REMINDER: This Friday, May 1, 2026, is a FULL day of school for St. James R-1 School District. Here are a few other important dates:

👉Friday, May 8, 2026 - Full Day Friday
👉Friday, May 15, 2026 - Full Day Friday
👉Thursday, May 21, 2026 - Last Day of School with Early Release (LWJE & HS: 12:30 PM; MS: 12:50 PM)

Every day is a great day to be a Tiger! ❤️🐯🤍
2 days ago, St. James R-I School District
Shield with "SJ" logo. Text reads "Full Day Fridays in May" and "ST. JAMES R-1 SCHOOLS". Dates listed: May 1, 8, and 15, 2026. Closing line: "Every Day is a Great Day to be a Tiger!"

Middle School Careers Class Builds Future Ready Skills! 🤝🐯❤️

Students in Careers class have been strengthening important habits for the future through confident handshakes, resume creation, and interview practice. With support from high school student leaders in DECA and FBLA, they had the chance to put those skills into action through hands-on experiences and peer guidance.

These opportunities help students grow in confidence, prepare for future careers, and take meaningful steps toward life beyond the classroom. Future Focused starts with building real-world skills! #academicexcellence #stjschools #tigerpride

about 17 hours ago, St. James R-I School District
A classroom with several students. One student is seated while another stands and reads aloud from a paper.
Group of students in a classroom, a student hands a paper to a teacher while standing.
A hexagon graphic shows a person walking with the words "Future Focused" above. Below, it says "Portrait of a Graduate."
A classroom with tables, chairs, whiteboards, and students. Some students are seated while others stand, and one student writes on paper.
Classroom with students sitting at desks in pairs, one student writing, a whiteboard, and flag in background.
Several students in a classroom with blue walls. Some students are standing, while others are seated. A projector is mounted on the ceiling.
Six people sit at tables in a classroom with a white board and American flag.
Five individuals in a classroom. Four are seated around tables; one stands by a whiteboard.
A group of individuals, some seated at tables, engage in a discussion in a classroom. A whiteboard and a flag are visible.
Several students in a classroom, seated around tables. One student is speaking, while others are listening. Blue walls, shelves, and tables.
Our Heart of a Tiger series wraps up for the school year with a spotlight you won’t want to miss!

🌟 Episode 6: Meet Jessica Stack, a dedicated science teacher at St. James R-1 High School. Known for her academic focus and commitment to student learning, Jessica brings consistency, care, and high expectations to her classroom each day. 🌟

WATCH IT HERE: https://canva.link/heartofatiger-stack

Jessica shares how being part of a district that invests in its staff has encouraged her growth as an educator and strengthened her passion for teaching.

This is The Heart of a Tiger!
about 19 hours ago, St. James R-I School District
Photo of a smiling woman with short hair wearing a white and black striped shirt.
Tiger Express Apparel Goes Statewide! ❤️🐯🤍

Students in Mrs. Hance's Student-Based Enterprise class are making a statewide impact through Tiger Express Apparel, their student-run business. Recently, the class completed its largest order to date, producing 475 shirts for the Missouri Association of School Librarians (MASL).

This achievement highlights the real-world learning happening at the high school level as students gain experience in production, business operations, teamwork, and customer service. Through opportunities like this, students are building the skills connected to our Portrait of a Graduate focus on Future Focused, preparing for careers, entrepreneurship, and success beyond graduation.

#FutureFocused #stjschools #tigerpride
1 day ago, St. James R-I School District
A group of people holds up shirts in front of a table in a classroom.
A gray hoodie with a logo depicting books in a shape of a state, labeled "School Librarian."
A group of people in matching shirts posing for a photo in a room with a stage.
Graphic with hexagon shape and red background. Symbolic figure walking forward. "FUTURE FOCUSED" and "Portrait of a Graduate" text.
Five people in matching gray shirts pose around a round table with a game and a bottle.
Two women in matching t-shirts and jeans stand smiling for a photo in a building with wooden floors.
Three women, smiling, seated at a round table. Stack of books on table. Other people sit at tables behind them.
Three women in light blue shirts and light jackets sitting around a table with plates and glasses.
Published Authors in Mrs. Talbott’s Class! ❤️🐯📚

Mrs. Talbott’s class recently became published authors after completing a unit on insects! Each student selected an insect to research, gathered facts, and wrote their own piece based on what they learned. Those individual writings were then combined into a class book, creating a published collection of their hard work and creativity.

