Personal Growth

St. Joseph's Academy encourages our young women to be responsible and unifying members of the world community. SJA attempts to play an appropriate role in guiding students to make good choices. While it is not the province of SJA to prescribe what limits or freedoms parents chose for their daughters, we do expect students to conduct themselves at all times in a manner consistent with the mission of SJA *with a Christian attitude and respect for others.* This expectation applies at all times (whether the student is on campus or off campus and regardless of whether the student is participating at the time in an SJA-sponsored event). Students should be aware that their actions (no matter when engaged in) can reflect on SJA and that they are subject to disciplinary consequences on a 24/7/365 basis.
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The interests of a St. Joseph’s Academy student are best served by cooperative relationships among the student, her parents, teachers and the school’s administrators. The regulations and procedures set forth in this handbook are designed to serve the student’s interests and to facilitate a spirit of cooperation. At times, disagreements may arise between a student’s parents and the school concerning application of school regulations. In such instances, reasonable efforts are made to resolve the disputed issues. But if cooperative efforts fail and an impasse results, the student may be subject to dismissal from St. Joseph’s Academy. In developing policies for St. Joseph’s Academy, the administration has tried to anticipate as many issues as possible. But as new and unusual situations may arise, the principal has the authority to make decisions under any circumstances not precisely covered by handbook rules. 

Wherever the term “parent” is used in this handbook, “guardian” is implied.

Counselors remain with their class for all four years.

Class of 2025
Alexandra (Ally) Giardina
giardinaa@sjabr.org; (225) 388-2283

Class of 2026
Kellie Braud Wintz '02
wintzk@sjabr.org; (225) 388-2223

Class of 2027
Lindsay Carlino '02 (Department Chair)
carlinol@sjabr.org; (225) 388-2225

Class of 2028
Mary Beth Elfert
elfertm@sjabr.org; (225) 388-2281

Counseling Center Director and College Advisor (A-J)
Allison Hipwell Bruton '95
brutona@sjabr.org; (225) 388-2299

College Advisor (K-Z):
Ellen Frazier
fraziere@sjabr.org; (225) 388-2251

Wellness Educator
Melissa Shaw '96
shawm@sjabr.org; (225) 388-2347

Goals
The Counseling Center participates in SJA's mission to assist students in attaining faith development, academic excellence and personal growth.

Student Services
Counselors meet with students in individual and group settings to guide them toward meeting the above goals. Counselors meet with students throughout the year to discuss standardized test score reports, GPA and scheduling requirements for SJA. Additionally, counselors meet with students in small groups to discuss college readiness and will give basic college information. If a student asks for help or is referred to the counselors by faculty, staff member or parents for emotional issues, drug use, suicidal ideation or other issues that pose a threat to the emotional, physical or psychological well-being of the student, the counselors, along with the administrators, may *require or* recommend professional mental-health counseling.

Disclosure Statement Regarding Confidentiality
Our primary obligation and loyalty is to the student. Therefore, any information shared with the counselors will be treated with the utmost respect. In general, the counselors will not disclose any confidential information a student has shared with them. However, the law and/or the ethical standards of the counselors’ profession may require them to disclose information in certain situations including, for example, to various legal authorities, school administration and/or to the parents of minors when sharing such information may protect the student or others from harm. In addition, it may become necessary to inform school officials of any intent to harm school property if such information becomes known to a counselor through a counseling session.

Students should be aware that the sharing of information from a counseling session will only be done after careful consideration, and every effort will to be made to notify the student in advance of the obligation and intention to disclose confidential information.

The signing of the handbook acknowledgment form gives permission for the counselors to meet with students and discuss with administration the possible need to refer a student to outside professional counseling, *mental health evaluation or education evaluation.*

By signing the handbook acknowledgment form, the student and parents recognize that a counselor may, by law and ethical standards of the profession, be required to disclose confidential information provided by the student to third parties.

Mandated Reporting
All SJA faculty and staff are mandated reporters. Teacher or childcare provider is any person who provides or assists in the teaching, training and supervision of a child, including any public or private school teacher, teacher's aide, instructional aide, school principal, school staff member, bus driver, coach, professor, technical or vocational instructor, technical or vocational school staff member, college or university administrator, college or university staff member, social worker, probation officer, foster home parent, group home or other childcare institution staff member, personnel of residential home facilities, a licensed or unlicensed daycare provider or any individual who provides such services to a child in a voluntary or professional capacity. *The school is not obligated to alert a parent when a report has been made.*

Admissions Policy
St. Joseph’s Academy is a Catholic, all-girls, college-preparatory high school. SJA has an admissions policy that is nondiscriminatory regarding race or national origin. Students of all faiths, educational and socioeconomic backgrounds who have the academic ability and motivation to succeed are invited to apply. Special consideration is shown to Catholic families who have consistently supported Catholic education or who have a legacy at SJA. Final decisions regarding admission are made by the President and Principal with recommendations from the Admissions Committee and the support of the SJA Board of Directors.

Admissions criteria are overall middle school record; standardized test scores; personal interview with applicant and her parents; space availability at SJA; recommendation of elementary/middle school principal (for students attending Catholic elementary schools); admissions exam (PreACT 8/9) results; *discipline and attendance records* and completed online application.

*Information regarding transfer students can be found in the Academic Excellence section of the handbook.*

After dismissal, students may remain on campus in one of the following designated areas: Fife Student Commons (FSC), Investar Quad, courtyard or Technology and Learning Center (TLC) between 2:50 and *3:30* p.m. Students may not leave campus after dismissal to roam the neighborhood. At *3:30* p.m., an announcement will direct students to sign in at either the TLC or FSC while they wait for their ride *(unless they are supervised by an adult in an after-school activity, including club meetings and athletic practices).* The after-school sign-in is for students who remain at SJA and are on campus past the dismissal bell. Students cannot return to school to sign into the TLC/FSC after they leave campus. *On a shortened schedule  when students are dismissed before 2:50 p.m., students who are still on campus and unsupervised by an adult are expected to sign into the TLC or FSC 40 minutes after the bell rings.*

*Food and drinks other than water are not permitted in the TLC after school.*

The TLC and FSC 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.

Regular attendance in classes and school-related activities helps to promote better academic performance and build school and community spirit. When it is necessary for the student to be absent, the parent or guardian should notify the Attendance Coordinator *by completing the Absence Reporting Form found on the Resources page on MySJA.* Excessive absenteeism and tardiness prove costly in terms of lost productivity. While a certain amount of absenteeism and tardiness is inevitable in any organization, students and parents are expected to cooperate in maximizing attendance. *An unstructured period is considered a class period for students.*

Any student absent from school or who misses more than four periods is not permitted to attend a school-sponsored event on that day and must be fever free and not vomiting for at least 24 hours before returning. She is allowed to make up any and all work missed during her absence. It is the student’s obligation to find out about missed assignments. Each department has a make-up policy/days. See the course Moodle/MySJA page and this handbook for specifics on each class/department. The make-up test policy can be found in the Academic Excellence section of this handbook. Seven accumulated missed class periods will equate to one full day absent.

If a student will miss any classes, for a reason other than illness, advance notice from the parent must be sent to the Dean of Women via *the Absence Reporting Form* at least one day before the absence in order for it to be considered. 

Louisiana requires students to attend school for a certain number of days and complete 26,400 instructional minutes per semester to be promoted to the next grade and earn credit for the course [Bulletin 741 Handbook for nonpublic schools]. *If a student misses a specific class 15 times in a semester, regardless of whether the absences are excused or unexcused, the student may be subject to academic or disciplinary consequences in that course.* If a student misses more than 15 school days *(or 105 classes)* in a semester, regardless of whether the absences are excused or unexcused, she will be required to withdraw and may have to return her computer to SJA. *Families should reference the SJA calendar to ensure the maximum number of school days are attended.*

The Dean of Women makes the determination of excused versus unexcused absences. *Absences are recorded per class period, with seven accumulated missed class periods equating to one full day absent. Absences are evaluated based on classes and school days missed. If a student misses a specific class 15 times in a semester, regardless of whether the absences are excused or unexcused, the student may be subject to academic or disciplinary consequences in that course. This may include loss of credit in the course and/or issuing an attendance contract.* If a student misses more than 15 school days *(105 class periods)* in a semester, regardless of whether the absences are excused or unexcused, she will be required to withdraw and return her computer to SJA. Parent notification of a student’s reason for an absence must be turned in by the end of the school day, or the absence will be considered unexcused and will not be changed. *Students are considered to have attended a class if they are present for more than 50 percent of the class time. A late arrival to an attendance class will be recorded as a tardy, and an early dismissal will count as a check-out. Excused or exempt absences have no academic or disciplinary consequences, while unexcused absences are subject to consequences.*

Excused Absence
Absences will be excused for the following reasons. Requests for any other reason must be approved in advance by *filling out the Absence Reporting Form and emailing the Dean of Women's office.*
•    Personal illness or injury. A parent must *complete the Absence Reporting Form* by 7:30 a.m. if his/her student will be absent due to illness. If *notification* isn’t received from the parent, the absence is marked as unexcused, and an email is sent to the parent inquiring about the student’s attendance. If no response is received from the parent by the end of that school day, the absence will remain unexcused on the student's record. If a student is absent three consecutive days, she must bring a doctor’s note to the Attendance Coordinator within three days of the absence. The student will be considered unexcused until the doctor’s note is received, and she will receive an infraction.
•    Doctor's appointment. A signed doctor’s note is required for the check in/out or absence to be considered excused. All excuses must be turned into the main office within three days of the absence. If a signed doctor’s note is not turned in within the time frame, the absence will remain unexcused on the student’s record. *Submitting the doctor's note at a later date will not change the absence to excused.*
•    Death of a family member
•    College visit (see College Visit section)
•    Educational absence affiliated with school events, such as science fairs, conventions, Student Minister-led retreats and athletic events. The student is required to complete any make-up assignments. *These absences are considered exempt and do not count against a student's attendance record.*
•    Outside competition/non-SJA team competitions and events. While students are encouraged to maintain their extra-curricular competitions and teams outside of SJA, we will allow only three excused events during the school year. A parent or guardian must *complete the Absence Reporting Form* at least one school day prior to the competition with proof of participation. Approval may be denied if a student has acquired excessive absences and/or is failing an academic course. Consequences and a conversation with the Dean of Women will take place if a student misses more than her allowed number of excused absences. These additional absences could include disciplinary and academic consequences.

Additional days missed outside of the competition as personal days are considered unexcused, and there will be disciplinary consequences.

Unexcused Absence
If a student is absent from school without a legitimate reason or if a student is absent from school as a matter of convenience to herself or her family, it will be considered unexcused. The student will receive an infraction for each day she has an unexcused absence. She must make up any assignments missed during the absence. Examples include but are not limited to vacations/trips, concerts, non-medical appointments, driver’s education classes and/or driving time (excluding DMV visits). Parent notification of a student's reason for an absence must be turned in by the end of the school day, or the absence will be considered unexcused and will not be changed.

Upon a student’s third unexcused absence, a call or meeting with a dean will take place and the student will face academic consequences which may include a zero grade for any homework or classwork missed.

Excessive/Extended Absence
*If a student misses a specific class 15 times in a semester, regardless of whether the absences are excused or unexcused, the student may be subject to academic or disciplinary consequences in that course. This may include loss of credit in the course and/or issuing of an attendance contract.* 
If a student misses more than 15 days in a semester, regardless of whether the absences are excused or unexcused, she will be required to withdraw and may have to return her computer to SJA. The student may be able to return the following semester or year if she is able to make up her classes through an accredited program approved by SJA. Students who are deemed by the administration to have excessive absences will be put on an attendance contract for the remainder of the school year or asked to withdraw. *Part of the determination on attendance consequences depends on the student's motivation to keep up with assignments. Students with excessive absences on quiz or test days may be subject to academic consequences.* Students who had excessive tardies or absences during the prior academic year may be asked to sign an attendance contract before the start of the new school year. Students must complete a minimum of 26,400  instructional minutes per semester to remain at SJA or receive credit.

