Exploring Paths Beyond Graduation at St. James High School! ❤️🐯🤍

High school students recently took a closer look at what life after graduation can hold with visits to the Carpenters Apprenticeship School and Saint Louis University. From exploring careers in the skilled trades to experiencing a college campus, students saw firsthand that there is more than one path forward.

Our students are Future Focused, thinking ahead, exploring their options, and taking meaningful steps toward what comes next! #stjschools #tigerpride
about 3 hours ago, St. James R-I School District
Group of six people standing in front of a brick building with "Carnet Makers" entrance sign.
Five people stand in front of a building with a tower, brick walls, and a logo on the entrance.
Future Focused: Portrait of a Graduate: Core Value
A group of people in a warehouse with construction materials and unfinished walls. Some people are standing while others are walking.
A large screen displays five apprenticeship programs with images of a building and a person working. A clock is on the wall next to the screen.
Several people stand around in a warehouse; a small house model is in the center. The floor has large wood sheets.
People in a warehouse with a floor of concrete, large unfinished wall, and stacked boxes.
A large industrial factory with metal beams and machines. A red sign is on the wall.
St. James Students Shine in Intercounty Electric Essay Contest! ❤️🐯🤍

A big congratulations to our St. James Tigers who represented our district in the Intercounty Electric Youth Tour Essay Contest! Students first submitted a written essay, with top entries advancing to the next round. Finalists then traveled to Licking for an interview.

Washington, D.C. Winner: Gabriel Adams
Jefferson City Winners: Autumn French and Preston Hash
Alternate: Madison Bobbitt-Harris

We are proud of the effort, preparation, and leadership each of these students showed throughout the process! #stjschools #tigerpride
about 5 hours ago, St. James R-I School District
Four individuals in formal attire stand close together. A man and woman on the left wear gray and black. Another woman in white and a man in green are on the right.
A Sneak Peek at the Strange and Unusual! 🪲🐯🤍

STJ Tiger Drama is bringing the strange and unusual to the stage with Beetlejuice, Junior! Fifth-grade students from Lucy Wortham James Elementary and all of St. James Middle School got a sneak peek during a special soft opening, and let’s just say… things got weird in the best way.

Now it’s your turn!
🪲April 9 and 10 at 7 PM
🪲April 12 at 3 PM

Beetlejuice…Beetlejuice…you know the rest! Come out and support these talented students and enjoy some laughs, mischief, and a little mayhem!
#STJTigerDrama #ArtsInEducation #stjschools
about 6 hours ago, St. James R-I School District
A person in a striped shirt and tie with face paint stands next to a woman with her hair in a bun.
A large crowd of people seated in rows of black chairs in a theater with a red carpet.
A woman in yellow waves at the audience; she has a flower crown and a microphone.
An indoor auditorium with many seated in red chairs, red steps, and a red ceiling with bright lights.
Two people on a stage; one in a gray jacket and red shirt, the other in a black dress with lace sleeves.
A group of people, including one kneeling, on a stage with purple and green lighting.
A woman in a yellow skirt and white shirt stands with hands together. Behind her is a sign reading "GIRL SCOUT COOKIES."
Dancers perform on a stage. A person in red makeup and a black dress spins while another person holds them.
Two women, one with red hair and blue face paint, perform on stage. Both wear black dresses.
A person with long hair in a striped costume on a stage, smiling, and holding a prop.
A Day to Celebrate Achievement: High School Honors Luncheon! ❤️🐯🤍

Today, St. James R-1 High School hosted its Annual Honors Luncheon, celebrating nearly 130 students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement. These students earned a GPA of 3.5 or higher while maintaining an attendance rate above 90%, a true reflection of their hard work and commitment.

We were honored to welcome 2019 graduate Connor Gorrell as our guest speaker. Now in medical school, Connor shared an honest message about success and failure, reminding students that growth often comes from stepping outside of one's comfort zone. He encouraged them to take chances, embrace challenges, and reflect on what it truly means to be a leader.

