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ConocoPhillips Permitted to Begin The Willow Project

By TJ Craig

21362@stjschools.org

Kelly Lakaner Photo

Becky Daniels, a St. James High School English teacher, has been approved to start an administrative internship serving as the St. James Middle School Assistant Principal beginning July 1. She is pictured here with her husband, Chris.

Daniels Hired as District Administrative Intern, Will Serve as MS Assistant Principal

By Julia Jacobs

20722@stjschools.org

On March 16, the St. James School District announced that Mrs. Becky Daniels has been hired as the new assistant principal at the St. James Middle School.

Daniels is currently a teacher at John F. Hodge High School. She teaches English ll, Mass Media, and dual credit British and American Literature classes.

Daniels is a part of the Aspiring Administrators’ Program, a program to help teachers go farther into their career. She will be serving as assistant principal as an administrative intern for two years.

Once the two years are up, Daniels is guaranteed a position in the school district with her certifications. If a job isn’t available the internship will be extended.

She talked about how she struggles with taking risks and putting herself out there, but with reassurance from family and colleagues, she took the risk and is thrilled that she did. “I’m super stoked about it,” she said.

Daniels earned her Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Education Specialist degrees through Missouri Baptist University.

Daniels has been teaching for twelve years, her first nine years were in Viburnum and the last three have been in St. James. Daniels is excited to practice and learn under Principal Karen Lepper’s guidance.

Daniels' inspiration to start teaching was her middle school English teacher. Once her freshman year started, her passion to start teaching was ruined by her freshman English teacher. Daniels recalled her saying “I hate freshmen” on her first day of high school.

If that’s what teachers would become, Daniels wanted nothing to do with it. Luckily, an administrator at her school was able to convince her to not change her dream because of one bad teacher. For the rest of her high school career, she never had a teacher make her feel like that again.

From that point on, Daniels wanted to make her classroom a safe and happy environment for students so they “never had a negative English teacher” like hers. To most she is just a teacher, to others she is an inspiration.

“I am excited help teachers themselves become stronger educators because, in the end, they’ll make stronger students,” she said.

Prop Tigers Fails by 5 Votes

By Conner Mills

20355@stjschools.org

Proposition TIGERS is a $0.65 levy increase with a goal of RETAINING and MAINTAINING the R-1 school district. The proposition was up for voting on April 4. The ballot initially failed by 4 votes but was called for a recount due to possible ballot issues.

A recount was done on April 10 and found that Prop TIGERS failed by 5 votes. Prop TIGERS did pass in Phelps County, meaning that the local community did in fact support it. In Phelps county 465 voted yes while 443 voted no.

St. James school district superintendent Tim Webster was asked about the results and spoke about how even though the results were not what they were hoping to

see, there were still positives. One of them being that the local population did show support of Prop TIGERS.

“We can still share our story and possibly gain the support of five more people. No one likes to lose, but we have a lot of community members we still owe a thank you to for showing us that they did support us,” Webster explained.

Webster explained next steps with Prop TIGERS. “We have to focus on what we can do with what we have to make people feel valued and want to stay a Tiger,” he said. “On the other hand, we will need to regroup and reevaluate if it is in the District’s best interest to try Prop TIGERS again soon.”

Submitted Photo

Sandusky has skated for the Rolla Rockets for 4 years now. Here, Sandusky is seen in uniform getting ready to play a bout for roller derby.

Sandusky Skates for Rolla Rockets

By Dionna Lynch

21213@stjschools.org

You may know Becky Sandusky as your 5th grade teacher, or maybe you know her as your high school 9th grade English teacher. Ms. Sandusky works very hard going above and beyond to make the St. James School District and community is a better place, but what does she do when she isnt working? When Sandusky isn't working or caring for her kids as a single mother, she enjoys roller derby.

Sandusky has been a part of the Rolla Rockets roller derby team for 4 years. Her derby name is Fearmione.

“My daughter and I read a graphic novel called roller girl, and I fell in love with the idea of it,” Sandusky said about her discovery of roller derby. “Then I went to the summer festival in Rolla, and they had a tent set up there. They had a game the next week, so I went and watched their bout in Rolla, and the next week I bought my gear.”

Roller derby is a competitive game played between two teams. A roller derby match or game is referred to as a bout. Each team has four blockers and one jammer, the player with the star on their helmet. This makes up five players on each team.

Team positions rotate so everyone playing will at some point be a blocker and a jammer. When you are a blocker your goal is to stop the jammer from getting through your line of blockers.

If the other team's jammer makes it through your blockers, they gain a point and vice versa. Both teams are trying to keep the other teams jammer out at the same time.

Jammers will try to get through the line as many times as they can in two minutes. Whomever has the most points at the end of a bout wins the competition.

