SJCA Lion Line OP - October 2025

Allow me to thank you for your support in significantly reducing S.R. 224/Kingsley Ave bike lane issues and carline overflow.

We have officially made it into fall; looking forward to the cooler weather and the opportunity to participate in outside activities.

The end of the first quarter is approaching quickly; this provides a snapshot of how your scholars have progressed so far. I regularly tell our teachers that "if they don't like the way something is going in the classroom, each week, each month, or each quarter provides the opportunity to reset and start over." The same applies for our scholars. The 2nd quarter provides an excellent chance to make a change in effort that will improve your scholar's academic performance. We're looking forward to the end of the 1st quarter and the start of an exciting 2nd quarter.

I also have an update on the use of our portable classrooms. The permit has been resubmitted. We are awaiting Town of Orange Park approval of the permit, then we can begin connecting utilities.

Please keep an eye on the Lion Line for the fun and family-friendly activities around campus.

As always, go Lions!

Kamryn D, a third grade scholar, is recognized for her willingness to help other scholars with their learning as well as helping with classroom functions. She models great participation for the rest of the scholars in her class and is representative of our Lion virtues!

Please review the carline procedures that we follow if severe weather or lightning occurs during carline. For the safety of our scholars and staff, all cars merge into one lane and we load scholars from the sidewalk on the driver-side of your vehicle. Additional procedures are below.

Join us for one of our favorite spirit nights! Head over to Skate Station in Orange Park on Friday evening and spend some quality time - on skates - with friends.

Chess Club will return this year! If your scholar is interested in participating, please plan to attend this upcoming meeting.

School picture day is Wednesday, October 15.

If your scholar does not wear (or have) their complete formal uniform, he or she will not be photographed on October 15 and will participate in a retake day held later in the year.

You may purchase pictures by returning the forms sent home or by placing an order online at:

• leonards.com/photoprepay
• Access code: C717142

Scholars who are selected for Safety Patrol are invited to a special badge pinning ceremony on October 7. We will welcome new safety patrol members and promote several of our outstanding patrollers.

Invitations have gone out via email.

Questions? Please reach out to our safety patrol sponsor, Kristi Freeman, opsafetypatrol@stjca.org.

Congrats to Yareli R. who is our Safety Patroller of the month! She has been working hard and is a great example.

SJCA-OP will host its annual classical character parade on Wednesday, October 29. We're excited to see your costumes!

SJCA-OP will host a Classical Wax Museum on October 29. All funds raised from this family event will go towards teacher appreciation and music.

Questions: Erica.Simmons@stjca.org.

In an effort to begin our own athletics program, we're offering after-school sports camps. Each month, or "session," scholars will participate in a different sport.

Each session is $40, which is paid through MySchoolBucks.

In October, the sport is Flag Football.

Scholars in grades 3-7 are invited to a Cheer Boot Camp, which will be hosted every Friday until the end of the school year. No experience is required.

Scholars are welcome to join at any point. Sign-ups will remain open on MySchoolBucks.

We're hosting a Chick-fil-A Spirit Night on October 21. Make plans to stop by for dinner and support SJCA-OP while you're there.

Scholars in grade 7 are welcome to purchase a spirit day t-shirt that represents their House. The t-shirts are on sale through Stryker Custom Designs. Orders are placed online and picked up.

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.

✅ 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

Due to the intensity and richness of our curriculum, scholars are expected to arrive to school on time and have very few absences.

SJCA discourages vacations and trips taken during the school year. SJCA also discourages doctors’ and other appointments when avoidable.

Please review our policies on attendance, late arrivals, and early pick-ups.

Absences

If a scholar receives more than nine unexcused absences in one school year, they may be immediately dismissed to their zoned school at the discretion of the Headmaster.

Tardies

Three unexcused tardies will be considered one unexcused absence. In order to avoid being marked as tardy, K-7 scholars must be in their classroom by 8:00am.

Early dismissals

Three unexcused early dismissals will be considered one unexcused absence. To avoid carline interruptions, pick-ups must be done before 2:00pm (12:00pm on Wednesday).

Excused absences

The following will be considered excused absences:

• Religious holidays
• Medical reasons
• Mental or emotional disabilities
• Pre-arranged absences of an educational nature that are approved by the Headmaster
• Attendance at any school-sponsored activity
• Bereavement (Notify the school if absence will extend beyond three days)

Proof of excused absences

SJCA requires suitable proof of excused absences which may include, among other forms of documentation, written statements from medical professionals.

Scholars may turn in an illness letter from a parent three times prior to requiring a doctor’s note, at the Headmaster's discretion. If a scholar does not provide legitimate, written documentation, within three days of return to school, the absence will be considered unexcused.

Contact: OP_attendance@stjca.org.

At the Board of Directors meeting on August 28, the board approved a uniform addition. Boys in grades 7-12 are now allowed to wear the Lands' End navy blue shorts or pants, in addition to the previously-approved Lands' End khaki pants or shorts.

Please note, the navy blue pants are not allowed on formal days.

We'd like to invite families to complete a Level II Background Check, which is required if you plan to volunteer on campus or attend a field trip this year.

While you can visit campus for events, award ceremonies, or to eat lunch with your scholar without this clearance, if you plan to volunteer or attend a field trip, you must complete the Level II Background Check. The background check requires fingerprinting and lasts for five years.

The process can take several weeks to complete, so we encourage family members to begin this process as soon as possible.

Please note, if you have already been fingerprinted through the school's vendor in the last year or two, you do not need to repeat this process.

If you are interested in completing a background check, here's how it works:

• Visit the website and fill out the form provided.

• You'll receive an email with next steps.

• Pay for your five-year prints and attend your appointment.

• You'll receive an email when you're cleared.

• Once cleared, you can attend field trips and will receive emails about volunteer opportunities on campus.

You'll see a list of FAQs on the website too, which covers the reason behind the policy, cost, and the use of volunteer t-shirts on campus. If you have questions, please reach out to HR@stjca.org.

Mrs. Glynn's class watched Charlotte’s Web after reading the novel. Cracker Jacks and popcorn are mentioned during the scenes at the county fair. It was fun to talk about Cracker Jacks because so many scholars had never tried them or ever heard of them. So, we set the scene (being at the fair) while we watched the movie.

-Mrs. Glynn

A third grade scholar, Brady R., lost her tooth in school. When this happens, scholars get a tooth box, a "lost my tooth sticker" and sign the "lost my tooth" board.

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.