Our wonderful middle school students have done it again! The 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th graders came together to pull off another successful pumpkin patch experience for our very own preschoolers. The event kicked off with the 7th and 8th grade students reading to them the stories they created, all the while dressed as one of the characters from their story. Then, they taught them all about the life cycle of pumpkins with a song and illustrations they had made. Next, our 5th and 6th graders hosted them for some fun carnival-style games in the open field next to the patch. Lastly, before hopping onto the trailer for a hayride, the preschoolers were able to pick their very own pumpkins from the patch to take with them. Our middle school students were involved with this project from start to finish. There was responsibility and teamwork that went into planting and caring for the pumpkins. Overall, their efforts made the event even more special for the preschoolers. Kudos to them all!

By Susie Rogers, 5th-8th ELA

It’s that time a year again where my 7th and 8th graders become published authors! Every October our students brainstorm, plan, and execute a fun Pumpkin Patch event for our K-3 and K4 students. They look forward to this wonderful tradition each year, and incorporating an original children’s short story is the focus in ELA class. We review the parts of a plot diagram, analyze sample short stories, and then students must apply their own short story to a plot diagram. Once the basic elements are identified, students create a rough draft of a kid-friendly story, which has an encouraging theme and amazing characters. They use their creativity to produce a one-of-a-kind book that they will read to their ‘little’ partner, and then gift them the laminated book to take home. Enjoy the pictures of our very own authors in the making!

Did you know?…

• The first S’more recipe was published in 1927 - the snack was called “Some Mores”.

• The largest S’more ever made weighed 267 pounds!

• There is enough milk chocolate produced each year to make more than 750 million S’mores.

Our seventh grade students recently learned these fun facts and “S’more” with a lab they conducted during science class in conjunction with their unit over Physical and Chemical Changes. They were tasked with investigating, observing, and identifying whether physical and/or chemical changes occur during the process of making S’mores. This was a fun way to have them think about these changes that occur all around them every day, even with something as simple as setting up and making a yummy dessert. This was one lab they were happy to see all the way through to the end!

By Kandice Kimmel, Latin & History, 5-8th Grade

Project based learning is a teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to an authentic, engaging, and complex questions, problems or challenges.

To wrap up our world geography unit, our seventh and eighth grade students hosted an International Fair. They were each assigned a country to research, and designed a display, brought an international dish to sample, and presented for all of the students and teachers at St. James Day School. I am so incredibly proud of each and every one of these students!

By Susie Rogers, 5th-8th ELA

In today’s rapidly changing world, the value of a comprehensive education cannot be overstated. Among the traditional subjects of math, science, and ELA, one often overlooked yet profoundly impactful component is Religious Studies. At our school, under the guidance of Father Halt, rector of St. James Episcopal Church, students are discovering the depth and relevance of their religious education in exciting and meaningful ways.

Each morning begins with a devotional in their homeroom, setting a reflective tone for the day. On Tuesdays, the entire school gathers for an all-school chapel, fostering a sense of community and shared values. But it’s in the weekly Religious Studies class that students truly dive deep into their spiritual education, and the experience is nothing short of transformative.

Currently, students are engaged in an in-depth analysis of The Apostles' Creed. Far from merely a ritualistic recitation, they are dissecting each line to uncover its rich layers of meaning. This exercise is not just an academic pursuit; it’s a journey into understanding the core tenets of their faith and how these principles apply to their lives today. Father Halt’s approach is both scholarly and practical. By breaking down the Creed, students learn to appreciate its historical and theological context. 

In a world where meaningful conversations about faith and values are increasingly rare, the Religious Studies class offers a sanctuary of learning and reflection. Under Father Halt’s expert guidance, students are not only gaining a deeper understanding of their religious heritage but are also developing skills that enrich their entire academic experience. In essence, Religious Studies at our school is more than just a subject—it's a gateway to understanding the past, engaging with the present, and preparing for the future. It’s a testament to the importance of integrating spiritual and intellectual growth, helping students become well-rounded individuals grounded in both faith and knowledge.