st-james-school

St. James Celebrates Earth Day

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 17:34:34 GMT

Earth Day Week Highlights: Student Projects and Classroom Activities

In celebration of Earth Day on April 22nd, students across all grade levels engaged in hands-on learning experiences focused on environmental stewardship, sustainability, and community responsibility.

Preschool

Preschool students from both of our classrooms collected recyclable materials from home and brought them to school. They used these materials to create sculptures and artwork, exploring how everyday items can be repurposed in creative ways.

Junior Kindergarten – Ms. Marcantonio’s Class

Students learned about composting by using a classroom compost bin for their lunch and snack waste throughout the week. This experience helped them understand food waste and the environmental benefits of composting.

Junior Kindergarten – Mrs. Mosinski’s Class

Students created “seed bombs” using recycled paper and native seeds from the Chicago area. They brought them home to share with their families, extending their learning and encouraging native planting at home.

Kindergarten

Kindergarten students from both classrooms participated in an Earth Day neighborhood walk, collecting litter along the way. This activity helped build awareness of environmental responsibility and community care.

Grade 1

After reading Wangari’s Trees , students examined their classroom paper usage. They evaluated their findings and developed plans to reduce paper waste going forward.

Grade 2

Through a Mystery Science unit, students explored the causes and effects of erosion. They built models to demonstrate their understanding and identified strategies to reduce erosion in natural environments.

Grades 3-5

Our upper elementary students participated in a clothing drive and sidewalk sale focused on fast fashion and its environmental impact. Students brought in gently used clothing after Spring Break, and a sidewalk sale was held on Earth Day. Remaining items were donated to Cradles to Crayons. Students also created promotional posters and learned about textile recycling efforts in Chicago, including partnerships aimed at reducing waste.

Grade 6

Mrs. Gorcyca’s class either taught younger students about renewable energy and built simple solar-powered devices, or participated in a neighborhood cleanup focused on reducing litter, depending on scheduling.

Grades 7–8

Middle school students researched environmental issues and presented their findings through informational posters, highlighting both challenges and possible solutions for a more sustainable future.

Across all grade levels, students participated in meaningful, age-appropriate experiences that deepened their understanding of environmental responsibility and encouraged thoughtful action toward a healthier planet!

Joining St. James: A Warm Welcome at Any Stage

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 18:34:11 GMT

Starting at a new school can bring a mix of excitement and uncertainty. For families joining St. James at a non-traditional entry point, one of the biggest questions is often: What will the transition actually feel like?

A Community That Welcomes You

One of the things families mention most is how quickly St. James begins to feel familiar. We try to be intentional about supporting that transition in simple, practical ways, such as pairing each new family with a mentor family, staying available to answer questions, and creating opportunities to connect. Each grade also has room parents who help keep families connected throughout the year.

Here are a few experiences shared by students and parents who have gone through that transition:

“So far, the year has been great. The students were welcoming and I felt like they accepted me with open arms. I’ve made a lot of new friends and connections.”

“Even before school started, the administration, faculty, and parents reached out to make sure everything went smoothly. We were welcomed into parent groups right away and had so many people willing to answer questions and help us settle in.”

“Our daughter transferred to St. James to begin her 6th grade year. Once my daughter’s acceptance letter arrived, we felt welcomed at St. James and part of a broader community immediately. We, and our daughter, couldn’t be happier with our decision. We just wish we’d found St. James sooner!”

Even families who joined during uncertain or challenging times describe a similar experience:

“We joined during the pandemic and I had never heard of the school. For some reason, it's a school that doesn't get much attention but after our kids joined they never wanted to leave. They made friends quickly, my wife and I also made friends with several families and we have never looked back. It was very satisfying that the big decision to change schools ended up being one of the best decisions we have made for our family.”

Academic Challenge, Personal Growth, and Opportunities Beyond the Classroom

Along with the social transition, families often notice a shift in how their children engage with school itself. Small class sizes and close teacher relationships create space for both challenge and support, and students are encouraged to try new things both in and out of the classroom.

“Transferring into St James Lutheran School has been one of our family’s greatest blessings because of its welcoming community, rigorous academic programming in a small group setting, and many opportunities for extracurricular enrichment.”

“My new Maverick was thrilled to compete with St James’ volleyball and basketball teams, learn the art of public speaking with Toastmasters, and even work with friends to design and build a Rube-Goldberg style machine for a competition this spring. We’ve also taken advantage of before and after-school care which affords her a safe and happy place to get some homework done or socialize with friends while I’m finishing up my own work day.”

Every family’s path to St. James looks a little different, but many describe a similar outcome over time: their child settles in, builds relationships, and becomes part of the community in ways that feel natural.

“If I had one regret, it’d be that we hadn’t found this wonderful school even sooner. Of all the decisions I’ve made as a parent, choosing St James for our family is one that I’d make again and again without hesitation. As a mother and a veteran middle school teacher, I couldn’t recommend it more. I wish for you only God’s best as you consider all the wonderful possibilities that a St James education might mean for your family.”

From St. James to High School - Alumni Features

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 14:03:52 GMT

Each year, St. James students leave our halls equipped to thrive in the next chapter of their academic journey. In fact, 95% of our 8th grade classes are accepted into their first-choice high school, a testament to the strong academic foundation, character development, and faith formation they receive during their time here.

We’re excited to feature some of our recent St. James alumni who started high school this past fall. They shared reflections on their experiences so far, the ways St. James prepared them, and advice for current students.

Riley

Walter Payton College Prep

How would you describe your high school experience so far? What are you enjoying most?
I am loving my high school experience so far! I’m really enjoying the clubs I’m involved in, especially student government and tennis.

Are you involved in any clubs, sports, or leadership roles now that connect back to something you did at St. James?
I’m currently part of my school’s theatre group, Payton Players, and I think that being a part of the operettas at St. James helped me find my love for acting!

Which skills, habits, or ways of thinking from St. James do you still use in high school?
Our 7th grade life skills class really helped me with my time management and organizational skills in high school. My English classes at St. James really improved my writing and grammar, and those skills really help in my classes at Payton.

What’s one memory from St. James that still sticks with you?
I still remember the epic rap battle between Mrs. G and Grinstein!

How would you describe St. James to someone thinking about enrolling?
St. James is a place of real community. The small class sizes really give everyone a chance to shine, grow, and truly connect with peers.

What’s a piece of advice you’d give to a current St. James student?
I’d tell them to treasure every moment, and to get to know their teachers! The teachers at St. James are some of the best and most hilarious people I've met.

How did your faith formation at St. James prepare or influence you for high school?
My faith formation at St James really helped me in my transition to high school. I was really nervous about stepping into a new environment, but knowing that I always had a place at St. James helped me be more confident and open during that transition.

Zach

Latin School of Chicago

How would you describe your high school experience so far? What are you enjoying most?
My high school experience has been great so far. I’ve made many new friends and developed new academic skills. What I am enjoying most is the increased freedom that comes with high school. We are allowed to leave campus during free periods and passing times, which has helped me become more independent. One thing that is different from St James is the extreme workload. St James does a great job of teaching the material and an abundance of in-class work that drills in principles and equations(specifically in math). Latin, however, relies on homework, independent study, and tutors to excel in their classes.

Are you involved in any clubs, sports, or leadership roles now that connect back to something you did at St. James?
I am currently involved in multiple clubs and sports at Latin. These activities include chess, baseball, ping pong, and squash. An example of St. James preparing me for high school was my experience with chess and organized tournaments, thanks to Mrs. Gorcyca. Upon my arrival at the club fair, I went over to the chess table. I started off by playing the captain, who has a respectable rating of 1900, and played him in a 50-move game before drawing in the endgame. Following this, I earned a spot on board two and have a good shot at becoming chess captain this year. Mrs. Gorcyca did a fantastic job teaching students chess, so I would highly recommend stopping by if you are in fifth through eighth grade.

Which skills, habits, or ways of thinking from St. James do you still use in high school?
Mrs. May’s LA class helped improve my writing skills, and I still use her process before writing. Planning and annotating in Mrs. May’s style have helped me reduce the time needed to write (which comes in handy during timed assessments), allowing me to focus less on finding quotes and more on integration, structure, context, and analysis. Mrs. Gorcyca also did a splendid job preparing me for physics, specifically circuits, by giving us a base understanding of how circuits and batteries work, the idea of req, etc. I’m hoping that next year our 7th-grade chemistry unit will help. Her teaching also helped me in a trivia game during assembly, where I was the only freshman to get a question involving triple covalent bonds correctly. St James has done a fantastic job of preparing me socially and academically for high school.

What’s one memory from St. James that still sticks with you?
One memory from St. James that still sticks with me is the class trip to Wall Camp. Wall Camp is a small Christian camp where we do all kinds of fun activities, like archery and kayaking. We stayed in cabins, and the whole experience was fun. One game that stood out was the nighttime capture the flag we played. In the first round, it was random teams, and I remember sneaking around the other teams' woods with Will before seeing a small neon glow stick (the flag) tucked under a wooden stair at the back of their cabin. The trip wasn’t just fun; it was also informative, as we learned how to create small shelters in the woods and had a fire-making and fire safety class. Wall Camp in general was an amazing experience both years I went, and I will remember it forever.

How would you describe St. James to someone thinking about enrolling?
I would describe St. James as a small, tight-knit community. It is a wonderful school academically, and they do a seamless job of instilling Lutheran values while preparing students for high school. Another thing about St James is class size. The small class sizes, especially in the middle school, help form closer bonds and longer-lasting friendships. All of the teachers are exceptional, and the class sizes allow teachers to give each student individual attention.

What’s a piece of advice you’d give to a current St. James student?
One piece of advice I would give to a current St. James student is to take advantage of every opportunity the school offers. Whether it’s playing basketball, volleyball, or participating in clubs, these experiences will prepare you well for high school. You might not have the same opportunities to play on a sports team in high school, especially if you go to a large school like Lane Tech or Lincoln Park. I would also encourage students to challenge themselves academically, as the skills they develop now will make the transition to high school much smoother. Not just challenge themselves academically, but also create strong habits and a work ethic that will make transitioning to the high school workload much easier.

How did your faith formation at St. James prepare or influence you for high school?
My faith formation at St. James helped prepare me for high school by giving me a strong moral foundation and integrity. Through chapel, religion classes, and service opportunities, I learned the importance of integrity, compassion, and respect for others. These values have helped guide my decisions and interactions in high school. This is especially true when attending a secular school that doesn’t promote any specific religion.

Lexi

DePaul College Prep

How would you describe your high school experience so far? What are you enjoying most?
My high school experience has been great so far. I really enjoy my classes, and they’ve been both fun and challenging. One of my favorite parts of high school is being on both the track and cross country teams. I’ve made so many new friends through running, and it’s been an exciting and rewarding sport to be part of. It’s a lot of work, but being on a great team makes it all worthwhile.

Are you involved in any clubs, sports, or leadership roles now that connect back to something you did at St. James?
I am currently on the track and cross country teams, which I also participated in at St. James. Being part of those teams at St. James helped prepare me to do well in high school athletics. I also recently joined a club called RAM Guides, where I help incoming freshmen with time management and adjusting to high school. This connects to my experience as a chapel buddy at St. James, where I learned how important it is to support and guide younger students. I really enjoyed my time with my chapel buddies and am even still a pen pal with one of them!

Which skills, habits, or ways of thinking from St. James do you still use in high school?
The teachers at St. James had a huge impact on how I think and learn. In English, I still use Mrs. May’s “forbidden words” rule to improve my writing. In Biology, many of the topics Mrs. G covered at St. James gave me a strong background and have helped me excel. Mr. DeBor’s math lessons also prepared me well and made the transition to high school math much easier.

What’s one memory from St. James that still sticks with you?
One memory that really sticks with me is the night of the 8th grade speech. When Mrs. G was reading her speech about me, I realized how much I had accomplished during my time at St. James. She mentioned moments from middle school that even I had forgotten, which showed me just how much the teachers truly cared about us as students. That night made me feel proud and supported, and it’s a memory I will always cherish—plus, Mrs. G is the best!

How would you describe St. James to someone thinking about enrolling?
I would describe St. James as a family. The teachers are your mentors, but they also feel like friends. You can laugh and joke with them while still learning so much. I even had a close relationship with the principal, Mrs. Meyer, who is amazing. I made friendships at St. James that I know will last throughout high school and beyond.

What’s a piece of advice you’d give to a current St. James student?
My advice would be to enjoy every moment. When I was there, all I wanted was to be in high school, but now I realize how special my time at St. James was. It’s an amazing place, and I really miss it. Also, make sure to study—especially for Mrs. G’s tests, because they are long!

How did your faith formation at St. James prepare or influence you for high school?
I currently attend DePaul College Prep, a Catholic high school, so my faith formation at St. James has been very helpful, especially in religion class. Even beyond academics, St. James taught me to trust in God and believe that He will provide. That lesson is something I still carry with me today. Thank you, Pastor Hess.

