From Student to Successor: A Full-Circle Moment for Mattie Claire Jones ’20

Sometimes, a teacher plants a seed that grows for years …quietly and steadily until it blooms in the most beautiful and unexpected way.

Ms. Jones and Mrs. Sherman with the book, A Letter to My Teacher .

When Mattie Claire Jones walked into Mrs. Ann Sherman’s second grade classroom as a curious 8-year-old, she had no idea she’d one day step into the very same room years later as its teacher. This fall, after earning her degree from Troy University and completing her education training, Mattie Claire is doing just that - returning to STJ not just as an alumna, but as the newest second grade teacher, taking Mrs. Sherman’s place after her well-earned retirement.

While studying elementary education at Troy University, Mattie Claire felt what many students feel during the stress of finals and term papers… a bit of doubt. She loved her program, but the exhaustion of studying clouded her senses, and she wondered if she had chosen the right field. Then, she read the children’s book

A Letter to My Teacher as part of a college assignment. The story renewed her passion for education and inspired her to write her own heartfelt letter to Mrs. Sherman, the teacher who first showed her the joy and magic of learning. Writing the letter as a college sophomore set to motion a quiet, but powerful pull that would lead her back to Saint James.

To watch a former student grow into a colleague is a rare and beautiful thing. And for Mattie Claire, it’s not just a job- it’s a calling, inspired by one unforgettable teacher.

“I believe that teaching is not a job, it is a calling. There is no greater gift than to see a student thrive. It has been such a blessing and pleasure to be able to watch Mattie Claire go from student to teacher. I could not be more proud. I love her with all my heart!”
— Mrs. Ann Sherman

Ms. Jones awarded Mrs. Sherman the 2025 G. Stanley Frazer Faculty Award.

That wasn’t the last time Mattie Claire would honor her mentor. At Saint James Commencement this past May, she had the joy of awarding Mrs. Sherman the 2025 G. Stanley Frazer Faculty Award, a recognition that felt as personal as it was meaningful. And now, with the same warm spirit and love for learning that Mrs. Sherman once showed her, Mattie Claire is ready to welcome a new generation of students into the classroom.

Welcome home, Ms. Jones! Your second grade students are lucky already!

#wearesaintjamesschool

A Letter to My Teacher, by Deborah Hopkinson, inspired Mattie Claire Jones to write her own letter to second grade teacher, Mrs. Ann Sherman. Now, Mattie Claire is stepping into her shoes and Mrs. Sherman enters retirement after 28 years at Saint James School.

A History Teacher at Heart

Earlier this spring, Saint James fourth graders had the unique opportunity to explore Alabama’s role in the Civil Rights Movement through an engaging and thoughtful lesson led by Dr. Larry McLemore (‘00). A familiar face at our school, Dr. McLemore is not only a longtime administrator, but also a former history teacher with a passion for bringing the past to life.

Dr. McLemore guided students through some of the most pivotal events in Alabama history between 1954 and 1965, a period that reshaped the nation and our own city. From the Montgomery Bus Boycott to the Selma to Montgomery marches, students examined the people, places, and protests that defined the Civil Rights Movement.

The lesson went beyond textbook facts. Dr. McLemore encouraged discussion, asked questions, and invited students to consider the courage and conviction it took to stand up for equality. We’re grateful to Dr. McLemore for continuing to share his love of history with the next generation of learners. #wearesaintjamesschool

Mini Quilts, Big Learning: Pre-K3 Students Stitching Their Way Through Colors and Shapes

Our Pre-K3 students recently embarked on a quilting adventure. Armed with little sewing machines and big imaginations, they worked together to create their very own mini quilts. This hands-on project was not just about stitching fabric… it was a fun, interactive way to incorporate valuable lessons in color and shape recognition!

Each child selected their own fabrics, learning how to identify and sort by colors like red, blue, yellow, and green. As they sewed, they also worked to keep their lines straight, enforcing fine motor skills. It was fascinating to see how these young minds began to understand the relationships between the pieces as they pieced their quilts together.

The process encouraged fine motor skills, problem-solving, and teamwork, all while they learned about the importance of patterns and symmetry. The final result? Beautiful, one-of-a-kind mini quilts that reflect the creativity and academic growth of our little ones. We couldn’t be prouder of our Pre-K3 quilters, who not only learned valuable skills but also had fun doing it. They truly "stitched" together a masterpiece! #wearesaintjamesschool

Making a PAWS-itive Difference: STJ Animal Club Gives Back

The STJ Animal Club with the Montgomery Humane Society and "animal ambassador.”

Over the holiday break, the STJ Animal Club made a meaningful impact by delivering donations collected throughout the fall semester for animals in need. These generous contributions were delivered to the Montgomery Humane Society, helping ensure that these animals have the supplies they need, from food and blankets to toys and other essential items.

Animal Club sponsors Mrs. Melissa Harris and Mrs. Haley Hart delivered a trunk load of donations to the Montgomery Humane Society.

