SJCA Lion Line OP - January 2026

February is here-the month of love-and what a great time to “Love” the Beautiful.

We survived the return from winter break and have settled back into our routines. PM2 testing is now behind us, and we can continue to move forward. The teachers and scholars are back in the groove of learning from our beautiful curriculum, and we are excited to see all the growth they are making!

January had a few frigid days, and not sure February will be much warmer. We have many jackets in the lost and found. Please don’t forget to write your scholar’s name on all outerwear, so they aren’t without a jacket this winter. This is a reminder that only SJCA jackets may be worn inside the building, and that other jackets may only be worn outside. If your child is often cold indoors, please consider a SJCA jacket. Otherwise, they may bundle up as much as needed outside.

Hillsdale visited us in January, and it was a worthwhile visit. They were pleased with what they saw from both scholars and teachers, as they shared wonder and joy in the classroom and asked many engaging questions. Our teachers are grateful to be able to learn and grow each day alongside our scholars, and we are thankful for Hillsdale’s support in helping us do so. We are blessed to learn from a curriculum that you cannot get from most public schools. Our day is full of learning, packed with a rich curriculum, including our Literacy Essentials program, which is at the core of what we do every day.

Below is an explanation from Maegan Satcher, Hillsdale K-12 Education office, that details the importance of our program and especially why we don’t send home spelling lists. Trust the decision you made to send your scholar(s) here and trust in our curriculum.

Thank you for the support you show each and every day as we do our best to follow our Hillsdale curriculum with fidelity. We are looking forward to a great February and know the remaining part of the year will be gone before we know it. Let’s make the best of what we have left this school year.

Go Lions!

Please help our school be good members of this community by following these guidelines:

• Please DO NOT drive in the bike lane on Kingsley Avenue or use it as a turn lane, Orange Park Police Department can and will issue a traffic citation.

• Please DO NOT make a U-TURN in the break in the median in front of the Post Office; that is also a traffic violation. A NO U-TURN sign is posted there.

• Please remember that checking your scholar out early should be before 2pm (12pm on Wednesday), this helps prevent disruption to our afternoon procedures, both in your scholars’ classroom and on campus.

• Reminder: Gates open in the morning at 7:25am and close at 7:55am, in the afternoon our gates close at 3:15pm (1:15pm on Wednesday) There is a late fee if you arrive to pick up your scholars after 3:25pm, the fee is $16 per scholar, a MySchoolBucks invoice will be sent to you.

SJCA-OP is launching a fundraising campaign to raise $53,000 to install a lift from our gym to the second floor.

While our building is grandfathered under ADA and not required to include a lift, the need is real.

Students and staff using crutches or wheelchairs currently face significant barriers accessing second-floor classrooms. Parents and guardians with physical disabilities have also been unable to attend orientations, open houses, and conferences.

You can make donations through MySchoolBucks. If you'd like to make a significant donation, please reach out to the school.

The fundraiser will run through April 30, which gives us time to install the lift before the next school year.

If you'd like to see what kind of lift SJCA-OP plans to install, please click the video link below.

Together, we can make our school more accessible, inclusive, and welcoming for all.

Scholars interested in playing soccer are invited to tryout next week.

Please note, all practices will be held at the Fleming Island campus.

We're excited to help create a community of lifesavers through the Kids Heart Challenge.

Sign up under our school today. Check this off your list today and receive a wristband just for joining the team.

This year, we have an important goal: 100% of our families learning the lifesaving skill of Hands-Only CPR! It only takes a few minutes to learn, and it can make all the difference in an emergency.

• Sign up here or download the free “AHA Schools” app for iPhone or Android.
• Raise funds to help kids with special hearts.
• Complete Finn’s Mission: Complete all 7 steps, learn Hands-Only CPR, and be entered to win two Super Bowl tickets!

If 50% of our families sign up, our school will earn a $500 gift certificate for physical activity and recess equipment to support the health of our school community.

Let’s work together to create a community of lifesavers. Thank you for your support in helping us achieve this incredible goal!

February is National Children's Dental Health Month. To celebrate, a dentist will be on campus on February 10 and 12. If you'd like your scholar to see the dentist, there is still time to sign up using the link below.

Our after-school sports camp will switch to soccer in February. Each session is $40, which is paid through MySchoolBucks.

Eliana R. follows expectations, knows when and how to complete her task, not only as a Safety Patrol but also as a student. Her work in Spanish is neat, understandable, and helpful. Her performance in class with her classmates is excellent, since she is willing to help and guide her peers. Lastly, she represents the virtues of our school, but the two that highlight her character are humility and respect. She is deserving of this recognition.

"Her hard work and consistent good choices shine through as a good example of integrity."

"He displays humility and perseverance in his work. He has also grown in his leadership skills."

Scholars will have a long weekend in February in honor of Presidents' Day.

Please mark your calendars for the upcoming Father Daughter Dance. Tickets aren't on sale yet, but they will be soon via MySchoolBucks.

This fundraiser supports the National Honor Society on the Fleming Island Campus.

Questions: AnaMaria.Cosme@stjca.org

As a school fundraiser, you can purchase a "Class Of" t-shirt or sweatshirt from Stryker Custom Designs. Both can be worn on school spirit days.

Cost ranges between $20-$27. Orders are placed online and picked up at Stryker near College Avenue and County Road 220.

Proceeds will be used to purchase supplies needed across the campus.

Would you like to see your scholar's birthday on the digital, outdoor sign when you come into carline? Now, you can! As a new fundraiser, you can pay $20 and wish your scholar a happy birthday in a fun way.

When signing up, please list the date you'd like to see your scholar's birthday on the sign. If, for example, your scholar's birthday falls on a Saturday, but you'd like to see it on the sign on Monday, please enter Monday's date.

✅ To view your lunch account(s) and add funds, please visit: http://www.myschoolbucks.com/

✅ If you need or want to set limits on spending, please contact Lunch@stjca.org

✅ If you would like to check your eligibility for Free/Reduced Lunch, please click HERE

Congrats to the scholars who were selected by their music teacher to participate in the All County Chorus performance being held on January 30. Below are the scholars from both campuses outside of Thrasher-Horne, where they participated in an all-day practice ahead of the concert.

Scholars enjoyed a fun, colorful day in PE as they played inside a parachute.

Second grade scholars in Ms. Adams class made cloud dough as a way to combine matter. Some batches worked, some failed. When batches didn't turn out we talked about perseverance and importance of overcoming challenges.

FortifyFL is a suspicious activity reporting tool that allows you to instantly relay information to appropriate law enforcement agencies and school officials. You can submit a tip anytime. A downloadable training presentation about this tool is available on our website, under FortifyFL.