August 2024 Parent Pride Newsletter | |
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Dear Parent/Guardian,
It is with great excitement that I welcome you to another school year! We welcome the Class of 2028, and we celebrate all of our students as we again have a strong enrollment at about 600 students. Along with an impressive freshman class, we welcome many transfer students and their families to the JCA family. We hope that you find the transition to your new school an easy one and that in no time you will consider us a second home. It seems like our summers fly by quicker each year, but I hope that you have had time to enjoy life with your families and get that much needed rest before we begin.
Our freshmen and transfer students have orientation on Thursday, August 15 with a Welcome Mass on that Thursday night. Our school year starts for everyone on Friday, August 16 (12:00 p.m. dismissal). Wow that’s close!
As we move toward a new school year, we keep in mind the groundwork laid before us by the Carmelites and Franciscans and the Mission we so adhere to as we lay new groundwork for future generations of Angels and Hilltoppers.
We truly hope that our students feel comfortable at JCA and take the next step in making sure that this is just not a place to attend school. We want our students to be involved and take ownership of our Mission and Traditions. It is statistically proven that the more students are involved with some aspect of school outside the classroom, the better they do with their academics.
This year will once again be packed with activities - all that can be found on our online calendar. A couple of items to definitely mark on your calendars are Back to School Night for Parents, August 21 and Homecoming Week – September 15-21. Also, a new Tradition that we established last year is our Brown and Blue BBQ, Saturday, September 14 @ 6:00 p.m. in the Quad. This is an event for our parents, alumni and JCA community to get to know each other at the start of the school year. Since we know how much you sacrifice for your children, you should have a great JCA experience too! Further information about all of our events, again, can be accessed on our website or please just give us a call.
Needless to say, we have a lot of wonderful things happening on campus. Our prayers are for you and your family and for a successful 2024 / 2025 school year. Our hope is that we cherish the time we have together, nurture our Traditions, and create lasting memories.
Blessings,
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Associate Principal's Office | | |
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All Joliet Catholic Academy students are required to complete summer assignments. Please click the link below to view your assignments. Read More
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Back-to-School Night for Parents
Wednesday, August 21
JCA Student Activity Center
6:00 p.m.
Did you ever wonder what your teen goes through each day as a high school student? Want to meet your student’s teachers and find out about course requirements and expectations? Attend JCA’s Back-to-School Night for Parents and you’ll find all your answers! You’ll walk through your student’s daily schedule, chat with teachers and fellow parents, and enjoy refreshments. Your student’s schedule will be emailed to you prior to the event. Please enter through the Student Activity Center. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. First period will begin at 6:00 p.m. and classes will end around 7:45 p.m. Questions regarding Back-to-School Night should be directed to Laura Pahl, Associate Principal.
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All Joliet Catholic Academy students are required to complete Christian Service hours. Please encourage your son/daughter to work on their service hours and find opportunities to give back to so many deserving people and institutions. Read More
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Service Hour Volunteer Opportunity THIS WEEKEND!
Queen Of Apostles Inaugural Parish Picnic - Sunday, August 4 - 12 p.m. - 7 p.m.
@St. Joe's Parish Park
Help in many different areas is needed! If you can only help for certain time slots that's okay also.
Please contact Amy May for more information.
amyemay1977@gmail.com
815-342-1679
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Parking Spot Sale - August 8 from 8 a.m. - Noon
Student parking passes will be sold starting August 8 in the Dean's Office. Seniors may register and choose their parking spot starting at 8 a.m. and all other students with a valid driver’s license may start registration at 10 a.m. Students may purchase a parking space in the Dean's Office anytime throughout the school year, if spaces are available.
When registering, drivers must
- Show the student's current, valid driver's license, or a photocopy of the license
- Pay the $200 registration fee - cash, check or show the receipt of payment online.
- register the make, model, and license plate number of the car you will be driving.
FAQ:
Can I use a credit card to pay for the pass?
Yes, pay for the pass online and bring a copy of your receipt to Dean's Office to choose your spot. Go to the JCA website jca-online.org, click on the Student tab, scroll down to Parking Pass and fill out the information.
Can I register a friend?
Yes, you may purchase a pass for another student if you have a copy of his/her driver’s license. Only seniors can purchase a spot before 10 a.m.
I’m out- of -town and can’t make the sale. What do I do?
