The Free and Reduced Meal Application for the 2026–2027 school year is now open!

We encourage every family to complete an application, even if you do not think you qualify. Completed applications help our district receive funding for valuable programs and services that benefit all students, including classroom technology, Title I services, and grant opportunities.

Apply today: https://linqconnect.com/public/meal-application/new?identifier=F74DUX
about 2 hours ago, St. James R-I School District
A poster displays a tiger face with red and white stripes. Text reads "Now Open! Free and Reduced Meal Applications 2026-2027 School Year."
🎉 St. James Middle School Junior Beta Club at Nationals! 🎉

Congratulations to our Junior Beta students who earned recognition at the National Beta Convention in Nashville!

🏆 4th Place, Variety Act - Cash Mendenhall and Cambreigh Chancey
🏆 4th Place, Engineering - Snyder Stack, Connor Otto, Beckett Rapp, Steele Ruble, Gavin Jenkins, and Mason McCracken
📚 National Competitors, Book Battle - Asher Keyes, Karris Stites, and Piper Sandusky
💻 National Competitors, Technology - Asher Keyes and Connor Otto
🎨 National Competitor, Painting - Allison Wilkerson
📝National Competitor, 6th Grade Health & P.E. Academic Test - Rylan Becklenberg
🎤National Competitors, Small Group - Hattie Gruver, Blair McCurdy, Leightin Stubblefield, and Harper Kemnitzer

Great job representing St. James at the national level. Your hard work makes our Junior Beta Club shine! Special thanks to Sponsors Mrs. Watson and Mrs. Moore for supporting our students! ❤️🐯🤍
about 2 hours ago, St. James R-I School District
Two individuals pose outdoors, holding a trophy. A person wears a pink shirt and black shorts. Another person wears a black shirt and gray shorts.
Five young boys in pink shirts and black shorts pose at a booth reading "National Beta" at a convention.
Two people in matching suits and hats standing on a patio, one holding a guitar.
Two young boys stand next to each other holding a trophy. One wears a white shirt, the other a pink shirt. Both wear caps and sneakers.
A girl stands next to a table with a framed painting of a guitar and piano, wearing a pink shirt.
Four women stand in front of a sign that reads "National Beta" and "Nashville, Tennessee." They wear white shirts.
A boy in a pink T-shirt with black letters reading "BETA" stands in a grassy field with trees.
A person in a red shirt with a printed design sits on a bench with a wall in the background.
People on stage, with a large screen behind them showing circular patterns. A spotlight illuminates the center.
Five boys in pink shirts and black shorts pose next to a cardboard structure. The backdrop shows a hallway.
Happy 4th of July from the St. James R-1 School District! 🇺🇸

Wishing our Tiger families a day filled with celebration, community, and time spent with the people who matter most. Have a safe Independence Day! ❤️🐯🤍
4 days ago, St. James R-I School District
Fireworks burst in red, white, and blue over the words "Happy 4th of July". A logo appears at the bottom right.

Once upon a summer school... Mrs. Cindy's class spent time making friends with dragons, exploring castles, and living happily ever after! 🐉 ❤️🐯🤍 🏰

6 days ago, St. James R-I School District
Castles and Dragons in Kindergarten!
Castles and Dragons in Kindergarten!
Castles and Dragons in Kindergarten!
Castles and Dragons in Kindergarten!
Castles and Dragons in Kindergarten!
Castles and Dragons in Kindergarten!
Castles and Dragons in Kindergarten!
Castles and Dragons in Kindergarten!
Castles and Dragons in Kindergarten!
Castles and Dragons in Kindergarten!
Fire Safety at Summer School! 🚒🐯❤️

Middle School summer school students recently welcomed the St. James Fire Protection District for a hands-on fire safety lesson. Students learned how to use a fire extinguisher, when to change smoke detector batteries, and other important safety tips. They also had the opportunity to check out a fire truck up close.

