The Lion Line

Dear Parents,

Happy Fall! How nice it is to get a break in the weather, especially during the afternoon car line! Speaking of weather, we enjoyed a beautiful day on October 16th for our 4th Annual SJCA Golf Tournament. I am so thankful for Mrs. Patterson and her crew of parents, faculty, and staff, who ran an excellent tournament.

We are looking forward to our 4th Annual Winter Dinner on Friday, February 2nd, and then, on April 20th, we will hold our 2nd Annual Sporting Clay Tournament. So, sign up today for the dinner and look for more information on the sporting clay tournament. Thank you to all who take part in these important fundraising events which are so important for meeting the mission of St. Johns Classical Academy.

In this month of November, let's take a moment to give thanks for our veterans and for so much more. On Saturday, November 11th, Veterans Day, many from our school and community will participate in Veterans Day at the Camp Blanding Museum. There will be a Veterans Day Ceremony at 11:00 AM, followed by food (at WWII prices) and family fun. See the flyer in this edition of the Lion Line.

We do have so much to be thankful for as we approach the Thanksgiving holiday. As for me, I am thankful to God for life and the liberty to worship Him freely. I am thankful for my wife and my three children. My two daughters are now married to wonderful young men and my son will graduate from college this year and marry a wonderful young lady in June.

I am also thankful for each of you who has chosen this school for the education of your children. We take that responsibility very seriously and are always striving to improve our school to better meet our mission. We are truly building intelligent, virtuous American citizens.

Have a great November!

Mr. Johnson

Lou Miranda and Mike Amandola

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!

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

Click here to activate your free monthly subscription to Imprimis.

Tune in to hear directly from Headmaster Johnson on SJCA's podcast. He discusses a variety of timely topics with different stakeholders. Be sure to turn on notifications to listen each week on Spotify, Amazon, or Google Podcasts. This way, you will be alerted each time a new podcast is posted. Listen to all of them by simply clicking here.

11/01-10 Interact Club Food Drive

11/01-17 Annual Turkey Feather Competition

11/01-30 World's Finest Chocolate Fundraiser by Safety Patrol

11/02 NJHS Induction Ceremony 6-7:30 p.m. @ FI Cafetorium

11/03 Grammar School Talent Show Finals 6-8 p.m. @ FI Cafetorium

11/06 State of the School Address & Lion Council Meeting 6-8 p.m. @ FI Cafetorium

11/07 Lion Cub Chorale: Veterans Day Concert 6-7 p.m. @ OP Campus Gymnasium

11/09 Get Air Spirit Night 5-8 p.m.

11/10 Veterans Day Holiday (No School)

11/14 Phonogram Bingo 3:30- 4:30 p.m. @ FI Campus

11/15 Picture Retakes @ FI Campus

11/16 Painting with Mr. Ross 3:30-5:30 p.m. @ FI Campus

11/17 Spirit Day ($2)

11/20-24 Thanksgiving Break (No School)

11/30- 12/14 Winter Wonderland Store

11/30 Board of Directors Meeting 6-7 p.m. @ FI Campus

12/1-20 Holiday Candy Grams on sale

12/1 Evening with Santa 6-8 p.m. @ FI Cafetorium

12/4 Lion Council Meeting 6-7 p.m. @ FI Campus

12/7 Senior Thesis Proposal Dinner 6-8 p.m. @ FI Cafetorium

12/08 Jingle Jam 3:30- 5 p.m. @ FI Cafetorium

12/08 Parent's Night Out Fundraiser by Safety Patrol 5:30-8:30 p.m. @ FI Campus

12/12 Annual Winter Cabaret 6-8 p.m. @ FI Cafetorium

12/14 Christmas Band Concert 6-7:30 p.m. @ FI Cafetorium

12/15 Upper School Chorus Concert 6-7 p.m. @ FI Cafetorium

12/18 Half Day Upper School Dismissal: 10:45 a.m. / Lower School Dismissal: 11:15 a.m.

12/18 Ugly Sweater Day ($2)

12/19 Half Day Upper School Dismissal: 10:45 a.m. / Lower School Dismissal: 11:15 a.m.

12/19 Country Christmas ($2)

12/20 Half Day Upper School Dismissal: 10:45 a.m. / Lower School Dismissal: 11:15 a.m.

