

October Newsletter
Every day is a great day to be a Tiger!

OCTOBER 2023 NEWSLETTER (Vol. 2, Issue 3)
Letter from the Superintendent
Dear St. James School District Families,
I'm excited to announce our upcoming Tiger Trot race on November 25, 2023, and I invite you to join this special event. All the proceeds from sponsorships and race day will go toward providing a gift to every student in our district before winter break. Your participation is crucial to achieving this goal, and registration is now open: https://STJTigerTrot.itsyourrace.com/. Your support will make a meaningful difference in our community.
The Tiger Trot isn't just about fitness; it's an opportunity for our community to come together and support a worthy cause. By participating, you'll help us ensure that every child in our district experiences the joy of a special gift during the holiday season. We're immensely grateful for your support and dedication to our schools. Join us for a day of fun, fitness, and giving on November 25th, and let's make this winter break a memorable one for all our students.
Thank you for being an integral part of our community and for helping us make a positive impact through the Tiger Trot and the Gifts for Kids Project.
Warm regards,
Tim Webster
Superintendent
St. James School District
October Leading the Tiger Way Winners!
Congratulations to our October Leading the Tiger Way winners!
- LWJE: Jessica Rivers and Shannan Gahr
- Middle School: Brenda Stack and Pete Mitchell
- High School: Roger Payne and Tim McCormick
The "Leading the Tiger Way" teacher and staff of the month program is designed to spotlight one teacher and one classified staff from each building every month. We want to recognize our most dedicated and talented employees. This program allows each staff member an opportunity to nominate a peer who exemplifies the character and professional traits we strive for as a District.
Jessica Rivers, Kindergarten Teacher
Shannan Gahr, LWJE Secretary
Brenda Stack, MS Math Teacher
Pete Mitchell, MS Custodian
Roger Payne, HS Music Teacher
Tim McCormick, HS Maintenance
Our culture & climate surveys play a vital role in aligning both MSIP 6 (Missouri School Improvement Plan) and our CSIP (Comprehensive School Improvement Plan). Your valuable feedback is instrumental in shaping the future of our district and ensuring we meet the educational needs of our students. Thank you for your partnership in continuous improvement within the St. James R-1 School District.
Attendance: Your Passport to Success!
Here is our Attendance Data Update for last month. Our students are showing outstanding dedication, with attendance rates that make us proud. Stay tuned as we continue to spread awareness about the importance of regular attendance in helping our students succeed.
Follow the link for more information about our Attendance Awareness Campaign and other resources: https://www.stjschools.org/page/attendance
LINQ Connect - Your Trusted School Meal Management Platform
We wanted to take a moment to remind you about LINQ Connect, your trusted and familiar school meal management platform. LINQ Connect has been serving our school community for some time now, providing convenient access to various meal-related services.
LINQ Connect at a Glance:
- Free/Reduced Meal Application: LINQ Connect simplifies the process of applying for free or reduced-price meals for your child. It ensures that your child receives the essential nutrition they need to excel in school.
- Hassle-Free Account Funding: You can easily add funds to your child's lunch account securely via LINQ Connect. Say goodbye to the days of sending cash or checks to school.
- Real-Time Balance Checks: Keep track of your child's lunch account balance in real-time. LINQ Connect provides peace of mind, knowing that your child always has access to meals at school.
Accessing LINQ Connect is a breeze!
- Visit LINQ Connect and log in with your existing account or create one if you haven't already. Once logged in, you can explore all the features and conveniently manage your child's school meal account.
- Or you can download the mobile app:
HALLOWEEN SNAPSHOTS!
Beyond the Finish Line: The Mental and Physical Grit of Cross Country
Cross country is a sport that really pushes athletes both mentally and physically. It's where our middle school students showed their incredible determination. They spent the summer running countless miles, getting themselves ready for the tough fall season. Their hard work and dedication paved the way for success.
In a fantastic season, our team managed to grab first place in seven out of the eight meets they participated in as a united front, including the coveted Four-Rivers Conference Championship with Ashton Moreland leading the pack as Individual Champion. Their remarkable accomplishments, which came from everyone's shared effort and commitment, truly prove their excellence.
