The Lion Line

Dear Lion Parents,

It's hard to believe that we are reaching the fourth quarter of the school year! With the final quarter comes much activity and excitement, especially for our seniors. We have many events and activities planned to make the final days of school memorable for our senior scholars - yes, senior parents, you can start shedding a tear!

As I have mentioned before, parents are the main educator of their children and SJCA is a school choice option to assist parents. So, thank you again for entrusting us with the education of your children. As a classical school based on teaching virtue, it is so important that we partner with our parents. I would like to share with all of our parents the topic of a recent upper school assembly and ask for your help in developing our scholars.

Our mission is to develop graduates in mind and character, and the word "develop" here is very

important. We believe that as human beings, we need to be formed and developed. This is mainly the job of the parents, but the school as well. By the way, human beings need to be formed and developed all the way into their adult years (and possibly beyond for some of us).

I first spoke to our scholars about Character, which is "the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual." We are developing our scholars in mind and character, meaning that we are not only teaching them rich content, but we are also helping to develop their "character." Recently, we had some scholars speaking inappropriately to other scholars and to teachers. This is a reflection of their character. So, how can we develop a better quality of character?

While there are many ways to address this question, I mainly focused on two of our school virtues: Integrity and Courage.

Integrity: We are individuals of strong ethical values, who make consistently good choices in keeping with our knowledge of right and wrong. We seek the wisdom of others in cases of moral uncertainty.

Courage: We always do what we know to be right despite fear, hardship, and opposition. We resist negative peer pressure, defend our rights and the rights of others, and encourage others to do the same.

I challenged our scholars to make consistently good choices, to make right decisions. I also challenged them to have the courage to resist negative peer pressure and to defend injustice around them. If they see that someone is being treated poorly by others, don't participate and even speak out against the behavior, reporting it if necessary.

Please take time to talk about this subject with your children, and yes, even kindergarten scholars. This is parenting and schooling "in the trenches." Let's not grow weary in well doing.

Lion Strong!

Mr. Johnson

Congratulations to SJCA's own, Peyton H.! Peyton represented SJCA-FI at the 2024 Clay County District Spelling Bee, finishing third-place out of representatives of thirty-nine schools.

Imprimis is the free monthly speech digest of Hillsdale College dedicated to educating citizens and promoting civil and religious liberty by covering cultural, economic, political, and educational issues. The content of Imprimis is drawn from speeches delivered at Hillsdale College events. First published in 1972, Imprimis is one of the most widely circulated opinion publications in the nation with over 5.6 million subscribers. Past issues are available at: https://imprimis.hillsdale.edu

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We are looking for some amazing stories from you to publish in future editions of The Lion Line. Simply answer this question, "Why did you choose St. Johns Classical Academy and what has it meant for your family?"

<<< Click Here to Submit Your Story!

03/01 Fifth-Grade Field Trip

03/01 Skate Station Spirit Night 5:30-7:30 p.m.

03/04 Lions Council Meeting 6 p.m. @ FI Campus

03/07 Jeremiah's of Fleming Island Spirit Night 4-7 p.m.

03/08 Teacher Planning Day, No School

03/11-03/15 Spring Break, No School

03/21 Current Eighth, Ninth, and Tenth -Grade Parents 2025 Boston Trip Meeting 6 p.m. @ FI Cafetorium

03/22 Spirit Day ($2)

03/23 Annual Father Daughter Dance

03/28 Board of Directors Meeting 6 p.m. @ FI Campus

03/29 Good Friday, No School

04/12 Fair Day, No School

04/15 Purple Up Day, No Charge

04/26 Spirit Day ($2)

If accessing the SJCA-FI Calendar on a mobile device:

1. turn the device horizontal
2. click on the date you wish to view
3. swipe to the right to see the day's activities

• Please remember the menu is subject to change based on product availability.

  
  

• Please review the Unpaid Meal Policy on page 45 of the Family and Scholar Handbook. The negative charge limit is $20, the cost of 5 meals.