12/20 Pajama Day ($2)

12/21 - 01/04 Winter Break (No School)

01/05 Teacher Planning Day (No School)

01/08 Scholars Return to Campus

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

Easily pay for school meals, sports, activities, and field trips online this year! Create your free MySchoolBucks account to conveniently and securely add money to your student’s meal account online or with the mobile app.

With MySchoolBucks you’ll be able to view cafeteria purchases, check your student’s balance, receive low balance alerts, and pay for school meals from anywhere!

Get Started Today:

1. Go to myschoolbucks.com or download the mobile app

2. Create your free account and add your students using their school name/student ID

3. Choose your state - Florida

4. Choose your district - St. Johns Classical Academy

5. Choose your school St. Johns Classical Academy Fleming Island Campus

6. Add funds using your credit/debit card or electronic check. Please Note: For each transaction, you will be charged a small program fee

7. Set up automatic payments and never forget to send in lunch money again

We appreciate you using this online option as a way to help reduce the amount of physical cash and check handling that would typically happen in the serving line.

If you need assistance with your account, you can find helpful how-to videos and answers to commonly asked questions by visiting myschoolbucks.com. Or, you can contact MySchoolBucks directly by logging into your account to start a chat conversation or give them a call at (855) 832-5226.

Each scholar needs his/her student ID with a barcode in order to make purchases. If your scholar(s) does not have an ID with a barcode, please email lunch@stjca.org or have your upper school scholar(s) see Mrs. Cramer in the lunchroom during lunch or after school. Scholars with the barcode ID will be moved to the front to expedite the line.

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

Upper School scholars may receive assistance with missing or incomplete assignments or for a place to complete homework.

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.

Congratulations to Gracyn and Abigail for earning the title, "Safety Patroller of the Month". Their commitment to promoting safety is a valuable contribution to our school!

Thanks to your continued support, the Lions Council was able to create an outdoor eating spot for teachers to enjoy. The space includes pavers, a picnic table, and shade. Thank you to SJCA's very own facilities manager, Mr. Roberts, for his hard work to improve these areas!

Also in the works: Water fountains near the playground and soccer field.

During the SJCA spirit week at Chick-Fil-A, we raised $614. Thank you to every family that grabbed a meal (or two) in support of the school. The Lions Council will put that money towards Teacher Appreciation Week in May.

This is a continuing event until November 17th. DO THE GOOD and demonstrate good citizenship and responsibility by bringing in non-perishable food items to help less fortunate Clay County families. The Grammar School homeroom and the Upper School 1st period with the most items donated (minimum donated items to win is 100) will win a pizza party. Interact members will pick up your donations weekly.

Dates: 11/01-11/17

Cost: 50 cents per feather / $5 per gold feather

It is time for a friendly competition between classes and houses!

Scholars have the opportunity to bring in coins to purchase feathers for their class. Every 50-cent donation earns the Class/House one Turkey Feather. Every $5 donation earns the Class/House one Gold Feather. Please have your scholar bring in coins/cash to their K-5 teacher, 6th-grade homeroom, and/or upper school House leader. -Cash or checks made out to Lions Council accepted. -The K-5 class with the most feathers wins a pizza party! The 6th-grade or upper school House with the most feathers gets a free Spirit Day!

Thank you for supporting our Fine Arts teachers.

For: Fourth-Grade to Sixth-Grade Scholars

Date: Wednesdays

Session Dates: Nov. 1st, Nov. 8th, Nov. 15th, Nov. 29th, Dec. 6th, Dec. 13th, Jan. 10th, Jan. 17th

Time: 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Location: SJCA-OP Gymnasium: 1324 Kingsley Avenue, Orange Park

Cost: $35 (includes SJCA Basketball T-Shirt)

• The SJCA basketball club sessions will offer a wide assortment of basketball developmental skills for all athletes, regardless of skill level. Students will expand their game knowledge, improve their ball handling and shooting skills, increase agility and endurance, and learn to work as a team.

  
  

• Sessions will begin with basic skill development and progress to more advanced skills, including 3-on-3 scrimmages.

Transportation Not Provided

Parents are welcome to coordinate carpool arrangements for scholars.