Seven accumulated missed class periods will equate to one full day absent.
• On the 5th absence in a semester, an email will be sent to the student’s parent.
• On the 10th absence in a semester, a conference will be requested between the Dean of Women and the parent. With this number of absences, a doctor’s note must be presented to have any further absences excused. College visits, field trips, non-SJA outside events/competitions and other optional absences may not be approved after the 10th absence.
• On the *12th* absence in a semester, a second conference will be requested between the administration, student and parent. 
• *On the 14th absence in a semester,* a formal notice of the student's course credit and continued enrollment is given.
• *On the 15th absence in a semester,* the student will be required to withdraw and may have to return her computer to SJA.

Louisiana requires students to attend school for a certain number of days and complete 26,400 instructional minutes per semester to be promoted to the next grade and earn credit for the course (Bulletin 741 Handbook for nonpublic schools).

Absences During Exams
All students are expected to take their exams during their regularly scheduled time *(December 17-20 for mid-terms and May 20-23 for finals).* If there is a serious conflict, special permission must be obtained from the Dean of Women. If a student misses an exam and cannot make it up during conflicts, the student will take the exam during the following week. No early exams will be given except in the case of an extreme emergency. Students who take more than one class in the same subject area must see the Dean of Academics to schedule a conflict exam during exam days.

Modified Schedule of Attendance
In cases of extended absences due to health reasons and when a student’s health does not allow for a full day of classes upon her return, the grade-level counselor will work with the student on a modified schedule of attendance. The counselor will send the final schedule to the Dean of Academics. The student’s classes will be scheduled with her regular teachers. The student must have a signed medical note stating the reason. Teachers will be given information on the scheduling requirements for the student. *If the modified schedule must be utilized for an extended period of time, the student may be asked to withdraw from SJA.

Illness
If a student becomes ill during the day and must leave campus, she must report to the School Nurse, who will call the student’s parent to obtain permission before the student leaves. *If the student fails to check out with the nurse for an illness and uses the checkout station in the main office instead, the absence will remain unexcused.* Seven accumulated missed class periods will equate to one full day absent. An unstructured period is considered a class period for students. *If a student checks out ill, she is not permitted to return for school events during the school day.*

Medical Appointments
Most routine visits to the doctor should be scheduled outside of school hours. If a student knows in advance that she must leave early for a doctor's appointment, *the parent must complete the Absence Reporting Form* by 7:30 a.m. on the day of the checkout. When the student returns to school, she must present a note signed by the physician to the Attendance Coordinator in order to receive an excused absence. If a signed note is not turned in within three days of the appointment, the absence will remain unexcused on the student's record.

Seniors with Unstructured Periods
Only seniors who sign the appropriate documentation will be given the opportunity to arrive late or leave school early during their unstructured period. Students in grades 9 through 11 do not have this privilege.* Students and a parent are required to complete the Senior Late Check-In Permission Slip for Unstructured First Period or Senior Early Check-Out Permission Slip for Unstructured Last Period form that is located on MySJA.
o Seniors with first period unstructured are allowed to check in late but must arrive 10 minutes before the end of first period. (Example: Following schedule 1, first period ends at 8:10 a.m.; the student should sign in by 8 a.m.) In the event of a morning Prayer Service, seniors are required to be checked in by 7:30 a.m. 
o Seniors with eighth period unstructured are allowed to leave at the end of the day unless we have an end-of-the-day assembly.

Students are encouraged to visit colleges of interest during the summer and school holidays.

Seniors are allowed three excused absences for college visits during the academic year. These three days are not in addition to the 15 days already allowed. Juniors and sophomores are allowed two excused absences for college visits during the academic year. When necessary, a travel day is allotted for each college visit. Notification of a student's college visit and confirmation of the tour from the university, if applicable, must be *submitted through the Absence Reporting Form* by a parent at least one school day before the scheduled absence. If notification is not received, the absence will be marked as unexcused. 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 midterms, final exams or AP testing.

Please note that any day missed for college visits, whether considered excused or unexcused, counts towards a student's overall absences for the semester.

For school activities or athletics: Students who consistently leave school early for a school-sanctioned activity can contact the Dean of Women prior to the start of the athletic season to establish an alternative schedule during the athletic season or for the duration of the activity. This alternative schedule could include time within the school day for making up missed work and attending the class that is most often missed. Students who are struggling academically and do not follow the revised schedule will be subject to exclusion from the sport or activity.

For Professional Learning Communities: The intention of this early dismissal time for students (Schedule 3) is to allow teachers who teach the same course to meet. These professional learning communities (PLCs) allow for professional dialogue and collaborative study that will ultimately improve the educational environment of St. Joseph's Academy. The vision is for stronger leadership and teaching that will, in turn, lead to greater student achievement in the classroom and on standardized tests.

All early dismissals will be listed on the school calendar. If there are school closures during the year, that time will be made up by cancelling the necessary number of PLCs.

On early dismissal days, students can choose to remain on campus to utilize the Learning Center (Math, Science, Writing and English Resource). The Technology and Learning Center and Help Desk will be open during this time. Sports practices and club meetings sponsored by a faculty member will not begin during the PLC time. On early dismissal days, students must sign into the Technology and Learning Center *no later than 40 minutes after the bell.*

The complete bell schedule can be found under the Quick Links section of the SJA website.

Students are expected to be on time for every class. Excessive tardiness to a given class may result in an infraction from the assigned teacher.

A student who arrives on campus after the tardy bell *or who does not arrive to her first hour class prior to the tardy bell* must report to the Attendance Coordinator’s office for a tardy slip before entering class. She must have her student ID to scan the barcode when she checks in. Beginning with the third unexcused tardy, an infraction is given for every unexcused tardy without prior parent notification. Excessive tardiness may result in a two-hour Saturday school or Saturday suspension. See below for a sample flow of consequences for excessive tardiness in a semester: 

1st and 2nd unexcused tardy: Recorded in MySJA without additional consequence.
3rd unexcused tardy: Recorded in MySJA, infraction issued (written warning if student has zero infractions for the semester).
4th–6th unexcused tardy: Recorded in MySJA, detention earned.
Beginning with 7th unexcused tardy: Recorded in MySJA, meeting with the Dean of Women, parent contacted, Saturday School earned for each unexcused tardy moving forward.

Students are permitted to arrive as early as 6:30 a.m. Traffic issues are expected and will not be approved as an excused tardy. We ask that students and their families make adjustments in their morning routines to ensure they are to school by the morning bell. Extreme weather, road accidents and out-of-the-ordinary circumstances are considered excused on a case-by-case basis, and the parent is asked to contact the main office if he/she anticipates their student will be tardy. *If no notice from a parent is received describing the extenuating circumstance, the tardy will remain unexcused.* All students are allotted two unexcused tardies without a consequence when traffic causes them to be late. Beginning on the third tardy, an infraction is issued.

Athletics
Interscholastic athletics are an integral part of the total educational program at St. Joseph’s Academy. The purpose of athletic activities is to provide educational experiences not otherwise provided in the curriculum that will contribute to the student’s knowledge, physical skills and emotional and spiritual development.

SJA student-athletes compete in the following sports:

• Basketball
• Bowling
• Cross Country
• Golf
• Gymnastics
• Powerlifting
• Soccer
• Softball
• Swimming
• Tennis
• Track and Field (indoor and outdoor)
• Volleyball

Non-LHSAA sanctioned sports:

• eSports
• Red Steppers
• SJA Cheerleaders

The combination of outstanding athletes and nationally acclaimed coaches has enabled SJA to win district, city and state championships. The outstanding individual efforts of many Redstickers have led to continued careers as collegiate scholarship athletes.

SJA is a member of the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) and enjoys a statewide reputation for compliance with all LHSAA regulations and policies. All athletes must meet the scholastic and eligibility requirements as outlined by the LHSAA.

Any student-athlete who has a reasonable chance to play collegiate sports and/or to earn a college scholarship in athletics must register online with the NCAA Eligibility Center at the end of her freshman year in high school. For more information on the NCAA Eligibility Center and the online registration process, please refer to the NCAA website.

For additional information, contact SJA's Athletic Director.

All student-athletes must have an LHSAA physical form completed and signed by a physician and their parents before they can try out for any SJA sport. The form can be found on MySJA in the Resources Board, Athletics. This form can also be found on the SJA website under Quicklinks, Forms. You will print the form and take it to your daughter's physician to complete and sign. Please scan the completed form or take a picture of it with your smartphone and upload to MySJA, Resources, Athletics before tryouts. Once the team is selected, additional information will be provided for parents to complete the remaining required forms.

Please note that student-athletes must attend all tryout dates listed with their sport. 

Student-athletes may be placed on probation if their academic standing falls below the requirement or for consequences of disciplinary infractions.

Athletic Lettering Requirements
In order to receive a varsity letter in a particular sport, a student-athlete should demonstrate skill through her participation in games, practices and all team functions. She should exhibit a willingness to work toward team goals, good sportsmanship and a spirit of cooperation with her coaches and teammates. To letter, a student-athlete must make a significant contribution to her team in all of these areas as determined by and at the discretion of the head coach.

Intramural Program
All SJA students can enjoy athletic competition, thanks to our intramural sports program. Each year, our Intramural Sports Director offers students the opportunity to compete in team or partner sports, including volleyball, ping pong, lacrosse, badminton, archery, dodge ball, pickleball, flag football, rock climbing, ultimate frisbee and more. Additionally, students can join students from Catholic High School to compete in the coed sports of volleyball (fall) and kickball (spring). 

New and different activities are offered each year. Many intramural activities/events are held in the fall and repeated in the spring to accommodate the busy schedules of our students.

For more information, contact the Intramural Sports Director. 
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Clubs/Student Organizations
Numerous clubs are available for students. Each club meets monthly and has its own individual membership criteria. Some clubs meet and work with their Catholic High School counterparts. Also, many clubs are affiliated with state and national organizations. All clubs must be approved by the Activities Coordinator, who appoints an official club moderator. Requests to form new clubs must be presented to the Activities Coordinator.

• American Sign Language Club
• Art Club
• Beta Club
• CHS Bruinettes
• CHS Cheerleaders
• CHS Marching Band
• Classical Club
• Coding Club
• Cooking and Crafts Club
• Creative Writers’ Club
• Criminal Justice Club 
• Diversity Club
• Drama Club (SJA/CHS)
• Film Club
• French Club I
• French Club II
• French Honor Club
• Games Club
• Historical and Geographical Society
• Jane Austen Society
• Karaoke Club
• Key Club
• Latin Club
• Literary Ladies Society
• Liturgy Committee
• Mu Alpha Theta
• My Sister's Keeper
• National Honor Society
• Praise and Worship Band
• Respect Life Club
• Robotics Team
• Science Club
• SJA Ambassadors
• SJABR TV
• Spanish Club
• Student Council
• Student Ministry
• Video Games Club
• Women's Empowerment
• Yoga Club
• Youth & Government

Club Officers
Club elections are held at various times throughout the year. Each club has election guidelines, but all elected club officers must adhere to the following requirements and restrictions:
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Requirements:

1. Each nine weeks, the GPA of each officer must meet the club requirement and will be checked by the Dean of Women. Each officer must also maintain a passing grade in each of her subjects each nine weeks.
2. If the officer falls below the grade requirements or is in danger of failing any subject, she is placed on probation. The GPA will be rechecked the following nine weeks, and if the officer meets academic requirements, she may reclaim the office. If the officer does not meet the requirements, she is suspended from office for that school year.
3. If an officer receives consequences for disciplinary infractions, she may be subject to probation or removal from the office or club at the discretion of the administration.

Restrictions:

1. A student may be president/editor of only one co-curricular activity.
2. *The president of a school club can also be a state officer in the same club.*
3. A student may hold office in a maximum of two co-curricular activities.

Proposing a New Club
Any student may propose a new club by requesting the New Club Proposal Form from the Activities Coordinator. All club proposals will be discussed and decided upon by the administrative team. 