• Please use the MSB app/web version to load funds so that the campus can be cashless.

• Per the National School Lunch Program, your scholar(s) must take the full meal served including the milk, UNLESS there is a medical statement on file with the school. If you have questions, concerns, or need a medical statement form, please contact lunch@stjca.org.

04/02 In School SAT Testing*

04/02 Sixth-Tenth Grades Writing

04/04 Fourth-Fifth Grades Writing

05/01 Kindergarten ELA PM3 Testing

05/02 Second Grade ELA PM3 Testing

05/02 Sixth-Tenth Grades ELA PM3 Testing

05/02 Eleventh and Twelfth Grade ELA PM3 Make Up

05/03 Third-Grade ELA PM3 Testing

05/06 Second-Grade Math PM3 Testing

05/07 First-Grade ELA PM3 Testing

05/08 First-Grade Math PM3 Testing

05/09 Fourth-Fifth Grades ELA PM3 Testing

05/10 AP US History Exam - 8:00 a.m.

05/10 US History EOC - 8:00 a.m.

05/10 Civics EOC - 8:00 a.m.

05/10 Biology EOC - 8:00 a.m.

05/10 Financial Literacy Exam - 8:00 a.m.

05/13 AP Calculus Exam - 8:00 a.m.

05/13 Sixth-Eighth Grade Math PM3 Testing - does not include any middle school scholars taking Algebra1 or higher

05/13 Geometry EOC

05/13 Algebra 1 EOC

05/13 US History EOC for AP US History Scholars

05/14 Kindergarten Math PM3 Testing

05/14 Fifth and Eighth-Grade Science Testing

05/16 Third - Fifth-Grade Math PM3 Testing

05/17 AP Physics Exam - 8:00 a.m.

05/20-05/24 Make-Up Testing

*All juniors will take the SAT, in school, at no cost, on April 2, 2024. All scholars must provide their own calculator for the exam. Please use the link below to look at the list of approved calculators for the SAT. We will only have basic 4 function calculators to provide but do not have enough for the entire grade level.

https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/what-to-bring-do/calculator-policy

Congratulations to the cheer team and their successes this year which are:

• Florida Kickoff in Daytona, FL: 1st Place
• Cheerfest Nationals in Orlando (Day 1): 1st place and Grand Champions
• Cheerfest Nationals in Orlando (Day 2): 1st Place and Grand Champions
• North Florida Championship: 1st Place and Grand Champions.

We now have 7 more banners to add to the gymnasium when it’s ready just from 2023-2024 season alone!

Congratulations to our wrestling team as we had our high school wrestlers qualify and compete in the JV State Championship at Osceola High School in Kissimmee, FL on February 10 -11. It was a huge event with 512 participants from all around the state.

This is just two great examples showing how our school athletics are growing. We are state wide now competing against everyone. So spread the word and tell your family and friends that going to a Lions game, meet or competition is ALWAYS a great time! GO LIONS!!!

In January, several SJCA scholar-musicians had the opportunity to represent our school in Clay County honors ensembles: All-County Band, All-County Secondary Chorus, and All-County Elementary Chorus. Upper school musicians were selected through an audition process while Grammar school musicians were nominated on merit and virtue by their chorus directors. New this year, Grammar school scholars from both campuses came together to represent SJCA proudly in the 25th Annual All-County Elementary Chorus. It was a beautiful experience for the scholars and the music teachers alike, highlighting all that is wonderful about our curriculum. Mrs. Crosby, Mr. Garand, Mrs. Little, Ms. Smith, and Mrs. Urban would like to commend the following scholars for their musical excellence and participation in the County ensembles:

All-County Secondary Choir

Kyla D.

Kiah D.

Wedangelis F-B.

Orlando G.

Isabella R.

Edward W.

High School All-County Band

Gabriel C.

John M.

All-County Elementary Chorus

Kayson C.

Kendro J.

Aliyah J.

Caiden L.