You can have someone purchase a pass for you or wait until you get back in town.
I don’t have my driver’s license yet but will get it this year, do I still have to pay the full cost?
You can purchase a pass anytime throughout the year, passes are $100 a semester.
Where do I buy the pass?
Parking passes are for sale in the Dean’s Office which is located adjected from the Main Office.
Will I get a receipt of my purchase?
Yes, receipts will be provided upon request.
What do I do if I drive a different car to school?
You can register more than one car with us in the Dean’s Office, make sure to switch the hang tag to the other car. If you get a new car, just come to the office, and let us know.
What do I do if someone is parking in my spot?
If someone parks in your spot, park in the front of the school and come to the Dean’s Office. We will give you a new spot for the day and find out who is in your spot.
Do I have to buy a parking pass?
If you want to park in the JCA parking lot, you must purchase a pass. Students may park on the westside of the streets in the nearby neighborhood but are subject to city parking and zoning laws.
Click here to purchase a parking pass.
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Thursday, August 15
Freshman & Transfer Orientation is a Uniform Dress Code Day
Friday, August 16
First Day of School for all students is a Uniform Dress Code Day
Friday, August 30
Opening School Mass and Senior Panoramic Picture - Seniors "Sunday Best" all others Uniform Dress Code
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Picture Days for the 2024-2025 school year will be held on August 19th and 20th.
Students will be taking yearbook/ ID pictures during their Theology class. On the first day of school our Theology teachers will tell students which day they be taking their picture. If a student is absent on picture day they will take a photo on our re-take day.
Retakes are ONLY for students that purchase a picture packet or for students that missed their picture day. You may purchase pictures online at vipis.com after picture day.
**All Students will take pictures even if they do not order photos.
Picture Day Dress code (Class of '26, '27, '28)
Uniform or a colored/ patterned polo shirt with uniform bottoms and shoes. Polos must be school appropriate.
Picture Day Dress code (Class of '25)
Seniors taking their ID pictures only wear their uniform (this applies to those who had a session thru VIP over the summer)
Senior Yearbook Pictures (if you did NOT have a VIP session over the summer)
Hillmen: shirt and tie with uniform bottoms and shoes.
Angels: top or sweater and uniform bottom and shoes – dresses and skirts are not allowed.
*If your senior took their yearbook photo over the summer with VIP, they will still take their ID photo on Picture Day (they will wear their school uniform).
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SENIOR PORTRAITS PREMIER SESSION
If you would like VIP to take your senior's pictures in a studio format, please see the information below. This is for premier sessions at their studio. This is not required as school photos for the yearbook will be taken once school starts.
Lemont Studio-106 Stephen Street Ste 104B Lemont, IL 60439
Lisle Studio-1944 University Ln Lisle, IL, 60532
By Appointment only- Walk ins NOT accepted
VIP has sent all Senior families (Class of 2025) an email with a direct link to schedule your senior's appointment. If you misplaced this email or need another link, please email VIP at support@vipis.com.
If you need further assistance, please contact Annie Farnaus at afarnaus@jca-online.org
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Warmest Welcome to the 24-25 School Year! Our Counseling Staff is looking forward to meeting you and continuing to work with your families. We are here to support our students holistically: academically, spiritually, socially/emotionally, and with all of their college and career needs. Our first "Coffee with the Counselors" is on Friday, August 30th for our Senior Parents at 7:45 a.m. in the IRC.
Please reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns. Below is the link to our contact information.
https://www.jca-online.org/parents/counseling-department/
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Greetings from the JCA Admission’s Office!
We look forward to seeing our Freshmen and Transfer students on Thursday, August 15 from 7:50 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Students need to be in uniform and report to their homeroom class no later than 7:50 a.m. Transfer students report to Room 110. Freshmen and Transfer students must bring their class schedule, laptops and a pen.
The day is designed for our newest students to get familiar with the building and have an opportunity to go through their class schedules. A complimentary lunch of pizza, chips and water will be provided.
A few reminders to help prepare for the start of school:
· Finish up your summer reading assignment.
· Purchase textbooks and laptop if you haven’t already!
· Shop the Uniform Sale to purchase uniform shirts and school locks.
· Be sure to turn in a birth certificate and physical form to JCA’s main office.
