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Here's a look at the week ahead.

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.

We're planning our annual Constitution Day celebration on September 19. Upper School History Teacher Carmen Burgess has a host of events planned for both grammar and upper school. Events will include keynote speakers, a performance by our Lion Cub Chorale, Upper School Chorus, and the SJCA Band, and our juniors will go into classrooms to teach younger scholars about the importance of our founding document.

We will stream the assemblies live on Facebook.

🎥 Upper school assembly begins at: 7:45am

🎥 Grammar school assembly begins at: 9:05am

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.

If you have scholars in grades 6-8 who are interested in playing basketball, please read the information below.

The Lions Cross Country Team ran their first race of the season on August 22 at Cecil Field. Competing against 85+ teams, the running Lions represented SJCA well.

👟 Payton C. led the girls with an amazing time of 23:42.

👟 Freshman Zac D. led the boys team with a time of 21:54.

After a week off with no race, the team resumed competition this past Saturday at Middleburg High School. Part of the course at Middleburg has athletes running through the woods. With hundreds of runners participating, a hornets nest was disturbed resulting in several runners being stung, including four from our team. One runner exclaimed how the hornets were a motivation to run faster to prevent being stung.

That being said, four Lions posted a personal best time for the season: Daniel R., Evan R., Ryan V., and Ford W.

Due to the safety concern for the athletes, the girls' race was cancelled.

The Cross Country team will be back in action on September 27 at Bartram Trail High School.

📷 If your scholar missed Picture Day in August or didn't have the correct uniform, he or she can participate in picture retakes, which are currently scheduled for November 12. More information will be sent home as we get closer to the date. 📷

SJCA is planning a leadership retreat for juniors and seniors on October 12-14. The cost to attend is $140 per scholar. You may pay for the retreat in full or in two payments, with one payment due at registration and the balance due on October 1. The link to register on MySchoolBucks is below.

Please join us for Open House. The event gives parents a chance to visit their scholar's classroom and learn more about the year ahead from teachers. Overflow parking is at Kohl's.

After thoughtful consideration, we have decided to cancel the SJCA 6th Annual Golf Tournament. We are truly grateful for the ongoing support and enthusiasm of our SJCA community. While we won’t be on the course this year, we remain dedicated to supporting SJCA through meaningful fundraising initiatives.

Please stay tuned for future events and opportunities to get involved—we look forward to seeing you soon!

The Lions Council is hosting its first-ever book fair. With the help of Mrs. Kujawa and Mrs. Hancock, the Lions Council has a selection of classical books - some new, some pre-owned - to sell.

All funds raised will go towards classroom libraries to ensure every class has a great selection of books to read.

Scholars wore red, white, and blue on Patriot Day. This spirit day raised $1,206.95 for the Lions Council's 1776 Promise Campaign. While the Lions Council asked for a $2 donation to participate, many of you donated more - Thank You!

Did you know we have a uniform closet on campus? Please take a moment to learn more about this important resource that the Lions Council is proud to offer.

During the Chick-fil-A Community Night, dozens of SJCA families came out to show their school spirit, chat with friends, and a enjoy a meal together. Thank you to everyone who came out to support the Lions Council.

Special thanks to our Head of School Carole McCullough for greeting families.

On Friday, September 12, the Lions Council put out a special treat for our wonderful teachers and staff.

Scholars in grades 8-12 are invited to an upcoming field trip to see Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.

The field trip takes place in January.

After all scholars attending have secured their tickets, any remaining spots will be made available to chaperones on a first come, first served basis.

📣 Attention National Honor Society Members

NHS Dues are due and can be paid for on MySchoolBucks. Please ensure you select "returning member" when making your purchase.

Payment is due by September 26.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Mrs. Cosme: anamaria.cosme@stjca.org.

Mark your calendars for this upcoming event. We'll share more details soon.

Grade 6-12 scholars can join us on Tuesdays for Latin Club. All members must pay their $27 dues on MySchoolBucks.

On Tuesdays, K-12 scholars can participate in our Needle Arts Club. No experience is needed. If you're new to this hobby, you'll start with finger-knitting. If you have some experience, you can crochet.

Our goal this year is to make blankets and plushies for those in need.

Upper school scholars, if you'd like to volunteer to help, you may. To do so, please email Sarah.Kujawa@stjca.org. Please do not sign up for the class if you plan to volunteer. Volunteers will assist scholars with their projects. (Phones will be away).

K-2 scholars must have a parent with them. Parents must complete a Level II background check.

Keeping track of college prep test dates just got easier. Take a look at this handy resource to understand test dates, registration deadlines, costs, and more.

Questions about tests? Dean of Academic Services Kelsey Campbell, kelsey.campbell@stjca.org.

Yearbooks are now available for purchase on MySchoolBucks. Delivery takes place toward the end of the school year.

Fall Pricing: $53.00 thru October 31

Winter Pricing: $64.00 (November 1-February 27)

Spring Pricing: $74.00 (February 28-May 29)

If you'd like to order last year's yearbook, you can! We have 35 available for purchase. If you're interested, please make your payment through MySchoolBucks and the yearbook will be delivered to your scholar.

Free and Reduced Lunch

Families are welcome to apply for free or reduced lunches. You use one application per household and must apply for this program each year. To apply, please follow this link.

Prep Your Little Lion(s)

Please review the menu daily with your little Lion(s). They must take the fruit and/or the vegetable. If they would like to skip an item, they need to speak up when it's their turn or they will be served all components.

September Lunch Menu

Please note, this is the lunch menu for K-12. The lunch menu can also be found online, under Calendars.

This year, SJCA has added Technology to its cocurricular schedule for K-5. As a result, your scholar's PE day will now rotate each week. To ensure your scholar is in the proper uniform, please refer to the schedule regularly.

Mrs. Gamboa spent some quality time with her third grade scholars during lunch.

We strive to 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.

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.