Thank you to the St. James Fire Protection District for helping keep our students informed and prepared! #SummerSchool #stjschools #communitypartnerships
12 days ago, St. James R-I School District
People stand in front of a firetruck with trees and a building in the background.
Three firefighters with a child in front of them. A boy in a red shirt stands between two firefighters.
Three people in safety gear near a red truck. One person stands behind a barrel emitting smoke. Background includes trees and grass.
Three firefighters in uniforms, one kneeling, one standing, and a child nearby. Smoke rises from a black object on the road.
🎭 One More Chance to Catch Finding Nemo KIDS! 🐠

StJ Tiger Drama summer theater students have spent the past few weeks bringing Finding Nemo KIDS to life, and there is still one performance remaining today at 1:00 PM!

In just about 24 hours of rehearsal time spread across several weeks, students learned lines, songs, choreography, and stage movement while gaining hands-on experience in many aspects of theater production. From acting and singing to working together as a cast, they have put in tremendous effort to make this show a success.

A special thank you to Mrs. Prawitz and Mrs. Stites for supporting Arts in Education and creating opportunities for students to explore their talents and creativity.

Join us at 1:00 PM and help us celebrate the hard work of these young performers! ❤️🐯🤍
12 days ago, St. James R-I School District
Three individuals on a stage, two wearing orange shirts and one in blue, posing with a blue and orange wave-like backdrop.
A group of children wearing themed shirts and head coverings stand together on a stage.
Four individuals in white shirts pose for a photo on a stage with a blue wave backdrop.
Six children wearing yellow t-shirts stand behind a metal box with a net on top. They appear to be on a stage.
Three kids in costume stand on a stage, smiling. The girl on the left wears goggles and a gray shirt.
Five children stand on a stage with a wave backdrop. Two are seated, one holding a prop. The others stand with arms crossed and legs apart.
A group of people in matching t-shirts pose on a stage, with a wave backdrop and props.
Five children in green Finding Nemo T-shirts pose on a stage with a wavy blue backdrop.
Three people on a stage. The person on the left wears an orange shirt. The middle person wears a blue shirt. The person on the right wears a striped shirt.
A white program for "Finding Nemo Kids" is on a red background. It features blue text and has a Disney-Pixar logo.
🎉 Lucy Wortham James Elementary Beta Club at Nationals! 🎉

Congratulations to our LWJE Beta students who earned national recognition at the National Beta Convention in Nashville!

🏆 2nd Place, Pottery - Lydia Moreland
🏆 9th Place, Engineering - Grayson Otto, Kooper Lorts, Fischer Rapp, Mason Haywood, Hudson Stack
🎨 National Competitor, Quilling - Fischer Rapp
🎨 National Competitor, Painting - Keegan Graham
🎨 National Competitor, Color Photography - Beatrice Keyes
📣 National Competitors, Marketing and Communications - Sila Stubblefield, Brooklyn Bouse, Ellie Deluca
🤝 National Competitors, Service Learning Showcase - Zoey Colvin, Beatrice Keyes, Claire Dazey

These students showcased their talents and teamwork while representing LWJE and the Tiger community at the national level! A special thank you to Beta sponsors Katie Moreland and Hope Hunter for supporting these students throughout the year. #NationalBeta #stjschools #tigerpride
12 days ago, St. James R-I School District
A young person holds a trophy in front of a brick wall. The trophy reads "Wired for Success" and "National Beta Convention."
Four people in matching shirts stand under a framed banner that reads "National Beta". A geometric pattern decorates the wall behind them.
Three students stand before a music and mentoring poster with a screen and QR codes. They wear IDs and stand in a room with beige walls.
A young girl smiles at a framed picture of a church displayed on a table at an event.
A girl with a red sash smiles at a table of art pieces in a convention center.
Five boys in matching shirts stand together at an indoor event. They wear ID cards and sneakers, with one wearing a watch.
A handmade turkey art piece on a brown table. The turkey is made of colorful leaves and glass.
A smiling child stands before a large display titled "Honoring Heroes," adorned with photos and blue lights.
A painting of silhouettes of tall crosses on a canvas against a sunset background, placed on a table.
Four people are sitting on the floor in a large room, engaged in an activity. They have various materials spread out on the floor and around them.
🎉 St. James R-1 High School Senior Beta Club at Nationals! 🎉

Congratulations to our Senior Beta students who earned national recognition at the National Beta Convention in Nashville!

