From first day smiles to final walks across the stage, every step along the way helps shape the story of a Tiger. Today, our kindergartners and seniors came together to celebrate where the journey begins and where it can lead.
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE: https://canva.link/allroadsleadforward2026
Here’s to the Class of 2026 and the students just beginning their own road ahead!

Class of 2026 Walkthrough: The Road Ahead Starts Here! 🎓🐯👣
Today, our seniors returned to Lucy Wortham James Elementary, walking the halls in cap and gown as they reflected on how far they’ve come and inspired the next generation of Tigers along the way. From their first days of school to their final weeks as seniors, every step has led them forward.
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE: https://canva.link/2026walkthrough

Congratulations to LWJE student Sebastian Crocker for an outstanding performance at the Missouri Math League State Contest! Sebastian became just the second student from our elementary to qualify for the state competition and represented LWJE Mathletes with Tiger Pride, finishing in the Top 20 among all fifth-grade competitors. He also placed in the top two-thirds of the Team competition as a solo competitor after correctly answering three team questions on his own.
All Roads Lead Forward! #academicexcellence #stjschools #tigerpride



Today, our 5th graders got a glimpse of what’s ahead as they visited St. James Middle School for a student-led tour with current 8th graders!
From exploring classrooms to hearing advice from older students, the visit helped make the next step feel a little more exciting and a lot less intimidating.
We’re thankful for the staff, counselors, and student leaders who helped create such a welcoming experience for our future middle school Tigers.
Every step forward matters, and today was another reminder that All Roads Lead Forward! #stjschools #tigerpride #caringrelationships










Join us as we celebrate the accomplishments, memories, and milestones of the Class of 2026. If you can’t attend in person, you can still be part of the celebration by watching the ceremony live from home using the link below:
🔗 https://youtube.com/live/vIwWO2m0f1M?feature=share
Let’s celebrate the Class of 2026 together!

As part of preparations for the annual Lucy birthday video this September, Mrs. Hitch’s 2nd-grade EXCEL students have been learning about Lucy Wortham James and the James family over the past few weeks!
Students visited local sites connected to Lucy’s story and welcomed a special visit from Kendra Swee from Maramec Spring Park, who shared historical artifacts, including photos, books that belonged to Lucy, a Maramec Farm embossing seal, and even a door panel from the James house used to track the heights of the James grandchildren over the years.
It was a great reminder that the history of St. James is still alive in our Tiger community today! #academicexcellence #stjschools #tigerpride



Creative Writing students participated in an escape room experience built around storytelling! They worked through sorting and logic puzzles focused on plot, setting, characterization, and narrative technique. To “escape,” students had to think like writers and problem solvers, analyzing clues, making connections, and collaborating through each challenge. Every step required Critical Thinking as they applied writing skills in new ways.
Students showed not just what they know, but how they can use it to solve problems and think creatively under pressure! #CriticalThinking #stjschools #tigerpride










LWJE Tigers spent the year turning pages and chasing adventure, working toward a spot on the Readers’ Wall of Fame by reading at least 4 of the 12 Mark Twain Award nominees.
This year, 118 students earned their place, breaking the previous record of 85 students! 100 readers stepped into a carnival-style celebration packed with games and plenty of chances to earn tickets and trade them in for prizes.
A huge thank you to the St. James High School Ag students who grilled hot dogs and hamburgers for everyone in attendance. We also appreciate the educators who encouraged students to keep reading all year long!
Special thanks to Randy Bonham and St. James Caring Center, along with Gary McDowell and Country Mart, for their generous support in making this celebration possible! #stjschools #tigerpride See less










Join us for a peek into the daily adventures of our St. James Tigers! This series features students like Maggie Butery, a 3rd grader at Lucy Wortham James Elementary School, sharing her experiences firsthand.
WATCH IT HERE: https://canva.link/adayinthelife-butery
Follow Maggie as she navigates through her school day! Get ready to dive into the heart of student life at LWJE!

