Student Handbook

We welcome you as a member of the St. Joan Antida High School family. Choosing to attend SJA comes with many advantages, but also comes with serious responsibilities on the part of both student and parent/guardian. Attending a school is a contract between students, parents, and school community. All members of the community must fulfill their required portion of that contract or learning cannot take place. 

Attending a Catholic school requires openness to the teachings and ministries of the Church. Understanding the values of the Catholic Church will be an enhancement of faith and beliefs for some and academic for others.

While we are welcoming of all faith experiences, our Catholic faith is an essential component of an SJA education. By choosing to attend St. Joan Antida High School, you are agreeing to experience education through the prism of the Catholic faith.

These are important components of our school, student, and parent relationship. Through living up to these responsibilities, every child will learn at a high level.

• Maintain a loving Catholic environment rich with the history and values of the Sisters of Charity of St. Joan Antida.  

• Provide rigorous academic experiences that require all students to perform at high levels.  

• Provide regular feedback to students on academic work.  

• Provide a college-bound curriculum for all students.  

• Maintain an environment that promotes the learning of all students, free from distraction.  

• Maintain regular communication with parents.  

• Provide parents and students an opportunity to have input into decisions.  

• Gather parent and student feedback on school academics, climate, and culture.  

• Enforce all policies, rules, and procedures.  

• Be at school and on time EVERY DAY!
• Be open to understanding the values and traditions of the Catholic Church.
• Participate in all classroom activities.
• Complete all work (class or home) assigned by the teacher.
• Be respectful of your teachers, school personnel, classmates/peers, and yourself.
• Be responsible for your own learning through word, action, and attitude.
• Be safe in all actions you take.
• Work to your fullest capacity every day and on every task.
• Try your best, to do your best, to be your best!

• Ensure that your student is at school and on time EVERY DAY!
• Support the school as it maintains its Catholic Identity through teaching and prayer.
• Seek out feedback from teachers and school personnel on the progress of your student.
• Maintain regular communication with the school.
• Ensure that your student completes all school work.
• Attend all parent/teacher conferences.
• Bring all concerns you may have to school administration as necessary.
• Work with the school in a cooperative manner regarding all academic and behavior concerns.

Finally, attending a Catholic school requires openness to the teachings and ministries of the Church. Understanding the values of the Catholic Church will be an enhancement of faith and beliefs for some and academic for others. While we are welcoming of all faith experiences, our Catholic faith is an essential component of an SJA education. By choosing to attend St. Joan Antida High School, you are agreeing to experience education through the prism of the Catholic faith.  

Saint Joan Antida High School promotes a culture of caring and mutual respect within a diverse community. The goal of Saint Joan Antida High School’s behavioral and disciplinary guidelines and policies is to carry out the SJA philosophy of developing young women in the light of sound Catholic principles. The rules and regulations of the school are designed to:  

• Help students develop a concern for the needs and respect of others  

• Establish sound procedures that prevent or stop disrespect and misbehavior  

• Ensure that students are aware of the consequences of inappropriate behavior and understand how/why such behavior must be improved.  

• Help students develop a proper regard for and care of the material goods of others  

The school will not allow disruptive or other misbehavior and will take corrective action as required. All school personnel have the responsibility to uphold behavioral standards and take corrective action in accordance with the policies of the school. SJAHS reserves the right to interpret and implement this policy at its sole discretion.  

Students must apply to St. Joan Antida High School through the Department of Admissions and Enrollment. Appropriate class selection will be determined holistically through a review of student grades, standardized test scores, and teacher recommendation. If a student comes with a significant academic delay, they may be required to meet with the Student Services Team (SST) prior to being enrolled to SJA. It is important that SJA be able to serve the needs of all of our students.  

Admissions and Enrollment are two separate and distinct processes at St. Joan Antida High School. Students may be admitted under the Parental Choice Program but may not be suitable for enrollment if the school cannot meet the needs of the student with minor adjustment to the curriculum. This decision will be made collaboratively with the parent. The SST decision will determine enrollment conditions for these students.  

Parental Choice Programs  

Students applying under a parental choice program will be admitted to the Parental Choice Program at SJA if they meet the income and residency requirements.  

