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I want to take a moment and wish you all a wonderful Spring Break. I know our scholars and teachers are working hard to close out the year strong, so I hope your break is filled with rest and relaxation.

Remember, our break lasts from March 17-24. Scholars will return to campus on Tuesday, March 25.

When we return, we'll jump into testing. Please take a look at the finalized schedule below and take note of the days your scholar has tests.

On testing days, please ensure your scholar has a good breakfast and arrives on time. In addition, review the testing policies below.

Have a great break!

-Carole McCullough, Head of School

Electronic Devices Policy—Scholars are not permitted to have any electronic devices, including, but not limited to, cell phones, smart glasses, tablets, smartwatches, and cameras at any time during testing or during breaks (e.g., restroom), even if they are turned off or Scholars do not use them.

If a Scholar is found with an electronic device or is found using Bluetooth/wireless headphones/earbuds during testing, his or her test will be invalidated.

For information regarding limited exceptions for scholars with eligible accommodations, see the 2024–2025 Statewide Assessments Accommodations Guide.

Testing Rules Acknowledgment—All tests include a Testing Rules Acknowledgment that reads: “I understand the testing rules that were just read to me. If I do not follow these rules, my test score may be invalidated.”

Prior to testing, test administrators read the rules to scholars, and scholars acknowledge that they understand the testing rules by clicking a checkbox beside the statement in the secure browser or signing below the statement in their test documents.

Calculator Policy—For the computer-based B.E.S.T. Algebra 1 and Geometry EOC tests and Grades 7–8 FAST Mathematics, a handheld scientific calculator may be used. For the computer-based Biology 1 EOC, Grade 6 FAST Mathematics, and Grade 8 Statewide Science, a handheld four-function calculator may be used.

For paper-based administrations of Biology 1 EOC, Grade 6 FAST Mathematics, and Grade 8 Statewide Science, a handheld four-function calculator must be used. For paper-based administrations of B.E.S.T. Algebra 1 and Geometry EOCs and Grades 7–8 FAST Mathematics, a handheld scientific calculator must be used.

Schools must ensure that handheld calculators meet the specifications published by FDOE.

Leaving Campus—If scholars leave campus before completing a test session (e.g., for lunch, an appointment), they will not be allowed to return to that session. Scholars and parents/guardians should be aware of this policy. If a scholar does not feel well on the day of testing, it may be best for the scholar to wait and be tested on a make-up day.

Discussing Test Content after Testing—The last portion of the testing rules read to scholars before they affirm the Testing Rules Acknowledgment states that because the content of all statewide assessments is secure, scholars may not discuss or reveal details about the test content (including test items, responses, passages, and prompts) after the test.

Please make sure that scholars understand this policy prior to testing and remind them that “discussing” test content includes any kind of electronic communication, such as texting, emailing, posting to social media, or sharing online.

While scholars may not share information about secure test content after testing, this policy is not intended to prevent scholars from discussing their testing experiences with their parents/families.

Working Independently—Scholars are responsible for doing their own work during the test and for protecting their answers from being seen by others. If scholars are caught cheating during testing, their tests will be invalidated.

Staff needs your help as you come through car line in the morning. If you use the carpool lane, either as a carpooler or for safety patrol drop off, please make sure your placard is in the window so staff can see it.

Many classes have field trips planned between now and the end of the year. If you have not already done so, you must complete a level two background check to attend.

You're required to be fingerprinted at a specific location in Jacksonville and receive clearance before you go on the trip. The process can take 2-3 weeks to complete, so we encourage parents to be proactive.

Even if you complete this type of background check for your job, you're still required to complete this process.

The background check is not only required to chaperone field trips, but is also required to volunteer on campus.

The process begins by registering on the Lions Council website, which you can access by clicking the button below.

Aren't sure whether you're cleared or not? Email: Chairman.Lioncouncil@stjca.org.

Tickets for the annual Father Daughter Dance are on sale now. The dance will take place on March 29 at the Orange Park Campus and is open to all grade levels.

The attire is semi-formal. Light snacks and refreshments will be served.

Tickets are now on sale for the Junior/Senior Prom on MySchoolBucks. The dance will take place on May 3. The last day to purchase tickets is April 25.

Attire is formal.

Questions? Mrs. Cosme, anamaria.cosme@stjca.org

The SJCA Action Shooting Team was awarded a grant from the Clay County Friends of the NRA. This grant will purchase special training targets called "dueling trees." We are so grateful for this grant!

