From the Day School Director |
Katie Allen
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School@stjamesgreenville.org
864-884-9095 |
May 2021
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The World Is ImprovingOur world is improving. It’s improving, of course, for all of the reasons that have consumed us of late with COVID data. But the world improved in another significant way on Tuesday, May 25th. On that night the St. James Day School held graduation for twenty-one four-year-old students on the grassy circle, with their socially-distanced families looking on in pride. |
These little students will make the world better. They will use the skills they learned at St James to enter big school and eventually enter the communities where they will become contributors. The world will improve because these children will make their way to and through whatever path God lights for them. At the day school we believe the world is improving because we live in the hope that our students will use their talents for the greater good of God’s people. Thankfully for us, we were lucky enough to be there for their first steps along the way.
The students in our graduating class of 2021 have acquired the fundamentals of reading and math, but they’ve also learned the value of helping a friend who can’t reach the bathroom light. They’ve learned to speak some French and they know all about the Mona Lisa, but they’ve also learned to line up quickly for a fire drill and exit the building safely. They’ve learned about volcanos, magnets and butterflies, but they’ve also learned to wait their turn and congratulate friends on their birthdays.
We graduated, we celebrated, and we meditated in thanks for a schoolyear that created just a “little bit of normal” for these children this year. That made all of our worlds better indeed.
The students in our graduating class of 2021 have acquired the fundamentals of reading and math, but they’ve also learned the value of helping a friend who can’t reach the bathroom light. They’ve learned to speak some French and they know all about the Mona Lisa, but they’ve also learned to line up quickly for a fire drill and exit the building safely. They’ve learned about volcanos, magnets and butterflies, but they’ve also learned to wait their turn and congratulate friends on their birthdays.
We graduated, we celebrated, and we meditated in thanks for a schoolyear that created just a “little bit of normal” for these children this year. That made all of our worlds better indeed.
April 2021
What on God's Green Earth
is Going On at The Day School?
Along with studying the alphabet, practicing French lessons and learning colors and shapes, students at the Day School focused on Earth Day activities this month. A reverence and respect for God's beautiful creation can be taught in creative ways and our little ones embraced them all.
From creating a mock oil spill, to making personal window greenhouses to marble painting about love for the planet, our days have been filled and focused on how even the youngest people can make a difference. Recycling household items into simple instruments might not seem that amazing to an adult but it certainly gets the attention of preschoolers who live in a world where so many items are disposable. Stuffed bears were even awakened from hibernation and cared for in the classroom.
How does one plant the seeds that keep our planet going and growing? It's best done one little St. James Day School student at a time.
How does one plant the seeds that keep our planet going and growing? It's best done one little St. James Day School student at a time.
March 2021
2021 Online BookFair
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Did you know that many of the coolest toys, manipulatives and books in the St James Day School classrooms were acquired with "Scholastic BookFair Dollars"?
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When we host a BookFair, we receive a percentage of all purchases to be used toward kits, books and instructional materials that help us serve our children better.
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Like so many other things, our BookFair will look different this year. It will be entirely online rather than in-person. No worries! It just makes it easier to share the love by forwarding the link to friends and family.
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From March 8-21 you can click the button below to make your selections. Please "shop generously". Add to your library and to ours...everybody wins!
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December 2020
It's UDDERLY Adorable! |
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How do you teach children about the letter "F"? Why, with an at-home FARM lesson, of course! We've had to adapt in many ways this year at the Day School. Eliminating field trips is only one of those ways. While we can't actually travel to a farm right now, some day school students had the next best thing. They got to experience our homegrown version of it. Milking pretend cows, making butter (it actually works!) and shearing cotton ball sheep added up to a just one more way that we serve God's children during these difficult days. Children feel and sense the loss that adults do. In some cases, they feel it even more yet they lack the communication skills needed to work through those feelings. Being able to provide some normalcy to our own little lambs with something as simple as a four-hour day of playing and learning makes us thankful farmers indeed. Thank you for your prayers and support as we strive to keep God's world bright and beautiful for these creatures. Our students are great...and small!
November 2020
Early Voting in the Day School
The importance of voting wasn't lost on students in the 4K classroom at St James Day School. While it might not have been to elect the next president of the United States, it did give each and every student the chance to be heard. Students were called to the board one by one to "press the button" of their choice. The race was for BEST SNACK and the final candidates? Cookies versus Gummies with Pirate Booty. All candidates were vetted and submitted by registered four year-olds. Poll workers, Miss Daphne and Miss Keli, maintained the integrity of the process. In a tight result of 7-6, cookies edged out the competitor for the win. While our little voters might not be ready for the Electoral College, they are learning the first steps on the journey to real college in the big world. Best part? Only thirteen people in line and they were all seated nicely!
