Strong Classrooms Start with Strong Relationships: Responsive Classroom Training

Strong classrooms start with strong relationships.

Saint James School is investing in stronger classroom communities and student engagement through an intensive professional development initiative for its Elementary School faculty. This summer, Kindergarten through fifth-grade teachers participated in a three-day, on-site training in Responsive Classroom, an evidence-based approach to teaching that integrates social-emotional learning with academic instruction.

Responsive Classroom focuses on creating positive, supportive learning environments where students can develop strong relationships, engage meaningfully in their learning, and build the skills they need to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

During the training, Saint James teachers learned practical strategies for building positive classroom cultures, establishing smooth and consistent routines, increasing student engagement, and strengthening relationships with students. The training also provides teachers across Kindergarten through fifth grade with a shared framework and common language for creating consistent and supportive classroom experiences.

The Responsive Classroom training is part of Saint James School’s continued commitment to educating the whole child and teaching for life change. By strengthening both the academic and social-emotional environments, teachers are equipped to help students thrive at every stage of their experience.

With the new school year just ahead, Saint James teachers are bringing their training directly into their classrooms, putting new strategies and shared practices into action from the first day of school. #wearesaintjamesschool

From Shapes to Stained Glass

This spring, our fifth graders took their geometry lesson outside for hands-on learning, creating colorful stained glass-inspired designs with the sidewalk chalk.

Working in groups, students applied geometric properties as they classified and constructed shapes including parallelograms, rhombuses, and trapezoids. They also had to collaborate, problem-solve, and make decisions together to bring their final designs to life.

We love when lessons are applied outside of the classroom (literally and figuratively)! #wearesaintjamesschool

Visual Art Makes a Splash!

Kindergarten artists in Mrs. Patti Pelham’s art enrichment class made waves with a creative watercolor project inspired by life under the sea.

Students began by designing bright, colorful fish, then turned went outside of the box to create the perfect underwater background. Using watercolor and bubbles (which they blew themselves with a straw), they experimented with a fun technique that produced a realistic bubble effect. Students dipped their paper directly into the bubbly paint, creating layered patterns that look just like bubbles floating through water.

The result was a school of cheerful fish swimming through vibrant, bubbly backgrounds. In Mrs. Pelham’s art room, learning often comes with a *splash* of imagination! #wearesaintjamesschool

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!