Dear Saint James Families, 

Advent is coming! It begins this Sunday, December 3rd. Advent is one of my favorite seasons of the year. It is a time of joyful anticipation of the best Christmas of all - the birth of our Savior.

Today, I want to share one of my fondest Advent traditions, the Jesse Tree. This tree is different from a Christmas tree. While a Christmas tree is covered in sparkling lights and ornaments, a Jesse Tree is covered in people and stories from the Bible. Jesus' family tree is named after Jesus’ ancestor, Jesse, the father of King David. This family tree begins all the way back at the garden of Eden and its branches stretch all the way to the birth of Jesus. Ornaments on the branches tell us about the coming of Jesus and the story of salvation. This is our story too! 

When God sent Jesus to be a child in Bethlehem, God made us a part of his great growing family tree. Let us all enter into this story this Advent and grow in our love for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 

During morning announcements, I will use the Jesse Tree to take our students on a journey through salvation history. Each day they will hear a story that inspires them and brings them closer to Jesus. There will be a Jesse Tree in the school lobby where we will hang our ornaments. When you visit, check out the ornaments and join us in this tradition. 

Peace and Blessings, 
Sister Kathryn Teresa Clemmer, IHM 
Principal

Dear Saint James Families,

In today’s day and age, many of our students have a cellphone, tablet, or even gaming systems with access to the Internet and social media. While advances in technology have many great benefits, there is also the potential for harm. 

In addition to cyberbullying, there are concerns about safety, mental health, and wellness. In the hopes of minimizing these risks, we have searched for a resource that can help parents in our community learn the ins and outs of social media and online dangers, and cope with the challenges of parenting in the digital age.

We are happy to announce that Saint James Catholic School has purchased parent memberships for SmartSocial, a resource that gives parents access to resources that help you learn how to navigate the negative and positive parts of social media with your children. 

With more than 130 parent, educator, & student courses available on-demand, this resource promises to help bridge the gap between the ever-changing digital landscape and the very real need to actively guide our students.  

Some of the resources include:

• Smartphone and Social Media Agreement Templates (For students, parents, & educators)
• Navigating TikTok (A course for students,  parents, & educators)
• Navigating Instagram (A course for students, parents, & educators)
• Navigating YouTube (A course for students, parents, & educators)
• Navigating Snapchat (A course for students, parents, & educators)
• Navigating Fortnite, Overwatch, Call of Duty & Other Violent Video Games (A course for students & parents)
• Navigating Roblox, Minecraft, & Other Non-Violent Video Games (A course for students & parents)
• Navigating College Readiness on Social Media Networks (A course for students, parents, & educators)

And more!

Normally membership to the SmartSocial resources is $60/year.  

Saint James parents can now access the SmartSocial library of resources for FREE. 

Our school’s partnership gives each family complimentary access to the SmartSocial library of resources until October 2024. This is a unique opportunity to learn from experts in the social media space - from the comfort of your home or office.

Sincerely,  
Sister Kathryn Teresa Clemmer, IHM 
Principal

Dear Saint James School Families, 

Thank you for joining us for Parent-Teacher conferences. It is a privilege to partner with you in your children’s education. We hope that you had productive conversations and gained valuable insight into your child’s learning. Remember that we are in this together and we are always here for your children and for you.  We look forward to all the wonderful things that the rest of the year will bring.

Please read the notes below carefully so that you don’t miss any exciting SJS opportunities!

Have a wonderful weekend! 

Peace and Blessings,
Sister Kathryn Teresa Clemmer, IHM 

Dear Saint James School Families, 

This month’s virtue is Obedience. Obedience can be a hard thing to learn because we want to do what we want, when we want. However, obedience is important because it allows us to be safe and successful in the world. Young children learn about obedience at home as they learn the importance of listening to their parents. As children grow up and attend school, they learn obedience to trusted authority figures like teachers and coaches. 

Sometimes obedience has a negative connotation because it is seen as a way to control others. But that is not what we mean when we are talking about obedience.