Will

Lincoln Park High School

How would you describe your high school experience so far? What are you enjoying most?
My experience at Lincoln Park High School has been amazing. I’ve met a lot of new people and my teachers have been supportive. I especially enjoy going to varsity football and basketball games and spending time with my new friends.

Are you involved in any clubs, sports, or leadership roles now that connect back to something you did at St. James?
I currently play on the Lincoln Park freshman basketball team, and I played JV football in the fall. St. James helped prepare me to be a competitive athlete while also showing good sportsmanship and being a team player.

Which skills, habits, or ways of thinking from St. James do you still use in high school?
I still use a lot of the study habits I learned at St. James. Making notecards and using all the resources my teachers give me really helps when I’m studying for tests.

What’s one memory from St. James that still sticks with you?
One memory that still sticks with me is debating sports with Mrs. Gorcyca and having great discussions with Mr. DeBoer.

How would you describe St. James to someone thinking about enrolling?
St. James is a welcoming community that supports students both academically and athletically. The school is fun, and the classes are engaging and interesting.

What’s a piece of advice you’d give to a current St. James student?
I would tell current St. James students to use their time wisely in class and really enjoy their time there, because it goes by fast.

How did your faith formation at St. James prepare or influence you for high school?
My faith formation at St. James helped prepare me for high school by reminding me that I can always trust in God, even when things feel challenging.

We are incredibly proud of Riley, Zach, Lexi, and Will, and of all our St. James graduates who are making their mark in high school and beyond. Their experiences reflect the strong academic preparation, supportive community, and faith-centered foundation that define a St. James education. We look forward to continuing to follow their journeys and celebrating the many accomplishments of our alumni in the years to come.

Financial Aid Philosophy

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 13:51:41 GMT

At the heart of our school is a simple but deeply held belief: a Christ-centered education should be accessible to families who desire it. Our mission is not only to educate students academically, but to walk alongside families as partners in the formation of their children spiritually, intellectually, and relationally. Our philosophy on financial aid flows directly from that commitment.

We understand that families come to us from many different financial circumstances. Some demonstrate a clear financial need through traditional measures, while others may not fit neatly into standard “need-based” models but still face important considerations- such as supporting multiple children in school, balancing tuition with other family priorities, or discerning how to invest meaningfully and responsibly in their child’s education. We believe all of these conversations matter.

Our approach to financial aid is intentionally holistic and relational. We see it as part of a broader partnership between school and family. If you are asking thoughtful questions about affordability, stewardship, and long-term sustainability, we welcome those conversations. Wanting clarity or support does not diminish your commitment to your child’s education- it demonstrates it.

We are committed to working with all of our families. Our goal is for every family to feel confident, respected, and supported as they make decisions about their child’s schooling. Financial considerations should never be a barrier to an open and honest dialogue.

We look forward to working with your family. Please reach out to admissions@stjames-lutheran.org with any questions.

Author Night at St. James: A Celebration of Young Learners

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 20:19:52 GMT

Author Night at St. James is a beloved opportunity for our Early Childhood families to step into the classroom and experience literacy learning alongside their children. Rooted in our inquiry-based approach, the evening highlights how students have explored a particular author’s life, works, stories, themes, and art through meaningful, hands-on experiences while inviting parents to be active participants in the learning process.

Below is a look at how each class brought Author Night to life this year!

Preschool

Ms. Healy’s Class

Featured Author/Illustrator: Eric Carle

“This year, we decided to focus our author study on Eric Carle. I was especially inspired by his unique art style and wanted to see how it would translate when recreated by preschoolers. Additionally, Eric Carle’s books have been popular throughout our other project-based units, so I felt it would be a wonderful opportunity to revisit his work in a more intentional and meaningful way.” - Ms. Neav Healy (Lead Teacher, St. James Preschool)

The class showcased their learning to parents by displaying their artwork alongside a performance of a poem the children have spent the past 6 weeks learning.

“ Through this experience, we hope students gain a strong sense of teamwork and collaboration as they work together to create large-scale art inspired by Eric Carle. Working on shared pieces encourages communication cooperation and respect for one another’s ideas. We also hope students feel excited and confident exploring new art styles and mediums. By engaging with Eric Carle’s textured collage techniques students can experiment creatively, build artistic confidence and develop a joyful curiosity for art and self-expression.” - Ms. Neav Healy (Lead Teacher, St. James Preschool)

Preschool (continued)

Ms. DiVita’s Class

Featured Author and Illustrator: Jory John

“My class has been focusing on the author Jory John. He was chosen because his stories feature entertaining characters while also teaching meaningful lessons that are especially important for students at this age.” - Ms. Abby Divita (Lead Teacher, St. James Preschool)

Students created a variety of projects inspired by Jory John, including individual pieces as well as group projects using a range of materials to support and deepen their learning. The class also presented a short performance for their families.

“I hope my students feel a strong connection to the stories we have shared over the past six weeks. I already see their excitement when they recognize a familiar book or remember a topic we have talked about together. Focusing on one author has helped us explore new literacy ideas and has sparked their curiosity about how stories are created. My hope is that my students develop a love for stories and begin to think more deeply about what they are reading and hearing.” - Ms. Abby Divita (Lead Teacher, St. James Preschool)

Junior Kindergarten

Ms. Marcantonio’s Class

Featured Author and Illustrator: Jon Klassen and Mac Barnett

“My JK class is learning about Jon Klassen and Mac Barnett. We are inspired by Klassen's illustrations because they often add context to the story that the words in the books do not, and we love Barnett's subtle humor, simple dialogue, and frequent "choose your own" open-ended plot lines that lead to great discussions about all their works.” - Ms. Jennifer Marcantonio (Lead Teacher, St. James Junior Kindergarten)

Students showcased their learning with an art show for parents. Most pieces are opinion based or personal, including hats and book covers designed by students, drawings of their "favorite place to be,” and collaborations between students working on a piece together. Each family also got to bring home a copy of a class book that students wrote and illustrated together!

“I hope that students gain reading comprehension skills when we have these discussions, as well as creative inspiration when making art pieces inspired by these books. Students will showcase their learning on Author Night with an art show! Most pieces family members can expect to see are opinion based or personal, such as hats and book covers designed by their children, drawings of their "favorite place to be", collaboration between students working on a piece together, and overall a type of artistic expression that will hopefully build a foundation for creative writing later in their lives. Each family will also get to bring home a copy of a class book that students wrote and illustrated together!”- Ms. Jennifer Marcantonio (Lead Teacher, St. James Junior Kindergarten)

Junior Kindergarten (continued)

Mrs. Mosinski’s Class

Featured Author and Illustrator: Oliver Jeffers

“My JK Classroom is learning about the works of Oliver Jeffers. Each year in the weeks leading up to this study, we let the students explore books written by different authors. After experiencing these books we vote as a class which author we would like to focus on. Oliver Jeffers stood out to us this year because he had a few books that were a series featuring a little boy and a penguin. The class also noticed he writes stories that are very silly and really just enjoyed them.” Mrs. Brittani Mosinski (Lead Teacher, St. James Junior Kindergarten)

In Mrs. Mosinski's classroom, students showcased various projects that demonstrated their knowledge about the elements that make up a story.

“In JK, the students learn about the parts of a book and the parts of a story. We learn about each element of a story through a specific book written by our author. Each book then corresponds to a project that they present that night. These pieces come in many different forms; writing, collage, painting, drawing, and collaborative art pieces. They will also produce story maps which help communicate the elements of the story that they focused on in each book… I hope that when students complete this study they begin to foster a love of reading a book that will grow with them.” Mrs. Brittani Mosinski (Lead Teacher, St. James Junior Kindergarten)

Kindergarten

Mrs. Runge’s & Mrs. DiSalle’s Classes

Featured Author and Illustrator: Mo Willems

“Kindergarten always studies Mo Willems. We put on a series of plays based on his Elephant and Piggie books. These books offer simple text, which our students can read independently. They also offer a variety of text features that we learn about including speech bubbles, thought bubbles, and large print. As students work through their play, we focus with them on these text features and how to begin reading with expression. There is also a lesson built into each story which offers us the opportunity to make personal connections to the text as well as share our experiences and feelings about different social situations with our friends and teachers.” - Mrs. Lynda Runge (Lead Teacher, St. James Kindergarten)

In preparation for Author Night, students work with a partner to create costumes, props, and set design for a performance of a play for parents and family members based on an Elephant and Piggie book.

“Working with a partner, they will create the costumes, props and set, to perform one of the Elephant and Piggie books for the audience. Following the performances, they will have the opportunity to take their parents on a tour of our classroom, where they will share a variety of art and writing pieces that they have worked on throughout this study.” -Mrs. Lynda Runge (Lead Teacher, St. James Kindergarten)

As the unit comes to a close, Mrs. Runge reflects on the lasting impact she hopes this experience will have on her students. She shares her thoughts on what she ultimately wants children to gain from their study of Mo Willems:

“We hope our students gain an appreciation for these books. Also that they learn a new and different way to create a story. We also hope these books connect with them personally and that they see themselves in these characters. We also continue to create opportunities for our students to get out in front of adults and other children and speak. These plays offer a way for them to begin exploring that as well as an experience with acting, which may spark something in them long term.” -Mrs. Lynda Runge (Lead Teacher, St. James Kindergarten)

A Shared Learning Experience

Author Night reflects St. James’ commitment to inquiry-based learning and meaningful family partnerships. By inviting parents into the classroom, we create shared experiences that strengthen understanding, connection, and a lifelong love of learning.

Admissions at St. James Lutheran School: What to Expect

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 15:42:48 GMT

Choosing the right school for your child is both exciting and deeply personal. At St. James Lutheran School, we believe the admissions process should feel just as thoughtful as the education we provide. From your first inquiry to your child’s first day, our goal is to walk alongside your family, answer your questions honestly, and help you discern whether St. James is the right fit for your child.

Below is a closer look at how our admissions process works and what you can expect along the way.

Families exploring one of our preschool rooms for Winter Weekends.

Eligibility Requirements

Our age guidelines help ensure students are developmentally ready to thrive in our classrooms.
To enter Preschool, children must be three years old by December 31 of the school year they are applying for. Children with birthdays between September 1 and December 31 will repeat Preschool the following year.
For Junior Kindergarten, students must be four years old by September 1.
For Kindergarten, students must be five years old by September 1.
All children enrolled in our Preschool program must be fully potty trained.

If you have questions about placement or readiness, our admissions team is always happy to connect!

The Admissions Process

1. Submit an Application
Families begin by creating an account in the FACTS system and completing the online application. This allows us to gather basic information about your child and your family. A $22 application fee is required to complete your submission.

Link: https://www.stjameslutheranschool.org/apply

2. Visit Our School
We encourage every family to schedule a tour. Visiting St. James gives you the opportunity to see learning in action, experience the community, and explore what makes our classrooms unique. Tours are also a chance for us to learn more about your family’s goals, values, and hopes for your child’s education.

3. Student Visit or Assessment
After an application is submitted, students participate in an age-appropriate visit designed to feel comfortable and engaging. For Early Childhood students, assessments can be completed during the tour date:

Preschool and Junior Kindergarten applicants complete an early childhood assessment- essentially a play date- with our early childhood counselor during the family tour. This helps us get to know your child’s personality and comfort level.
Kindergarten applicants complete a one-on-one assessment with a Kindergarten teacher, allowing us to better understand readiness and learning style.
Students applying to Grades 1 through 8 take part in a half-day classroom shadow experience, giving them a glimpse into daily life at St. James while allowing teachers to get to know them as learners.

4. Admission Decision
Following the visit and assessment, the admissions team will contact families with an admission decision and next steps. To secure enrollment, families submit a $1,000 deposit and complete the required enrollment documentation through FACTS.

5. Financial Support
We view financial aid as a partnership with families, rooted in our commitment to making Christ-centered education accessible through thoughtful, relational support. Our financial aid program is available to families with demonstrated need and is administered through FACTS. Even for families who may not fit traditional need-based criteria, we welcome the opportunity to meet individually, listen to your unique circumstances, and have an open conversation about affordability and next steps.

6. Welcome to the St. James Community
Once enrollment is confirmed, families will receive an enrollment packet, as well as ongoing communication about important dates, school events, and opportunities to get involved. From parent gatherings to classroom celebrations, we look forward to welcoming you into our vibrant community!

Questions? We’re Here to Help

If you have any questions about the admissions process or would like to schedule a conversation, please contact us at admissions@stjames-lutheran.org . We would love to connect with your family and help you take the next step.

St. James Launches a Newspaper Club

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 15:56:29 GMT

This article was written by Newspaper Club Reporter, Scout O.

