6th grader Markayla as activist Coretta Scott King
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7th grader Kareem as musician Stevie Wonder
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6th grader Mercedez as astronaut Mae Jemison
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Highlighting Our Black History Month Activities
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The entire St. James School community learns about and celebrates black history year-round. But during the month of February, our goal is to boost our efforts from 100% to 110%. This year’s Black History Month was no exception. Highlights included a school-wide Black History Wax Museum, Career Day featuring black professionals, and a Black History Month Bee.
Our Wax Museum made the news on ABC-6 and CBS-3
Our 3rd Annual Wax Museum involved the entire school, from grades 4-8. After researching a prominent black athlete, artist, politician or activist for several weeks, each student "came alive” dressed as that person and recited a memorized speech about their accomplishments in front of friends, family and classmates. Among the many and varied notables represented were Stevie Wonder, Harriet Tubman, Nina Simone, Mae Jemison, Beyonce, and Barack Obama. Two news reporters attended and students were excited to be featured on
ABC-6 and
CBS-3.
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18 black professionals inspired students on Career Day
Career Day is one of our students’ favorite days of the year. This year, they listened raptly to inspiring presentations from 18 black professionals, including a veterinary technician, police officer, lawyer, small business owner, and entrepreneur. Students practiced meditation with a mindfulness educator, learned the ins and outs of driving a SEPTA bus from the parent of a graduate, and tried on army gear as they heard from a St. James parent about career opportunities in the military.
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St. James parent Ms. Gates talks about her career in the military and invites students to try on army gear.
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Facts were flying throughout our Bee on black history
Spirited competition made our 2nd Annual Black History Month Bee an exciting activity. Students were quizzed on famous quotes, events, inventors, and more. The top scoring team answered an impressive 56 out of 62 questions correctly! A few favorite facts learned:
- Super Soaker was invented by a black man named Lonnie G. Johnson.
- The first African American female millionaire was Madam CJ Walker, who started a line of hair and beauty products, and was also known for her activism and philanthropy.
- The first black Episcopal priest was Absalom Jones, who was ordained here in Philadelphia.
Although February has passed, students are continuing to learn about inspiring black figures, whether it’s mathematician Katherine Johnson in algebra class or Thurgood Marshall, the first black Supreme Court Justice, in social studies. Geonna, an 8th grader, notes, “Black History Month is important because it shapes how we live today and helps us improve how we live tomorrow. Every school should celebrate black history every day.” 6th grader Shakim agrees: “Black history isn’t one month. It’s every day of the year.”
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A Frozen Saturday Morning
By Ms. Alexandra Brake, Teacher
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Teachers, volunteers, and students gathered for Saturday Clinic.
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Picture it - It’s a Saturday morning in early February. Most Philadelphia families are out shopping for Superbowl snacks or enjoying a slow morning of cartoons and breakfast. The temperature is well below freezing, and the ground is covered in light, powdery snow. But at St. James School, 18 students, 15 volunteers, and 2 teachers are hard at work on Spanish, Science, Math, English Language Arts, and Social Studies.
That was the scene on February 3rd at Saturday Academic Clinic in room 101. Thanks to the volunteers who participated, we came close to the ideal 1-to-1 ratio of motivated students to helping adults. This doesn’t always happen. The week before we had 38 students and only 3 volunteers.
On this frozen morning, 4th grader Mason learned new tricks to help him with multiplication tables, 6th grader Raheem worked on reading comprehension, and 8th graders Naje and Samir completed work they had missed during absences. By the end of the morning, so much work had been done that some 7th graders started an impromptu reading circle with a set of books provided by a thoughtful volunteer for Black History Month.
We’re always looking for volunteers for Saturday Academic Clinics, which are held two Saturdays each month, 10 am - 12 pm, with the option to stay for lunch. Our next dates are March 23rd and April 13th. Learn more at
StJamesPhila.org/Support/Volunteer.
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Sneak Preview: Two Exciting Spring Events!
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June 4th. What started out as a 90th birthday bash for one of our co-founders is now the 5th Annual Dr. Audrey Evans Scholarship Benefit event. Join us on Tuesday, June 4th, 6 pm - 9 pm at The Union League of Philadelphia for a festive evening to celebrate our students and invest in their futures as the next generation of leaders. Our theme this year is “An Interstellar Celebration” and we’re excited to recognize several “out of this world” honorees:
- Derrick H. Pitts, Chief Astronomer, The Franklin Institute
- The People of St. Christopher’s Church, Gladwyne, including The Rev. Dr. Hillary Raining, Rector
- Jay and Jo Ann Townsend, St. James School volunteers and supporters
In addition to a lively atmosphere, reflective conversation, and delicious food, some fun surprises are planned — including an interactive science experiment with students!
You can support us now by becoming a sponsor. This year, we have a unique VIP opportunity starting at the $5,000 level: Derrick Pitts will lead a behind-the-scenes tour of The Franklin Institute. Look for your invitation in the mail. Tickets go on sale in April. Please join us for our marquee event!
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May 4th. It’s baaaaack! After taking a year off, our 5K Race and Fun Run/Walk is back by popular demand. Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 4th!