October 2020
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News from the Nest |
Things might look and feel different at the Day School right now but things still feel the same in all the important ways. The tradition of nurturing students in a clean, safe and creative environment continues every time we open our doors. We might be sanitizing continuously and sealing up the bubble from the outside world but, overall, we're learning, living and leaning into the future as we always have. Our hallways sound bright, active and full of the big emotions you would expect from preschoolers and their teachers.
Speaking of hallways, since Sunday School and nursery are on hold for now, I thought you might enjoy a virtual peek at the walls that normally "tell the story" to the congregation about our weekly work. While this might not give you the full picture of what we've done, it will assure you that the downstairs space you've always known is once again decorated with the work of our children. Apples, bears, birdies, frogs, pineapples, self-portraits and trees with logs...they're all there. Enjoy the art show!
Speaking of hallways, since Sunday School and nursery are on hold for now, I thought you might enjoy a virtual peek at the walls that normally "tell the story" to the congregation about our weekly work. While this might not give you the full picture of what we've done, it will assure you that the downstairs space you've always known is once again decorated with the work of our children. Apples, bears, birdies, frogs, pineapples, self-portraits and trees with logs...they're all there. Enjoy the art show!
Behind the Scenes: Day School Version
September 2020
At the St James Day School, much of our work takes place "behind the scenes" even when we are not in a pandemic. There are lesson plans to make, supplies to keep stocked, teacher meetings to hold and classrooms to decorate. When opening in the time of Covid, though, the preparation only adds to this list. Getting started this year has involved more than just the standard cleaning, decorating and preparing.
But - before we talk about getting started, let me keep my last "eNote promise" and share pictures of our "Covid Protocol" Day School graduation ceremony on August 15th. All of these masks (on everyone 6 and up...and even on some younger children by choice!) could not hide the joy, pride and thankfulness on these faces. Murphy's law kicked in right on time with rain showers. However our small crowd enabled us to fight back with ample social distancing and set up in the PLC. It was sweet, it was long overdue and it was a wonderful way to represent St James in our community. Enjoy these pictures taken by Rick Veazey:
As for what is happening now behind the scenes at the Day School? Well, that has been going on all summer long! Implementation of a dual, staggered carline has been planned. Deep cleaning of all classrooms and common areas have been arranged. A classroom for teachers' children has been established so we can retain the best of the best. Parents have been contacted one to one to talk about concerns and questions. Lunchboxes and backpack guidelines have been revamped. All parent enrollment documents are now online since the elimination of Open House. The list truly does go on and on. Will there be more to come? Of course. But soon we will be able to welcome children back despite this new reality. Stay tuned for a good report next month. We certainly expect to give one.
Caring For Yours,
Miss Katie
Caring For Yours,
Miss Katie
St. James Class of 2020!
August 2020
How can you celebrate little graduates and still manage to stay safe? Well, with a little work and plenty of guidance from leaders, the St James Day School Class of 2020 will have the first ever "COVID protocol-friendly" graduation of its kind (and hopefully the last).
While families might be ten feet apart and seated in pods, they will still celebrate as families. While the little grads will arrive in their cap and gown rather than prepare as a group in the classroom, they will still be decked out in full regalia and wave with a smile to friends. While diplomas will be on chairs rather than handed out, the diplomas will still be signed and personally addressed. While only three songs will be sung by the class into the big open air rather than on the steps of the sanctuary, they will still be sung with joy. While we will not be inside the church building in pews looking at the stained glass windows, we will still be on campus, in the grassy circle in the beauty of holiness. Most importantly, while it will all feel different and strange to those of us who've experienced the "way it used to be", the God who drew us together as schoolmates and who brought us safely to the close of the academic year will be among us celebrating too.
So - keep your eyes open for pictures in next month's eNotes from the graduation celebration adaptation. In times when we feel pressed to find ways to celebrate that do not involve screens and devices, I'm thankful we are able to honor our little graduates well as they head to big school!
Caring For Yours,
Miss Katie
While families might be ten feet apart and seated in pods, they will still celebrate as families. While the little grads will arrive in their cap and gown rather than prepare as a group in the classroom, they will still be decked out in full regalia and wave with a smile to friends. While diplomas will be on chairs rather than handed out, the diplomas will still be signed and personally addressed. While only three songs will be sung by the class into the big open air rather than on the steps of the sanctuary, they will still be sung with joy. While we will not be inside the church building in pews looking at the stained glass windows, we will still be on campus, in the grassy circle in the beauty of holiness. Most importantly, while it will all feel different and strange to those of us who've experienced the "way it used to be", the God who drew us together as schoolmates and who brought us safely to the close of the academic year will be among us celebrating too.