This year, in 2025, for the first time in St. James’s history, there is a student-run school newspaper called the Monthly Maverick! The students of St. James write everything. After classes end, the club members meet once a week on Thursdays from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

The newspaper provides experience in writing, editing, photography, and much more! David, in 6th grade, said, “I have developed skills such as photography and interviewing.” And Mikhael, in 6th grade, also said, “I developed skills such as reading, writing, and editing.” Nick, in 6th grade, said, “I enjoy being able to write in my own words.”

Besides learning valuable skills, students can also socialize with their peers. Each month, the students who volunteer also learn to work together. Watts, in 5th grade, said he liked it when we were in groups, and it was a good way to spend time with his friends.

The Monthly Maverick features teacher spotlights, updates on the school’s sports, news from the school and church, an exclusive comic, and more! Students in fifth through eighth grade can participate in the club, which is supervised by parent volunteers. Eighteen kids participate in the newspaper club weekly!

The first edition of the Monthly Maverick was released in November 2025. The students work on each volume the month prior to it being released to the parents, faculty, and other students.

Besides being a club where kids sit and write about St. James. The newspaper club creates passion for young minds in the community here at St. James.

Photos by budding photographer James H., who was “stuck” after school for his older sibling's Newspaper Club.

Christmas at St. James

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 18:21:32 GMT

The Christmas season at St. James is always a special time, filled with opportunities to gather, celebrate, and reflect on the true meaning of Christ’s birth. This year, our community came together in so many beautiful ways, creating memories that will last well beyond the season.

We kicked off the festivities with a Gingerbread House Family Party , hosted by our amazing Parent Squad. Families gathered to decorate gingerbread houses alongside friends, parents, and children, filling the room with laughter, creativity, and plenty of holiday cheer. It was a fun and festive evening that helped everyone get into the Christmas spirit together.

We also celebrated Christmasfest , when the church hosted a fun-filled day of crafts and Christmas cheer. Families enjoyed music, treats, activities, and gift-making as they spent time together celebrating the season. Santa even paid a special visit, adding to the excitement and joy of the day. Christmasfest was a wonderful opportunity for fellowship, fun, and festive celebration for all ages.

Our parents also enjoyed a well-deserved night out at the Parent Holiday Social , hosted by Parent Squad at Benchmark Chicago. This special evening gave parents the chance to relax, connect, and celebrate the season together in a joyful and welcoming atmosphere.

One of the most meaningful traditions of the season took place this past Sunday during the 8:30 a.m. service at St. James, when our Early Childhood students performed a Living Nativity . This cherished yearly tradition beautifully reminds us of the story of Jesus’ birth. It was especially heartwarming to see so many of our newest students experience the magic of the Living Nativity for the very first time.

During the final week before Christmas break, our incredible parents showed their appreciation for our faculty and staff by hosting a Teacher Breakfast and Cookie Grab . Parents came together early one morning to prepare a delicious breakfast, and later that day dropped off two dozen homemade cookies each. The cookies were arranged so teachers could fill a box with a variety of treats to enjoy. It was a thoughtful and generous way to thank our teachers for all they do—our parents truly are amazing!

Our students also performed their annual Christmas Program , featuring students in grades 1–8, who performed at the Advent service last night. The program was a beautiful and moving presentation, as our students shared the joy of Christmas and the powerful story of Jesus coming to earth to take on our sin and shame, giving us the gift of salvation. Their hard work and dedication shone through, blessing everyone in attendance.

As we celebrate all that God has done among us this season, we invite you, your family, and friends to join us for worship as we rejoice in the birth of our Savior. Christmas Eve Candlelight services will be held at St. James (2050 N Fremont) as we gather by candlelight to hear again the good news of Christ’s coming at 5pm and 7pm . We will also celebrate the joy of Christmas morning together at our Christmas Day service at 10:00 a.m. All are welcome as we come before the manger to receive God’s gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation through Jesus Christ.

We are deeply grateful for the families, students, teachers, and staff who make St. James such a special community. May the joy of Christ’s birth continue to fill our hearts as we celebrate together.

See pictures below!

Rethinking Homework at St. James Lutheran School

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 16:54:21 GMT

Supporting Learning, Balance, and Family Time

At St. James, we see homework as a tool—not a taskmaster. It’s designed to strengthen learning, foster independence, and leave room for family, play, and rest. With new teachers joining our community this year, we took the opportunity to revisit our homework philosophy, making sure it aligns with our values, supports student growth, and reflects current research on effective learning.

Our Homework Philosophy

Homework at St. James serves a clear purpose: to help students practice skills, build routines, and connect home and school—without overwhelming them. Here’s what we aim to accomplish:

1. Establish Healthy Routines
Homework helps children learn to plan and manage time. For example, students in aftercare enjoy a snack first, then spend time completing homework before playing. This ensures homework becomes a structured part of the day and frees up family time at home.

2. Connect School and Home
Especially for younger students, homework provides insight into classroom learning. Parents can see what their children are learning and celebrate their progress together.

3. Finish Classwork When Needed
Sometimes students need extra time to complete classroom assignments. While we encourage engagement during school hours, finishing work at home can offer a quiet space for focus, without cutting into family or playtime.

4. Practice Skills and Build Study Habits
Homework reinforces math, vocabulary, and reading skills. Older students also learn how to study effectively, using study guides and planning for tests—essential executive functioning skills that will serve them for life.

5. Develop Creativity and Executive Function Through Projects
Project-based homework allows students to manage their time, make decisions, and create independently. Parents are encouraged to support rather than lead, giving children the opportunity to develop confidence, organization, and imagination.

Homework Expectations by Grade

Kindergarten: Optional homework focuses on playful routines through short reading and math activities that parents can do with their child.

Grades 1–4: Short weekly assignments in math, spelling, and reading help students reinforce classroom learning while keeping evenings manageable.

Grade 5: Students complete regular math and reading practice, with occasional study or enrichment activities to begin preparing for longer-term projects.

Middle School: Homework varies by subject and generally takes no more than an hour each night. Students focus on time management, completing projects, and test preparation.

“My homework feels balanced. I quickly finish it in class or right after school so I can spend time with my family or friends. I always have time for my afternoon sports and activities. It's not just the teacher throwing work at us, but trying to make sure we know what to do in class. I don't feel overwhelmed at all. I can spend time with family, and I know what to do in class.’

St. James Middle School Student

What Research Tells Us

Research on homework provides clear guidance: it works best when purposeful, age-appropriate, and balanced with rest and play.

Supportive Findings:

Math homework can boost grades and test performance in elementary and middle school.
Parental involvement helps families stay connected to classroom learning.
Homework fosters responsibility, independence, and study skills.
The “Ten-Minute Rule”—ten minutes per grade level—is the most effective guideline.
Homework supports background knowledge, improving reading comprehension.

Points of Caution:

More homework doesn’t always mean better learning.
Excessive homework can reduce family time, unstructured play, and rest.
Parental help doesn’t guarantee higher achievement.
Too much homework can increase screen time and stress parent-child relationships.

Working Together for Student Success

Homework at St. James is a partnership between students, families, and teachers. We design assignments to support learning, not control evenings , and encourage routines that strengthen independence and curiosity. Our goal is to help students become confident, balanced, and lifelong learners —kids who love to read, ask questions, and still have time to be kids.

“Homework has always been the vehicle through which our daughter and I touch base about what is going on at school. As a seventh-grader, she knows how to stay on track with her tasks and the steps to finish her work. Looking back over our years at the school, I can see how homework has developed steadily with each grade to increase her independence and mastery over her own workload. Helping our daughter with homework has communicated how important we believe her schoolwork is, and engaging with her—even if it is just helping her organize—lets her know we take her role as a student seriously.”

St. James Parent

A Season of Thankfulness at St. James

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 22:04:43 GMT

As we reflect on this season of gratitude, one theme rises again and again at St. James: our community is our greatest blessing. From teachers to staff to families, thankfulness is woven through our school’s culture, shaping the way we learn, grow, and support one another.

What Our Teachers and Staff Are Thankful For

Our educators speak often about the joy, support, and shared mission that define their work at St. James:

"I'm thankful for the St. James community and all of the staff, faculty, pastors, and parents that lift one another up and remind one another of the forgiveness, peace, and hope found in Jesus."
"That the middle school team rocks and is all on the same page."
"I am grateful for the middle school faculty; we work well together and have common expectations of our students. I am grateful for all the friendships I have here. We are a fun faculty when we have time to spend together."
"I am thankful for the middle school team always working so well together, especially how Kim and Becky are always so well prepared for everything and help me whenever I have questions about being a homeroom teacher or anything else. I'm also very thankful for our students and families."
"I'm thankful for the relationships I've built with my co-workers, my sweet and hardworking 5th graders, my beautiful classroom space, and the autonomy I have for creating and teaching lessons."
"I have a middle school team that supports me when I'm feeling overwhelmed and understands who I truly am. I am truly thankful for the church and Christ-centered focus."
"I am extremely thankful for my co-teacher. Having a co-teacher has changed my life and brought more passion to my teaching. I appreciate the support and love having someone to lean on."
"I feel most thankful for the feeling I get every day that I walk through the front door. There is a joyful energy focused entirely on the students we teach. I am so thankful for the patience everyone has given me as I learn a new role. I feel welcome and part of a very special group."
"I'm thankful for colleagues that support and uplift both me personally and my professional career. I am thankful for friendships and long lasting relationships with other staff members where I can collaborate and problem solve in a safe environment. I'm thankful for a space to make mistakes and grow without judgement."
"1. My teaching partner who brings joy and energy each day.
2. All staff knowing and looking out for my children.
3. The best assistant that I could have imagined.
4. Brittani's drive and creativity.
5. Jen's amazing classroom transformations.
6. Two wonderful teachers for Grayson.
7. Abby who loves and understands Harper.
8. Ms. Sarah and her creativity and craftiness.
9. Neav getting my sense of humor and giving it right back.
10. Sheila organizing the 12 therapists that see my kids.
11. Sheri you're pretty great too!
12. Meg giving me resources and planning my field trip."
"I am thankful for being a part of a community that encourages growth and understands that mistakes are part of the journey. I appreciate how welcoming everyone here is and how quick everyone is willing to help."
"I am thankful for the opportunity to teach children and families about God. I love that we get to share the peace that comes from knowing whose they are and that they are part of a bigger family of God."
"I am very thankful for a wonderful co-teaching team to collaborate and support each other. I am thankful for the extra support from Sheila and Meg for different students and classroom resources. I am also thankful for friends in our community… and for Levain cookies in the workroom!"
"I am thankful that I work in a place that allows me to try new things and challenge myself and my students. I am thankful that I have a building full of people who will (and have) stepped up to help me when I need it the most."
"I am thankful for the supportive families I have in my classroom… and for all the teamwork and support St. James offers. From project planning to field trips, being able to work with Maggie and Matt has been so much fun."
"I am so thankful to be supported by so many wonderful people in this community. As a new teacher, the encouragement and support I’ve received have allowed me to grow, be more creative, and become a better version of myself."
"I am thankful for the relationships I have built here… and for supportive administration. They have helped me grow in my role and always support the work I do."
"Being a first-year teacher, I feel very supported by the other teachers in the building. This has been a wonderful place to grow, learn, teach, and have fun."

"I am so thankful for my St. James school family. The sense of camaraderie among teachers creates a true community… and the addition of our new vice principal, Meg, has brought fresh energy, leadership, and collaboration."

What Our Parents Are Thankful For

Parents consistently reflect the same warmth and appreciation:

"I've loved getting to know other moms and families at the school. This community has made Lincoln Park feel smaller, and for that I'm grateful!"
"I am most thankful that the teachers and staff at St. James get to know my children as individuals… It is a wonderful place for children to flourish and feel loved."
"I am so thankful for St. James and its wonderful community! The teachers are always keeping the units new and exciting! I’m always so impressed with the way things are taught in the classroom!"

How Thankfulness Shapes Learning at St. James

A Community Rooted in Gratitude

Whether you are a parent seeking a nurturing environment or a student looking for a place to grow, we hope the gratitude expressed here offers a glimpse into the heart of St. James. We are thankful for every family who walks through our doors, and we look forward to welcoming new ones into our community!

Building Strong Mathematical Thinkers with Spatial Temporal Math

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 16:00:46 GMT

At St. James Lutheran School, it’s important to us that we seek and implement innovative methods to help our students develop a deep and lasting understanding of mathematics. This year, we are excited to introduce Spatial Temporal Math, a new supplemental program that enhances our current Envision Math curriculum (and Everyday Math in Grade 1).

ST Math is a supplemental math program built on the science of how the brain learns. Students engage in interactive puzzles that invite them to explore, make sense of, and build lasting confidence in math through visual problem solving. By focusing on conceptual understanding rather than memorization, ST Math helps students truly see and understand how math works.

Many students can learn the “steps” of solving math problems, but sometimes struggle to grasp the underlying concepts, making multi-step or complex problems more challenging. ST Math bridges that gap, helping students develop the kind of flexible, conceptual thinking that supports deeper learning and long-term success.