  Obedience means that someone makes the right choice based on respect and trust. Control, on the other hand, is taking away the ability for another person to make a choice. The definition we are using at Saint James Catholic School is doing what is asked with a good attitude. It allows for a safe and orderly home, school, and community.

In the big picture, we want our children to understand that they are part of a larger community. Rules allow them the freedom to explore and take risks in a safe way. These boundaries ensure that our community is a happy, healthy, and safe place for everyone. This gives us all the freedom to grow and reach our highest potential. Most importantly, obedience to earthly authorities helps our children grow in obedience to God who has great plans for them. 

Please join us as we practice this important virtue and help our students become who God made them to be. 

Peace and Blessings, 
Sister Kathryn Teresa Clemmer, IHM 

Dear Saint James Families, 

Winter uniform begins on November 1st, and I want to take this opportunity to share my “Ode to Uniforms.”

I went to Catholic school for elementary school and transitioned to public school for middle school and high school. While there were many differences between Catholic and public school, the most obvious one was the uniform. I didn’t realize the many benefits of the uniform when I had to wear one.  But, when I went to public school where I could wear anything, I suddenly missed my uniform.  Now, as a sister, I wear my habit, which is a uniform of sorts and my love for the uniform has grown even stronger. My habit and our students’ uniform serve as powerful reminders of who we are and what we stand for. 

When I see our students in their uniforms my heart swells with Saint James pride because your children continue a century’s long legacy of academic excellence and service. That is something that we can all be proud of because Saint James is not just a place, it is a people. We are a faith filled school community building up the kingdom of God. Our uniform identifies our students uniquely as Saint James Rockets and challenges them to be the best versions of themselves modeled after Jesus Christ.   

As your children dust off their winter uniforms, remind them of how lucky they are to be part of this unique and wonderful school. When students put on their uniform, they are telling the world that they are a Saint James Rocket and they are going to ignite the world with God’s love. 

Our uniform mantra this year is: 

When we look our best,
We feel our best, 
So we can do our best! 

Please review the winter uniform guidelines to ensure that your child(ren) are in full uniform each day. 

Peace and Blessings, 
Sister Kathryn Teresa Clemmer, IHM

Dear Saint James Families, 

It’s Bazaar time! The Saint James Bazaar is a beautiful example of what community means here at Saint James. Families and friends come together with a common goal: To support the school through fundraising and community building. Over the last week, I’ve seen our campus transform as students, parents, and grandparents worked tirelessly to get everything ready for Bazaar-bie 2023. Heller Hall and Knecht gym are filled to the brim with donations and look like top notch thrift stores. They are unrecognizable!  

For our new families, I encourage you to make a trip to the Bazaar and experience this unique community event. Our Bazaar includes a huge White Elephant Sale, a spaghetti dinner, a bake sale, kids games, a movie night, and much more.  The Bazaar is a great place to get to know people, have some fun with your family, and find some bargains along the way. 

What I love most about the Bazaar is its witness to the beauty of Christian community. As Christians we are called to work together and to support each other for the greater glory of God. Through this witness we teach our young people the importance of community participation and community service. This event proclaims that we are one body, the Body of Christ. When we all bring our gifts together, Christ’s light shines brightly for all the world to see!

Peace and Blessings, 

Sister Kathryn Teresa Clemmer, IHM 

Dear Saint James Families, 

Happy Feast of Our Lady of Fatima!  On this day in 1917, Mary appeared to 3 shepherd children and a large crowd under the title “Our Lady of the Rosary.” The day was a rainy one, but Mary’s appearance was followed by the Miracle of the Sun. The sun danced in the sky and dried everything in a matter of seconds. Mary also placed a tableaux of the mysteries of the rosary in the sky for all to see. She asked the crowd to pray the rosary for peace and the salvation of souls. Today, she asks us to do the same.   

In the rosary, we take our prayers and needs to Mary, the mother of Jesus. In turn, she takes our prayers to her Son. As we pray through mysteries of the rosary we meditate on the life of Christ with Mary as our guide. With each Hail Mary, she brings us one step closer to her Son and calls us to imitate Him. 

