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How wonderful it is to be an inside part of SJCA Fleming Island! I had an incredible first day on Wednesday and I am looking forward to MANY more.

I have 38+ years wrapped up in education with 18 of those years being in Administration (Assistant Principal and Principal). I am an 'education girl' and I absolutely enjoy every aspect of it. Some of those aspects include academics, behavior, clubs, sports, hallway chats, lunchroom (yes!), parent drop off and pick up, and well, you get the idea. I just thoroughly enjoy it ALL.

I'm only a phone call away, or an email if that works better for you. Feel free to reach out.

Have a wonderful weekend. Be sure to hug your children and spend time with them because before you know it they will all be grown like my four.

Stay safe.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Carole McCullough

Head of School

Many of our juniors and seniors spent a couple of fun, transformative days this week connecting with each other and with nature at the 11th-12th Leadership Retreat. They collaborated to get over a 12-foot wall, sang songs under the stars, canoed and tubed, hit the target in archery, and learned to trust each other. About a dozen of them got on stage at our Wednesday assembly to share their joy as Mrs. Patterson’s picture slideshow played behind them. (You can see the slideshow below).

I want to thank Mrs. Patterson and her teacher team of Mrs. Burgess, Mrs. Cosme, Mr. Coleman, and Mr. Curvier who all stepped up to lead this retreat. None of them knew exactly what the retreat would be like, and it was AWESOME!

-Article submitted by Upper School Principal Angie Casteel, slideshow submitted by PE Teacher Hannah Patterson

Due to recent leadership changes, the October Lake Swan retreats for grades 7-8 and 9-10 have been postponed until the spring, but our retreat team leaders are excited and energized with great ideas. Because we don’t want to hold your money for 5 or 6 months, we are refunding those who prepaid. Please contact the school if you don’t receive your refund.

If you're interested in volunteering on campus or chaperoning a field trip, you must complete a level two background check first.

Prompted by a 2023 Florida State Statute that encouraged strong security measures for all schools, the SJCA Board of Directors voted to require all parents, grandparents, and guardians to complete level two background checks to volunteer alongside scholars or go on a class trip.

Even those who have completed a level two background check for their current job or church, must complete this process.

We have field trips coming up. If you aren't cleared, you can't go on the trip. No exceptions.

Please be aware that the fingerprinting process can take up to three weeks; from start to finish.

The Lions Council helps facilitate this process and offers answers to many frequently asked questions on its website. Additionally, you can reach out to Chairman.LionCouncil@stjca.org or Communications.LionCouncil@stjca.org for additional assistance or to see if you are already cleared.

Our SJCA Lions need your support at an upcoming volleyball game. Make plans to come out on October 3rd at the Orange Park Campus as both teams battle their opponent while wearing pink to promote breast cancer awareness.

• JV takes on River Science Academy @ 4:15pm
• Middle school takes on Veritas Classical School @ 5:30pm

SJCA Athletics has a busy fall schedule. Come support our Lions as they continue to build skills and camaraderie. You can see full schedules on the SJCA Athletics website.

To honor the signing of the Constitution, our Junior class hosted two beautiful assemblies. Our guest speaker, Clay County Supervisor of Elections Chris Chambless, challenged our scholars in civic responsibility by encouraging them to vote and have their voices heard, and crowd favorite, Master Chief Ellis, delivered a rousing presentation of "Old Glory."

(Pictured below: SJCA History Dept Chair and Constitution Day Event Coordinator Carmen Burgess, Clay County Supervisor of Elections Chris Chambless, and Master Chief Ellis).

Our school symphonic band and chorus performed splendidly. (Pictured below).

The Juniors then taught on citizenship in each grammar school classroom. All of the scholars learned from this shared experience.

This celebration day is one more way we seek to fulfill our mission of making virtuous American citizens who care about their community and nation.

-Submitted by SJCA History Dept Chair and Constitution Day Event Coordinator Carmen Burgess

(Pictured below: Juniors speak to Mrs. Weaver's and Mrs. Melquist's third grade class about the Constitution).

We LOVE our teachers and staff here at SJCA, so in order to get to know them better (and how to spoil them during birthdays, holidays, and Teacher Appreciation Week) we have asked them to complete a list of their Favorite Things.

Find out everything from their favorite color to their favorite foods as well as a link to their Amazon Wish List on the Lions Council website or click the button below.

Thank you for your unwavering support of our amazing teachers and staff!

Scholars stay after school for this fun-filled event with pumpkin-themed crafts and snacks. This is one of our most popular holiday events, so reserve your spot today. The deadline to register is 10/23.

Questions? Email Lfabc@stjca.org.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the 1776 Spirit Day. The event raised $1015, all of which supports our teachers through the 1776 Promise Campaign.

Want to learn more about the 1776 Promise Campaign?

Inspired by the year the Declaration of Independence was signed, this campaign asks each family to donate $17.76 per month per scholar. The funds raised are given directly to teachers at the Fleming Island campus. The money is distributed annually to all teachers based on their years of experience and their performance reports.

If you'd like to make a regular contribution - of any amount - you can sign up on The Lions Council website.

The Lions Council Fine Arts Booster Club is getting ready for another great talent show. The event is open to all scholars in grades kindergarten through 12th grade.

Scholars must submit an online registration form AND $15.00 fee no later than October 16th to participate. Late registration will not be accepted.

Event details, rules, and registration links are below.

It's time for our annual golf tournament. Join us on October 14th at 1pm for a fundraiser that supports the school, its mission, and its wonderful teachers. Join us for dinner afterwards at 5pm.

Costs

$500 Foursome

$700 Business Package (Includes a foursome with Mulligan package and hole sign)

Fourth grade had an exciting time in class this week as the scholars explored the rock cycle in a creative and delicious way—using Starburst candy! The scholars had so much fun transforming their candy into “rocks” through processes like melting, cooling, and applying pressure to model the rock cycle.

Here are our young geologists in action in Mrs. Hancock's classroom.

• If you set spending limits last school year and would like them changed or deleted, contact lunch@stjca.org.

• If you need to set spending limits or place a serving line note on the account, contact lunch@stjca.org.

• Talk to your scholar(s) about spending limits and what is and isn't ok to buy. The more you communicate your guidelines and expectations, the less issues with negative accounts you will have.

• If you are allowing your scholar a treat after a good week, please be sure there is enough in the account. All extras (ice cream, chips, juice drink, extra slice of pizza) must have a positive account or cash in hand.

Here's what's cooking in the cafeteria in October.

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