Students in Grades 1–7 began using ST Math in October, and we are thrilled to see their enthusiasm as they take on this new, engaging way of learning.

Nick R. 6th grade: "It makes math fun and more enjoyable than just working out of a book. It helps with logic and makes you figure out problems yourself instead of just telling you how to do it."

Recently, we hosted a fun and interactive Math Night where students invited parents and friends to play math games they created. It was a wonderful celebration of problem-solving, creativity, and community while showcasing how our students are building both confidence and joy in math. See pictures below.

Learn more about ST Math here:

We are committed to equipping our students with the skills and confidence to think critically, solve problems creatively, and approach learning with curiosity and joy- empowering them to learn confidently each day.

The Science of Reading

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 19:19:29 GMT

The Science of Reading at St. James – Implementation & Growth

The Science of Reading is a comprehensive body of research drawn from multiple disciplines- including education, linguistics, psychology, neuroscience, and speech and language pathology- that tells us how children learn to read most effectively .

At St. James, we believe in bringing the best research-based practices into our classrooms to ensure that every child becomes a confident, capable reader.

Our Journey

Since the fall of 2022, our PreK–2nd grade team has been deeply engaged in exploring and applying the Science of Reading (SOR). Through professional development, collaboration, and hands-on study of current research, our teachers have implemented six key instructional shifts:

Using sound walls to connect speech to print
Word mapping and heart words to strengthen memory for high frequency words
Incorporating decodable texts to build fluency and confidence
Developing phonemic awareness and understanding syllable types

These shifts are transforming how we teach reading and how our students experience literacy each day.

Phonics Instruction

Strong phonics instruction has always been a cornerstone of St. James’ Early Childhood and Elementary programs. Guided by the Science of Reading, we’ve refined our approach to ensure a seamless bridge from preschool to elementary grades—laying a solid foundation for lifelong reading success.

Preschool & Junior Kindergarten: Students begin their literacy journey with Jolly Phonics , learning 42 essential sounds and blends. The Heggerty curriculum further supports their growth in phonemic awareness.
Kindergarten–Second Grade: Students receive explicit, systematic phonics instruction through the University of Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI) program. This structured approach empowers children to decode, read, and write with increasing confidence and independence.

Spelling and Writing

At St. James, we emphasize understanding how words work rather than memorizing weekly lists. Our goal is to help students internalize spelling patterns so they can retrieve and apply them naturally during reading and writing.

In the early grades, we encourage inventive spelling , allowing students to use their growing phonics knowledge as they write. This developmental process moves from early scribbles to phonetic spelling and eventually to conventional spelling. Students are held accountable for skills they’ve been explicitly taught and are regularly assessed through writing, dictation, and formal evaluations.

As students move into Grades 3–4, instruction builds on these foundational skills through focused study of phonics patterns and spelling principles. The emphasis remains on learning patterns and applying them flexibly , not on rote memorization.

St James Reads: The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 17:09:37 GMT

At St. James, we believe that raising thoughtful, resilient children is a shared journey between educators, counselors, and families. As part of our intentional approach to supporting students in a rapidly changing digital world, Dr. Hannah Meineke, St. James Spanish teacher and school counselor, launched a new Parent-Staff-Faculty Book Club this year to explore “The Anxious Generation” by Jonathan Haidt.

“I am so excited to connect with parents through different parent education opportunities at St. James. As a mother of four, I know just how difficult and isolating parenting can feel. Kicking off the school year with The Anxious Generation Book Club feels like an opportunity to have more “touch points” with parents and offer one another insight and affirmation when it comes to one of the hardest and most rewarding jobs in the world.”

The book sparked lively and meaningful conversations around the rise of phone-based childhood, the decline in play, and the growing rates of anxiety in children. We recently had our first book club conversation on Part 1. It was a lively discussion that brought together parents from across grade levels- from preschool families to parents of St. James graduates now in high school-to share insights and reflect on how these ideas show up in our own homes and classrooms.

“The first Book Club meeting was a huge success! Parents of children of all ages attended and much was gained from sharing insights and processing Part 1 of The Anxious Generation. One large takeaway was: this is going to be so much easier if we are all in it together. The collective action and knowledge of St. James is a big part of Book Club, and echoes the actionable pieces in our book. I am already looking forward to our next meeting where we will dig into Part 2, specifically the benefits of play, the dangers of safetyism, and generational shifts in parenting. The best part of Book Club is learning from one another and feeling the blessings of our St. James community!”
— Dr. Hannah Meineke, St. James School Counselor & Spanish Teacher

“ I really valued hearing other parents' concerns and challenges, especially those with older kids. It was validating to hear that we held the same anxieties and comforting to know we shared the same motivations and hopes for our kids.”
— St. James Preschool Parent

This kind of partnership is at the heart of who we are. And these conversations are already shaping our practice.

At St. James, our developmentally appropriate technology model reflects our belief that children thrive when they are given time and space to grow, explore, and connect in real life:

Preschool–Kindergarten : No technology, with very limited use of iPads or streaming.
Grades 1–2 : Shared classroom laptops and interactive smartboards.
Grades 3–8 : 1:1 Chromebooks to support learning with care and structure.

This initiative reflects our commitment to thoughtful, research-informed conversations around how technology impacts the development and well-being of our students. Together, we're building a community that not only prepares students academically, but helps them grow up whole- curious, grounded, and ready for whatever comes next.

The next Parent Book Club session will take place on October 21st at 7pm in the School building. Email jcampbell@stjames-lutheran.org if you’re interested in joining!

St. James Lutheran Preschool Builds a Strong Foundation

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 19:43:42 GMT

To help families better understand the progression from preschool through kindergarten, the chart below outlines the age-based pathways and schedule options available at St. James.

We are excited to welcome families to a refreshed and robust Early Childhood (EC) experience at St. James Lutheran School for the 2025–26 school year! With a newly enhanced preschool structure, our youngest learners are set on a joyful and thoughtful path to Kindergarten, starting from day one.

Beginning this year, our preschool program is led by three experienced Lead Teachers , bringing a new level of consistency and care to our classrooms. Each of our two preschool rooms is led by its own dedicated Lead Teacher, supported by an Instructional Assistant , while a third floating Lead Teacher provides support, enrichment, and flexibility across both rooms.

With this model, we offer a 1:6 teacher-to-student ratio , ensuring every child receives individualized attention and care as they grow.

Flexible Scheduling for Families

Our preschool classrooms include a diverse mix of scheduling options to meet families’ needs:

2-day (T/TH) : Half-day or full-day
3-day (MWF) : Half-day or full-day
5-day : Half-day or full-day

This flexible design gives families the ability to build a schedule that fits their lifestyle, while still allowing students to build strong peer relationships and settle into a consistent routine. Each preschool classroom is a mix of students from our 2, 3, and 5 day options.

Inquiry-Based Learning

At the heart of our EC programs is a commitment to inquiry-based learning. Our teachers observe, listen, and document students’ interests to build thematic units around what naturally excites them. Whether it's trains, pizza, farm animals, or nature - learning at St. James begins with curiosity.

We also recognize that no two children grow and develop the same way or on the same timeline. Our educators support each child’s unique learning journey through purposeful play, hands-on exploration , and nurturing relationships.

Applications Now Open for 2026–27

If you're considering early childhood education for your child, we invite you to apply early for the 2026–27 school year. Spaces in our Early Childhood programs fill quickly due to small class sizes.

Come visit our campus this fall to see our inquiry-based classrooms in action and meet the dedicated teachers. Apply today or schedule a tour by visiting our admissions page.

Supporting Every Student: Counseling Program Growth

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 20:43:33 GMT

Meet Our Expanded Counseling Team

At St. James Lutheran School, we are excited to begin the 2025–2026 school year with renewed energy and an expanded commitment to supporting the whole child. As part of this commitment, we’ve made some exciting changes in our counseling department to better serve our students and families.

A Stronger, More Comprehensive Support System

This year, we are proud to introduce a dynamic team of professionals dedicated to the academic, emotional, and social well-being of our students. Together, our counselors and educators work to ensure every child feels seen, supported, and empowered to grow.

Meet the Team

Sheila Amdur – Counselor for PreK–4th Grade
Sheila holds an MA in School Social Work from the University of Chicago and has studied Early Childhood Education at Erikson Institute. She has previously worked as a school social worker and has taught early childhood education for over 15 years. Sheila will be working with students in grades PreK-4 and will also be teaching SEL, providing individual and group counseling, and collaborating with parents and teachers to support student growth. Additionally, she will help run our Mini Mavericks program. Outside of school, Sheila enjoys traveling with her adult children, walking her dog, and is busy planning her daughter's wedding for this September.
�� Samdur@stjames-lutheran.org

Mitch DeBoer – Counselor for Grades 3–8
Mitch holds an MA in School Counseling from Concordia University and has experience working with children and adolescents in both individual and group settings. He has previously taught middle school Social Studies and Math at SJ. This year, he will be transitioning to the role of school counselor, supporting students in grades 3-8. Mitch will be teaching Social Emotional Learning (SEL), providing individual and group counseling, and collaborating with parents and teachers to best support student growth while also teaching middle school Social Studies. Outside of school, Mitch enjoys spending time with his family and friends, walking his dog, and just got married on August 8th!
�� MDeBoer@stjames-lutheran.org

Hannah Meineke – Spanish Teacher & Instructional Support
Hannah holds a PhD in Urban Education from the University of Milwaukee Wisconsin and an M.Ed. In Curriculum and Instruction for Concordia University Wisconsin. This will be her first year working at St. James! Hannah comes to us from Austin, Texas where she served as an Associate Professor of Education for seven years. Prior to her work in higher education, Hannah taught high school English and Spanish. Hannah will teach Spanish at St. James and work closely with the teachers through training, professional development, and other forms of support. Hannah has four children who will all be new students at St. James this year! Her husband is a physical therapist and together they enjoy running and staying active.

�� Hmenieke@stjames-lutheran.org

Our Mission: Whole-Child Development

The primary role of our counselors is to deliver a social-emotional curriculum (CharacterStrong) in the classrooms, provide individual student support through check-ins and group meetings, collaborate with teachers to build classroom communities, and navigate difficulties as they arise. We also ensure that IEPs and 504 Plans are properly executed with CPS. Additionally, we offer parent education through our monthly newsletter, a new book club, and parent workshops. Our goal is to build a strong community, create a common language, and provide parents with deeper insights into social-emotional development.

At St. James, we believe that supporting the whole child means partnering with the whole family . We are here to build strong, lasting relationships with students and their families.

If you have questions or would like more information about our counseling services, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

New Family Advice

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 18:28:35 GMT

Advice for New Families at St. James Lutheran School

Starting at a new school is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming at first. At St. James, one thing is certain: you’re not in this alone. Our families, faculty, and staff form a community that is welcoming, supportive, and eager to help newcomers feel right at home.

We asked current St. James families what advice they would give to someone just starting out. Here’s what they said:

1. Get Involved Early and Often

The most common advice? Jump in. Attend events, say yes to invitations, and take advantage of every opportunity to connect.

“Dive in and join the community! Go to the gala, attend events, meet other people. As you get involved you only meet more wonderful people and it's the best.”
“Try to attend all the school events, parent nights, and sign up parties you possibly can in the beginning! You make friends and connections that will last for years . Also, always ask questions if you’re not sure about something. Everyone is here to help .”
“Get involved, and sign up now, as you don't want to miss out!”
“Step out of your comfort zone! It can be scary to show up to events where you don't know anyone. It still makes me nervous to do it, but the STJ parents are so warm and welcoming. I have made wonderful connections at various events and I'm so glad I said "yes" to the invites!”

2. Build Friendships and Community

Parents shared how much they value the friendships formed here—not just for their children, but for themselves as well.

“Take the time to get involved and meet other families in your child's classes. Many of our strongest friendships today are from the relationships built over many years.”
“The St. James community is wonderful–we all help each other as much as we can--so participate in activities and get to know the parents in your child's class. They become an invaluable lifeline!”
“The St. James community is so wonderful. We were new to the school in Kindergarten, and worried that may set us 'back' in terms of building relationships, but we've experienced the opposite. Everyone is so friendly, so welcoming and so eager to make you feel included. The advice I'd give is to 'say yes' to the events and opportunities to get together with other St. James families as much as you can. It may take time to build the relationships, but can guarantee that you will be welcomed with open arms to any gathering you attend.”

3. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions

New families quickly discover that everyone at St. James is approachable and willing to help.

“Don’t be afraid to speak up; everyone who works at STJ is approachable and kind. Also get involved. There’s no better way to get to know the parents, then to attend a party, serve on a committee, or volunteer at an event. We have made friends for life at Saint James.”
“If anything on the school calendar doesn't make sense to you, ask a friend! Some events go by special names (i.e. back to school night - it's a parents only event!) so you can plan accordingly. There are also room parents in each classroom, so find out who yours is and use them as a resource. They will keep you in the loop on all details specific to your classroom, as well as the school wide events. Finally (sorry this is 3!) read the weekly maverick message email that goes out to all school parents on Friday mornings.”
“Always ask questions if you’re not sure about something. Everyone is here to help .”

