February Newsletter
Every day is a great day to be a Tiger!
A Thank You to Our Tiger Families
Dear Tiger Families,
As we begin to see signs of spring, I want to take a moment to reflect on the challenges this winter brought and express my appreciation for your patience and flexibility. This season’s unprecedented winter weather led to multiple Alternative Methods of Instruction (AMI) days, and we know that adjusting to those changes wasn’t always easy.
Our goal throughout this time was to provide meaningful learning opportunities while keeping the safety of our students and staff at the forefront of every decision. We appreciate the support from families as we worked through these unexpected circumstances together.
Thank you for your continued partnership in your child’s education. Warmer days are ahead, and we look forward to a strong finish to the school year!
Tim Webster
Superintendent, St. James R-1 School District
Each spring, students across Missouri participate in state assessments that provide valuable insights into student learning. These tests help measure progress and ensure we are delivering high-quality instruction.
Who Takes These Assessments?
Grades 3-8: Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) tests in English Language Arts (ELA) and Math
Grades 5 and 8: MAP Science assessment
High School: End-of-Course (EOC) exams in required subjects
Testing Dates:
Lucy Wortham James Elementary - 4/29 - 5/9
St. James Middle School - 4/28-5/9
St. James High School - 4/28-5/9
Why Are These Assessments Important?
MAP and EOC results help educators make informed decisions about instruction, identify student needs, and guide district planning. The State of Missouri also uses these scores to determine an Annual Performance Report for our district.
How Can Families Support Student Success?
To help students perform their best, families can:
Ensure students get plenty of sleep before testing days
Provide a healthy breakfast each morning
Encourage a positive mindset—a calm and confident approach goes a long way
Avoid scheduling appointments or absences during testing days
Thank you for your support in making this a successful testing season!
LWJE Student Council and Art Club were busy spreading kindness in a creative way! They designed and decorated Kindness Coffee Sleeves to connect with our community and share positive messages.
Our community partners—JB Coffee House, Firehouse Coffee Shop, and Exit 11handed them out spreading joy with each cup of coffee.
This project is a perfect example of our mission in action—empowering students through caring relationships and community partnerships. When students lead with kindness, they make a real impact!
Our high school DECA students put their skills to the test at Districts at MS&T in Rolla—and they delivered. Competing in events like Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Hospitality & Tourism, and Hotel & Lodging Management, seven Tigers secured their spot at the State competition in Kansas City.
Congratulations to our State qualifiers! We’re cheering you on all the way to KC!
Representative Tara Peters visited St. James Middle School and she met with the ROX Group to discuss women in leadership and received a special tour from a few of our incredible members. Then, she stopped by Citizenship class to talk about government and how her role connects to their work in class.
Bringing real-world experiences into our schools helps students see the connections between learning and leadership. It’s just one more way GREAT things happen here!
We had the honor of welcoming Missouri Lt. Governor David Wasinger for a visit to Lucy Wortham James Elementary. During his tour, he witnessed firsthand the GREAT things happening in our school—engaged classrooms, strong student-teacher connections, and a supportive learning environment where students thrive.
We appreciate his time and interest in our district and look forward to continuing to build strong partnerships that benefit our students and community!
STJ Wrestling - STATE BOUND!
Congratulations to our four State Qualifiers who battled their way to the top and represented St. James at the 2025 MSHSAA State Wrestling Tournament!
- 106 – Dax Weinbaum
- 144 – Luke Marlatt – 5th Place
- 190 – Zane Achterberg
- 215 – Josh Carpenter – 5th Place
A huge shoutout to Luke Marlatt and Josh Carpenter for earning 5th place finishes at State!
This Spring, we’re continuing a new chapter of our Heart of a Tiger series, celebrating those who embody the spirit, dedication, and passion of St. James!
As St. James alumni, they’ve come full circle—giving back to the community that shaped them. Don’t miss their inspiring story in Heart of a Tiger!
Join us for a peek into the daily adventures of our St. James Tigers! This series features students like Berlin Barton, a 7th grader at St. James Middle School, sharing their school-day experiences firsthand.
Follow Berlin as she navigates through her school day, offering insights, challenges, and triumphs along the way. Get ready to dive into the heart of student life at St. James Middle School!
Watch the video here: bit.ly/4bOBpYt
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.