Congratulations to all of our students on their success! Thank you to our staff for making this event special and for continuing to support our students each day.
All Roads Lead Forward! #academicexcellence #stjschools #tigerpride
1 day ago, St. James R-I School District
Two men stand next to each other in front of a red backdrop. One wears a patterned tie; the other has glasses on his shirt.
Two individuals wearing black cowboy hats smile at the camera. A small potted plant is on the table.
A white cake with a red border features black text reading "Congratulations Honor Students!" The border is decorated with red swirls.
A large room with many people seated at tables. White walls, ceiling lights, and a red sign reading "Tigers" are visible.
A group of adults in a room gather around tables. One person in a polka-dot dress serves food.
A man and woman serving food at a table. The man is in a gray jacket. Behind them is a red banner.
Several people sit at a table, smiling and posing for a photo in a room with white walls.
People seated around a table, including two men facing each other, one with glasses. A woman behind them with a floral shirt.
People in a room with light overhead gather around a table for a meal. Trays of green vegetables and a salad are present.
Four women sit at a table in a room with a white ceiling, a black tablecloth, and others dining.

St. James FFA Tigers Headed to State! ❤️🐯🤍

Our Tigers earned their spots at State after competing at South Central District Competition last week! The 2026 Missouri State FFA Convention is scheduled for April 15‑17, 2026.

Congratulations to the following students:
🐯Dairy Cattle: Alyssa, Payton, Rachel, Allie
🐯Poultry: Gavin, Abby, Layla, Seble
🐯Ag Mechanics: Cayden, Austin, Eugene, Gavin
🐯Farm Management: Belle, JV, Avery
🐯Extemporaneous Speaking: Layla - State Alternate

FFA gives students hands-on experience in agriculture, leadership, and personal growth. We’re proud of all our competitors for their hard work, dedication, and teamwork this season! #FFA #stjschools #tigerpride

1 day ago, St. James R-I School District
Group of individuals in front of a brick wall. Some wear hats and glasses, others uniforms. Some wear jeans and shirts.
Four individuals stand together in front of a glass door, smiling. Two women wear jeans, one with a blouse, another with a t-shirt. A man wears a cap and a t-shirt.
Four individuals stand next to each other in front of a door. Two wear white sweaters, one wears a black jacket, and one wears a beige hoodie.

Middle School Students Explore Leadership at St. James Chamber of Commerce! ❤️🐯🤍

7th-grade ROX members and Facilitator Mrs. Adams had the opportunity to meet with Kelly Money, Director of the St. James Chamber of Commerce! The group explored topics like women in leadership, finding your passion, and taking steps to follow it. They also learned about the work of the Chamber and job opportunities in the area.

After the discussion, the girls enjoyed a special lunch at Sybill's to celebrate a year of growth and empowerment! We are grateful to Maries County Bank, Phelps County Bank, and a generous private donor for supporting the group’s work this year and making the end-of-year celebration possible.

Our Tigers are thinking ahead, exploring opportunities, and being Future Focused! #communitypartnerships #stjschools #tigerpride

2 days ago, St. James R-I School District
Group of people in various attires, standing together in front of a sign for Beautify St. James Walking Trail.
People in a classroom. Two women stand at the front. A table has water bottles.
Woman seated, holding a soccer ball, with green bottles in front. A TV and flowers are in the background.
Four people sit around a table with several green water bottles. A woman writes on paper.
Two women sit at a table; one holds a soccer ball while the other writes on it.
A table with name cards, pens, and green water bottles. A person in gray stands behind the table.
Five people seated around a table, writing on papers with green bottles. A woman in a white shirt with long hair leans forward.
A group of people sitting around a table, writing with pens on paper, in a room with windows and framed pictures on the wall.
A young woman sits at a table with two green bottles and a sign reading RoX+.
A group of people stand on a porch with steps, a brick wall, and decorative columns.
Mathletes on the Move! ❤️🐯🤍

Tiger Mathletes at LWJE showed off their skills at the Regional Math League Competition at Ozark Technical College in Springfield! Scott Frost, Ian Dong, and Sebastian Crocker worked hard through several challenging tests and earned an impressive fourth-place team finish.

