Mercedez (Class of 2021) with her siblings, Jaime and Jayson, during her graduation ceremony. We didn't know it then, but Jaime and Jayson would go on to join the Class of 2029. | |
Deep Connections: Siblings in the Schoolhouse | |
|
At St. James, the bonds between siblings and families are a central part of the school’s "total care" model, helping us meet the needs of our students and their families through deep connection and support. For 4th grade teacher Steph Padilla, these connections are key to her approach to teaching.
“It not only benefits the student but also my ability to support the student and their family,” she explains. “I love asking older siblings how many more years until their sibling enters 4th grade! It makes the first day of school much smoother—there are fewer tears, more excitement, and plenty of hugs.”
These relationships between siblings help create a sense of familiarity and trust, making transitions smoother and helping students feel immediately at home.
|
|
Mercedez's younger siblings, Jaime and Jayson (Class of 2029), with their new friend sharing gratitude at the SJS Thanksgiving Feast. | |
|
One of Steph's students, Jaime, provides a perfect example of how these family connections thrive at St. James. Jaime’s older sister, Mercedez (Class of 2021), has had a significant impact on her younger siblings. Mercedez recently returned to speak at the Honor Roll Breakfast, where her younger siblings had the chance to see her in action as a role model.
Steph reflects on how Mercedez’ influence has extended to Jaime, recalling how, during Jaime's shadow day before officially joining the school, Mercedez offered reassurance: “I told you, you’ll be good. Mrs. Padilla is nice and she’ll take care of you!” Mercedez’ guidance made Jaime feel comfortable and confident on her first day, demonstrating how the presence of older siblings can provide stability and encouragement for younger students.
|
|
Dr. Darryl Roland conducting a St. James student choir, including some members of the 4th Grade Siblings Choir, Jayson and Jaime (Class of 2029). | |
|
This sense of support extends beyond the classroom. When Dr. Darryl Roland, the Choir Director, noticed a group of 4th graders waiting for their older siblings to finish after-school programs, he saw an opportunity to turn idle time into something meaningful. He started the 4th Grade Siblings Choir, where younger siblings could step into leadership roles and develop confidence.
Tayla, a 4th grader in the choir, shared that it “makes me feel so special,” and the experience has given her the confidence to lead others in the classroom. The choir not only provides a creative outlet but also allows these younger students to shine in a space that encourages growth and leadership, just as they witness in their older siblings.
| | |
Mariah (Class of 2024), then-Vice President of the St. James Student Council, fixing Laila's tie, a sign of the close mentorship Laila experienced on the Council before she became President this year. | Meet Laila: A Leader On and Off the Court | |
|
Ask 8th Grader Laila what brought her to St. James five years ago, and she’ll tell you it all started with basketball. She heard about the school when a former staff member’s sister played basketball with her older sister.
As Laila prepares to graduate in June, basketball still plays a role. She credits the sport with developing her confidence and leadership skills both on and off the court. As a point guard, every play she makes has a purpose, just like every decision she makes as President of the St. James Student Council.
“Being a leader on the court has helped me become a leader in the classroom,” she says. “You’re playing to make a point to people.”
| |
|
Laila is also known in her tight-knit class for her ability to connect with others and bring out the best in them. She has truly thrived at St. James, academically and personally, through the deep relationships she has formed with fellow students and teachers.
“We’re one big family, and we all have each other’s backs,” she reflects. “Relationships happen when you’re present to one another, even if that’s in the middle of a class.”
Laila's relationship with Journee (Class of 2024), last year's Student Council President, shaped her decision to seek a council seat herself. “Journee and I were close last year. She was a great role model for me. Seeing how you’re supposed to be helped me run and do well,” Laila says.
|
|
Laila as Angela Davis during a Black History Wax Museum | |
Laila as a middle school student playing high school ball | |
|
Science is her favorite subject and she greatly admires her teacher, Natasha Greene. “She teaches us life lessons, like how to get through life with certain things,” Laila says. “It matters to her that we learn more than science. She brings our whole life into her lessons, so we know how to apply it out in the real world.”
Since 6th grade, Laila has been playing high school basketball on the team her older sister played for. It started when she and another sister were cheering from the stands and a coach noticed how tall they were. “He asked if one of us could substitute for one of his players. From that moment on, I was hooked!” Laila recalls.
Playing on the team “made me more social,” Laila says. “The coaches and teammates are like family to me. The sisterhood you have, it’s why I’m so friendly.”
As she looks ahead to 9th grade, Laila is determined to continue her basketball career at least through high school. “I want to finish it out,” she says.
Sonya Kedarnath, Director of Office of the Graduate Support, has been a real model for Laila—not only guiding her through the high school placement process but also observing her in action during a visit to La Salle College. "I got to see how she interacts with everyone. She’s so friendly and smart. Everybody remembers her. I want to be like her, but in my own way," she says.
Laila’s ability to connect with others and bring out the best in herself and those around her reflects the kind of student St. James supports — one who is ready to take on their next steps and connect with others around them.
|
|
Math Teacher David Rad playing Giovanni (Class of 2027) in a Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament | MiAyr, Class of 2028 playing chess during indoor recess | |
Ma-Rayah (Class of 2027) dissecting an owl pellet in science class | James (Class of 2026) playing drums during a choir concert | |
Vickie, neighbor and volunteer at the Welcome Table, showing 4th graders how to use chopsticks | |
Isha (Class of 2029) learning to use chopsticks | |
|
Your generous sponsorship supports our mission of transformative love by making our event more accessible to our families and neighbors who make significant contributions to our community. The commitment from sponsors like you underwrites event expenses and allows our guests to pay what they wish for tickets.
Deadline to be listed on the invitation: Friday, March 21st
|
|
St. James is a faith-based educational community deeply rooted in transformative loving relationships. | | | | |
