The traditional St James Day School sixth grade class trip is an eight hour drive south to Texas Hill Country to a little place called Mo Ranch. Mo Ranch offers team building activities in which the class uses cooperation, effective communication, and problem solving skills, and I am proud to say that this group did a fantastic job! The class then took on the high elements, such as the ‘tree house’, rock climbing tower, Big Gulp, and the Mo Pole. We also enjoyed hiking the beautiful hill country, canoeing, touring the greenhouse, labyrinth, swimming, water slides, rapids, archery, and so much more. I am so incredibly proud of how these students faced their fears, supported their classmates, and made memories to last a life time. The only complaint I received was that they did not want to return home!
By Kandice Kimmel, History & Latin, 5th-8th
Studying ancient civilizations offer critical lessons on values, universal virtues, morality, and ethics. They shed light on cultures of honor, valor, wisdom, love, courage, and the humanity that has guided human life over centuries upon centuries. As the sixth grade students wrapped up their study of Ancient Egypt, they each chose one profession of this ancient world and conducted independent research, created a ‘business’, designed a collage, and presented their findings to the class.
By Kandice Kimmel, Latin & History, 5th-8th
The sixth grade students enjoyed taking a break from studying for the National Latin Exam to venture down to preschool and read Wacky Wednesday in honor of Dr. Seuss’ birthday.
Reading aloud to all age students is important as it improves language skills, builds emotional connections, and encourages a lifelong love of reading! Read-alouds are also a wonderful way to expose them to different experiences and help with fluency as the students hear how a reader should sound.
Thank you, Pre-K, for allowing us to be a part of Dr. Seuss week!
By Kandice Kimmel, Latin & History, 5th-8th Grade
The seventh and eighth grade history students competed in the National History Day Contest at Texas A&M University-Texarkana last week. The NHD theme this year was ‘Rights & Responsibilities in History’. Each student chose interesting, diverse, and thought-provoking topics, conducted in-depth research, created exhibit boards, wrote a process paper, and presented to college history professors and students with respect and confidence. I am proud of each and every one of these students!
Congratulations, Elliot, for placing third in the individual exhibit category with her ‘Fast Fashion & Child Labor’ exhibit and Hattie and Rivers for placing first in the group exhibit category with their presentation about the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Well done, ladies!
By Kandice Kimmel, Latin & History, 5th-8th grade
St. James Day School middle school students and teachers join together on the last Friday of the month to celebrate birthdays, enjoy a sweet treat, an all middle school activity such as a talent show, STEM activity, quiz bowl, or dance party, and most importantly we recognize the student of the month. This has become the favorite afternoon of the month for students and teachers alike. In middle school, we acknowledge and value each student’s unique way of expressing themselves and each individual learning style, along with kindness, character, integrity, and leadership abilities. The student of the month may not have the highest GPA or even all A’s! The teachers vote on which student has demonstrated grit, kindness, integrity, and respect while being a team player. This is a wonderful way to enhance our students’ self-esteem and sense of belonging! The recognition empowers all students to feel proud of themselves or their classmates, and encourages them to put more effort in their studies, work ethic, attitude and behavior.
Congratulations, Mabyn Kyles! Mabyn is the Spartan Student of the Month for January!
Take a peek at all the other students of the month for the 2024-2025 academic year below.