This project highlights our Portrait of a Graduate focus on Critical Thinking, as students transformed their learning into a format they can proudly share! #CriticalThinking #stjschools #tigerpride
1 day ago, St. James R-I School District
Children stand in a row holding certificates. Behind them is a large world map on the wall and a bookshelf.
A hexagon shape with a lightbulb and gear icon in the center. Text reads "CRITICAL THINKING" below the icon. Below that, it reads "Portrait of a Graduate" in red font.
Kids sitting on floor with a teacher, holding books and looking at papers. Background features a tree mural.
Children sit in a circle on a carpeted floor, reading books. One child holds a book while another holds a paint palette.
A woman reads a book to young children in a classroom with a tree mural on the wall.
A group of children stands in a classroom, holding certificates. A mural with the words "The Adventure Begins" is behind them.
History Comes to Life at St. James R-1 High School! ❤️🐯🤍

Students in Mr. Overton’s history class transformed the high school gym into a World War II museum, bringing history to life! Each student selected a major WWII battle, uncovered a meaningful story, and created a physical artifact to represent it.

From detailed artwork to hand-built models, every piece reflects creativity, research, and a deeper understanding of history. No two projects were alike, making this a powerful example of students taking ownership of their learning. The entire high school had the opportunity to walk through the museum, explore the exhibits, and vote for their favorite display.

Take a look at some of the incredible work created by our students! #academicexcellence #stjschools #tigerpride
2 days ago, St. James R-I School District
Two individuals in a sports facility, holding a diorama of a snowy landscape with a Christmas tree.
Two people stand in a gym, smiling, with one holding a certificate and the other holding a model.
Person standing in a gymnasium holding a framed map with ships depicted. Behind them is a partially empty red and white bleacher.
A gymnasium has several tables set up, with a basketball hoop visible in the background. People stand around the tables.
A table displays a flag made from colored bottle caps on a basketball court. Blue, red, and white caps create a design.
Two men stand by a table with a box. One wears a gray hoodie and black shorts. Behind them, bleachers and a wall.
Sketch of a naval vessel, possibly a battleship, showing details like masts and cannons, on a beige paper.
A woman with pink hair stands near a table with a box on it, while a man in a plaid shirt watches.
A red box model scene with a tree branch, stones, and green moss. The box is open.
Three people in a gym, looking at a tablet on a table. A woman stands behind them.
Special Olympics Success Across Two Events! ❤️🐯🤍

April has been a busy and exciting month for our Special Olympics athletes! Earlier this month, students traveled to Waynesville to compete, and today they headed to Sullivan for another day filled with friendly competition and fun!

Our Tigers received an incredible send-off organized by our local first responders: St. James Police Department, St. James Ambulance District, and St. James Fire Protection District. Thank you to our Tiger Community for your support, to our student volunteers for your time, and to our staff for making it all possible!

Way to go, Tigers! #communitypartnerships #stjschools #tigerpride
3 days ago, St. James R-I School District
A group of people in red t-shirts, some wearing hoodies and hats, standing on a track, with cloudy skies in the background.
A woman stands in front of a red sign numbered "1" on a field. She wears a medal and glasses.
A smiling girl in a red Tigers shirt holds cotton candy. Behind her, a woman in a red hoodie and glasses, a bus, and a pickup truck.
A person in a red shirt and gray pants is jumping on a track. Behind, others are watching.
A woman in a blue top and red shorts prepares to throw a yellow object on a sports field.
A person in a gray sweatshirt and sunglasses holds a ball, standing on a dirt field. Behind, others stand near bleachers.
A police officer hands a medal to a boy at an outdoor track. People stand behind them.
An athlete leaps over a hurdle on a track while spectators watch from behind. Trees are visible in the background.
A young boy with red hair holds a medal and smiles at the camera. Behind him, people walk on a football field.
A boy jumps on a track with a blurred background of other people, some wearing white shirts.
Celebrating Our Bus Drivers! 🚌🐯❤️

