I Don't Think You're Ready for This Jelly

Fourth grade students recently had the opportunity to dissect a squid in our elementary science lab. As a complement to their Life Science unit on adaptations, students were able to explore and identify structural adaptations. Students discovered structures such as the beak, esophagus, eyes, siphon, arms, tentacles, gills, and heart. But without a doubt, finding the ink sac, full of ink, was the most rewarding! The science lab gives students hands-on experiences that enhance their classroom learning.

“In class, we dissected a squid. It was very fun. We got to see a lot of the cool parts. One of the main parts that l though was cool was the beak. l got to take it out and examine it. The beak helps the squid bite down on hard prey like see turtles, crabs, and others.”

— Jens Conner Johnson, Grade 4

SeeSaw presentation by Addison Barber, grade 4

Welcome Back!

Happy New Year! We are back to school after a long and restful winter break! We are now gearing up for our annual Open House for prospective K3, K4, and Kindergarten students. Register to see our beautiful school and learn why every day is a great day at STJ!

Sunday, January 26

1:30pm - Leu Elementary Building

Do You Want to Build a Snowman?

This morning, Kindergarten through 2nd grade students played a game in P.E. called, “do you want to build a snowman.” The object was to run down the length of the gym, retrieve a “body part” of a snowman, and build him, piece-by piece. Students took turns grabbing hula hoops, cones, balls, and various pieces of equipment to complete their creations.

Students also competed in a reindeer pull. Using pool noodles and scooters, teams raced each “sleigh” to deliver Santa’s toys. Santa himself also joined in on some exercise.

All elementary students, Kindergarten through fifth grade, attend physical education class daily. In addition to recess, this daily activity helps strengthen the body and mind. P.E. is an integral part of educating the whole child and reinforces the importance of a healthy lifestyle. P.E. is proven to boost confidence, reduce stress, teach important lessons of teamwork, and contribute to increased attention and concentration in the classroom. Saint James School is committed to investing in the wellbeing of each student. Games and activities like this are just a glimpse into the fun we have each day!

Ho Ho Ho, Merry Fitmas! #WeAreSaintJamesSchool

How to Catch a Gingerbread Man

After reading the classic fairytale, The Gingerbread Man, first grade students were challenged to build a trap to catch him.  They eagerly accepted!  First, they brainstormed ways they could trap to catch the Gingerbread man. They then planned and built their designs using a variety of materials from around the classroom.

STEAM activities like this one help make learning fun and exciting. #WeAreSaintJamesSchool

No Meltdowns, Only Chill

#WeAreSaintJamesSchool

This week, high school is finishing up 9-weeks testing and semester finals. Testing can be especially stressful for students, but luckily, the high school counselors set up a “recharging” station in the guidance suite. Students (and teachers) stopped by to enjoy snacks, drinks, relaxing music, and stress-relieving activities. Calming exercise, mindful and low-pressure games, and coloring are some easy ways to take the mind off of studying and take a break. Good luck this week, students!

Even teachers utilized the relaxation stations!

Right Down Santa Claus Lane

Some very special visitors were spotted in Pre-K3 and Pre-K4 this morning! Old Saint Nick and Mrs. Claus met our preschoolers and enjoyed cookies and hot chocolate in our pod. The children were extra cozy in their holiday pajamas as they told Santa what they wished for. We love this fun Saint James PreK tradition.

“I asked for a flashwatch and a Batman plane. We leave cookies and milk for Santa. “ Wells, K4

“I asked for a dollhouse and a Barbie car.” Caroline, K4

“We met Santa! He has elves who are his helpers who make the toys and work hard all year. Santa will whistle and the reindeer fly in the air!” Joshua, K3

“I like getting presents and getting chicken! My family lights candles for Hanukkah.” Elliot, K4

#WeAreSaintJamesSchool

Stitch It

“Out of this World” Homecoming Week keychains

“Stitch It is a new club this year offered to high school students. Led by new faculty member Sana Burney, students work on little sewing projects that correspond with events inside or outside of school. During Homecoming week, students made cowboy aliens to clip onto their backpacks to go with the “out of this world” theme. Most recently, students worked on holiday pajama pants as they prepare for the upcoming Christmas season. This club is a great opportunity for students be creative, learn or improve their sewing skills, and just have fun!”

— Kelsey Shaffer, grade 9

Stitch It! club modeling their cozy pajama pants.

Pictured from Left to Right: Andrew Kellum, Sydney Baker, Caroline Gregory, Anna Kreischer, Kelsey Shaffer, Michaela Gaines, Mrs. Burney

Christmas Comes but Once a Year, Time for Joy and Cheer!

The Kindergarten-Senior Buddy Program is one of the most cherished traditions at Saint James School. Last week, buddies paired up to create ornaments together to hang on the elementary tree. Each month, buddies participate in an activity together. In fact, this morning our kindergartners performed their winter play, The Littlest Christmas Tree. All through the audience, senior buddies could be spotted cheering on their buddies on stage. These memories and friendships are so precious to both the children and their buddies.

#WeAreSaintJamesSchool

“I love my buddies! We have so much fun together. I look forward to our activities every month.”

— Gracie Sullivan, Senior

“My buddy is the best! He and I have a lot in common and it has been fun getting to know him this year!”

— Jack Branham, Senior

May the Best Robot Win!

Mr. Turner’s 6th grade robotics elective had a blast designing, programming, and building robots for a tug-of-war battle. Students worked in groups to build the fastest, toughest, and smartest robots. Using legos and ipads to program, each group made a unique fighting machine. Later, students programmed their bots to retrieve a piece of Halloween candy with a robotic arm. STEM activities like this are offered at all levels and a favorite elective choice in middle school

#WeAreSaintJamesSchool

“The purpose of the project was to learn how to make a claw or a lever and program it to retrieve something. Our design used a claw to open and close. A lot of people used a loop program, but we just used a single program and kept on restarting it.”

— Luke Catching, 6th grade

“We designed our program to move forward and the trap the candy to bring the candy back to base. Next, our program rises the lever and releases on a loop to drop the candy.
”

— JB Braswell, 6th grade

Faculty Spotlight: Ms. Theresa Straughn

I teach: Elementary Physical Education

I've Taught for: 35 years! This is my first year at Saint James

Hometown: Pensacola, Florida

High school: Pine Forest High School

College/Degree: Bachelor of Science from The University of Montevallo and Master of Education from AUM

STJ Extracurricular: Coach middle school volleyball and basketball

Favorite Book: anything by John Grisham

Favorite Movie: Beaches

Fun Fact: I love gardening!