JCA Families,

These five past months have been some of the most challenging we all have endured, and the curveballs thrown at scheduling over the past week with storms, power outages, water main breaks, etc. have not helped. The good news is that our community (parents, students, teachers and staff) is resilient! One of the most important things throughout the past five months has been to stay connected; either in-person or virtually, and communication is key to staying connected.

Each month, on the first Monday of the month, the JCA communications office releases a Parent Newsletter. The JCA Parent Newsletter highlights news and events for that upcoming month of school. Due to the nature of COVID-19, we have, and will continue to have more e-mails, School Reach phone calls, and social media posts than usual. Also, in the event that you missed an e-mail, or phone call, never hesitate to contact JCA at [email protected] with a question or concern.

The following newsletter contains the most up-to-date information on Back to School dates, events, times, and procedures. Also, we have updated the JCA Return to School Plan and the JCA Parent-Student Handbook. The Return to School Plan will be included in the Parent-Student Handbook, as well as the most up-to-date IDPH (Illinois Department of Public Health) and ISBE (Illinois State Board of Education) guidelines and procedures for schools reopening in person.

Also, due to the Freshman Parent Orientation cancellation, we have included a video below for all JCA Parents regarding important information for beginning the 2020-2021 school year.

Upcoming Important Dates

Thursday, August 20 - Freshman Orientation; 7:50 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Friday, August 21 - Returning Student Orientation
Sophomores - 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Juniors - 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Seniors - 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

First Day of School - Monday, August 24 - Hybrid Schedule (Periods 1-4; 7:50 a.m. to 12:20 p.m.). School schedule is included below in the JCA Return to School Plan.

Due to the Freshman Parent Orientation cancellation, JCA staff and administration spent today filming the program. A video will be sent to all families shortly that will be beneficial regarding heading back to school during COVID-19.


Go Angels! Go Hill!

Ryan Quigley ’03
Joliet Catholic Academy – Director of Admissions and Communications
Office: 815.741.0500, ext. 214
Freshman Orientation Schedule

Thursday, August 20

7:30 am: Frosh begin to arrive at main entrance or south Heritage Quad entrance for temperature check. They will need their laptop and schedule. 

7:50 am: Frosh in homeroom. Homeroom teachers to seat frosh in assigned seating. Please take attendance.

8:00 am: Welcome, Prayer, Pledge

8:10 am: Break-out sessions - 6 homerooms
      
8:15 – 8:55 Session 1: Deans and Nurse – Mrs. Arnett, Nurses in auxiliary gym

9:00 – 9:40 Session 2: Diversity and Counseling – Ms. Cameron, Mrs. Horn, Ms. Pullara, Mr. Gilbert, Mrs. Volz in main gym

9:45 – 10:25 Session 3: Technology – Ms. Pahl, Mrs. Schertz, Mrs. Ostrem, Mr. O’Brien in HOMEROOM

Student will be dismissed after their last session to homeroom.  

10:30 RETURN BACK TO HOMEROOM. Take all items with you.

Mock schedule:
10:35 – 10:45    Period 1
10:50 – 11:00    Period 2
11:05 – 11:15   Period 3
11:20 – 11:30    Period 4
11:35 – 11:45   Period 5
11:50 – 12:00   Period 6
12:05– 12:15    Period 7
12:20 – 12:30   Period 8
12:30 Dismissal
Returning Student Orientation Schedule

Friday, August 21

Sophomores - 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Juniors - 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m
Seniors - 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Each class will be split alphabetically into four groups. Each group will enter the school from one of two entrances (main gym or main office) and report directly to their designated large presentation room (gym, practice gym, chapel or cafeteria). Students will be directed to their presentation area at check-in. Students will remain in their room and presenters will rotate to the different locations. Groups will be no larger than 50 persons total. Students must leave campus after their session is completed.

15 minute sessions

Session 1: Technology and Academics

Session 2: Diversity and Counseling

Session 3: Nurses

Session 4: Deans Office

Homeroom teachers will be assigned to help in the main gym, practice gym, cafeteria and Chapel.
Yearbook Picture Schedule


Freshmen /Juniors
Monday, August 24
Periods 1-4
Freshmen /Juniors
Tuesday, August 25
Periods 5-8

Sophs/ Seniors
Thursday, Aug 27
Period 1-4
Sophs/Seniors
Friday, Aug 28
Period 5-8

Students will be issued their JCA School I.D. once pictures are completed.

Teachers and Staff may take pictures at any time.

Senior Picture Day Dress code: Dress clothes on their assigned picture day
Hillmen: shirt and tie with pants or jeans. Angels: shirt, blouse, sweater with pants or jeans

Picture Day Dress code: Fr. So. Jr. Class School pictures – May bring a colored or patterned polo or wear spirit wear.
Online Calendar

The most up to date calendar for the 2020-2021 school year can be found on the school's website www.jca-online.org under the Calendar tab at the top. We expect adjustments for events throughout the year. Due to printing schedules, calendars included in publications like the JCA student planner are not up to date. We also still have several events scheduled on the 2020-2021 Calendar for later in the school year that may or may not be able to be held depending on COVID-19. Please contact [email protected] if you have a specific calendar related question.
JCA announces 2019-2020 Second Semester Honor Roll

Joliet Catholic Academy is proud to announce the 2019-2020 Second Semester Honor Roll. Students are separated by graduating year, “A” and “B” Honor Roll, and also grouped by grade school and church affiliation/parish.

458 current students have been honored for their academic achievements from the second semester. JCA president/principal Dr. Jeffrey Budz said, “We are so proud of our students who have made honor roll with the majority of them being involved in additional activities outside the classroom. During a time when these students faced many challenges this spring with the transition to E-Learning, our students went above and beyond to rise to the occasion. They continue to bring a lot to the JCA community as a whole.”

Click Here to view an Excel file sortable by graduating year, “A” and “B” Honor Roll, and also grouped by grade school and church affiliation/parish.

Click Here to view a PDF file.
JCA Freshman Welcome Mass

On Sunday, August 16, JCA campus minister Fr. Jeff Smialek, O.Carm. presided over a Mass welcoming our newest Angels and Hilltoppers. Click below to watch the Mass on YouTube. A special thanks goes out to JCA campus minister Mrs. Melissa Ferro and Mr. Cory McDermott for volunteering their time for readings and filming the Mass.

Look out for more opportunities throughout the year to get involved with Campus Ministry at Joliet Catholic Academy.