FI 052024 The Lion Line

Greetings Lion Parents,

Well, we are now in our busiest month of the school year - besides December! I am excited about all of the activities and events of this month. The pinnacle event is on May 24th when we graduate our senior class in a beautiful ceremony that evening. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend the graduation ceremony this year because my son is graduating from West Point that same weekend. Be assured that our graduation will be perfect as Mrs. Casteel will oversee the ceremony. Congratulations, seniors! I wish you the very best!

Be sure to carefully go through this edition of the Lion Line to ensure you know about all the events in the month of May. One big event each May is Teacher Appreciation Week, May 6-10. We love our teachers and want to show them support and appreciation. You too can help by getting involved with Lions Council at lionscouncil.org. Lions Council has big plans for that week and could use your help and support. Visit the website today and sign up!

Lastly, we are starting to hear the sounds of progress out on the athletic field as heavy machinery is starting to prepare the ground for the new gymnasium building. We are planning to start the new school year with the gym still under construction, so space will be tight on our campus during the first semester. I am so looking forward to a great ribbon cutting event in the fall. I pray that you have a wonderful, relaxing summer and I look forward to seeing you in August.

Lion Strong!

Mr. Johnson

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

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05/01 Spring House Olympics (Grades 6-12)

05/02 Spring Band Concert 6 p.m. @ OP Campus

05/03 Annual Spring Cabaret 6 p.m. @ OP Campus

05/04 Junior/Senior Prom 7 p.m. @ The Hilltop

05/04 Kendra Scott Fundraising Event

05/06-05/10 Teacher Appreciation Week

05/06 New Parent Orientation 6 p.m. @ FI Cafetorium

05/07 Tennis Team and Soccer Team Interest Meeting 4:30 p.m. @ FI Campus

05/07-05/08 Cheer Team Tryouts 5-7 p.m. @ FI Campus

05/09-05/11 Grammar School Mary Poppins Musical Production 6 p.m. @ FI Cafetorium

05/10 Upper School Chorus Spring Concert 6 p.m. @ OP Campus

05/13 Upper School 101 for Parents 6 p.m. @ FI Campus

05/14 Upper School Awards 6 p.m. @ River Christian Church

05/16 Grammar School Awards 6 p.m. @ Hibernia Baptist Church

05/17 SENIORS LAST DAY

05/17 Middle School Dance 6-8 p.m. @ OP Campus

05/17 Senior Dinner 6 p.m. @ Fleming Island Campus

05/18 Mother/Daughter Tea 10:00 a.m. @ FI Cafetorium

05/20 Baccalaureate/Senior Awards Ceremony 6 p.m. @ River Christian Church

05/22 Graduate Parade @ FI Campus

05/23 Graduation Rehearsal @ Hibernia Baptist Church

05/23 Board of Directors Meeting 6 p.m. @ FI Campus

05/24 Spirit Day ($2)

05/24 Field Day KG-5th Grade

05/24 Graduation Ceremony 8 p.m. @ Hibernia Baptist Church

05/27 Memorial Day, Staff and Scholar Holiday

05/28 Early Dismissal Upper School Dismissal: 10:45am / Lower School Dismissal: 11:15am

05/28 Spirt Day (FREE)

05/29 Early Dismissal Upper School Dismissal: 10:45am / Lower School Dismissal: 11:15am

05/29 Spirit Day (FREE)

05/30 Early Dismissal Upper School Dismissal: 10:45am / Lower School Dismissal: 11:15am

05/30 Spirt Day (FREE)

05/30 LAST DAY OF SCHOOL FOR KG-11th GRADE SCHOLARS

08/09-08/10 Back-to-School Bash / Orientation

Due to limited parking, each grade level has a designated time to arrive

08/08 (Thursday)

KG: 8-9:30 a.m.

1st: 10-11:30 a.m.

2nd: 12-1:30 p.m.

3rd: 2-3:30 p.m.

08/09 (Friday)

4th: 8-9:30 a.m.

5th: 10-11:30 a.m.

6-8th: 12-1:30 p.m.

9-12th: 2-3:30 p.m.

08/13 (Tuesday) First Day of School

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

• Per the National School Lunch Program, we must offer lunch all school days, to include the last 3 early release days of school in May. Because of this, all families will be sent an "Optional Lunch Order" Google Form via Blackboard. There will be a deadline to respond if you would like a bagged "to go" lunch for your scholar(s). Only those who pre-order will have a lunch ready for them on those days (May 28-30). If you have questions or concerns, please email lunch@stjca.org.

