FI_Lion Line_10/10/25

Learn about a new initiative at SJCA: Commitment Forms.

A look at upcoming events on campus.

Our Deans of School Culture recently attended the Hillsdale K-12 Leadership Boot camp! They had a wonderful time learning about coaching teachers, classical pedagogy, and student support.

Pictured are Dr. Bowers and Mrs. Patterson participating in a team building activity at the John A. Halter Shooting Sports Education Center in Hillsdale, Michigan.

This month, we are celebrating perseverance—the ability to keep going, even when things are difficult. In fourth grade, we read Robin Hood. Robin Hood and his band face constant danger from the Sheriff of Nottingham. Despite setbacks and challenges, Robin continues to fight for justice and help the poor. His perseverance reminds us that staying committed to doing what is right requires courage and persistence.

This is a social club where 6th grade scholars meet up to show and discuss trading cards.

Trading cards include baseball cards, football, Pokemon cards, etc. All cards with "appropriate" content are welcome. This club is for any 6th grade scholar (not just boys). Virtuous behavior is expected. Inappropriate words or actions will result in dismissal from the club.

Cards may be brought to school on Friday, but not taken out of the scholar’s backpack until the beginning of the club.

Please see Ms. Weaver for a permission slip if you would like to join.

Date: Fridays at 2:55-3:30 p.m. (First day was October 3rd.)

Location: Ms. Weaver’s room in the gym #201

Scholars wait in the cafeteria from 2:25-2:55pm and then go to Ms. Weaver's room.

Congratulations to our Safety Patrollers of the Month! Jaxson F. And Claire J.

They consistently model responsibility and service during morning arrival and afternoon car line—arriving early, communicating clearly with peers and staff, and treating every scholar and family with courtesy. They both willingly cover extra posts, help younger scholars cross safely, and keep our hallways calm and orderly.

Thank you, Jaxon and Claire, for leading by example and helping make SJCA a safer place for everyone!

Safety Patrol is selling Halloween Candy Grams to raise funds for the Washington D.C. trip. If you'd like to purchase them, please download and return the PDF attached with your payment by 10/29.

The Interact Club is asking each scholar to bring in at least one non-perishable food item for the annual food drive. This year, donations will benefit Good Samaritan Anglican Church in Middleburg, which provides a monthly food giveaway that supports about 150 local families.

Our Sports Club will start its soccer session on October 22. If your K-6 scholar is interested in the sport, sign up today. Please note, you pay the vendor directly using the link below, not on MySchoolBucks.

SJCA is introducing a new jacket for scholars in grades 6-12. Take a look at letterman jacket below and review the PDF for more details. Questions? AnaMaria.Cosme@stjca.org

Ms. Green is planning to take a group of scholars currently in grades 8 and 9 on a trip to Boston in March of 2027. Parents are encouraged to attend the meeting to learn more about the trip's purpose, itinerary, and cost. You'll also get a chance to meet Ms. Green, who will serve as the trip leader.

Whether you plan to attend the meeting or can't attend the meeting, but would like more information, please fill out the interest form.

Questions? ansley.green@stjca.org

SJCA's athletics program is growing. We're looking for parents interested in coaching grammar school scholars in flag football. You can reach out to Athletic Director Kelli Freeman to learn more about the season and its commitment.

During Homecoming last week, we honored seniors on our volleyball, cross country, action shooting, and cheer team. As our school and athletics program grows, we look forward to celebrating more moments just like this, where we recognize our scholars and their hard work in and out of the classroom.

The Running Lions competed at Alligator Lake and the girls' team placed 4th!

With consistent practice and determination, our runners keep improving their race times!

Although no one was chased by an alligator around the lake, several PRs were set, including Zac D, Liam E, and Lucas F.

The girls were once again led by Payton C, who finished 4th overall in a field of 137 girls!

Collectively, the girls ran their best race of the season, with several setting personal records including Giada D, Elyssa M, and Jalayah V.

