Dear JCA Parents,

It is with great anticipation that I welcome you to another school year. We are extremely excited to welcome the Class of 2023 to Joliet Catholic Academy, and also celebrate the accomplishments of the newly minted graduating Class of 2019. The Class of 2019 collectively earned over $18 million towards college scholarships, performed over 12,000 hours of community service, had 22 students named Illinois State Scholars, 2 students named National Merit Commended Students, and achieved a mean ACT score of 24.1 (29.6 in the Honors Program; 26.3 for the top 50% of the class).

What do these numbers signify in context? Over 75% of the Class of 2019 earned a 21 or higher on their ACT, with 98% percent of graduates continuing onto college and a 99% college acceptance rate. Additionally, 70% of JCA students successfully passed A.P. Examinations, well above the local and state averages.

These numbers reflect not only the outstanding achievement of our student body, but also the sacrifice by our families and community to give JCA students a faith-based education that is second to none.

There is no doubt the Class of 2019 has left an indelible mark on the halls of JCA, and will venture to do the same for the local community and beyond as they strive toward successful futures.

As we turn the page towards the 2019-2020 school year, I’d like to highlight some important dates this fall:

August
18 Freshman Welcome Mass at 5 p.m.
19-20 Freshman Orientation Days (1/2 days)
21 First Day of Classes (1/2 day)
21 Parent Back to School Night
22 First full day of school
23 Opening School Mass
28 Fall Spirit Raffle Begins

September
15-21 Homecoming Week

November
3 Open House for Prospective Families
14 Open House for Prospective Families
December
7 JCA Entrance Exam for 8th graders/incoming freshmen

Regards,

Ryan Quigley
JCA Director of Admissions and Communications
Office: 815.741.0500, ext. 214
School Uniform and Lock Sale

It is that time again, The Spirit Shop will be opening August 5 th at Noon to start off the Uniform & Lock Sale for 2019.

Please stop in and get your Uniform Polos, Gym Shirts, locks and much more. We have a large variety of ¼ zips, T-shirts, hoodies and many more Joliet Catholic Academy items to choose from to show your school spirit!!   There will be a clearance table as well with huge discounts for you on those selected items. 


August 5 th – Monday - Noon – 7:00 p.m.
August 6 th - Tuesday - 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
August 7 th  - Wednesday – 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
August 8 th - Thursday - Noon – 7:00 p.m. 

All proceeds from the Spirit Shop go directly back to our school. 
Freshman Welcome Mass

What? Mandatory Freshman Mass and Picnic,
Where? Student Activity Center – enter doors facing Ingalls Ave.

When? Sunday, August 18, 2019 - 5:00 p.m. Mass. Mass is followed by important informational meeting and then a picnic. The picnic should begin by 7 p.m.

Tip: If not done already, prepare your locker after the BBQ; ask student ambassadors for assistance and walk your schedule.
Back-to-School Night for Parents

Wednesday, August 21, 2019
JCA Student Activity Center
7:00 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 and you’ll find all of 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. The evening will begin in the Student Activity Center between 6:30 p.m. and 6:50 p.m. First period will begin at 7:00 p.m. and classes will end around 8:45 p.m. Questions regarding Back-to-School Night should be directed to the Vice Principal’s Office at 815.741.0500.
Car Pool Interest Form

Many times, JCA families realize there are families in their neighborhood also traveling to JCA. We encourage families to connect and help one another out if possible. If you would like to be part of our carpool list, please complete the online link at JCA Carpool Interest Form  If you are needing help with transportation to and from JCA during the school year or have an extra seat in your car to help out, please complete this online form. Please complete by July 9. Once completed, a complete list will be emailed to you with a listing of those you can contact for possible carpool options.
JCA 2019-2020 Required Textbook
and Supplemental Items

Class schedules will be mailed to freshman today and e-mailed to upperclassmen. When purchasing textbooks from another source other than MBS Direct, it is the family's responsibility to ensure they have the correct edition, textbook, workbook, etc.
Parent Association Volunteer Form

Reminder: all parents were sent an online volunteer form by Mrs. Schertz. Please fill out and return if you would like to volunteer at JCA. Questions? Contact Chris Voss, JCA Director of Special Events.