Special congratulations to Sebastian Crocker, who placed first in the Target Test, third in the Sprint Test, and fourth overall, qualifying him for the State Championship in May! #academicexcellence #stjschools #tigerpride
2 days ago, St. James R-I School District
Three boys stand together in front of a wall. One wears a blue shirt, another a camouflage jacket, and the last a dark-colored hoodie.
Three children sit at a long table with pens, paper, and water bottles in a classroom.
Four children on stage wearing medals. A presentation screen behind them has text reading "MATH LEAGUE".
Children stand on a stage holding medals. A projector screen shows Math League text. Wooden walls and curtains frame the stage.
A group of young students stand on stage under a large screen with Math League logo and text.
High School Cadets Take the Lead! ❤️🐯🤍

Mrs. Stites’ 5th-grade class teamed up with high school cadets during mentor time for a hands-on drama lesson! In small groups, students practiced reading with expression, using body language, and building character, all while connecting each script to the structure of a narrative as they work on their current drama standards.

This was a great example of Effective Communication in action, as students learned to express ideas clearly and bring stories to life together! #caringrelationships #stjschools #tigerpride
2 days ago, St. James R-I School District
Students sit in a circle on a floor, using tablets and papers, with a teacher seated in the background.
Kids sit in a circle on floor cushions and chairs in a room with pink walls and bulletin boards.
Red hexagon with "Effective Communication" text and two speech bubbles. Below is "Portrait of a Graduate". Background with gray dots.
A woman sits on a chair with students around her; they all hold tablets and look at the screens.
Five students in a classroom using tablets, one student is standing with tablet. Purple walls and banners are in background.
People in chairs around a room. Some are sitting on a couch. A bookshelf is nearby.
A boy in a white shirt and gray pants holds a tablet. A man in a pink hoodie and black shorts looks at the same tablet.
It’s Showtime, Tigers! 🪲🎭💚

Beetlejuice, Jr. hits the stage THIS WEEK, and things are about to get a little strange and unusual!

STJ Tiger Drama students have been hard at work bringing the Netherworld to life, and these sneak peeks are just a glimpse of the energy, humor, and heart they’re ready to deliver.

📍St. James Performing Arts Center - 101 East Scioto Street
⏰Thursday & Friday shows at 7:00 PM, Sunday matinee at 3:00 PM
🎟️ Admission by donation

Say it once, say it twice… then come see it live! #ArtsInEducation #stjschools #tigerpride
3 days ago, St. James R-I School District
Purple and green poster advertising "Beetlejuice Jr." by St. Joseph Tiger Drama. Dates and times: April 9, 10, and 12. Venue: St. Joseph Performing Arts Center.
A person kneeling in a striped suit gestures to another person in a black dress on a stage.
Arrow sign with the words "Betelgeuse Betelgeuse" on it, placed in a room with various items.
People practice on a stage. A man jumps above a table. Other people surround him, some clapping.
Two people in a performance. One wears a striped suit, the other a red outfit. They stand on a stage.
Person seated on a bench with a bag, working on a craft project with various objects around.
A group of people on a stage with an orange backdrop, wearing casual clothing, holding various items.
Three young individuals stand on a stage, one holding a cardboard box, another with a book, and the third supporting the one with the box.
Person in striped suit kneels on a stage; another in a long dress stands nearby. Dark background with blue lighting.
Person kneeling, painting a potato on a plate with various paint supplies and a blue bowl nearby.
LWJE Spelling Bee Champions! ❤️🐝🤍

At the end of last week, Lucy Wortham James Elementary wrapped up its All-School Spelling Bee with a night full of friendly competition and academic achievement! Finalists from grades 1–5 gave it their all, showing off their hard work and dedication. We’re so proud of all our spellers for their efforts this year!