The race will be held at a new location, and participants will have more opportunities to connect with our students and our mission.
We are partnering with our neighbor, Laurel Hill Cemetery, to create a fun route that loops through their historic, picturesque grounds then back to the St. James School campus.
The race will be even more spirited than before as runners will be sorted into a St. James School House — Harry Potter style! Students from each of our 4 houses — Humilitas, Patientia, Industria, and Benevolentia — will participate as runners or motivate the runners from cheer stations.
All participants are invited to an after-party at St. James School, where we will have awards for top runners and teams, food and drink, and school tours led by our students. Visit
StJamesPhila.org/Run to learn about registering for the run/walk, sponsoring, or volunteering. Teams are encouraged. Register by March 20th to save $10.
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A Word with Father Kyle Babin
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Father Kyle Babin serves as Director of Choral Music at St. James School. Each week, he leads the choir in Upper and Lower School Mass, All School Sing, and several hours of choir rehearsals.
What led you to apply for the position? I was finishing seminary and looking for part-time parish positions. I wanted to use my music education background and I wanted to teach.
So why middle school?
Middle school is a great age to work with students. Music education as a whole does not get a lot of attention in our country, but St. James School, being in the Episcopal tradition, recognizes the importance of music.
What were you like in middle school? I was not in the choir; I actually didn’t sing until after high school. I was, however, in the school band and played trumpet from grades 6-12. As a student I was dutiful, conscientious, and shy.
In your second year working with the SJS choir, what continues to motivate you? Seeing the students’ growth in the choir and personal changes. Like Raheem and Isaiah who are working through their voice changes, embracing that, and sticking with choir throughout this time. We are even beginning to sing in parts, adapting to voice changes. Also seeing their commitment, and how the school changes and impacts their lives.
You are now at Saint Mark’s serving as the Assistant Rector. How do you see the partnership with Saint Mark’s and St. James growing in the future? Being able to connect the two communities is exciting. I am eager to explore the options of connecting both parishes through the youth groups and choir.
What is your hope for the students? I hope that they will see the importance of music in creating community and relationships. Music is a source of unity, bringing people together with different viewpoints. I hope they learn to appreciate all kinds of music and stick with it. Music is a vital part of faith in God and spiritual formation.
What else do you want to share with the SJS community?
The students in choir are so dedicated. It’s a serious commitment. They have a two hour choir enrichment on Fridays, during which they work with vocal teachers, learning how to use the voice they were given. When I arrive on Sundays for choir rehearsal, the students are already at the church, playing outside, waiting to start. They are here for an hour and half and then stay for Mass. They are spreading the impact into the neighborhood. The choir is playing a role in building the Sunday community here at St. James.
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L to R: Jerome, Taki, and Cherrelle (Class of 2018) participate in a panel discussion at a donor appreciation event.
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Three 2018 graduates returned to campus to reflect on their St. James experience and their future during a panel discussion at an event thanking our tax credit donors. Jerome is enrolled at Vaux Big Picture High School. Taki is enrolled at Boys’ Latin of Philadelphia Charter School. Cherrelle is enrolled at Mercy Career and Technical High School.
What’s something you did at St. James that you’re proud of?
Taki: Being open minded. I was taken out of Philadelphia and out of state through St. James’ partners. I was able to see and experience new things, like going to NorthBay Adventure Camp and a graduate service trip to Beaver Island, MI.
Jerome: St. James pushed me further than I thought I’d achieve.
Cherrelle: I shared my story of losing my brother due to an accident. He was hit by a car while crossing the street near the school. I am proud that I helped lead a neighborhood protest that led to new crosswalks, stop signs, and speed bumps.
What are some goals you’d like to achieve in the future?
Taki: I’d like to play basketball professionally, but not sure if that can happen. I’d really like to finish high school and go to college.
Jerome: I want to go to college and get a degree in real estate. Then I want to go back and get a culinary degree because I want to open up my own restaurant.
Cherrelle: I plan to go to college to become a traveling nurse. I want to be an independent woman who will still be extending my education after high school. I believe that there is no end to learning.
How has your educational path been different from your family/friends?
Jerome: My brother didn’t graduate from high school because he was hanging out with the wrong people.
Cherrelle: My path is very different from my siblings. My older sister was influenced by friends and got off track. None of them completed college, even though they wanted to. They gave up.
Taki: My path is different from my friends. They’re locked up. I want my path to get me further in life; I want to give back.
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Two Ways You Can Help This Week!
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Are you ready to run or walk for St. James?
Become a sponsor of the 5th Annual Dr. Audrey Evans Scholarship Benefit!
You’ll receive tickets, recognition, and special benefits, including an invitation to an exclusive VIP event. For more information about the different sponsorship opportunities,
check out our event page or contact Martha Heuser at
mheuser@stjamesphila.org or 215.226.1276 x114.
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St. James School is a faith-based Philadelphia middle school in the Episcopal tradition, committed to educating traditionally underresourced students in a nurturing environment. The school is a community that provides a challenging academic program and encourages the development of the moral, spiritual, intellectual, physical and creative gifts in its students.
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