The Lion Line

Dear Parents,

What a busy month we had in September! The weather was not the only heat we have had; we are also already hot with fall sports. I am so proud of our JV and Varsity Volleyball teams - they are playing their hearts out. Cross Country has had several meets, and you can see their run time getting better after each one. Golf is in full swing, and the Swim team is doing, well, swimmingly. Alright, I'm not a sportswriter, but I am excited about fall sports at SJCA! By the way, we are looking for coaches for both Girls Varsity Soccer and Tennis - contact our Athletics Director, Mr. Sage if you are interested in helping.

As you know, we received a visit from Dr. Leonard Sax in September. He is so insightful about current cultural issues affecting our children; it is all evidence-based. Go to this link to learn more about what he discussed with us during his visit: www.leonardsax.com/stjca.pdf . The Lions Council funded the speaker for this event - they are amazing in how they support SJCA. Please be sure to join the Lions Council today and get involved immediately. Also, check out the 1776 Promise Campaign and register for the SJCA Golf Tournament (October 16th) at https://lionscouncil.org/ .

Immediately following Dr. Sax was our Constitution Day Celebration on September 15th. I hope you were able to view the assemblies live on Facebook. What an event! I am so proud of our scholars' preparation for Constitution Day. As you know, civic responsibility is one of the principles found in our school mission. I am thankful for our nation, our state, and our school.

Finally, we received some exciting news recently. Thanks to legislation passed in May of 2023, Florida students can earn Bright Futures Scholarships with CLT scores (Classical Learning Test). Florida is also the first state in the nation to approve the CLT as an accepted admissions test at all state public universities. Many other universities around the country already accept the CLT for admission. SJCA scholars will certainly have an advantage over many other students using the CLT for college admissions and scholarship opportunities. Read more at https://www.cltexam.com/clt-florida/ .

Thank you for being a part of our Lion Community!

Mr. Johnson

Learn the True. Do the Good. Love the Beautiful. TOGETHER.

St. Johns Classical Academy seeks and employs faculty members who have a demonstrable history of excellence in an academic discipline, who convey knowledge to young people with charisma and clarity, and who practice and train students in the moral and intellectual virtues. Faculty members engage students in the pursuit of the true, the good, and the beautiful. Every staff member at SJCA is a professional who is esteemed and supported by a faculty of friends striving for excellence.

Congratulations to Karla Hines and Amber Nicolay-Norton, we applaud your dedication, enthusiasm, and demonstration of virtue that you bring to campus each and every day!

We are looking for some amazing stories from you to publish in future editions of The Lion Line. Simply answer this question, "Why did you choose St. Johns Classical Academy and what has it meant for your family?"

<<< Click Here to Submit Your Story!

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

Click here to activate your free monthly subscription to Imprimis.

Tune in to hear directly from Headmaster Johnson on SJCA's podcast. He discusses a variety of timely topics with different stakeholders. Be sure to turn on notifications to listen each week on Spotify, Amazon, or Google Podcasts. This way, you will be alerted each time a new podcast is posted. Listen to all of them by simply clicking here.

10/02 Senior Portrait Retakes

10/02-10/06 Homecoming Week Grades 9-12

10/02-11/17 Interact Food Drive

10/02 Lion Council Meeting 6 p.m. @ FI Cafetorium

10/03 9th, 10th, and 11th Grade Boston Trip Parent's Meeting 6 p.m. @ FI Cafetorium

10/07 Homecoming Dance (Grades 9-12) 7-9 p.m. @ FI Cafetorium

10/10 Grammar School Talent Show Auditions 3:30- 5 p.m. @ FI Cafetorium

10/10 Wrestling Team TNT Event 5-6:30 p.m. @ FI Cafetorium

10/10 Wrestling Coaches & Parents Meeting 6:30-7 p.m. @ FI Cafetorium

10/12 Mr. & Miss SJCA Pageant 6-8 p.m. @ FI Cafetorium

10/13 2nd Grade Field Trip to Wesley Wells Farm

10/13 Fall Outdoor Movie Night 5-8 p.m. @ FI Athletic Field

10/14 Rise Against Hunger Food Packing Event 9 a.m.-1 p.m. @ FI Cafetorium

10/16 Teacher Planning Day, No School

10/16 Annual Golf Tournament @ Eagle Harbor Golf Club

10/19 NHS Induction Ceremony 6-7:30 p.m.@ FI Cafetorium

10/20 Skate Station Spirit Night 5-7:30 p.m.

