GLOSSARY OF ST. JOHN’S TERMINOLOGY
Acolytes: Acolytes have special roles supporting our common liturgies, especially our celebrations of the Holy Eucharist (Holy Communion/“Mass”). St. John’s invites students to serve in these capacities.
After School Enrichments: Enrichment classes are offered after school at each campus and vary in offering and cost. Typical classes have included FitKids, cooking, dance, art, robotics, and Taekwondo. Classes are held in trimester format, and details will be communicated through Eagles Wings and via email.
Battle of the Books: Each year students in Grades 3-8 read books on the Sunshine State Young Reader Award Books list. They take tests to qualify to be on teams which represent our school at the Bay Area Independent Schools Competition.
Birthday Book: K(4) and K(5) students donate a book to the school at a parent chapel on a prearranged Friday for their birthday
Biz Town: Grade 5 students first take part in a series of classroom lessons where they learn about working in and being consumers in today’s world. They work together to create business plans, calculate operating costs, design a marketing campaign, apply for jobs, vote for city officials, and explore careers.
Celebratio: This event is a celebratory fundraiser. It offers many ways for parent(s)/guardian(s) to be involved and support the school, such as donating a Live or Silent Auction item, being on the Celebratio committee, as well as gathering with your friends, attending the event, and bidding on your favorite items. It is held in the spring, and is a much anticipated, popular, and festive event that greatly benefits our school.
Celebration of Thanks Performance: K(5) students Celebration of Thanks performance in the Lower Division Church, the Friday before the Thanksgiving break.
Choice Time: Middle Division students have Choice Time on Mondays and Fridays during Physical Education. Students may make up a test, visit a teacher for extra help, or stay in the gym and choose an activity
Circus Day: A Circus themed party on the last day of school at the Primary Division.
Class Books: Parents’ Association arranges for parent(s)/guardian(s) to take pictures throughout the school year, and then put the book together for each student to receive.
Dances: Students in Grades 7 and 8 have four dances per year: Halloween, Christmas, February, and Graduation.
Deck: The deck is an outdoor rooftop play area used by the Lower Division for recess and Physical Education classes.
Diligence Award: The Diligence Award is annual award in each section of Grades 1-8 to the student who, in the opinion of the faculty, has consistently demonstrated the greatest academic diligence throughout the school year. Diligence Awards continue to be the highest honor bestowed at St. John’s.
Directory: A listing of St. John’s families is available via the parent(s)/guardian(s) portal on the school website.
Dress Down Days (also known as Spirit Days): Every Friday, all students may wear approved St. John’s spirit wear attire with their uniform bottoms. Primary Division girls may wear navy, khaki, or black solid bottoms or St. John’s spirit dresses. Please, no Field Day shirts.
Eagle Cup: The Eagle Cup is a team-based competition that is held three times per year at the Lower Division. Students are put into teams consisting of mixed students from Grades 1, 2, 3, and 4. The students win points through competition puzzles, higher order thinking activities, as well as teamwork.
Eagles Camp: SJE offers a summer camp for all rising Grade 1-8 St. John’s students as well as to students in the local community. Eagles Camp is located at Lower and Middle Divisions for 6 weeks through June and July (except for the week of July 4th). Half day options are 8:00am-11:00am or 12:00pm-3:00pm. Full day is from 8:00am-3:00pm. After care is available until 6pm for $30/day per child.
Eagles Wings Newsletter: Every Thursday, the Eagles Wings newsletter is sent home via email. It is a must read and will keep you up to date on upcoming school events and necessary information.
Eaglet Camp: Eaglet Summer Camp is open to incoming K(4), K(5), and Grade 1 students. Eaglet Summer Camp is located at the Primary Division and is open June and July (except the week of July 4th). The half-day options are from 8:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and the full-day option is from 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. After Care program is available until 6:00 p.m., at an additional cost.
Educational Records Bureau (ERB): St. John’s students, beginning in Grade 3, take the ERB-CTP standardized achievement test in the spring. Parent(s)/guardian(s) will receive their children’s ERB test scores from the Educational Records Bureau.
Field Day: The Friday before Spring Break, students in Grades 1-8 gather to compete in various events. The homeroom from each grade that earns the most points receives a trophy.
Field Trips: Varied throughout the school year, K(4) and K(5) students take two local field trips per year. Grades 1-4 take at least one local field trip per year. Grades 5-8 take class trips throughout the year.
Final Exams: Students in Grades 4-8 take examinations at the end of each year. Students in Grade 4 take four exams: Math, Reading, Vocabulary and Writing. Students in Grades 5-8 take an exam for the following subjects: English, Latin, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Spanish.
First Day of School: Primary Division students are escorted into their classrooms by their teachers and teacher assistants. Lower Division students arrive at school on the first day following normal morning arrival procedures and routine whether it be via car line drop off or morning walk up. After being welcomed, students will be guided to their respective homeroom classrooms to begin the first day of school with their homeroom teachers. Middle Division students attend the Opening Ceremony in the Louis Marx, Jr. Gymnasium. After class lists are called, students head to class and begin the first day of school.