In this policy, the term “student-athlete” is defined as any person who is enrolled in school at St. Joseph’s Academy and participates in a competitive endeavor, whether that be with a sport or team sponsored by St. Joseph’s Academy or with an institution that is not partnered or affiliated with St. Joseph’s Academy. In accordance with state law and LHSAA policies, both current and those enacted after the implementation of this policy, St. Joseph’s Academy permits student-athletes to engage in Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) agreements under the following parameters:

I.    All St. Joseph’s Academy student-athletes must disclose and present a copy of any NIL agreement or contract to the Principal of St. Joseph’s Academy via the Athletic Director, prior to official engagement by the student-athlete and/or her family. Failure to disclose NIL agreements as prescribed may result in consequences as determined by the St. Joseph’s Academy administration.  
II.    In accordance with Louisiana Law, St. Joseph’s Academy, its administration, directors, faculty, coaches, staff, etc., shall not arrange for, promote or entice specific NIL agreements for its student-athletes, nor shall they provide NIL compensation to any athlete. 
III.    St. Joseph’s Academy may prohibit a student-athlete from engaging in specific NIL agreements if those agreements conflict with the values and principles of St. Joseph’s Academy, the Catholic Church and/or the rules and regulations expressed in the St. Joseph’s Academy Student Handbook.  
IV.    Student-athletes may not engage in an agreement with, or earn compensation from endorsements for
     a.    Alcohol; 
     b.    Tobacco or Nicotine in any form;
     c.   Devices or paraphernalia associated with drug use, including but not limited to e-cigarettes, vape pens or any other type of drug-delivery device;
     d.    Illegal or controlled substances, including banned athletic substances, and prescription medication;
     e.    Cannabis or cannabis-related products, including CBD, hemp and hemp-related products; 
     f.     Any form of gambling, including sports wagering;
     g.    Firearms that the student-athlete could not legally purchase;
     h.    Adult entertainment or enterprises;
     i.     Politicians, political messaging or political-based advertisements.

St. Joseph’s Academy retains the right to prohibit a student-athlete from engaging in an NIL agreement that promotes or endorses other products not specifically identified above if that product(s) is deemed to conflict with the values of the school or the Catholic Church.

V.    St. Joseph’s Academy may prohibit a student-athlete from engaging in specific NIL agreements if those agreements, or terms within the agreement, conflict with existing St. Joseph’s Academy sponsorship agreements or contracts, including terms within those contracts and agreements, or other school or athletic agreements or contracts, including terms within those contracts and agreements. 
VI.   Student-athletes and the third-party entities with whom they contract shall not authorize, permit or otherwise use St. Joseph’s Academy trademarks, logos, clothing, uniforms, equipment or other SJA Intellectual Property in any NIL deals without the expressed, written consent of St. Joseph’s Academy.  
VII.   Student-athletes may not use St. Joseph’s Academy facilities or property in order to endorse products or enter into NIL agreements without the expressed, written consent of St. Joseph’s Academy.  
VIII.   Student-athletes may not wear, display or promote a commercial enterprise’s brand, insignia, logo, etc., with official St. Joseph’s Academy uniforms, practice gear or at St. Joseph’s Academy athletic events without the expressed, written consent of St. Joseph’s Academy.  
IX.    All student-athletes, whether under NIL contract or not, shall remain bound to the rules and regulations found in the St. Joseph’s Academy Student Handbook.  
X.    St. Joseph’s Academy encourages student-athletes who engage or consider engaging in NIL agreements to obtain certified and licensed legal and financial counsel throughout the process.  St. Joseph’s Academy will not provide these services.  
XI.   St. Joseph’s Academy and its employees, coaches, directors, etc., shall not be liable for any damages to a student-athlete’s ability to earn compensation for the use of the student-athlete’s name, image and likeness, resulting from decisions and actions taken by St. Joseph’s Academy in the ordinary course of school operations.

Announcements
If you need to get a message to your daughter during the school day, please email her. Students are allowed to check email during unstructured or lunch time. The Attendance Coordinator will only email a student in an emergency. It is the student’s responsibility to check her email. *Parents are asked to limit phone calls or text messages to their daughters' lunch or unstructured periods.*

Announcements are made at the beginning of 3rd period and followed up with an Announcements email. Afternoon announcements are made at the end of 8th period. Students must remain in class until all announcements are complete and they are dismissed.

School Messenger phone alerts, email notices *or text messages* to parents will be used to communicate timely information.
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Media Policy
Requests from the media for interviews of any student or employee of St. Joseph’s Academy must be approved by the Communications Director. Exceptions to this policy will be made in cases such as athletic team coaches/club moderators or student-athletes/club members being interviewed following an athletic/club event. The Communications Director serves as the public spokesperson for St. Joseph’s Academy. No other employee or student should speak on behalf of SJA without the consent of the Principal.
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Newsletters
A monthly newsletter along with events and other pertinent information is emailed to parents and is posted on the website under the Parents portal. The Connections news magazine is published three times per year and mailed to parents, alumnae and friends.
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Promotional Photos/Interviews
Throughout the school year, photographs are taken and videos are made of students for a variety of purposes, including use in St. Joseph’s Academy promotional materials (fliers, brochures, invitations, etc.), on the Academy’s website, in Academy-produced publications (Connections, Annual Report, Student Prints, The Shield, etc.) and in various SJA and external media outlets, including social media platforms. No remuneration or payment is attached to the use of these photographs or videos. 

Additionally, students may be interviewed by the Academy’s Communications Department to gather information for stories which are published in or posted on the outlets described above.

On occasion, representatives of the media (print and electronic) are interested in a story relating to the Academy and may wish to interview, photograph or videotape SJA students. SJA makes every reasonable effort to supervise interactions between students and the media.

By submitting the School Handbook acknowledgment form found on MySJA, you grant permission for your daughter’s photograph, video image and/or interview answers to be used in and on the above-referenced outlets.

Written objections from parents and/or students to the use of photographs, videos or answers to questions must be received by the Main Office on the students’ beginning-of-the-year orientation day.

For more information, contact the Communications Director.
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Student Directory
St. Joseph’s Academy provides a password-protected online student directory on MySJA. This includes the following information as provided in the registration form: student’s name, grade level, parent(s)’ names(s), home phone number(s), address(es) and Safe Home participation. .

The names and addresses of juniors and seniors are given to Balfour and Kleinpeter Photography in order for these vendors to communicate with students/parents during the summer months. If you do not wish this information to be given to these vendors, contact the Principal.
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Deliveries to Students 
During the school day, students will not be allowed to accept deliveries of food brought in from outside vendors, parents, friends or relatives.

Every effort is made to see that students receive needed school items delivered to them during the school day. SJA, however, will not accept deliveries of flowers or gifts.

SJA partners with SAGE Dining Services to provide nutritious and delicious meals for our students. SAGE cooks from scratch and maximizes its use of raw and minimally processed food. Food is grilled, baked, broiled or sautéed to avoid frying. SAGE uses fresh fruits and vegetables and offers whole-grain breads, bagels and rolls. A meatless entrée is offered daily, as are fresh salads. Food is prepared using fresh herbs and spices, reducing the use of salt.

Hot entrées, made-from-scratch soups, grilled sandwiches, traditional Louisiana favorites and fresh baked goods are offered daily. SAGE also provides resources to help students make good nutritional choices. Cooking/nutrition and wellness demonstrations enable students to learn about ingredients, world cuisines and cooking methods.

*Parents can fund their daughter’s dining hall accounts through MyKidsSpending online or through a check made payable to SAGE Dining Services. Dining hall balances are expected to remain in positive standing and are not to be used as a “credit card” system. Students can check their balances at the cashier stations in the dining hall. This information is also accessible through their MyKidsSpending account. We encourage parents to have conversations with their daughters about appropriate spending and responsible habits. Once a student’s account is at a negative dollar amount, an email from the Dean of Women’s office will be sent to the student and a parent. After two consecutive weeks with a negative balance and/or continued spending on a negative balance, the student’s SAGE Dining Account will be frozen, and no further purchases can be made until the balance has been paid in full. *

Remaining balances of less than $10 on senior accounts will automatically be donated to the meal assistance fund after graduation.

*Students who have a negative balance in their dining hall account will not be permitted to take their midterm or final exams.*

In case of a general emergency in which school is called off due to dangerous weather or other circumstances, SJA will follow the directives for East Baton Rouge Parish public schools and the Diocese of Baton Rouge.

Students and their parents will be notified of emergency school closures via a phone messaging system, email *or text.* Messages will be sent automatically to either the student’s phone number, the parents’ home number(s), the parents’ cell phone number(s) and/or the parents’ work number(s). When school is closed, any after-school activities and meetings are cancelled unless otherwise communicated. 

SJA will also notify media outlets of school closures. Since SJA will comply with the directives of the EBR public schools and the Diocese, there should be no need to call the school for further information in such situations. *Students will receive additional information via email from the administration or their teachers.*

Emergency drills are practiced with students, faculty and staff throughout the year. All information regarding safety procedures has been posted in each room on campus. 

*A security officer is present on campus each school day from 6:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.*

The St. Joseph's Academy safety policies and Emergency Action Plan are available upon request. Please contact Principal Stacia Andricain at andricains@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2240.

Guidelines for Money-Raising Activities
The Administration prefers to keep fundraising projects to a minimum. In order to regulate the number and type of fundraising projects, the following guidelines are established for all classes, clubs or other groups in the school:

1. ​​No class, individual or organization is to initiate any money-raising activity or request money from other classes, students, faculty/staff, clubs or organizations without the permission of the Principal. This includes GoFundMe requests.

2. Requests to raise money must be submitted in writing prior to the quarter during which funds will be collected. The request should state the goal and procedure for raising the funds.

3. Projects that are of charitable or educational value will be given first consideration.

4. Students may not sell tickets, raffles, foodstuffs or other items for outside organizations during the school day.

SchoolCash Online
SJA uses SchoolCash Online for online payment of all fees and other school-related costs. *Students will not be permitted to take midterm or final exams if all fees have not been paid.*

Textbook and Book Fees
Students are expected to handle all books with care and return them in prime condition. A lost or damaged book must be paid for before another book will be issued. Should a student leave during the term, it is her responsibility to return all loaned books to the Dean of Curriculum and Instruction. If a student does not return a textbook, a fee will be assessed, and payment will be due at the end of the school year. *Certain courses, including AP, require students to purchase their own textbook.*

Tuition
Tuition, fees and registration costs are set each year by the Board of Directors and communicated at the time of registration. SJA utilizes Blackaud Tuition Management for the processing and collection of registration fees and tuition. Through the online registration process, you will set up your personal Blackbaud Tuition Management account and choose your preferred payment plan and payment method. Blackbaud Tuition Management provides the option to set up recurring automatic payments from your bank or on your credit card. 

*For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition is $13,054. Seniors pay an additional $440 senior fee for a total of $13,494.*

The non-refundable registration fee is $575. 

*Tuition and other fees for 2025-2026 will be published in February 2025.*

Students who have unpaid fees or tuition will not be permitted to take semester examinations. Students with an outstanding tuition balance may not register for the following academic year. Click here for the 2024-2025 Tuition Policy. 

In keeping with the vision of the Sisters of St. Joseph, no student has ever been denied admission solely on the basis of her family’s ability to pay full tuition. The philosophy of SJA’s tuition assistance program is that an Academy education be available to all young ladies who wish to attend and have the academic ability and motivation to succeed.

Families applying for tuition assistance must do so annually, since family circumstances can change and the amount available for tuition assistance changes every year. The application is completed through Blackbaud Financial Aid Management. This secure, online service streamlines the data-collection process and ensures that financial aid is granted to those families who are most in need. Blackbaud Financial Aid Management will collect and compile the data and make recommendations based upon factors specific to the local economy; however, the SJA Tuition Assistance Committee will make all final decisions regarding financial aid.

Instructions for applying for tuition assistance will be provided via email. There is a $35 Smart Aid application fee.

