FI_Lion Line_1/17/25

I hope this message finds you all well.

I want to provide a few updates on the construction happening on campus. As you know, we have two big projects in the works. We're working on turning our former locker room into a new reception area and are anxiously awaiting the completion of the gym and additional classrooms.

The new reception area is about 3-4 weeks away from opening. It will serve as the new entry point to our campus. Our receptionist, Amber Norton, will move to this new building and continue to welcome you as you arrive. This renovated space has a larger lobby area, a beautiful conference room with a table that seats ten, a room for our school resource officer, and two bathrooms.

The building that currently houses our reception area will be used by our Exceptional Student Education team.

Construction on the gym continues. We're hoping to see construction wrap up at the end of February.

I know the construction projects have created some challenges on campus, and we appreciate everyone's patience and positivity as we near the finish line.

Aside from construction, be on the lookout for another video coming your way.

-Carole McCullough

Please join us for an unforgettable Lions Winter Gala at St. Johns Classical Academy, where we will showcase our classically-educated scholars and virtuous curriculum while raising funds to support our thriving campus.

The keynote speaker at this Lions Council event is Congressman Aaron Bean, and our own Head of School Carole McCullough will share her story as well.

Live auction

Congressman Bean will auction off three big-ticket items including a four-hour inshore fishing charter for two, a VIP tour of the Capitol, and original pottery pieces crafted by Mr. Ross.

Online auction

Every year, we host an online auction that runs concurrently with the event. We'll have an online auction again, but it will look a bit different this year. Instead of classroom art, you'll see high-dollar, themed baskets to bid on. The baskets were put together earlier in the year and consist of many parent-donated items. Proceeds will be split between the Lions Council and student government.

You'll also be able to bid on reserved seating for big events on campus and the coveted Gold Passes. The Gold Passes give you permission to use the carpool lane in carline for one year.

Online auction times are still being set. More details to come.

Advance ticket sales only. No sales at the door.

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Emily Stevens Brown, Ph.D., LMHC, LPC to our team. Below is her bio.

I am so excited to be joining the staff at St. Johns Classical Academy as your school counselor. As your counselor, I look forward to working closely with scholars, staff, and parents to help scholars achieve their goals and create a positive, supportive learning environment.

I am a licensed mental health therapist, licensed professional counselor, and hold specialty certifications in several areas.

As a licensed mental health therapist, I have specialized in combining brain-based research, cutting edge interventions, and clinical approaches into unique ways to work with scholars.

Throughout my career, I have worked within mental health, education, higher education, and research focused on improving attention, focus, mood, and processing. My background and experience as a counselor has provided me with insight into working with scholars who have learning challenges, mental health challenges, or just need support.

I have provided presentations and training for mental health and education professionals all over the country. I have a B.S. in Educational Psychology, M.Ed. in Counseling and a Ph.D. in Psychology.

When I’m not working, you can find me reading, crafting, riding bikes, and spending time with my family.

The SJCA Winter Olympics was held last Wednesday with a series of different activities for upper school scholars to compete in, including events like a spelling bee, trivia, Mario Kart competition, and flag football. Several pictures of the events are below.

The winner of the Winter Olympics was: Corinth.

Our upper school Drama Club is hard at work rehearsing for the upcoming spring musical, Fiddler on the Roof, Jr! Mrs. Kiep and Mrs. Crosby are so impressed with our thespian scholars. This will be a production you don't want to miss!

Mark your calendar now for February 21-23 at the Orange Park campus stage.

Stay tuned to the Lion Line for ticket information to be released.

Are you connected to a business that would consider supporting Fine Arts at SJCA? Do you have a scholar in the production whom you'd like to give a special shoutout?

Please consider purchasing an ad in the Playbill program. Ads will reach large audiences at four performances and proceeds directly benefit the Drama Club, ensuring we can continue providing theatre opportunities for our scholars.

The ad submission form is attached below. The deadline to submit is February 7.

Reach out to cassie.crosby@stjca.org with questions.

Please come out to Jeremiah's, located at 1811 Golden Eagle Way, to support our basketball team.

You can wish your scholar a happy birthday on SJCA's outdoor sign. If you're interested, go to MySchoolBucks and register at least TWO WEEKS BEFORE your scholar's birthday. The cost is $20. The birthday announcement will run from 6:00am to 6:00pm on your scholar's birthday.

All funds raised benefit SJCA Athletics and PE.

