Gouache Botanicals

Middle school art students were inspired by nature for a recent project. Students researched flowering plants and selected a plant to study more in depth. Paying close attention to bark, leaves, berries, petals, and other elements of the botanicals, students created a painting. Gouache, which is a heavily pigmented and opaque watercolor, was used for this project to allow texture and color to shine through. #wearesaintjamesschool

New Kids on the Block

Two new faces joined the Saint James School Elementary Science Lab this year. Meet Tickles, a one-year-old chinchilla, and Ninja, a leopard gecko. Both of these new friends are nocturnal, meaning they sleep during the day and are most active at night. So, if you see them nodding off, they are likely taking a quick snooze between classes.

The science lab is an integral part of educating the whole child. Along with our other six enrichments, elementary students visit the science lab weekly for hands-on application of science and discovery.

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Fun facts about leopard geckos:

  • Leopard geckos cannot climb up smooth surfaces because they do not have toe pads like most geckos.

  • Leopard geckos shed their skin to prevent their scent from being detected.

  • A group of geckos is called a clutter

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Fun facts about chinchillas:

  • Chinchilla fur has 60 to 80 hairs per hair follicle.

  • The chinchilla can leap a crevice 6 feet wide.

  • Chinchillas take dust baths in volcanic ash.

  • Chinchillas are one of the longest lived rodents, sometimes living over 20 years.

  • A baby chinchilla is called a kit.

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Virtual Art Competition of Alabama

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The Virtual Art Competition of Alabama is a state-wide art competition sponsored by the Alabama Arts Education Association. Saint James is proud to have three students' artwork selected for the 2021-22 Virtual Art Competition of Alabama. Winning art is featured on the VACA website.

Congratulations to the following winners: Sierra Boles (class of 2022), Aroa Jung (class of 2022), Natalie Magee (class of 2023).

On to Middle School!

STJ 5th graders receiving a welcome from Dr. Shelaine Taylor, Middle School Principal.

STJ 5th graders hearing about middle school course selection from 6th grade math teacher, Mrs. Christie.

STJ 5th graders touring middle school

A favorite tradition at Saint James School is the 6th grade tour. Fifth graders trek across the quad to the middle school building to get a first-hand glimpse into the world of middle school. They check out the classrooms, science lab, library, technology lab, and the “big” gymnasium. After being the top dogs in elementary school, many fifth graders have mixed emotions about starting a new grade in a brand new space. The sixth grade class, with the wisdom and experience of a year in middle school, gave our fifth graders advice for their new venture.

Students gave advice about time management, study skills, planning and organizing. Rather than only having two teachers (plus enrichment and P.E. teachers), middle school students have four academic teachers, plus elective, exploratory, and P.E. coaches. Navigating all of those different classes, with different books and supplies required, can be an adjustment. There are also new challenges academically, with increased independent study time.

The transition to sixth grade is exciting, and with all of our grades (PreK2-12th grade) housed on one campus, experiences like this allow for a smoother transition with more confidence! We are so lucky to have such an incredible fifth grade team who have worked all year preparing out soon-to-be middle schoolers for the next steps. Likewise, we are thankful for the sixth grade team who is ready to work with students as they discover new passions and set new goals in middle school.

STJ’s middle school is a unique place for students grades 6-8. These years are a time for exploration and growth. This year, Middle School students were encouraged to be a “HERO.” This acronym stands for hardworking, empathetic, respectful, and optimistic. Students chose their favorite quote and wrote down ways to display being a “HERO” to others and practiced putting those values into action.

The Saint James Middle School has its own administration, with a designated school counselor and principal, who are experts in adolescent education and emotional/physical health for this age range. The Middle School offers academic support including tutoring and “step ahead” initiatives. Middle School also is the first time students choose an elective and have the opportunity to take advanced courses. We can’t wait to see these fifth graders take on the new world of middle school and be “HEROes” themselves. #wearesaintjamesschool

Advice to the new 6th grade class:

“Be careful with time management. Don’t forget your books and try to not be tardy. You get new freedoms in middle school. Like you don’t have to walk in a line!”
— Hanan Miller, 6th grader
“Find a good friend group. You will get really close in middle school .”
— Ellie Brooke Selbee, 6th grader
“Take World Cultures! It’s fun and we play games. We learn a lot about other cultures.”
— Wilson Aman, 6th grader
“Make sure your iPad is charged each day!”
— Gray Evans, 6th grader

We're Going on a Bug Hunt

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Kindergarten wrapped up their unit on insects by going on a bug hunt around campus! Students carefully captured different insects to examine in their own bug catchers. They had a crawlin’ good time!

Did you know:

  • Insects are invertebrates, meaning they don’t have bones. Rather, they have a hard exoskeleton, or shell, on the outside of their bodies.

  • All insects have three parts: the head, the thorax, and the abdomen.

  • Insects have two antennae.

  • Insects have six legs.

  • Spiders are not insects (they have eight legs and belong to the arachnid family).

  • All insects hatch from eggs. The babies are called larva.

Kindergarten students on their bug hunt around campus

Faculty Spotlight: Mrs. Hampton Mitchell

I teach: Middle School PE

Ive taught for: 8 months (first year)

I was born: Mobile, AL but Ive lived in Montgomery since 2000

High School: Alabama Christian Academy

Education: B.S. from the University of Montevallo and a Masters of Education in Exercise Science from AUM

STJ extracurriculars: I am the head cross country coach, assistant indoor track coach and assistant girls soccer coach

My favorite book: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

My favorite movie: Rudy…fun fact Ive met the real Rudy!

My favorite food: pickles

My favorite thing about working at STJ: getting to know all the students and athletes I get to work with

Fun fact: Ive been skydiving 3 times!

More Than a Run

by: Keagan Cantrell, 4th grader and GOTR participant

The girls are on the run!  GOTR is a physical activity-based development program that inspires 3rd-5th grade girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident.  The program uses a fun and experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running with serving the community. The Saint James School GOTR team meets twice a week for 10 weeks. Our runners completed a community impact project this season that was extra special to our students. The STJ Commons dining staff works hard to serve over 900 meals daily to students, faculty, and staff. The STJ Girls on the Run participants made cards and treats to thank them and show their gratitude.

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Last Saturday, the students ran a 5K to end their season. The STJ cheerleaders were there encouraging our runners and showing support.

STJ Girls on the Run participants with the STJ cheerleaders at the celebratory 5K on April 30th, 2022.

STJ Girls on the Run participants made cards and treats for the Commons dining staff.

“I can’t say enough positive things about GOTR. I just finished coaching my 10th season and I am continuously encouraged by these girls. I love building relationships with the students and witnessing them grow into young leaders. More than anything, I love being able to see them realize what they are capable of. As a coach, it is my role to lead and guide them, but they make a tremendous impact on me. I am so thankful to be able to be part of GOTR! ”
— Ann Aman, GOTR coach and STJ alum ('01)