🏆 2nd Place, Engineering - Ryan Engelbrecht, Jackson Engelbrecht, and Jaden Otto
🏆 3rd Place, Solo, Duo, Trio Variety Act - Addalye Felan, Layla Felan, and Madison Bobbitt-Harris
🏆 9th Place, Social Studies (12th Grade) - Johnny Perkins
🎨 Gina Wisdom competed in Painting at the national level.

We are proud of these Tigers for representing St. James on the national stage! Thank you to Sponsor Mrs. Berkelman for your support! ❤️🐯🤍
#TigerPride #NationalBeta #stjschools
12 days ago, St. James R-I School District
Three young men stand close, smiling, with one holding a trophy. They wear lanyards. Behind them, a black backdrop displays yellow "B" symbols.
Three young people stand with a trophy. The woman in the middle holds it. They smile for the camera.
Man with trophy and thumbs up gesture standing among people at event, one clapping, others watching, with colorful lights in background.
A woman with purple hair holds a framed artwork with a skull face design, standing against a gray background with a white border.
Person with a trophy raised above their head on stage, with a spotlight on them.
Three women on a stage, dressed in medieval-inspired costumes, holding microphones and raising their hands, possibly singing.
Person in white shirt and blue shorts holding a trophy stands in front of a sign that says "National Beta Wired for Success."
A group of individuals are gathered in a spacious room, working on a project with materials like wood and plastic on the floor.
Three young men in matching gray shirts and black shorts pose with a sign reading "Engineering Pop Storage".
Framed artwork of a woman with flowers, skulls, and other designs on her face displayed on a table.
Exploring History, Leadership, and Opportunity! 🇺🇸❤️🐯🤍

St. James High School student Gabriel Adams recently participated in the 63rd Annual Missouri Youth Tour to Washington, D.C. Gabriel earned the opportunity through Intercounty Electric Cooperative's essay competition, joining students from across Missouri for the weeklong leadership and educational experience.

During the trip, delegates visited historic landmarks, museums, and memorials while learning more about government, leadership, and civic engagement.

“Every place we visited had a story to tell, a period of time immortalized through monuments and museums,” Gabriel said. “Whether it was Arlington National Cemetery, the Lincoln Memorial, or the Smithsonian, you could feel the history all around you, which made the trip a great learning experience.”

The experience also included unique cultural opportunities throughout the nation's capital.

“My personal favorite place we visited was the Kennedy Center, where we saw a live performance of the musical Moulin Rouge!” Gabriel said.

Gabriel also shared his appreciation for the opportunity and the people who helped make the trip possible, including Intercounty Electric, the chaperones, bus drivers, and St. James English teachers who encouraged and supported him along the way.

Opportunities like this reflect the strength of community partnerships that open doors for students to learn, lead, and experience the world beyond the classroom.
16 days ago, St. James R-I School District
A man with a backpack stands by a lake, facing the Washington Monument. The sky is clear.
A group of people in red shirts and khaki pants stands in front of the Capitol building.
A group in matching shirts poses for a photo in front of the Capitol building.
A person sits at a wooden desk with an oval plaque in a room with large windows.
A person stands next to a Moulin Rouge display with a heart-shaped sign, wearing a red shirt and khaki pants.
A smiling person stands before a historic building with multiple columns, under a night sky.
Two men stand outside on grass. One wears historical attire, holding a drum. The other wears casual clothes. Trees and a building are in the background.
A person stands on a boat deck, looking at the sunset over water, wearing sunglasses and a patterned shirt.
Lights, Camera, Learn! 🎬❤️🐯🤍

LWJE summer school artists have been bringing their imaginations to life in art class! Tigers created original characters and familiar favorites from books, movies, cartoons, and video games.

