

September Newsletter
Welcome Back!

SEPTEMBER 2023 NEWSLETTER (Vol. 2, Issue 2)
Letter from the Superintendent
Dear Tiger Community,
As we continue our journey through the school year, I wanted to take a moment to highlight an essential resource available to all of our valued parents and guardians—ParentGuidance.org.
At St. James R-1, we are committed to providing not only the best education for your children but also the necessary support to ensure their overall well-being. Parenting, while incredibly rewarding, can also present challenges and moments of uncertainty. Just as a sports team benefits from a coach's guidance, parents too can benefit from expert advice and support.
ParentGuidance.org offers a wealth of resources aimed at making your parenting journey a bit smoother and more fulfilling. I'm particularly excited to let you know about our "Free One-on-One Coaching" service. This invaluable resource connects you with experienced coaches who can provide personalized guidance, support, and a listening ear whenever you need it.
Remember, there's no shame in seeking help or advice when it comes to parenting. It's a journey we all embark on together, and we are here to support you every step of the way. These resources are designed to empower you, helping you build a strong, nurturing environment for your child's growth and development.
Our children's success and well-being are our top priorities, and your role as parents and guardians is instrumental in achieving these goals. Together, we can create a supportive community that fosters the growth and happiness of our students.
If you have any questions or need assistance in accessing these resources, please don't hesitate to reach out to our school counselors or administrators. We are here to assist you in any way we can. Below you will find more information about the resources available to you.
Thank you for entrusting us with the education and well-being of your children. Together, we will continue to make a positive impact on their lives.
Sincerely,
Tim Webster
Superintendent
St. James R-1 School District
Student Wellness: Free Resources Available!
At St. James R-1, we're committed to ensuring the well-being of our students, and that includes providing resources to support you, the parents. Just like a sports team has a coach to guide them to victory, we know that sometimes, as parents, we could use a little extra support when things get tough.
That's why we want to remind you about the student wellness resources available to you through www.ParentGuidance.org.
What's Available?
- Free One-on-One Coaching: Yes, you read that right! We offer a FREE one-on-one coaching service through Parent Guidance to help you navigate the challenges that can come with parenting. The experienced coaches provide guidance, support, and a listening ear when you need it most.
- Online Parenting Resources
- On-Demand Courses
- Ask A Therapist
- District Virtual Events in Fall and Spring
- November 1 - Your Child’s Anxiety - pre-registration link: http://cookcenter.info/Nov1StJames
- March 6 - Everyday Happiness - pre-registration link: http://cookcenter.info/March6StJames
To access these invaluable resources, simply visit https://www.stjschools.org/page/student-wellness
Your child's well-being is our top priority, and we believe that a strong support system makes all the difference. Let's continue to work together to nurture happy, healthy, and successful students.
Roaring Good Time at 22nd Annual Tailgate Party!
The St. James R-1 School District wants to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to our incredible Tiger Community for making this year's 22nd Annual Tailgate Party an unforgettable kickoff to the school year! Our Tigers displayed true grit and determination, securing a fantastic victory over Lutheran South. But the real victory was the sense of togetherness and school spirit that filled the air!
Thank you to Phelps County Bank for their generous sponsorship of the event, helping us make this evening possible. And also to Pepsi, who kept us refreshed with their beverage donations. But that's not all! We want to express our deepest gratitude to the local businesses that joined us, bringing their support and fabulous giveaways, making the night extra special. We're incredibly grateful for your commitment to our Tiger family!
We showed the world what it means to be part of the St. James R-1 School District. It truly was a great night to be a Tiger!
Attendance: Your Passport to Success!
We're excited to share our first Attendance Data Update, and we've got great news to report! 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:
HOMECOMING SNAPSHOTS!
Homecoming Coronation!
Mini-Queen and King!
Homecoming Queen and King!
Celebrating the Triumph of Loyalty at St. James Middle School
Congratulations to Peyton Coffman, who has been bestowed with the Fort Leonard Wood's Army Value Trait of Loyalty.
Peyton's dedication and commitment to embodying the core value of Loyalty has not gone unnoticed. In a ceremony attended by his parents, Peyton received a well-deserved certificate, symbolizing his loyalty to his peers, educators, and the community.
Furthermore, we want to acknowledge and commend the following students who were also nominated for this award due to their exceptional demonstration of loyalty: Bridgett Hudson, Gavin Schoolcraft, Reid Davis, Landri Abel, and Daphne Tessaro. These young individuals have consistently exemplified the principles of loyalty in their actions.
We are immensely proud of these students and their commitment to the values we hold dear. Their achievements remind us that, through collective effort and unwavering support, we can truly empower our students to become not only academically excellent but also individuals of strong character.
Congratulations to all of our honorees!
Back-to-Back Conference Champions!
We are thrilled to announce the remarkable achievement of our Girls' Golf team! Through dedication and relentless hard work, they emerged victorious in the Four-Rivers Conference. Join us in congratulating them!
- Ally Hartley - Conference Champion & 1st Team All-Conference
- Cally Gibson - 2nd place & 1st Team All-Conference
- Ella Philyaw - 3rd place & 1st Team All-Conference
- Lydia Kemnitzer - 9th place & 2nd Team All-Conference
Tigers Shine During Visit to Missouri Baptist University
Members of the Future Teachers of America (FTA) engaged with MBU's student teachers and dove into professional learning. Their passion impressed Dr. Ragulsky, who recognized their exceptional readiness.
Our partnership with MBU isn't just about experiences; it's about providing opportunities for all students. We're excited to welcome MBU student observers and teachers to our district, fostering an inspiring learning atmosphere.
In return, MBU extends special tuition rates to our teachers, strengthening our higher learning connections. These bonds are vital for the growth and support of our educators and community partnerships. Stay tuned for more on our Grow Your Own initiative!
Elementary Celebrates Lucy Wortham James!
On September 13, 1880, a remarkable individual named Lucy Wortham James was born, and earlier this month, LWJE celebrated her enduring legacy. To mark this special occasion each year, the talented third-grade EXCEL students, with the guidance of Mrs. Hitch, create an inspiring video that pays tribute to her extraordinary life. We warmly invite you to delve into this annual homage in honor of Lucy Wortham James' birthday, and through the video, gain a deeper appreciation of her remarkable contributions. We hope you enjoy this heartfelt presentation!
Tigers at the Grape and Fall Festival!
Our Tigers had a blast at this year's Grape and Fall Festival, enjoying everything from grape stomping, 4-H/FFA Livestock Exhibits/Shows, carnival rides, and more!
A huge shoutout to the St. James Missouri Chamber of Commerce and all the volunteers for their hard work. Your efforts bring our Tiger community closer together!
EVENTS
Student Expectations at Sporting Events
Crowds can be large at many games and events, so we want to review expected student behavior during sporting events. The safety of our students and event patrons is important, so please read over the following expectations at school functions.