For additional information about tuition assistance, please contact Amy Jackson in the Finance Office at (225) 388-2234.

Students may eat daily in the Dining Hall or Fife Student Commons or they may bring their lunch. At no time can a student have food brought to her or delivered to campus from an outside source/vendor. If a student forgets her lunch, she can purchase lunch in the Dining Hall.

Students are allowed water only in the classroom and Technology and Learning Center as long as it is in a seal-top container. *Students may not bring any food purchased from the dining hall into the classroom for any reason.* No food or other drinks (coffee, smoothies, sports drinks and other beverages) are allowed at any time in any school building except the Dining Hall and Fife Student Commons. Chewing gum is not allowed on the SJA campus or at any time in any school building. 

St. Joseph’s Academy emphasizes to all students, faculty and staff members that harassment (including sexual harassment) is prohibited behavior and will not be condoned or tolerated. This includes student-to-student, student-to-faculty/staff (and vice versa) and faculty/staff-to-faculty/staff.

All students of the Academy must be treated with respect and in a Christian manner. This prohibition against acts of harassment applies to all people engaged in all school-related activities: all students, regular and temporary, part-time or full-time employees, substitutes, volunteers, itinerant instructors and consultants. It also applies equally to clergy, religious and laypersons.

Physical Harassment:  Physical harassment includes unwarranted physical touching, contact, assault, deliberate impeding or blocking movements or any intimidating interference with normal school or work movements.

Sexual Harassment:  Sexual harassment can include sexual advances, requests for sexual favors or any other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. This behavior includes unsolicited written or verbal statements, vulgar or obscene photographs, drawings, jokes or comments, gestures or physical contact of a sexual nature.

Verbal Harassment:  Verbal harassment can include derogatory remarks, jokes or slurs and belligerent or threatening words spoken to another.

Written or Electronic Communication Harassment:  This includes communication of any threat of or act of sexual, verbal, physical harassment *or derogatory remarks of any kind.* Any student, faculty or staff member who believes this policy is being violated should report this immediately to a member of the administrative team or the president of the Academy.

Hazing:  Hazing is the intentional, knowing or reckless act by a person when 1) the person knew or should have known that the act endangers the physical health or safety of the other person or causes severe emotional distress; and 2) the act was associated with being initiated into, affiliating with, participating in or membership in any SJA student organization. Hazing includes physical activity or activity involving the consumption of foods or substances that subjects a person to an unreasonable risk of harm, adversely affects the physical health or safety of the individual or causes severe emotional distress. Hazing is contrary to the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph, is a criminal act under Louisiana law and forbidden at SJA.
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Any person who believes hazing has occurred in association with any SJA student organization is strongly encouraged to report the alleged hazing to SJA administrators. All allegations of hazing will be investigated by administrators. If there is sufficient information to determine that hazing has occurred, SJA will report the hazing to law enforcement as required by Louisiana law. Any student determined to have engaged in hazing shall be, at a minimum, suspended from SJA and potentially expelled permanently. 

Bullying:  Bullying behavior is the repeated harassment and targeting of another person or group of persons with the intent to cause emotional, physical or psychological harm. 

Any student, faculty or staff member who believes this policy is being violated should report the same immediately to a member of the Administrative Team or the President of the Academy.

Weapons: No student or teacher is permitted to possess any type of weapon while on the school grounds or at any school-related function. A weapon is defined as any instrument that is used or may be used to cause grave bodily harm. Anyone violating this regulation is subject to dismissal.

Students should remove earbuds or any type of headphone when entering a classroom and should keep them off unless the teacher instructs them otherwise. Students should not bring or wear headphones or earbuds to a school assembly. *For safety and respect, students should remove headphones and earbuds while traveling between areas of campus and class periods.*

In keeping with the mission statement of St. Joseph’s Academy and the philosophy of the Sisters of St. Joseph, calling all to oneness with God and community, SJA has established an Honor Pledge. The measure of a St. Joseph’s Academy young woman is her adherence to the Honor Pledge. The pledge defines the SJA student as guided by honesty, honor and personal integrity in all matters pertaining to her life as a member of the Academy community.

*Safe Homes
*The SJA Safe Homes Program is designed to encourage communication between parents and their children as well as parents and other parents. By agreeing to participate in the program, parents and students accept the responsibility for a drug- and alcohol-free environment. Safe Home participants agree to the following: 
  
1. Not to permit unchaperoned parties in their homes or on their property which involve their daughter and her friends. 
 2. Not to permit the serving to or consumption of alcohol or illegal substances by their daughter or her friends at any party or other social activity for which they are responsible. 
3. If their daughter’s friends are attending a party or social activity in their home while under their supervision and appear to be under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, they will not allow the friend to leave without contacting the friend’s parents to arrange safe transportation home. 
4. To encourage other families to join the Safe Homes Program. 
5. To encourage parents to verify a family’s participation in the Safe Homes Program by using the online Student Directory before allowing their daughter to attend a social function with that family. 
6. To allow SJA to indicate their participation in the Safe Homes Program in the online Student Directory. 

Participation in the Safe Homes Program is encouraged, and participating families are expected to uphold these guidelines. However, Safe Homes is voluntary, and this is not a legally binding document. Parents are able to elect participation through the Handbook Acknowledgment form each year.*

St. Joseph’s Academy Honor Pledge
The mission of St. Joseph’s Academy is to educate young women as responsible and unifying members of the world community in the spirit and charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph. Therefore, I commit to

• Respect myself and all members of the Academy community.

• Respect the property of others and be a responsible steward of the earth’s resources.

• Submit only work that is my own and give proper credit when using the words, ideas or efforts of another. *Refer to the Academic Integrity Policy for more information.*

All students are expected to act in a Christian manner at all times. The charism of our Sisters teaches us to strive so that all may be one. Students should strive to treat others as Christ would *and remember they are representatives at SJA at all times.*

Students are expected to abide by the policies and procedures outlined in this handbook and to assume responsibility for their actions at all times. Students are expected to be prepared for class and to hand in materials requested on time.

Inclusion is an on-going process to increase access and engagement in learning for all students by identifying and removing barriers in a culture of collaboration, respect and support. 

SJA is committed to supporting the needs of our student population. We value diversity and respect individual learning differences, working with each individual student.

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

Coverage limit is *$25,000* per injury from the first day of school until the last day of school. The policy pays 80 percent of the reasonable and customary expenses incurred for necessary medical, dental or hospital care (within 104 weeks for Accidental Dental expenses) up to a maximum of *$25,000* for any one injury, subject to the deductible amount, excess provision and exclusions. 

Expenses incurred after one year from the date of injury are not covered. 

*This insurance is provided to fill in the gaps that may exist in other insurance programs and to provide coverage where no other insurance exists. When an accident occurs, therefore, the bills for any necessary medical care must first be submitted to any other applicable insurance company, medical service plan or pre-payment program. Any unpaid balance should be submitted, along with a copy of the other company’s explanation of benefits, for processing under this insurance.* 

*All enrolled students of the school are covered while participating in supervised and sponsored activities, including interscholastic sports, field trips and travel to and from school. Base Accident Coverage extends to all enrolled and non-enrolled students while participating in summer camps as well as volunteer workers of the policy holder.*

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

For more information or to obtain a claim form for submission, please contact the Director of Operations.

Any student who would like to use an SJA locker should contact the Dean of Women.

Students will have use of a locker to store personal items during physical education classes. Instructions on P.E. locker use will be given on the first day of school by the P.E. teacher. These lockers will be shared with other students. *Only locks issued by SJA, not personal locks, can be used.*

Found articles should be brought to the lost and found in St. Joseph Hall room 113, in front of the Dean of Women's office. Valuables such as jewelry and cash are to be turned in to the Attendance Coordinator in the main office and may be claimed there. After nine weeks, articles unclaimed are donated to the needy.

A student who marries is not allowed to remain at St. Joseph’s Academy.

SJA follows the Diocesan policy regarding pregnant students.

School Nurse
A nurse is on campus from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. When the nurse is not on campus, students should report to the Attendance Coordinator.
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Health Form
St. Joseph’s Academy must have a new, completed Health Information Form on file for every student at the beginning of each academic year. This form is completed and submitted electronically on MySJA. *Click the yellow banner at the top of the sign-on screen.*

Medication
Students may not have medications of any kind, prescription or over-the-counter, in their possession while at school. *The only exceptions are insulin, EpiPens and rescue inhalers with proper paperwork. Please see additional information below.

All medications, including over-the-counter (OTC) medications, given by our school nurse must be prescribed by the student’s personal provider. 

A Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medication Form (found on MySJA) must be completed *by the student's provider, signed by a parent and turned into the nurse before any medication can be administered or carried by a student. A new form is required each school year.*

Without a completed *and current Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medication Form on file,* the SJA nurse will not be able to administer medications for headaches, menstrual cramps, bug bites or orthodontia discomfort, etc. If the nurse is unable to treat a student complaint due to the lack of an appropriate order form, and the student is unable to return to class and participate, her parent or legal guardian will be called to make arrangements to either bring and administer the medication or pick the student up from school.

All *prescription* medications must be delivered to the school nurse in their original container by the student’s parent or legal guardian. *The prescription label must reflect exactly what is on the Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medication Order Form.*
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Approved Carried Medications (Insulin, EpiPens, Rescue Inhalers): *For your daughter's safety, in addition to a current Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medication Form, a care plan, specific to her needs, must be completed by her doctor. Parents will need to schedule an appointment with the school nurse within one week of the start of the school year to review the plan.*

In case of an emergency, the school has a supply of EpiPens on campus through the EpiPens4School Program. This does not replace the need for a student to provide or carry an EpiPen if that has been prescribed.
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Sedating/Pain Medications: If a student is administered any narcotic pain medication, antianxiety medication or Benadryl (for allergic reaction) at any time during school hours, that student will not be permitted to drive from that point on during the school day. At the time the medication is administered, if the student is of driving age, a parent will be notified and the student must give their car keys to the person administering the medication for safe keeping. The student will need to be picked up by a parent at the end of the day; keys will be given to the parent at that time.
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Medical Conditions
For the health and well-being of our students, faculty and staff, please adhere to the following guidelines. If you think your daughter has a contagious illness, please keep her home.

Strep Throat: If a student is diagnosed with strep throat, she must be on the prescribed medication for a minimum of 24 hours before returning to school. *She must also follow the fever guidelines below.*

Fever: A student should not attend school unless she is fever-free (less than 100.4 degrees) for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.

Nausea/Vomiting/Diarrhea: Students need to be free from nausea, vomiting and diarrhea for 24 hours before returning to school after an illness.

Pink Eye/Conjunctivitis: The signs and symptoms of pink eye include redness, itchiness, a gritty feeling, discharge that forms a crust overnight and/or tearing. If a student wakes up with any of these symptoms, she needs to be checked by a doctor. If a student reports to the nurse’s office with any of these symptoms, she will be sent home and must be cleared by a doctor to return to school. If a student is diagnosed with bacterial pink eye, she must be on the prescribed medication for a minimum of 24 hours before returning to school. Per the Mayo Clinic, “pink eye can be highly contagious for as long as two weeks after signs and symptoms begin. Early diagnosis and treatment can protect people around you from getting pink eye, too.”

Lice: Per guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control, students diagnosed with live head lice do not need to be sent home early from school; rather, they can go home at the end of the day, be treated and return to class after appropriate treatment has begun. Nits may persist after treatment, but successful treatment should kill crawling lice.
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Both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Association of School Nurses advocate that “no nit” policies should be discontinued. Both groups say no-nit policies that require students to be free of nits before they can return to school should be discontinued for the following reasons: Many nits are more than ¼-inch from the scalp. Such nits are usually not viable and very unlikely to hatch to become crawling lice or may in fact be empty shells, also known as casings. Nits are cemented to hair shafts and are very unlikely to be transferred successfully to other people.
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Concussions: A concussion is a form of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head causing the brain to move rapidly back and forth within the head. For our students' safety, if a student complains of concussion symptoms after a bump to the head or exhibits signs or behaviors consistent with a concussion including, but not limited to, loss of consciousness, headache, dizziness, confusion or balance problems, she will be sent to the athletic trainer or school nurse for further assessment.

