High School ROX Group Explores Careers at The Muny! 🩷🐯🎭
The St. James High School ROX Group took learning beyond the classroom with a career exploration visit to The Muny in Forest Park!
They heard from Cory Smallwood, a 1996 STJ Alum, who now serves as Director of Development at The Muny. She shared her journey from college to a career built on relationships, leadership, and purpose. Tracy Utzmyers, Director of Production, also spoke with the girls about her own path from college dreams to a dynamic role behind the scenes of one of the nation’s largest outdoor theatres.
Their conversation tied directly into familiar ROX topics like assertiveness, healthy boundaries, self-awareness, and clear communication. It also connects directly to our Portrait of a Graduate value to grow Future Focused learners. Through a real-world experience, our Tigers saw what it looks like to grow into a career built on passion and strong relationships.
Thank you to our counselors, Mrs. Wilson and Mrs. Fulton, for creating this meaningful opportunity for our students! #FutureFocused #stjschools #tigerpride
Families joined us for Tiger Cubs Parent Night and jumped right into hands-on building fun. Using a variety of materials, students and their families worked side by side to strengthen fine and gross motor skills, explore early math concepts, practice problem solving, and build relationships along the way.
It was a great reminder that some of the best learning happens when we roll up our sleeves and create together! #academicexcellence #stjschools #tigerpride
LWJE library became a Renaissance workshop as 5th graders dove into history! They unleashed ideas in a word brainstorm, competed in a trivia challenge full of quick thinking, and then tried their own Michelangelo-style art. Students taped paper under the table and lay on their backs to draw, just like he did on the Sistine Chapel ceiling.
By experimenting, imagining, and creating, these young artists are sharpening their Creative Thinking, just like the innovators of the Renaissance! #academicexcellence #stjschools #tigerpride
St. James Middle School and St. James R-1 High School cast members preparing for Beetlejuice this April had an unforgettable experience when they welcomed Thayne Jasperson to St. James!
Thayne is best known for his role as Samuel Seabury in Hamilton, where he has been part of the Broadway production since 2015. As one of the original ensemble members, he has spent more than a decade performing in one of the most recognized musicals in the world.
For one full day, our young thespians worked side by side with him on choreography, stage presence, and character development. He also took time to give meaningful feedback as they continue preparing for their April production. It was focused, energetic, and incredibly inspiring!
This opportunity began last summer when Mrs. Stites and Mrs. Prawitz attended the Understudy Workshop professional development in New York City and made the connection. That learning experience opened a door that directly benefited our students.
Moments like this remind us how powerful the arts can be when professionals invest in the next generation. We cannot wait to see our Tigers shine on stage this spring! #FutureFocused #ArtInEducation #stjschools
LWJE is proud to recognize our February Students of the Month. This month’s focus was Courage.
Throughout February, students across all grade levels took on classroom challenges that encouraged them to be courageous. It showed up in their learning, their choices, and the way they supported others 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 February. We are proud of you! 👏
We are proud to recognize the St. James R-1 Board of Education for the leadership and care they bring to our district. Serving on a school board takes time, thoughtful decision-making, and a strong belief in public education. Our board members keep students at the heart of their work and help guide the future of our schools.
🐯 Jon Rapp, President
🐯 Tim Wilson, Vice President
🐯 Ben Bahr, Member
🐯 Melanie Davis, Member
🐯 Wes Gahr, Member
🐯 Justin Lorts, Member
🐯 Tina Spurgeon, Member
Thank you for the service you provide to our students, staff, and community!
#BOE #stjschools #tigerpride
4th-Grade Family Night: Sparks of Learning! ⚡🔌💡
Last week, families came together for a night full of energy as students showcased their knowledge of electricity and circuits. From hands-on stations to interactive experiments, the excitement was electric! All Roads Lead Forward! #academicexcellence #stjschools #tigerpride
LWJE Art Club and Student Council teamed up to design coffee sleeves that share a little extra encouragement with our community.