This is a sport where each runner, not just the medalists, plays a vital role in securing a team's victory. The essence of cross country lies in the collective effort of every finisher. Our young athletes have showcased the spirit and dedication required to conquer the physical and mental challenges this sport presents. As we celebrate their accomplishments, we honor their ability to tackle adversity head-on and emerge as champions in a sport that truly defines resilience and teamwork.
Dive into American Modernism - The Great Gatsby and the Art of Cubism!
In a recent collaboration, our high school English students and Mrs. Harlan from the library embarked on a captivating project. Within their classrooms, students have delved into the pages of "The Great Gatsby," a timeless 1925 classic that unfolds against the vibrant backdrop of the Jazz Age—an era deeply intertwined with American Modernism literature.
The American Modernism movement, which emerged in the aftermath of World War I, brought about a significant cultural and artistic transformation during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Among its fascinating elements was the emergence of Cubism in the world of art. Cubism involves the deconstruction and reassembly of objects and figures into abstract forms, creating a unique visual language.
Mrs. Harlan has ingeniously designed an interactive activity to help our students explore this rich literary and artistic movement. It's worth noting that libraries play a pivotal role in public education, as they serve as hubs of knowledge and creativity. By collaborating with our school library, we're highlighting the invaluable resources and guidance that libraries offer to students on their learning journeys. Let's take a step back in time with our students as they venture into the roaring 20s and unravel the enthralling world of American Modernism, celebrating the libraries that make these adventures possible!
Missouri Day - A Tapestry of Local Expertise and Heritage!
Missouri Day provides a wonderful opportunity for our schools to pay tribute to our great state and celebrate the remarkable achievements of all Missourians. Our third-grade students have delved into the rich tapestry of Missouri's heritage, exploring subjects such as the history of kettle corn, music, beekeeping, farming, Missouri games, the history of Lucy Wortham James, woodworking, history of our state animal, and the delicious art of making funnel cakes.
We are deeply appreciative of the valuable time and expertise contributed by the following community members during our Missouri Day celebration:
- Missouri Mules with Les Clancy
- Corn Husk Dolls with Patty Frisbie
- Funnel Cakes with St. James Sports Club
- Dulcimer by Gana Harris
- Beekeeping with Caroline Copeland
- Wood Carving with Jim Barksdale
- Lucy Wortham James History with Kendra Swee - Maramec Spring Park
- Kettle Korn with Brenda & Steve Stack - Rusty's Kettle Korn
- Bluegrass/Violin by Jerry Rosa
- Missouri Games with Lynn Wilson
We extend our heartfelt gratitude for joining us today and for teaching the different ways Missourians express their pride. Hats off to the third-grade team for putting together such an exciting day of learning!
Tiger Canned Food Drive Success: Empowering Our Students Through Service!
Eighth-grade students from the Citizenship class at St. James Middle School have come together to make a significant impact just in time for the holiday season. They recently organized a canned food drive to benefit the St. James Caring Center. We applaud our Mission Makers as they embrace the spirit of giving back to their community.
At St. James R-I School District, we strive to empower students through community partnerships and caring relationships. Our students understand the power of serving their community and the genuine difference it can make in the lives of others. In taking this initiative, they exemplify what it means to "Live the Tiger Way."
We are thrilled to share that the 8th grade Citizenship class successfully collected a remarkable total of 1,426 cans and other food items for the St. James Caring Center. These generous donations will make a tangible difference in the lives of those in need.
LWJE Students Learn About Community Helpers!
Kindergarten and Tiger Cubs students had an engaging learning experience with the support of our community partners, including the St. James Ambulance District, St. James Police Department, St. James Fire Protection District, and Copeland Bus Service. We also had guests from our city and state governments, City Administrator Dan Knoell, and our State Representative Tara J. Peters.
These real-world experiences enrich our students' education, contributing to their academic growth and understanding of the world around them. We're grateful for the support of our community in shaping the minds and hearts of our future leaders.
3rd Annual Tiger Trot 5k/10k
Warm Up for the Tiger Trot Spirit Days!
Download Our District App Now!
Did you hear the news?
When inclement weather arrives, you can find out about school closings FIRST through our app! Follow the link for more information on inclement weather: https://www.stjschools.org/page/inclement-weather.
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