4. Trust the Experience

Families emphasized the value of trusting the community and the school.

“Trust the St. James family!”
“Trust the process.”
“Worth the investment”

5. Enjoy the Journey

Above all, parents encourage newcomers to embrace the joy and growth that comes with being part of St. James.

“You will fall in love with our school & you’ve found the best school in the city for your little ones. Also, to attend some of the school functions, and activities so you can see the love and support our community has.”
“You're going to love St. James and you're going to watch your child grow and learn so much after they begin attending there.”
“Attend the extra events and activities offered! I have picked up parenting tips, made great connections and friends. A really great resource.”
“It can feel intimidating when you don't know any other families at school yet, I remember feeling that way for sure. If I knew then what I know now about how warm, welcoming and kind this community is, I would not have hesitated to get involved, volunteer, join a sign-up party, ask a question, or anything else that gave me pause navigating that first year at school!”
“Be open to all the opportunities to meet new people. It can be overwhelming at first but everyone is so happy you are here and we can’t wait to get to know you.”

Final Thought

Every family’s journey at St. James looks a little different, but one theme is clear: getting involved is the best way to feel connected. As one parent put it:

“The community is amazing. Jump in with both feet. From the teachers to the parents to the rest of the staff, it’s really one big family of caring and down to earth people.”

Mini Mavericks

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 18:38:54 GMT

Welcome to Mini Mavericks: A Space for Caregiver-Child Connection and Creative Exploration!

September 11 - Welcome Back!

Mini Mavericks, like many programs, disappeared during 2020's COVID lockdown. After much feedback, we brought it BACK to our offerings for parents and children in our community. This year, launching on September 11th, we are switching to Thursdays!

Mini Mavericks is a special program designed to foster parent-child interaction and community connection for families with young children (ages 0–4). Held on the second floor of our school, Mini Mavericks offers a unique, play-based learning environment where parents and caregivers can bond with their little ones through engaging activities, stories, and creative projects—all while building relationships with other families in our community. Here’s everything you need to know about what’s new, how it works, and how you can make the most of this wonderful opportunity.

What is Mini Mavericks?

Mini Mavericks is a free, interactive program that provides a safe, controlled space for parents and children to explore, play, and learn together. Every session is facilitated by an on-site staff member who will guide the group through stories, activities, and conversations, creating an environment where both children and adults can engage in creative play. Our goal is to provide a nurturing space for families to connect, learn, and have fun while building a sense of community.

New for This Year

As we relaunch Mini Mavericks, we’re introducing a few changes to help improve the experience for everyone involved:

Stroller Accessibility: For families with infants and strollers, please enter through the Dickens door and leave strollers on the playground. Infants may use the elevator to reach the second floor. Please note that strollers should not be brought up to the play area.
Facilities and Comfort: Each session will include a variety of engaging, play-based activities. Coffee will be available for adults to enjoy while keeping an eye on the children. A comfortable, welcoming atmosphere is key, and we’ve designed the space with your needs in mind.
New Projects & Art Focus: This year, we’ll be emphasizing process-focused art rather than product-focused art. This approach encourages creativity and self-expression over replicating a specific finished product. We believe that the creative process—whether it’s painting, building, or experimenting—helps children develop important skills such as problem-solving, fine motor coordination, and self-confidence.

How It Works: A Typical Mini Mavericks Session

Mini Mavericks will take place on Thursdays from 8:45 AM to 10:15 AM . Here’s what you can expect:

8:45 AM – 9:15 AM: Families will begin the morning with gross motor play on the playground. This is a wonderful time for kids to run, jump, and explore while parents can relax and chat with other caregivers.
9:15 AM – 10:15 AM: After outdoor play, we’ll move indoors to the second floor library for our seasonal art project and storytime. The library will be set up with different play-based centers, including the art project materials for the day. At 10:00 AM, we’ll gather everyone for storytime, using hats, props, and fun voices to keep little ones engaged and entertained.
Art Time: After the story, we’ll dive into our seasonal art project. Each project will focus on process over product, giving children the freedom to explore and create in their own way. Our staff will assist in guiding the activities and explaining the developmental benefits of each project to caregivers.

Tips for Parents and Caregivers

Engagement: We encourage you to actively engage with your child during the session. Participate in the activities, play alongside them, and, most importantly, take time to connect with other parents and caregivers.
Process-Focused Art: The focus on process over product allows children to express themselves without the pressure of following a set pattern or end result. This promotes creativity and problem-solving skills, and each child’s creation will be one of a kind.
Social Connections: One of the core purposes of Mini Mavericks is to help families form lasting connections. We encourage you to introduce yourself to others, chat with fellow parents, and build friendships that may continue beyond the program.

Supporting Families and Building Community

Mini Mavericks is not just a fun, interactive program for children—it’s also an opportunity for parents and caregivers to connect with one another and build meaningful relationships within our community.

Additionally, the last Friday of the month beginning in January, we’ll host a guided Admissions Tour. Parents and caregivers can come visit the rest of our school and see our wonderful students and teachers hard at work. This is a great time to have all your questions answered and learn about how you can be a part of the St. James school community. Your children are welcome to stay and play in Mini Mavericks during this time. We believe that fostering a sense of belonging and support is just as important as the activities we provide for the little ones.

As part of our commitment to the families we serve, we have resources available for those interested in learning more about the programs and support we offer. We encourage families to explore our marketing materials, such as look books and event flyers, which are available in the room. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the additional services and offerings we provide for families, feel free to reach out.

We’re here to support your journey as a parent or caregiver, and we hope Mini Mavericks becomes a place where you not only create lasting memories with your child but also build connections with others who share similar experiences.

Cleanliness and Safety

As always, the health and safety of your family is our top priority. After each session, staff will ensure that the play areas are cleaned, sanitized, and ready for the next group. Please help us maintain a tidy space by cleaning up after your little ones and storing any materials when you're done.

Let’s Build Community Together!

Mini Mavericks is about more than just play—it's about creating a space where families can come together, learn from one another, and foster relationships. Whether you’re new to our school or have been part of the community for years, we welcome you to join us for this exciting, interactive program.

We look forward to seeing you and your child at the next session of Mini Mavericks! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions, and don’t forget to register ahead of time to reserve your spot!

Mini Mavericks
Thursdays, 8:45 AM – 10:15 AM
Second Floor, St. James Lutheran School

2101 N Fremont St.

Chicago, IL 60614

What Our Families Love Most About St. James

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 16:35:51 GMT

At St. James, we believe our school is more than just a place of learning—it's a community where children and families are known, supported, and loved. We recently asked our parents a simple question: “What do you love most about St. James?” Their responses speak volumes about the environment we strive to cultivate every day. Here’s what they shared—

"The love & support my kids get from their teachers & staff, and the community of St. James"
"The community - every single member of staff cares so deeply for each child there. It is invaluable to know I am sending my kids to a place where they are supported and loved on top of learning so much. The other parents and families only add to this. It is a true network of amazing people and it has been such a blessing."
"The clear communication and the kindness with the kids!"
"Small group instruction, Christ centered education, the community"
"St. James' number one asset, by far, is the way in which the community of families show up to support the total organization (school & church). It's a 'home' where parents of current or future students, can expect an elite education, delivered by leaders (leadership, staff, & teachers) who truly care & are invested in your children, imbedded in a Christian worldview perspective, and all wrapped into a growth mindset. St. James is also a place you can have a 'real' conversation with your Pastor, challenge your Principal (and she'll listen), and engage in authentically fun social experiences. It's a tough place to beat."
"I love the community- the parents, kids, teachers all support and encourage each other."
"The size. The location."
"Community and the love and support my kids feel every day."
"The community, teachers and the school's dedication to Bible-based teaching"
"The sense of community/ the teachers commitment to make a difference and everyone being so helpful and friendly"
"I love that St. James is not only a top-notch academic institution for my child but also a community for our family. St. James provides the support and connection you are unlikely to find at a public or larger private school. When my kindergartener is having a hard morning, the Director of Operations is there to greet her by name and give her a hug or the SEL teacher may swoop in to discuss those big feelings quickly before heading to her classroom. The administrators, teachers and staff seamlessly work together to ensure each and every kiddo is set with the tools they need to learn and succeed. My daughter feels safe and supported and loved at school and I'm not sure you could want anything more!"
"The families, the teachers and the principal."
"Great education along with a strong foundation in Christ's word has strongly prepared all of our children for high school and all the challenges they will face down the road. Wonderful community of families who support and celebrate with one another."
"The community is amazing! We have met kindest people who truly care about our children."
"Just one favorite thing about St James?! Definitely 1000% the community tops the list, but right there with it would have to be watching my kids run into the building every morning (usually with a friend they spotted on the sidewalk, and grabbing a quick hug or high five from Ms. Minogue on the way in), knowing that they feel safe, comfortable, and happy there... they feel at home. When we hear them say things like "I always want to go to St. James", it makes us feel, as parents, that we have made the best decision for our kids and our family."
"Community"
"Christ centered education."
"The staff! Ms. Meyer, the teachers, Ms. Amdur & other administrators."
"The teachers and the community around the school"
"How much everyone cares about our kids. The teachers are willing to go above and beyond to help make sure our kiddos are set up for success. It’s wildly exceeded our expectations."
"Family, small class size, excellence in academic strength"
"The community of students, siblings, and parents!"
"The Community- Parents, teachers and my daughter's classmates."
"We love the care and attention that our son receives from his teachers and the entire staff at the school. We know that he is deeply known as an individual - and therefore cared for as he learns and grows. Every St. James staff member is a piece of creating a loving, welcoming and joyful environment for these kids. It is a true gift for parents!"
"The community! All of the people that contribute to the school environment from teachers and administrators to the fellow parents, it's such a friendly and welcoming group to be part of."
"The Christ-centered education! It has been amazing to watch Holly grow and learn over the last two years. She comes home singing Bible songs which melts my heart. She is really learning more and more about God while she is at school."
"The community and the care the children receive. All the teachers are very invested and put a lot of effort into the curriculum. The children are loved and it shows."

We are grateful for our families and the vibrant, faith-filled community they help create. If you're looking for a school where your child will be loved and challenged to grow both academically and spiritually, we invite you to visit St. James and experience it for yourself!

Summer at St. James 2025

Wed, 21 May 2025 14:03:10 GMT

Summer is almost here, and at St. James, we’re gearing up for a season packed with fun, learning, and community connection! Check out the exciting events and opportunities happening this summer:

Mini Mavericks – Final Spring Sessions

Our popular Mini Mavericks program is concluding for the season with our final two sessions on Friday , May 30 and Friday , June 6 . Families with children from birth to age 4 are invited to join us for interactive play and early childhood development.

8:45–9:15 AM: Open play and gross motor activities on the playground
9:15–10:15 AM: Storytime and seasonal crafts in the library

Held at:
2101 N Fremont St., Lincoln Park
For questions, call 773-525-4990 or visit stjameslutheranschool.org

Free Friday Night Concert Series

The St. James Friday Night Music Series features free concerts, showcasing a broad spectrum of established and emerging musicians in a sacred sanctuary setting. Grab a pew and enjoy the music in the dimming light of the towering Kinsella stained glass windows as dusk falls.

Bring your own drinks and snacks for a courtyard reception following the event to socialize with musicians and fellow concertgoers.

Upcoming concert : June 6th, 7pm - Luke Berkley, French Horn
All concerts are free and open to the public.
Concerts take place on the first Friday from May to October.
Visit https://www.stjameschicago.com/music for upcoming concerts.

Held at: St. James Lutheran Church
2101 N Fremont St., Lincoln Park

Old Town Art Fair – Visit Our Booth

St. James will be participating in the vibrant Old Town Art Fair this year. Stop by our booth to say hello, learn more about our programs, and enjoy a fun family outing!

Saturday, June 14 from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Sunday, June 15 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Held at: Old Town Triangle Center

1763 N. North Park Ave.

Chicago, IL 60614

Vacation Bible School 2025: “Piece by Peace”

We’re excited to bring back our beloved Vacation Bible School with a new theme: “Piece by Peace” . This free event is open to the entire community.

Monday-Thursday, June 16-19, from 8:30am-12pm. Drop-off is 8:30-9am in the Community Center (lower level) of the church
For children entering Kindergarten through 6th grade
Youth entering Grades 7–12 are invited to serve as Junior Counselors.

We rely on our amazing adult volunteers to make this event possible. To volunteer, please email ekroeger@stjames-lutheran.org.

Held at: St. James Community Center (lower level of the church)

2101 N Fremont St., Lincoln Park

Basketball Camp at St. James (Grades 4–8)

Get ready for an exciting and skill-building Basketball Camp for students entering grades 4 through 8 in the 2025–2026 school year.