If a concussion is suspected, a parent will be contacted to make arrangements to pick the student up for further evaluation by an appropriate healthcare professional. No student will be allowed to drive if a concussion is suspected. 
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If diagnosed with a concussion, physical and cognitive activities, such as concentration and learning, can be difficult and should be managed by a qualified healthcare professional. Once the healthcare professional gives clearance for a student to return to school, she can work with her grade-level counselor and teachers to create a plan to catch up on missed assignments.

*Signs and Symptoms of Concussion
Per the CDC, signs and symptoms of concussion can show up right after an injury or may not be noticed until hours or days afterwards. Be alert for any of the following signs or symptoms. Also, watch for changes in how the student is acting or feeling, if symptoms are getting worse or if the student just “doesn’t feel right.” 

Signs
• Can’t recall events prior to or after a hit or fall
• Appears dazed or stunned
• Forgets an instruction, is confused about an assignment or position or is unsure of the game, score or opponent
• Moves clumsily
• Answers questions slowly
• Loses consciousness (even briefly)
• Shows mood, behavior or personality changes

Symptoms
• Headache or “pressure” in head
• Nausea or vomiting
• Balance problems or dizziness, or double/blurry vision
• Bothered by light or noise
• Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy or groggy
• Confusion, concentration/memory problems
• Just not “feeling right” or “feeling down”
• Changes in sleep patterns (sleeping much more or less than usual or can’t sleep)

Suspected Concussion at School, Clinical Evaluation Procedures
• SJA uses the CDC’s “Concussion Signs and Symptoms Checklist” to determine whether a student needs further assessment by an appropriate healthcare professional. A student will be monitored for a minimum of 30 minutes. She will be checked for symptoms when the injury first occurs, at 15 minutes, then at 30 minutes. 
• For our students' safety, if a student complains of concussion symptoms after a bump to the head or exhibits signs or behaviors consistent with a concussion, including but not limited to, loss of consciousness, headache, dizziness, confusion or balance problems, she will be sent to the athletic trainer or school nurse for further assessment. 

If a concussion is suspected, a parent will be contacted to make arrangements to pick the student up for further evaluation by an appropriate healthcare professional (physician, physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner).
NOTE: A physician is required for student-athletes. No student will be allowed to drive if a concussion is suspected.  

Required Documentation to Return to School
• If no concussion: a doctor’s note stating that the student does not have a concussion.
• If diagnosed with a concussion:  A parent must communicate daily with the school nurse until the student is cleared to return to school. The nurse will be in communication with her teachers via email to keep them informed of her health needs and progress. Once cleared, a provider note will be required for her to return. 

Returning to School (Academic Support)
SJA has an academic support team that consists of the school nurse, the student’s grade-level school counselor, the athletic trainer (for student-athletes), school administrators and the student’s teachers. The student and parents are also an integral part of the student’s recovery.

Once back at school, the student must:  
• Check in daily with the school nurse until no longer having post-concussion symptoms. The nurse will continue to communicate with her teachers via email to keep them informed of her continued health needs and her progress. 
• She will also need to meet with her grade-level counselor as needed until caught up on missed schoolwork, homework and tests. The counselor will notify her teachers regarding any academic needs and progress towards make-up work, if needed.

If diagnosed with a concussion, physical and cognitive activities such as concentration and learning can be difficult. Students who return to school after a concussion may need to: 

• Spend fewer hours at school, possibly starting with half-days
• Take rest breaks as needed
• Be given more time to take tests or complete assignments
• Receive help with schoolwork 
• Reduce time spent on the computer, reading or writing

Once a doctor’s note is provided giving medical clearance for a student to return to school, SJA will make the following short-term accommodations to assist in the transition back to schoolwork and activities:

• Half-days (must be scheduled with the student’s grade-level counselor)
• No physical education or dance classes until symptoms are resolved
• No after-school sports until cleared by the doctor and athletic trainer (per LHSAA Return-to-Play protocol)
• Reduce the amount of homework and class assignments
• Postpone classroom tests and/or standardized testing 
• Provide extended time to complete schoolwork, homework or test-taking 
• Provide written notes for school lessons and assignments (when possible) 
• Allow for a quiet place to take breaks throughout the day 
• Decrease screen time on the computer and other electronic devices
• Allow the student to wear sunglasses if light-sensitive
• Allow the student to use earplugs or headphones if bothered by noise 

If at any time the student has returning or worsening of symptoms during class, she should take a break from the causative activity. If no improvement is shown, she should be sent to the nurse’s office.

Concussions for Student-Athletes (LHSAA Basic Concussion Rule)
• Any player who exhibits signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion (such as loss of consciousness, headache, dizziness, confusion or balance problems) shall be immediately removed from the contest and shall not return to play until cleared by an appropriate healthcare professional. 
• A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that interferes with normal brain function. A student-athlete does not have to lose consciousness to have suffered a concussion. 
• A student-athlete who exhibits any signs or symptoms of a concussion will be removed from activity immediately. Contact the athletic trainer as soon as possible. 
• If a student-athlete is diagnosed with a concussion, she will complete a Return to Play Program with the athletic trainer. 

Return to Play Program per LHSAA:
Steps cannot be started without a written note from a physician. If a student needs to have limitations in the classroom, i.e., not able to use a computer and not taking tests, then she is not able to move on to Step 2. 

Step 1 a: Rest Day
Full day of rest with no symptoms
Step 1 b: Return to class/academics
Full day of school with no symptoms. This includes using computers and having no limitations while at school.
Step 2: Light Aerobic Activity
This usually includes a stationary bike ride to increase heart rate for 10-15 minutes. If at any point the student-athlete has symptoms, then Step 2 stops. Step 2 can be repeated once symptom free for 24 hours.
Step 3: Sport-Specific Training (non-contact)
This consists of controlled sport-specific exercises. If at any point the student-athlete has symptoms, then Step 3 stops. Step 3 can be repeated once symptom free for 24 hours.
Step 4: Training Drills (non-contact) Resistance Training
This consists of controlled resistance training exercises. If at any point the student-athlete has symptoms, then Step 4 stops. Step 4 can be repeated once symptom free for 24 hours.
Step 5: Full Contact Training (with physician clearance)
Full practice with no limitations with no symptoms. If at any point the student-athlete has symptoms, then Step 5 stops. Step 5 can be repeated once symptom free for 24 hours.
Stage 6: Return to competition
After all steps are completed, then a physician clearance note is required.* 

​Immunization Requirements
All students are required by law to present evidence of age-appropriate immunizations against preventable communicable diseases. If SJA does not receive a copy of a student’s immunization records by the registration deadline or by the due date for rising juniors, the school nurse will contact her parents to request a copy, which must be returned immediately in order for the student to remain in school.
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Required immunizations per the state of Louisiana:

1. Diphtheria Tetanus Acellular Pertussis vaccine (DTaP): 5 doses in student record at kindergarten entry and for entry into all subsequent grades thereafter (Those students who received their fourth dose of DTaP at age four or older do not need a fifth dose on record. )
2. Poliovirus vaccine (IPV): 4 doses in student record at kindergarten entry and for entry into all subsequent grades thereafter (Those students who received their third dose of IPV at age 4 or older do not need a fourth dose on record.)
3. Measles, Mumps, Rubella vaccine (MMR): 2 doses in student record at kindergarten entry and for entry into all subsequent grades thereafter
4. Hepatitis B vaccine (HepB): 3 doses in student record at kindergarten entry and for entry into all subsequent grades thereafter
5. Varicella vaccine (VAR): 2 doses in student record at kindergarten entry and for entry into all subsequent grades thereafter
6. Tetanus Diphtheria Acellular Pertussis vaccine (Tdap): 1 dose in student record at 6th grade entry and for entry into all subsequent grades thereafter; or starting with any student 11 years of age in any grade
7. Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY): 1 dose in student record at 6th grade entry and for entry into all subsequent grades thereafter, through the 10th grade; or starting with any student 11 years of age in any grade; 2 doses are required in the student record once she is 16 years of age and in the 11th grade. 
8. Hepatitis A vaccine (Hep A): 2 dose series (minimum interval 6 months) normally given between the ages of 12 and 23 months.

Note: Students can participate in school without the required immunizations listed above if either of the following are presented *at the beginning of each school year*: 1) a written statement from a physician stating that the procedure is contraindicated for medical reasons; or 2) written dissent from the parent/guardian.

Before a student may participate in an off-campus, school-sponsored activity, she must return a completed permission slip to the faculty member in charge of the activity. Failure to return the form will result in the student’s forfeiture of her participation in the event. Off-Campus Activity Forms will be handed out by the coach or moderator in charge of the activity. The administration has the right to remove a student from any school travel event at any time without a refund.

*Field trips and other school-sponsored events are earned. A student's attendance and discipline record may be taken into account when permitting her to participate in the off-campus event.*

St. Joseph’s Academy students are expected to maintain high standards of conduct and respect while living out the mission of the school and the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph. Behavior of an SJA student should be consistent with a school environment focused on relationship with God and neighbor; academics; and respect for each other’s thoughts and feelings.

SJA students must refrain from public displays of affection between fellow SJA students and with Catholic High School students. This policy is expected to be upheld while in school, on school grounds or when attending or participating in any school-related activity or function. Inappropriate PDA in any school setting includes but is not limited to intimate or prolonged embracing,  *sharing a private space such as a restroom stall,* handholding, kissing, continual or inappropriate touching, sitting on another’s lap or intimate behaviors.

A student who violates this policy will be included in a conversation with her counselor and will receive a disciplinary infraction. If either the counselor or an administrator deems that it is necessary, a parent will be included in a conversation.

Public displays of affection will be addressed promptly by a member of the school staff. Students should not video or take a picture of another student engaged in a public display of affection. This action, as well as posting or sharing a video or picture in any manner, will result in disciplinary action.   

Dads’ Club
The SJA Dads’ Club provides service to the school and social opportunities for fathers and daughters. Membership includes current SJA dads, grandfathers, fathers of alumnae and friends of SJA who have paid the annual dues. Service opportunities include cooking for the Habitat for Humanity Youth Build, *Sticker Spectacular and assistance at school events.*

Father/Daughter Day is the highlight of the Dads’ Club social calendar. The Dads’ Club also co-hosts the Sticker Scramble golf tournament *and the Parents' Back-to-School Dance.*

For more information, contact the Dads’ Club moderator.

Mothers’ Club
The SJA Mothers’ Club plays an active and vital role in the support services of the school. It sponsors a number of annual activities, including luncheons, receptions, retreats and prayer groups. In addition, the club provides other services, such as appreciation days for students and faculty/staff. The Mothers' Club also runs the Sticker Shop *and hosts the Mother-Daughter Brunch & Style Show each spring.*

Members must have a daughter currently enrolled in the school and pay annual dues.

For more information, contact the Mothers' Club moderator. 

Parking is a privilege reserved for seniors, juniors *and sophomores. Seniors, juniors and sophomores must have a valid driver's license (not a learner's permit) to register a vehicle and purchase a parking spot. A spot cannot sit empty. If a student will not have a car to drive, she must wait until she has a car before purchasing a spot.*

Anyone not assigned a spot must find alternate transportation. Freshmen are not allowed to drive to school. *We ask parents of freshmen and sophomores without a driver's license to make carpool or other transportation arrangements.*

*We have a security guard on campus and in our parking lots between the hours of 6:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. each school day.*

*Sophomores,* juniors and seniors are entered into a lottery for parking spots. They must complete an online vehicle registration form and pay a car registration fee *on SchoolCash Online. Parking lot spots are $312 if purchased in the first semester (August-December) and $156 in the second semester (January-May). Street parking spots are $104 and sold on a first-come, first-served basis. There are only 50 spots available for street parking. Students will be assigned a specific section of street parking for the year. For safety reasons, our goal is to have as few students parking on the street as possible.* 

Due to a limited number of parking spots, if more students request street spots than are available, seniors will be given first priority, and juniors *and sophomores* will be placed in a lottery for remaining spots. Juniors *and sophomores* not getting a street spot will be moved to their alternate spot in a lot for the increased parking fee.

