September Newsletter
Every day is a great day to be a Tiger!
Kickoff to a Year of Student Success
Dear Tiger Community,
September brought an exciting start to the school year with our 24th Annual Community Tailgate! This event is always a special way to come together as a district community, and this year was no exception. Thanks to the generous support of Phelps Health as our sponsor, and participation from many local businesses and organizations, our tailgate was filled with energy, fun, and Tiger pride.
Events like this remind us how important our community is to the success of our students. When families, staff, and local partners come together, we create experiences that strengthen connections and set a positive tone for the school year ahead. The tailgate was a fantastic kickoff to what promises to be another year of learning, growth, and opportunities for our students.
Thank you to everyone who participated, volunteered, and supported the event. Your involvement truly makes a difference and helps make our district a place where students thrive.
Sincerely,
Tim Webster
Superintendent
At St. James R-1, our mission has always been to empower students for success, but success means more than grades or test scores. It’s about preparing students for life.
That’s the idea behind our Portrait of a Graduate. It’s our shared vision for what every student should take with them when they leave our schools: the skills, mindsets, and values that help them thrive in college, careers, and in their community.
So, what defines a St. James graduate? Five key strengths:
- Effective Communication – Listening carefully, speaking clearly, and writing with purpose.
- Critical Thinking – Asking questions, solving problems, and making thoughtful decisions.
- Social Integrity – Showing honesty, empathy, and responsibility in every situation.
- Engaged Citizenship – Valuing others’ perspectives and giving back to the community.
- Future-Focused Mindset – Setting goals, adapting to change, and staying eager to learn.
Together, these qualities paint the picture of who our students are becoming. Watch our short video to learn more about how the Portrait of a Graduate is shaping the future for St. James students.
Congrats to our Homecoming Queen Alex Hughes and King Johnny Perkins!
Homecoming week was full of school spirit. We kicked things off with a pep assembly, enjoyed a fun parade, cheered at the coronation and football game, and ended with a great school dance on Saturday.
Thanks to everyone who came out and helped make Homecoming 2025 so special!
Luke Overton
Shea McFarland
Katie DuClos
Sara Anderson
Doug Williams
Beth McWhorter
St. James High School students are taking the lead through the Teens Teach Prevention Training program. These students are preparing to present peer-to-peer lessons at the middle school on topics such as wellness, vaping, smoking, and alcohol use.
The student-led sessions will take place in November, February, and March, giving our high school leaders the opportunity to make a positive impact on younger students. Their efforts reflect the Portrait of a Graduate quality of Engaged Citizenship, as they work to build a healthier, more informed school community.
Thanks to the generosity of the St. James Missouri Chamber of Commerce and local businesses, every student age 15 and under received a free carnival wristband for the St. James Grape and Fall Festival. The wristbands were good for all three days of the event, giving students the chance to enjoy rides, games, and time with friends.
We’re grateful for our community partners who help create opportunities for students to learn, grow, and make lasting memories. Their support truly makes a difference for our Tiger family!
Congratulations to St. James Middle School Junior Beta members Cambreigh Chancey, Hallie Kleffner, Piper Sandusky, Emma Meurer, and Berlin Barton!
These students attended the Regional Leadership Summit, where they heard from motivational speakers, connected with other young leaders, and competed in a series of leadership challenges. The team earned top honors in the Collaboration Connection challenge, which focused on communication and teamwork, and in the All the World’s a Stage competition, where they wrote and performed a Charlotte’s Web-inspired skit highlighting the four pillars of Beta.
Their outstanding performances earned them a spot to compete at National Convention in Nashville this June!
The Lucy Wortham James Elementary Student Council is putting Engaged Citizenship into action by leading recycling efforts and helping keep their school organized, including tidying up the Lucy Libraries.
Their work shows how caring for shared spaces and protecting the environment connects to the responsibilities we all share as community members. Through these experiences, students are learning that their actions make a difference, both now and in the future.
Academic Calendar
Tiger Community Events
Athletics/Activities
Peachjar Digital Flyers!
St. James R-1 School District uses Peachjar to digitally send home school and community flyers. All parents with an email address on file will automatically be registered to receive digital flyers from their school.
You can access the academic calendar anytime on our website to stay updated on important dates and events. Simply visit www.stjschools.org, click on the MENU tab, and then select DISTRICT to find the calendar. Here's the direct link for quick access: Academic Calendar.
