Derivative Trees

Did you know that approximately 60% of English words have Latin roots? For example, scrib is a Latin root/word meaning ‘to write’, and the following English words branch from the root scrib; scripture, inscribe, manuscript, prescribe, subscription.

Check out the creative process that went into each students’ derivative tree!!

Kandice Kimmel
DAR Chapter Winners

It is my honor to announce the winners of the DAR History Essay & Video Contest!

Essay Winners:

Ryer Irvin-Grade 5

Lainey Horton-Grade 6

Christopher Ivers-Grade 8

Video Winners:

Hazel Burkes & Mia Grove- Grade 5

Caroline Harp & Saige Marshall- Grade 6

Anna Scott Bruner & Amelia Taylor- Grade 7

This years’ theme was “Lunch with a Signer” Question: America will celebrate her 250th birthday on July 4, 2026! If you could go back in time and meet one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence for lunch, who would you choose? How did their actions and service contribute to our Country becoming independent?

Kandice Kimmel
The Physical Act of Writing

Pencil to paper learning improves memory retention, cognitive processing, and comprehension by physically engaging the brain through handwriting. This ‘old fashioned’ tactile method is a slower process in a time when our children are used to instant results. Pencil to paper also aids in building fine motor skills and fosters a deeper focus for children of all ages. The majority of my Latin and history assignments are handwritten in class. Don’t get me wrong, we still use and are thankful for all of our tech tools, but its not uncommon for us to hit the actual books and all you need to bring to my class is a pencil and a positive attitude.

Kandice Kimmel
January- Lascaux & Latin

Sixth grade students have been studying the Paleolithic cave paintings found in France, and recreated their own cave art.

Fifth grade Latin students were tasked to created a study guide unique to their individual learning style. The students could create a poster, book, or use their tech to create a slideshow. After the study guides were complete we put our study skills to use in a Latin Blooket competition!

Kandice Kimmel
December

December at St James Day School is a beautiful and busy time! In sixth grade, we celebrated together with a special Christmas breakfast, games, and gift exchange. The 5th and 6th grade made ornaments, and 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grades all participated in a middle school choir trip to sing Candlelight songs to the May Dale Garden Club and enjoyed a fun lunch out at Zapata’s.

Our middle school choir sang beautifully at the middle school Candlelight service. Our middle school students worked incredibly hard this semester and it was nice to slow down and enjoy make a few Christmas memories before Christmas break began.

Kandice Kimmel