All students who are assigned an SJA parking spot will be issued a hanging parking tag which must always be visible in their vehicle. It is the student's responsibility to move her hanging tag if she drives an alternate vehicle to school on a given day. Students are to park in their assigned spot, which corresponds with their hanging tag, and not park in another area. If a student loses her parking tag, a replacement tag, requested from the Dean of Women, will be available for a fee.

Students are reminded that driving a vehicle on campus is a privilege. All students should adhere to rules of safety and courtesy at all times. 

During arrival and dismissal times, one-way signs routing traffic in parking lots must be observed, or disciplinary action may be taken. Students should use the designated crosswalks to enter and exit campus. *Student drivers and those using the carpool lanes are asked to be mindful and pay attention to pedestrians.*

If a student has permission from a homeowner to park in front of their property, she must follow all city ordinances. SJA has the right to ask a student to park at a different location if an issue arises. Penalties for violating parking rules include an infraction and may lead to loss of *parking* privileges.

Neighborhood Parking Guidelines
If your daughter chooses to park off campus, the school assumes no liability for the car or her safety. *Students should have permission of the homeowner to park in front of his/her home.*

Anyone bringing a student to school or picking her up after school must use the driveway to the west of St. Joseph Hall entered from Kleinert Avenue (9th grade) or the carpool lane of the Academy Student Center (10th and 11th grades). *They must follow the directional flow of traffic as indicated on the map below. Parents should not park in an SJA parking or visitor spot to wait for their daughter. They should use one of the designated carpool lanes.* Any student who is discovered being dropped off or picked up on Broussard Street *or from the parking lots of neighboring businesses* will receive an infraction. 

Parents who do not absolutely have to pick up their daughters at the final bell are encouraged to wait until after 3 p.m. to do so. This allows time for the lots to empty and helps relieve the bottle neck at the end of the day. Students may be picked up from the Academy Student Center or Kleinert carpool line after 3 p.m. *After 3:30 p.m., students should be picked up from one of our after-school locations (Technology and Learning Center or Fife Student Commons).*

After school hours (*3:30* p.m. or later), students without adult supervision must wait in the Technology and Learning Center or Fife Student Commons until their ride arrives. For safety reasons, students may not be picked up on Broussard Street *or Kleinert Avenue.* Parents are asked not to drop off or pick up students from the Mother Alice Hall driveway *or the Medaille Hall circle drive.*

Assigned parking spots are in these five lots: Synagogue, Kleinert, Broussard Annex, Mother Thollot House and Academy Student Center. Drivers assigned to street spots may park in the designated areas on Kleinert Avenue or Parker Street. Under no circumstances are students to park on Broussard Street, in the visitor parking in front of Mother Alice Hall or any of the neutral-ground areas near the school premises. Handicapped parking is in front of Medaille Hall on Broussard Street, in the Kleinert parking lot and in the Academy Student Center parking lot. Visitors are asked to park along Broussard Street or Kleinert Avenue in the designated visitor parking areas. *If a student has a medical need which would necessitate an alternative parking arrangement, she should reach out to the Dean of Women.*

A record of each student’s courses, grades and attendance is kept as a part of permanent office files. These records are used for reference in recommendations requested by universities or prospective employers.

Unofficial copies of test scores and transcripts can be downloaded at any time by a parent or student through MySJA. A student wishing to obtain an official copy of her transcript should make this request to the Registrar's office via email. The school needs one full work day to process requests for official transcripts. Students who are minors must have a parent’s signature for release of transcripts. There is no charge for copies of transcripts. The school must mail official academic transcripts directly to the university or employer requesting the information. All other records are unofficial.

In instances where a student goes by a name that is different from what appears on her birth certificate, St. Joseph’s Academy will use what appears on the birth certificate as her legal name on documents such as transcripts or diplomas.

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 to 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.

St. Joseph’s Academy abides by FERPA provisions dealing with confidentiality of students’ grade records. 
 

All final decisions pertaining to the SJA uniform policy, including accessories, hair color, jewelry and makeup, are made by the Dean of Women.

SJA uniform vendors:
Young Fashions
11111 Coursey Boulevard

School Time 
7745 Jefferson Highway

Inka’s S’CoolWear
11626 Sherwood Forest Court

All articles of clothing should be securely labeled for identification purposes.

Dress Uniforms

The dress uniform is to be worn on all mass days and at designated school assembly days.

(Items 2-5 must be purchased from the above uniform vendors)

1. SCHOOL-ISSUED ID: Students are required to wear their school ID on the issued lanyard at all times during the school day. IDs must be worn on the outside of the uniform and be visible at all times. No stickers are allowed.

2. SKIRT: Plaid uniform skirt length should be no shorter than two inches from the top of the knee. Students wearing skirts that are deemed to be too short will be asked to purchase a new one or have the hem taken out in a timely manner. *Uniform skirts cannot be rolled at the waist. To check for appropriate length, the gap between the student's knee and the hem of her skirt must not be greater than two to three inches. Use the length of the student ID to measure.*

3. BLOUSE (BUTTON DOWN): Plain white oxford button down with long or short sleeves and school emblem on the collar will be required for all dress uniform days. T-shirts worn underneath must be solid white. P.E. t-shirts cannot be worn underneath. Blouses and undershirts must be tucked into uniform bottoms at all times.

4. SWEATER:  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.

5. TIGHTS: Navy or black tights/leggings can be worn on cold days with or without uniform socks. *Mid-calf leggings and yoga-type pants are no longer allowed.*

6. SOCKS: White ankle, crew *or no-show socks* with or without the SJA logo are to be worn. No colored socks are allowed.

7. SHOES: Light brown Sperry/generic-brand topsiders must be worn with uniform socks or tights for all dress uniform days.

8. *REMINDER: Shorts, pants, sweatpants, navy sweaters or sweatshirts and tennis shoes can never be worn on dress uniform days.*

Regular Uniform Options
Any item of the dress uniform can be worn on any school day. The following are other optional garments that may be worn on non-dress uniform days. Items 2-6 and 8 must be purchased from the above uniform vendors.

1. SCHOOL-ISSUED ID: Students are required to wear their school ID on the issued lanyard at all times during the school day. IDs must be worn on the outside of the uniform and be visible at all times. No stickers allowed.

2. SKIRT: Plaid uniform skirt length should be no shorter than two inches from the top of the knee. Students wearing skirts that are deemed to be too short will be asked to purchase a new one or have the hem taken out in a timely manner. *Uniform skirts cannot be rolled at the waist. To check for appropriate length, the gap between the student's knee and the hem of her skirt must not be greater than two to three inches. Use the length of the student ID to measure.*

3. SHORTS: Plaid walking shorts with SJA emblem may be worn. Length should be no shorter than two inches from the top of the knee.

4. PANTS: Navy uniform pants with school logo may be worn.

5. SHIRT: A white banded-bottom knit shirt with school emblem may be worn; however, these shirts cannot be worn on dress uniform days. T-shirts worn underneath must be solid white and tucked into the uniform bottom. P.E. t-shirts cannot be worn underneath.

6. SENIOR SHIRT: In place of the uniform shirt, seniors may wear a red banded-bottom uniform shirt with emblem daily except on specific dress uniform days *as determined by the Dean of Women.*

7. SOCKS: White ankle, crew socks *or no-show socks* with or without the school logo are to be worn. No colored socks are allowed.

8. SWEATERS: Sweaters or sweater vests must be a solid navy or red V-neck. All sweaters must bear the monogrammed logo and must be worn over uniform blouse. Only the red sweater or sweater vest are allowed on dress uniform days. *Uniform shirts must be worn underneath the sweater during school hours.*

9. SHOES: Athletic tennis shoes must tie and have a closed heel and toe (no high tops). The canvas part of the shoes must be predominantly white, black, navy or gray (no patterns) and be worn with white socks. No slip-on tennis shoes are allowed. Shoe laces can be any color.
   Predominately white, black, navy and gray shoes are acceptable on non-dress uniform days.
   Shoes with patterns are not acceptable, even if the pattern uses white, black, navy and/or gray.

10. 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. 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. Other non-uniform sweatshirt styles purchased from the Sticker Shop cannot be worn during the school day. *Uniform shirts must be worn under sweatshirts/letter sweaters. Hoodies are not permitted to be worn during school hours.*

11. JACKETS/COATS: Any jacket purchased from the uniform vendor must have a logo.

    • Navy fleece jackets with the SJA logo: Students can wear any navy fleece with or without the SJA logo. If the fleece does not have an SJA logo, it cannot have any logo. Fleece jackets purchased from the uniform vendors have the logo.

    • Navy blazer or solid navy jacket or SJA letter jacket.

    • Overcoats can be any color but must be removed once in the classroom unless they are navy blue *or red.*

    • 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.

12. SWEATPANTS: Students can purchase uniform sweatpants from the Sticker Shop. Students will be allowed to wear these as their uniform bottoms starting on the first Monday after Thanksgiving until the last day of February.

13. TIGHTS: Navy or black tights/leggings can be worn on cold days with or without uniform socks. *Mid-calf leggings and yoga-type pants are no longer allowed.*

P.E. Uniforms

1. SHIRT: Regulation shirts must be purchased on SchoolCash Online. The student’s first initial and last name should be written on the front of the shirt with a permanent marker.

2. SHORTS: Any predominately red or navy shorts that are of appropriate length and fit and comfortable for physical activities are acceptable. No boxer shorts or cut-off shorts. Shorts should be longer than the PE shirt.

3. SOCKS: White socks should be worn. Uniform socks must be worn at all times outside of P.E. class.

4. SHOES: Any color tennis shoes are acceptable. Tennis shoes must tie and have a back.

5. WARM-UPS: Warm-ups may be worn over the P.E. uniform.

Slogans/Images
The wearing or displaying of clothing, stickers, pins and accessories with political slogans/images/promotions and/or any *content deemed* inappropriate is prohibited. Accessories of any kind should be of a positive nature and align with the teachings of the Catholic church.
 

Accessories
The only piercings allowed will be traditional earrings in the *lower part of the ear or* earlobes. *No more than three earrings may be worn in an earlobe on school days.* Other *ear or* facial piercings, *industrial bars, gauges or extreme body jewelry* are not allowed. The student will be asked to remove any unapproved jewelry, and disciplinary action may be taken. Modest jewelry is appropriate for school days. *Jewelry should not distract the academic environment (for example, earrings with dangling pieces that make noise).*

Hats of any kind cannot be worn to school unless part of a special dress/costume day. Only beanies/wool/knit caps purchased from the SJA Sticker Stop are allowed during the winter months. *Hats should be removed when inside any classroom building and should not be worn to school assemblies.*

Headphones/earbuds should be removed when traveling from class to class and during assemblies. They can be worn in the classroom at the teacher's discretion. 

*Fun Day Guidelines

*Fun Days are monthly celebrations for students, faculty and staff. Each Fun Day has a specific theme that students can choose to dress within, or they may wear their traditional SJA uniform. Fun Days are not considered free dress days. Students who are not dressed within the specific theme and/or Fun Day guidelines will be issued an infraction. 