Christine M. Voss
Director of Special Events
Joliet Catholic Academy
1200 N. Larkin Avenue
Joliet, IL 60435
Office (815-773-0784) 
Stay Connected and Help Promote JCA

Don’t miss the latest news about JCA, Angels and Hilltoppers, events, and more; stay connected through social media. “Like” Joliet Catholic Academy on Facebook, “Follow” JCAOnline on Twitter, and check out Joliet.Catholic on Instagram. 

Several extra-curricular clubs and sports also operate social media pages that the main JCA accounts will share and re-tweet. With changes to Facebook's algorithm over the last year, the more people that can share articles coming from the main Joliet Catholic Academy Facebook page, the better we can organically market all of the great things happening at JCA. Please continually re-tweet and share social media posts.

  Important Information from the Health Office
 
All Students
  • Health Office information is on the school web site under the Parents tab, click on Health Office
  • Medication Administration Authorization forms are required at the start of every new school year. Forms are available on the web site.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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
  • Senior students are to submit documentation for their MENINGOCOCCAL CONJUGATE VACCINE (MCV4). Documentation for the MCV4 vaccine administration must have the providers dated signature.
  • 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.  
 
Incoming Freshman
  • Please be advised the Certificate of Child Health Exam (Freshman physical) has a required parent portion on page 2 that must be completed in its entirety including a parents dated signature.
  • NEW State Law: freshman entering 2019-2020 are now required to have dental exam. 

Health Office Hours
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, [email protected]
  School Pictures
 
School Pictures- August 20, 21 and 22
School pictures and IDs will be taken the first week of school. 
Freshmen - Tuesday, August 20
Juniors - Wednesday, August 21
Sophomores - Thursday, August 22
 
ALL STUDENTS will take  pictures and get ids even if they do not have order forms. You may order pictures after picture day online. 
Picture Day Dress Code:   Any color or pattern polo with uniform pants/shorts and shoes. Students may also wear their uniform.
 
Students will receive an order form on the first day of school or can order online.
 
Follow the link >>   https://www.vipis.com/
Type in -  Joliet Catholic Academy 
Click on - School portraits view and order
Fill out the form, you will need your students id number.
Click below for the PDF Version of the Excel Driving School complete with course calendar, start dates, and times.

Visit www.exceldrivingschool.com for more information.

You can also call Excel at 630.983.9235 and reserve a spot with a credit card deposit.
Special Events Corner

The Hall of Champions - Athletics Induction will take place on Saturday, September 7, 2019. This year's honorees for the 6th Annual Hall of Champions are Sean Bergman '88 (Baseball), Mary (Will) Jaworski (Cheerleading), John Piazza '79 (Football), Mark Sopko '00 (Football & Baseball), Christine Toscas '85 (Basketball), and Wayne Vercelloti '53 (Legacy Tribute - Golf). The Annual Alumni Golf Outing will take place Friday, September 6, 2019 at 11 a.m. at Cog Hill Golf & Country Club. The Induction Dinner and Ceremony will take place on Saturday, September 7, 2019 at 5:30 p.m. in the JCA Student Activity Center.

Save the Date: Jubilaté 2020 Saturday, March 7, 2020 at Bolingbrook Golf Club. Event Chairs Deb & Ellis Kennedy and Amy & Ken Mihelich cordially invite you to be on the committee and plan on attending the event.  So, join the Flappers, Marathon Dancers and the Bootleggers for this fun-filled day in March. Again, contact Chris Voss with questions.


