Upper School students learning in modern, light-filled classrooms |
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The Long Road to Opening Doors |
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Now that our new building is open, it is time to appreciate the many steps by many people that led to this moment in St. James history. The idea to expand the campus was introduced in 2016, which means the process of visioning, fundraising, planning, and building was unfolding for seven years! Throughout that time, the goal remained the same: to ensure that St. James is accessible, intentional, and sustainable.
The visioning question was, “What is St. James now and what could it be five, 10, 15, or 20 years form now?" There was a shared understanding that existing programs would expand and new ones would blossom from the work already being done. This is exactly what happened with The Welcome Table, which began as a food source during the pandemic, and quickly grew into a multipurpose community resource hub. The dream of offering Adult Education came true in 2021, thanks to support from donors, including parents of students and residents of the neighborhood.
The intent to expand existing programs took a big leap forward with the addition of a 4th grade class to serve more students and start earlier in their academic lives. That put a squeeze on existing space which grew tighter each June when another 8th grade class was embraced by our Graduate Support team. The need for additional space grew more and more obvious.
A feasibility study was done to get a sense of how donors would feel about supporting a new stage of St. James development. Their feedback indicated a capital campaign would be successful. The next step was to determine community buy-in: A proposal for campus expansion was brought to the RAH Civic Association, which voted unanimously to approve the project. The support of President Rose Cooper and the rest of the association was essential to our plan to move forward.
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Our former "lobby" (left) and the new one |
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With donors and neighbors in favor, new conversations began with partner organizations, board members, and staff. The Reach & Sustain Campaign was launched to fund a new building, renovations to the existing School House, and new programs. Fundraising for the building totaled over $8 million. Costs were reduced by the many people who volunteered their knowledge, connections, or time.
Retired architect John Stetson chaired our building committee, using his background to assist with the details and nuance of this important project. We found experts to guide us from Cicada Architects, builder Wolfe Scott, and the Watchdog project management firm, who worked together to make sure everything was built perfectly to meet our needs.
From students and graduates to teachers and staff, the people now using the building are thrilled with it.
Skylar (7th grade) said, "We have so much more space — it’s easier to walk and move around. I love the new lockers and bathrooms." Kimora (8th grade) added, "It feels like a high school building. It's getting us ready for high school." Tina (6th grade) chimed in, "We are getting more exercise going up and down the stairs!"
Class of 2022 graduate Jonathan shared, "The new Huskies Hangout is so much bigger. We have so much more space!" Korren (also Class of 2022) added, "It's so peaceful and quiet in the new Huskies Hangout."
Math teacher Brianna Park loves the new classrooms and said, "They are super spacious, bright and inviting." Graduate Support Associate Sonya Kedarnath loves her new standing desk and the inspirational wall mural decorating the space.
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The new Graduate Support area occupies the first floor |
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From breaking ground to finishing touches, the building process demanded lots of flexibility, adaptation, and patience from staff and students. When COVID-19 disrupted day-to-day life, classes switched to virtual and materials were unavailable because of supply shortages, the St. James community rose to each challenge. Chef Anthony even adapted to cooking outdoors!
Now that the new space is in use, new opportunities will arise, and we will find new ways to fulfill our mission. At St. James, we dream boldly!
But before we start envisioning what's next, it is time to thank the many people whose commitment to our 2016 dream made it a reality. As a show of gratitude and an opportunity to celebrate our campus expansion, please join us for our Grand Opening Event on Tuesday, March 21st!
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St. James students seek reading material that resonates with them: stories written or illustrated by and about Black people. Most in demand are biographies and histories of black innovation and resilience — especially when students are preparing for their yearly Wax Museum projects!
Since 2013, Rachael Stube has been catering to those interests as a trusted steward of the St. James library, first as a volunteer, then staff member, and now once again a dedicated volunteer. Having access to a library curated to their experience and education is meant to be encouraging and enlightening, so that when students see themselves in what they are reading, in Stube's words, “the world will open up.”
The library was started by volunteers, including Marge Devlin (1929-2018). Joined by other volunteers, especially Robin Ayres and Karin Crawford, Stube has spent countless hours ensuring that good quality, relatable books are available and neatly organized for students of all ages.
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Among the many books available in our library |
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“Dave Kasievich noticed that I gravitated toward books,” she said, explaining how she initially came to the role. “And the first thing we had to do was catalog the entire library.”
Using the Dewey Decimal system, she led the charge, and to this day works to ensure that students learn the system. Stube uses a curriculum of monthly themes — such as illustrations, literary awards, and fiction vs non-fiction — to help students see how books are categorized and how to locate them.
One reliable source of new books is the African-American Children’s Book Project, a Philadelphia-based annual book fair. It offers for purchase “some of the best books of our generation that celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black Americans in this country.” This year, St. James spent about $800 there on new books.