June 16–19, 12:00–3:00 PM (following VBS)
Led by Mr. Lelm and Mr. Runge
Camp includes drills, fundamentals, competitions, and prizes
All campers receive a St. James Basketball Camp t-shirt

Cost: $200 per athlete
Payments accepted via Venmo: @blelm or @mattrunge27
Lunch should be packed and brought each day.

Held at: St. James Lutheran School
2101 N Fremont St., Lincoln Park

Visit our Booth! Sheffield Garden Walk - Family Fest

Join us at the Sheffield Garden Walk for a morning of family-friendly fun and community connection.

Saturday, July 19 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
FREE Admission, crafts, and games!

Held at: The Blacktop at Oscar Mayer Magnet School (2250 N Clifton)

St. James is proud to be part of a thriving neighborhood and school community, and we hope to see many of you at these events. Whether you're exploring programs for young children, looking for summer activities for older students, or just want to learn more about our school, this summer is the perfect time to connect with us. Please contact Joy Campbell , Director of Admissions, with any questions about our programs and offerings!

Lincoln Park’s St. James Lutheran School Expands to Grow Christ-Centered Education

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 14:39:04 GMT

St. James Lutheran School’s new expansion includes updated classrooms, a new gym mezzanine, and enhanced facilities to support growing enrollment and its Christ-centered mission in Lincoln Park.

The honor of cutting the ribbon went to three of our eighth-grade students—Will Stowers, Lexi Palkon, and Riley Wildermuth—who represented their class and all students who have been part of this transformational journey.

This past Sunday, St. James Lutheran School marked a momentous occasion as we officially opened the doors to our newest expansion—a fourth-floor addition housing two brand-new middle school classrooms, restrooms, and a new mezzanine in our gymnasium. With the snip of a ceremonial ribbon, the future of our ministry and mission took one more step forward.

The honor of cutting the ribbon went to three of our eighth-grade students, Will Stowers, Lexi Palkon, and Riley Wildermuth , who represented their class and all students who have been part of this transformational journey. We also thank our seventh and eighth-grade families for their incredible patience and flexibility throughout the construction process. Despite the noise, rerouted routines, and shifting classroom spaces, our teachers and students stayed on track with resilience and grace. Their perseverance is a testament to the spirit that makes St. James more than just a school, it’s a family.

The expansion adds more than space, it adds capacity for mission. With two new classrooms, we are now better equipped to serve our growing student body and provide them with a Christ-centered education , which remains the primary mission of St. James Lutheran School. This space allows us to uncouple middle school classes for more focused instruction while also making room for growth in earlier grades.

This project is part of a much larger vision. Through the success of our Alive in Christ campaign, we've made vital improvements to our facilities. Now, with our Building on Christ ministry campaign, we look forward to even greater possibilities. We aim to:

Expand enrollment from 205 to 260 students
Grow our small group and music ministries
Improve accessibility and family support
Reach college students with the Gospel
Strengthen partnerships with local churches and care organizations
Open our campus further to the neighborhood for connection, learning, and worship

A key highlight of Sunday’s celebration was the dedication of our newly renovated gymnasium in honor of Otto Teske . Otto and his wife Inge (both now with the Lord) were vital to the growth of St. James. Otto was a lifelong member of St. James Lutheran Church , established the athletic department and was a basketball and cross country coach at St. James Grade School for 40 years. We were honored to welcome members of the Teske family as we recognized his legacy.

This expansion is about more than bricks and mortar. It’s about creating spaces where children grow in faith, where families find support, and where our city experiences the love of Christ in action.

We invite you to continue this journey with us through prayer, participation, or partnership. Because the mission is clear: to bring Jesus into the lives of more children and to share His peace with all who need it.

Let’s keep building on Christ, with Christ, and for Christ.

Click here to learn more about our Ministry Campaign.

Thank you to Jeremy Butterfield for taking photos of the event.

Asking Vs. Telling

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 15:25:41 GMT

Are You Asking or Telling? The Key to Empowering Your Child

As parents, it’s easy to fall into the habit of being “tellers” when guiding our children. Whether it’s the daily requests to “put on your coat and shoes” or reminders to “finish your homework,” it feels efficient to simply tell our kids what to do. However, while this method might get quick results, it doesn’t foster the long-term skills and independence that we ultimately want for our children. Through positive discipline training, we learn that what we’re really aiming for is not just compliance in the moment, but the ability to help our children think critically, solve problems, and make decisions on their own.

Why Shifting from Telling to Asking Matters

When we constantly tell our children what to do, we miss out on opportunities to build their capacity to think for themselves and learn life skills that will serve them well in the future. The goal of shifting from "telling" to "asking" is not about losing control but about giving children the chance to develop autonomy and become active participants in their own lives.

Using questions instead of commands shifts the focus from the task to the child’s ability to reason and problem-solve. This approach encourages children to actively think, which leads to a deeper understanding of their responsibilities and improves their ability to make decisions. In the short term, it may feel slower or more complicated than just giving a directive, but over time, it helps children gain confidence in their ability to handle challenges and develop the internal motivation to take action on their own.

How to Use Curiosity Questions Effectively

The key to asking effectively is asking the right questions. Curiosity-based questions don’t demand immediate answers, but instead, invite children to think through the steps themselves. These types of questions encourage children to engage with the task and feel more empowered in their own decision-making.

Examples of Curiosity Questions

Instead of saying, "What are you going to do about that?" try:
"What do you think you can do to solve this problem?"
This encourages problem-solving and critical thinking, allowing your child to figure out a solution on their own rather than simply being told what to do.
Instead of telling your child, "You need to clean your room," try:
"What needs to happen for your room to be cleaned by dinner time?"
This empowers your child to think about the task at hand and break it down into manageable steps, fostering responsibility.
Instead of simply saying, "It's time to go," try:
"How much time do you need to get ready? What will you need to do before we leave?"
This allows your child to become more aware of time and take responsibility for their own preparation.

By using curiosity questions, you’re not only helping your child think for themselves, but you’re also giving them a sense of control over their decisions, which can increase their self-esteem and motivation.

The Importance of Respectful Communication

It’s important to note that while curiosity questions are powerful, the tone in which they’re asked matters. Questions should always be respectful, encouraging, and non-patronizing. Avoid questions that might sound sarcastic or critical, such as:

"You don’t know? How many times have I told you, and you still don’t know?"
"Why can’t you just do what I ask?"

Such questions can make children feel incompetent or criticized, which can create resistance and lower their confidence. Instead, maintain a tone of curiosity and support, showing that you believe in their ability to figure things out.

How to Start Flexing Your Asking Muscle

One of the best ways to start incorporating more asking into your parenting style is by noticing your patterns of communication. Over the next week, pay attention to how often you tell your child what to do versus asking them questions. You might be surprised by how frequently you default to telling, especially in moments of rush or stress.

Tips for Transitioning from Telling to Asking

Start with small shifts: Begin with less demanding tasks where asking questions can feel more natural, like "What do you need to do to get ready for bed?"
Reflect on your own habits: Check how often you’re telling instead of asking and challenge yourself to change your approach during key moments.
Be patient: Transitioning from telling to asking takes time and effort, but the rewards of building your child’s independence will be well worth it.

The goal isn’t to never tell your child what to do (there are times when direct instructions are necessary), but rather to be more mindful of when you can ask instead. Challenge yourself to ask questions that promote reflection and critical thinking, even if it takes a little longer than simply giving an order.

Start with small shifts and gradually introduce more asking into your daily routine. You’ll likely notice positive changes not only in your child’s behavior but also in their growing independence and sense of responsibility. By giving your child the opportunity to think, plan, and problem-solve, you are teaching them essential life skills that will benefit them far beyond the present moment.

In Conclusion: The Benefits of Asking Over Telling

Making the shift from "telling" to "asking" is one of the most effective ways to promote independence, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in your child. It allows them to take ownership of their actions and helps them feel capable and confident in their decision-making. As you practice asking more than telling, you’ll create a more collaborative, empowering environment at home where both you and your child are more mindful, thoughtful, and connected.

As you reflect on your own communication style, remember that this shift doesn’t happen overnight. Be patient with yourself and your child as you practice asking instead of telling, and celebrate the small victories that come along the way. The results may surprise you, and your child’s growing capacity for self-sufficiency and problem-solving will be well worth the effort.

By incorporating these small changes into your daily communication with your child, you’re not just helping them get through the day — you’re fostering lifelong skills that will serve them well in their personal and academic lives.

Logical Consequences

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 17:18:15 GMT

Logical Consequences: Teaching Responsibility Through Positive Discipline

Every action has a consequence, but how do we ensure that those consequences teach valuable life lessons rather than just punishing bad behavior? In this article, we’ll explore the concept of logical consequences—intentional, thoughtful responses to children’s actions that encourage growth, responsibility, and learning. By following a few simple guidelines, adults can use logical consequences as a powerful tool in helping children develop critical life skills.

What Are Logical Consequences?

Logical consequences are a form of discipline that require adult intervention and are designed to help children understand the relationship between their actions and the outcomes. Unlike natural consequences, which happen on their own (like getting wet from the rain), logical consequences are purposeful and planned by the adult to be directly related to the child’s behavior. They focus on helping children learn responsibility in a respectful and constructive manner.

The Three R’s and an H: Key Principles for Effective Logical Consequences

To ensure that logical consequences are effective and supportive, it’s essential to follow the three R's and an H. These principles ensure that the consequence is meaningful, fair, and conducive to learning. Let's break down these guiding principles:

1. Related: A Consequence That Makes Sense

The consequence must be directly related to the behavior. This helps the child clearly understand the link between their action and the outcome. A consequence that makes sense encourages learning and responsible decision-making.

Example : If a child refuses to complete their homework, a related consequence might be losing access to screen time until the task is finished. This consequence is directly connected to the child’s behavior and emphasizes the importance of completing responsibilities before enjoying leisure activities.

2. Respectful: Enforcing with Kindness and Firmness

The consequence should be enforced respectfully, without blame, shame, or physical punishment. It should focus on the behavior, not the child’s character, and be delivered in a kind but firm manner. A respectful consequence fosters a healthy relationship between the child and the adult, showing that the adult cares for the child’s growth.

Example : If a child refuses to pick up their toys, instead of yelling or scolding, calmly explain that if the toys aren’t picked up, they will be put away for a short time. This respectful approach maintains the adult-child relationship while also teaching responsibility.

3. Reasonable: Fair and Achievable for the Child

The consequence should be reasonable from both the child’s and the adult’s perspectives. It must be fair, achievable, and something that the child can understand and reasonably expect. If the consequence feels too harsh or unrealistic, it may lead to resistance or confusion.

Example : If a child forgets to bring their lunch to school, a reasonable consequence might be that they have to prepare their own lunch the next day. The child can understand this response and learn to take responsibility for remembering important items.

4. Helpful: Aimed at Encouraging Growth

The ultimate goal of logical consequences is to help the child learn and grow. The consequence should provide an opportunity for the child to reflect on their actions and make better choices in the future. Instead of feeling punished, the child should feel empowered to improve their behavior.

Example : If a child forgets their jacket on a cold day, a helpful consequence might be that they experience the discomfort of being cold for a short period. This teaches them the value of being prepared without causing harm or lasting discomfort.

Why Logical Consequences Are Not Punishment

It’s important to differentiate between logical consequences and punishment. When used correctly, logical consequences are designed to teach, not to punish. However, if they are used as a threat or imposed in anger, they lose their constructive value and become punitive in nature. Children are quick to recognize the difference between a learning experience and a punishment.

Punishment often focuses on control through fear, shame, or guilt, leading to compliance through external pressure. In contrast, logical consequences promote internal growth by encouraging children to recognize the impact of their actions. They also help children understand the natural order of events: actions have consequences, and those consequences help them make better decisions in the future.

Collaborating with Your Child: Involving Them in the Process

One of the most effective ways to make logical consequences meaningful is by involving the child in the decision-making process. By discussing the situation together and asking for their input on what might be a fair consequence, you empower the child to take responsibility for their actions. This collaborative approach fosters problem-solving skills and gives the child a sense of ownership over their behavior.

Example : If your child constantly forgets to put their shoes away, ask them, “What do you think should happen if you don’t put your shoes away?” This discussion invites the child to think about the consequences of their actions and come up with a reasonable solution.

Practical Examples of Logical Consequences

Here are some specific examples of logical consequences that are related, respectful, reasonable, and helpful:

1. If You Break It, You Fix It

Example : If your child breaks a window while playing, a logical consequence might be that they need to earn money to pay for the repair. This teaches the child responsibility for their actions and the value of money, while also providing a direct connection to the consequences of their behavior.

2. Responsibility for Personal Items

Example : If your child doesn’t put their clothes in the hamper, they won’t be washed. This teaches the child the importance of taking care of their personal belongings and the connection between actions and outcomes.

