FI_Lion Line_11/1/24

Our Classical Storybook Parade was a huge success and enjoyed by all in grades K-12. Kindergarten-5th dressed and walked and grades 6-12 was the audience that cheered us on and clapped loudly. It was wonderful to see that some scholars, even in grades 6-12, dressed as well! Just so much fun.

I have spent the better part of five weeks talking to teachers individually and getting a major pulse for our school both in regard to virtues and also academics; listening for specifics pertaining to the heart AND mind.

Due to these conversations, I presented to the Board a proposal for two new positions. They unanimously approved a position for Dean of Students (primarily K-5) and also a Math/Science Coach (primarily K-5).

I just hired Ms. Tammi Luke as our new Literacy Coach for grades K-5. Mrs. Sarah Martin will continue to be our Literacy and Math Coach for K-12.

The Dean of Students will be responsible for discipline referrals, guidance lessons for some of our scholars, and also working on classroom management in regard to our teachers, especially those new to SJCA. It's an incredibly needed and new position.

Thank you - big time - to the Board for this approval.

I believe the Math/Science Coach position is self-explanatory. I will hire for both of these new positions real soon. They will come from within, but current teachers will not be taken full-time from their current teaching duties. We will get real creative with their schedules.

Thank you.

-Carole McCullough

To celebrate Homecoming, we have a series of events planned. Events include dress-down days, a basketball game, and a dance. Please see the schedule below and use the QR code to pay for these activities.

Questions: anamaria.cosme@stjca.org.

Calling all 6-8 graders. You're officially invited to a dance on November 16.

Dress code: Semi-formal, no jeans or athletic clothing allowed. Please see the permission form, which was sent home with scholars, for complete dress code guidelines.

Proceeds benefit the Senior Class Grad Bash Trip to Orlando.

Questions: Ellen.Glod@stjca.org.

There were 32 scholars in grades 7-9 inducted into our chapter of the National Junior Honor Society last week. This prestigious national organization promotes character, citizenship, leadership, scholarship, and service.

Their initial meeting will be held after school on November 12.

Congrats to the following scholars:

Bethany B

Josephine A

Jackson B

MariaRenee B

Patric C

Juliana C

Allison C

Isabella C

Emmaleigh D

Caris D

Juliana G

Eric G

Presley G

Scarlette H

Kameron H

Madison I

Chase I

Mackenzie J

Ethan K

Jonathan K

William L

Cameron L

Elyssa M

Adaira M

Kylie-Joy M

Nataniel M

Elleni P

Maya P

Jacob R

Summer S

Jordyn S

Please be on the lookout for the Federal Impact Form coming home with your scholar(s). The form needs to be RETURNED NO LATER THAN FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8.

Please note: even if the parent(s) are not active-duty members of the uniformed services (or civilians and/or contractors who work on federal property), the forms MUST be reviewed/verified, AND A SIGNATURE IS REQUIRED.

The lower and upper school class that returns the Federal Impact Form FIRST gets a prize.

Scholars who purchased photos and did not like them should bring the original package with them to the camera. The original package must be turned in to trigger their new photo package to be printed.

To manage the high demand for retakes, scholars who would like their photos redone must provide a note from a parent/guardian to Ms. Perez (sarah.perez@stjca.org) prior to November 13.

Parents can view the proof at www.leonards.com/order under 'find my school' option in a few weeks after the photo day, and a paper 'Second Chance' proof will be sent to the school to go home with scholars.

*Please note, the date for retakes is 11/13, not 11/6 as mentioned in a previous Lion Line.

Wondering why you didn't see baskets in the cafeteria at Trunk or Treat? The baskets were so valuable, some worth $500+, that event coordinators decided to keep the baskets and place them in the annual online auction held during Winter Dinner. By doing so, we open the bidding to the entire SJCA population and elevate the fundraising potential. Profits earned will be split between Student Government, the senior class, and the Lions Council.

Special thanks to all of the families who donated and to room coordinators for putting them together.

You asked, we answered. Parents recently asked for a list of all spirit days through the end of the year. In response, SJCA put together the following the list.

If you paid for the entire year's worth of spirit days via MySchoolBucks, it covers all of the days listed below - except - the upcoming OPTIONAL 1776 Promise Spirit Day on November 8. You can find more information about this spirit day (and how to pay) in the Lions Council section below.

The Purple Up Day is a special spirit day in support of our military families. On that day, scholars can wear purple tops or t-shirts with military branches mentioned.

December 18, 19, and 20 are all early release days, as are May 28, 29, and 30.

In addition to the graphic below, please follow SJCA's Facebook page for additional reminders.

SJCA hosted a Pumpkin Party, Trunk or Treat, and a Classical Character Parade this year. We gathered pictures from all of the events - from parents (via Facebook) and teachers - and put together a slideshow with 100+ pictures.

Because the fourth Thursday falls on Thanksgiving and the fourth Thursday in December is the day after Christmas, the board has decided to have just one meeting in the Nov/Dec timeframe. That meeting is scheduled for Thursday, 12/12.