(See website for days/hours main office is open)
· Students and parents must attend the Freshman/Transfer Mass and Parent Meeting on Thursday, August 15 beginning at 6:00 pm in the Student Activity Center.
Freshman Summer Checklist
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If you are interested in being connected with a JCA family for a car pool, please complete the Car Pool Interest Form below NO LATER THAN Monday, August 5. The list will be emailed on Thursday, August 9 to those who completed the form.
Car Pool Interest Form
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The Spirit Shop will reopen in August for the Uniform & Lock Sale
August 5 – Monday – 10:00. a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
August 6 – Tuesday – 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
August 7 – Wednesday – 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
August 8 – Thursday – 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
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The Official JCA Athletics Android/iPhone App! This is great for everyone; Alumni, Families, Students, and JCA Fans! Download today and sign up for notifications! | |
Athletic Registration for 2024-2025 School Year |
The following 3 steps must be completed before August 12, 2024, the first day of fall sport tryouts:
If this process is not completed the athlete will not be able to tryout, participate in practices or competition.
Step 1: Get your annual physical exam. Athletes must use the IHSA Physical form that can be found under the Athletic tab on the JCA website, in the drop down, “Sports Physicals.” Physicals are good for 395 days (13 months) per the IHSA. Physical forms must have the athlete and parent signature.
Step 2: Turn in current sport physical to the main office, or by emailing ddispenza@jca-online.org. Pictures, screen shots, jpeg, jpg, or any other picture format, ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE. Only PDF forms will be accepted. You can also fax a copy of the physical to 815-741-3830.
**THESE 3 STEPS MUST BE COMPLETED BEFORE THE FIRST DAY OF TRYOUTS OR THE ATHLETE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO TRYOUT** (FIRST DAY OF FALL TRYOUTS: AUGUST 12, 2024)
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Quest Food Management Services Inc. provides food services for your student at Joliet Catholic Academy. Quest believes the variety of food, cuisine, and dining experience students have available to them shouldn’t stop at the doors of their school. That’s why Quest offers a program based on cooking fresh food from scratch, assembled-to-order menu options, healthy choices that are flavorful and appealing, and offering an inviting dining experience for all.
Mealtime – Online Payment System
- Make deposits directly into student meal accounts
- Deposits can be made through ACH payment or credit card (can also setup auto replenish)
- This cashless system keeps the lunch lines moving
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𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐮𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐝 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐋𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟒, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜, 𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩. 𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲!
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Important Summer/New school year Information
All Students
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Health Office information is on the school web site under the Parents tab, click on Health Office
- Medication Administration Authorization (MAA) forms are required at the start of every new school year. Forms are also available on the web site. Over the counter (OTC) meds will NOT be given to any student unless this form is completed. It MUST have a signed parent AND physician signature to be compliant.
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Emergency Action Plans (EAP’s) are requested for those students with asthma, diabetes, epilepsy (seizures) and severe allergies. EAP’s are available on the web site. Medication Authorization forms to self-carry emergency medications and supplies must be submitted at the start of every new school year. Forms are available on the web site.
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Those that travel internationally to areas of high TB risk (most countries in Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and Russia) for greater than 2 weeks are required to have IGRA prior to returning to school. Additional information is on the web site.
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Per the State of Illinois and JCA policy, students whose medical records are not in compliance will be excluded from school and all school activities, including athletics, starting October 15 and will remain excluded until all health records are compliant.
Incoming Seniors
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Senior students are to submit documentation for their MENINGOCOCCAL CONJUGATE VACCINE (MCV4). Documentation for the MCV4 vaccine administration must have the providers dated signature.
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The immunization requirement consists of: The first dose received on or after the 11th birthday; second dose on or after the 16th birthday. An interval of least eight weeks after the first dose. Only one dose is required if the first dose was received at 16 years of age or older. No proof of immunity allowed.
Just a friendly reminder from the health office. It is advised to please keep a personal copy of all health records in case a record gets misplaced during the school year.
Health Office hours while students are in attendance.
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 8:00am-2:30pm Thursday 8:00am -1:40pm
During school breaks voicemails and emails are checked weekly.
815-741-0500 Ext 275, 815-741-3015 fax, nurse@jca-online.org
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1200 N. Larkin Avenue
Joliet, IL 60435
P - (815) 741-0500
F - (815) 741-8825
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