Both teams race again on Friday evening at Cecil Field. Come out to support them at their last race of the season, the girls race at 6:00pm and the boys race at 6:30pm.

Our Roaring Lions Cheer Squad had the best time cheering on both our Middle School and JV Volleyball teams at Homecoming!

The trophy has arrived! Our volleyball team has some new hardware to show off after winning the Classical Volleyball Classic last weekend.

Grab your dauber and a friend for this fun, prize-filled Bingo Night. Questions? Please contact the Action Shooting Team Sponsor, Stephanie Rogish at Stephanie.Rogish@stjca.org.

Athletes in grades 6-12 can attend a day-time hockey game at VyStar Arena.

The clinic will be conducting health screenings on the following days. On these days, to accommodate volunteers on campus, we're asking parents to refrain from coming to school and eating lunch with their scholars.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14: 9:30am-11:50am (Kindergarten Health Screenings)

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16: 9:30am-11:50am (Kindergarten Health Screenings)

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17: 10:00am-12:45pm (Sixth Grade Health Screenings)

MONDAY, OCTOBER 20: 10:00am-12:40pm (First Grade Health Screenings)

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21: 10:00am-12:40pm (First Grade Health Screenings)

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23: 10:00am-12:40pm (First Grade Health Screenings)

MONDAY, OCTOBER 27: 9:00am-12:30pm (Third Grade Health Screenings)

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28: 9:00am-12:30pm (Third Grade Health Screenings)

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30: 9:00am-12:30pm (Third Grade Health Screenings)

Questions: HealthRoom@stjca.org

Please be on the lookout for an email from your teacher regarding parent-teacher conferences.

We're takin' it back to the 1950s for an upcoming upper school dance. Before the dance in mid-December, scholars can attend swing dancing lessons with Ms. Green.

Who's coming to Trunk or Treat? This annual gathering, hosted by Student Government, is always a much-anticipated family event. Feel free to come in costume.

Our Classical Character Parade will take place once again this year. Scholars can come to school in their costume and wear it all day. The Hillsdale Curriculum Guide link below lists the many classical works that we read. Please feel free to use it as inspiration.

Your scholar may select a classical character from any classical book that's read in any grade. You're not restricted to the books read in your scholar's grade level.

Join us for a Volunteer Orientation and learn more about how Lions Council supports SJCA! This is a great opportunity for families to see what we do, discover the different committees, and find ways to get involved. Whether you’re looking for a small way to help or are interested in a leadership role, we’d love for you to be part of building the future of Lions Council.

With the holiday season just around the corner, this upcoming Kendra Scott fundraiser is the perfect event to get a little shopping done. This jewelry boutique offers an array of necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings, and watches. You have two ways to shop: in-store and online.

Our K-5 scholars can stay after school to enjoy holiday crafts and snacks. Registration for this event is completed through the Lions Council website.

The annual Turkey Feather Challenge kicks off on November 3. Will your scholar's class or House win the prize? Learn more about this holiday-themed fundraiser below. If you have questions, please reach out to Megan.Cutlip@stjca.org.

IN AN EFFORT TO SPEED UP THE CHECKOUT PROCESS:

Beginning Tuesday, October 14 (the start of the 2nd quarter), all 6th-12th grade lunch buyers with Barcode IDs will be moved to the front of the line. Those without their IDs will be able to purchase lunch after the barcode IDs go through.

Mrs. Hancock’s fourth-grade scholars are diving into Medieval Europe and the many roles within the feudal system—kings, nobles, clergy, knights, and serfs. This week’s spotlight was on knights. After learning about the path from page to squire to knight and the code of chivalry, scholars tried on real chain mail and an under (arming) cap. They were surprised by how heavy the gear is—and how much strength and training it required! The hands-on experience sparked great questions about design, protection, and life on the battlefield. Ask your scholar which medieval role they’d choose and why.

Our K-2 scholars had a special on-campus treat on Thursday. Scholars got to see The Tortoise and The Hare presented by Atlantic Coast Theatre.

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.