A Season of Thankfulness at St. James

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