10/24 Fall Sports Banquet 6-7:30 p.m. @ FI Cafetorium

10/25 Classical Literature Character Parade

10/26 Pumpkin Party 3:30-4:45 p.m. @ FI Cafetorium

10/26 Board of Directors Meeting 6-7 p.m. @ FI Campus

10/27 Spirit Day ($2)

10/27 Trunk-or-Treat 5:30-7:30 p.m. @ FI Campus Athletic Field

11/02 NJHS Induction Ceremony 6-7:30 p.m. @ FI Cafetorium

11/03 Grammar School Talent Show Finals 6-8 p.m. @ FI Cafetorium

We are pleased to share that Florida's Board of Governors voted to approve the CLT as an accepted admissions test at all state public universities!

This long-awaited decision marks a monumental day for both CLT and scholars across the state of Florida. With expanded options for admissions testing, young Floridians now have greater opportunities to showcase their academic potential and reach their college goals.

This is a continuing event until November 17th. DO THE GOOD and demonstrate good citizenship and responsibility by bringing in non-perishable food items to help less fortunate Clay County families. The Grammar School homeroom and the Upper School 1st period with the most items donated (minimum donated items to win is 100) will win a pizza party. Interact members will pick up your donations weekly.

Send a special note of encouragement to your friends with a Boo Gram!

Boo Grams are $1 and will include a note from your scholar and a spooky treat. Boo Grams can be sent to any scholar or faculty member here at SJCA. Please take this opportunity to send a special note to friends and support the safety patrol program at the same time.

Grams and money are due by Friday, October 27, and will be delivered to classrooms on Tuesday, October 31.

Congratulations to Kate and Wrigley for earning the title, "Safety Patroller of the Month"! Their commitment to promoting safety is a valuable contribution to our school!

On Constitution Day, our scholars enjoyed a stirring assembly filled with flag-waving, smiles, and patriotic music. Every SJCA Grammar student performed on the stage and our school band and chorus were excellent. One of our favorite visitors, Martha Washington (Mrs. Anderson) taught the scholars why the Founding Fathers insisted on the First Amendment being added to the U.S. Constitution. Our guest speaker, Secretary of State Cord Byrd described his job of service to Floridians, the importance of maintaining our American rights and he kindly answered questions from scholars. Master Chief Ellis shared his spectacular rendition of Old Glory.

The Junior class had several leadership roles to make the assemblies successful. Several of them recited three paragraphs of the Declaration of Independence to the audience. They all taught Constitutional lessons in 25 Grammar school classrooms in the afternoon. The 11th graders organized and prepared to teach during Mrs. Burgess' US History class. They developed lessons on the Constitutional Convention, the First Amendment, and the Preamble. Although nervous, the Juniors rose to the challenge and interacted with younger scholars by answering questions and sharing their historical knowledge. Not only do SJCA scholars learn about good leaders from history, but they also have opportunities to practice being good leaders and active citizens of their community. Well done, Junior class!

The week of September 11th was a busy week for LCC! Monday, 9/11, was a great rehearsal and we had special guests, Mrs. Urban (band) & Ms. Smith (choir) from upper school, to hear us rehearse for Constitution Day. We ended with an amazing surprise... yellow Chloe bracelets for everyone! We'd like to extend a huge thank you to Claire and her mom for generously and lovingly providing bracelets for all of LCC in support of our veteran member, Chloe! We tried to get a picture (above) at the end of rehearsal but as you can see, the excitement was REAL!

Wednesday, 9/13, the scholars were excited to "go upstairs" for a short run-through with the band and upper school choir scholars. It was loud and crowded, but the room was FILLED with joy and music. It was truly a beautiful thing to witness somewhere around 100 scholars, ranging from 2nd grade to seniors, smiling, working collaboratively, and creating patriotic music together under the direction of four music educators simultaneously. It certainly highlights one of the many things that is unique and special about our school!

Friday morning, 9/15, LCC shared their performance twice for scholars and staff at SJCA.

Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. at SJCA- Orange Park Campus Gymnasium join both choirs for a musical tribute to those who serve and sacrifice.