Single-gender Education:  

St. Joan Antida High School is a single-sex, all-girl Catholic High School. While we are required to admit male students into the Milwaukee and Wisconsin Parental Choice Programs based on the criteria of those programs, no male students will be eligible for enrollment at St. Joan Antida High School.  

All students receive a picture ID card they must carry at all times while under the jurisdiction of the school. A student must produce or surrender the ID card at a staff member’s request.  Refusal to do so will result in a disciplinary conversation with the Dean of Students. 

If a student loses his/her ID card, the student is to report the loss to the main office. Arrangements will be made to provide the student with another picture ID card. Replacing an ID costs $5.00. 

Students must exit the building by 3:30PM each day pr report to the after-school program. At 3:30PM students staying for after school activities must be with their program supervisor. No students will be permitted to re-enter the building or be unsupervised in the building after 3:30 p.m.

If a student exits the building and tries to return after 3:30 p.m. for an after-school activity, they will be denied access and also denied any transportation normally provided for after school activities. When the after-school program has concluded for the day, students must exit the building immediately.

There will be no ability for students to wait for rides inside the building, regardless of weather conditions, so families should plan accordingly. Students may not go to their lockers after attending an after-school activity. Students should go to their lockers before 3:30 p.m.

Fundraising and personal sales are not allowed during school hours. For students with their own business, exceptions can be made with the understanding that 10% of the proceeds must be paid to St. Joan Antida High School. To comply with the federal law, there will be significant instructions on sales, especially regarding food items. Students who don’t adhere to this policy will be referred to the Dean of Students. Items sold during the school day will be confiscated and will not be returned to students

St. Joan Antida High School supports the use of technology for the purpose of teaching and learning. Nevertheless, this policy has been created to ensure the academic integrity and safety of all students while attending SJA.  

Cell phones may be in school but cannot be seen or heard during the regular school day. When a student enters the building each morning, cell phones must be immediately silenced and put in a backpack. Cell phones may not be used again until 3:20 PM (dismissal) unless permission has been granted, and in the presence of, a school administrator or faculty member. Cell phone during the school day is discouraged including for the following reasons: calling home, texting, using the calculator, communicating with a parent or friend during the school day, or any other reason.  

Electronic devices including headphones, iPod, and cameras are also prohibited. Taking pictures or videos during the school day is strictly prohibited. If a student does not put the electronic device away at the request of an SJA faculty member or administrator, it may be confiscated and given to the Principal. 

Students may use private laptops, e-readers, iPads, or tablets ONLY if approved by the classroom teacher. They may not be used for any standardized test, as many of the systems are only designed to be completed on the school issued chrome books. These items may not be used at breakfast or lunch times in the cafeteria.  

Bullying is a deliberate or intentional behavior using words or actions, intended to cause fear, humiliation, intimidation, harm, or social exclusion. Bullying may be repeated behavior and involves an imbalance of power. Bullying may be motivated by an actual or perceived distinguishing characteristic, such as, but not limited to age, national origin, race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, physical attributes, physical or mental ability or disability, and social, economic, or family status.  

Bullying and Cyberbullying behavior can be, but is not limited to:  

• physical (assault, hitting, kicking, theft, etc.);  

• verbal (threatening or intimidating language, name-calling, cruel rumors, racist remarks, etc.);  

• indirect (spreading rumors, social exclusion or isolations, using technology in a hurtful manner – cyber bullying) Cyber bullying includes, but is not limited to, use of email, instant messaging, text messages, digital pictures or images, cell phones, or website postings, Snapchat, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms which has the effect of: 

• Physically, emotionally, or mentally harming a student or staff member.   

• Placing a student or staff member in reasonable fear of physical, emotional, or mental harm 

• Placing a student or staff member in reasonable fear of damage to or loss of personal property.  

• Creating an intimidating or hostile environment that environment that substantially interferes with a student’s or staff member's safety and comfort or a student’s educational opportunities.    

• Bullying by proxy (i.e., someone engaging in bullying through another or on behalf of another person; or  

• Between students and students, students and adults, or adults and adults. 

