When I Grow Up- 8th Grade Career Week

by: Sarah Moncrief, Middle School Counselor

A longtime flagship event of 8th grade at Saint James School has been Career Week.  This nationally recognized program is one our students have looked forward to each year since its inception over 30 years ago. 

During our first semester of 8th grade, students research careers that fit their interests. They learn how to construct a resume, write a cover letter, and fill out an employment application. Students discuss proper etiquette and practice professionalism through mock interviews.

In November, students participated in two zoom meetings. During these sessions, students heard from professionals why they chose their career, the path they traveled to arrive where they are now, and what their job entails. Students were given the chance to ask questions and hear real-life stories about these professions.

Afterward, students shadowed three professionals of their choice. When conducting their shadowing experience, they interviewed professionals in that career position and learned a great deal about all things related to the career they were shadowing. Students shadowed professionals in the medical field, architecture and construction, engineering, design, military personnel, law and the judicial system, first responders, accounting, veterinary medicine, information technology, and so many more.  

Saint James School’s Career Week Program allows students to explore careers they might be interested in; which in turn, helps students with course selections in high school and also college choices. Our students truly enjoy going out into the workforce and learning about life beyond middle and high school!
#WeAreSaintJamesSchool

Cabaret 2023: We Got Your Number!

by: Selina Sun, senior

The cast of Cabaret “We Got Your Number” during the closing song.

Selina Sun playing the cello during Cabaret.

Another year, another Cabaret! This year’s theme was “We Got Your Number,” so the set list was filled with all-time favorites that have numbers in the title, such as Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5” and Taylor Swift’s “22.” Starting from the beginning of second semester, about 110 elementary, middle, and high school students met in the PAB after school almost every day to learn the lyrics, harmonies, and dance moves of all the songs. The dance ensemble worked hard on their upbeat numbers, such as Prince’s “I Would Die 4 U,” and small groups of cast members mastered their vocal parts for more emotional songs like Christina Perri’s “A Thousand Years” and Sam Smith’s “I’m Not The Only One.” The Rising Stars of the elementary brought the energy to all their rehearsals as they learned songs such as “Zero to Hero” from Hercules. This year’s show was extra special with Regina Spektor’s “Two Birds,” a small group number that featured ASL. I also had the privilege to play my cello in a rendition of Prince’s “Nothing Compares 2 U.” After learning the tune and choreography of about 20 songs in one month of rehearsals (which was about as hard and hectic as it sounds), the cast was ready to put on a Cabaret worthy of the STJ stage for three nights in a row—February 9-11. All three nights’ tickets sold out fast as the STJ family showed their support for this year’s Cabaret, put together by directors Mr. Harrison and Dr. York, stage manager Lily Everett, 15% of the entire STJ student body (including cast and crew), and many others. The show nights were full of song, dance, excitement, and tears, especially on the last night—when the seniors performed on the Cabaret stage “one last time.” As a senior and a student who has been part of the STJ Performing Arts for about 6 years, I especially cherished Cabaret 2023 and all the sweet friends and amazing memories I made. I am so grateful that Saint James showcases the talent of its student body and celebrates the performing arts. #wearesaintjamesschool

photos by Mary Catherine Phillips

Community Day- Putting Good Into Action

Ninth graders working on Community Day.

Last week, Saint James high school students in grades 10-12 participated in the annual event of Community Day. Community Day is is organized by our Student Government Association. Saint James partnered with four local nonprofit organizations: Montgomery Area Food Bank, Friendship Mission, Montgomery Zoo, The Blount Cultural Park, and EAT South.

Our ninth graders stayed on campus to work on beautification projects on the school grounds. Each advisory (homeroom) split up to different parts of campus to prune shrubbery, landscape, clean up, and clear paths. These students did a wonderful job working together as a team to complete their tasks.

Community Day is an opportunity for Saint James Students to volunteer in the River Region and engage in projects outside of the classroom. "Put good into action" is a motto that STJ students have been focusing on this year and Community Day is one of the many ways our students practice serving others and engaging in the world around them. #wearesaintjamesschool.

Great work, students! Ninth graders landscaping the STJ grounds on Community Day 2023.

Holiday Convocation: A Very Merry Tradition

by: Kendal Wright, senior

Kendal with her Kindergarten buddy, Violet.

Every year, Saint James School celebrates the upcoming holiday season through our holiday convocation. The atmosphere is light and cheery as students and faculty prepare for the upcoming festivities. It is a beloved tradition that brings the whole school together for one last hurrah before exams and break. The gym is filled with Christmas attire and smiling faces. This year, the celebration began as the seniors entered the gym with their kindergarten buddies. Everyone enjoyed seeing the cute buddies and their holiday outfits. Dr. McLemore began the celebration with a speech and, with the help of his kids, Daisy and Wilder, they wished everyone a happy holiday season.