The animal club welcomed a guest speaker from the Montgomery Humane Society to a recent club meeting. This special guest brought along an "animal ambassador," a well-behaved and adorable representative of the animals cared for by the Montgomery Humane Society. The presentation focused on animal safety, offering valuable insights on how to care for pets responsibly, recognize signs of distress in animals, and ensure their well-being. Club members loved meeting the animal ambassador, and learning more about the important work being done at the Montgomery Humane Society.

The STJ Animal Club is open to students in grades 3-5. The club focuses on animal welfare, advocacy, and fun opportunities to help our furry friends. #wearesaintjamesschool

Creatures of the Sea

For their 5th grade STEM project, students researched various sea creatures, exploring their habitats, behaviors, and unique features. They then created beautiful watercolor art to visually represent their chosen creatures, enhancing their understanding of marine life. To complete the project, students wrote informative paragraphs, summarizing their findings and reflecting on the fascinating world of ocean biology.

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) marries scientific research with creative expression. Through the research component, students apply scientific inquiry skills, analyzing the anatomy, behavior, and ecosystems of sea creatures. The artistic element of creating watercolor illustrations fosters creativity and helps students visually communicate scientific ideas. STEM promotes collaboration and hands-on learning, helping students connect abstract concepts to real-world applications. #wearesaintjamesschool

Your Vote Counts! STJ Elections 2024

Saint James 5th graders hosted the 2024 elementary school election to decide who will win this year’s dress down day theme. Candidate Nellie Night campaigned for pajama day while Duffy Day is for cozy clothes day. These mock elections are a fun and engaging way to introduce our young students to the concept of voting, democracy, and civic engagement.

Our candidates created campaigns and presented their ideas on STJ TV prior to Election Day. Our 5th graders worked hard to set up a polling station where students cast their votes anonymously. They designed ballots and even set up a registration table. Students learned about the importance of making their votes confidential and respecting others’ opinions.

Once all votes are cast, students will use math skills to tally the votes and determine a winner. The announcement will be made on STJ TV this Friday. After the winner is announced, we will have a class discussion about the importance of voting and the election process, as well as fairness, respect for others' choices, and how elections work in the real world. People may have different opinions, and that’s okay!

Mock elections not only introduce students to the voting process, but also teaches responsibility, decision-making, teamwork, and lifelong interest in civic engagement!

From Farm to Yarn!

Pre-K3 students study a different letter of the alphabet each week. In addition to identifying and writing the letters, students learn context in playful and fun ways! Preschoolers enjoy applying what they have learned in the real world.

“Y” is for yarn!

Did you know? Sheep’s wool is called fleece, but an alpaca’s fiber is called a "blanket."

Did you know? Sheep’s wool is called fleece, but an alpaca’s fiber is called a "blanket."

Mrs. Dana demonstrating how to spin alpaca fiber into yarn using a spinning wheel from her native Argentina.

For “Yy” week, Pre-K3 teacher assistant, Mrs. Marisa Dana, taught her class how to spin yarn. With fiber from angora goats and alpaca, the children spun their own piece of yarn to wear home home as a bracelet. Angora sheep are known for their curly, lustrous hair known as mohair. #wearesaintjamesschool

Students passed around Angora goat and palace fibers- so soft!

Picnic Weather

PreK Picnic Invasion!

We've been loving the picnic weather on campus lately! What comes with a picnic? Ants! Pre-K4 students have been studying the life cycle of ants: egg, larva, pupa to adult ant.

Led by elementary science lab coordinator Ms. Carissa Gibbons, students set up a quilt for a pretend picnic that was -oh no!- taken over by ants! Crafted with six legs and three body segments, the handmade ants used antennae to smell the food at the picnic. Students also learned all about different species of ants and how they work together in colonies. Although some ants do bite, they are also helpful to our gardens and flowers. #wearesaintjamesschool

“Pretending is fun! And so is Science! ”
— Ms. Carissa Gibbons, Elementary Science Lab Coordinator

PreK students experience enrichment classes daily. Taught by full-time faculty, students study art, music, science, and foreign language.

Kindergarten/Senior Buddy LOVE

by: Reilly Taylor, senior

Reilly’s buddy, June

What a sweet valentine’s day my senior class had with our k5 buddies! We all met up in the Commons and patiently waited for our little buddies to walk in! We exchanged gifts, decorated paper bags with valentine’s day themed stickers, colors, and more! We then filled each bag with water, play-do, and a fun valentine’s day card we got to color with our buddy! The bags we decorated and put together are going to be sent to Child Protect, a non-profit organization that focuses on minimizing both the physical and mental trauma some children have experienced. This was a very special valentine’s day as we got to spend precious time with our buddies, involved them in making someone else’s day special, and shared the love we each have in our hearts!

Reilly has been a Trojan since preK. She is a cheerleading All-American, member of the tennis team, and loves to volunteer. Reilly also is a second year Student Ambassador, serving as an official hostess of Saint James School.