Bullying and Cyber Bullying are both strictly prohibited. All bullying activity, without regard to the physical location of the act, will be considered grounds for dismissal from St. Joan Antida High School. Due to the nature of bullying, students will not be mediated, and restorative justice practices are not appropriate interventions for this behavior. If an allegation of bullying is substantiated, the student will be put on the Bullying and harassment procedure policy.   The student may be suspended for three days and referred to the SJA Expulsion Team. The team will determine if the charge of Bullying has been substantiated. If so, the accused student will be expelled for St. Joan Antida High School.  

Making a false claim of bullying will also be considered a very serious offense. Students making false claims of bullying will be referred to the SJA Administration where a behavior contract may be written. If the team determines that the false allegation rises to the level of bullying behavior, the student will be dismissed as a student at St. Joan Antida High School.  

Students of SJA, are required to follow student handbook guidelines, even though an event may happen off school property and/or outside of school hours.  Attending SJA is a privilege. Students are held in the highest regard and are seen as role models in the community and have the responsibility to portray themselves, their families and the school in a positive manner at all times.  Social network sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and other digital platforms and distribution mechanisms facilitate students’ communication.  Participation in such networks has a positive appeal but can be extremely detrimental to a student’s future if not used in the appropriate fashion. It is important that all students fully understand the consequences of the misuse of social media.  All students are to exercise extreme caution if they choose to use social media.   

Students are not restricted from using any online social network sites or digital platforms.  However, students must understand that any content they make public via online social networks or digital platforms is expected to follow acceptable social behaviors and also to comply with the federal government, State of Wisconsin, SJA, Archdiocese of Milwaukee, WIAA, and NCAA laws/regulations.  Students must be aware of the SJA Parent/Student Handbook regulations.  Ignorance of these regulations does not excuse students from obeying these rules.    

All and anything posted online is public record.  Users should always be sensitive to how others might perceive their profiles.  Limited access to a student’s site does not protect her information.  Once a photo or comment is posted on a social networking site, that photo or comment(s) becomes the property of the site and may be searchable even after it has been removed.  Students must refrain from posting any inappropriate pictures or comments. Many college admissions officers or potential employers regulate and check these sites to measure a person’s character and discretion.  Students must consider how this may jeopardize their athletic or academic future.  

All students must follow the rules listed below.  The listed consequences below have been put in place by SJA administration and athletic department.  Students are forbidden to do any of the following while on social media sites: 

1. Post derogatory language or remarks about tother students, student-athletes, teachers, coaches, alumni, administrators, or representatives of SJA and/or other schools.   

2. Make defaming or demeaning statements about or threats to anyone.  

3. Post incriminating photos or statements depicting violence, bullying, racism, hazing, sexual harassment, vandalism, stalking, underage drinking, selling, possessing, or using controlled substances, insinuating or encouraging the use of controlled substances, or any other inappropriate behaviors.  

4. Create a danger to the safety of another person or make a credible threat of physical or emotional injury to another person.  

5. Indicate knowledge of an unreported felony theft or felony criminal damage to property.  

6. Indicate knowledge of an unreported school or team violation-whether the violation was unintentional or intentional.  

7. Engage in any actions that depict inappropriate, embarrassing, or dangerous behaviors contrary to Christian/Catholic beliefs.   

SJA students must be very careful when using online social networking sites and keep in mind that sanctions may be imposed if these sites are used improperly or depict any of the situations.  Those sanctions can include, but are not limited to public or private reprimand, suspension from practice or competition, dismissal from the program, and loss of financial aid, if applicable.  Any student found in violation will face the penalties found in the Parent/ Student Handbook. 

Note: Any person wishing to report a potential violation of this code should contact the Principal, Director of Student Services, Dean of Students or Athletic Director, giving their name and all pertinent information regarding the alleged violation. They need to be prepared to put the information regarding the alleged violation.  They need to be prepared to put the information in writing and provide a screen shot of the incident if requested to do so.  SJA reserves the right to amend this policy from time to time in our judgment to address issues that may arise and changes in our operations or the law.   

SJA reserves the right to amend this policy in our judgement to address issues that may arise and changes in our operations or the law.   