Congratulations to the following scholars who have officially been selected to play on the SJCA Boys Basketball team. Practice starts next week on Monday, November 4. Practices are held Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 6-8pm at the Orange Park Campus.

Julio A

Carlos A

Luke W

Christian T

Joshua B

Colin R

Jeremiah D

Tobin D

Gavin B

Ben M

Caleb H

Issac M

Jackson R

Want to play on the girls basketball team? Scholars in sixth grade and up are encouraged to try out on Monday, November 4 from 4-6pm. Try outs are held at the Orange Park gym.

I’m originally from Logan, Iowa. I graduated from Logan-Magnolia High School in 2007. In high school, I was a four-year varsity starter and 2X Iowa wrestling state place winner. I was part of Lo-Ma’s 2005 state wrestling championship team and also part of Lo-Ma’s state dual teams that placed 2nd, 3rd, 2nd, and 2nd during my four years.

After high school, I wrestled for Iowa Central in Fort Dodge, Iowa. As a Triton, I was a regional champion and part of two NJCAA National Championship teams and two National Team Dual championships (2009, 2010). After Iowa Central, I earned a scholarship to Midland University in Fremont, Nebraska. At Midland, I was a 2X National Qualifier, 2X All-Conference, recognized twice as the national wrestler of the week, held the single season record of 23 pins, and compiled over 100 collegiate wrestling victories.

I graduated in 2012 with a bachelors degree in Criminal Justice.

After college, I joined the Navy and met my wife, Laura, while stationed at NAS Jax. I did three deployments with the VP-16 War Eagles. In 2019, I left the Navy and joined JSO where I currently work today. I have two beautiful kids that are involved in our Lions Wrestling Club.

As you can see, wrestling has been a huge part of my life (kindergarten to college). I want to continue to grow and build the sport of wrestling. What better way than to build a new program at SJCA.

Coach Kody is pictured on the left in this picture.

The SJCA Cross Country teams wrapped up their successful season last week at the New World Fall Spectacular. This was the biggest meet of the season, with approximately 3,000 runners competing.

The Running Lions went out with a ROAR, nearly everyone who ran the race posted a PR!

Not only have their race times improved, demonstrating their athletic achievements in a physically and mentally demanding sport, their camaraderie, confidence, and character is what shines the most!

If you see them in class or walking through the halls, congratulate them on their successful season!

Members of the boys team: Gavin C, Zachary D, Cullen L, Daniel R, Evan R, Landon S.

Member of the girls team: Allison C, Isabella C, Giada D, Isabella F, Addison H, Charlie M, Elyssa M, Charlotte R, Jalayah V, Lorelei W, Sydney W.

The cheer team enjoyed a practice in costume.

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 to the 1776 Promise Campaign to benefit our teachers.

When: Friday, November 8

Cost: $2 to participate, per scholar (but you can donate more, if you'd like)

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 cannot pay via MySchoolBucks.

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

👖Bottoms: Standard spirit day bottoms.

Last year, the Lions Council sold handmade ornaments made by scholars. They were a big hit, but this year, you can buy an ornament made specifically by your K-5 scholar. Place your order today.

The annual Thanksgiving-time fundraiser is back. Starting on November 4 and running through November 22, scholars can purchase turkey feathers for a chance to win a class pizza party or spirit day.

Looking for a unique Christmas gift? Consider purchasing a prayer bracelet. You'll not only receive a great gift, but you'll support SJCA's Safety Patrol in the process. Bracelets are $15. You can pay in cash, check, or on MySchoolBucks. (Please note, if you pay via MySchoolBucks, you'll pay $16 to cover the online fee). You can choose from 28 different inspirational messages, which are all listed on the form below.

Questions: Liberty.Hancock@stjca.org

The SJCA Interact Club is a service based organization that is affiliated with the Rotary Club.

Each year, we partner with Wreaths Across America to lay wreaths at veterans' graves before Christmas. We are fundraising to buy as many wreaths as we can.

Last year, Interact sold over 100 wreaths to lay at Jacksonville Memory Gardens and we are hoping to lay more this year. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of graves that go unrecognized each year at Jacksonville Memory Gardens because of a lack of wreaths. Let's not let that happen again!

We need to have all wreaths purchased by Giving Tuesday, which is 12/03, so they can be shipped in time for the wreath laying ceremony on 12/14.

To order, please click the link below.

Thank you for your support.

**For every two wreaths sponsored, an additional free third wreath will be placed on a veteran's grave by an Interact scholar.**

Let's 'Do the Good' and help those in need. Interact Club's annual school-wide food drive to benefit Good Samaritan Anglican Church's monthly food giveaway has begun. There will be a prize for the grammar school homeroom class and upper school 1st period class with the most donations.

Questions: sally.mcginn@stjca.org

✅ If you would like to check your eligibility for Free/Reduced Lunch, you can do so online.

✅ If you have any questions regarding your scholar's lunch or lunch account, please email: Lunch@stjca.org.

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 at any time.