Congratulations to this year’s grade-level champions:
1st Grade: Jossalene (Jojo) Bahr
2nd Grade: Kayvian Dorsey
3rd Grade: Lochlin Bailey
4th Grade: Claire Dazey
5th Grade: Sebastian Crocker

A big thank you to our staff for making this event possible and supporting our students every step of the way! #academicexcellence #stjschools #tigerpride
3 days ago, St. James R-I School District
A young girl in a pink dress holds a certificate and a red plaque, smiling at the camera. Behind her, a woman sits on a chair, wearing a black T-shirt.
A child poses with a certificate and plaque against a wood-paneled wall with posted signs.
Woman and boy standing, smiling, and holding certificates. The boy wears a medal. Green wall with tree images in the background.
A girl holds a framed award for first place in a spelling bee. She smiles, with her gray sweatshirt and yellow medal visible.
A child holding a certificate and medal inside a gym with red and white walls.
Group of children standing in front of a red banner with "St. James Tigers" and a logo.
Several children standing in front of a red sign that says "St. James Tigers" in a hallway.
Nine children pose for a photo in front of a sign that says St. James Tigers.
A group of kids and an adult pose in front of a red banner with "St. James Tigers" in white.
Seven children stand in a group in front of a red banner that says "St James Tigers".

Mission Monday: Celebrating Our Assistant Principals! 🎉🐯🍎

This week, we’re excited to recognize National Assistant Principals Week by highlighting the leaders who help keep our schools moving forward each day.


🌟 Mrs. Victoria Abel & Mrs. Traci Bahr - Lucy Wortham James Elementary
🌟 Mrs. Ashlee Johnson - St. James Middle School
🌟 Mr. Pat Burke - St. James R-1 High School

From supporting students to partnering with staff and families, our Assistant Principals play a key role in creating strong, positive learning environments across the district.

Thank you for the difference you make in our schools each day through your leadership! #MissionMonday #AssistantPrincipalsWeek #stjschools

3 days ago, St. James R-I School District
Collage of five smiling adults, three women and two men. "NATIONAL ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS WEEK" text. SJ logo on red background.
Happy National School Librarian Day! ❤️🐯🤍

Our librarians are at the heart of learning, helping students find answers, spark curiosity, and grow a love for reading that lasts a lifetime!

📚 Hope Hunter & Brandy Dunn - Lucy Wortham James Elementary
📚 Erin McCurdy - St. James Middle School
📚 Cheryl Harlan - St. James R-1 High School

Thank you for creating spaces where curiosity leads the way and learning never stops! #NationalSchoolLibrarianDay #stjschools #tigerpride
5 days ago, St. James R-I School District
Four female librarians, each with different hairstyles, are featured on a red background with a school logo.
Check out our Tiger Weekly Highlights! ❤️🐯🤍

Spring is in full swing, and so are our Tiger activities! We’re excited to keep the momentum going by sharing snapshots from across our programs.

We may not capture every group all at once, but we’re committed to recognizing our Tigers throughout the season. Stay tuned!
6 days ago, St. James R-I School District
Three individuals seated at a table, one holding a pen, with a red and white backdrop displaying a school emblem.
A group of students wearing white shirts and shorts poses for a photo in an indoor sports venue.
A sports team in matching uniforms, seated and standing on a red bleachers with white stripes.
A group of teenage boys in red shirts and black pants pose on red bleachers, with two men in gray shirts.
Baseball team in red and black uniforms, hats, and equipment gather for a discussion on a field with green grass and trees.
A group of female volleyball players in red uniforms, gathered for a huddle with coaches on a court.
Boy in red shirt swings golf club.
A young man in a baseball uniform holds a bat, smiling. Behind him is a wall and a grassy area.
A volleyball player in red with number 22 jumps to hit the ball over the net. Another player stands ready.
A golfer in a red shirt and black cap walks with a golf bag on a grassy slope, trees in the background.
Egg-citement Was in the Air at LWJE! 🐰❤️🧺