  
  

• Please remember the menu is subject to change based on product availability.

• Please review the Unpaid Meal Policy on page 45 of the Family and Scholar Handbook. The negative charge limit is $20, the cost of 5 meals.

• Please use the MSB app/web version to load funds so that the campus can be cashless.

  
  

• Spending limits can be placed on your scholar's lunch account. Contact lunch@stjca.org for more information.

  
  

• Per the National School Lunch Program, your scholar(s) must take the full meal served including the milk, UNLESS there is a medical statement on file with the school. If you have questions, concerns, or need a medical statement form, please contact lunch@stjca.org.

05/01 Kindergarten ELA PM3 Testing

05/02 Second Grade ELA PM3 Testing

05/02 Sixth-Tenth Grades ELA PM3 Testing

05/02 Eleventh and Twelfth Grade ELA PM3 Make Up

05/03 Third-Grade ELA PM3 Testing

05/06 Second-Grade Math PM3 Testing

05/07 First-Grade ELA PM3 Testing

05/08 First-Grade Math PM3 Testing

05/09 Fourth-Fifth Grades ELA PM3 Testing

05/10 AP US History Exam - 8:00 a.m.

05/10 US History EOC - 8:00 a.m.

05/10 Civics EOC - 8:00 a.m.

05/10 Biology EOC - 8:00 a.m.

05/10 Financial Literacy Exam - 8:00 a.m.

05/13 AP Calculus Exam - 8:00 a.m.

05/13 Sixth-Eighth Grade Math PM3 Testing - does not include any middle school scholars taking Algebra1 or higher

05/13 Geometry EOC

05/13 Algebra 1 EOC

05/13 US History EOC for AP US History Scholars

05/14 Kindergarten Math PM3 Testing

05/14 Fifth and Eighth-Grade Science Testing

05/16 Third - Fifth-Grade Math PM3 Testing

05/17 AP Physics Exam - 8:00 a.m.

05/20-05/24 Make-Up Testing

If you have any gently used uniforms that you’re no longer using, please consider donating them to the clothes closet. The uniforms are given to families in need and lent to new families while they await their Lands End order.

All school-approved items are welcome including uniforms, spirit wear, shoes, SJCA jackets, and PE uniforms.

You can drop your donation off at the Little House/Reception Building.

ATTENTION parents of scholars with medications in the Clinic:

Please pick up your scholar's medication from the Clinic by Friday, May 24 between the hours of 8:00am and 2:00pm. Medications not picked up will be discarded.

If your child does not have a health care provider, NO COST vaccinations are available through the Florida Department of Health in Clay County’s Immunization Services at the Bear Run Clinic located at 3229 Bear Run Blvd., Orange Park. The clinic is open Monday-Friday. 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m. An appointment is required. Please call 904-529-2800 to schedule your appointment. Parent or legal guardian MUST accompany children. Please bring your child’s current immunization records with you. After your child receives the Tdap immunization, obtain the REQUIRED certified DH Form 680 to submit to your child’s school.

For: Rising Sixth-Grade - Twelfth-Grade Scholars & Parents

Dates: Tuesday, May 7

Time: 4:30 P.M.

Location: Fleming Island Campus

SJCA is preparing for our next season of sports! There will be an important interest meeting regarding the potential for a SJCA Tennis team and a potential SJCA Soccer team. Rising sixth-graders (from both campuses) through twelfth-graders are encouraged to attend.

Also, please make sure that your scholar has over a 2.0 GPA going into next season. If scholars are beginning sixth-grade or nineth grade they are exempt the first year.

The SJCA Action Shooting Team competed in their State Match on April 21st. They competed in two disciplines, rifle iron sights and rifle optics.

Congratulations to the following athletes:

Iron Rifle- Senior Division (FIRST PLACE)

Daniel R.

Owynn M.

Jordyn R.

David M.

Optic Rifle- Senior Division (SECOND PLACE)

Daniel R.

Owen M.

Jordyn R.

David M.

Iron Rifle- Intermediate Division

(FIRST PLACE)

Mason D.

Aiden G.

Eric G.

Sam P.

(SECOND PLACE)

Emily L.

Amelia L.

Avaia W.

McKenzie Z.

Optic Rifle- Intermediate Division (SECOND PLACE)

Eric G.

Sam P.

Mason D.

Aiden G.

