The fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth graders participate in the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) History Essay & Video Contest each year. The theme this year was ‘Lunch with a Signer’. We had so much fun learning, researching ,writing, and creating videos about the Declaration of Independence and our founding fathers.

https://youtu.be/4ceQDLIfPD8 Hazel & Mia-Grade 5

https://youtu.be/4-9Q9sm0zzA Reed & Carrie-Grade 5

https://youtu.be/Yvv0vg_ycEU Aubrey & Madelyn-Grade 5

https://youtu.be/wtr81XBeORc Piper & Luna-Grade 5

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.

Why is it important to teach our younger generation about 9/11? The events of September 11, 2001, irrevocably changed the lives of victims’ families and friends, survivors, first responders, rescue and recovery workers, volunteers, and millions of Americans and people around the world. SJDS seventh and eighth graders watched a documentary about the events of 9/11 and we had a class discussion and writing assignment.

‘It was as though the entire world held its’ breath in that horrible frame of time’. -Thomas, Grade 7

‘This heart pounding day was one of the scariest days in American history’. -Sander, Grade 7

‘I felt many emotions. I felt anxiety because I had no idea what was about to happen. Another emotion I felt while watching the documentary was scared. I didn’t know what was going to happen and I was scared for all the firefighters risking their lives’. -Anna Scott, Grade 7

‘While learning about 9/11 I felt a variety of emotions. Anger, disappointment, anxiety, sickness, and disgust. The most prominent feelings were disgust and disappointment by the fact that people were willing to die just to harm America’. -Amelia, Grade 7

Episcopal schools are created to be communities that honor, celebrate, and worship God as the center of life. At St. James Day School we have all school chapel every Tuesday morning. This is a special time for our students, teachers, parents, administration, and chaplains to come together and worship.

The sixth grade class is responsible for setting up for chapel, the scripture readings, flags, and the pledge of allegiance. All of our middle school students also participate in Christian Education classes once a week with Fr. Halt and Mr. Loy. It is not uncommon for our middle school students to be seen reading their Bibles in class and all over campus. This is is something that truly sets our students and our school apart.

Teaching geography enhances students’ understanding of historical events and cultural developments. I love to kick off the academic year with a geography unit with all of my history classes. Geography helps us understand the world around us, appreciate diversity, develop critical thinking skills, and it is simply a fascinating subject full of interesting facts. I learn something new right along with my students every year! ‘In learning you will teach, and in teaching you will learn’. -Phil Collins