The Kindergarten Easter Egg Hunt is a cherished yearly tradition in our district! Thanks to the generosity of our community, 2,400 eggs filled the hunt. Ms. Wisdom’s 5th-grade class helped hide them, turning the playground into a colorful adventure where some of our youngest Tigers practiced counting and colors while having a blast!

#communitypartnerships #stjschools #tigerpride
6 days ago, St. James R-I School District
A girl with bunny ears smiling and standing in a park with a fence and trees.
Two children run in an outdoor park, holding bags, with a grassy area, fence, and building in the background.
Girl holding a box of colorful eggs in a playground with yellow structures and houses in the background.
Person in sunglasses and a blue shirt holding a megaphone and card that says Happy Easter.
A girl in pink pants and sneakers is walking on a playground with colorful eggs on the ground.
A boy bends over, picking up small orange balls from the ground at a playground. Other children and adults are in the background.
Two young women in a playground. One holds a bag of Easter eggs. Several eggs are scattered around.
A boy in a black shirt and blue shorts playing with colorful balls on the ground.
A group of children in a playground, some holding Easter baskets, while adults look on.
Children in dresses and shirts run on a gravel area, one carrying a brown bag. Trees and a fence in the background.
Celebrating Lucy Wortham James Elementary’s Students of the Month! 🐾📚🌟

LWJE is proud to recognize the March Students of the Month! This month’s focus was SELF-CONTROL.

Throughout March, students across all grade levels practiced self-control in their classrooms and beyond. It showed up in the way they managed their emotions, made thoughtful choices, and stayed focused on their learning each day. At the end of the month, teachers selected one student from each classroom who truly modeled this important trait.

👏 Join us in celebrating our LWJE Students of the Month for March. We are proud of you! 👏
6 days ago, St. James R-I School District
Three children stand together, each holding a certificate. One holds it in both hands.
Six children hold certificates in a classroom. Behind them is a framed bulletin board with writing and a red border.
Six children hold certificates and pose for a photo in a room with red flooring.
Five children stand together holding certificates, wearing casual clothes. Their shoes and skirts vary in color.
Seven children stand in a row, holding certificates with red patterns. They are in a room with red flooring.
Six children in a school corridor with certificates, standing in a line, and smiling.
Three young boys stand together, each holding a certificate. They wear casual summer clothes and sneakers.
DECA Takes on State in Kansas City! ❤️🐯🤍

St. James High School DECA students, along with sponsor Mrs. Hance, spent part of their Spring Break in Kansas City at the State Career Development Conference! They competed in finance, marketing, and project management events.

Through presentations, problem solving, and real-world scenarios, they demonstrated what it means to be Future Focused, applying their learning in meaningful ways beyond the classroom.

Great job representing our district with excellence and professionalism! #DECA #stjschools #tigerpride
6 days ago, St. James R-I School District
Seven people stand in front of a blue backdrop with the words "DECA" and "Career Development Conference".
Two people in suits, one holding a colorful ball and a poster, stand next to each other in a conference room.
Seven individuals stand together under a sign that reads "CITY MARKET" in white letters. They wear matching blue shirts.
Two individuals in formal wear pose in front of a blue backdrop displaying white text.
Group of young people smiling and standing next to each other in front of a blue wall.
A woman in a black suit holds a trophy in front of a blue diamond-patterned wall.
Graphic with a person walking, text "Future Focused", and title "Portrait of a Graduate" on red background with white hexagon and dots.
Behind the Mystery: A Teacher’s Journey! 🐯📚✍️

High school students had the chance to explore the world of writing with English teacher Steve Betts, a published author. He shared how he crafts stories, finds inspiration, and turns ideas into characters and plots that keep readers guessing. Students also got an inside look at the publishing process, the dedication it takes to bring a book to life, and even a sneak peek at Mr. Betts' upcoming book!