From the first sketch to the final masterpiece, these young artists proved that creativity shines bright all summer long!

#SummerSchool #stjschools #academicexcellence
16 days ago, St. James R-I School District
Girl with pink hair displays artwork, showing a pink character with flowers and a sun.
Bulletin board with colorful character drawings, a clip board, and white paper with text about design and making characters.
A boy shows a crafted paper scene of a red bird in a blue box.
A young child with curly hair, wearing a pink shirt and purple shorts, holding a colorful card. Behind them is a classroom setting with a rug and other children.
A classroom bulletin board displays student art and educational materials. Art includes drawings of birds. Text reads "I can use 3D: 2D shapes to make The Pigeon".
Girl in classroom holding a clear box with pink object inside, another student visible behind her.
Person in brown shirt and headphones holds a paper model of a snake. Background shows a classroom with students.
A child holding a small 3D art project of a fish and coral in a blue background.
A child in a blue shirt and orange shorts holds up a drawing of a tree and toy cars.
A child holds two colorful drawings, one with a sun and another with a landscape, in a room with a wooden table and a trash bin.

Community Performances: Disney's Finding Nemo KIDS! 🎭🐠

Join us for a fin-tastic showcase of talent at STJ Tiger Drama's Finding Nemo KIDS Summer Theater Camp performances! Students from all three buildings have spent the past month preparing for this special event.

📅 Date: Friday, June 26, 2026
📍 Location: St. James Performing Arts Center

Performance Schedule:
🐠 10:00 AM
🐠 1:00 PM

Admission is free, and doors will open 30 minutes before showtime. These 30-minute performances are the culmination of weeks of hard work learning lines, music, choreography, and stage movement. Don't miss this opportunity to support our talented student performers as they bring this beloved underwater adventure to life!

16 days ago, St. James R-I School District
A promotional graphic for a Finding Nemo Kids event on Friday, June 26 at 10 AM and 1 PM.
Happy Father’s Day from St. James R-1! ❤️🐯🤍

Today, we celebrate the dads and father figures who show up, lead with care, and make a difference in the lives of our students.

We appreciate the steady support you provide and the important role you play in helping our students find their path forward!
17 days ago, St. James R-I School District
Silhouette of a father lifting a child, with red text reading "Happy Father's Day" and a shield with SJ.
Teacher Clay Workshop at LWJE! ❤️🐯🤍

At the end of the school year, LWJE teachers were invited to an after-hours clay workshop to help test a batch of older clay before it is used with students. What started as a practical check turned into a relaxed, hands-on creative evening.

Teachers shaped and molded pieces of their own while ensuring the clay would fire correctly for upcoming student projects. It was a simple way to combine a little art, a little problem-solving, and a well-deserved creative break to wrap up the year. #ArtsInEducation #stjschools #tigerpride
20 days ago, St. James R-I School District
Woman with glasses holds green bowl with floral design, smiling in a classroom.
A woman in a gray shirt holds a blue ceramic bowl in an office with desks.
A group of people working on pottery in a room with long wooden tables and cabinets.
A person with glasses and a blue shirt holds a cup saying "Mama's 2025" in a kitchen.
A woman with glasses and a necklace holds two red cups and a black walkie-talkie in a classroom.
Two women stand at a table with rolled dough and other items. They are in a room with other people, a rug, and cabinets.
An adult woman wearing glasses and a gray t-shirt smiles while holding a ceramic mug. A classroom with tables and chairs is in the background.
A woman holds a pizza in front of her stomach in a classroom. Desks and chairs are in the background.
Group of adults and children around a table in a classroom with lockers in the background.
Woman with gray sweatshirt holding yellow sun design against background of stacked shelves with colorful paper.
Life Skills Students Explore the Fundamentals of Banking with PCB! ❤️🐯🤍

Students in the Life Skills summer school program continue to benefit from hands-on learning opportunities through guest speakers. Representatives from Phelps County Bank, including Jack Mueller and Emily Johnson, visited with students to discuss the fundamentals of banking.