For more information contact JCA Director of Special Events Mrs. Christine Voss at 815.741.0500, ext. 283 or [email protected].
Fall Sport Tryout Information

Any questions or concerns about tryouts should be directed to the contact person for your specific sport. Contact the school at (815) 741-0500 or  Click Here  to view the faculty and staff contact list.
JOLIET CATHOLIC ACADEMY TRYOUTS/PRACTICE

Any student wishing to go out for Girls or Boys Fall Sports needs to turn in their completed Physical along with the online Athletic form either prior to or on the first day of tryouts. Athletes WILL NOT be able to participate until all of those forms are completed and turned in. A new physical is required if it has been 13 months since your last physical was done. If you need a physical form to bring to your physician, it can be downloaded from our Athletic website 8 to 18 under Resources (IHSA Pre-Participation Examination Form).  Incoming Freshmen DO NOT need to turn in a sports physical as the physical that is required of them before the start of school is sufficient.  The sports physical may be turned in to either the Coach of each respective sport, the main office (Attn: Athletics/Debbie Dispenza), mailed (1200 N. Larkin Ave., Joliet 60435 –Attn: Athletics/Debbie Dispenza), faxed: (815) 741-3830 or emailed: [email protected].

Football

Monday, August 12 th
Freshmen 3:00-6:00 p.m.
Sophomores 3:00-6:00 p.m.
Varsity 3:00 -6:00 p.m.

Will take place at JCA football practice fields

Boys’ Golf 

Monday, August 12 th  all levels at Wedgewood Golf Course at 3 – 5 p.m . The rest of the week days/times will be discussed on Monday, 8/12.
 *There will be a $15.00 greens fee each day for tryouts. Athletes may not try out without this! (Greens fees will be paid for by the school for practices and meets after tryouts for those who make the team.)
 **Any questions or concerns, please contact Head Coach, David Mondrella at 815-546-9394.

Girls’ Golf 

Monday, August 12 th  all levels at Inwood Golf Course at 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
**Any questions or concerns, please contact Head Coach, Mark Alstott, at

Girls’ Tennis

Monday, August 12 th   at 9-11 a.m. at JCA tennis courts for both varsity and junior varsity. Bring tennis racquet and tennis shoes.

Boys’ Soccer 

Monday – Friday, August 12 th  – 17 th :  7-9 a.m. and 3-5 p.m.
Saturday, August 18 th : 7-9 a.m.
Sunday, August 19 th : OFF
Monday, August 20 th  to end of season: practice 3-5 p.m.
**Please bring water, shin guards, soccer shoes each day**
Will take place at the JCA Soccer Fields located behind the school, near
 the tennis courts.
 
Boys’ and Girls’ Cross Country 
Monday, August 12 th  at 7:30 a.m. (August calendars will be distributed)
Tuesday, August 13 th  at 7:30 a.m. @ Tow Path
Wednesday, August 14 th  at 7:30 a.m. @ Hammel Woods
Thursday, August 15 th  at 7:30 a.m. @ Tow Path
Friday, August 16 th  at 7:30 a.m. at Four Seasons Park, Shorewood
 
Girls’ Volleyball
Monday, August 12th in the Student Activity Center – main gym
Varsity: 7:00 a.m. -9:30 a.m.      
Sophomores: 10:00 a.m. -12:30 p.m.        
Freshmen: 1:00 p.m. -3:30 p.m. 
Senior Class Disney Trip

LOCATION(s): Walt Disney World, Orlando, FL
DATE OF EVENT: February 13 – 17, 2020


Asbestos Management

Parents, teachers, employee organizations, and other relevant groups: Please be advised that the Asbestos Management Plan for JCA, as required by law, is available for inspection during normal business hours by representatives of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the State of Illinois, and the public – including teachers, other school personnel, representatives, and parents at 1200 N. Larkin Avenue, Joliet, Illinois 60435 within five working days after receipt of a written request for inspection. The school may charge the reasonable cost of making any copies requested. 
Empower Illinois/Tax Credit Scholarships
Learn more about the benefits of contributing to a Tax Credit Scholarship for students in our Diocese of Joliet​ Catholic Schools. You receive a 75% credit for the amount of your gift on your 2019 Illinois taxes. 
Tax Credit Program Preserved
Local Catholic Schools among those benefiting from scholarships
By Alex Ortiz, Joliet Herald News
June 3, 2019

Officials and parents of students within the Diocese of Joliet actively voiced their support for a scholarship program that was at risk during the state budget talks in Springfield.