Procedure for Reporting and Obtaining Relief from Harassment 

The following steps should be taken when dealing with an incident that involves harassment or any form of bullying: 

1. The harassment or bullying should be reported to a faculty/staff member or an administrator as soon as possible.   

2. Those involved in the act of harassment or bullying will be interviewed by the Administrator.  

3. Parents/ Guardians will be advised of the incident. 

4. Appropriate consequences will be issued to the offending individual(s). 

Acts of harassment, bullying, and cyberbullying will result in the student receiving disciplinary sanctions including, but not limited to, suspension, expulsion, and where appropriate, these actions will be reported to the proper authorities including the police.    

To the extent a complaint of sexual harassment involves sexual contact or the apparent infliction of physical or emotional damage on the student, the appropriate authorities will be notified pursuant to Section 48.981 of the Wisconsin Statutes.  No retaliation against a student or adult for reporting harassment will be tolerated and will result in immediate termination of enrollment.   

All SJA staff are considered Mandatory Reporters by the State of Wisconsin.

Within 24 hours after receiving a report of abuse or neglect, the county CPS shall initiate an investigation to determine if the child is in need of protection or services. Elements of the investigation may include observation or interview with the child, visiting the child's home, or interviewing the parents/guardian. CPS can meet with the child in any public place without the parent/guardian's permission but may not enter the home without permission.

Should CPS request to meet with a child on school premises, school staff may permit those meeting without parental consent as the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People (Article 4) requires cooperation with the investigation of allegations of sexual abuse.

The school will also cooperate in the investigation of other forms of suspected child abuse.  Student safety is of the utmost importance to the school and the school will act as appropriate to ensure student safety. 

Respect for the dignity of each person is essential to Catholic tradition, and SJA is committed to providing an environment for all members of its community that is totally free from physical, psychological, sexual, and verbal harassment.

Harassment encompasses a broad range of physical, verbal, nonverbal, or electronic/social media behavior that can include but is not limited to:

• threatening and intimidating behavior
• racial insults
• derogatory comments (e.g. ethnicity, physical attributes, sexual orientation)
• unwelcome sexual advances or touching
• questioning of one’s sexual orientation
• sexual comments, or sexual jokes

If any member of the SJA community feels harassed in any way, that person should report the incident immediately. A student should report the incident to any adult on the staff. The person who has been notified of the incident must immediately report this information to the administration. An investigation shall be conducted immediately. If the allegation is confirmed, appropriate action will be taken against the harasser.

Because the safety of the entire community is of utmost importance, the school has adopted the following policy: Students involved in a fight will be subject to immediate suspension. An investigation will be conducted possibly followed by the initiation of the expulsion procedure and possible referral to legal authorities.

If a student feels there is a threat of a fight she should report it to a staff member immediately. Staff will then report to the Assistant Principal/Dean of Students immediately. Self-defense will not be considered a valid excuse for fighting. It is the student’s responsibility to report any situation that may lead to a fight to the Dean of Students before a fight occurs.

Violence toward staff or the use, possession or distribution of weapons at any time is grounds for expulsion and subject to referral to legal authorities.

Verbal arguments/threats will not be tolerated and could result in immediate suspension of students involved. The student and parent/guardian will be required to attend a conference with the Principal or Assistant Principal/Dean of students. If the Principal allows involved parties to return to school, they will be required to attend a mediation session. The involved parties will also be placed on disciplinary probation.

Any affiliation with gangs or gang-related activity, such as displaying gang signs, (e.g. graffiti, hand-gestures, etc.), tattoos, dress or behavior, is grounds for a disciplinary hearing and possible expulsion.

Students who call or text any person (including parents) to SJA for the purpose of coming to school to participate in a physical or verbal altercation shall be immediately suspended and referred to the expulsion hearing panel.

Students are not to engage in ANY public displays of affection. Such displays are grounds for disciplinary action.

When any school staff has reason to believe, either by virtue of direct knowledge or a report from another person, that a student is in any danger of harming him/herself through an attempted suicide, or has attempted suicide, that person is to report this situation to the school administrator and the student’s parents, even if the student denies suicidal ideation.  If the student’s life is in imminent danger, emergency personnel (911) will be summoned to transport the student to the nearest hospital emergency room.  

If there are repeated calls to parents with concerns of suicidality and the parents are not responding, this will be considered medical neglect and will be reported to Child Protective Services.  