Our inaugural Color Run took place this past Wednesday. Our youngest Lions (K-1) ran one lap, while the older Lions ran eight laps, which is the equivalent of two miles. As the runners made their way around the Orange Park field, our National Honor Society volunteers sprayed colorful chalk dust into the air, making it a truly colorful finish.

Thank you to everyone who came out, got some exercise, and supported SJCA Athletics and the NHS.

The SJCA soccer team, comprised of middle school boys, will take the field for their first home game on March 27. Come out and support our scholar athletes!

Since we raised over $17,500 for the Kids Heart Challenge, the top ten scholars got to pie Coach Sage.

The big prizes for the Kids Heart Challenge are not in yet. They will be passed out some time after spring break.

Tiny Lions Cheer Camp

The Roaring Lions will host a cheer camp the week of March 24 for scholars in grades K-5. While registration is closed, participants will practice on March 24 and March 25 at the Fleming Island campus and will perform at the soccer game on March 27 at the Orange Park campus. Each Tiny Lion Cheerleader will receive a t-shirt and bow with their entry fee.

Cheer Clinic

If your scholar is interested in joining next year's cheer team, please sign up for the cheer clinic on April 15. The event is open to rising 6 through 12 grade.

Cheer Try Outs

Cheer Try Outs will take place on April 28 and 29; both days are mandatory. The team is open to rising 6 through 12 grade. Note, try outs are for the 2025-26 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.

This year, we're turning our Spring Cabaret into 'Dinner and a Show.' We're excited to try this innovative idea for the first time. Scholars from Musical Theatre I & III will take the stage on May 2.

Take a journey down Broadway with songs in the style of 42nd Street, The Wiz, Wicked, Newsies, Epic, Cinderella, Beetlejuice, and so much more!

Tickets are now on sale on the Lions Council website.

The SJCA Fine Arts Department has a full line up of events coming your way. Please mark your calendars and come out to support our wonderful scholars.

Scholars can stay after school on Tuesday, April 8 to make a clay keepsake with Mr. Ross. A light snack will be provided.

Registration will open soon on the Lions Council website. (Please note, this is not paid for via MySchoolBucks).

To say thank you to our wonderful teachers and staff, the Lions Council Support Team brought Jeremiah's to the campus. Happy Spring Break, teachers and staff! We hope you enjoy the break.

The Lions Council is collaborating with Mrs. Hancock and Mrs. Kujawa to organize a Book Fair this April. We'll invite families to the event to purchase curriculum-approved books for their home libraries. Stay tuned for more details on specific dates and times, but all proceeds from the Book Fair will be used to purchase books for classroom libraries.

We Need Your Donations

As part of the Book Fair event, we're collecting donated books. The books you donate do not need to be classical - we'll take any book that's in good condition.

Your donations will be sorted; some will be added to class libraries, while others will be sold back to a second-hand store to help fund additional books for the Book Fair.

We are taking applications for the Lions Council secretary position. If you are interested, please fill out this form online.

We appreciate everyone who went to Chick-fil-A for Spirit Week. We saw A LOT of SJCA folks enjoying their favorite combos in the restaurant and on campus.

It's time to start collecting those pop tabs if you haven't already started!

The SJCA Interact Club needs your soda/pop tabs from aluminum cans. Please collect them and bring them to your scholar's teacher in grammar school or chancellor in upper school. This fundraiser will run through May 9th.

We will give the lower school homeroom class with the most tabs collected (by weight) a Frozen Treats Party. The upper school house with the most tabs (by weight) will win a House Spirit Day.

**Minimum amount for a class/house to win is 10 lbs. of pop tabs.**

Tabs will be delivered to the Ronald McDonald House in Jacksonville, and they will be recycled for cash to help provide housing and meals for families visiting Jacksonville while their children receive medical care at our local hospitals.

Thank you for helping us 'Do the Good!'

Questions: Sally.mcginn@stjca.org

🆕 Because it slows the service line, scholars will be served the complete menu of the day UNLESS they speak up quickly and loudly when it is their turn at the service line.

✅ 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.

Join us for Mother Daughter Tea on Saturday, May 17. Registration via MySchoolBucks is now open. Be sure to secure your tickets as space is limited, and this event is open to both campuses.

Tables seat eight. If you'd like to make seating arrangements, please contact Mrs. Cosme. Your request will be honored on a first come, first served basis.

Attire: Sunday best/princess dresses welcome

Deadline to register: May 9

Questions? Mrs. Cosme, Anamaria.cosme@stjca.org

To follow the Clay County School District schedule and increase instructional time after weather-induced cancelations, the SJCA Board of Directors voted to make April 11, also known as Fair Day, a regular school day. We understand some families have made plans, as a result, absences on this day will be excused.

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