Aubree L.

Gracie N.

Eliana O.

Anna T.

Megan T.

Jalayah V.

Recently, Mrs. Crosby and Mrs. Urban collaborated to provide an opportunity for grammar school music scholars to learn from upper school musicians. As part of a unit on the Percussion family of instruments, Second Grade scholars visited the band room during their Wednesday music class to see and hear percussion instruments beyond what we have in the K-5 music room. This included instruments such as the tympani drums, chimes, marimba, and the second graders' favorite, the crash cymbals!

The percussionists from SJCA's Symphonic Band stepped into a teaching role and explained how each instrument worked, gave playing demonstrations, and answered questions. When time allowed, the rest of the band got in on the action by demonstrating instruments from the other families. One band member even gave a brief music theory lesson in response to question asked by a second grader about some notation on the whiteboard.

The Second Grader scholars have been raving about their "field trip" upstairs and getting to interact with the "big kids" ever since. The Symphonic Band did a fantastic job of sharing their knowledge with the younger musicians and enjoyed themselves just as much. The music teachers' hearts were full from witnessing this extraordinary benefit of our K-12 school in action.

Dates: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays 2:25 p.m. - 3:25 p.m.

Wednesdays 12:25 p.m. - 1:20 p.m.

Fridays by appointment only

Additionally, each Upper School teacher has tutoring for 15-20 minutes before their carline duties. Your scholar should have the days and times written in their planners.

For more information, please contact Student Services.

Any upcoming juniors and seniors interested in dual enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year must have their applications to SJCA's Academic Advisor, Kayla Flannagan, no later than July 1, 2024. Please use the link below to research the requirements and process.

https://www.sjrstate.edu/dual-students

Does your senior have acceptances coming in? Be sure to share the information with our Academic Advisor so we can celebrate your senior scholar!

Rising ninth - eleventh-grade families can view the meeting details and RSVP here!

Please note an RSVP is mandatory to attend, limited space available!

Date: Thursday, March 21, 2024

Time: 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Location: SJCA FI Campus

SJCA Safety Patrol scholars are raising funds for their trip to Washington D.C. in June 2024. Please help support these Scholars earn their trip!

Order Pizza Now!

Order Cookie Dough Now!

The 4th annual Winter Dinner was a huge success. Guests enjoyed a great meal, great company, and two amazing speakers including our very own Mrs. Karla Hines and Congressman Aaron Bean.

The Lions Council raised about $20,000 from the event, which includes money raised through tickets sales, a silent auction, a live auction, and online auction.

Congress Aaron Bean hosted the live auction, and with several amazing prizes donated from our sponsors and supporters, it raised $10,000.

One of the special items that was auctioned off was a painting created by SJCA’s own Abby A., which went for $1,000.

Special thanks to Tammi Luke, for coordinating the event, and her SJCA team, which includes Nicole Chapman, Stephanie Burris, Hannah Patterson, Bridget McClymont, and Megan O’Neill.

The Action Shooting Team held its first annual Shooters Field Day on Saturday, February 24, 2024. Shooters and volunteers alike had a great time and look forward to growing next year's event. The team would like to thank everyone who participated and volunteered and give a HUGE thank you to our sponsors who donated:

Tango Down Shooting Complex- hosting the event and running events

Basics Gun & Range- pistol for raffle

Ag Pro of Middleburg- Stihl chainsaw for raffle

Author Gary Quesenberry- books for raffle

Author LTC Dave Grossman- books for raffle

OP Gun & Pawn- ammo for events

Nikki’s Cove Creations- event t-shirts, and tumbler for raffle

North Florida Ammo- ammo for events

February 2 was Crossing Guard Appreciation Day. The Lions Council was excited to treat all five of our guards with a special gift card to show our appreciation.