The SJCA basketball season is underway. Our boys and girls teams are giving it all they got on the court. Please come out and support them. The athletics website has a full schedule, but here's a picture and a look at the next home game.

The SJCA Pep Band got the crowd going at our recent basketball game. The Athletics Department is grateful for their support as we continue to build experiences for our scholars and families.

We'll see the band at next Thursday's game. Come out and join us!

The Athletics Department and The National Honor Society will host SJCA's Inaugural Color Run. Don't miss out on the fun! If you register early, you can save money. The registration fee of $25/participant includes a t-shirt and a medal. Parents are invited to run too.

Grades K-1 ~ One lap run

Grades 2-12 ~ Two mile run

Food and concessions will be on site for purchase.

Points of Contact: Coach Sage: matthew.sage@stjca.org or Mrs. Cosme: anamaria.cosme@stjca.org.

We are still looking for scholars to join the track team. If your scholar is in grade 4, 5, or 6, they can still try out on Tuesday, January 21 at Orange Park from 3:30-4:30pm.

If your scholar already made the team, congratulations! Our first practice is Tuesday, January 21 at Orange Park from 3:30-4:30pm.

The team has a short season. We'll practice every Tuesday in Orange Park through February 22, when the season ends with a county-wide meet.

Questions: malissia.dasher@stjca.org

The clinic is working to create Boo Boo Bundles for each classroom and is asking for donations of bandages of all shapes and sizes. If you'd like to make a donation, please ask your scholar to drop them off at the clinic.

Get ready for another 1776 Promise Spirit Day. Scholars may wear red, white, and blue spirit shirts or outfits. All proceeds collected will go directly towards the 1776 Promise Campaign to benefit our teachers.

When: Thursday, February 13

Cost: $2 to participate, per scholar

Payment: You can pay in cash and give it to your teacher, pay online with this link, or scan the QR code. Please note, you cannont pay via MySchoolBucks.

Tops: Should be primarily red, white, or blue in color. No political language or pictures. No face paint.

Bottoms: Standard spirit day bottoms. Jeans or jean shorts to the knee without tears or rips. Uniform shorts or any khaki or navy blue shorts to the knee. No athletic shorts unless you have PE that day.

If your family is dealing with a financial hardship, you're welcome to utilize the Uniform Closet. During this time of year, scholars may need warm weather apparel or have experienced a growth spurt, and the Lions Council is happy to provide support. Interested families can email: Chairman.lioncouncil@stjca.org.

The Lions Council Fine Arts Booster will host a Painting Class with Mr. Ross on January 24. Scholars will stay after school and paint Vincent Van Gogh's Sunflower painting. All materials and a snack are included in the price.

The event is open to grades 3-8.

Register to attend on the Lions Council website (not MySchoolBucks).

The SJCA Chess Club's first semester has gone very well. Last week, we wrapped up our 11-week Round Robin Tournament. Congratulations to the following winners:

First Place: Ethan K.

Second Place (tie): David S. & Caleb R.

Third Place: Derrick B.

Based on this tournament's rankings, we will divide the members into two groups to better serve each player's needs.

Reminders for our meetings

1. Scholars who get cafeteria lunch miss out on the 15-minute lesson at the beginning of each meeting. Bagged lunch/snacks from home is highly recommended so they can start and finish eating sooner. This will give us more time for playing.

2. Please remind your scholars to be a good sport if and when they lose their games. This is not just about winning or losing but a friendly competition that allows them to develop strategic and critical thinking skills.

3. If you have not registered your student for Chess Club yet, the link is on the MySchoolBucks website.

4. Chess Club shirts are still available for purchase.

Safety Patrol is selling candy grams for the Chinese New Year, which is January 29. Your scholars can send their friends a personalized fortune cookie (see picture) for $2. Cookies are randomly selected. Deadline to order is January 24. Please use the order form below.

Mr. Little's kindergarten class made paper airplanes while learning about the Wright brothers.

✅ Purchasing is between the scholar and the parent. If you need or want to set limits on spending, please contact Lunch@stjca.org.

✅ To view your lunch account(s) and add funds, please visit: http://www.myschoolbucks.com/.

✅ If you would like to check your eligibility for Free/Reduced Lunch, please click HERE.

The National Honor Society is planning two events. Please mark your calendars and watch for additional details in The Lion Line.

• Father/Daughter Dance: March 29, 2025 - 7:00-9:00pm
• Mother/Daughter Tea: May 17, 2025 - 11:00-12:30pm

Also, for planning purposes, here's a look at the dates for spring break.

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