Seeing a teacher live their passion reminds students that creativity and curiosity don’t stop at the classroom door!

#AllRoadsLeadForward #stjschools #tigerpride
7 days ago, St. James R-I School District
A man holds a book in a library. He smiles, and shelves filled with books are behind him.
A room with tables and chairs has people seated. The tables have books and items on them. The floor is carpeted.
Teacher stands in front of presentation board with students at tables.
Students seated around tables inside a room with a paw print on the wall. Some students wear glasses.
Man standing in front of a screen, showing a presentation. Two women in front, one in red and one in black.
Man wearing glasses and a dark blue shirt giving a presentation in front of a table in a bookstore.

STATE BOUND: Red Regiment Band Members Headed to State! 🐯❤️

Our Red Regiment Tigers had an incredible showing at the MSHSAA District Solo & Small Ensemble Contest over Spring Break! From piano to solo and ensemble events, 9 students representing 9 different events have qualified to compete at State in May.

Exemplary/Gold Ratings:
🎵 Anastasiia D. – Piano Solo
🎵 Keiran G. – Multi-Percussion Solo, Constructive Interference
🎵 Gabriel A. – Timpani Solo, NewTimp / Seven Solo Dances
🎵 Gavin M. – Trombone Solo, Concerto in F Minor
🎵 Caden E. – Trumpet Solo, Gaelic Suite
🎵 Cat M. – Flute Solo, Sonatina
🎵 Sydney H. – Flute Solo, Andante Pastoral
🎵 Flute Trio – Cat M., Sydney H., David M., Menuetto
🎵 Flute Quartet – Cat M., Sydney H., David M., Jaden K., The French Clock

We can’t wait to see our students represent St. James on the state stage. Congratulations, Tigers!

#ArtsInEducation #stjschools #tigerpride

7 days ago, St. James R-I School District
Person sitting at a black grand piano with an open cover in a music room.
A person plays a drum set and other instruments on a stage with a plain backdrop.
Four people stand in a row, playing flutes in a room with a piano, whiteboards, and ceiling lights.
A person plays a flute while standing next to a music stand in a classroom. Another person plays piano.
A person plays a set of timpani on a stage, with a music stand in front and other percussion instruments in the background.
Three individuals in formal attire, one playing the flute and the other two playing clarinets, in a room with a piano and whiteboard.
A person in black plays a trumpet in a classroom. A piano is behind them, with a woman seated in front.
A woman stands in a classroom, playing a flute on a music stand in front of a whiteboard.
A man stands in a classroom playing a trombone in front of a whiteboard and chairs.
Bee Ready, Tigers! 🐝🐯❤️

LWJE Tigers are buzzing with excitement for tonight's All-School Spelling Bee! A huge thanks to Art Club for adding some extra tiger spirit!

#academicexcellence #stjschools #tigerpride
7 days ago, St. James R-I School District
Five children are smiling in front of a colorful banner with the words "LWJE Spelling Bee"
St. James Tiger Headed to Missouri Agribusiness Academy! ❤️🐯🤍

We are thrilled to share that Seble Stutzman from St. James has been selected as one of just 30 high school sophomores across Missouri to participate in the 2026 Missouri Agribusiness Academy!

Seble will spend a week in June in St. Louis exploring careers in agriculture, building leadership skills, and learning more about farming, ranching, and food production. Congratulations, Seble! We are so proud to see you representing the Tiger community! #FFA #stjschools #tigerpride
8 days ago, St. James R-I School District
Person with long braided hair stands in front of red barn, smiling, wearing blue jacket and blue tie.