Spring Traditions

Every spring, first grade has two new experiences: Spring Musical and cereal box presentations. Spring Musical is a tradition at St. James that all 1st through 8th graders participate in. Some of the students audition for parts in the main cast, the remaining 1st-4th graders are included in the support of cast. Middle school students, whose talents are off the main stage, have the option of being a part of the set design or technical team. Each year a different production is chosen. This year, Spring Musical was Seussical Jr. The students did a phenomenal job preparing and presenting this production. Each year I’m blown away by the talent that fills the walls of St. James.

Another annual springtime event for the first grade is cereal box presentation. The students draw animal names from a box. Once the student has their animal, they complete a fact sheet while researching at home with their parents. This is the only part of the project that is completed at home. The week of presentations, the students take those fact sheets home to help them prepare, but all assembling and creating happens at school. Students are responsible for wrapping their cereal box, copying the research information onto presentation paper, and illustrating all sides of the box. After all of the students had finished their cereal boxes, The final stage was to present their projects. Each student had to carry their cereal box on stage, speak into a microphone, and present their project to the audience. This is one of the first times these students have presented, on their own, to a large audience. Having students present and the use of project-based learning are two major components of St. James Day School. We know the importance of having students learn and practice public speaking skills from an early age on. This year‘s cereal box presentations could not have gone any better! The students were confident, they knew the material, and they poured their all into creating their cereal boxes. Saying “I’m proud” is such an understatement. I am continually impressed with these students’ tenacity and creativity.