FI_Lion Line_8.28
FI Lion Line 8.28/26
A Message from the Head of School
Dear SJCA Families,
Wow, what a week 3! Thank you for your patience and for working alongside us to keep everyone safe during our lightning dismissal this week. Florida weather certainly keeps us on our toes!
I wanted to give a little more context about what happens when we enter lightning protocol. Per county policy, when lightning is detected within the designated safety radius of campus, we are required to keep our scholars indoors or under approved covering.
Lightning Protocol
During dismissal, our Grammar School scholars remain safely inside with their classes and teachers, with all hands on deck to help. Upper School scholars wait in the cafeteria and are called by name as their cars approach. Because we can only load under the covered portico, we funnel cars into one lane and load approximately 6–8 vehicles at a time. Please know that our first priority is always the safety of our scholars and staff.
A few important reminders for future lightning dismissals:
- You will receive a message notifying you when we have entered lightning protocol.
- Walkers and bikers must be picked up through carline or shelter in place during lightning.
- Safety Patrol will not be on duty during lightning protocol. Safety Patrol scholars should be picked up through carline.
- Scholar cell phones should be put away once scholars are outside and navigating to their vehicles so they can remain alert and focused on safely finding their cars.
- If conditions clear and we are able to transition back to regular carline, please know there may still be delays as we safely transition scholars and staff back to their normal dismissal locations.
Please reach out to the YMCA directly regarding their weather procedures, as they operate separately from the school.
Spirit Day Reminder:
We love seeing our scholars show their Lion pride on Spirit Days! Just a quick reminder that participation in Spirit Day requires payment of Spirit Day dues.
Families may choose whichever option works best:
- $20 one-time payment for the entire school year at a discounted rate.
- $2 per Spirit Day throughout the year.
We highly recommend taking advantage of the $22 annual option so you can check it off your list and not have to remember each month!
Thank you for helping us keep our Spirit Days fun and spirited for our Lions. We appreciate your attention to making sure Spirit Day dues are paid.
Mrs. McCullough
Head of School
K-5 Co-Curricular Schedule
Classroom Corner
Mrs. Hancock’s fourth-grade scholars have been digging into the fascinating world of fossils! Scholars are learning how fossils form, exploring different types of fossils, and discovering how scientists use fossil evidence to learn about plants, animals, and environments from long ago.
They even had the opportunity to touch real coprolite—fossilized animal droppings that are millions of years old! This hands-on experience brought their geology lessons to life and gave scholars a memorable glimpse into Earth’s ancient past.
Math is more fun when learning feels like a game! In Mrs. Owens’s 6th grade math class, students are refreshing their multiplication skills with a friendly game of Multiplication War. They’re also putting their exponent skills to the test with a special exponent dice game, practicing what they learned this week while having a great time!
The Case of the Missing Quiz!
After learning about microscopes, Mrs. Babcock’s Forensic Science classes were ready to take their quiz… but the quiz had mysteriously disappeared!
With several suspects and a suspicious residue left behind, scholars had to examine the evidence and use what they learned about microscopes to figure out what happened. Who took the quiz? What was the residue? And most importantly… where did that quiz go?
Kindergarten Scientists
Our Kindergarten scientists put the power of the sun to the test! Scholars discovered that darker colors absorb more light and heat, causing their crayons to melt, while the white crayon reflected the light and stayed solid. A simple experiment that brought science to life through observation and discovery!
Learning, Laughter & First Grade Joy
From playing with numbers and proudly sharing their illustrations to enjoying time together at recess, our first graders are learning that school is about more than lessons. It’s a place to wonder, create, build friendships, and discover the joy of learning together.
Third-Grade Meteorologists
Third grade scholars in Mrs. Burris's class became meteorologists for the day as they explored weather through a hands-on science experiment! They had fun making observations, asking questions, and seeing science come to life right before their eyes.
Senior Spotlight
Our seniors are kicking off the year with plenty to look forward to! From creating their Senior Bucket Lists to showing off their personalities through their painted parking spots, the Class of 2027 is already making their mark and enjoying a few well-earned senior perks!
Upcoming PM-1 Testing Schedule
Lions Council News
Join us at Jeremiah’s Italian Ice of Fleming Island on Thursday, September 10th, from 12 PM–close for a special Spirit Day supporting the SJCA Lion’s Council! Simply stop by, enjoy a sweet treat, and mention SJCA Lion’s Council when ordering. 20% of your purchase will be donated back to support Lions Council!
Your attendance truly makes a difference! These community partnerships help the Lion’s Council provide meaningful support to our scholars, teachers, and SJCA community. Bring the family, invite a friend, and let’s make it a great night for our Lions!
1776 Spirit Day and T-Shirts
The first 1776 Spirit Day is Thursday, September 18th! Join us in showing your freedom, faith and courage while supporting the 1776 Promise, which directly benefits our teachers and helps fund excellence in education at SJCA. A $2 donation is encouraged to participate and the new 1776 spirit shirt is an optional way to participate as well with a portion of the proceeds going directly back to 1776 Promise! As always scholars are welcome to wear their own red, white and blue, too!
1776 Enroll today!
A pledge to the 1776 Promise is a meaningful way to invest directly in our teachers and the excellence of education at SJCA. If you're already enrolled in recuring giving, please take a moment to make sure your payment information is current, and if you haven't joined yet, we invite you to give at an amount that feels comfortable for your family.
Handprints on Our Heart Event
Calling all Kindergarten- 2nd grade scholars! Join us for a special after-school event where scholars will create a lifelong keepsake of their handprints, a treasured memory families will cherish for years to come! Handprints on Our Heart will be a fun-filled afternoon of creativity, connection and making memories! We can't wait to create a little something special that will leave a big handprint on your heart!
After School Clubs
Latin Club
The Latin Club held its interest meeting yesterday, sharing photos, opportunities, stories, and snacks. Latin Club offers opportunities far beyond the classroom for scholars who want to compete in academic or artistic events, participate in service activities around campus, or simply enjoy food, stories, and a good time with friends! All scholars in 7th through 12th grade are invited to join Latin Club on Tuesdays from 2:30–3:30 PM.
Lion Lunchroom
Attention Lion Athletes!
Reminders & Updates From Administration
Please contact individual teachers for their sign-up sheets and times available.
Silent Dismissal Reminders
Pre-Order Your Yearbooks
Don't miss out on this year's memories! Yearbook pre-sales are now available at yearbookordercenter.com using school code 26839.
Fundraisers
Everything You Need, All in One Place
Have you checked out our updated website? We have made it easier to find the information families need throughout the school year, all in one place. Bookmark it now so your most-used SJCA resources are always available.
New Family Welcome Guide
Everything new families need to get started at SJCA.
Previous Lion Line Newsletters
Catch up on announcements, updates, and school news.
School Supply Lists
Find the supplies your scholar will need for the year.
Uniform & Dress Code Guidelines
Review uniform requirements and dress code expectations.
Lunch & Food Services
Find information about meals and food services on campus.
Hillsdale Curriculum Overview
Learn more about the curriculum and classical education at SJCA.
Drop-Off & Pick-Up
Review carline procedures and watch the carline video here!
Before & After School Programs
Find information about care and programs outside the regular school day.
After-School Clubs
Explore opportunities for scholars to get involved beyond the classroom.
Contact Faculty & Staff
Quickly find the right person when you have a question or need assistance.
FortifyFL
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.