Students involved in the sale, purchase, use, possession, and/or transmittal of, or are found to be under the influence of alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, look-alike drugs, or controlled substances, as defined by the law, will be recommended for expulsion.

Stealing is defined as deliberately taking that which is not yours and/or having in your possession property which does not belong to you. (Books, articles of clothing, etc. which are found and not turned in to the office fall into this category.) Substantiated cases of stealing or vandalism will be reported to the police and the student will be suspended and/or recommended for expulsion.

If a student vandalizes school property, the parent(s)/guardian will be charged the cost of repairing or replacing the vandalized property. If a student finds such damage done to their property or to an area that is their responsibility, such as a locker or desk, she should report the damage immediately to a staff member or assume responsibility for payment.

The school assumes no responsibility for money or personal belongings of students. Students should never leave belongings unattended. Students are provided with a school locker and lock but should never leave items of value in the locker. It is strongly recommended that students do not bring items of value with them to school. Students are responsible for ensuring their lock is on the locker and locked while not in use.  Students are encouraged never to share their locker combination with other students.

The required SJA uniform will consist of:

1. either a burgundy and gray plaid skirt OR khaki or navy pants;
2. white, pointed-collar shirt embroidered with the school logo;
3. and a navy blue blazer embroidered with the school logo.

There will also be the option of wearing the following additional items: an embroidered burgundy cardigan, embroidered burgundy vest or embroidered white polo shirt with the school logo.

If a student arrives at school out of uniform, parents will be notified and the student will be given a change of clothes that is approved by the uniform policy. ALL of the above uniform items must be purchased through large retailers like Walmart or Target as well as the school's designated uniform provider.

Tanks/Camisoles

The tank / camisole may not be visible under the uniform shirt. Uniform shirts must be buttoned over the tank/camisole.

Shoes/Socks/Leggings

Socks must be worn. The following solid colors are acceptable: white, burgundy, or navy blue. Athletic socks and must be one of the following colors: white, burgundy, or navy blue. All tights must be solid (no patterns). Leggings are not permitted as part of the school uniform.

Shoes must be close-toed. No Athletic Slides, Flip-flops, heels over 2 inches, or slippers may be worn. Dress shoes and casual wear shoes that fit the uniform are acceptable.

Head Coverings

Hats, sunglasses, scarves, head rags, hair bonnets, sweatbands, and curlers are NOT permitted to be worn during the school day. The only exception to this rule is the wearing of a SOLID cover hijab or head wrap. Headbands of 1” wide or less in a single color are permitted.

Not allowed in the uniform:

• Leggings of any kind; tights with patterns on them
• Non-uniform sweaters or sweatshirts
• Bedroom slippers
• Flip-flops/athletic slides
• Extreme high heels (2” or higher)
• Inappropriate language on jewelry∙
• No dangerous jewelry (spikes, bar rings, etc.)
• Outside jackets
• Colored tank tops/camisoles
• No cleavage or low-riding pants

Athletics

SJA offers competitive tennis, cross-country, and volleyball in the fall and basketball, soccer and track in the spring. Athletes must have on file a proper WIAA Physical/Alternate Card and be in acceptable academic standing. A $30 fee per sport is required for participation along with a signed Parent Contract of Agreement. Student athletes may be asked to purchase their own uniforms. 

Club/Activities

Each club may have its own unique set of expectations and by-laws. Members are expected to follow the by-laws and expectations of the club. Students must limit their club and activity involvement, so academics do not suffer. Clubs offered include, but may not be limited to:

• Campus Ministry
• Art Club
• Student Government
• Mock Trial
• National Honor Society
• Robotics
• SMART Team
• Yearbook

Payment Schedule

Tuition and other fees are to be paid directly to the school. It is necessary for you to make regular payments on your daughter’s tuition and to pay any incidental fees that arise during the year. We will closely monitor payment on a monthly basis, and will send you a statement which will indicate (a) your tuition balance, (b) any payments you have made directly to SJA and (c) fees your daughter might have charged to her account. Please examine these statements carefully. If anything is unclear call our Business Office.

Please see the admissions page for current tuition costs.