Today is School Bus Driver Appreciation Day, and we are proud to recognize the incredible team at Copeland Bus Service! Your focus on safety, dependability, and care makes a real difference for our students and families every day.

You are often the first and last school connection in a child’s day, helping set the tone for learning, growth, and success. Thank you for everything you do to keep our Tigers moving safely forward!

#BusDriverAppreciationDay #StJSchools #TigerPride
3 days ago, St. James R-I School District
A woman assists a young child in boarding a yellow school bus. The text reads, "School Bus Driver Appreciation Day!"
Row of yellow school buses parked in a lot with trees and a water tower in the background.
Inside a school bus, a woman sits in the driver's seat, smiling. A girl stands in the aisle, smiling and looking forward.
A yellow school bus with an adult and two children boarding. One child wears a pink outfit.
A person boards a school bus in a parking lot with green trees and a water tower in the background.
LWJE Singers at Central District Elementary Honor Choir! ❤️🐯🎵

Our 4th and 5th-grade Singers represented St. James at the Central District Elementary Honor Choir on Saturday, April 18, at Osage Beach Elementary! Students spent the day rehearsing alongside peers from across the district under the direction of a guest clinician, then shared their hard work in a concert for families.

It was a full day of learning, collaboration, and music-making, and our Tigers, with the support of Mrs. Ament, did a great job representing LWJE and the District!

#ArtsInEducation #stjschools #tigerpride
7 days ago, St. James R-I School District
A group of young people in matching shirts pose for a photo on a stage.
Booklet cover featuring a black-and-white illustration of children holding books, titled "Central District Missouri Music Educators District Children's Choir April 18, 2026."
A group of students sits in bleachers, holding music sheets. A teacher in pink stands at the front, leading them.
kids eating lunch at a table
Group of children, some seated on bleachers, holding papers, possibly rehearsing for a performance.
A group of students in purple shirts stands on stage in a school gym with a wooden floor.
V is for Volcanoes! 🌋🐯❤️

Kindergarten Backwards Bootcamp continued the alphabet countdown with V day, and it brought some explosive science fun! Students headed outside, made predictions, and then ran a Mentos and soda experiment to see what would happen.

Lots of excitement, big reactions, and eruptions that made learning come to life! #academicexcellence #stjschools #tigerpride
7 days ago, St. James R-I School District
Four soda bottles on grass, one spilling, with people in the background.
Four children sit on grass near a tree, one in a pink hat. Two boys wear black shirts, one with "Star Wars".
Person in pink shirt crouching on grass, holding a bottle. Children in the background stand and watch.
Five young boys in different colored shirts and pants standing in a grassy area in front of a brick building.
Group of children and adults standing on a lawn with various soda bottles on the ground.
Four children, two girls and two boys, stand on grass. The boy on the right wears a green shirt with a cloud design.
A group of children stands on a grassy area, some looking at something in front. Trees and a building in the background.
Kids in casual clothing stand and sit on a lawn with a tree. Four bottles are in the foreground.
Five children in casual clothes stand on a green lawn. Two have their arms raised. Behind them is a tree and a building.
Five kids sit on grass, looking up at a tree, with several soda bottles arranged in front.
St. James FFA Shines at State Convention 2026! ⭐🐯❤️

St. James FFA students represented the district at the State FFA Convention, taking part in competitive events, leadership activities, and statewide recognition ceremonies. Several teams earned strong ratings, while students also participated in the State FFA Chorus and served as delegates in the official business session.