I invite all of you to pray the rosary as a family which will deepen your relationship with Mary and her son, Jesus. In turn, this beautiful prayer will strengthen your family relationships and help you grow in faith and holiness together. 

May the blessed Mother hold each of you in her maternal embrace and be a constant company on your journey towards Heaven. 

Dismissal Reminders

Our main goal is safety! Please follow the directions of our staff/faculty. 

If possible, park in the parking lots. When the lots are full, overflow can go on the street. 

A-lot: 

Young children should not be running around, climbing trees, or wandering unattended in the parking lot or grassy areas. Please keep children with you. 

If you are parked on the street, use the sidewalks to enter and exit the parking lot. No one should be walking through the parking lot. 

B-lot

If you are parked on the street, you must come to the gate area to pick up your children. We will not send students across the street or to cars. 

If you are in the parking lot, please exit your car and meet your students near the sidewalk. 

If you are walking, use the gate to enter and exit the parking lot. We don’t want foot traffic and car traffic to mix. 

Peace and Blessings, 

Sister Kathryn Teresa Clemmer, IHM 

Principal 

Dear Saint James Families,

It gives me great pleasure to write to you this week at Sister Kathryn’s request. As Sister Kathryn mentioned in her letter last week, the virtue of the month for October is RESPECT. Sister included the virtue of the month poster, which captures a number of practical activities that can help to build a life of virtue in our daily living. I invite you to take time at home to explore the contents of the poster with your children. A copy of the poster has been sent home this week via the Wednesday folder. Can your children give you examples of how they display respect at home and school, as well as during recreational activities whether that be during sports, while on electronic devices or other varied activities? 

We are blessed here at St. James Catholic School that we can openly promote the virtues and to work with you to cultivate the rich fruits that a virtuous life can produce. Living the virtues can be a challenge; but the joys far out-weigh any given challenge. Our faith provides us the needed graces to grow in becoming more like Christ, who is the true model of virtue.   Virtue of the Month Awards will be given out each month. The awardees of the Virtue of Reverence Certificates for the month of September were recognized as we concluded one of the favorite and inspiring traditions at Saint James Catholic School. Our students, your children, gathered together today becoming and praying the Living Rosary. Please be assured that you and your family intentions were remembered throughout this prayerful experience.

Undoubtedly, everyone is looking forward to the holiday weekend. We wish a safe and pleasant time for all as we enjoy the many blessings which have been bestowed upon us and our country.

Prayerfully in Christ,

Sister Karl Ann Homberg, SSJ
Assistant Principal

Dear Saint James Families, 

As September comes to a close, we give thanks for all that we’ve accomplished in this first month of school. We are wrapping up our Read-A-Thon which was a big success. So far, we have raised over $43,000. There are still a few hours left to reach our goal of $50,000. I think we can do it! 

In other news, 3rd-7th grade students finished their first round of NWEA/Map testing. They were laser focused during testing and showed their best efforts. I know they are happy that it is over! Last Friday, Student Council officers were elected. Additionally, new members of the National Junior Honor Society were inducted into the Saint James Chapter last night. I am so proud of all that our students have accomplished, and I know there will be many more proud moments as the year unfolds. 

Congratulations to our newly elected officers!

The Virtue of the Month for October is RESPECT. Respect is treating others with honor, dignity, and courtesy. By showing respect to others we ensure that every person's God-given dignity is seen and upheld. As Christians, we are called to uphold the human dignity of every person regardless of age, ability, or background. As educators, in school and at home, we must work together to instill the virtue of respect in our children. By doing so, we are forming young men and women who will make the world a better place. Our day to day encounters with one another is where we must begin. Please see our virtue of the month poster for ways to practice Respect. 

Peace and Blessings, 

Sister Kathryn Teresa Clemmer, IHM 

“Look for Christ Our Lord in everyone and you will then have respect and reverence for all.” - Saint Teresa of Avila

Dear Saint James Families, 

Happy Friday everyone! This week ends the 3rd week of our Read A Thon. Currently, we have reached 48% of our goal and raised $24,235. Thank you to everyone who has participated so far!