If you stop by Exit 11 Coffee or JB Coffee House this week, your morning cup might come with a special surprise. Quantities are limited, so grab one while you can.
Every kind word shared, every sleeve handed out, every smile sparked reminds us that All Roads Lead Forward! #MissionMakers #StripesOfKindness #stjschools #tigerpride
For more information on Tiger Events: https://www.stjschools.org/page/athletics-and-activities
Lucy Wortham James Elementary: Amy Brewer and Kate Michel
St. James Middle School: Latosha Mulhall and Lisa Huster
St. James R-1 High School: Kristin Lorts and Ronna Breeding
This year, we’re highlighting how our staff members embody our mission each day, whether building caring relationships, striving for academic excellence, or strengthening community partnerships. Nominated by their peers, Leading the Tiger Way shines a spotlight on the teachers and staff who bring these values to life!
#MissionMakers #stjschools #tigerpride
🌟 Episode 4: Meet Kalise Boeringa, Assistant Band Director for the St. James R 1 School District. Splitting her time between the middle school and high school, she keeps the rhythm moving in more ways than one. 🌟
WATCH IT HERE: https://bit.ly/HeartofaTiger-Boeringa
Supportive and motivating, Ms. Boeringa sees potential in her students and helps them find it. Whether it is building confidence in a beginner or pushing seasoned musicians to the next level, she helps them grow both on and off the stage. That’s the Heart of a Tiger!
Last week, LWJE students celebrated the Lunar New Year in the library while learning about traditions connected to the first new moon of the year. They crafted lanterns, explored their Chinese zodiac signs, and created festive projects that brought their learning to life.
Moments like this strengthen Engaged Citizenship, helping students grow in understanding and appreciation of the wider world around them!
#academicexcellence #stjschools #tigerpride
Congratulations to our St. James Middle School Tigers for showing the trait of Integrity. We are proud of the way you choose what is right and lead by example each day.
We are grateful for our partnership with Fort Leonard Wood in recognizing this important Army Value. Integrity is also a key part of our Portrait of a Graduate, reminding us that character and how we treat others matters. #Integrity #stjschools #tigerpride
Anatomy in High School Advanced Art! ✏️🐯🖌️
Advanced Art students are taking a closer look at Anatomy in their current unit. Through scientific study, classical influence, and realistic technique, they are exploring how understanding strengthens their art. #ArtsInEducation #stjschools
Check out their sendoff here: https://bit.ly/3OLWI5v
#STATEBOUND #stjschools #wrestling
1st-grade families traveled back in time during their Parent Night, as students showcased their learning about the Mayan, Aztec, and Inca civilizations. Hands-on activities allowed our young historians to proudly share what they discovered about ancient cultures in Mesoamerica and South America.
Big curiosity. Confident learners. A family night full of exploration! #academicexcellence #stjschools #tigerpride
Public Schools Week: Standing Strong for Students! ❤️🐯🤍
Public schools are the heart of a community, and ours thrives because of the people inside it. During Public Schools Week, we’re celebrating every member of our team who shows up for students each day.
Take a moment to thank a staff member who made a difference in your life or your child’s.
#PublicSchoolsWeek #stjschools #tigerpride ❤️🐯🤍
Mission Monday: A Gift That Will Resonate for Years! ❤️🐯🎶🤍
Sometimes it starts with a simple phone call. Last week, Mr. Brad Frazier reached out to former trombonist and drum major, now St. James Elementary teacher, Katie Moreland, about supporting the band program. After reconnecting, Mr. Frazier stopped by with an incredible gift, a Shen 88 Upright Bass for our students.
Because of this donation, more students will have the opportunity to learn bass, and our band program will have added flexibility during rehearsals and instruction. It is a practical gift with long-term impact, the kind that helps programs grow and students thrive.
This is what community partnership looks like. Alumni who stay connected. Educators who build bridges. Community members who invest in the next generation.
Thank you, Mr. Frazier, for your continued support of St. James students. Your generosity will resonate for years to come! #MissionMakers #stjschools #tigerpride