A highlight of the convention was the on-stage recognition of students earning their State FFA Degrees, the highest honor at the state level. Congratulations again to the following students: Belle Bolte, Abby Fuhring, JV Meurer, and Kate Strackeljahn.

The district is proud of all our students for their professionalism and leadership! Thanks to FFA sponsors Trish Watson and Phil Branstetter for their support of the program! #stjschools #tigerpride
7 days ago, St. James R-I School District
Five individuals stand in front of a backdrop with "Missouri" and "FPA Association" written on it. Four of them are in matching jackets.
Two men in matching uniforms and ties pose for a picture in a large, empty stadium.
Six individuals on stage, holding certificates, smiling and looking at the audience with a yellow and black background.
Four women in blue shirts and jeans stand in front of a silver SUV parked in a lot.
Two men in matching navy uniforms, one using a cane, stand together in an empty stadium.
Four individuals stand on grass, wearing casual clothes. They are in front of a brick wall.
Four men in uniform stand in an arena with bright overhead lights, facing the camera.
Woman with blond hair holding a sign that says "Specialty Crop" in an auditorium with chairs and banners.
ASL Club Reads to Elementary Tigers! 🤟🐯📚

The American Sign Language (ASL) Club from St. James Middle School, under the guidance of sponsor Mrs. Stacy Waldmann, visited kindergarten and first-grade classrooms to share beloved stories like Good Night Moon and Green Eggs and Ham!

Through signing and storytelling, students helped bring each book to life in a way that made reading more engaging and accessible for all learners. This experience highlighted Effective Communication as students connected through sign language and storytelling! #academicexcellence #stjschools #tigerpride
8 days ago, St. James R-I School District
A group of young people pose for a photo, holding books, in front of a wall with paw prints.
Four young women stand in a classroom. One holds a paper, another speaks, and the background shows a room with a rug, a table, and a television.
A red hexagon with "Effective Communication" in bold. Three white speech bubbles above the text. Background with gray dots.
A group of students stands and sits on a carpet with alphabet letters, facing a whiteboard in a classroom.
Three women stand in a classroom; one reads a book, and two gesture with hands. White walls and ceiling, tables, chairs, and decorative items.
Two people stand in a classroom, one with hands clasped. A carpet with numbers and letters is on the floor.
Several young children are seated on a blue carpet in a classroom, listening to adults standing and gesturing.
Four people stand in a room with colorful dots on the floor. Two hold books, one wears a gray sweatshirt, and another wears a maroon sweater.
Two girls stand in a classroom, one in green and the other in gray. They face each other while speaking.
Phases of the Moon in First Grade! 🌔🐯🌖

First-grade students explored the phases of the moon through a fun, hands-on lesson using Oreos to model each stage of the lunar cycle. From new moon to full moon, students used creativity and curiosity to bring science to life, with a sweet treat waiting at the end of the activity! #academicexcellence #stjschools #tigerpride
8 days ago, St. James R-I School District
A child stands in a classroom, wearing a gray T-shirt with moon phases. He smiles, standing on a chair.
Five boys at a table, holding spoons and a plate, with a bag of coins.
Hexagon graphic with "CRITICAL THINKING" written inside, an illustration of a light bulb with a gear, and "Portrait of a Graduate" below.
Children seated at a table, working on a project with cookies and a paper guide, surrounded by colorful floor tiles.
Four girls seated at a table with coins and a paper plate, engaged in a learning activity.
Two girls in a classroom setting, one playing with spoons and cookies on a table.
Four children in a classroom stand around a table with cookies and a worksheet on it.
Four children at a table with a plate and papers showing moon phases.
Two young girls sit at a desk, engaged in an activity with coins, paper, and spoons. Behind them is a colorful mat and a whiteboard.
Two children seated at a table, engaged in an activity with various objects and papers.

National Honor Society Induction at St. James High School! ❤️🐯🤍

Last night, 46 students were welcomed into the National Honor Society, joining an exceptional group of leaders committed to Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character. These four pillars continue to guide students as they grow, serve others, and make a positive impact within their school and community.

