From the Day School Director
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Katie Allen
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!
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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
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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.