Monarch Way Station: The Circle of Life

High School biology club measuring the progress of the chrysalis and cucumber plant.

We are so proud of our school community garden! We were able to provide an environment to house two Monarch chrysalises this fall. Unfortunately, the butterflies never progressed to the point of metamorphosis, but simply having caterpillars in the garden is a huge step of our Monarch Way Station! Several factors can affect the success of a chrysalis: stress, predators, and climate. The recent cold snap in Montgomery likely contributed to the stunting of the chrysalis’s development. Humidity, wind, and temperature are all factors that make the growing environment safe or unsafe for caterpillars.

One of the two chrysalises after the recent cold snap in Montgomery.

Kindergarteners, sixth graders, and high school Biology Club students were some of the groups measuring and taking note of the daily progress. Students visited the garden to track the growth (or lack thereof) and made predictions based on the scientific method. The cucumber plant, that started out small, has been thriving and producing cucumbers that were harvested and enjoyed by some Kindergarten students. We will continue to outfit the garden with Monarch friendly plants to encourage more butterfly visitors during the next migration! #wearesaintjamesschool

Going Batty at STJ!

1st grade students at the elementary science lab “bat cave.”

The elementary science “bat cave.”

Who hangs upside-down and stays awake at night? No, not the Pre-K2 students… it’s bats!

We learned all about bats this week! Our elementary science lab coordinator, Ms. Carissa Gibbons, invited a bat expert from A-Z Animals to present some amazing bat facts to our students. Vicky Smith, also known as “The Bat Lady,” is proud to provide environmental education to students around Alabama. Vicky is an award-winning environmental educator and experienced naturalist, teaching over 5,000 people each year. Vicky loves these little winged furry creatures of the night and we were so happy she shared her passion with us.

Bats are sometimes thought to be scary, but that is not true! We learned that bats play an essential role in pest control, pollinating plants and dispersing seeds. Because bats eat so many insects, they lessen the need for use of chemical pesticides in agriculture. Bats are not a threat to humans- especially those in our region. Sixteen different bat species are found in the state of Alabama. Most are very small (around the size of your hand).

Halloween’s creepiest critters are actually a very important part of our ecosystem. Thanks, bats!

Bats can live more than 30 years!

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Bats can fly at speeds up to 60 miles per hour

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Bats can eat up to 1,200 mosquitoes an hour

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Baby bats are called pups!

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Bats are nocturnal

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Bats are the only mammals that can fly

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Bats can live more than 30 years! 〰️ Bats can fly at speeds up to 60 miles per hour 〰️ Bats can eat up to 1,200 mosquitoes an hour 〰️ Baby bats are called pups! 〰️ Bats are nocturnal 〰️ Bats are the only mammals that can fly 〰️

Inaugural Trojan Trot

by: AJ Kavlick, senior

First place finisher, STJ 8th grader, Zach Rains.

The Saint James Cross Country team at the inaugural Trojan Trot.

The Saint James Cross Country team held its first Trojan Trot at Shakespeare Park on Saturday, September 24. This marks the first community race Saint James has hosted in over 10 years. The Trojan Trot certainly could not have happened without the help of the Cross Country team and their families, who volunteered to help with the event. Shoutout to Coach Hampton Mitchel and her family, who organized this exciting event. We were grateful to be sponsored by Smith-Kastner Wealth Management, along with 13 other sponsors! Over 160 runners registered for the 5k and 1 miles races respectively. It wasn’t all students, though; we had runners of all ages and walks of life come out to support our school. Through this unique opportunity, the Cross Country team got to know our community a bit better by reaching out beyond the Saint James family. The Trojan Trot also met its fundraising goals! All proceeds from the event have gone towards funding our state-championship winning cross country team. In addition to the races, there were several other activities to take part in, such as face painting and obstacle courses. It wasn’t all just fun and games, though; the competition was fierce! For the 5K, Zach Rains, Molly Phillips, Webb Chastain, and Nick Wolf won first in their age groups. In the 1 mile, the winners were Joey Barton, Royce Connor, Landon Rust, and Keo Bailey respectively. Overall, the Trojan Trot was a huge success, and we look forward to continuing this new tradition! #wearesaintjamesschool

Faculty Spotlight: Mrs. Maria Light

I teach: Pre-K3 Teacher's assistant

I've Taught for: I worked at Maxwell Elementary/Middle School as an Educational Aide in Kindergarten for 3 years.