REGISTER NOW

Date: Friday, November 3

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Location: SJCA-FI Cafetorium

K-6 scholars will have the opportunity to inspire others to “love the beautiful” by sharing their unique talents through this special event, while also supporting the Fine Arts at SJCA!

Date: Monday, November 6

Time: 6-8 p.m.

Location: SJCA-FI Cafetorium

Join the Lions Council for our bi-annual Lions Council meeting, and hear about what programs and events we are working on to raise funds to support SJCA. Following the Lions Council Executive Committee meeting, Headmaster Johnson will share a State of the School Address, which will include information on the gym, testing, athletics, and campus-wide updates.

For: Sixth- Grade through Twelfth- Grade Scholars

Season Begins: Tuesday, November 7

Time: 5:30- 7 p.m.

Location: SJCA-FI Cafetorium

Join us for a musical tribute to those who serve and sacrifice! The concert is presented jointly by Lion Cub Chorale FI Campus and OP Campus ensembles.

Date: Tuesday, November 7, 2023

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Location: SJCA-OP Gymnasium, 1324 Kingsley Avenue, Orange Park

Introducing the long-awaited grammar school Musical Theatre Troupe! The Grammar School Musical Theatre Troupe is excited to announce our spring production!

For: Second-Grade to Fifth-Grade Scholars

Date: Mondays

Time: 3:00-4:00 p.m.

Location: SJCA- FI, Mrs. Crosby's Room

Cost: $30

• See Mrs. Crosby or Mrs. Little for a registration packet, due by Friday, Nov. 10
• Auditions are required for the casting of roles
• Auditions are on Monday, November 13 from 3:00-5:00 p.m.
• Performances May 9-11, 2024

For: KG- Third-Grade Scholars

Date: Tuesday, November 14

Time: 3:30- 4:40 p.m.

Location: SJCA-FI Cafetorium

Cost: $10

Phonogram Bingo Bonanza Fundraiser: An Afternoon of Fun and Philanthropy

Join us for an afternoon filled with excitement, laughter, and the chance to win fantastic prizes at our upcoming Phonogram Bingo Bonanza Fundraiser!

Register Now!

For: Second-Grade - Sixth-Grade Scholars

Dates: Tuesday, November 14, Tuesday, November 28, Tuesday, December 5

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

Location: SJCA-FI, Mrs. Rice's Art Room

Cost: $10 per class

Fees will be paid online through MySchoolBucks. This enrichment activity is limited to 24 scholars. REGISTER NOW!

Parents, please remember to change your Silent Dismissal on Art Club days. Scholars will remain in their classroom until the end of the carline and then will be dismissed to Mrs. Rice’s room. After Art Club, scholars will be dismissed to parents at the gate by the reception building. Scholars may bring a snack to eat during the first 5 minutes of Art Club.

For: Third-Grade - Sixth-Grade Scholars

Date: Friday, November 17

Time: 3- 5 p.m.

Location: SJCA-FI Athletic Field

For: Kindergarten - Fifth-Grade Scholars

Season Begins: Monday, November 20

Time: 5- 6 p.m.

Location: SJCA-FI Cafetorium

Scholars in grades KG-8 are exercising and socializing in a fun, encouraging, and safe environment. Please Note: Kindergarten and 1st grade scholars must have a parent or guardian present.

Date: Thursdays, ending April 25

Time: 3:30-4:15 p.m.

Location: SJCA-FI Athletic Field

Cost: $10 per family

REGISTER NOW!

Your contribution will help place a fresh, decorated, balsam wreath on every eligible grave and memorial at Jacksonville Memory Gardens. Please purchase a wreath directly from SJCA's Wreaths Across America.

Orders must be placed by November 26, 2023

SJCA's Interact Club will attend the ceremony and volunteer in the laying of the wreaths. All are welcome to attend! Thank you for helping the SJCA Interact Club with this service project to honor our veterans!

Dates: November 30-December 14

Location: SJCA-FI Campus

The Lion Council will set up its annual holiday shop where scholars can buy gifts for their families at affordable prices. Scholars can bring cash in an envelope to school on their PE day and volunteers will help them find gifts to meet their budget. Gift prices start as low as $0.25 and can go up to $20.00, though most hover around the $1-5 range.

If you’d like your scholar to shop the store but are experiencing a hardship, please reach out to Chairman.lioncouncil@stjca.org and learn more about our Secret Elf Fund.