A few authors Stube wished to highlight were Renee Watson, Angie Thomas, Kwame Alexander, Jacqueline Woodson, and Jason Reynolds, who was named by the Library of Congress as national ambassador for young people's literature in 2020.
Students in the 4th and 5th grades love the Who Was...? books, which tell the lives of people like Coretta Scott King, George Washington Carver, Sojourner Truth, and Frederick Douglass. Jaelle, a 4th grader, checked out the Who Was Maya Angelou? book to learn about her Wax Museum subject.
Mulani, an 8th grader, also utilized resources in the library to study up on her Wax Museum subject, Clara Muhammad. Mulani shared what she has enjoyed about reading up on her figure: “I like how she’s an inspiration to young muslim girls.” Malaysia, a 4th grader, checked out books for her Wax Museum figure, Amanda Gorman. She shared that in addition to biographies, she likes to read scary stories, or funny books like the Dog Man series by Dav Pilkey.
Stube expressed tremendous gratitude to all donors to the school, along with the St. James administration — especially Dave Kasievich, Dave McDonough and the board — for their support of the library.
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A Word with Tyamiyah Sanders, Class of 2016 |
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Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I was in the second class of graduating 8th graders at St. James. I graduated 7th in my high school class from the U School and was president of the National Honor Society. I then attended Holy Family University for two years as a psychology major. I decided to take a gap year this year and I joined AmeriCorps as a City Year member, here in Philadelphia.
Tell us about City Year.
City Year members serve for one year as tutors and mentors for elementary and high school students across the city. We agree to work 900 hours during the year and we receive a stipend for living expenses twice a month. At the end of the year, we receive a grant that I plan to apply to my education going forward.
What is your assignment?
I am working at Olney High School with 9th graders, 10 of them as their math tutor and eight of them as their mentor. I am there Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm. Most of the time the students are pulled out of class to work individually with me. Sometimes I offer support to the teacher in the classroom.
What do you work on as a mentor?
I help the students work on developing self-awareness, self-responsibility, and positive thinking. City Year members receive multiple trainings throughout the year to prepare us for this.
How did you decide to become a City Year member?
Mr. (Kevin) Todd in Graduate Support thought that I was a good candidate for the program. He was a City Year member himself a few years back. I thought that it would be a good idea, since he enjoyed it so much.
Are you enjoying it?
Yes, I really am. It’s a lot of work but I love working with kids. Every child deserves an education and they should be able to have fun learning. I am meeting so many kids who really want to learn.
What are you thinking of doing next year?
I’m considering applying to be a City Year member for a second year. Second-years can be team leaders, which I think I would enjoy. I would lead a team of five or six people and I would still tutor but most likely five students instead of 18. I would also receive another grant at the end of the year.
Is St. James’ Graduate Support Program still a part of your life?
Absolutely. The entire office is here not only for me but for my nephews Kocheyion and Yamir Sanders as well. Kocheyion is a sophomore at Westtown School and Yamir is a freshman at the U School. I see St. James being a part of my life even when I get older and have kids. Mr. Todd and Ms. (Sarah) Carroll were my strongest support system when I was a student at St. James. They still support me, hence GRAD SUPPORT!
What are you thinking of doing after college?
When I was in 5th grade, I told Ms. Carroll that I wanted to be an English teacher. Now, I am thinking that is exactly what I want to do. I plan to return to college and finish my degree in psychology and add a minor in education. I want to have an impact on the students in my community!
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Some of our presenters for 2023 Career Day
2023 Black History 365 Career Day was a hit! We welcomed 10 guests from places including Black Girls Love Math, Comcast, Black Doctors Consortium (our 2022 Scholarship Benefit honoree), and Drexel University College of Medicine. We heard from a fashion designer, an engineer, and a musician, among others!
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5th grade students each chose a different state to research. In addition to learning interesting facts about the states, they are practicing good research skills by determining which books and websites are authoritative sources, and determining where to find the most up-to-date information.
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Winter House Cup was a chance for our students and staff to come together for an afternoon of brains and brawn competitions. The participants rotated through stations including a campus scavenger hunt, minute to win it challenges, an escape room, and trivia!
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The Welcome Table Is on Instagram
Follow The Welcome Table’s new Instagram page for updates on events, resources, volunteering, and more!
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Join the last of three Zoom sessions this month to learn how easy it is to turn your PA taxes into student scholarships! The session will be held on Wednesday, March 22nd, from 4:00 to 4:30 pm. |
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St. James School is a faith-based Philadelphia middle school in the Episcopal tradition, committed to educating students from an under-resourced neighborhood within a nurturing environment. The school is a community that provides a challenging academic program and encourages the development of the moral, spiritual, intellectual, physical and creative gifts in its students. |
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