From the Day School Director
Picture
Katie Allen
April 2020

Praying in our PJ's


​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.
All Day School children and families stay connected to St. James with:
  • 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



​​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!
Picture
Dr. Karen Eshelman, Music Director and Organist
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!

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.
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:
  • 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.
The list goes on and on.    But it was a visit from the firetruck that made lessons about staying safe the most fun.    Children learned how to stop, drop and roll.    They learned how to keep their houses and family protected in case of a fire.    Of course, listening to the siren and climbing into a huge hook and ladder truck were the key elements of this in-house field trip for our kids.
 
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!

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
Picture
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.