Natasha Greene, Science Teacher
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After three months in our state-of-the-art Upper School Building, our students, graduates, and community are thrilled with the changes the new space has made possible. Here's a glimpse of how our teachers and staff are using their new spaces. |
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Natasha Greene, Science Teacher
Compared to the room originally used to teach science, "which was great," Natasha said, "the kids have more space now. They can work better in groups because they’re not all on top of each other. It has made a big impact.”
The larger classroom space enables students to look at everything from lots of different angles, and to move materials when working on projects. Natasha noted there is also plenty of handy storage space on the walls where materials can be kept well-organized. Some 3D printers are on order for future learning!
The room is clearly meant to support high-effort learning, and that feeling is obvious as soon as you step into this bright, accommodating space.
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Sonya Kedarnath, Graduate Support Associate
The Graduate Support space used to be located in Audrey’s House, on the basement level. It was already a place of growing community and good times. Now there are big windows with lots of natural light, new furniture, and some awesome murals, which add to that fun environment.
“It’s also a significantly bigger space,” noted Sonya. “There’s so much more opportunity to host our own events!” In fact, the Grad Support staff will hold their first big event tonight — May 18th! The team invited all their partners at high schools and colleges partners to a Graduate Partner Social to celebrate the new space together!
The new Huskies Hangout resembles a communal space on a college campus. There are new comfortable chairs, a big TV, and a gaming system. It’s a safe space where our graduates can relax, but also challenge themselves by working with tutors and mentors as they continue their studies.
There's an extra bonus Sonya mentioned with a smile: “Now that it’s more visible on the first floor of the building, current students will pass by and take a peek, and see the cool space as something special they get to look forward to.”
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Dave McDonough, Principal
Dave highlighted the many potential uses for our front lobby and pullout room: family meetings, Welcome Table distributions, reading and math in individual and group sessions! Our old lobby was not accessible and furnished with a single bench.
The beautiful entryway, full of natural light from big windows and sleek new furniture, signals that you are entering a school dedicated to student success. Dave mentioned that a young person who recently walked in exclaimed, “This place looks like a hotel!”
“The nice new space has raised expectations for adults and children,” Dave said. For example, each 8th grader now has a new locker with a lock. The rows of shiny red lockers feels like a step toward high school.
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FUN FACTS ABOUT THE NEW BUILDING
from Mary Holland, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, of CICADA Architecture, who was instrumental in planning the building
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The pattern of thin vertical white panels on the facade are meant to mimic the pattern of sunlight through tree trunks, recalling the large trees that used to surround the building site on the east and south. |
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The proportions and mullion pattern of the windows are a variation of the window patterns on the main school building. |
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The placement of windows in the first and second floor corridors was designed to provide varying views of the outdoors as you move down the hall. |
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The floors between the ground floor, first, and second floors are sealed with gypsum board below the joists, and a layer of gypsum concrete on plywood above the joists, to minimize sound transmission. |
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Everyone involved in creating the building worked together to make the building the best it could be for the students, teachers, staff, and families who will use it. |
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Congratulations to St. James'
April Award Winners
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Principal Dave McDonough congratulates 7th graders Mariah and Anthony |
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Repeat After Me: Ability! Effort! Time! |
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Once a month, our school community comes together to celebrate students for their hard work, leadership, and achievements. Gathered in the Community Room and sitting with fellow members of their House (Benevolentia, Industria, Humilitas or Patentia), students, their teachers, after-school enrichment club leaders, and school staff participate in a lively awards ceremony.
Awards are presented for classwork, homework, attendance, improvements, and more. Staff members giving the awards shout out each recipient by name as well as the achievement that led to the award.
Presenting the 6th grade Math Award to JJ, Bri Park said, “This student has not missed a single class or homework assignment!" It is a fast-paced and fun 45 minutes.
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Along with the 6th grade Chorister Award, Jai’hare received multiple accolades including,“This student sang with confidence, was a class helper, brought excitement and energy to our recent Pentagon field trip.”
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Brynn was celebrated with the Concert Band Master Award for 8th grade, given by Band Director Allie Sinatra, who noted that Brynn tried two instruments in one semester. |
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A major highlight of this month's awards ceremony was 7th grader Journee (below), who pushed herself hard all month with effort really stood out! She received the Science Grit Award, the Math Award, Homework Hero Award (turning in over 95% of homework), 7th grade Concert Band Master, Great Grades Award (all As and Bs) and to top it off, the 7th grade Student of the Month award! |
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“That’s incredible”
said 5th grader Kahliya after Journee’s name was announced over and over.
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“She challenges herself in a great way”
said Bri Park.
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“Consistent practice, taking the instrument serious, bringing it home to practice.”
said Band Director Allie Sinatra.
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“Journee is funny, goofy, and smart”
said Danielle Morgan.
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“She absolutely deserved todays awards!”
said ELA Teacher Keriann DeLine.
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In her acceptance speech, Journee thanked her mom, noting she is also in school and they are keeping each other motivated. She also thanked her supportive and encouraging friends. Asked how she was feeling after all the accolades, she said, “I was surprised but I worked really hard so I am proud of myself.”
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At the end of the ceremony Principal Dave McDonough said to all, “Repeat after me: Ability! Effort! Time! God gives us the ability, we must put in the time and effort as a gift back to God.”
Way to go St. James Scholars!
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Spotlight on: The Welcome Table
All these events will take place at the St. James School campus and there will be signs directing participants. Details will also be posted on The Welcome Table instagram.
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May 20th
Make it from Scratch
11:00 am
Learn to make your own household products, like toothpaste, fabric softener, and body scrub with natural, easy to find ingredients!
Zumba
1:00 pm
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June 10th
Floral Art
10:15 am
John Hager will show participants how to make their own bouquet.
Body Positivity
11:30 am
In this ongoing class, people learn to slow down, listen to their bodies, and show gratitude. It combines yoga, breath work, affirmations, and more.
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June 17th
American Red Cross Blood Drive
9:00 am — 2:00 pm
Ceramic Creations
10:15 am
In this fun class taught by The Clay Studio, attendees make projects like bowls and planters with guidance. No experience necessary, come join and get your hands dirty!
Zumba
11:30 am
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To keep up with all of The Welcome Table programming, be sure to follow @phillywelcometable on Instagram.
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Our Scholarship Benefit Silent Auction is back and ready for bidding to begin. |
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This year's event auction will focus on the Graduate Support program.
You don’t need to attend the Benefit to support St. James. Simply create an account using the link below. Bidding is open now, but closes at 8:30PM on May 23rd!
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MISSION
St. James is a faith-based educational community deeply rooted in transformative loving relationships.
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