A Peek Inside Saint James School
Saint James fifth graders created a New Years Resolution vision board in technology enrichment class. Students rang in the new year thinking about goals for 2022. What are some new things you want to try this year?
#WeAreSaintJamesSchool
By: Dr. Larry McLemore, Head of School
STJ fourth graders performing at the annual Alabama history play
Understanding the past is one of those foundations that informs us about who we are as Americans and how to be responsible citizens who make a positive difference in our communities. For many years, fourth graders at Saint James School have studied Alabama history. Children spend that school year learning about the people and events that have impacted our state in recent decades and extending back many centuries ago. Our fourth graders participate in the annual Alabama history play, and they visit sites that help us acknowledge and remember different peoples and cultures and different times. Many of the sites students see and the things they learn about in fourth grade have national and international significance, whether it be connected to the Civil War, the World Wars, or advancements in civil rights and human rights that began right here in our state and our local area. For several years, I have enjoyed the opportunity to guest-teach a class with our fourth grade students and provide them with a lesson about the role of Alabamians in advancing civil rights and human rights in America. The fourth grade year, like all years, is an opportunity to establish foundations for our students' learning and growth.
STJ 8th graders at The White House in Washington D.C.
Building those foundations continues year after year, and one memorable part of the building process for our students is the eighth grade year in which our students take a comprehensive course in United States history taught by Mrs. Venna Everett and get to again experience history first-hand through a trip to Washington, D.C. In our nation’s capital, students visit federal government sites, monuments, and places of historical significance. One of those places that leaves a lasting impression on so many of our students is the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Students walk through history and see the development of a government-sponsored persecution and murder of several million Jewish people. It is difficult and deeply emotional to comprehend the reality of this historical event. That process of confronting realities of the past and grappling with the questions of how this could have happened and what we can do about it today is an essential part of an education that builds up our students with the character, courage, and knowledge to serve others and to act as responsible citizens.
This year, our tenth graders have continued building their foundations as they are engaged in reading the novel To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee and Just Mercy, a memoir by Bryan Stevenson. As they read these works, our students learn more deeply about people in the history of Alabama and the United States who have acted with racism and hate toward other people. Again, our students are confronting the questions of how this could have happened and what we can do today. Like their visits to local historical sites in fourth grade and their trip to Washington, D.C. in eighth grade, our students had the opportunity to experience history with a visit to the new Legacy Museum in downtown Montgomery. The Legacy Museum, established by Bryan Stevenson and EJI, tells the story of slavery in the United States and the lasting effects it has had in history. Central to the legacy of slavery is racism. As students read and learn more about the effects of racism, they are learning both about the past and about how the past lives with us today. In confronting the past, we know our students are today becoming ready to act with character, courage, and knowledge in the future.
Saint James School students at The National Memorial for Peace and Justice: the nation’s first memorial dedicated to the legacy of enslaved Black people, people terrorized by lynching, African Americans humiliated by racial segregation and Jim Crow, and people of color burdened with contemporary presumptions of guilt and police violence.
Recently, I joined our tenth grade students on their visit to the Legacy Museum, coordinated by STJ English teacher Mrs. Joanna McCurdy. There, we walked through the history related to slavery in America. I witnessed students reflecting, discussing, and writing in their journals. Since then, I have heard students talking about what they learned and saw and how it informs what they are learning. The process continues. As it continues, our students are exploring more deeply their understanding of the past and they are becoming prepared as citizens who can act with responsibility and integrity. At Saint James School, it is my mission and the mission of our entire faculty, to empower our students to critically examine our core values of commitment, courage, community, and character.
“If you have not had the opportunity to visit the museum and memorial, I implore you to make it a priority. It is a beautiful and informative experience that will shake and move you in ways you didn’t even realize you needed.”
Saint James School was proud to host the second annual Young Trojans Tech Fair on January 13, 2022. Students in grades 3-5 were invited to design, create, and present projects to judges who scored their entries using a rubric. These projects required use of multiple applications and types of technology. The categories allowed for students with various interests an opportunity to use technology to express their ideas creatively.
“I love this fair because it gives the children an opportunity to explore their individual interests and combine them with technology. Students practice problem solving to see something from concept to completion.”
