Lion Line OP - May 2025

As we enter this last month of the year, allow me to thank you for your support and trust in walking beside you as we build "Intelligent, Virtuous American Citizens."

Please know your patience and grace were noted and appreciated as we continue to solidify routines, policies, and procedures. We are excited about what the coming school year holds for our staff and scholars.

Be sure to carefully go through this edition of the Lion Line to ensure you know about all the events in May. One big event each May is Teacher Appreciation Week, May 5-9. We love our teachers and want to show them support and appreciation.

We are excited at the prospect of welcoming our first Upper School 7th graders in the fall. This will be an exciting and challenging time for these scholars.

If you are looking for fun and educational summer activities, please visit the SJCA Summer Camp guide below.

Have a wonderful end to the school year, and as always, Go Lions!

As we enter May, please take note of the testing schedule.

Please make every effort to ensure your scholar is in school on testing days, and that he or she arrives on time and has a hearty breakfast.

We have heard your input and are working on solutions for the upcoming school year. We have hired a Gifted Teacher who will provide services to our gifted scholars. The methodology and timing are still being worked on and you will be notified prior to implementation next year.

SJCA has been fully accepted for FHSAA membership!

Earning this membership requires an application process, a three-year evaluation process, and approval of the FHSAA Board of Directors.

You may ask, "What does this mean?" It means we can now compete into post season and win championships. And, we are now eligible for state and county awards, which can translate into big scholarships for athletes with strong academic records.

We will be recognized at the meeting this weekend at the FIAAA conference as the 847th school included in the FHSAA.

This announcement also means that SJCA will compete in its own district (starting next year) and will be held to higher standards as we grow.

The biggest takeaway is that our school is going to big, big places!

I am so happy to be part of this school and the growth of athletics.

GO LIONS!

-Athletic Director and Coach Matt Sage

SJCA Athletics plans to host camps for girls volleyball, boys/girls basketball, and cheerleading. Details for basketball camps are coming, but volleyball and cheerleading are set. Details below.

Cheerleading Camp

On July 11, our official cheer team will host a summer cheerleading camp. The one-day camp runs from 9:00-am-3:30pm on the Fleming Island Campus. Registration will start at 8:30am. This is a drop-off event.

Scholars should come in athletic wear and bring a packed lunch.

Registration is open now.

Questions: Tanya_Joson@csx.com.

Volleyball Camp

If you're interested in playing volleyball, our upcoming summer camp is a great way to try it out. Register today on MySchoolBucks.

We'll have a Volleyball Scrimmage Jamboree May 20 at 4:00pm in the Orange Park gym.

Questions: matthew.sage@stjca.org.

Have you purchased a t-shirt to support our wonderful teachers?

Wondering if your class is close to 100% participation? Those with 100% participation win a Color Party!

As a creative way to show appreciation for our teachers, scholars and families are invited to "Chalk the School" this weekend, May 3-4. You can come anytime and leave a note or drawing in the parking lot for your teacher.

Teacher parking spots are in the back, near the cafeteria. We'll post a list of assigned parking spots outside so you can chalk the space you'd like.

We will have limited chalk available at the school, but if you have your own, please bring it.

Please do not chalk the sidewalk. We'd like to keep all of the chalk art in the parking lot.

Congratulations to Catalina B. who is our Safety Patroller of the Month.

Please refer to the updated school supply lists as you purchase supplies for the coming year. Lists are categorized by grade; K-7. This list is also updated on our website, which can be found at the bottom of the School Information page.

As you consider water bottles for the coming year, please make sure they have a snap lid or screw top so water cannot spill when tipped upside down. Water bottles with straws will not be allowed next year. Please see the examples below.

Come see our scholars perform on May 8.

On Tuesday, May 20, your scholar can participate in an in-school Spanish Culture Celebration. During this event, scholars will explore one of the following Spanish-speaking countries:

• Colombia
• Cuba
• Mexico
• Spain

Each scholar will enjoy a make-and-take activity.

Registration opens on 5/2. Limited seats are available. Please use the grade-specific links below to register your scholar.

Please note, this event takes place during school hours. It is not an after-school activity.

Proceeds benefit Spanish.

We'd like you to mark your calendar for our Annual Academic Awards and Expo. Everyone is invited, but if your scholar is receiving an award you'll be notified.

On Friday, May 23, scholars will participate in several Field Day activities. We are currently recruiting volunteers to help. If you're an APPROVED volunteer, please consider signing up.

SJCA Orange Park will offer several summer camps in June and July. Registration is now open!

Camps offered will include:

• Lions Fitness Fun Camp
• Lion Music Camp (K-3 and 4-7)
• Literacy Games Galore
• Science Camp
• Lion Soccer Camp

• Drawing Camp

• Sculpture Camp

• Fiber Arts Camp

Please visit the link below to review a description of each camp and to register for your favorites. Registration is completed through MySchoolBucks. If you don't have a MySchoolBucks account, please call the school to make arrangements.

Faculty and staff are not permitted to accept cash or check for lunch.

When sending lunch money in with your scholar, please instruct them to either:

✅ Bring it to the lunch staff during their lunch (for immediate deposit to account) or;

✅ Drop it in the Lunch Money slot in the wall outside the administrative offices (allow up to 72 hours for deposit to account). Be sure to include your scholar's name on the envelope/baggie!

Addition lunch information:

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

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

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

SJCA Fleming Island would like to invite you to Mother Daughter Tea on Saturday, May 17. Registration via MySchoolBucks is now open.

Tables seat eight. If you'd like to make seating arrangements, please contact Mrs. Cosme. Your request will be honored on a first come, first served basis.

Attire: Sunday best/princess dresses welcome

Deadline to register: May 9

Questions? Mrs. Cosme, Anamaria.cosme@stjca.org

The end of May has a mix of events and dismissal information that parents need to know.

Please note, in preparation for graduation for the Fleming Island campus, dismissal for May 23 will work like a Wednesday. This is a change to our original schedule and is different than the early release days later in the month. Please reference the dates below to stay organized and aware of dismissal times.

The Bunny Hop event in April was a hit! Take a look at some of the pictures, including our own Mr. Bradley in the dunk tank.

On May 1, our teachers and staff wore ties or bow ties in recognition of Mr. Bradley on National Principal's Day of Recognition.

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.