When I came to Saint James two years ago, I learned about our Read A Thon and I was over the moon excited about it. Before I was an administrator, I was a 3rd grade teacher and reading specialist. So reading is my absolute favorite pastime! One of my goals in life is to spread the joy of reading to students of all ages. Our Saint James Read A Thon does just that!  

Reading opens up endless possibilities for our students. When students read their imaginations come to life, their vocabulary grows, and their minds are filled with new knowledge and questions. Reading is truly food for your brain! 

My hope is that we continue to grow in our love and appreciation for reading all year long. 

If you have not joined the Read A Thon, please join today! 

By the way, there is a new prize for anyone who raises $100. Anyone who raises $100 or more will receive a ticket for a special drawing. The winner of the drawing will get to pick my Halloween costume (must be appropriate), and I will wear the costume to school on Tuesday, October 31st. 

Peace and Blessings, 

Sister Kathryn Teresa Clemmer, IHM 
Principal 

Dear Saint James Families, 

Sunday, September 17th marks the 100th anniversary of the IHM Sister presence at Saint James Catholic School. That is amazing! As the principal, I stand on the shoulders of the Sisters who have come before me. They have left a lasting legacy of exceptional Catholic education that I feel privileged to carry on. This year we will be highlighting the history of our school and the many IHM traditions that the Sisters celebrate. Stay tuned for these highlights in the weekly notes. 

Of course, we cannot forget the families and alumni who have supported our school over the years. Many hands and hearts have contributed to our school’s success over these past 100 years. As the Body of Christ, each one of you plays a part in the building up of our community, and I am so grateful! 

We will begin our celebration on Saturday at the Nun Fun Run. Join us in B lot at 8 am as we raise funds for the IHM Sister's retirement home, Camilla Hall. 

The celebration continues on Sunday at the noon mass. Bishop Burbidge will celebrate the Mass in gratitude for the Sisters’ many years of service. You are invited to join us in the gym for a reception following mass. All are invited! 

Peace and Blessings, 
Sister Kathryn Teresa Clemmer, IHM

Dear Saint James Families, 

At Saint James School we strive to inspire, lead and challenge our students to fully develop their God-given abilities. One way we do that is through our Virtue of the Month program.  A virtue is a habit of doing the right thing for the right reasons. Virtues give us the strength to do amazing things for our God who created us. Each month we will focus on a virtue that helps our students to grow in character and holiness. Our R.O.C.K.E.T.S. virtues are:  

Reverence/Respect
Obedience
Compassion 
Kindness
Empathy
Truthfulness 
Self-Control

I invite you to practice these virtues in your homes using our Virtue of the Month poster. Together we can form disciples who ignite the world with God’s love!   

This year the United States Bishops are promoting a Eucharistic Revival to strengthen our belief and devotion to Jesus’ real presence in the Eucharist. A generous parishioner has donated books for our families to promote a deeper love for the Eucharist.  The book is This is My Body by Bishop Robert Barron. These books will be in the front office for you to pick up at your convenience. 

Tonight is Family Fun Night, please join us in B lot from 5:30 - 8:00pm for pizza, Kona Ice, and fun activities for the entire family.

Our Read a Thon began this week and will continue through September 29th. Please sign your children up so that they can read, read, read to raise funds for our PTO. The PTO supports our school in many ways, so please take part in the Read a Thon. 

Arrival/Dismissal Reminders

Safety is our main priority during morning drop off and dismissal. Please be patient while waiting in line. When dropping off your children, do not go around if you are ready before they are. Help us to keep all families safe as they drop off and pick up their children. Also, please follow the directions of our staff as they direct cars and pedestrians. If you are parked on the street, you must use the sidewalks to get to your car. No one should be walking through the parking lot to get to a car on the street. 

Peace and Blessings,
Sister Kathryn Teresa Clemmer, IHM
Principal