Fifth grader Olivia Willis presenting her digital animation project.
Fifth grader Will Roark presenting his video production project.
The students competed in the categories of Animation, Robotics, Productivity Design, Video Production, Digital Game Design, and Multimedia Applications.
The Young Trojans Tech Fair is a qualifier for the Regional ACTE Fair (Alabama Consortium for Technology in Education), to be held this April. Saint James will send students from all three school divisions to compete in the regional competition. The regional fair has additional scoring guidelines and requires a portfolio. The Young Trojans Tech Fair is a wonderful opportunity for elementary students to not only hone their skills in technology, but in oral presentation and delivery.
Technology is one of the seven enrichments students in grades PreK-3 through 5th grade experience each week. Mrs. Tina Waggoner, elementary technology enrichment specialist, teaches students practical technology usage and skills like typing, but more importantly she reinforces digital citizenship and internet safety. All of these lessons weave into our elementary curriculum and are incorporated into our school mission. We are so proud of these young learners who pushed themselves to participate in this competition. Well done, students!
The 2022 Young Trojans Tech Fair Winners and Runners-up pictured with elementary technology enrichment teacher, Mrs. Waggoner
Evelyn enjoying lunch with Mrs. Hassell, Associate Director of Admissions, and STJ Ambassadors Emma Sherlin, Haley Brightwell, and GeorgeAnn Killough.
Evelyn and Mrs. Bartlett in the elementary science lab
Evelyn assisting at Welcome Wednesday
Prospective families had a special treat during their recent visit to Saint James School. Second grader Evelyn Dum assisted the admissions office by serving as “junior ambassador” for the day. She assisted the STJ Ambassadors, the junior and senior hosts and hostesses of the school, during our Welcome Wednesday admissions event. Evelyn was a big part in making our preschool and Kindergarten guests feel welcome. She also assisted with the group craft for the children and helped the Ambassadors during the event. Evelyn also spent some time in the office learning a bit about what goes on behind the scenes in admissions. Then, she helped Mrs. Kate Bartlett, Associate Director of Marketing and Engagement, design a social media post for the school’s Facebook and Instagram accounts. Our junior ambassador then enjoyed lunch with the admissions staff and STJ Student Ambassadors. The STJ Student Ambassadors are high school junior and seniors leaders who represent Saint James School at various admissions and official school events. These students were selected after a highly competitive application and interview process- we can’t wait for Evelyn to apply when she becomes an upperclassman!
Evelyn in the Marketing and Engagement office
“Junior Ambassador for the Day” is a special experience available for auction during our annual school fundraiser, Sunrise to Sunset. Saint James families and friends of the school have the opportunity to bid on hundreds of items, including jewelry, antiques, tickets to sporting events, and special school-specific experiences like this. Sunrise to Sunset benefits our school Annual Fund, which helps meet current operating expenses, enhance programs and services, and campus maintenance. These unrestricted gifts make a difference in the school experience. Thank you to Evelyn and her family for supporting Saint James and participating in the fun that makes our school special. #WeAreSaintJamesSchool
In 7th grade, students are studying how DNA holds the instructions to make a new organism develop, survive and reproduce. A molecule of DNA is composed of two backbones composed of phosphate and sugar and four types of nitrogen bases. When isolated from a cell and stretched out, DNA looks like a twisted ladder. This shape is called a double helix. Students constructed their own sweet models of DNA by using marshmallows and Twizzlers. Who knew DNA could be so delicious?
#WeAreSaintJamesSchool
By: Kelsey Shaffer, junior
The weather is getting cold (well, sometimes) and the sun is down by 5:00, which can only mean one thing: the holiday season is finally here! And to kickstart the season, a group of high school students headed down to the local EastChase Chick-fil-A to spread some holiday cheer. Over Thanksgiving break, Mrs. Shoults and some of her students from the Saint James Art Department volunteered their Sunday afternoon to paint winter and holiday scenes on the windows of the Chick-fil-A. The paintings, located along part of the drive-thru, are a great way to bide the time while waiting to place your order. Students painted eight windows, with pictures ranging from ornaments and reindeer to snowglobes and the Grinch. And no Chick-fil-A artwork is complete without the famous cow (wearing a Santa hat, of course)! Despite the cold, it was a great way for students to spend the last day of the break doing something they enjoy and spreading joy in the community. So next time you find yourself at the EastChase Chick-fil-A, order a seasonal peppermint milkshake and enjoy the holiday window paintings created by Saint James’ very own!