Hometown: Miami, FL

High school: G. Holmes Braddock High School

College/Degree: Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management, Faulkner University 2015; Master of Science in Human Resource Management, Troy University 2017

The Light Family

Family: Husband Rob, daughter Eva (7th grade), and son Joseph (6th grade)

Favorite Book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Favorite Movie: Life is Beautiful

Favorite Food: Paella

Favorite thing about working at STJ: The STJ staff and students have welcomed my family warmly. My 12 and 11 year old children are happy to come to school every morning.

Fun Fact: My family and I have a small farm with chickens, goats, dogs and cats.

AP to 3rd Grade

An illustration from “Fear-Con,” by AP student Sophie Caradori

Mrs. Ward’s Ap English Language and Composition students presented a fun project to STJ 3rd graders. The advance placement upperclassmen had an assignment to compose a story for a specific age group. This type of writing for an audience is an exercise helpful in preparing for the upcoming AP test this May. Students wrote for our third graders, who are between the ages of 8-9, using vocabulary and rhetoric appropriate for that

Third grade students with AP students Justin Kang and Sophie Caradori

auience. Two juniors, Sophie Caradori and Justin Kang, presented their stories to the elementary students. Our third graders loved the stories and had lots of questions about the writing process and what they enjoyed about the assignment. Presentations like this are an example of how our campus bridges division levels to create a cohesive school community. At Saint James, it is not uncommon to see upperclassmen and elementary students participating in learning together during the school day. #wearesaintjamesschool

Mrs. Broughton’s 3rd grade class listening to presentations from AP English Language and Composition students

Marching Trojans on the Plains

by: Rose Statam, STJ Marching Trojans Drum Major

Honor Band students marching on the field at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Four Saint James marching band members were selected to perform at halftime during the Auburn University vs San Jose State football game. To play with the Auburn University High School Honor Band is a unique opportunity for high school students to experience taking the field to perform alongside the AUMB in front of a crowd of over 80,000.

Saint James band students Davis Taylor, Ari’Yah Brown, James Ezra Brown, and Rose Statam.

To play with the Auburn University Marching Band really was a treat! We got to see them practice in the morning, and then practice with them in our specific instrument section. The college students and staff were all very friendly and made the experience very enjoyable. Getting to play on the field was really cool! Compared to playing for a crowd of high school students at Friday night games or even at large competitions, playing at Jordan-Hare Stadium was something special. The scale of people really didn’t hit me until we got onto the field right before we performed. I really am grateful and honored for the incredible opportunity to play with the Auburn University Marching Band! #wearesaintjamesschool

2022 Freshman Retreat - A Bonding Experience

The zip lines were a favorite

By: Haley Hust, 9th grade

Haley and her classmate on the low ropes course.

The 2022 Freshman Retreat was a fantastic bonding experience for everyone. The Freshman Retreat is a Saint James tradition where all the new ninth graders and senior peer leaders take a day trip to Camp Butter and Egg in Troy, AL. It is a day full of team-building activities and outdoor adventures! From ziplining and canoeing to many more fun activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Our trip was one of the most fun field trips to date. 

Team-building exercises

We boarded the bus to Camp Butter and Egg at 8:00 am. Everyone had their fingers crossed it would not rain, but Mother Nature had other plans. When we arrived, the clouds were thick, and the sun was nowhere around. Thankfully, we participated in a few team-building activities before the rain decided to fall. While split into our advisory groups, we went to different games in the woods. We started with the mini-game titled “Minefield,” where we had to work around wires without touching them. Teamwork and patience were essential to complete the challenge. We moved to an activity with one wooden plank we all had to stand on to balance it. To make the challenge harder, we had to sing “Row Row Row Your Boat” twice before the wood hit the ground again! It took trial and error, but we eventually did it. We completed a few more activities, but we could not finish all of them before the rain began to pour. 

One of my favorite memories from camp was running through the woods as the rain poured. My friends and I sprinted, laughed, and danced through the downfall. By the time we reached the indoor facility, everyone was soaking wet! Inside, we ate a snack before doing more mini-games. We played with tarps and tennis balls, cards, and charades! By the time the rain stopped, it was time for lunch. Lunch was a delicious hamburger, beans, chips, and homemade brownies! The kitchen staff outdid themselves. After lunch, we returned to the indoor facility to split up and go to our next activities. 