*General Guidelines:  
•    IDs must be worn with costume at all times 
•    No spaghetti tank tops/no sports bras visible 
•    No crop tops of any kind/no exposed midriff of any kind 
•    No skirts or shorts shorter than school skirts. This includes but is not limited to Gold hinge, Lululemon, Nike, Free People, Outdoor Voices or Athleta style shorts/skirts. Your bottom MUST be at or longer than the approved school skirt length. If leggings are worn as part of your costume, your bottom/buttock must be fully covered by your top  
•    No toy weapons 
•    No glitter/no feathers 
•    No full-face paint/no full face masks 
•    No faux facial hair 
•    No sleepwear (PJ’s, boxers, night gowns); onesies are permitted 
•    No swim wear, bathing suits (over or under clothing) 
•    No lamp-shading.  Your bottoms should be longer than your t-shirt.* 

*SJA Dress Guidelines for Formal Attire
*Students are expected to dress appropriately for all formal events ensuring they are modest, mindful and prepared for the event's environment. FROSH and Winter Formal are considered semi-formal dress, and SJA Prom is considered formal attire. Students can wear dresses, formal separates, jumpsuits/rompers or women’s pantsuits. SJA students are not permitted to wear men’s attire (suits, tuxedos, etc.) to events. Dresses must have modest necklines with an exposed back at or near the traditional bra line. Dresses can be strapless, one shoulder or spaghetti strapped, but cutouts or visible midriffs are not permitted. Hemlines and slits should be a maximum of four inches above the knee. 

*Students who attend an event and are not in compliance with the dress guidelines are subject to disciplinary consequences and/or dismissal from the event.* 

Hair
Hair must be a natural color. Complimentary highlights and lowlights are allowed; however, extreme color changes, *including but not limited to half-and-half color blocking, fluorescent or candy hair dye,* are not allowed. Feathers, hair wraps, flower headpieces, scarves, *bandanas as a head covering* and colored hair extensions are not allowed. The final decision regarding hair color issues will be determined by the Dean of Women. Please note that extremely short/shaved haircuts are not permitted. Students considering a very short haircut should discuss it in advance with the Dean of Women. *Students who are not within the uniform guidelines for hair may be required to make changes to their hair prior to being permitted to return to campus.*

Makeup
Makeup should be modest and worn at the discretion of the Dean of Women.

Tattoos
No visible tattoos are allowed.

Students will take photo ID pictures at orientation and will be given a lanyard at that time. Students are required to wear their school ID on the issued lanyard at all times during the school day. IDs must be worn on the outside of the uniform and be visible at all times. The student's name and picture must be visible at all times. *Stickers are not permitted on Student IDs.*

Replacement IDs can be purchased in the Activity Coordinator's office before or after school for a fee of $2. Students not wearing IDs may be issued an infraction.

The discipline system is designed to uphold the dignity of the individual; provide an atmosphere conducive to learning; and respect the needs of all members of the school community. Implementation of the discipline system requires education and a commitment to communication between all parties. In most cases, the classroom teacher is first in the hierarchy to confront a disciplinary matter. More serious discipline issues will be referred to the administration. The administration may call in outside community support. All final decisions are made by the administration. For additional information regarding the St. Joseph’s Academy system of discipline, contact the Dean of Women.

Under ordinary circumstances, consequences are progressive in nature. That is, second offenses are generally treated more harshly than first offenses. If a student continually violates school rules, the administration may take more serious action than is specifically described in this system.

It is possible that a student and her parents will be asked to sign a contract in order for the student to remain at SJA. Failure to follow the terms of the contract may result in the student being asked to leave.

Infractions
All students are allowed one warning infraction per semester unless a Category II or III has been issued. All disciplinary consequences remain on file for the duration of a student’s time at SJA. Students will be emailed an infraction notification. Infractions may result in a student not being able to hold or be removed from a leadership role. Parents can access their daughter's conduct record through MySJA.

The Dean of Women reserves the right to supersede a warning checklist and mandate a consequence beyond that.

• Category I: Personal Responsibility – 45-minute Friday Detention:

  •  1st infraction is a warning. The infraction is recorded through MySJA. No parent notification required.

  • 2nd-3rd infractions: 45-minute Friday detention. The infraction is recorded through MySJA. No parent notification required.

  • 4th infraction: 45-minute Friday detention and meeting with Dean of Women. The infraction is recorded through MySJA. Parents notified.

  • 5-plus: Move to Category II infraction (2-hour Saturday School), phone call to parents, infraction recorded through MySJA.
    
    *Examples of Category I infractions:
    • Unexcused absences (counted by class period) 
    • Violation of the cellphone policy, 1st offense (automatic detention) 
    • Disturbance (off task or inappropriate behaviors in the classroom environment, talking/laughing during Mass, etc.) 
    • Improper Uniform (forgetting dress uniform for mass, wearing incorrect colored socks, etc.) 
    • Irresponsibility (missing a scheduled makeup test without notice, getting a loaner laptop from the TLC, etc.) 
    • No ID  (must be on body and visible outside of uniform)
    • No doctor’s note received (not turned in within the three-day window) 
    • Parking infraction (no visible parking tag in vehicle, not following arrival/dismissal procedures) 
    • Tardiness (infraction issued starting with third unexcused tardy) 
    • Technology use (not using assigned computer case to transport laptop) 
    • Other actions that fall under Personal Responsibility as determined by the Dean of Women*

• Category II: Respect for Property and Others - 2-hour Saturday or School Holiday Detention:

  •  1st-2nd infractions supersede warning infraction. The infraction is recorded through MySJA, meeting with grade-level counselor, recorded in MySJA, returned to Deans' office, two-hour Saturday/holiday school.

  • 3rd infraction: recorded through MySJA, phone call to parent, meet with grade-level counselor, two-hour Saturday/holiday school. Student and parents meet with principal.

  • 4th infraction: issued to and signed by student and parent, returned to Deans' office, Saturday/holiday suspension, phone call to parents, meet with grade-level counselor.
    
    *Examples of Category II infractions:
    • Academic dishonesty, 1st offense (as described in the Academic Integrity Policy)
    • Violation of the cellphone policy, 2nd offense (automatic Saturday school)
    • Damaging school property (writing on campus desks, etc.) 
    • Missing Friday detention (Saturday school in addition to a rescheduling of assigned detention) 
    • Technology issues (violation of the Social Media Policy, inappropriate use of school technology, etc.) 
    • Unmannerly behavior and/or disrespect (on or off campus and through online methods) 
    •  Other actions that fall under Respect for Property and Others as determined by the Dean of Women*

• Category III: Major Irresponsibilities/Infractions - 6-hour Saturday or Holiday Suspension: 

  •  1st infraction: Written infraction issued to and signed by student and parent, recorded in MySJA, returned to the deans' office; phone call or meeting with parents, 6-hour Saturday suspension, meet with grade-level counselor.

  • 2nd infraction: Two days of Saturday/holiday suspension, student and parents meet with the Principal, possible disciplinary contract and possible expulsion.

  • 3rd infraction: Possible expulsion.
    
    *Examples of Category III infractions:
    • Academic dishonesty, 2nd offense (as described in our Academic Integrity Policy)
    • Alcohol possession/distribution/use 
    • Destruction of property (intentional damage to school laptop, defacing school walls with graffiti, etc.) 
    • Drug possession/distribution/use 
    • Leaving campus (a student leaving campus gates without permission from an adult and/or supervision) 
    • Major disrespect (threats of physical violence, defaming language, etc.) 
    • Skipping class  
    • Smoking, Juuling, Vaping 
    • Stealing 
    • Technology issues (violation of the Social Media Policy, intentional damage to technology, etc.) 
    • Weapons possession/distribution/use 
    • Other actions that fall under Major Irresponsibilities/Infractions as determined by the Dean of Women* 

A student should be aware that having a suspension on her record could affect her ability to become an SJA Student Ambassador or Student Council member, impact her position on a sports team and/or affect her ability to participate in upcoming events.

Detentions and Saturday School
Monday through Thursday must attend detention the Friday of the same week. *If a specific week does not have classes on Friday, detention will be held on the Thursday of that week or the following Friday.* Students who receive an infraction on a Friday will attend detention on the following Friday. Students will not be allowed to move their detention due to vacations, student jobs or other non-medical appointments. Proof of medical appointments must be provided.

Permission to be excused from detention can only be granted by the Dean of Women after a phone call from a parent. After-school jobs, carpool issues or athletic practices will not be excused absences from detention. *Only students who are ill, have a family emergency or athletic event may be excused from detention with advance approval.*

Students may not study or talk to others during detention. If a student cannot make a Friday detention, parents must call the Dean of Women at least one day prior to the student’s assigned detention date to ask permission to be excused. A student who misses Friday detention will automatically be issued a Category II infraction and required to make up the detention as well as serve the consequences for the Category II infraction, which includes 2 hours on a Saturday/*holiday.*

Those students who receive *five or more infractions in a semester or any Category II or III infraction will be required to serve a Saturday/Holiday School as assigned by the Dean of Women. Saturday School is set on a monthly basis and per the availability of the Dean of Women. Students will be assigned a specific time frame to attend based on their consequence(s) and are expected to serve their consequence within a month of their infraction. A parent must contact the Dean of Women to reschedule his/her daughter’s Saturday School in advance. A student who misses her assigned Saturday School without approval is subject to additional disciplinary consequences.

Appeal Process
Any student who feels she should have not received an infraction has the right to appeal. Students should contact the Dean of Women to let her know that they are appealing the infraction. Only the person who issued the infraction, the Dean of Women *or the Principal* can rescind an infraction. The appeal process must be brought to completion within three school days. If a student is in the appeal process, she does not attend detention until the matter has been fully resolved and the infraction rescinded.

*To maintain a strong learning environment, students are encouraged to use the restrooms during unstructured time, including lunches and travel time from class to class. If permitted to go during class time, students are expected to use the restroom closest to their class and quickly return to instruction. Students are expected to use women’s restrooms across campus and should not use any faculty (men and/or women) bathroom under any circumstances. If a student is found in a faculty restroom, she will be subject to disciplinary action.  
 
Items outside of tissue paper should be discarded in the trash can. Feminine products should not be flushed as they can cause severe backup in the drainage system. Students are expected to report any cleanliness issue or damage to a faculty or staff member immediately.  
 
Bathrooms are private spaces, respecting the privacy of others at all times. Students should avoid congregating or socializing in the bathroom and are expected to use the facilities and leave promptly to allow others their turn. Bathroom stalls are available for single use. At no time should more than one student be in a single stall. In cases of emergency, students are expected to alert an adult for assistance. If more than one student is seen in one bathroom stall, they may be subject to disciplinary action. *

Unauthorized use, possession or distribution of prescription or nonprescription drugs or alcohol prior to, during or after the school day or a school event is a serious matter and is subject to immediate disciplinary action, including expulsion.

Any student who is in possession of any illegal substance while on campus or at a school event will be dismissed immediately from school. 

*Students are expected to remain within the gates on campus throughout the school day. If a student needs to retrieve something from her vehicle in the case of emergency, she must first report to the Dean of Women’s office or the Main Office for an escort. If not deemed an emergency or if an adult escort is not available, the student will be not be permitted to go to her car. 

Leaving campus without adult permission or supervision is a Category III Infraction. 

Students are not permitted to leave campus after school and return to sign into the after-school locations (Fife Student Commons/Technology and Learning Center).*

School officials have the right to conduct a reasonable search of the student and her possessions, including laptop, backpack, cell phone and vehicle *(parked on or off campus, registered or unregistered through SJA)* for illegal and/or illicit materials. Additionally, the administration reserves the right to inspect any and all lockers at any time. 

SJA is a smoke-free and vape-free campus. Use or possession of vaping, juuling or smoking paraphernalia on campus or at a school-related event is a serious matter and is subject to immediate *disciplinary action, which could include expulsion.*

*Students are welcome to use their unstructured time (before/after school, unstructured periods and lunch) in the Technology and Learning Center, Fife Student Commons, dining hall or outdoor areas. When permitted by the teacher and with supervision, a student may spend her unstructured time in an academic classroom/building. *

Appropriate Online Behavior
St. Joseph’s Academy strives to provide the tools necessary for students to succeed academically but also encourages the appropriate use of technological resources and social media as primary means of maximizing student learning and achieving the mission and goals of the school. Further, recognizing that the proper use of these resources is a privilege, not a right, SJA accepts the responsibility to exercise all reasonable control to protect the safety and legitimate needs of the students in their use of the school’s technology. *Language used should be appropriate on all communication streams.* Social media refers to online tools and services that allow any internet user to create and publish content. 