#WeAreSaintJamesSchool
by: Felicia Arnold, 4th grade teacher
Fourth-grade math students and teachers made Christmas chains using measurement conversions . Each student made a 1 ft section of chain and multiplied to find the total length in feet and inches. 49 x 1' = 49' and 49 x 12'= 588" We then decorated our pod using the green and red chain to add a little holiday cheer to our space. We had a blast using a newly learned math skill. #WeAreSaintJamesSchool
The Holiday Stars, Saint James School’s elementary choir singers, made a special visit earlier this month. Students traveled to Oak Grove Inn, an assisted living and retirement community in Montgomery. Residents enjoyed performances of upbeat holiday favorites like “Feliz Navidad,” and “Step Into Christmas,” as well as traditional songs like “Silent Night.” The Holiday Stars have performed at school events like Holiday Convocation and the Winter Choral Concert, but the visit to Oak Grove was the group’s first off-campus performance. Mr Will Reese, our elementary music director, is proud of the students not only for their beautiful singing, but also for their giving hearts and excitement to share their talents and spread joy to the Oak Grove residents.
#WeAreSaintJamesSchool
Miles and Nolan Bleiberg shared the story of Hanukkah with the student body.
Dr. Larry McLemore with Santa and his elves.
by: Kendal Wright, Student Ambassador
Every year before winter break Saint James comes together to celebrate the upcoming festivities through our Holiday Convocation. For the high school and middle school students, this time is meant to ease stress before exams and allow us to spend time with our peers one last time before testing and break. For the elementary, convocation allows these students to spend time with the older grades and experience and participate in our school’s traditions. Everyone comes dressed in their best holiday attire, filling the gym with Christmas sweaters and Santa hats. This year, Dr. McLemore kicked off the assembly with a speech and wished everyone good luck on their exams.
Then, Mr. Clinton came to the podium dressed as the Pink Nightmare from the movie The Christmas Story. His appearances included iconic scenes from the movie such as the leg lamp and a message from Little Orphan Annie. He introduced the school choir that provided the music while elementary students performed a dance. After, high school choir students led everyone in singing songs like Jingle Bells, We Wish You A Merry Christmas, and Oh Christmas Tree. Then, students from the elementary, middle, and high schools gave speeches about the meaning of Christmas and Hanukkah and how these important holidays have impacted them. They told the story of Christmas and talked about their favorite memories and traditions. The story of Hanukkah was told by two middle school students who shared their traditions by passing out bags of chocolate coins. After hearing about the meaning of these holidays, Saint James received a surprise visit from Santa. He brought his elves to help pass out candy to all the students. Holiday Convocation ended with each grade singing part of the song The Twelve Days of Christmas, based on grade. This is likely most of the students' favorite holiday tradition because it allows each grade to participate and get into the holiday spirit. Convocation is a time that all students will remember as they grow up and continue their lives outside of Saint James. It’s a time that not only lets us forget about classwork for a little while but also brings us together as a school. It encourages camaraderie between the students and faculty that defines the environment at Saint James. We are creating traditions and friendships that will last a lifetime through an experience unique to our school. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!
Students at the 2021 STJ Holiday Convocation. #WeAreSaintJamesSchool
Mrs. Cappilouto with her grandson, Charlie Sommer
by: Michelle Roark, first grade teacher
Corrine Cappilouto, past faculty member and Saint James School Grandparent Club officer, shared the story of Hanukkah with 1st grade students this week. She brought menorahs from home and explained their significance. She taught us how to play dreidel, and even brought each student little dreidels with a copy of the rules so they can teach their families and play at home. She also showed us how to make a edible dreidel using marshmallows, pretzels, and chocolate kisses. Our students had a great time learning the story of Hanukkah and playing (and eating!) their dreidels. #WeAreSaintJamesSchool
First graders enjoyed making and eating their dreidels!