“Being a single mother and a teacher takes so much of who you are, and it reminded me that I have to take time for myself, that I deserved that time also to be an individual,” said Sandusky.

Mariah Perkins Photo

Saint James High School has had nothing but success with the Alternative Program within the last 20 years. Students like this one are given the opportunity to take courses to get back on track to graduation.

Alt School Helps Students Succeed

By Mariah Perkins

21213@stjschools.org

St James High School has had the Alternative Program, also known as ALT School, for over 20 years. The Alternative Program is an alternative learning environment apart from the regular classroom for students to regain credit or makeup loss credit.

According to St. James Schools Website, “Our mission is to address the educational needs of each student on a personal level. All students are unique and learn in a different way, but we believe that all students are capable of learning. We are committed to ensuring that all graduates are equipped with the skills necessary to make it in the post-high school world with a clear view and plan for the future.”

There's all kinds of various reasons for students to join alternative school, but mainly it's to get students back on track to graduation.

The Alternative Program offers a Flex Program, a Jobs Skills Course, and Missouri Options Programs.

Dustin Craft and his at-risk team is made up of him, the principals, and the counselors. To be selected for the program, he and his team have a meeting and decide who meets the needed basis and criterias.

Craft said, “I keep 30 total slots, and that's not necessarily that we're going to have 30 kids in the year. I've had 47 kids that have come into the classroom this year because we keep 15 in the morning and 15 in the afternoon. When a spot opens up, it's like a revolving cycle, and we pull somebody else. It's not just a set thing.”

If students have any questions about alternative school, they need to email their counselor.

You can also find the Alternative School Handbook on the St. James High School website, stjschools.org.

The team is there “to make sure we're giving everybody an opportunity to get the requirements done to graduate,” Craft said.

Endsley and Adkerson Win St. James Talent Show

By Paige Sells

21230@stjschools.org

On March 24, the St. James High School Pay-it-Forward Club held a talent show in the auditorium.

The talent show consisted of students from elementary through high school. There were a variety of talents showcased. The MCs for the evening were seniors Hunter Redburn and Lily Baker, who entertained patrons with jokes.

The three students who placed from the elementary school were Cambreigh Chancey coming in at third place, Cash Mendenhall in second place, and Anna Hughes in first place. All three of them sang as their talent. Mendenhall accompanied himself on a guitar.

Middle school and high school students were combined into one category. Fourth place was Jessica Rioux, third place was Acie Prawtiz, Cat Lillis got second place, and Mallory Endsley and Monique Adkerson got first place with a humorous vocal duet. All four students also sang for their talent.

Endsley and Adkerson are both very happy with their performance.

“I feel really happy! The night of the talent show was also an anniversary of sorts for my friend group, so it was a really nice way to celebrate our friendship together” said Adkerson.

The duet was on the song “Man or Muppet” from the movie The Muppet.

“We’re super happy with how the performance went, and we’re glad people enjoyed it,” said Endsley. They both expressed that they were very happy with their performance and are very glad that they themselves had fun.

Congratulations to everyone who showed off their talents, and congratulations to the students who placed.

Prom Plans Announced

By: TJ Craig

21362@stjschools.org

Junior and Senior Prom of 2023 is set to take place Saturday, April 22 at the Signature Event Center in Rolla.

The dance will start at 8 pm and last until 11 pm. Seniors get in for free, but dates who are not seniors are $30. Couples are $50. The deadline to purchase tickets is Wednesday, April 19, at 3p.m.

The Junior and Senior Prom is an event that happens near the end of every school year. Prom Sponsor Cheryl Harlan stated, “I just think it's kind of a last, last hurrah, you know, for the seniors and a time that everybody can get really dressed up and have a good time.”

The Junior Prom Committee chose the theme “Enchanted Gardens.” That means pick your best colored suit or dress and make sure to get yourself a ticket. Tickets and information will be more available to the student body and parents.

There are out of school guest stipulations, being that they are not over 20 years of age, they have filled out a form, they have obtained a ticket, and you get the form turned in two weeks prior to the dance. The deadline for outside date forms is 3 p.m. on Wednesday, April 319.

“When purchasing tickets, students must let sponsors know who they are going with, if applicable, and they must come together to prom,” Harlan said.

For the underclassmen, they must be at least a freshman, and they must also purchase a ticket by the date required.

Near the beginning of every school year, the Junior Prom Committee runs a fundraiser, and then throughout the year continues to do more, so that they can raise money for the actual hosting of prom. The money raised goes into things like decorations, a DJ, the renting of the building, and snacks, and when the tickets get purchased, the total of that goes into the funds for the next year’s prom.

For more information, reach out to prom sponsors Harlan and Katie Shultz.