Then, Steve the sleepy elf awoke from his slumber beside the fifth graders to lead the school in our festivities. The students worked hard to keep the sleepy elf awake and on task. He amused them with his odd morning routine when he brushed his teeth with a candy cane and washed it down with maple syrup. Thankfully, Steve was able to take a quick nap while the band and choir performed. They lead the students in singing Christmas songs like Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Jingle Bells, and We Wish You A Merry Christmas. Some of the elementary students performed a dance from their recent holiday concert. Between these performances, students from the elementary, middle, and high schools shared what Christmas meant to them as well as some of their favorite holiday memories. Another student also shared the story of Hanukkah and their traditions before passing out chocolate coins, called Hanukkah gelt. Near the end of the celebration, Santa, frosty, and some of the elves made a surprise appearance. They made their way around the gym greeting students and passing out candy. We ended our holiday convocation by singing the 12 days of Christmas. Each grade participated as a different day, and the seniors celebrated their last convocation as they sang out “5 months to go.” Holiday convocation is a tradition loved by all of Saint James because it reminds us to be joyful as we enter into the holiday season. It takes some of the stress away from older students as they prepare for exams, and it allows younger students to celebrate alongside the older grades. This tradition brings the whole school together to celebrate and be thankful for the great year that we have had so far. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! #wearesaintjamesschool

Members of the STJ band performed holiday songs.

Students wore festive accessories to get in the spirit.

High school students at holiday convocation.

Elementary students enjoying convocation.

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

Eighth Grade Career Week

By: Mrs. Sarah Moncrief, Middle School Counselor

A longtime flagship event of 8th grade at Saint James School has been Career Week.  This nationally recognized program is one our students have looked forward to each year since its inception over 30 years ago. 

During our first semester of 8th grade, students research careers that fit their interests. They learn how to construct a resume, write a cover letter, and fill out an employment application. Students discuss proper etiquette and practice professionalism through mock interviews.

In November, students participated in two zoom meetings. During these sessions, students heard from professionals why they chose their career, the path they traveled to arrive where they are now, and what their job entails. Students were given the chance to ask questions and hear real-life stories about these professions.

Afterward, students shadowed three professionals of their choice. When conducting their shadowing experience, they interviewed professionals in that career position and learned a great deal about all things related to the career they were shadowing. Students shadowed professionals in the medical field, architecture and construction, engineering, design, military personnel, law and the judicial system, first responders, accounting, veterinary medicine, information technology, and so many more.  

Saint James School’s Career Week Program allows students to explore careers they might be interested in; which in turn, helps students with course selections in high school and also college choices. Our students truly enjoy going out into the workforce and learning about life beyond middle and high school!

Go Gold for Nolan and Childhood Cancer Coin Drive

by: Haley Brightwell, STJ Senior Class President

This year the senior class was excited to hold the first ever Saint James Go Gold for Nolan and Childhood Cancer Coin Drive. This was done in addition to the annual go gold dress up day during homecoming week. This day is to honor and remember Class of 2015 alumni Nolan Fields who passed away from Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in 2016. This event was organized by the senior class officers. It was a joint effort that allowed for the day to be a success. However, this could not have happened without the help of other seniors. Many showed up very early the morning of and stood outside in the rain collecting money. The senior class held this event entirely on their own, and it went off without a hitch. This was possible because of the generous help of the seniors who participated. The turn out was fantastic and everyone really showed up and donated. Everyone had a little something to give, and it showed. The final total ended up being $1,431.60! All of this was collected in just one morning, showing how the Saint James family truly stepped up and did their part. The seniors could not have imagined anything better. All of this money will be donated directly to St. Jude’s Hospital. St. Jude’s is a research hospital that focuses on Childhood cancer research and treatment. At St. Jude, none of the families receive a medical bill, and they help countless families year after year. Every penny will go to this deserving cause and all in Nolan’s honor. We hope that our donation will help keep a family from feeling the loss that the Saint James community has felt. We hope this coin drive will become an annual tradition as a way to honor Nolan for many years to come. 

#WeAreSaintJamesSchool

Holiday Convocation: In The Spirit!

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

Gobble Gobble

We have Thanksgiving on the brain in elementary school at STJ! Students in lower elementary, grades PreK3-2nd grade, have been working on crafts and art projects for the Thanksgiving season. Students built turkeys out of construction paper, which reinforces fine motor skills, following multi-step directions, and identifying colors, numbers, and shapes. We have so much to be Thankful for and this holiday reminds us of the blessings in our lives.

#WeAreSaintJamesSchool