Water Experiments: h2Oh!

Our fifth graders enjoyed doing some fun experiments at home involving water. How many drops of water will fit on a penny? Surely not that many; pennies are so small! However, our students were pleased to discover that over 100 drops of water can collect on the surface of a penny. Due to cohesion, the attraction of like molecules to one another, and the surface tension of the penny, the hydrogen atoms of the water molecules bond together and stay on the penny’s surface. Once the water reaches the edge of the coin, a little dome of water forms on top.. The bubble shape is a result of the water molecules clinging to one another. So fun!

The second experiment was a challenge to see if a paper clip would float on water. After some trial and error, students figured out that the surface tension of the water, with no help from other materials or substances in the water, was enough to make the paper clip float! Our students have enjoyed conducting science experiments at home and sharing them on the SeeSaw app.

Faculty Spotlight: Mrs. Michelle Shaffer

#WeAreSaintJamesSchool

#WeAreSaintJamesSchool

I teach: Elementary Science Lab

I've Taught for: 18 years (this is my first at STJ)

Hometown: Gaithersburg, Maryland

High school: Gaithersburg High School

College/Degree: I graduated from Xavier University (Cincinnati, Ohio).  I have a B.S. in Elementary and Special Education and an M.Ed. in Special Education with a focus in Gifted Education.

STJ Extracurricular: advisor for the 5th grade Junior Master Gardener Club

Favorite Book: This is hard to answer. I love to read! Some of my favorite works are from Toni Morrison. I’ve read Pride and Prejudice and Rebecca more times than I can count! In recent years, I really enjoyed Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi and Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson. As for children’s literature, I love Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech and the graphic novel El Deafo by Cece Bell. 

Favorite Movie: I don’t watch a ton of movies, but over the years Hitchcock’s Rebecca has remained one of my favorites. 

Favorite Food: Maryland crab cakes

Married to: Stephen Shaffer

Children: Kelsey Shaffer (9th grade); Bridget Shaffer (6th grade); and a 10 year old GSP dog named Cody

Fun Fact: I am a HUGE hockey fan. I grew up watching NHL hockey and going to (Washington) Caps games. My dad is rom Philly, so my team then and now is the Philadelphia Flyers.

Showing our Students some Love

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Even with all of our wonderful remote learning initiatives in place, nothing can substitute the face-to-face interactions that we receive at school. Although we can’t replace the interactions we are missing, we can still get a bit of (distanced) face time! Some of our high school faculty, including school counselor Jamie Payne, English teacher Dr. Catherine Winn, and high school principal’s assistant Bethany Shalayda, visited high school students’ homes to show their support on behalf of STJ. A wave through the window, a smile from the end of the driveway, or a “hey” from the front door was just what we needed to show we are in this together. #WeAreSaintJamesSchool

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Virtual Enrichments

Did you know all elementary students participate in weekly enrichment classes? Saint James School is proud to offer seven enrichments: art, music, library, technology, science lab, Spanish, and counselor time. Each class, grades Pre-K3 through fifth, visits a different enrichment each day. Our enrichment teachers work closely with each classroom teacher to integrate what is being taught in the classroom into the enrichment lesson. We are so lucky to have dedicated, full-time enrichment faculty at STJ. Even during our remote learning, students receive an enrichment video each day to supplement their daily remote learning schedules.

Pre-K Virtual Library Time with Mr. Martin

Happy First Day of Remote School!

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We have officially kicked off remote school! Day one was a huge success. Students logged in to participate in online lessons, discussions, and assignments. Even our Preschoolers joined in on online learning. Our faculty has been working tirelessly to provide quality content for our students while keeping the high standards STJ students are accustomed to. We had a wonderful “first day” of remote school!

#WeAreSaintJamesSchool

#WeAreSaintJamesSchool

Preparing for a new adventure

Our teachers have been hard at work preparing for our transition to online learning. Many spent their spring break (last week) gathering materials for virtual lessons. Monday and Tuesday of this week was spent deploying devices to elementary students (students grades 4-12 already participate in a 1:1 device program), handing out home learning materials, and distributing workbooks, worksheets, and various assignments. Making a supply “drive-thru,” our teachers were able to quickly and safely hand out the appropriate material to families through their car windows. Everyone is working so hard to make the transition to virtual learning as seamless as possible. What a blessing to have such dedicated faculty!

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#WeAreSaintJamesSchool

#WeAreSaintJamesSchool

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“As concern over the coronavirus spreads, I could not be more proud of the school where I teach. We are planning ahead, calmly addressing concerns of students, parents, and teachers, and ready to make the best decisions to keep everyone safe and still continue educating our students. Much remains undetermined, as it does everywhere, but what’s certain is that we are professionally preparing to handle this issue as we handle everything—intentionally, with flexibility, determination, creativity, and care.”
— Andy Clinton, STJ English department

Tasty Constellations

Miles Tafelski, K5

Miles Tafelski, K5

Emily Park, K5

Emily Park, K5

Andrew Jenkins, K5

Andrew Jenkins, K5

Our Kindergarteners are studying constellations in their astronomy and astrology unit. The children learned about space, stars and constellations. Using mini marshmallows and pretzel sticks, student created their very own constellations. This activity helped develop their understanding of the solar system and allowed for fun (and tasty) application engineering and mathematics skills!

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