This year also marks one of the largest graduating senior classes in NHS history, with 43 students, alongside the second largest group of inductees during Sponsor Mr. Josh Adams’ tenure. During the ceremony, senior members recognized their Most Influential Teacher, sharing appreciation for the educators who have supported and inspired them throughout their journey.

Congratulations to our newest inductees and graduating seniors on this achievement! #NationalHonorSociety #stjschools #tigerpride

8 days ago, St. James R-I School District
A group of students stand on stairs, holding certificates. They wear casual summer clothing. Behind them, there are railings and a hallway.
A screen shows "National Honor Society Induction Ceremony April 22, 2026" with an emblem above the text.
A group of people, including a man and five women, are smiling and standing together in front of a black backdrop.
A table with folded documents and white garments on black cloth. A red cloth covers the table's center.
REMINDER: There is NO SCHOOL on Friday, April 24, 2026. Every day is a GREAT day to be a Tiger! ❤️🐯🤍
8 days ago, St. James R-I School District
A gray background displays a reminder message in red. It reads: "No School Friday, April 24, 2026".
Future Leaders Represent St. James at State FBLA Conference! ❤️🐯🤍

Twelve FBLA students traveled to Springfield to compete at the 2026 Missouri FBLA State Leadership Conference, joining more than 5,000 students at one of Missouri’s largest student leadership events. Led by Adviser Kristin Lorts, Tigers competed in events such as Data Analysis, Agribusiness, Digital Video Production, Impromptu Speaking, Introduction to Business Communications, Event Planning, Personal Finance, Project Management, and Retail Management.

Students earned their spot at State by qualifying through the District Leadership Conference competition back in February. At State, they took on projects, case studies, presentations, and tests in both individual and team events. While no students finished in the top ten, each competitor grew through the process and gained real-world experience.

We’re proud of you! All Roads Lead Forward! #FBLA #FutureLeaders #stjschools
9 days ago, St. James R-I School District
A group of students stands in front of large, lighted letters spelling "MOFBLAN" in an indoor room.
A group of people in formal clothing stand outside the entrance to a building with a logo.
An indoor stadium with many people seated in rows. Screens on the stage display logos. Flags hang from the ceiling.
Two men stand close, smiling, one with a polka-dot shirt, the other wearing a toast costume. Behind them, people and balloons are in a room with white lights.
Five people sit around a chair in a conference room. A woman looks at a man's fingers.
Three people stand next to a large light display spelling out "MOFBA" in a spacious room.
Earth Day: Growing Engaged Citizens Every Day! 🌎🐯❤️

Across the district, students are leading recycling initiatives that make a real impact in their schools and community. We want to recognize the following groups:

🌎Student Council at Lucy Wortham James Elementary
🌎Teen Leadership at St. James Middle School
🌎National Honor Society at St. James R-1 High School

These experiences connect directly to our Portrait of a Graduate focus on Engaged Citizenship. By serving as stewards of their schools, community, and environment, our students are learning that small actions can lead to meaningful change.

All Roads Lead Forward when students care for the world around them! #EarthDay #stjschools #tigerpride
9 days ago, St. James R-I School District
Two women stand behind a table with a blue crate of water bottles. They wear t-shirts. Text reads "EARTH DAY".
A group of children holding bags and boxes standing in front of Lucy Vaughan James Elementary School.
Three individuals, including two youths and an adult, engage in sorting recyclables inside a room.
Two individuals in a hallway, one wearing gloves, handing a blue recycling bin to another. Framed pictures adorn the wall.
Two people hold a blue recycling bin and a clear plastic bag with cans. One wears a tie-dye shirt, and the other wears a gray jacket.
A group of children pose outside a brick building, holding boxes and bags, possibly for a charity event.
A man in a red shirt kneels sorting items into plastic bins with others around him.
People sorting items into blue bins in a room with a yellow trash can, a chair, and artwork on the walls.
Four young people are carrying a blue box in a hallway, two of them wearing blue jackets.
Four men are in a room with trash bags; one holds a bag, another wears a Tigers shirt, and two wear red shirts.
Happy Administrative Professionals Day! ❤️🐯🤍

Today, we’re celebrating the Administrative Professionals who help make each school day possible. From the first phone call of the morning to the countless details handled behind the scenes, your dedication supports our students, staff, and families in ways that never go unnoticed.