Veteran's Day Assembly Held at St. James High Schools

November 30th, 2022

By: Julia Jacobs

@20722@stjschools.org

On Thursday November 11, St. James students celebrated Veteran’s Day by honoring them with an assembly. To begin the day, John Fester did a flyover at the high school. Shortly after, VFW veterans presented the arms then the chamber choir excellently sang The National Anthem. Following, Veterans and students were welcomed by Principal Devin Johnson.

Students, Jordan Cairer, Heather Austin, Treyton Culp and Caleb Adams gave speeches in honor of Veteran’s Day. Sergeant Beard gave a breathtaking, impactful speech about his life and how it affected him in the future.

The band played God Bless America and God Of Our Fathers. The chamber choir performed the Armed Forces medley.

After, Derek Limback played Taps, a song played at the end of the day, and is played alone to honor service members who paid the ultimate price. Lastly, the VFW took down the arms ending the Veteran’s Day assembly.

Make sure to thank Shane Pitts, Bri Hodge, Joe Campbell, Tim Davis and Dustin Felan for their service. Also, a huge thank you to the history department for organizing the assembly.

Shlutz Elected Ambassador at FTA Convention

November 10th, 2022

By: Dionna Lynch

@21122@stjschools.org

Wednesday November 17th eight students from the St. James’ Future Teachers of America (FTA) club took a field trip to Columbia, Missouri for an FTA convention held by the Missouri State Teachers Association. The club members in attendance were Karen Goodin, Paige French, Jaycee Engelbrecht, Alexxyiss Christenson, Dionna Lynch, Amy Berkelman, Zoey Bliss, Brett Shultz, and club sponsor Ms. Katie Shultz. FTA Ambassador candidate Brett Shultz ran against 16 other candidates and was elected as one of four ambassadors for the 2022-23 year. As an FTA Ambassador, Brett will now be responsible for helping plan the FTA’s 2023 convention and focusing on things that will help better the program as a whole. When asked her motivation behind running for ambassador, Brett said, “I’ve always liked to take leadership roles in all of the activities I'm involved in. So when I was proposed the idea of running I just took it and went with it.”

The FTA Ambassadors will have their first meeting in February. If you are interested in joining FTA, talk to Katie Shultz, the club’s sponsor, for more information.

The Tiger PawCast Coming Soon To Spotify

By: Conner Mills

@20355@stjschools.org

St. James High School will be releasing the first episode of the school’s new podcast, “The Tiger PawCast,” on December 1st and will be streamable on Spotify. Mass Media students Conner Mills and Logan Stutzman will be the two main hosts. “ I think it'll thrive. You know? We might start strong might not, but I hope it'll get there.” Stutzman said when asked how he thought The Tiger PawCast would go. The podcast will be run by the Mass Media class.

There will be up to two guest hosts per episode, and these guest hosts range from students and staff to community members and leaders. Each episode will have a main topic based on who the guest hosts are. For example, if any of the high school history teachers were guests, then the topic would be history based.

The idea for the PawCast arrived when Conner Mills and Dionna Lynch both attended the Student Council convention at Union High School. At the convention, they both watched a presentation about how to make a school podcast and how to keep it running.

The Tiger PawCast will be a hands-on school project. The Mass Media class would like for all students, staff, and hopefully even community members to give recommendations for what guests they would like to see and what topics as well. A survey for the PawCast has been posted around the high school and an email has been sent out for the survey as well. This survey will be available all year for students to give continuous suggestions for topics.

The first episode will be released on December 1 to Spotify only. Two more episodes will follow before Christmas break, one on December 8 and a Christmas special on December 15. The Tiger PawCast will release a new episode every Thursday. If you or anyone you know has questions, please email Ms. Daniels or Conner Mills at rebecca.daniels@stjschools.org or 20355@stjschools.org

Morton, Walsh Win Awards

November 10th, 2022

By. Paige Sells

@21230@stjschools.org

In October, Kimberly Morton won teacher of the month and Candy Walsh won staff member of the month at St. James High School. Both Ms. Walsh and Ms. Morton felt very excited about winning this award.

Ms. Walsh became a paraprofessional, because she wants to be able to help kids and to also be there for her own kids and be off at the same time. She feels very appreciative about winning this award and very humbled as well and even feels inspired to do better. When asked how she achieved winning this award, she put in this bible verse, “Colossians 3:17. And whatsoever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus… I’ve been blessed by God, and all glory for anything I do goes to God.”

Ms. Morton became a teacher by accident, she said. She got into coaching after she graduated college, which got her into teaching, and now she just enjoys teaching. When asked what winning this award means to her, she said, “Oh, it means a lot because it's nice to know that other teachers are recognizing the work that you’re putting in, and it kind of helps make it worthwhile.” She thinks she achieved winning this award by trying to come in with a positive attitude and encouraging students every day.