If financial obligations are not paid by the due date, the school reserves the right to terminate a student for non-payment of cost of education and fees at the end of a semester. The school also reserves the right to withhold grade reports and transcripts while any tuition balance due to the school remains unpaid.

There is a $30 fee attached to all checks returned to us from any financial institution for non- sufficient funds or any other reasons. The school WILL NOT accept any personal checks after May 1^st for payment to any tuition accounts. All payments must be made in the General Office with cash, a money order or a cashier’s check.

Seniors with outstanding balances may not take part in any graduation activities (Honors Day, etc.)

Duplicate Copies of Records

Report cards, progress reports and exam permits should be kept in a safe place for future reference. Duplicate copies of any of these items will cost $4 to process. (This needs to be done from the General Office during regular school hours and requires a day’s notice.) If the school mails or distributes such items, any request for another copy will be considered “duplicate” even if the claim is made that the item was not received.)

Fundraising/Parent Volunteer Hours

The actual cost of educating one student at SJA for this school year is almost twice the amount of tuition. The school must make up the difference through various fundraising activities. Your help and good will are expected.

You will be asked to volunteer time or talent for the Spaghetti with the Sisters event, SJAHS Gala, athletic events, etc. There are also a number of other volunteer opportunities open to you. We appreciate these volunteer efforts as a positive response to SJA and its educational programs which the fundraising efforts support.

Withdrawal:

If student status is terminated during the school year because of parental withdrawal, a Withdrawal Form must be completed by a parent or guardian. Upon withdrawal, any outstanding tuition balance is payable through the marking period during which the withdrawal takes place. Books must be returned, or the student will be billed for them.

St. Joan Antida High School has expenses which must be contracted for on an annual basis. Therefore, if a student withdraws after the school year has begun; the family is liable for the return of books, fees, and cost of education as indicated below. Keep in mind, that if the student is getting credit for the semester, you must pay for the entire semester. The cost of education due will be calculated based on the number of marking periods the student was enrolled. A student enrolled for any part of a marking period will be considered enrolled for that entire marking period. Until a formal Withdrawal Form is completed, the student is considered to be enrolled.

If a student leaves school during or at the end of a marking period, the amount owed is as follows: First Quarter-25%, Second Quarter-50%, Third Quarter-750%, Fourth Quarter-100%. (The school reserves the right to withhold transcripts, records, etc., until all financial obligations are met, and books returned.)

We must have accurate and current information regarding the student’s address, her phone number and any emergency phone numbers. If something should change during the school year, the parent/legal guardian must inform the school office immediately so all information and mailing lists can be corrected.

Any SJA students attending the Homecoming, Prom or other dances, must meet certain eligibility requirements which will be clearly announced and posted. Money should not be spent on attire, items or tickets unless a student meets the eligibility criteria. Information regarding eligibility requirements will be determined by the Principal and Dean of Students.

Current information needs to be on hand. It is the responsibility of each family to supply this information at the beginning of each semester or as information changes. Please contact the main office if there are any changes to your student's emergency contact.

SJA offers a breakfast program between 7:10 and 7:55 a.m. in the cafeteria each school day. A nutritious lunch program is an important part of SJA. The program is computerized for full, reduced and free status.

Fast foods or catered food are not allowed and should not be delivered to the school by students or parents/visitors. Food that is delivered during the school day will be confiscated and given to the student at the end of the day.

All SJA students are required by Wisconsin Statute 252.04 to have the necessary immunization shots. By the time a student enters high school, she should have had polio, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, measles, mumps, rubella, and hepatitis shots.

Students who do not have the required shots may be excluded from school. Parents may also be fined $25 per day for violating the law.

Every student may have a locker if she wishes. All Freshwomen are required to have a locker. The only locker the student is to use is the one assigned to her. Students MAY NOT share lockers with one another or give out their locker combination. Materials are safe as long as students close and lock their lockers after each use and they keep their combinations to themselves. Only authorized padlocks provided by the school may be put on lockers. Use of a non-authorized padlock or sharing of one’s locker combination with another student may result in disciplinary action.

Students are not to attach anything to the inside or outside of the locker which is difficult to remove. The school cannot and will not assume any responsibility for theft from lockers. Opened bags or containers of food or beverage are NOT to be in the locker at any time. The locker assigned to each student is the property of the school and may be opened and inspected by school authorities at any time.