Cell Phone/Smart Watch Policy
Cell phone use by students is allowed during their unstructured period or lunch and only outside of academic buildings or in the Dining Hall *or Fife Student Commons. Before or after school, students are permitted to use their cellphones in any area. Students are asked to place their cellphones in their bags/bookbags prior to entering an academic building. Cellphones are not permitted in the Technology and Learning Center during school hours. Students can wear smart watches but are not permitted to use them to text or make phone calls while in academic buildings.*

If a student is sick and needs to leave school, she must go to the *nurse's office* to call her parents. If a student is found *in an academic building, including the Technology and Learning Center, using her cell phone, holding the cellphone in her hand, having it out and visible on her desk or texting/making calls on her smart watch, she will have the devise taken from her.* She will retrieve it, along with an infraction, at the end of the day from the Dean of Women. The first infraction for cellphone usage will earn an automatic detention; the second infraction for cellphone usage will earn a two-hour Saturday school.

The use of cellular devices in an unacceptable manner in the school setting is prohibited. Examples of unacceptable usage can include but are not limited to the following: use of a device for any purpose inside a restroom, use of a device on the school campus for cheating, cyber bullying, sexting and taking inappropriate pictures or videos (including videos that contain inappropriate music). Students are to refrain from creating videos with inappropriate content while wearing the school uniform at any time. Regardless of your privacy settings, assume that all of the information you have shared on your social network is public information. Students are not to record or take pictures of other students, faculty or staff without consent.

Teachers will require students to stow away cell phones, smart watches or other devices that might distract the student while completing any graded work in the classroom. The classroom teacher has the discretion to determine when these items must be put away.  

The use of smart watches while testing, including exams, test, quizzes, etc., is prohibited. Teachers may ask students to remove smart watches before any assignment or assessment.  

Social Media Policy and Student Email Usage
*SJA encourages our students to be strong digital citizens, using the technology platforms, including social media, in a responsible manner.* Students using SJA email, *teams* or internet access are representatives of the school and are expected to act in a manner consistent with the ideals of SJA. Communications on the internet (including social media sites) and via email/*teams* reflect on SJA and must not damage the school’s reputation. Students must maintain proper etiquette while using social media and any electronic device.

*Students should be mindful of engagement on social media and filming of content while on campus and in their SJA uniform.* Engagement in online social media such as but not limited to Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Tik Tok, etc., will result in disciplinary action if the content includes inappropriate music or photographs *derogatory and disrespectful speech, cyberbullying* and/or morally inappropriate behavior. Regardless of your privacy settings, assume that all of the information you have shared on your social network is public information. *Students are expected to conduct themselves at all times in a manner consistent with the mission of SJA with a Christian attitude and respect for others. This expectation applies at all times, including through social media. Students should be aware that their actions (no matter when engaged in) can reflect on SJA and that they are subject to disciplinary consequences on a 24/7/365 basis.*

Users may connect SJA email accounts to personal mobile devices, but in doing so, the user acknowledges that SJA reserves the right to remotely wipe the device. 

Students are prohibited from changing the display name or photograph associated with their account.

Social Media/Parents
Parents are asked to set a good example for students when accessing and using social media. Engagement in social media including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc., may result in disciplinary action and/or dismissal if the content of the student or parent’s post includes defamatory comments regarding the school, the faculty or other students. *We ask parents not to take unauthorized videos or pictures of students and to get the consent of both the students and their parents whenever possible before posting.*

St. Joseph's Academy strives to provide the technology tools necessary to succeed academically. Each student is issued a laptop computer to be used in and out of school. To ensure consistent, responsible and productive technology usage, SJA has developed the following policy. It is our expectation that students, parents and faculty/staff abide by these rules. 

Tablet Responsibilities
St. Joseph's Academy assigns each student a tablet computer, power cord, stylus and carrying case, which must be brought to school every day. These items remain the property of SJA. Each student is responsible for the care of her assigned tablet computer and accessories. No stickers, decals, paint, writing or other defacement should be made on the tablet computer or case.

Failure to bring the tablet computer and/or carrying case to school will result in an infraction; the student will be issued a temporary loaner computer to use during the day. No part of the computer is to be removed or tampered with. 

Failure to use the school-issued carrying case when transporting the tablet computer will result in an infraction. No other cases or sleeves may be used, including built-in backpack sleeves, as this voids the warranty on the computer. Failure to use the school-issued AC charger or using a charger not provided by the school will result in an infraction and voids the school's liability if an issue arises.

Tablets must never be loaned to someone or left unattended/unsecured. If a tablet is found unattended on school property, the student will receive an infraction for irresponsibility. Tablets should go home with students each evening and must not be left at school during vacations.

All storage, network communication, equipment and software provided by St. Joseph’s Academy remain the property of SJA. The school seeks, where possible, to honor the privacy of the individual. It reserves the right, however, to access any file, email, network transmission or other information stored on or communicated through its property and will do so if a compelling reason arises. St. Joseph’s Academy retains the right to monitor network activity in any manner it sees fit.

Misuse includes any *online* conduct on or off campus which negatively affects the reputation of the students or any member of the SJA community. This includes but is not limited to sending or posting messages that suggest harassment, racism, sexism or inappropriate language, music and/or symbols; and sending or displaying unchristian, immoral, offensive, violent, pornographic, obscene or sexually explicit messages or pictures.

The individual has no reasonable expectation of privacy.

Help Desk Policies
The Help Desk is open from 6:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday-Thursday and 6:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday. The Help Desk's summer hours are 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 8 a.m.-12 p.m. on Fridays. If a student experiences an issue with her tablet computer that prevents her from completing her schoolwork or participating in class, she must visit the Help Desk as soon as possible before school, during her lunch or unstructured period or after school. A student should only visit the Help Desk during class time with her teacher’s permission, and only in emergency situations.

When a student must turn her tablet computer into the Help Desk for repair:
1. The student will be issued a loaner computer to use while her assigned computer is being repaired. The student will be held responsible for any damages to the loaner while it is in her care.
2. The Help Desk will diagnose the issue(s) and order the appropriate parts from the vendor.
3. The Help Desk will repair and quality check the computer to ensure the issue is resolved.
4. The student will be notified that her computer is ready to be picked up. She should back up all necessary files from her loaner and return the loaner in the same condition as it was checked out to her.
5. The student should pick up her computer within three school days of receiving the ready notice. *If a fee is incurred due to repairs, this will be communicated to the student and parent though an invoice.*

Tablet Computer Repairs

Each Asus EliteBook B3402 tablet computer is covered by a warranty. The warranty does not cover damage to or loss of the power cord, stylus or case. If these items are lost or damaged, the student will be responsible for the cost of replacement. If these items are damaged, the student needs to bring them to the Help Desk to determine if the item is covered by insurance. All replacement parts are to be purchased through SJA on SchoolCash Online.

Parents may choose to purchase insurance through SJA to provide additional coverage. The annual insurance policy will cover repairs each year up to the value of the unit.

The insurance policy will not cover deliberate damage or cosmetic damage that does not interfere with the function of the computer. Damage resulting from failure to use the school-provided carrying case or charger is not considered accidental damage and will not be covered by the insurance policy. The insurance policy does not cover the following: theft from an unlocked, unattended vehicle; corrosion or rust; intentional damage; dishonest acts; power surges except lightning; unexplained loss; and war or government seizure.

Damages to the Tablet Computer
If a student accidentally damages her tablet computer, she should bring it to the Help Desk at her earliest convenience to be checked in for repair. Help Desk staff will repair the computer using the student’s one-time use of her Accidental Damage Protection (ADP) followed by her insurance policy where applicable. If insurance was not purchased, the computer will be repaired at the student's expense. 

If a student damages her tablet computer or a loaner computer a second time, she will be referred to the Dean of Women for disciplinary action. The cost of the damage must be covered by the student.

If a student loses her computer, she must immediately notify the Help Desk. She will be issued a temporary loaner computer and an infraction for irresponsibility. If the tablet computer is not recovered by the end of the school day, she will be referred to the Dean of Women for further action.

If found, a lost computer should be brought immediately to the Help Desk located in the Technology & Learning Center (TLC), and the Help Desk should be notified by email. If the TLC is not open, the computer should be given to a faculty or staff member.

Theft of an SJA tablet computer must be reported to the Dean of Women and the Help Desk as soon as possible. Theft of the tablet computer is not covered by the manufacturer warranty or the ADP, but may be covered by the tablet insurance policy depending on the circumstances of the theft. 

All Help Desk/Technology balances need to be current before taking mid-term and final exams. 

Network Accounts and Security

Each student is issued an SJA network account that serves as their computer account, email account, Moodle account and Adobe account.

Once set, SJA network passwords are valid for 180 days. A student must be on the SJA campus connected to the SJA wireless network to change her password.

Password requirements are as follows:
a. Must be 10 characters or longer
b. Must include one uppercase letter and one lowercase letter
c. Must include one number or special character
d. Cannot contain the user's account name or parts of the user's full name that exceed two consecutive characters

To change her password, a student must either be on SJA campus connected to the SJA wireless network, or through the self-service password reset tool. The password reset tool must be set up with the student’s verification methods prior to her password expiring. To set up the password reset tool, visit the Password Reset Setup.

File Storage
A common directory is provided to assist with temporary storage needs for work done as teams. These files are not protected and can be read, modified or deleted by anyone. These files are not backed up and may be purged without notice. The common drive is purged on or around the 1st and 15th of each month. Only school-related files may be stored on the common drive.

Every student accepts the responsibility of backing up on a regular basis. The student may choose to use the school-provided, cloud-based storage or other forms of backup (i.e. USB drives, external hard drives, personal cloud-based storage accounts, etc.).

Prohibited Behaviors
Using the SJA-issued tablet or other devices to participate in any of the following is strictly prohibited:
• *not abiding by the Academic Integrity Policy*
• conducting or participating in any actions which are illegal (according to city, state or federal law)
• violating any of this institution’s policies
• threatening, bullying or harassing others
• *use of inappropriate, disrespectful language or derogatory speech towards one another or about others (foul language)
• advocating racial, ethnic, religious or gender-based slurs
• purposely frustrating others from achieving their educational goals
• infringing software copyright or licensing agreements
• purposely viewing, displaying, storing or transmitting any obscene or discriminatory material or material of terrorists, gangs, hate groups, etc.
• conducting commercial or private/personal business enterprises
• promoting private businesses, product advertisement or political lobbying
• sending unauthorized bulk or random messages (e.g., junk mail, ads, etc.)
• soliciting for organizations that are unrelated to the institution’s mission or purpose
• destroying the integrity of computer-based information
• maliciously installing or invoking a computer virus or other disruptive mechanism
• altering system files or configuration to disrupt computer or network functions
• seeking or gaining unauthorized access to network resources or resources on the internet or attempting to breach security mechanisms
• downloading movies and any other medium which is against the law
• downloading games, images, etc.
• sharing school-related files when the project, activity or assignment is to be done independently
• communicating via the internet, email or social networking sites in a manner which reflects negatively on St. Joseph’s Academy
• posting/sending personal photos or videos which are inappropriate
• using the tablet in order to copy another person’s work
• misuse of web cam
• videoing or photographing another person, including other students and SJA faculty/staff members, without permission
• soliciting donations unless school approved
• placing any stickers on the computer.

Depending on the nature of the event and its location, SJA may or may not provide transportation for students to attend off-campus, school-sponsored events. In those situations where SJA does not provide transportation, SJA requests that transportation be provided by the parents or guardians of the students to locations in excess of 30 miles from the SJA campus. Because students are inexperienced drivers, safety is a concern. Therefore, SJA strongly recommends that students not drive to an event that is more than 30 miles from SJA.

All visitors to the school must report to and sign in at the main office for a nametag and permission to remain on campus. *For school events when guests are invited, a kiosk will be available in the Academy Student Center. When communicated, a pre-check in process will be available for our parents. A driver’s license is needed for efficient check-in, or the visitor can type in his/her personal information. For frequent visitors, a quick-pin is issued to help streamline the process.*