Paul Barrett, Tiana Jones, and Malaysia shopping during The Welcome Table student market held weekly in the lobby |
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Vibrant Lobby Is Bright Hub of Upper School Building |
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As we approach the one-year anniversary of our Upper School Building’s grand opening, and we reflect on the positive energy that has characterized the last 12 months, it becomes clear that a central element is the inviting lobby. Flooded with natural light even on cloudy days, it has become a thriving, multifunctional school and community space. |
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A welcoming place to start each day. Every school day kicks off at 7:45 am with warm greetings for our students as they enter the bright, spacious lobby. Along with handshakes and quick conversations, the space makes everyone feel welcome, setting a positive tone for the day. Additionally, the lobby display relays important information, photos, and upcoming events, keeping everyone in the loop and connected.
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“Having my office adjacent to the lobby I can be easily accessible to staff, students, families, and visitors. It’s such a great welcoming space!”
— Principal Dave McDonough
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(Above left) Aldontae Guess stopping by the front desk where Sarah Carroll and Kristian Gardner are working. (Above right) Bryant Wong, CORA Services Instructor, working with 4th grade math students. (Left) Principal Dave McDonough greeting students as they arrive |
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A bright spot for academic support. CORA Services conducts one-on-one academic support sessions for reading and group sessions for math. Volunteers also work one-one-one with students, providing additional support and a personal connection.
A sunny oasis for alone or together time. Staff members go to the lobby to work alone or collaborate. Casual meetings and conversations naturally occur among staff, parents and guardians, neighbors, and visitors. The space is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing, fostering a positive mindset and sense of belonging.
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“I like having this common space to work where I can collaborate with coworkers in a bright and sunny spot. I was also able to meet a neighbor there who was waiting for a meeting, and I learned all about their connection to this campus and neighborhood. It is a wonderful school hub!”
— 4th grade teacher Steph Padilla
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A space for activities and events. The versatility of our lobby is evident from the myriad of activities and events that have taken place there — from afterschool enrichments to The Welcome Table Student Farmer’s Market to the Student Council school store. On Wednesday nights in the winter there is a dinner for the Basketball Team, fostering team spirit and bonding.
We invite you all to come tour the building.
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The Welcome Table Introduces a New Community Fridge for Our Neighborhood |
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Tiana Jones (back left) with Alyson Goodner and William Penn Charter School 3rd graders cutting the ribbon on The Friends’ Fridge |
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Did you know that William Penn Charter School was influential in the founding of St. James? Penn Charter provided the resources and volunteers needed to found an after school program before our school opened in 2011. Since then Penn Charter has been a loving partner though a number of initiatives. The latest has been a collaboration with The Welcome Table in opening a community refrigerator. The fridge is accessible 24 hours a day.
The project came about when Penn Charter’s current 3rd graders began working on a Food Justice Study with Mt. Airy Presbyterian Church during their 2nd grade year. The idea of a community fridge was discussed, and Alyson Goodner, Director of Penn Charter’s Center for Public Purpose, reached out to The Welcome Table at St. James about collaborating.
Tiana Jones, our Food Sharing Coordinator, notes, “This was always part of the vision for The Welcome Table.” The chance to establish the fridge in partnership with Penn Charter and Mt. Airy Presbyterian was a wonderful opportunity.
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A dedication plaque telling the story of The Friends’ Fridge |
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The Friends' Fridge debuted with a joyous ribbon cutting ceremony on February 10th. Located on the brick path beside St. David’s Field, the fridge is housed in a protected structure built by local carpenter Michael Manney. It is being stocked with food items donated by individuals in the community, businesses and organizations near and far.
Penn Charter students have been making sandwiches and salads for the fridge, while students in St. James’ Food Justice Squad have been making posters and fliers to get the word out as well as re-stocking the fridge with fruits, vegetables, and other goods.
The Squad is an after-school enrichment, led by Tiana, in which 4th-8th graders learn about food insecurity and how to address it locally. Skylar, an 8th grader, says she joined the Squad because, “I wanted to figure out a way to help the community. I loved the idea of a community fridge because it was a good way to provide food to those who need it.”
St. James School is seeking donors and volunteers interested in joining a rotation to support the Friends' Fridge. Volunteer tasks include keeping it clean and stocked with produce, prepared meals, and pantry goods. Interested? Click Volunteer Link or email Tiana at tjones@stjamesphila.org.
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A Word With…
Our Three First-Year Servant Year Members
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Emily O'Heir (Religion/Chaplaincy)
Hometown:
San Diego, CA!
Childhood career dream: Theoretical astrophysicist and author. I'm closer to achieving one of these goals than the other!
Hobbies: Knitting and other fiber crafts, going to museums, dancing, historical research, reading or writing by the fire in Audrey's House
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Emily O’Heir swinging with St. James students
My time at St. James so far in 3 words: Challenging, transformative, joyful!
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Hana Jemaneh (Graduate Support/ Welcome Table)
Hometown: Silver Spring, MD
My time at St. James so far in 3 words: New, learning, growth
Childhood career dream: Neurosurgeon
Fun fact about me:
I used to play tennis
One thing on my bucket list: Travel to every continent except Antarctica
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James Quillen (Religion/Chaplaincy)
Hometown: London, England
Childhood career dream: A scientist and a rock star
Fun fact about me: I did a lot of open water swimming, and even completed a relay crossing of the English Channel
Go-to karaoke/theme song: “Downtown” by Petula Clark
One thing on my bucket list: Run a marathon
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Students participating on teams in a Black History Month trivia contest using Kahoot, a game-based learning platform |
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The St. James Choirs singing at the Absalom Jones Mass at Episcopal Academy, led by Javvieaus Stewart, Director of Choral Music & Music Education |
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At our monthly Honors Breakfast, celebrating students who achieved perfect attendance, received leadership recognition or earned academic accolades. Pancakes flipped by Principal Dave McDonough are always a highlight. |
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Students dissecting sheep brains during a recent science lab
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Upper School students in their party finery at the Winter Dance, posing for pictures in front of a balloon-festooned backdrop |
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Basketball fans showing their support for our Huskies team at a recent game |
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Celebrate our mission with a Leading with Love sponsorship and make our Scholarship Benefit event more accessible to our families and neighbors. |
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St. James is a faith-based educational community deeply rooted in transformative loving relationships. |
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