3. Learning from Weather-related Consequences

Example : If your child refuses to wear snow boots on a cold day, the logical consequence might be that their socks get wet. This natural consequence teaches them the importance of dressing appropriately for the weather, helping them learn from their own experiences.

Conclusion: Using Logical Consequences Effectively

Logical consequences, when applied thoughtfully, can be an excellent tool for teaching children responsibility, accountability, and important life skills. By ensuring that consequences are related, respectful, reasonable, and helpful, parents and caregivers can create an environment that fosters learning and growth. The key is to approach logical consequences as an opportunity for children to understand the connection between their actions and the results, rather than as a form of punishment.

By maintaining a calm, positive, and collaborative approach, adults can help children develop the skills they need to make better choices in the future. With the right balance of guidance and independence, logical consequences can empower children to take ownership of their actions and become more responsible and thoughtful individuals.

Natural Consequences

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:59:29 GMT

Helping Children Learn Through Experience—Without Blame, Shame, or Rescue

Natural consequences are the outcomes that occur naturally, without adult interference. When you stand in the rain, you get wet. When you skip a meal, you feel hungry. When you forget your coat, you get cold. Allowing children to experience these consequences helps them develop essential self-help skills.

For example, I can remind my child every day to grab their coat, and they may only remember when I prompt them. But if they forget their coat and experience the cold firsthand, they’re more likely to remember it next time. That real-life experience often teaches the lesson more effectively than constant reminders.

However, how we handle these situations as adults matters. It’s important to avoid piggybacking—adding unnecessary blame, shame, or pain. Comments like "I told you so!" or scolding a child for their mistake shift the focus from learning to defending against criticism.

Children naturally feel bad when they make mistakes; they want to do better. When we pile on guilt, we diminish the learning experience, as the child becomes preoccupied with their emotions rather than reflecting on their actions.

How Should Parents Respond?

Show Empathy and Understanding
Acknowledge the child’s experience with kindness:

"It must have been tough to go hungry (get wet, get that bad grade, lose your bicycle)."

When appropriate, offer encouragement: "I love you and believe you can handle this."

Avoid Rescuing or Fixing Everything
It can be difficult for parents to step back, but allowing children to navigate challenges fosters resilience. By experiencing both successes and setbacks, they develop confidence in their ability to handle life’s ups and downs.

By responding with empathy and avoiding unnecessary interference, we give children the opportunity to grow, learn, and develop true independence.

Positive Time Out

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 19:55:15 GMT

Creating a Calming Space for Emotional Growth at Home

The phrase "time out" often carries a negative connotation when it comes to discipline, mainly because it has been associated with punitive measures and adult-dictated durations. However, at St. James, we’ve reimagined time outs as opportunities for emotional growth. In our early childhood classrooms, we have created calming spaces, such as the Quiet Cube and Peace Table, designed to help children regulate their emotions and process conflicts. These areas give children the space to cool down or resolve issues through conversation.

Students are taught to use these spaces when they feel the need and to return once they feel ready. These "protected" areas empower children to recognize when they’re becoming overwhelmed (as we discussed in our October issue, the "flipped-lid" concept) and to practice self-regulation. Creating a similar calming space at home can reinforce this sense of empowerment.

To get started, sit down with your child and explain, “Sometimes we feel upset and need time to calm down—just like a time out in sports.” Ask them what kind of items or tools would help them feel calm. Make a list together and gather those things. Next, brainstorm some spots in your home where they could create their calm-down space. Choose a spot together and, for fun, let your child name it.

Once the space is ready, practice using it. Model using the calm-down area yourself. Pay attention to when your child seems agitated and gently suggest, “Would it help to take a break in your feel-good space? Would you like me to join you?” If they prefer to go alone, say, “That’s fine! I think I’ll take a break, too.” Early on, you might need to guide them by practicing calming techniques, like deep breathing, focusing on a timer, or holding a comforting object like a favorite stuffed animal.

Remember, this space is not only for moments of anger. It’s just as useful when your child feels sad or tired. You may also want to read stories like Ahn's Anger by Gail Silver to help your child understand the value of sitting with their emotions and calming down.

Encouragement Vs. Praise

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 19:43:18 GMT

Why Encouraging Effort Helps Children Thrive More Than Praise

Rudolf Dreikurs once said, “A child needs encouragement like a plant needs water.” Praise, on the other hand, can be counterproductive for children. Research by Carol Dweck found that praising kids for being “smart” when they accomplish a task can actually discourage them from taking risks. When praised for intelligence, children tended to choose easier tasks in the future to avoid the possibility of failure. In contrast, children who received encouragement for their effort were more likely to tackle harder challenges.

As Dreikurs put it, “Encourage the deed, not the doer.” Rather than saying, “You got an A, I’m so proud of you,” try something like, “Congratulations! You worked hard and earned it.” This subtle shift helps change how a child views themselves—not as someone seeking external validation, but as someone who takes pride in their effort.

Praise often creates “approval junkies”—children who rely on others to determine their worth. Encouragement, however, fosters self-reflection and independence by helping children evaluate their own efforts.

Making the switch from praise to encouragement can feel awkward at first, especially if certain phrases have become habitual. To help guide your thinking, keep these questions in mind:

Am I encouraging self-evaluation, or fostering dependence on others’ judgments?

Am I being respectful, or does my comment come off as patronizing?

Am I seeing the situation from the child’s perspective, or just my own?

Would I say this to a friend?

For more on this topic, check out this quick reference sheet: Praise vs. Encouragement

Flipping Your Lid

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 15:21:21 GMT

Understanding and Regaining Control of our Emotions

We all have moments when we don’t act our best. Daniel Siegel, in Parenting from the Inside Out, calls this "flipping our lids"—when we react impulsively instead of thinking rationally. Siegel uses a closed fist to illustrate how the brain works. The palm represents the brainstem, which controls fight/flight/freeze responses. The thumb inside the palm represents the midbrain (amygdala), where memories and emotions tied to past fears and insecurities are stored. When you fold your fingers over your thumb to form a fist, it represents the cortex, where rational thinking and emotional control occur.

When we’re upset, we "flip our lid"—our fingers open, exposing the midbrain—and we act from irrational emotions rather than logic. At St. James, we use this model to help both staff and students understand how to regain control of our rational selves.

For more insights from Dan Siegel, watch this video: link

Building Resiliency

Fri, 10 Jan 2025 15:35:40 GMT

How can we help our children become more resilient?

I often hear parents say, "I can’t stand to see my child unhappy." While this instinct comes from a place of love, if you can't tolerate seeing your child face challenges, parenting might feel more like a personal struggle than a life-shaping role. Life is hard, and if children don’t learn to face discomfort, build confidence, or manage setbacks, how can they ever hope to navigate the bigger challenges ahead?

Think about when a child learns to walk: they fall. And we don't panic or tell them it will ruin their life. Instead, we encourage them to get back up and try again. But at some point, many of us start to feel that it’s our job to shield them from difficulty, to rescue them from failure, and to solve every problem they encounter. When we do this, we unintentionally rob them of invaluable learning opportunities.

At St. James, we embrace the idea that “mistakes are opportunities for learning.” We don’t expect perfection, nor do we expect children to avoid struggle, but we do expect them to reflect, learn, and grow from their experiences. We coach them through these challenges, helping them understand that resilience is built through overcoming obstacles.

So, how can we help our children become more resilient?

Support, but don’t solve: Be there for your child without taking over every challenge.
Don’t shield them from problems: Avoid stepping in too quickly to prevent difficulties; let them experience and learn from them.
Help them manage emotions: Teach your child to identify and cope with their feelings when things don’t go as planned.
Encourage persistence: Remind your child that setbacks are not the end—encourage them to try again.
Foster self-compassion: Teach your child to be kind to themselves, especially when things don’t go as expected.
Focus on the positives: Ask questions like, “What was your ‘yay’ today?” to help them see growth and progress.
Teach problem-solving skills: If a peer says or does something unkind, brainstorm with your child about how they might respond next time.

The small lessons we teach today lay the foundation for the future. By allowing our children to face challenges with our support—rather than our rescue—we’re helping them develop the skills they’ll need to thrive throughout their lives.

Join us for a Parent Workshop on Positive Discipline.

Monday, Jan. 13th 7:00pm - click here to RSVP

Positive Discipline is designed to help young people become responsible, respectful, and resourceful members of their communities. Based on the books by Dr. Jane Nelsen, this program teaches essential social and life skills in a way that is both respectful and encouraging for children and adults alike. Positive Discipline is about being kind and firm at the same time, which creates lasting, positive effects and fosters a sense of belonging and significance in children.

This workshop will provide an in-depth look at what Positive Discipline is, how it looks in the classroom, and how you can incorporate this framework at home. Led by Lynda Runge and Katie Wenzel.

Why Choose a Private School?

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 21:28:11 GMT

Is Private School Right for Your Child and Family?

Choosing the right educational path for your child is one of the most significant decisions you will make as a parent. For many families, the choice between public and private school can feel overwhelming. While public schools offer the benefit of no tuition, private schools provide unique advantages that may make the cost worthwhile, depending on the options available in your area. In cities like Chicago, where public schools vary greatly in quality by neighborhood, private schools can offer an attractive alternative.

The Benefits of Private Education

Private schools often provide a more challenging academic environment with smaller class sizes, allowing for personalized attention and stronger student-teacher relationships. These schools also tend to offer a more consistent value system and a safer, more controlled environment compared to many public schools. While public schools are typically larger and offer more diversity, extracurricular activities, and access to students across all income levels, private schools can offer a focused educational experience with specialized opportunities that may not be available in public systems.

Key statistics—such as academic performance, extracurricular opportunities, and student-teacher ratios—can be helpful in your decision-making process. A 2022 NAEP report found that "Students in private schools scored significantly above the national average in grades four, eight, and twelve." At St. James, our students consistently score in the top 85th percentile in grades 3-8, based on the Department of Education’s Blue Ribbon standards.

Smaller Class Sizes and Personalized Attention

One of the hallmarks of private schools is their smaller class sizes. The lower student-to-teacher ratio creates an environment where students receive more personalized attention, which can significantly boost academic success. The Condition of Education 2018 found that “Placing students in small groups tends to foster close working relationships between teachers and students, thus enhancing learning, particularly among at-risk students and those in the early grades.”

At St. James, our class sizes range from 12 to 20 students, with an average of 16. Our student-teacher ratio never exceeds 10:1, ensuring that each child gets the individual support they need to succeed. This personalized environment encourages students to speak up in class, building their confidence both academically and socially.

Community, Values, and Parental Involvement

In many private schools, a strong emphasis is placed on cultivating personal values and character. Private schools often incorporate honor codes, behavioral standards, and a clear cultural ethos that promote respect and responsibility. This creates a focused, disciplined environment where students learn both academics and life skills in tandem.

Choosing a private school also means joining a close-knit community of families who share similar educational values. Parents at private schools tend to be more involved in school activities, contributing time, resources, and support. This sense of community can enhance your child’s experience, as students benefit from strong relationships with their peers and a network of supportive families.

At St. James, we view our partnership with families as vital to our success. Many of our parents volunteer their time, talents, and resources to enrich the educational experience, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment for our students.

Exposure to the Arts and Enrichment Programs

One area where private schools often excel is in offering rich, varied arts and enrichment programs. With greater flexibility in curriculum design, private schools can prioritize subjects such as music, drama, and visual arts, all of which play an essential role in fostering creativity and critical thinking. In contrast, public schools often face budget constraints that limit funding for arts programs.

At St. James, we believe that a well-rounded education includes robust music and arts programs, which are integral to developing our students’ creativity and emotional intelligence. With smaller class sizes, students also enjoy more opportunities to participate in these activities and gain exposure to a wide range of creative disciplines.

Conclusion: What’s Best for Your Family?

Ultimately, the decision between public and private school comes down to what is best for your child and your family’s needs. Private schools can offer smaller class sizes, a safer environment, a strong sense of community, and specialized programs that might not be available at public schools. However, public schools provide diversity, a broad range of extracurriculars, and accessibility for families across various income levels.

Whatever you choose, your involvement as a parent is crucial to your child’s academic success. Take the time to research your options thoroughly and consider what kind of environment will best support your child’s growth, both academically and socially.

We encourage you to explore all available options to ensure you make the best decision for your family’s future.

Articles for more information:

US News

Pew Research

Emotional Regulation for Preschool to Second Grade

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 19:37:26 GMT

It is important to help our children identify emotions.

Early emotional development lays the foundation for later academic performance, mental health, and the capacity to form successful relationships. Despite this knowledge, most policies related to early childhood focus exclusively on cognitive development as it relates to school readiness, neglecting the importance of capacities such as the ability to regulate one’s own emotions and behaviour, and to manage successful interactions with other people (Center on the Developing Child, Harvard University).

By second grade, children should be able to identify 16 different emotions.

