St. Joseph Regional Academy in Jim Thorpe is planning an open house and soup dinner to kick off the annual Catholic Schools Week Celebration.

The open house and free soup dinner will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., on Jan. 28, at the school, located at 25 W. Sixth St., Jim Thorpe. Everyone is invited for the event. Donations of dog and cat products will be accepted, but are not required, as students are currently collecting for the local animal shelters.Tours of the school will also be available. Tours and student visit days can be scheduled by contacting Melissa Novatnack, principal, at (570) 325-3186.St. Joseph Regional Academy offers full-time kindergarten through eighth grade classes, taught by certified teachers. School days run from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and after-care is available until 5 p.m. Bus transportation is provided within the local school districts. Transfer students are welcome and scholarship opportunities are available.To be eligible for kindergarten, a child must be 5 before Oct. 15, 2013.The school is equipped with video security systems and all external doors are locked to provide added security while children are in class.Extracurricular activities are also available including, girls and boys cross country, cheerleading, basketball, bowling, and girls volleyball; as well as field trips, roller skating, dances, academic bowls, spelling bees, science fairs, talent shows and school plays.New student registrations before Jan. 28, will have their registration fee waived.For more information, call St. Joseph Regional Academy at (570) 325-3186 or visit

http://www.sjracademy.org.