Date: Friday, December 8

Time: 3:30-5 pm

Location: SJCA-FI Cafetorium

REGISTER NOW!

For: KG - Fifth-Grades

Date: Friday, December 8

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

Location: SJCA-FI Campus

Cost: $30 first scholar and $25 for each additional sibling

Parents Night Out offers a valuable solution during this busy time by providing parents with an opportunity to enjoy some quality time together or tackle their never-ending shopping lists. It allows them to recharge their batteries and reconnect with one another while leaving their children in trusted hands. This service not only benefits parents but also provides an exciting experience for scholars as they participate in engaging activities under the supervision of their beloved teachers. The night will include a pizza dinner, crafts, games, and a movie.

PLEASE NOTE: Any scholar attending Jingle Jam earlier in the afternoon can be collected by teachers and stay for the Night Out starting at 5.

REGISTER NOW!

Date: Thursday, November 16

Time: 3:30- 5 p.m.

Location: SJCA-FI Cafetorium

Who: Grades 2-12

Cost: $25 per scholar

Join Mr. Ross for an afternoon of painting, snacks, and fun! Mr. Ross will demonstrate step-by-step how to draw and paint a Christmas tree.

REGISTER NOW!!

Join us for the inaugural An Evening with Santa event. Take pictures with Santa, create a holiday craft, enjoy hot cocoa, and let your scholars shop at our Winter Wonderland Store, and more!

Date: Friday, December 1

Time: 6- 8 p.m.

Location: SJCA-FI Cafetorium

Cost: $35 per family

REGISTER NOW!

SJCA invites you to join us for an evening filled with beautiful music for the season. The annual Traditions of Christmas concert features SJCA Kindergarten through Third-grade scholars.

Date: Tuesday, December 5

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Location: First Baptist Church of Orange Park, located at 1140 Kingsley Avenue, Orange Park

You are invited to join us for the Annual Christmas Concert put on by the bands of SJCA. Come enjoy an evening of some of the classic Christmas songs heard around the holidays. We look forward to seeing you for an evening of musical celebration!

Date: Thursday, December 14

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Location: SJCA-FI Campus Cafetorium

The Fine Arts Department is seeking responsible, motivated scholars in grades 6-10 to learn and operate the following technology for school events:

• Audio/Visual Systems
• Sound Mixer Boards
• Stage Lighting
• Props and Stage Management
• Special Effects

The tech crew will be called upon to run technology for concerts, performances, and other events at both SJCA campuses. If you are interested in joining stop by Room 134 for more information and an application.

SHOW YOUR SPIRIT & SUPPORT SJCA FINE ARTS!

$20.00 BUY NOW!

Available in youth & adult sizes. Also available in sweatshirts & women’s fit options.

Fundraiser benefitting the Fine Arts Department. The Lions Fine Arts Booster Club promotes the Fine Arts at SJCA by sponsoring events and providing funds for the Music, Theater, and Art Programs to increase performance/exhibit opportunities and supplies for all Fine Arts Departments.

Save the Date: Friday, February 2, 2024

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Location: SJCA-FI Cafetorium

Please save the date for SJCA's Annual Winter Dinner. Tickets will go on sale soon.

Save the Date: Saturday, February 24, 2024

Location: Tango Down Shooting Complex

18811 Maxville MacClenny Hwy, Jacksonville, FL

Jim Horne served as the State of Florida's first appointed Commissioner of Education under Governor Jeb Bush. As a Florida State Senator, Jim led education policy and budget reform. He was the catalyst behind many of the education reforms spearheaded by Governor Bush, many of which have become national models. As a key leader in Governor Bush's plans for education reform in the Senate, he was tapped by Governor Bush in 2001 to take the reins of the Nation's inaugural K-20 system of education. As Commissioner, he recognized three separate Pre-K - 20 delivery systems (Universities, Community Colleges, and K-12) into one seamless education system. Jim was also responsible for implementing the most robust education reforms in the Nation and overseeing the distribution of the entire Pre-K - 20 budget of nearly $20 billion dollars.

Mr. Horne was honored to speak as part of the closing panel for the Charter School Conference, held in Orlando last month. In his remarks, he discussed the present and future of charter schools in the state.

Learn the true. Do the good. Love the beautiful.

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