Students learned about banking services, managing money, and the important role banks play in everyday life. Thank you to Phelps County Bank for sharing your expertise and supporting our students through this valuable community partnership!

#SummerSchool #stjschools #communitypartnerships
20 days ago, St. James R-I School District
A classroom with students seated, a teacher presenting on a projector screen, a whiteboard, and a projector on the ceiling.
A classroom with a teacher standing in front of a whiteboard. Students sit at desks with backpacks.
Summer School Ssssurprise! 🐍❤️🐯🤍

Kindergarten students had a wild time learning about Missouri reptiles with Kendra Swee from Maramec Spring Park! Students met several native reptiles and even had the chance to touch them.

It was all smiles as students interacted with turtles and snakes while learning about Missouri wildlife up close. Thank you, Maramec Spring Park, for your continued partnership!

#SummerSchool #communitypartnerships #stjschools
21 days ago, St. James R-I School District
Several children sit in a circle as a woman holds a small reptile. Behind them is a wooden table.
A person in a blue shirt holds a snake in their hands in a classroom.
A group of children sit in a circle on the floor, listening to an adult who holds a small animal.
A man holds a turtle while young children sit around him, watching. They are in a classroom.
Woman in blue shirt and khaki shorts holds two small animals in each hand. Behind her, a white board with writing, a black television screen, and a table.
Several children sit on the floor, one holding a turtle, while a person in the foreground holds out their hands.
A child holds a snake while kneeling, and a person holds the snake's tail. Others sit nearby, and a couch and coffee table are in the background.
Three people in a room, one with a child. The child holds the adult's hand. A wall has various pictures.
A woman holds a snake with a child in a classroom setting; both are sitting on the floor.
Five children sit on the floor, watching someone hold a snake. They wear casual clothing and sit on a blue mat.
Tiger Trail Update: Connecting Our Campus! 🚧❤️🐯🤍

The Tiger Trail Sidewalk project is starting to take shape! Made possible through the MoDOT TAP Grant, this project will improve safety, accessibility, and connectivity between the elementary campus and the Field Facility for students, staff, and visitors.

We're excited to see the progress being made and look forward to the lasting impact this improvement will have on our Tiger community. For project details, access changes, parking information, and a map of the project area, check out our previous update: https://www.stjschools.org/article/2958877

Thank you for your patience as construction continues this summer!
23 days ago, St. James R-I School District
Newly poured concrete pathway under construction. Trees and greenery visible in the background.
A large orange construction vehicle with a raised bucket on a paved area. Behind it, a stone wall, trees, and construction barriers.
A sidewalk is under construction with exposed tools and dirt. A dirt area is in the background.
A man in a yellow shirt and hat walks past a construction site with orange and white traffic cones.
Construction site with new pavement and orange traffic cones. A white pickup truck is parked nearby.
Empty road with traffic cones and construction equipment. Trees and greenery visible in the background.
StJ Tiger Drama Summer Theater Camp: Finding Nemo Kids! 🐠🎭🤍

Students from all three schools are diving into the world of theater this summer as they learn what it takes to bring Finding Nemo Kids to life. From acting and singing to the many behind-the-scenes roles that make a production possible, campers are exploring every aspect of the stage while growing as performers and supporting one another along the way.

Just keep swimming, Tigers!

