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!

Students applied their knowledge of force and motion concepts to construct a marshmallow launcher. The launcher was constructed from a paper cut and a balloon. After following directions, it was time to apply our knowledge and have some fun launching marshmallows across the basketball court! Students were able to apply different levels of force in order to launch the marshmallow different distances.

A large portion of science includes scientific investigation and reasoning. The students develop abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry in classroom and outdoor investigations and learn how to plan and conduct descriptive investigations.

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 fifth and sixth 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 Kandice Kimmel, Latin & History, 5-8th Grade

In middle school we build study hall and elective classes into our students’ weekly schedule. The convenience of study hall allows students time at school to complete projects, ease the homework burden, as well as one on one time with their teachers if they are struggling to understand concepts or have questions.

Elective classes allow our middle school students to explore their interest, develop new skills, and broaden their perspectives beyond the core academic curriculum. The elective classes for the fall semester are science club, robotics, yearbook, book club, film study, and a life skills/cooking class.

Our Middle School students celebrated the month of August with teamwork while playing a fun trivia game. We also celebrated our first Student of the Month, Colt Jerry, during our celebration!

“Celebrate good times, Come on
Let’s celebrate
Celebrate good times, Come on
Let’s celebrate”

— Kool & The Gang