Lucy Wortham James Elementary: Crystal Barnett, Shannan Gahr, and Makayla Gorrell
St. James Middle School: Allie Carrell and Lisa Huster
St. James High School: Ashton Chancey, Olivia Cohen, and Shea McFarland
St. James Central Office: Shannon Parsons

Thank you for the care, patience, and hard work you bring to our district every day! #stjschools #tigerpride
9 days ago, St. James R-I School District
Collage of smiling women, each wearing glasses, honoring National Administrative Professionals Day.
All Roads Lead Forward, One Country at a Time! 🌏🐯❤️

Mrs. Moreland’s fourth-grade students recently took a “trip” to Vietnam as part of a cultural learning experience in the LWJE library!

Students began with an educational video and reading The Yellow Ao Dai by Hanh Bui with Mrs. Hunter. They then rotated through hands-on stations featuring games and crafts inspired by Vietnamese culture. Each activity allowed students to explore the traditions of a different country.

This library series continues to bring global learning to life, showing students that no matter the destination, All Roads Lead Forward to curiosity, understanding, and growth! #academicexcellence #stjschools #tigerpride
10 days ago, St. James R-I School District
A young boy in a black T-shirt smiles while holding a yellow paper over his head.
Group of students sit around a teacher in a classroom; screen shows map with 'Where is Vietnam?'
A girl with a braid sits on a wooden shelf with books behind her. The books feature colorful illustrations.
Woman in a blue shirt reading a book to a group of children sitting in a classroom.
A large map with "Let the Adventure Begin" written on it. A hot air balloon, airplane, and suitcase are featured.
A girl manipulates colored yarn with chopsticks on a table, with a painted forest backdrop.
Two boys in gray shirts and pants in a room with trees on the wall, one holding sticks.
A wooden table with three cards, each displaying a picture of a different architectural structure. A blue basket filled with colorful building blocks sits on the table.
A young girl in a tan shirt and glasses works on a project with multicolored yarns at a table.
Two children are focused on making paper crafts at a table, with one holding a round orange paper.

Agriculture Class Gives Students a Front Row Seat to Swine Science! 🐷❤️🤍

Middle School Ag students recently took part in a hands-on agricultural experience! Thanks to the generosity of the Alexander family, piglets visited the classroom, giving students the chance to explore the responsibilities and processes involved in raising swine.

Experiences like this bring learning to life and show students how classroom concepts connect beyond school. Our classrooms are Future Focused, letting students build skills and explore pathways that prepare them for what comes next! #academicexcellence #stjschools #tigerpride

10 days ago, St. James R-I School District
Group of students in a classroom setting. A pig is walking among them, with students sitting on the floor.
Several people sit on a floor with a pig; two women are holding the pig while others look on.
A group of people are sitting on the floor, watching two small gray pigs playing. The setting appears to be a classroom.
Four students sit in a circle with two small pigs, one pink and one gray, walking between them.
Three students sit cross-legged with two pigs. One pig has pink spots, and the other is gray.
Students sit in a circle with two pigs in the middle, inside a classroom. Tables, chairs, and boards line the room.
Several individuals sit in a room, with one person interacting with a toy pig. Shelves and a black sofa are in the background.
Several people sit around two small pigs on a floor. The pigs are gray with pink spots.
Three children in a classroom, interacting with two small pigs; one pig is sitting while another stands.
A white hexagon on a red background features a red walking figure with an arrow pointing right. Text reads "FUTURE FOCUSED" and "Portrait of a Graduate."