Moderator Meg Gerald at geraldm@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2254.

Fall is in full swing at the Sticker Shop, your go-to destination for all things spirited, stylish and cozy this season.

STAY WARM IN STYLE
As the days get cooler, it’s the perfect time for your daughter to try on our soft, comfortable sweatpants, ideal for the fall season. Follow SJA Sticker Shop on Instagram to stay up to date on our latest sales and promotions.

CALLING ALL OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS
If your daughter celebrates her birthday in October, she can receive 10 percent off one item during her birthday month. Summer birthdays didn’t miss out. You’re welcome to stop by anytime to get your birthday discount!

SHOPPING MADE SIMPLE
For your daughter (in person): She can stop by the Sticker Shop during her lunch period to browse our newest arrivals.

For you (online): Shop anytime from the comfort of your home by clicking the link to explore our full collection.

For you (in person): Visit us in person by parking in the circle drive in front of Mother Alice Hall (3080 Kleinert Avenue). Get buzzed in, sign in with Mrs. Clarinda and enjoy shopping with us.

STORE HOURS
We’re open and ready to help Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Please note: We are closed on days when the campus is closed.

SHOW YOUR STICKER PRIDE
Every purchase at the Sticker Shop helps you show off your Redsticker spirit while directly supporting the SJA community and our dedicated Mothers’ Club. Thank you for being a valued part of our community. We’re here to help you celebrate the spirit of SJA all season long.