Date: Friday, March 1, 2024

Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Location: Skate Station Orange Park

Cost: Skating $8 or Unlimited Attractions for $12 (paid at the door)

The Needle Arts Club began its second year on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. Mrs. McCue needs scholars, teachers, parents and grandparents to volunteer to be a part of her teaching team. . Participants will be introduced to knitting, crocheting and cross-stitching. If you know how to knit, crochet, or cross-stitch, and would like to volunteer to help teach these arts, please contact Mrs. McCue. A background check is needed for all adult volunteers. Supplies will be discussed at the first meeting. Donations of yarn, knitting needles, crochet hooks, and cross-stitch hoops and needles are welcome.

Date: Tuesdays

Time: 2:30 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. (Upper school scholars will begin earlier than Lower school scholars)

Location: Room 221 (Mrs. McCue's Classroom)

Space is limited for lower school scholars, save your scholar's space now!

This serves as an art enrichment for scholars in grades 2-6 and as a fundraiser for the lower school art department. Sessions will be every other Tuesday from 3:30-4:45 throughout the 4th quarter. Each session will be capped at 20 scholars, first come, first served. Please remember to change your scholar's Silent Dismissal on Art Club days. Scholars may bring a small snack to eat during the first few minutes of class.

Dates: Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Tuesday, April 2, 2024

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Tuesday, April 30, 2024

Tuesday, May 14, 2024

Time: 3:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.

Location: SJCA-FI Mrs. Rice's Classroom

Cost: $43 per scholar (payable through My School Bucks)

Your scholars can stay after-school for this fun holiday event. They’ll make an Easter craft and enjoy a snack. It’s a popular event, so be sure to register early.

For: Scholars Grades KG-Fifth

Date: Friday, March 22, 2024

Time: 3:30 - 4:45 p.m.

Location: SJCA @ FI Campus Cafeteria

Register Here!

Date: Saturday, March 23, 2024

Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Location: SJCA Orange Park Campus Gymnasium

Attire: Semi-formal

Cost: $30 per family payable via My School Bucks

Mark your calendars for the week of March 25. If you visit Chick-Fil-A during that entire week, tell them you’re with SJCA, and we’ll get a 15% of the proceeds. You can visit for breakfast, lunch, or dinner – anytime between March 25 – March 29.

Cheer Camp for current fourth and fifth-grade scholars. This camps ends with a performance on April 26, 2024, during the volleyball scrimmage.

For: Current Fourth and Fifth-Grade Scholars

Date: April 15,16, 22, 23 with a performance on April 26, 2024

Time: 5:30-7 p.m.

Location: SJCA @ FI Campus

Cost: $64 per scholar (payable in My School Bucks), fee includes uniform (t-shirt and skirt)

Volleyball Camp for current fifth-grade scholars and up, with a maximum of 30 spots. This will take place in the Orange Park Gym from 4-6 pm on April 15, 17, 19, 22, 24 with a scrimmage on the 26th . It will be a great time to play all together as a team and meet some new upcoming 6th graders for the team. Everyone is welcome!

For: Current Fifth-Grade Scholars and Up

Date: April 15, 17, 19, 22, 24 and a scrimmage game on April 26, 2024

Time: 4-6 p.m.

Location: SJCA Orange Park Campus Gymnasium

Cost: $64 per scholar (payable in My School Bucks), fee includes t-shirt

Join us for our 2nd Annual Sporting Clay Tournament, light breakfast, clays, shells, golf cart and lunch Included.

Date: Saturday, April 20, 2024

Time: 8:00 a.m. - Noon

Location: Jacksonville Clay Target Sports

Price: Early bird pricing- $150 per shooter by March 1

Early bird pricing- $550 per team of 4 by March 1

$175 per shooter after March 1

$600 per team of 4 after March 1

Register Now!

Save the date, SJCA's annual golf tournament is already on the calendar!

Date: Monday, October 14, 2024

Time: 1:00 p.m.

Location: Eagle Harbor Golf Club

Email: info@stjca.org
Website: www.stjca.org
Location: 114 Canova Road, Fleming Island, FL 32003
Phone: (904)-458-8240
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stjca