By Kandice Kimmel, Latin & History, 5-8th Grade

Project based learning is a teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to an authentic, engaging, and complex questions, problems or challenges.

To wrap up our world geography unit, our fifth and sixth grade students hosted an International Fair. They were each assigned a country to research, and designed a display, brought an international dish to sample, and presented for all of the students and teachers at St. James Day School. I am so incredibly proud of each and every one of these students!

By Kandice Kimmel, Latin & History, 5-8th Grade

In middle school we build study hall and elective classes into our students’ weekly schedule. The convenience of study hall allows students time at school to complete projects, ease the homework burden, as well as one on one time with their teachers if they are struggling to understand concepts or have questions.

Elective classes allow our middle school students to explore their interest, develop new skills, and broaden their perspectives beyond the core academic curriculum. The elective classes for the fall semester are science club, robotics, yearbook, book club, film study, and a life skills/cooking class.

Our Middle School students celebrated the month of August with teamwork while playing a fun trivia game. We also celebrated our first Student of the Month, Colt Jerry, during our celebration!

“Celebrate good times, Come on
Let’s celebrate
Celebrate good times, Come on
Let’s celebrate”

— Kool & The Gang

By Kandice Kimmel, Latin & History, 5th-8th Grade

We kicked off Latin classes with a riveting game of Latin charades! This physical game not only gets students up and moving, but keeps them engaged and laughing while they are learning. It also encourages students to memorize the words, so they are required to guess their comprehension. Plus, it is a great way for students to practice pronouncing Latin terms.

By Kandice Kimmel, Latin & History, 5-8th Grade

The eighth graders hosted the first grade class this morning in honor of Finn's birthday! They had an eighth grade buddy and played a Trivia Blooket, enjoyed a delicious treat, and participated in an ABC scavenger hunt. I don't know who had more fun, the eighth graders or first graders! As a teacher and mom, I felt like this was an amazing learning opportunity for BOTH classes! I was impressed with how the eighth graders put forth their best effort to make sure these first graders had a wonderful experience. Every student was learning or cultivating a new skill.
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