Amid the flurry of activity in the General Assembly over the weekend, the Illinois Tax Credit Scholarship Program was preserved in the state’s budget, pending Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s signature. According to advocates for the program, it was one of the few specific proposed cuts that Pritkzer floated on the campaign trail in 2018.

With the prospect of the program being scaled back, supporters of school choice, such as the organization Empower Illinois, started the #SaveMyScholarship campaign to persuade lawmakers not to cut it.

Mercy Robb, the Diocese of Joliet’s director of marketing and enrollment management, said the tax credit scholarship program gives families the financial support needed to send children to private school.

“One huge fear is not being able to allow families in Illinois to have a choice,” Robb said. “Public schools aren’t the right fit for every student.”

The program was enacted in 2017 with the passage of the Invest in Kids Act, which offers a 75% income tax credit to individuals and businesses that contribute to qualified scholarship-granting organizations such as Empower Illinois. Those SGOs then provide scholarships for students whose families meet the income requirement to attend qualified, nonpublic schools in Illinois. The program was originally capped at $100 million and would end after five years.

According to a report by Empower Illinois, the SGO the Diocese of Joliet mainly works with, the first year of the program saw more than $45 million raised and 5,459 scholarships granted out of 32,456 applicants across the state. The report said the average annual household income of scholarship recipients was a little more than $35,000 for a family of four.

The Diocese of Joliet said more than 300 of its students, out of 2,800 applicants, were helped by more than $2.5 million. Empower Illinois receives 5% of the money.

Robb said the Diocese of Joliet has seen a steady decline in student enrollment over the past several years. Still, the need for financial aid to attend Catholic school in the diocese is there. The majority of applicants qualify for 100% financial aid, according to Robb.

Ryan Quigley, the director of admissions and communications at Joliet Catholic Academy, said the high school’s enrollment has also decreased in part because the cost of educating students has risen over the past 15 years. He said annual tuition at JCA is $12,625, not counting fees.

Quigley called the success “good news out of Springfield.” He said he now wants to see the program expand past the initial five-year window and changed to provide a 100% tax credit to entice even more donors.

State Sen. Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant, D-Shorewood, said she felt it was ultimately fair to preserve the program as is, but that advocates need a plan for keeping the program past its initial timeline. While she thought there was an appetite to expand it, she said she would like to see a bipartisan discussion begin about making it viable past the five-year window.

Quigley said that the program is key to helping all families send their children to private schools. To him, because reforms such as property tax relief won’t come for a while, the program can help save local Catholic schools.

“Do we want to see these schools go away?” Quigley said. “Do we want to have an opportunity for families in Joliet to have access to our Catholic schools? Because right now they don’t, from a financial standpoint.”

JCA makes the area's top education more affordable through Leveraged Financial Aid!
JCA saw a 16% increase in freshmen enrollment and a 30% increase in applications for the 2018-2019 school year thanks in large part to our Leveraged Financial Aid program. 

Why JCA?

  • “Inspiring Growth in Knowledge and Faith” since 1869, the Joliet Catholic Academy family creates an environment that cultivates opportunities for academic excellence, meaningful service, Christian respect, and Catholic values in the traditions of the Carmelites and Franciscans.

  • The Class of 2018 earned over $12 million in college scholarships, averaging over $92,000 per student through four years of college.

  • The mean ACT score was 30.1 for Honors Program students and 27.1 for the top 50% of the Class of 2018, well above Illinois’ public school state average ACT of 21.2 from 2017.

  • Angels and Hilltoppers can earn Advanced Placement and Junior College credits while attending JCA. 70% of the Class of 2018 scored a “3” or higher on A.P. Examinations earning college credit, well above the state and local public school averages (65.6% and 37.6%) from 2017.

  • 100% of 2018 graduates accepted into college, 99% pursuing higher education.

  • 32 State or National Championships in Athletics; 24 varsity sports offered: 62 former/current professional athletes; 65 student-athletes currently competing in college athletics.

  • 93% of students participate in extra-curricular activities; 40+ clubs and after-school programs offered.

  • The Class of 2018 completed over 15,000 hours of community service; weekly/monthly Masses and Retreat programs also offered.


Want to see how we make the Will County area's top high school education affordable?