The St. James R I School District is taking a closer look at the core values that make up our Portrait of a Graduate. Each month, the district will highlight one value and explain how it supports student growth from preschool through graduation. The first focus area is Effective Communication, a skill that influences how students learn, collaborate, and navigate everyday life.
Effective Communication in St. James classrooms centers on three practices: listening, speaking, and writing.
Listening with intention
Students are taught to give their full attention to the speaker, think before responding, and show understanding. This approach helps them build empathy, strengthen relationships, and participate respectfully in discussions.
Speaking with clarity and confidence
When students share ideas, they learn to organize their thoughts, speak clearly, and adjust their message to match their audience. These skills support strong participation in class and prepare students for presentations, interviews, and future leadership roles.
Writing with purpose
Writing is part of every subject area and plays an important role beyond school. Students learn that effective writing has a clear goal. They practice choosing the right structure, vocabulary, and tone to explain, inform, or persuade their reader.
Together, these communication skills help students in the classroom, at home, and in future careers. The district plans to continue sharing how each core value shapes student success throughout the year.