FSA/FAST Makeup exams for scholars who did not pass a state assessment that is required for graduation will have the opportunity to make up these assessments after school. The 10th-grade English FAST/FSA and the Algebra 1 or Geometry EOC are required for all scholars to graduate. Please look for an email from our Academic Advisor Mrs. Flannagan if your scholar needs to take an exam. Exams are roughly 90 minutes long.

Remaining Date: October 4

Homecoming week is October 2nd-7th.

Monday, October 2- Country vs. Country Club.

Dress in a Country fashion or Country Club fashion.

Tuesday, October 3- Character Day.

Dress as your favorite TV show, book, or movie character.

Wednesday, October 4- Barbenheimer.

Dress as a Barbie Character or in 1940s fashion.

Thursday, October 5- Decades.

Freshman=2000's

Sophomores=90's

Juniors=80's

Seniors=70's

Friday, October 6- School Spirit. Wear your best Blue and Gold!

(Be sure to attend the Homecoming Volleyball Ball game!)

**All Spirit Day attire must abide by the Spirit Day guidelines in the Scholar Handbook.

Saturday, October 7- Homecoming Dance- "Venetian Masquerade"

(9th-12th Grade Only) 7:00-10:00 p.m.

Permission forms must be submitted with payment. You may invite one guest from another school. You and your guest must complete the Non-SJCA Student Permission form. The ticket price is $15 and may be purchased from Ms. Cosme. No tickets will be sold at the door.

Scholars in grades 3rd-6th are welcome to participate in the Flag Football Club.

Date: Fridays, beginning September 22 and ending October 27, 2023

Time: 3:30-5:00 p.m.

Location: SJCA Fleming Island Campus Athletic Field

Cost: $15 per scholar

REGISTER NOW by sending your scholar's name, grade, and teacher to Coach Blackburn!

Flag Football Club plays rain or shine and will only be canceled if there is lightning in the area.

If your scholar has cleats please send them with him/her. Be sure to send a water bottle with your scholar every week!

Scholars in grades KG-8 are exercising and socializing in a fun, encouraging, and safe environment. Please Note: Kindergarten and 1st grade scholars must have a parent or guardian present.

Date: Thursdays, beginning October 5 and ending April 25

Time: 3:30-4:15 p.m.

Location: SJCA Athletic Field

Cost: $10 per family

REGISTER NOW!

SHOW YOUR SPIRIT & SUPPORT SJCA FINE ARTS!

$20.00 BUY NOW!

Available in youth & adult sizes. Also available in sweatshirts & women’s fit options.

Fundraiser benefitting the Fine Arts Department. The Lions Fine Arts Booster Club promotes the Fine Arts at SJCA by sponsoring events and providing funds for the Music, Theater, and Art Programs to increase performance/exhibit opportunities and supplies for all Fine Arts Departments.

Scholars in Grades K-6 may register to audition

Round One Auditions: Tues, October 10th from 3:30-5:00 p.m. FI-Cafe
Final Round: Friday, November 3rd @ 6:00 p.m. in FI-Cafe
Registration & $10 fee due by Friday, September 29th

REGISTER NOW!

OFFICIAL RULES!

Scholars in grades 7-12 may enter to demonstrate the embodiment of SJCA's mission, motto, and Lion pride! Which scholars will earn the title of Mr. and Miss SJCA?

Live Pageant

Thursday, October 12, 2023

6:00 p.m.

Fleming Island Campus Cafe

Entry packets and a $15 fee due Friday, September 29, 2023.

Entry packets are available from Mrs. Crosby.

Fundraiser benefitting the Fine Arts Department. The Lions Fine Arts Booster Club promotes the Fine Arts at SJCA by sponsoring events and providing funds for the Music, Theater, and Art Programs to increase performance/exhibit opportunities and supplies for all Fine Arts Departments.

Date: Friday, October 13, 2023

Time: 5:30-9:00 p.m.

Location: SJCA Fleming Island Campus Athletic Field

Cost: $5/person or $20/family PRE-PAY HERE!

During the event, you can also buy:

• Dinner from Grub Brothers
• Snow cones from Kona Ice
• Face painting and glow sticks
• VIP seating: First come, first serve

Fundraiser benefitting Lions Athletic Booster Club. The Lions Athletics Booster Club (LABC) raises funds through fundraising events: Back to School Bash, Fall Movie Night, and Spring Movie Night.