So - keep your eyes open for pictures in next month's eNotes from the graduation celebration adaptation. In times when we feel pressed to find ways to celebrate that do not involve screens and devices, I'm thankful we are able to honor our little graduates well as they head to big school!
Caring For Yours,
Miss Katie
The Power of Good-Bye
June 2020
Right now, we're all talking about "opening" and "re-opening". All eyes are rightly focused on how to move through the pandemic and recover responsibly.
However, let's not overlook the value of a good close. Let's appreciate what it means to be able to wrap up something successfully in the face of uncertain and even scary times. It's important to find God's thumbprint on the lessons learned from finishing something well after a jarring change of course.
When St James Day School had to close in March, we continued our ministry by way of video lessons and close communication with our families right up to the very last day of school. We had to adapt and adapt quickly.
Along the way, the question arose - how do we "close out" such a crazy year. How do we finish this school year safely and in true St James Day School fashion?
We landed on what we called the "Drive Bye-Bye". Teachers holding colorful signs distanced themselves along the carline while Day School families drove the circuit over and over. Bright sidewalk chalk covered the lane. Kisses were blown and air hugs given. Messages of love and summer sentiments were shouted from teachers to students and back again. Fun songs played over the church sound system and a bubble machine added some magic to the moment. Children and teachers were reunited if only for a few minutes. Most importantly, the feeling that we've completed the year as a family helped us to greet the summer with a little more joy than we had before.
So, as I set my mind on safely reopening 2020-2021 I also set my memory on joyfully closing 2019-2020. Both give much needed hope!
Caring For Yours,
Katie
However, let's not overlook the value of a good close. Let's appreciate what it means to be able to wrap up something successfully in the face of uncertain and even scary times. It's important to find God's thumbprint on the lessons learned from finishing something well after a jarring change of course.
When St James Day School had to close in March, we continued our ministry by way of video lessons and close communication with our families right up to the very last day of school. We had to adapt and adapt quickly.
Along the way, the question arose - how do we "close out" such a crazy year. How do we finish this school year safely and in true St James Day School fashion?
We landed on what we called the "Drive Bye-Bye". Teachers holding colorful signs distanced themselves along the carline while Day School families drove the circuit over and over. Bright sidewalk chalk covered the lane. Kisses were blown and air hugs given. Messages of love and summer sentiments were shouted from teachers to students and back again. Fun songs played over the church sound system and a bubble machine added some magic to the moment. Children and teachers were reunited if only for a few minutes. Most importantly, the feeling that we've completed the year as a family helped us to greet the summer with a little more joy than we had before.
So, as I set my mind on safely reopening 2020-2021 I also set my memory on joyfully closing 2019-2020. Both give much needed hope!
Caring For Yours,
Katie
April 2020
Praying in our PJ's
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Serving God's tiniest people in times of crisis is more important than ever. But, how can we do this from a distance? How can the St. James Day School continue a ministry that is dependent upon face to face contact and physical presence while being miles apart? We begin by remembering that preschoolers need their daily routine, in some ways more than adults. We expand that understanding to their parents who are juggling families afoot, sudden financial challenges and an uncertain future. We round it all out with teachers who are called to teach and need to teach, even from a distance. The St. James Day School is committed to being protected yet connected in ways that glorify the God who called us to our little church basement in the first place. |
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All Day School children and families stay connected to St. James with:
While there is nothing to replace classroom learning, there is something to fill in the gaps created by this difficult time. That something is the love of God and that love will guide the Day School's choices as it always has. We will be well again and, when that happens, we will have new skills and a new sense of appreciation for the hugs in the hallways that we used to get each morning.
- Personal one to one contact by their teachers
- Weekly videos of their morning circle time
- Weekly videos of stories being read aloud
- Weekly videos that include lessons on the letter of the week
- Weekly videos and personal texts with their names being said aloud and pictures of classmates to see
- Emails and texts from the director to families on a regular basis
- Worksheet packets by email to three and four year olds to boost weekly lessons
- Creative craft ideas sent to parents that involve household items on hand
- Frequent postings to the existing classroom communication apps
- Beginning next week, French and music lessons will resume
- Chapel with Father Stephen via YouTube on Thursdays (the picture above is one of our precious students praying while watching chapel on her mother's phone).