Florida Keys’ Field Trip: Grade 7 students experience a five-day trip to the Florida Keys each spring. Students hike the Everglades, snorkel among vibrant tropical fish, and visit the world’s only state-certified sea turtle veterinary hospital. This trip introduces concepts of environmental science, marine biology, and life science in a fun and interactive way.
Florida Springs Field Trip: Each December, Grade 5 students spend two days exploring Florida Springs by visiting Fort DeSoto Park and the Crystal River area. Students swim with the manatees and visit the Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park. In addition, students experience collecting invertebrates and dissecting squid at the Tampa Bay Watch.
Florida West Coast Athletic League (FWCL): St. John’s Middle Division Athletic Program participates in sports competitions sanctioned by the FWCL.
Gasparilla Children’s Parade: Grade 8 students attend the parade on a float and are chaperoned by the Head of School as well as Middle Division teachers.
Gasparilla Pirate Invasion: Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla members “invade” each Division on the same morning, hand out beads, and visit with children in their classrooms.
Geography Fair: Grade 6 students research and prepare group presentations and food based on a country. Parent(s)/guardian(s) and Middle Division students attend the Geography Fair.
Graduation: Grade 8 students are celebrated each May with a special Eucharist service in the Church. They receive diplomas and awards during the service.
Grandparents’ Day: St. John’s welcomes all Grandparents and special friends to all Divisions in February. Activities and times vary.
High School Graduates Event: Each spring, an event honoring high school graduates who graduated from St. John’s is held to celebrate heading off to college.
High School Information Meeting: Each September, parent(s)/guardian(s) of Grade 8 students gather for a meeting which overviews the admissions process and deadlines for high school applications.
Homeroom Parent: Each class designates one or two parent/guardian volunteers, who serve as liaisons between Parents’ Association and class families for a variety of special activities, including class parties and other volunteer opportunities. If you have questions about classroom activities or school events, your Homeroom Parent will have the answers or will direct you to someone who does. Parent(s)/guardian(s) can sign up to be a Homeroom Parent in April for duties the following school year.
Impact Report: A comprehensive report on the School’s activities throughout the preceding year, intended to provide stakeholders information about St. John’s activities and financial performance.
‘Independent School 101’: The Head of School hosts a morning and evening gathering for all families to help them better understand the governance and operational functions of St. John’s Episcopal School, and to address any questions or topics families have about the independent school experience.
Innovation & Media: The Lower and Middle Divisions are equipped with an Innovation Center, which also has innovative spaces for students to foster a mindset of critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration while learning the fundamental concepts of technology operations.
Joint Eucharist: Middle Division students travel to Lower Division to celebrate Holy Eucharist together in our beautiful St. John’s Church. These Joint services are held in November near Thanksgiving and on Maundy (Holy) Thursday.
Latin Forum: Students in Grades 6-8 register to compete in the Regional Latin Forum. They create projects, take tests, and compete in other events for both individual and school awards. Students who achieve awards in the Regional Forum are invited to the State Latin Forum.
Lock-In: Grade 8 students attend an evening of activities, including dinner and yearbook signing.
Long Chapel Service: Once a week, Lower and Middle Divisions participate in the Holy Eucharist (Holy Communion/“Mass”), which lasts longer than our morning prayer liturgies. The School Chaplain celebrates these Eucharistic services. Parent(s)/guardian(s) and families are invited to attend as scheduled.
Lunch Program: The lunch program offers several lunch choices every day, with a focus on providing quality food that our students will enjoy. Lunches must be pre-ordered from Tampa Lunch Company, an outside food service vendor. For ordering details,
visit MySJE > Resources > Lunch. Parent(s)/guardian(s) are not permitted to bring soft drinks, coffee drinks, or fast food to students. Uber Eats and other food delivery services are not permitted on School property.
Magnus Health: An online software solution used by St. John’s for collecting, managing, and securely storing student health information. Parent(s)/guardian(s) upload their child’s health records to the Magnus Health site. To access the site, parent(s)/guardian(s) log into MySJE parent(s)/guardian(s) portal.
Maundy Thursday: Also called Holy Thursday, Maundy Thursday is the Christian feast that marks Jesus’ Last Supper with his disciples before his arrest and death. It is celebrated the Thursday before Easter Sunday, typically during the evening. “Maundy” comes from the Latin mandatum (command), referring to Jesus’ command to “love one another as I have loved you.”
Morning Greeters: The Primary Division enlists the help of parent(s)/guardian(s) to open car doors in the morning at arrival. The Lower Division Grade 4 students volunteer to open car doors at arrival.
Movie Night: Student Council sponsors Movie Night(s) in Louis Marx, Jr. Gymnasium for Middle Division students.
Moving Up Day: In the Spring, students in K(5) are dropped at the Lower Division for Chapel, a tour, and a teacher meet-and-greet with Grade 1. Students in Grade 4 bus to the Middle Division for a tour and orientation of the Middle Division.
MyBackPack: MyBackPack is the student information system used by St. John’s. MyBackPack provides services such as keeping parent(s)/guardian(s) up to date on their student’s progress to an online gradebook for faculty, online applications and enrollment contracts, searchable directories, donations, class notes, alumni community involvement, and more.
