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Reading at grade level is a key to student success in school

Most students are not reading at grade level when they enter St. James School, and many are two to three grade levels behind. The COVID pandemic exacerbated this problem city-wide: 65% of Philadelphia’s 4th graders are not reading at grade level today. 

Fourth grade teacher Steph Padilla observed that her students were struggling to make up the gap because they were missing the fundamental reading skills, such as phonics, spelling, and de-coding strategies.

To address this, Steph and the St. James team embraced two reading skills initiatives: the in-school Just Words program and the at-home Read by 4th program. Both are making an impact.

In the most recent bi-annual MAP (Measure of Academic Progress) testing, our school achieved its highest-ever scores in reading across all grades and our highest-ever number of students reading on grade level.

The Just Words curriculum is designed for students in grades 4-12 who are still working toward mastering the foundational skills of language structure typically learned in grades K–3. Steph introduced Just Words to our entire school. The curriculum moves more quickly for older students, with the goal of reaching an 8th grade reading level by graduation.

“However,” Steph states, “in-school focus on reading isn’t enough.” To supplement Just Words, she introduced Read by 4th, a citywide program that aims to grow stronger readers at home.

Run by a coalition of partner organizations, parents, caregivers, and educators, and offered through the Free Library of Philadelphia, Read by 4th provides instructors and all materials. Among other things, participants receive site word flashcards for K-3 and daily activities for each grade level. 

As a partner organization, St. James is providing meeting space and inviting all our families and others in our neighborhood to attend Read by 4th Parent Workshops on Early Reading Skills.

The mother of a St. James 4th grader shared her experience: “The class hit on key learning skills for parents. For example, if there are more than five words on a page that a child struggles with, this means the book is not the right level for them. The class also focused on how to include literacy in everyday activities like grocery shopping, going to the car wash or cooking. You can make reading fun instead of work and it can include math!” she enthused. “For instance, at the car wash, you can read the signs with your child and discuss which option would be the least expensive! When cooking together, measuring can be an excellent learning tool for children.” 

Another participant noted, “This class is excellent for any parent, even if their child isn’t struggling with reading. It would be especially good for parents of preschoolers so they could start early with their children.” 

We are very excited about the impact of Just Words and Read by 4th and we can’t wait to see the progress next year brings!

The Right Rev. Michael B. Curry

The Right Rev. Michael B. Curry has spent his life proclaiming the power of love —through his ministry, his advocacy, and his unwavering commitment to justice. As we prepare to honor him at our Annual Dr. Audrey Evans Benefit on May 20th, we celebrate not only his remarkable career but also the next chapter of his journey.

Bishop Curry, the son of an Episcopal priest, was born in Chicago and raised in Buffalo, New York. Shaped by the Civil Rights Movement and his family’s deep faith, he felt called to a life of service in the Church. After earning degrees from Hobart College and Berkeley Divinity School at Yale, he was ordained in 1978.

Over the next several decades, he became one of the most dynamic and influential voices in The Episcopal Church, serving congregations in North Carolina and Maryland before being elected the Church’s 27th Presiding Bishop in 2015 — the first African American to hold the position. He retired in November 2024.

His tenure as Presiding Bishop was defined by his passionate call to follow the “Way of Love,” a Christ-centered path of compassion, justice, and reconciliation. A powerful preacher and advocate, Bishop Curry has worked tirelessly to make The Episcopal Church a force for racial reconciliation, calling on communities of faith to confront systemic injustice and build bridges of understanding.

Bishop Curry answering questions from St. James students during a virtual event in 2021

The Bishop’s work aligns closely with our mission at St. James — to be a faith-based educational community deeply rooted in transformative, loving relationships. His lifelong commitment to ensuring that children have access to the opportunities they need to thrive reflects our own dedication to creating a world without inequity.

St. James School was honored in 2021 by Bishop Curry’s participation in our 10th anniversary event that celebrated church and faith communities. His message to the dozens of faith communities in attendance emphasized the power of transforming lives, one child at a time. During the virtual event, Bishop Curry also was interviewed by several students. When asked what he was most looking forward to in retirement, he said “getting a dog” — delighting everyone with his joyful, down-to-earth demeanor.

As we celebrate Bishop Curry at the 2025 Dr. Audrey Evans Benefit, we will honor the enduring impact of his ministry. His leadership has shaped a generation, and his vision of a just and compassionate world will continue to inspire us all.

Please plan to join us for the Annual Dr. Audrey Evans Benefit on Tuesday, May 20^th, at the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum in Philadelphia. Tickets go on sale in April.

6th graders on their field trip to Adventure Aquarium in Camden, NJ

6th graders learning about stingrays in Adventure Aquarium's touch tank

6th grader King having a blast during the Double Dutch Enrichment

Volunteer Amber Earls joins neighbors at our Senior Activity Hub to lead a session on the history of Black American Poetry

Students celebrating the Feast of Blessed Absalom Jones with the new Presiding Bishop, The Most Rev. Sean W. Row, at The Historic African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas

In the Percussion Enrichment led by Allie Sinatra, students explore rhythm and melody while learning to play different instruments

8th grader Jaylin shaking hands after his sermon at Mass. If you want to join us for Mass, email advancement@stjamesphila.org.

Randy ('22) sharing a piece of St. James at Church Farm School, where he and other members of the Multicultural Club put on CFS's 2nd Annual Wax Museum

Taking PhysEd class off campus, 7th graders went ice skating, many for the first time

Join Us for an Afternoon Celebrating Artists from the Community

The first Welcome Table Art and Culture Expo will be held on Saturday, April 5th, from 12:00-2:00 pm on the St. James campus. The Expo will showcase the work of North Philadelphia artists of all ages and levels of experience. Some pieces will be for sale. Light refreshments will be provided. Admission is free, but please let us know if you plan to attend.

Get Your Copy of the Welcome Table Community Cookbook

The latest food sharing community action from the Welcome Table team is a community cookbook. “From Market to Meal: Shared Stories and Recipes from Our Neighbors” can be purchased on our website for $35 (includes shipping). Proceeds help to support the work of the Welcome Table.

St. James School | 215-226-1276 | www.StJamesPhila.org