A Look into Our Future!

What do you want to be when you grow up? For over twenty-five years, our 8th graders have been exploring a variety of occupations by shadowing professionals during our uniquely designed 8th Grade Career Week. The support from our parents and the community has been a huge factor in the success of this program.   In fact, Saint James Middle School was recognized by the National Middle School Association for implementing effective middle level concepts such as our 8th Grade Career Week!

Saint James School continues to lead the way for quality middle level education today. On Friday, August 24th, our 8th graders kicked off the year with the first of many Career Week assemblies.  During this first assembly, 8th graders discussed the shadowing requirements for our 2018-2019 Career Week. During this week, our 8th graders will shadow FIVE Professionals while receiving three days away from school to complete this task—Oh, the places they will go!

Our middle school counselor, Mrs. Cherie Meadows, said  “Our students are encouraged to consider a wide range of careers in order to expose them to multiple options for their future. I can't wait to see what all they've been able to find for their shadowing experiences this year!”

As Atticus Finch once said, “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view…until you climb in his skin and walk around in it.”  With our Career Week program and the support of many, our 8th grade students will be doing just that—walking around in the shoes of various professionals while considering their future!

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Finding the perfect “match”

It was a gorgeous day on The Quad as excited Kindergarteners lined up to meet a person that will become a special part of their life for years to come, their Senior Buddy.  Each Kindergartener received a shoe and walked around a circle of Seniors to find their “shoe match” adorning their buddy’s foot.

Trinity Hunter, STJ senior, said “other than just being a fun time, the K5/Senior buddy program truly does give a unique perspective. Not only do we get to see our years of growth through the eyes of our K5 buddies, but also see firsthand the beginning of their journeys through Saint James. It's pretty cool to be standing at point B while looking at point A!”

The Kindergarten/Senior Buddy tradition started almost 20 years ago, in 1999.  The special bond between these students grows strong throughout the year, as they participate in a field trip to the zoo, pumpkin painting, a scavenger hunt around campus and kite day.  Senior Walk, a special event when the buddies walk hand in hand and are recognized on The Quad, is a sweet way to cap off their year together. This special tradition lives on at STJ!

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Saint James Eighth Graders Soaring High

Have you ever dreamed of flying?  On Friday, September 7th, our eighth graders attended Dannelly Field’s STEM Day where they learned all about the 187th Fighter Wing and the Red Tails.  STJ’s eighth grade math teacher, Sarah Moncrief, said “the event featured an air show with the 187th Fighter Wing, a demonstration on weapon loading, opportunities to view and walk through different aircrafts, a military working dog demonstration, a fighter pilot meet and greet, and other exciting stem opportunities. It was a fun filled day full of experiential learning!”

Several military officials also remarked on the excitement of the day. Maj. Shawn Daley, STEM Day Director, said “I would hope that every Airman’s passion and every person’s passion that is wearing the uniform would be passionate to extend the opportunities that we have here at the Alabama Air National Guard. I think making a difference today with these kids is the reason why we’re out here.” Colonel Ed Casey, the 187th Fighter Wing Vice Commander, said “We have a fifth generation airplane and we need fifth generation airmen. So we need those folks that are going to have that STEM background and are going to be able to work with the technology.”

Not only do our middle school students have the very best teachers, they also are provided with the very best learning experiences—both inside and outside the classroom.  Jake Streeton, one of our eighth graders, said that "My favorite part was learning about the missiles and bombs. It was a really fun day!" Parker Gallion, another eighth grader,  really enjoyed this field trip and commented, "I enjoyed watching the K-9 demonstration. It was neat to see how they trained the dogs and how well they reacted to their trainers."

Through all of their experiences, both inside and outside the classroom, we are confident that our students will soar into the future!

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It’s a great day at STJ!

The first week of school is always buzzing with excitement. Uniforms are crisp and new, pencils are sharpened and color sorted in spanking new pouches, and back-to-school haircuts reveal smiling faces.  However, jumping back into the school routine can be a little intimidating, especially for new students starting their first year at Saint James School. Even our returning students who know the buildings inside and out have a little butterfly in their stomachs as mom’s car door opens that first day of carpool.  

This year, STJ is focusing on our theme of “building communities of character.” What better way to kick off a new year than with a smiling face and warm greeting as students walk into the school?  STJ’s Great Day Greeters are groups of upper level students, representing different teams and organizations, who serve as the welcome committee for the elementary school. A high-five, hug, or friendly “hey!” is all it takes to make those butterflies disappear.  Look for our Great Day Greeters every Friday. They’ll be the ones holding doors and building our community, one high-five at a time. It’s a great day at STJ!

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