To prevent interruption of an entire class or the entire school, students will not be called out of class nor messages relayed, except in the case of an emergency if contact is made by a parent or legal guardian.

All arrangements for rides, etc. should be made before arriving at school each day. Parents are not to text-message or call students on their cell phones during the day. Parents are encouraged to contact the office with necessary messages and SJAHS will make every effort to relay a message to a student in between classes.

Use of cell phones by students is prohibited during the school day.

Students may be put on probation for academics, attendance, or behavior.  Generally, the student probation period lasts for one semester followed by a review by the Academic Leadership Team. Failure to live up to the terms of the probation contract may be reason for dismissal from SJA, or non-acceptance of that student for the following school year.

EXCEPTION: All 9^th graders, and transfer students are automatically on probation for the first year of their enrollment at SJA.

In the case of inclement weather, please listen to radio or TV announcements (TV channels 4, 6, 12 and 58) which will indicate that SJA is closed.

SJA is NOT tied to MPS closings.

The announcement will specifically say: St. Joan Antida High School is closed.

The Milwaukee Fire Department forbids smoking in school buildings. Students are NOT to smoke in the school building at any time. There is no need for students to carry smoking materials to class since smoking is not permitted in school.

Any student apprehended smoking in or near school will receive an incident report and receive a $25 fine. The holding of smoking material shall be considered smoking. Being with someone who is smoking also shall be considered smoking. Smoking is not permitted within two blocks of the school building or at any school-sponsored activity.

Please be aware of traffic rules and practical safety when picking up your daughter at dismissal time. City officials, police and neighbors have expressed concern over the double parking and congestion that occurs on Ogden Avenue, and Cass St. main thoroughfares and bus routes. We ask that families arrange a “pick up spot” a block or so away from the school.

Because space is limited in many classes, shadow visitor passes will be given to only those girls who are interested in attending SJA in the upcoming school year. Students should bring the name, address, and phone number of the visitor to the Admissions Director. Visitors will spend part of the day with an Ambassador selected by the Admissions Director. Arrangements for the shadow visitor should be made 4-5 days prior to the visit. Any exceptions to the above policy will be made at the discretion of the Principal.

Adult visitors may only be in the building with permission of the school office and for a defined purpose. ALL visitors, including parents/guardians must check into the main school office and obtain a visitor pass before proceeding to any other location in the building.

SJA students will be held accountable for the aggressive behavior of non-SJA students whom they have invited on to school property or to attend a school-related activity. Appropriate disciplinary action will be administered to the SJA student in this regard. Any action taken by a guest of an SJA student can result in action as severe as expulsion for the SJA student.  

It is the policy of St. Joan Antida High School to allow photographs and video footage of students to be used in school-produced materials including but not limited to the school website, social media, printed materials, news media, and television programming.

Photos and video footage of students are value-added content as it relates to the promotion and marketing of the school. It is also the school’s desire to share the achievements and recognition earned by students with the broader community. Any and all use of photographs and video footage featuring students must comply with all legal requirements, including, but not limited to, the Family Education Rights to Privacy Act (FERPA).

Unless notified in writing of an objection by a parent, legal guardian, or student of age 18, photographs and video footage of students and/or names (ex: athletics team roster) may be posted in SJA-produced materials including printed publications, television productions, and websites.

If parents, legal guardians, or students of age 18 do not wish photographs or videos be used in these materials, they should complete a Photo/Video Opt-Out form available at school offices or via the school website. Please be aware that opt-out requests are valid for the current school year and must be renewed at the start of the next school year.

If an opt-out form is filed, school staff members will ALSO request news media not interview your student or film/photograph your student in our buildings. While local news media typically honor such requests, the school does not have legal authority to prevent the media from filming or talking to a student while on public property (ex: At a sporting event at a public school). You are encouraged to have a discussion with your student about your wishes should members of the news media request to interview them. 

If photos or videos of students or staff are going to be created, maintained or displayed by a third party where the SJA will not have direct control of the materials, then a written release form is required from the third party giving students/families the right to consent.

Find the Opt-Out Form here.