National Junior Classical League (NJCL): The National Junior Classical League is an organization for Middle Division students in classical courses. Students in Grades 7 and 8 who meet academic criteria, and who also attend Latin Forum are invited to be inducted each spring.
National Junior Honor Society (NJHS): The National Junior Honor Society is the nation’s premier organization established to recognize outstanding middle level students. More than just an honor roll, NJHS serves to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship. Students in Grades 7 and 8 who meet academic criteria and complete 20 service hours may apply.
Nativity Play: Grade 4 students put on a Nativity play before Christmas, led by the Teacher of Divinity and the Teacher of Music. Night of the Arts: Each spring student art is displayed in Louis Marx, Jr. Gymnasium.
Opening Ceremony: Middle Division students begin the school year with an Opening Ceremony. Students attend the Opening Ceremony in the Louis Marx, Jr. Gymnasium. After class lists are called, students head to class and begin the first day of school.
Open House: An Open House will be held at the Primary Division in the fall. Private tours for Primary, Lower, and Middle Divisions may be scheduled with the office of Enrollment Management.
Parent Chapel: Primary and Lower Division parent(s)/guardian(s) are invited to attend Chapel with their child on scheduled days starting at the end of September. The respective Division Director will communicate the first September parent Chapel.
Picture Days: Individual photos are taken the late August and early September. Grade 8 students are permitted to wear dress down attire for their individual photo. Retakes and class photos are taken in October.
Primary Division ‘Meet-the-Teacher’: Parent(s)/guardian(s) and students are invited to visit their child’s classroom and meet their teachers.
Reading Partners: Grades 1 and 4 meet once a week to read books with each other.
Santa Run: ‘Tis the season to tie your shoelaces and be jolly for a reason! St. John’s members past, present and future come together to celebrate the community with this event. Typically held in early December at Gadsden Park, there is a family fun run, games, obstacle courses, and more. The event is free and open to all St. John’s community members.
Semester Exams: Students in Grades 4-8 take examinations at the end of each semester. Students in Grade 4 take exams in: Math, Reading, Vocabulary, and Writing. Students in Grades 5-8 take exams in the following subjects: English, Latin, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Spanish.
Senators: Grade 4 students, who are voted to be a leader and help with sponsoring a community project throughout the school year.
Science Fair: Grade 5 students apply the scientific method to conduct independent research. Students present research to parent(s)/guardian(s) and fellow students at the Science Fair.
Sneak Peek: Each January, students in K(5) and Grade 4 have the opportunity to visit the primary or middle campus with their parents to see the campus they will attend the next school year and meet the teachers.
Soaring Eagle Award: Students in Grades 1-8 who demonstrate exemplary citizenship throughout the year may be selected for the Soaring Eagle Award, to be announced at the year-end awards ceremony.
Socials: Students in Grades 5-6 enjoy three or four socials each school year. Socials are held after school and snacks are provided.
Spanish Honor Society: An organization for Middle Division students enrolled in Spanish. Students in Grades 7 & 8, who meet the academic criteria, are invited to be inducted in the spring.
Spirit Day (also known as Dress Down Day): Every Friday, all students may wear approved St. John’s spirit wear attire with their uniform bottoms. Primary Division girls may wear navy, khaki, or black solid bottoms or St. John’s spirit dresses. Please, no Field Day shirts.
Spirit Week: An all-school event organized by Student Council, and held the week prior to Spring Break, where the students typically dress up in themed attire.
Sports Banquet: Each spring a banquet is held to recognize Middle Division student-athletes.
Sports Program: The St. John’s athletic program’s primary goals are to have fun, enjoy participating in an activity, build selfconfidence, and develop positive social skills.
Spring Fling: K(5) student musical performance led by the Teacher of Music on the first Friday in May.
Spring Musical: A performing arts opportunity for students in Grades 5-8 to participate in a musical production. An afternoon performance for Middle Division students and two evening performances are scheduled over a two-day period
St. Augustine Field Trip: Each fall, Grade 6 students spend two days in St. Augustine. The trip brings students into contact with some of the most important and exciting historical sites and museums in St. Augustine, designed to link classroom lessons with living history experiences.
St. Francis Day, Blessing of the Animals: This is a fun-filled celebration and blessing of our community’s animals. Parent(s)/guardian(s) may bring pets to the Lower Division. If students cannot bring their pets, they are encouraged to bring a leash, a collar, and a photo or another item to be blessed.
St. John’s Open: An annual golf tournament event for St. John’s community members.
Student Council: A small group of Middle Division students, who are elected by the student body, which act as the student government/leaders for the School.
Used Uniform Store: Gently used uniforms are collected and available for sale at bargain prices throughout the year. Look for periodic updates about Used Uniform Store sales in the Eagles Wings newsletter or inquire with your division office. All proceeds support Parents’ Association operations.
Yosemite National Park, CA Field Trip: Each October, Grade 8 students enjoy a five-day trip exploring the majestic sites of Yosemite National Park in California, walking through the famed giant redwood trees in the Muir Woods, and taking a bus tour of several popular San Francisco sites.