While there is nothing to replace classroom learning, there is something to fill in the gaps created by this difficult time. That something is the love of God and that love will guide the Day School's choices as it always has. We will be well again and, when that happens, we will have new skills and a new sense of appreciation for the hugs in the hallways that we used to get each morning.
March 2020
"O" is for Organ AND Outreach
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Day School children had a very special lesson from a very special musician. St James's very own Ms. Karen took the time to share her talents with our three and four year olds this month with an "O" IS FOR ORGAN lesson. Day School students got to hear how our marvelous organ can be played loudly and softly and even with one's feet! The experience of actually holding a pipe from such an instrument, combined with marching down the aisle to a regal tune played by Ms. Karen added up to a music lesson like none other. This kind of loving and personalized experience is the hallmark of the Day School and of our church life here at St. James. Special thanks to Ms. Karen for connecting the church and the Day School in this unique way. It was music to our little ones' ears! |
Dr. Karen Eshelman, Music Director and Organist
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February 2020
At The St. James Day School We REACH UP HIGH!
Every month our little learners enjoy an in-house field trip for enrichment. This year we partnered with Victoria and Ileana of St James yoga for a morning of YOUNGSTER YOGA.
There is nothing quite like working with preschoolers. They surprise and amaze us every day. This was no truer than when the leaders of St James Yoga, Victoria Chance and Ileana Shaner, spent the morning bending stretching and breathing with our little ones. Partnering within the church keeps us all connected and being connected keeps us in community with one another. We are thankful for chances to bring the "upstairs and downstairs" together. Come visit us at the Day School. We can't guarantee you will find your zen but you'll find plenty of love to light your way.
It's a CUTENESS EMERGENCY in the Day School!
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November 2019
When it comes to caring for our students at St James Day School we think about loving them and teaching them, hugging them and singing songs with them. But, in the end, in order to follow the example of Jesus as the good shepherd, we must first keep our children safe.
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How do we do this and still keep an atmosphere of open arms and relaxed spirits? How can safety be our top priority without imparting a sense of stress on our little ones?
There are practical ways:
As keepers of these little flocks, we tend and feed them. Most importantly, we do our best to follow Jesus and keep their hearts and minds protected while they are in our care.
Caring For Yours,
Miss Katie
There are practical ways:
- Every Day School teacher is CPR/AED/First Aid Certified.
- Exterior access points are key locked at all times between arrival and dismissal.
- Children and staff engage in lockdown and firedrills.
- Teachers are at doors when parents are picking up and dropping off.
- No child is released to anyone who isn't on the approved list.
- Classroom toys and materials are age appropriate with no choking hazards or sharp edges.
- Adult items such as scissors and hotglue are stowed away from little hands.
As keepers of these little flocks, we tend and feed them. Most importantly, we do our best to follow Jesus and keep their hearts and minds protected while they are in our care.
Caring For Yours,
Miss Katie
Cutest Little Pumpkins!
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October 2019
September brings wonderful things, with cooler mornings and the beginnings of fall colors. At the Day School, September brought our very own FARM DAY here at St James.
St James Day School children explored their very own pumpkin patch and selected their special pumpkin to take home. Students shucked fresh corn and took it home to cook up and eat. Moreover, they learned that God builds in food for goats and horses by way of that husk, which is often thrown away. Chickens and a farm dog stole the hearts of our students with their feathers and fur. Little ones learned about pollinating flowers at the "Pollination Station" and honey-making while tasting honey on homemade cookies. Fresh eggs were passed around gently and our little learners were amazed to find out that God makes eggs in all shapes and sizes...not just perfect white factory-made ovals. A tractor climb and hay bale area rounded out what could only be called a down-home, earthy and beautiful day. |
The best lessons came from the hands-on, creative teaching that took place at these stations. As I watched the children learn and play, giggle and chase I gave thanks for our beautiful campus. There is no better form of evangelism than seeing God's children take full advantage of God's house and "yard". As a parishioner, I realized how often I take our lovely space for granted. Not anymore. YeeHaw!
Caring For Yours,
Miss Katie
Ready, Set, Learn!
September 2019
Nearly seventy little learners will come with their parents to begin another successful year together. Teachers have worked tirelessly to create warm, loving and safe learning spaces for their students. What could be sweeter than watching children begin their education journey with us? Students will enjoy daily lessons combined with limitless opportunity to create and play among those who love them. Chapel with Father Stephen, field trips, science, French, music and art lessons round out the weekly experience. We love visitors! Please consider coming to our little nest and seeing who we are. It's a beautiful way to spend the morning. Listen for the rumble of those little feet next week and know that the St James basement is a living, skipping, hopping and giggling testimony to just how good God is.