The Athletics Booster Club covers the athletics sports banquet (athletes' meal, pins/trophies/medals) and uniform renewals every couple of years for each sport (excluding sports that require personalized uniforms).

Date: Monday, October 16, 2023

Time: 1:00 p.m. Shot Gun Start

Location: Eagle Harbor Golf Club

REGISTER HERE!

Calling all thespians! SJCA now has a troupe of The International Thespian Society (ITS), which is an honor society for high school and middle school theatre scholars. Thespian troupes serve scholars in grades 9–12; scholars in grades 6 through 8 may join as Junior Thespians. Scholars who participate in theatre activities, performing or technical, are eligible to become members.

Once inducted, many leadership and educational opportunities become available.

Informational meeting for interested scholars:

Tues, October 17th

2:45-3:30 PM

Mrs. Crosby's room (134)

Google Classroom: 5di55fq

Date: Friday, October 20, 2023

Time: 5:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Location: Skate Station Funworks, Blanding Blvd., Orange Park

Cost: $8/skating or $12/unlimited attractions PAY AT THE DOOR

SJCA is proud to announce the 4th Annual Classical Literature Character Parade, which will be held on Wednesday, October 25th. Encourage your scholars to dress up as one of the literary characters from the Hillsdale K-12 Curriculum Scope & Sequence, which is located on the Academy’s website. If your scholar does not participate in the event, formal Wednesday uniform is required. Teachers and administration are available to answer questions regarding which characters are acceptable for this event.

KG-5th-grade scholars can join the seasonal fun with pumpkins, crafts, and snacks after school.

Date: Thursday, October 26, 2023

Time: 3:30-4:45 p.m.

Location: SJCA Fleming Island Campus Cafe

Cost: $25/scholar and $20/each sibling REGISTER NOW!

Fundraiser benefitting the Fine Arts Department. The Lions Fine Arts Booster Club promotes the Fine Arts at SJCA by sponsoring events and providing funds for the Music, Theater, and Art Programs to increase performance/exhibit opportunities and supplies for all Fine Arts Departments.

Date: Friday, October 27, 2023

Time: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Location: SJCA Fleming Island Campus Athletic Field

Get your spooky and creative juices going! This year's trunk-or-treat is going trunkless! Think Outside the "Trunk" and get creative! Pitch a tent, bring some hay bales...whatever you can imagine! Bring your candy (we will have a little extra to help top you off). This is one of SJCA's biggest events of the year, and we appreciate your participation!

• "Anything Except A Trunk" will be set up on the PE field. (No vehicles allowed).
• Games! (on the basketball court)
• Food Trucks!
• Silent Auction! (in the cafeteria)
• Admission Donations to benefit Chloe! (Read Chloe's Story Here)

Be sure to visit SJCA-FI's Cafetorium to experience the 7th-grade 'Mechanical Hound' project display. Vote with your dollars for the best display! Also in the cafetorium, SJCA's Annual Silent Auction Baskets bid to win another fabulous SJCA basket this year. Both events will benefit SJCA's Class of 2024 fundraising efforts.

Sign up for your "Trunkless Trunk" HERE

Introducing the long-awaited grammar school Musical Theatre Troupe!

For: Second-Grade to Fifth-Grade Scholars

Date: Mondays

Time: 3:00-4:00 p.m.

Location: Mrs. Crosby's Room

Cost: $30

• See Mrs. Crosby or Mrs. Little for a registration packet, due by Friday, Nov. 10
• Auditions are required for the casting of roles
• Auditions are on Monday, November 13 from 3:00-5:00 p.m.
• Ends May 11, 2024

The Lions Council has been busy working on a new fundraiser this year, An Evening with Santa. During the event, you and your family can meet Santa and take pictures with him, work together on a craft, and shop our annual Winter Wonderland Store, and more!

More information and costs are forthcoming.

Date: Friday, December 1, 2023

Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Location: SJCA Fleming Island Campus Cafe

Want to help plan this event? Email Now!

SJCA invites you to join us for an evening filled with beautiful music for the season. The annual Traditions of Christmas concert features SJCA Kindergarten through Third-grade scholars.

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

6:00 p.m.

First Baptist Church of Orange Park, located at 1140 Kingsley Avenue, Orange Park

Learn the true. Do the good. Love the beautiful.

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