The History department led its first annual field trip to Boston, Massachusetts. During Spring Break, sixteen travelers enjoyed eating new foods and exploring new places. “Huzzah!” was clamored by scholars while they reenacted the Tea Party in Boston Harbor. At the North Church and the Observation Tower, we enjoyed learning about the culture and history of New England. Pronunciations like “chowdah” and “wadah” were echoed from Fenway Park to the Salem Witch Museum. Our scholars enjoyed their role as “Senator for the Day” at the Kennedy Institute, debating and voting on a bill. AJ, a sophomore, officially flew his American flag aboard the U.S.S. Constitution in honor of his grandfather, a naval veteran. A freshman, Chloe, loved shopping and visiting the House of Seven Gables. Before flying home, the group visited the historic field in Lexington where the eight colonists were killed by the British. Finally, our travelers stood on Concord’s North Bridge where the “shot heard around the world” sparked the American Revolution. As we stood in the shadow of the farmer statue, we were blessed with the recounting of the love of liberty that inspired the brave patriots to respond to tyranny. In all these excursions and memorable experiences, our goal of appreciating our nation’s rich history was exceeded. Huzzah!

Waltz and Box Step and Swing Dance, Oh My!

In preparation for the upcoming Junior/Senior Prom, a couple of classy Senior gentlemen decided that they wanted to be well-versed in the art of formal dance. They came up with a club proposal, approached a teacher to serve as the sponsor (who was more than happy to oblige!), and organized the activity, which we now affectionately call Social Dance Club. Several high school scholars attend weekly practice sessions to hone their dance skills and they are preparing to cut a rug the classical way! Jack and Abby A. share their talent and knowledge of ballroom dancing as they patiently instruct their peers in a variety of dance styles, including Box Step, Waltz, and Swing basics. Angelimar F. demonstrated some Salsa steps and Mrs. Crosby even threw in a little bit of the Charleston. These sessions have been so much fun! It's been an absolute pleasure to witness the initiative and cooperation of the scholars as they dance to the music of yester-year. It speaks to the character of these young women and men, as well as to the unique culture of our school, when teenagers endeavor to learn traditional, elevated forms of dance for their prom, rather than jumping on the bandwagon of dances and music commonly seen in today's society. I can't wait to see them cut a rug!

Any upcoming juniors and seniors interested in dual enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year must have their applications to SJCA's Academic Advisor, Kayla Flannagan, no later than July 1, 2024. Please use the following link to research the requirements and process. https://www.sjrstate.edu/dual-students

CLEP exams help you receive college credit for a fraction of the cost of a college course. Exams are administered year-round on a flexible schedule and last between 90-120 minutes with scores released immediately. Passing a CLEP exam with a score of 3 or higher allows scholars to earn college credit at 2,900 colleges across the country.

When selecting which CLEP exams to take, I caution that all scholars not take a CLEP exam for credit in a course in which they want to major. While a scholar will earn credit for passing the exam, the college or university has the autonomy to award the credit where they see fit. For example, if a scholar majors in chemistry and passes the chemistry CLEP exam, the scholar will earn a college credit for chemistry. Most colleges and universities, however, will award that credit as an elective credit rather than a credit toward the degree one is seeking. Colleges and universities want scholars to take their chemistry course because they believe it will best prepare them for the degree. College credit is awarded for a passed exam, but not in the manner you think.

When signing up for a CLEP exam, you will be presented with the option to purchase a study guide. While SJCA believes our curriculum will help prepare scholars to pass a test on a specific subject area, we cannot guarantee that every scholar will pass. The study guide is an excellent tool to bridge the types of questions on the exam with our curriculum.

SJCA's Interact Club ran a successful event to collect baby products for First Coast Women's Services through the month of February. Recently, several of club's officers were able to deliver the baby products to the Rotary Club-Orange Park Sunrise breakfast meeting in March. Because of your generous donations we were able to fill 3 baby tubs full of baby essentials for new moms. Thank you for your continued support of the SJCA Interact Club and our fundraisers!

Ten members of the SJCA Latin Club represented our campus at the FJCL State Latin Forum in Orlando. From April 11th through the 13th, our SJCA Latin Lions competed in a wide variety of events from a Four Square tournament to tests on topics like the History of the Hellenic World. Each year our Lion Latin Club attends Forum events in both our region and our state, and has competed nationally, as well. At these gatherings they have fun both competing against other Latin programs and building camaraderie with them. Our delegates enjoy meeting others who share their common interests and voting on the direction taken by the Florida Junior Classical League at both the local and statewide levels.

