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

Buzzin’ at the County Spelling Bee

Abby White, Emily Trock, and Angelina Huh at the Montgomery County Spelling Bee February 6th held at Frazer Church.

Seventh grader Emily Trock won the Saint James Middle School Spelling Bee in October 2022 and competed in the Montgomery County bee last month. Students Abby White and Angelina Huh, who tied for first runners-up in the Saint James bee, attended in support of Emily. It was an exciting event and Emily placed sixth in the county! She did an excellent job of representing our school with her vibrant smile and confidence. Eighth grader Abby White has been Saint James's first runner-up two years in a row which is quite an accomplishment. Sixth grader Angelina Huh was a strong competitor, tying Abby for first runner-up in the school bee. The two younger students, Emily and Angelina will still be eligible to participate again next school year, and they look forward to doing so. Abby will be going on to high school where she will be sure to make good use of her excellent spelling and vocabulary skills.

#wearesaintjamesschool

Read, Write, Create: Black History Biographies

Students in Ms. Harber’s Read, Write, Create elective class

During the month of February, students in Ms. Elizabeth Harber’s Read, Write, Create elective class selected influential Black individuals to research. Students chose subjects with a wide range of talents and influence, including an astronaut, judge, athlete, entrepreneur, and an activist to name a few. Using a variety of online sources, students learned about their selected subject’s life, impact on society, and meaningful legacy. Finally, students created slide presentations which they presented to the class. Read, Write, Create is a semester-long 6th grade elective that focuses on writing and presentation skills, as well as literary criticism and research.

Students in Ms. Harber’s Read, Write, Create elective class

Read, Write, Create combines both reading and writing workshop models with student-directed research projects. Students read and discuss a wide variety of literature developing appreciation of structure and style. Through writing activities, students become more skillful and confident authors themselves. Research and digital presentation techniques are learned as students conduct and share their non-fiction projects. Student hone presentation and public speaking skills and tailoring content for specific audiences. Peer feedback and self-reflection are also important features of this course.

#wearesaintjamesschool

Model United Nations

by: Elaine Vo, junior

Elaine, with teammate Austin Oh, at the Model UN Confrence.

Saint James students participating in a vote at the Model UN Conference in February.

Last week, I, along with other Saint James students, had the opportunity to participate in the Model United Nations conference. Model UN is a great opportunity for students to engage in debate and diplomacy. This conference allows students to gain a better understanding of how the world is interconnected. Students are assigned countries within a particular committee to solve real world issues. The committees can range from the traditional United Nations General Committees to specialized committees such as the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and International Olympic Committee (IOC). In each committee, students act as their assigned country by writing position papers, delivering speeches, and debating. STJ students who attended the Model UN conference were Preston Phillips, AJ Kavlick, Michael Phan, Jaden Rossell, Anna Dickey, Brooke Bender, Amolika Mishra, Jake Poling, Austin Oh, Jimmie Thompson, and Henry Haughery. These students were assigned countries such as UAE, Nepal, Guyana, China and many more to represent in their committees. While these students were debating, Henry Haughery and Jimmie Thompson served as justices on the International Court of Justice (ICJ) committee. Henry and Jimmie picked out punishments as well as arrested delegates who committed crimes. These punishments included karaoke, burpees, musical chairs, rap battles, and more. In addition, I had the opportunity to serve as a reporter in the Press Corps committee. I was able to document the Model UN experience and listen to other committees debate. It was fun to watch different committees solve global issues in a unique way as well as the ICJ committee arresting people. This was Saint James' first time participating in Model UN, and it was a success! During the closing ceremony, Brooke Bender, AJ Kavlick, Jake Poling, Michael Phan, and Preston Phillips were recognized for their outstanding work in their committee. These students represented Saint James so well. Model UN was such a fun experience for us students, and we look forward to continued participation in this conference! #wearesaintjamesschool

Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

Congratulations to the following Saint James art students for being named Gold and Silver Key Scholastic Art and Writing award recipients! The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers recognizes talented young artists and writers from across the United States though the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. #wearesaintjamesschool

Gold Key

High School Gold and Silver Key winners.