Team-building exercises

The camp leaders let us play a game of rock-paper-scissors to pick where everyone would start their main outdoor activities. My group began at the waterfront. I chatted with friends on canoes and raced on pedal boats. A few people may have gotten wet, but everyone was having a great time. Soon enough, we were allowed to explore the camp without being in specific groups. My friends and I put on our harnesses and helmets and headed for the ziplines! I was afraid of heights, but I was excited to conquer that fear. The first zipline was slower and was an excellent warm-up for the next two. My friends cheered me on as I flew through the air. The second zipline was my absolute favorite! It went through the woods and was super fast. My adrenaline was high, and my fear was gone. I was having the best time. The third and final zipline was over the lake. The view was incredible, and I waved to my friends on the canoes. I have not heard of anybody at camp who did not love the ziplines. Sadly, after many more adventures, it was time to board the buses to go home. 

Team-building exercises

After a great day of camp, we were all tired, but sad to leave. Camp Butter and Egg was a wonderful experience, to say the least. I bonded with so many great people, and I will never forget the memories I made. I am so glad our class got to experience this wonderful tradition! 

#WeAreSaintJamesSchool

STJ Arts in the Summer:  Exploring and Inspiring

by: Dr. Sallye York, Arts Department Chair

Senior Natalie Magee in Savannah, GA learning acrylic painting techniques and fashion design at SCAD.

Junior Austin Oh at the University of Montevallo’s week-long Young Musicians Camp.

At Saint James School, the arts are a part of every student’s path.  We are truly proud of our visual and performing arts programs and all they have to offer the whole child education.  STJ Arts not only educate, but they also inspire!  The arts programs at Saint James School inspire so much that students further their art exploration into their summer breaks!  Many STJ students spent their time off from school attending arts camps and programs throughout the Southeast.  

Senior Natalie Magee spent a week at the Savannah College of Art and Design learning acrylic painting techniques and fashion design.  Students from around the nation come to SCAD for this summer program where they receive instruction from professors who are truly experts in their crafts.  Students also get to enjoy dorm life and spending time getting to know new friends from all over our country!

Junior Erin Waggoner at the Washington School of Ballet’s Summer Intensive Program.

Junior Austin Oh spent a week at the University of Montevallo’s Young Musicians Camp where he furthered his studies in choir and vocal performance.   At YMC, Austin was able to perform in the camp’s choir, receive instruction from college professors, and attend music seminars.  Austin was also able to enter a composition competition with fellow campers in which he was one of the winners!  He even was selected to sing a solo in the final camp concert.  

Sophomore Lily Everett in Memphis for the Orpheum Theater’s Summer Camp Intensive.

Junior Erin Waggoner danced in the upper division of the Washington School of Ballet’s Summer Intensive Program.  She stayed on campus at American University, danced 6 hours a day, and got to explore nearby Georgetown and the District with new friends!  Classes she attended were technique, pointe, flamenco, partnering, and variations under the instruction of Kristina Windom, Cece Farha, Tamás Krizsa, Françoise Thouveny- Doyle, Nancie J. Woods, and Rafael Bejarano.  Truly an amazing experience!

Sophomore Lily Everett applied for and was accepted to the Memphis Orpheum Theater Summer Camp Intensive.  She spent a week in their "Technical Theater Strand" and spent each day in a different realm of the backstage operations of the theater.  Lily spent a day in each of the following intensives: set design, lighting, sound, costuming, and stage management.  She is so excited about bringing the new things she has learned back to the Saint James Theater Program!

Eighth grader Abigail Roark performed at Summer Show Offs and attended The Red Mountain Theater’s Acting Out Academy.

Eighth grader Abigail Roark attended the Acting Out Academy at the Red Mountain Theater in Birmingham.  During this week of young actor training, Abigail studied with some of the country’s best acting coaches.  The week ended with a showcase that was attended by agents, managers, and casting directors.  In addition to this camp, Abigail also attended the beloved Summer Show-Offs here in Montgomery with many more STJ students at the elementary and middle school level!

These are just a few examples of our amazing arts students here at Saint James School.  Be sure to check them out in action this coming school year as they perform and create!

#wearesaintjamesschool