This year our delegation performed quite well, winning recognition in nearly every category in which they competed. Recognition received includes Jonathan K. taking first place in the Four Square tournament and performing well on his History of the Empire exam, Sarah M. being recognized for both her Latin Grammar exam and her textiles project, Julia M. being recognized for her performance on the Derivatives and Quotations exams, Grace M. for History of the Empire and Vocabulary exams, Kyla D. for her History of the Republic exam, Patrick M. for his Hellenic History exam and performance in the Marathon, Joseph M. for his History of the Empire exam, Ory'an S.-F. for her History of the Republic exam, and Anae S.-F. for finishing in the top five of all participants on both her Derivatives and Hellenic History exams.

As the Latin Program adds truly amazing and talented teachers next year with a wealth of experience at Forum events we anticipate the SJCA Latin Lions to receive even greater recognition and accolades next year as our program continues to grow, thrive, and blossom.

Congratulations to Harper J. for earning the title, "Safety Patroller of the Month". Her commitment to promoting safety is a valuable contribution to our school!

Safety Patrol will deliver your gram to your “Lucky Duck”! Each gram comes with a full sized rubber duck! (Character ducks will be chosen randomly.) Please send in $2 per gram, cash or checks made out to STJCA no later than May 15th. Grams will be delivered Friday, May 17th. Thank you for supporting Safety Patrol!

Date: 05/06-05/10

Theme: We’re not LION, our teachers are PAWsitively the BEST!

The Lions Council is working on several treats to spoil our teachers during this week and invite parents to participate in the following daily events.

Monday 05/06: L- Load Em’ Up! Bring in a gift card for your teacher to one of their favorite places/restaurants!

- Upper School- Periods 1 & 2

Tuesday 05/07: I – Indulge! Bring in your teacher’s favorite snack/treat

- Upper School- ALL Periods

Wednesday 05/08: O – OH how beautiful! Bring in a single flower to fill their vase!

- Upper School- Periods 3 - 5

Thursday 05/09: N – Note of Encouragement! Write your teacher a note of encouragement and/or tell them why you’re thankful for them!

- Upper School- ALL Periods

Friday 05/10: S – Something Special for Summer! Start your teacher’s summer off right and bring them in something they can enjoy over the summer break!

- Upper School- Periods 6 & 7

Dates: May 9, May 10, and May 11

Time: Doors Open at 5:30 P.M.

Location: Fleming Island Campus Cafetorium

Cost: $5 per person at the door (cash or check only)

Concessions will also be available for purchase. Due to the licensing agreement, video recording is not permitted. We hope to see you for a great show!

Date: Saturday, May 18, 2024

Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Location: Fleming Island Campus Cafetorium

Attire: Sunday Best (Hats and Princess Dresses permitted)

Cost: $30 (per family) Register Now!

For: Rising Sixth-Twelfth-Grade Scholars

Date: Saturday, June 22, 2024

Time: 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Location: Tango Down Shooting Complex 18811 Maxville-Macclenny Road, Jacksonville, FL 32234

Is your scholar interested in the Action Shooting Team? Would you like to experience what this team is all about? This is a great introduction to the sport if your scholar is interested in trying out for the team in August. Please RSVP for the Action Shooting Team Clinic.

Additionally, check out the summer camp options at Tango Down to prepare your scholar for tryouts.

Mark your calendars for next year’s Back to School Bash. During this time, you’ll explore your class, meet your teachers, and get information you need to start your year off right.

Due to limited parking, each grade level has a designated time to arrive.

August 8th

KG: 8-9:30 a.m.

First-Grade: 10-11:30 a.m.

Second-Grade: 12-1:30 p.m.

Third-Grade: 2-3:30 p.m.

August 9th

Fourth-Grade: 8-9:30 a.m.

Fifth-Grade: 10-11:30 a.m.

Grades Sixth-Eighth: 12-1:30 a.m.

Grades Ninth-Twelfth: 2-3:30 a.m.

Dates: Thursday and Friday, August 8 & 9, 2024

Times: Varies by Grade Level

Location: SJCA - FI Campus

*Enter the School ID: STJ283

Order Online Until 06/02/2024

Save the date, SJCA's annual golf tournament is already on the calendar!

Date: Monday, October 14, 2024

Time: 1:00 p.m.

Location: Eagle Harbor Golf Club

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