Katie Irving - Photography (HS)

Silver Key

Emerson Hagen - Mixed Media (HS)

Charlie Jenkins - Drawing & Illustration (MS)

Stella Sponseller - Mixed Media (HS)

Cole Williams - Drawing & Illustration (HS)

Honorable Mention

Middle School Silver Key winner, Charlie Jenkins.

Sullivan Bixby - Digital Art (HS)

Phu Lam - Drawing & Illustration (HS)

Natalie Magee - Art Portfolio (HS)

Matthew Ohliger - Drawing & Illustration (HS)

Mae Puckett - Drawing & Illustration (HS)

Wendy Stombaugh - Mixed Media (HS)

Tiffany Tran - Mixed Media (HS)

Elaine Vo - Sculpture (HS)

Madison Walton - Digital Art (HS)

ASL Club- Bringing Language to Life

The Saint James ASL (American Sign Language) Club welcomed guest speaker, LaShawn Washington to last week’s club meeting. Ms. Washington spoke to the students about growing up deaf and deaf culture. She involved the students in a fun game of ASL telephone, then ended with questions and door prizes of hand-made merchandise.

LaShawn Washington with Mrs. Evelyn Shoults’ ASL club.

Ms. Washington is a native of Richmond, VA. Her biggest achievements during her school years were being a member of the Delta Zeta Sorority during college and participating in several pageants. She was crowned the 1995 Miss Deaf Virginia, her high school homecoming queen in 1996 and the 1997 Miss Washington DC Black Deaf Advocates queen. She graduated from Gallaudet University (a deaf college) with a BA in Social Work. She is currently the president of Alabama Black Deaf Advocates. Before becoming a case manager for the deaf she has been the independent living skills teacher for the deafblind for 5 years. Her hobbies included reading, traveling, spending time with family, hiking, and crafting. LaShawn resides in the Birmingham area with her husband, who is also a case manager for the deaf, and their 3 children.

Ms. LaShawn Washington presenting to the STJ ASL club.

High school clubs meet weekly during advisory time. Over twenty clubs, including service clubs, honor and academic clubs, and special interest clubs, are available to choose from. Extracurricular organizations, like clubs, add to the positive student experience at Saint James. The ASL Club is led by high school art teacher, Mrs. Evelyn Shoults.

#wearesaintjamesschool

Saint James Equestrian Team- Riding to the Top

by: Elley Goff, 8th grade

Elley Goff at the IEA competition in Birmingham, AL.

The Saint James Equestrian team competed in an IEA (Interscholastic Equestrian Association) competition in Birmingham, Alabama. The team was a proud co-host of this show. The high school and middle school teams gave forth their best effort at the last team show of the season! The riders were super proud of themselves. A huge shout-out to the middle school team for winning reserve champion! Maggie Harris, Lizzy Scarpate, Charlie Jenkins, Callie Sellers, and Elley Goff are the Saint James riders for the JV team. The hard work of these incredible riders helped Saint James rise to the top! Congratulations to the whole team! #wearesaintjamesschool

Middle School Equestrian riders: Elley Goff, Lizzy Scarpate, andMaggie Harris.

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.

Faculty Spotlight: Mrs. Norma Jo Roberts

I teach: I teach ESL and Learning Support

I've Taught for: I have taught for 31 years. I have previously taught AP Language and Composition and Junior English at STJ 12 years ago (I have actually taught several current STJ teachers!)

Hometown: Anderson, Indiana

High school: Indiana Christian Academy

College/Degree: BS from Maranatha Baptist Bible College; MAED from Trident University

Favorite Book: Macbeth by Shakespeare

Favorite Movie: Braveheart

Favorite Food: watermelon

Norma Jo (Nana) with her daughter and grandson

Favorite thing about working at STJ: The best part about working here is being a part of the best school I have ever taught at in 31 years. I love the campus and co-workers and organization - I love every aspect!

Fun Fact: I love my grandson Silas to the moon and back as you see in the pictures as well. He calls me Nana and it is the best sound I hear every day. I also love kick boxing!