#SummerSchool #stjschools #ArtsInEducation
26 days ago, St. James R-I School District
A girl reads a book on stage with two other girls behind her, all wearing casual clothes.
Theater with red chairs. Some people are sitting in rows, and others are standing.
Two spiral-bound books titled "Finding Nemo Kids" with images of fish and sea creatures. The cover shows names of actors and script details.
Girls sit on floor reading "Finding Nemo Kids" books. One girl has dark hair, one has light hair.
A person reads a music book on a stage floor, wearing glasses and a braid with a pink flower.
A group of children singing, holding books, with white fabric curtains in the background.
A woman stands holding a paper in an auditorium; children sit in chairs, facing her, and appear to be listening.
A young girl kneels on a stage, using her hands to adjust a colorful arrangement of fabric and objects.
Students sit on stage with a blue wave behind them.
Kids sit on a grassy field, engaging in a painting activity on a blue tarp. Various art supplies are scattered around them.
Park Day = Best Day! ❤️🐯🤍☀️

1st-grade summer school students took a walking field trip to St. James Park and had a blast climbing, swinging, sliding, and playing with friends! #SummerSchool #stjschools
26 days ago, St. James R-I School District
A young boy in a black t-shirt and shorts stands on a playground structure with green bars. Trees are visible in the background.
Children gather in a playhouse. Four sit on a bench; two stand. Green background with reflections of trees.
Two children play in a playground. One climbs rings while the other stands nearby. A slide is behind them.
A child with a smile grips an overhead bar at a playground. Behind them, a grassy field extends, with trees and a swing.
A young child stands with an adult at a playground. The adult holds the child's hand, and the child looks down.
A man and two young girls are seated on a swing in a grassy park. The background shows trees and a picnic table.
A child wearing an orange t-shirt is upside down on a playground surface with green grass and a yellow flower in the background.
Child sliding down a slide at a park with other children playing on slides and people nearby.
Two children are on swings at a park. A woman stands between them, holding a swing. A building is in the background.
A young child stands on a pull-up bar in an outdoor playground. Green rings are above and the ground is rubbery.

Middle School Students Learn Lifesaving Skills! ❤️🐯🤍

Life Skills students had the opportunity to learn important first aid and CPR skills during summer school through a presentation from Jeff Ward with the St. James Ambulance District. Students gained valuable knowledge about safety, emergency response, and how to help others when it matters most.

A special thank you to the St. James Caring Center for donating 40 new first aid kits for our Life Skills students to take home! These kits will support students as they continue building independence and real-world skills.

We also appreciate Ms. Hilderbrand for making these opportunities possible for our students! #SummerSchool #communitypartnerships #stjschools

27 days ago, St. James R-I School District
A man and two children hold red emergency kits, posing for a picture against a white brick wall.
A man wearing glasses and a black shirt stands in front of a whiteboard. He gestures while speaking.
Two women sit at a table inside a classroom, one holding a pen. A sign says "Humble" and an exit sign.
A document titled "Bleeding Control at Work" lies on a table, partially covered by a yellow pencil.
A man stands, demonstrating a skill to a boy seated at a table in a classroom.
Several students sit at a table inside a classroom with a window showing a grassy area.
A man in a classroom demonstrating CPR techniques on a dummy, with an infant dummy and a whiteboard in the background.
Five children, seated and standing, engage in animated gestures and conversation in a classroom with large windows.
Planning for the Future: Competency-Based Education! ❤️🐯🤍

District educators spent time last week learning more about Competency-Based Education. The morning included a presentation from Dave Williams, principal at Hancock Place, who shared insights and experiences from his work with competency-based learning, and a collaborative work session focused on what this approach could look like in St. James.

#TeacherTuesday #AllRoadsLeadForward #stjschools
29 days ago, St. James R-I School District
A man speaks in a classroom. He wears a grey shirt and jeans. He gestures with one hand.
Two men sit in a room. One in a red hat looks at a laptop. The other wears glasses and smokes.
CBE
CBE
CBE
Three women seated in a classroom with a cup and straw on a table between them.