Students from St. James High School recently helped support the annual Friends of the Library Book Sale by moving boxes and preparing for the event. Members of the Red Regiment Band, our wrestling program, and Coach McEnaney’s gym class all worked together to lend a hand.
This is a great example of the community partnerships that help move our Tiger community forward. Funds raised through the book sale will support the Summer Reading Program at James Memorial Public Library. We are proud of our students for giving back and showing what it means to serve others through teamwork and community involvement. #MissionMakers #stjschools #tigerpride






Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms, grandmothers, and mother figures who support, encourage, and care for our students each and every day.
We are grateful for your partnership and the role you play in shaping our students’ paths forward!

For more information on Tiger Events: https://www.stjschools.org/page/athletics-and-activities










Students from all grades at Lucy Wortham James Elementary had a great time visiting the FFA Petting Zoo today!
High school FFA students shared animals, projects, and agricultural experiences with younger Tigers, giving them the opportunity to learn more about agriculture through hands-on, project-based learning. From meeting animals to asking questions and exploring different displays, the day was full of learning, leadership, and fun. To make the day even more memorable, several high school students also drove their tractors to school as part of the FFA celebration.
Big thanks to our FFA members and sponsors for a GREAT day! ❤️🐯🤍
#EngagedCitizenship #FFA #stjschools #tigerpride










LWJE is proud to recognize the April Students of the Month! This month’s focus was RESPECT.
Throughout April, students across all grade levels demonstrated respect in their classrooms and throughout the school. They showed respect through their words and actions, by treating others with kindness, listening carefully, following expectations, and creating a positive learning environment 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 April. We are proud of you! 👏







3rd-grade students had a memorable day exploring our state capitol in Jefferson City! Students had the opportunity to visit the Capitol building, where Representative Tara J. Peters recognized St. James on the House floor during session. Tigers also went on an unforgettable tour with Justin Brown that included the Whispering Room and the top of the Capitol dome.
It was a great day of learning, exploration, and hands-on history for our Tigers! #communitypartnerships #stjschools #tigerpride










Mrs. Becky Daniels, St. James Middle School Principal, has been named Exemplary New Principal of the Year by the South Central Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals! In her first year as principal, she has already made a strong impact through her leadership, focus on students, and commitment to building a positive school culture.
We are proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition!


Dr. Greg Harlan, St. James R-1 High School Principal, has been named Principal of the Year by the South Central Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals. His leadership is grounded in integrity and a steady focus on student success, and we are proud to celebrate this well-deserved honor.
After over 30 years of dedicated service to the St. James R-1 School District, this recognition serves as a meaningful capstone to a remarkable career spent serving students, staff, and the Tiger Community. Thank you, Dr. Harlan!




Barb Wilson, Counselor at St. James High School, has been named Counselor of the Year by the South Central Missouri School Counselor Association! This recognition speaks to the extraordinary care and strength she has shown within the high school community, especially during some of the most difficult years the building has faced.
She has been a steady and compassionate presence for students and staff. Her ability to show up, support others, and help students and staff navigate grief, stress, and daily challenges has made a lasting difference in countless lives. We are proud to honor her for the heart and commitment she brings to her work every day.



Creativity came to life in kindergarten and first grade through a fun cross-curricular project between art and music classes. With the help of donated tennis balls from families, students created their own “Bobo,” turning a simple object into colorful creatures full of personality.
CHECK OUT THE PROJECT HERE: https://canva.link/bobosatlwje
After designing their Bobo in art, students brought them into music class, where they used them during songs and activities! The project gave students a chance to connect learning across subjects while making something meaningful to take home!

National Honor Society Spring Blood Drive Success! ❤️🐯🤍
The National Honor Society at St. James R-1 High School wrapped up another strong blood drive this spring, collecting 27 donations. Combined with the fall drive, that brings this year’s total to 59 donations supporting our Tiger community.
Thank you to everyone who stepped up to donate, volunteer, and help make it happen! Through efforts like this, our students demonstrate Engaged Citizenship, a key part of our Portrait of a Graduate. In partnership with the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks, the drive helped provide lifesaving donations for those in need.
#NHS #stjschools #tigerpride