In preschool,we start with the basic 4 - Mad, Sad, Happy, and Scared. As children demonstrate an understanding of these emotions we add more. (see below)

Children are very capable of handling big or not-so-good feelings. What creates lasting challenges is being left alone with those feelings. Second, the fact that it’s really hard to watch kids sit with hard feelings. Naturally, we want to protect them. Maybe we avoid telling them about something that will make them sad, or explain it in ways that we think will be easier to hear. Or, maybe it is hard to watch our child experience sadness/hurt and quickly look for some way to make them feel better.

Emotional Regulation is the interplay of temperament and personality AND environment

Emotion regulation is not just about expressing emotions in a socially appropriate manner. It is a three-phase process .

Teaching children to identify emotions.
helping them identify what triggers those emotions
teaching them to manage those emotions by themselves.

When we teach kids that their emotions are valid, we help them view what they feel as normal and manageable.

We approach self-regulation skills in the same way we approach other skills, academic or social: isolate that skill and provide practice, When you think of it as a skill to be taught — rather than, say, just bad behavior — it changes the tone and content of the feedback you give kids.

The key to learning self-regulation skills, is not to avoid situations that are difficult for kids to handle, but to coach kids through them and provide a supportive framework — clinicians call it “scaffolding” the behavior you want to encourage — until they can handle these challenges on their own.

Co-Regulation

At its heart, co-regulation is connecting with a child who's in distress and being able to evaluate what that child needs in the moment to help calm themselves.

First, parent needs to pause and self-regulate their own emotions, such as by taking a deep breath. The next steps are validating the child's feelings, observing the child's response, and deciding how to respond next, including verbally and nonverbally, such as with a touch.

Teaching young children to recognize and regulate their emotions has many benefits.

Emotional self-regulation helps children ground themselves when they experience big emotions. It helps them feel good about themselves, decreases feelings of shame and anxiety tied to uncontrollable emotions, and it helps them cope and thrive within social settings and relationships.

Self Regulation Skills

emotional awareness and literacy, including the ability to identify emotions
self-soothing
perspective-taking, or the ability to "walk in another's shoes"
social skills such as taking turns and
practicing patience
paying attention and remaining focused when needed
problem-solving
thinking flexibly
time management skills
goal-setting

In conclusion, fostering emotional regulation in young children is just as critical as developing cognitive skills for school readiness. By teaching children to identify, understand, and manage their emotions, we equip them with the tools they need not only to succeed academically but also to thrive socially and emotionally throughout their lives. Emotional self-regulation enhances self-esteem, reduces anxiety, and enables children to navigate the complexities of social interactions with confidence and empathy. Importantly, this process requires a supportive, responsive environment where adults model and scaffold emotional skills. Rather than shielding children from difficult emotions, we must guide them through these challenges, helping them view emotions as normal, manageable experiences. When we prioritize emotional development alongside cognitive growth, we help children build a strong foundation for lifelong mental well-being and successful relationships.

Reading Instruction at St. James

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 18:40:30 GMT

Implementing the Science of Reading at St. James

The goal is for all students to be proficient in reading by the end of 2nd grade. This allows a timely shift from students “learning-to-read” to “reading-to-learn” and being able to acquire new information & knowledge through reading.

Addressing SOR at St. James/ What staff has done to implement this into their classrooms:
The Science of Reading is a body of research from many fields, including education, linguistics, psychology, neuroscience, and speech and language pathology. The research informs us how to teach reading effectively.

Since the fall of 2022, St. James PreK-2nd grade has been engaging in discussions and learning about the Science of Reading (SOR). This has involved participating in professional development sessions and examining relevant research. Grades K, 1, and 2 have dedicated themselves to implementing six key shifts: utilizing a sound wall, word mapping, heart words, decodable texts, phonemic awareness, and syllable types.

Spelling:

At St. James, we are putting an emphasis on the process of learning how to spell rather than traditional memorization of spelling words. Through second grade, we work to help students map words and therefore store them permanently for quick retrieval during writing and reading. During daily writing activities, we encourage inventive spelling, where students use their learned phonics skills to spell words. This is a foundational step to build strong and confident readers and writers. As students learn these skills, they progress from scribbles on a page, to using phonetic spelling, to spelling words “traditionally”. At this stage, students are held accountable for the skills they have learned and have been explicitly taught. Student skills are assessed weekly through their work in writing, dictation practices, and formal assessments. As students grow older (grades 3-4), they build on previously learned skills by using a spelling program that focuses on specific phonics skills. They receive direct instruction on these skills throughout the week. The goal of these lists is to learn patterns and apply them to a variety of words in their writing, not simply memorize a list of words.

What parents can do at home:
A great way to support spelling at home is to write letters back and forth to one another. When a parent, grandparent, or other adult writes the letter to the child, they write 5-10 words at the bottom that the return letter MUST include, spelled correctly. Kids love trying to figure out where to put the words in, and they get great writing and spelling practice!

Check your teacher’s Instagram for photos of the day. Helping children recall small moments of their day is one of the best ways to improve their working memory. Ask open-ended questions like, “What was the funniest thing that happened today?” and encourage them to ask you in return. Working memory is a key factor in reading comprehension.

Have a family book club. The idea is that everyone in the family reads the same book, and then you gather to discuss and do activities. If your child is not an independent reader, you can read the book out loud. Take turns picking the book, and coming up with discussion questions. Have fun with activities like eating foods to go with the book, watching the movie, or doing crafts.

St. James Standardized Testing

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 18:38:16 GMT

Standardized Testing at St. James

There are many views on standardized testing in the education arena these days, and there are great arguments on both sides . There are several nationally normed standardized tests for elementary schools that are widely used and approved by the National Department of Education and the Council for American Private Education (CAPE): MAP Growth, Iowa Assessments, STAR, Terra Nova 3 and AIMSWebPlus (ACT, SAT, PSAT used at the high school level). At St. James, we currently use the NWEA MAP Growth tests three times per year to help assess the growth of our students. The MAP Growth assessment dynamically adjusts to each student to create a personalized assessment experience—whether a student performs at, above, or below grade level. Every question is calibrated to the NWEA proprietary RIT scale. Since the scale is continuous across grades, educators trust it to track longitudinal growth over a student’s career.

With a smaller population, we value the individual student growth and RIT scores to indicate where our students are in comparison to national averages. Click here for more information on how the NWEA is normed and what those current norms are by grade level. In addition to national norms, there are more than 2,300 private schools - serving over 5,000,000 students that use MAP Growth to measure growth and evaluate instructional programs, and over 16.2 million students nationwide, which allows us to measure our academic rigor against both private and public schools.

NWEA also provides detailed reports by individual students that help to assess where the student is on the learning continuum, based on standards (STJ uses the common core and Next Generation Science Standards), to inform what the student is ready to learn. This information (along with other assessments) is used by teachers to create a learning plan and develop strategies to improve the growth for each student (and classroom). Click here for the research report on the MAP Growth 2020 and the conclusions they drew from growth during COVID.

St. James uses the MAP growth tests (NWEA) as a tool to gather data and evaluate our academic plan. Based on these results, the following changes have/are being implemented:

Curriculum:
Math: Over the past 3 years we have been moving to the Envision Math curriculum (Savvas) which is more rigorous in math vocabulary and problem-solving (applying math concepts). This year, grade 4 and some 3rd graders are now using this curriculum instead of Everyday Math (still used in grades K-2) This curriculum also provides high school algebra and geometry for our students in middle school. This year, we have created smaller learning groups across grades 3-8. In grades K-2 we continue to differentiate within the curriculum (Everyday Math) and groupings are based on unit skills assessment and independent learning.
Reading - The goal for children in preschool through 2nd grade is to “learn to read”. The goal for children in grades 3-8 is to “read to learn”. COVID presented many issues in teaching reading to young children. As teachers were assessing the students in reading, they were identifying trends in the literacy skills of the students. As a result, our faculty looked for ways to improve the way we were teaching phonics and comprehension. When we look at the 1st grade reading levels on the fall test, we are very encouraged that we have implemented the correct tools to get our students where they need to be. You will notice that many of our students make the transition to reading to learn sooner than others (some of that is developmental and readiness to learn). Our teachers are committed to providing strategies and support to not only encourage reading comprehension skills, but to build vocabulary. For more information on our reading program changes in K-2, please take a look at the attached document.
Identify areas of focus for growth school-wide which are used in the strategic plan and yearly goals.
Student data is used for individual evaluations for learning gaps and needs along with identifying areas the student is ready to learn. The data can be integrated into IXL for individualized learning starting in 1st grade.
Test taking skills are taught and practiced through the implementation of the MAP Growth tests. We see the most consistency of scores starting in grades 5-6 when the students are invested themselves in the outcomes and are confident in taking this type of test (multiple choice on the computer).
Our students start in the spring of their K year to get a baseline and the experience of the test. The test is taken on an iPad at school.
Testing practices by grade (all are 3 times per year):
1st - Reading & Math - questions are read for the students through headphones.
2nd grade - Reading & Math - students read the questions themselves
3rd grade - Reading, Math & Language
4th - 8th grade - Reading, Math, Language & Science

In 1982, the U.S. Department of Education launched the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program to recognize America’s most successful public and non-public elementary, middle and high schools. All schools are ranked based on the performance of all students in the school on the most recently administered state assessments in reading and mathematics.

Below is a chart that compares the fall St. James MAP scores with the top 15% schools nationwide (The US Department of Education). There is also a comparison by class of the private schools that participated in MAP testing across the country this fall.

st-james-school

St. James Celebrates Earth Day

Earth Day Week Highlights: Student Projects and Classroom Activities

Preschool

Junior Kindergarten – Ms. Marcantonio’s Class

Junior Kindergarten – Mrs. Mosinski’s Class

Kindergarten

Grade 1

Grade 2

Grades 3-5

Grade 6

Grades 7–8

Joining St. James: A Warm Welcome at Any Stage

Starting at a new school can bring a mix of excitement and uncertainty. For families joining St. James at a non-traditional entry point, one of the biggest questions is often: What will the transition actually feel like? ﻿

A Community That Welcomes You

Academic Challenge, Personal Growth, and Opportunities Beyond the Classroom

From St. James to High School - Alumni Features

We’re excited to feature some of our recent St. James alumni who started high school this past fall. They shared reflections on their experiences so far, the ways St. James prepared them, and advice for current students.

Riley

Zach

Lexi

Will

Financial Aid Philosophy

Author Night at St. James: A Celebration of Young Learners

Below is a look at how each class brought Author Night to life this year!

Preschool

Ms. Healy’s Class

Preschool (continued)

Ms. DiVita’s Class

Junior Kindergarten

Ms. Marcantonio’s Class

Junior Kindergarten (continued)

Mrs. Mosinski’s Class

Kindergarten

Mrs. Runge’s & Mrs. DiSalle’s Classes

A Shared Learning Experience

Admissions at St. James Lutheran School: What to Expect

Eligibility Requirements

The Admissions Process

Questions? We’re Here to Help

St. James Launches a Newspaper Club

This article was written by Newspaper Club Reporter, Scout O.

Christmas at St. James

The Christmas season at St. James is always a special time, filled with opportunities to gather, celebrate, and reflect on the true meaning of Christ’s birth. This year, our community came together in so many beautiful ways, creating memories that will last well beyond the season.

Rethinking Homework at St. James Lutheran School

Supporting Learning, Balance, and Family Time

Our Homework Philosophy

Homework Expectations by Grade

What Research Tells Us

Working Together for Student Success

A Season of Thankfulness at St. James

What Our Teachers and Staff Are Thankful For

What Our Parents Are Thankful For

How Thankfulness Shapes Learning at St. James

A Community Rooted in Gratitude

Building Strong Mathematical Thinkers with Spatial Temporal Math

Learn more about ST Math here:

The Science of Reading

The Science of Reading at St. James – Implementation & Growth

Our Journey

Phonics Instruction

Spelling and Writing

St James Reads: The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt

St. James Lutheran Preschool Builds a Strong Foundation

To help families better understand the progression from preschool through kindergarten, the chart below outlines the age-based pathways and schedule options available at St. James.

Flexible Scheduling for Families

﻿ Inquiry-Based Learning

Applications Now Open for 2026–27

Supporting Every Student: Counseling Program Growth

Meet Our Expanded Counseling Team

A Stronger, More Comprehensive Support System

Meet the Team

Our Mission: Whole-Child Development

New Family Advice

Advice for New Families at St. James Lutheran School

1. Get Involved Early and Often

2. Build Friendships and Community

3. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions

4. Trust the Experience

5. Enjoy the Journey

Starting at a new school can bring a mix of excitement and uncertainty. For families joining St. James at a non-traditional entry point, one of the biggest questions is often: What will the transition actually feel like?

Inquiry-Based Learning

Mini Mavericks
Thursdays, 8:45 AM – 10:15 AM
Second Floor, St. James Lutheran School

Creating a Calming Space for Emotional Growth at Home