Dia De Los Muertos Spirit Week

November 10th, 2022

By. Savannah Smith

@78590@stjschools.org

Cheryl Briggeman organized a school spirit week in honor of the Day of the Dead. Dia de los Muertos is a Mexican holiday where families welcome back the souls of their passed away relatives for a small reunion that includes food, drink and celebration.

The spirit week included: Monday: Wear your costume, Tuesday: Sombrero day, Wednesday: Colorful day, Thursday: Pajama day, and Friday: Music day. When asked about how everything went, Mrs. Briggeman said, “I think it went pretty good. Yeah, most people enjoyed it and had a good time. I saw a lot of students and teachers dressing up and stuff so that was good.”

Dionna Lynch Photo

Maddy has been a member of the Opioid Affected Youth Initiative program for two years. She is a youth advocate for the program.

Join Opioid Affected Youth Initiative Today

November 10th, 2022

By. Dionna Lynch

@21122@stjschools.org

“OAYI stands for opioid affected youth initiative and it is a group of youth who collaborate on things that can help the opioid pandemic that's going on in our society.” says Madiline Pankey who has been a member of the program for two years now. She says that it has helped her be “less angry at people who aren't necessarily clean” because of the fact that I now understand the whole circumstance of what addiction is and how it's really hard to get clean.” Maddy is a youth advocate for the program, she has talked to senators and representatives to try and get youth to be heard about their situations and how opioids have affected their lives. Maddy joined her freshman year of high school after Ms. Wilson, the school counselor, sent out an email to see who was interested. Maddy said she decided to join because “I've been around addiction my whole life and I just wanted to see things change in our society.” When asked about her future goals within this program Maddy said that she wants to “See more things happen in schools” and wants to see “Teenagers want to get better and having more access to recovery in schools”. She wants to “help teachers to understand the signs so they can see whenever teenagers are using so teenagers get help now in school then rather 20 years from now.”. She says that “the program is very beneficial to those who are looking for other people who have struggled with opioids, or finding other people who have been through the same things that you and your family have”. If you are interested in joining the Opioid Affected Youth Initiative program contact one of our school counselors for more information.

Students from Brianne Hodge's art classes decorate pumpkins for local businesses. Mariah Perkins poses with her finished pumpkin.

20 Art Students Decorate Pumpkins for Local Businesses

November 10th, 2022

By. Conner Mills

@20355@stjschools.org

On the week before Halloween, 20 students from Brianne Hodge’s multiple 3D art classes etched various designs into pumpkins and donated them to local businesses around St. James.

Erin Gray and Ashley Hughes helped donate and supply the pumpkins for Coach Hodge.

Coach Hodge decided to do this project because she has always wanted to do a pumpkin carving project for her 3D art classes. Her favorite part of the project was when the students got to see how well they had done after finishing their pumpkins, she also loves that this project was able to incorporate the community.

Mariah Perkins; one of the students involved, thought the project was “fun and that it gave people creativity to do their own things”. Her favorite part of the project was being able to choose between either painting the pumpkin or etching her own design into it, of which she chose to etch. “The pumpkins are spread out all along town, I think that’s really cool!”

Businesses that were sent pumpkins include: Fit STJ, Forest City Health Mart, Town and Country Bank, Tall Tine Barbershop, Phelps County Bank, STJ Tire & Auto, Spirit in Disguise, and Firehouse Coffee Shop.

Students involved include: Isaiah Boulware, Hunter Camenisch, Leena Sidwell, Mariah Perkins, Conner Mills, Jane Al-Ramahi, Brett Shultz, Aubrey Boyer, Tucker Jackson, Levi Venker, Angelina Chawla, Rylee Hancock, Hannah Higginbotham, Tate Gruver, Jon Bell, Emily Saultz, Bailey Engelage, Alex Stockton, Thomas McDonald, and Natalee Berry.

Coach Hodge also would love to do this again as long as she can get pumpkins donated to her; mainly due to high pumpkin prices, she would also like to get more businesses involved and of course more students involved.

“I just appreciate all the businesses in town who agreed to display the pumpkins, and thank the kids who did them”.

PHOTO CAPTION

Restroom Vadalism

November 10th, 2022

By. Mariah Perkins

21213@stjschools.org

Principle Devin Johnson was asked a few questions about the restroom vandalism, “Well, to be proactive, you have to have supervision and you have to have people that are bouncing into different areas. When students aren't supervised it is more likely for an event like this to occur.” During this time, soap dispensers were ripped off the wall, along with hand dryers turned upside down. As Johnson says the consequences for vandalism is… “So with vandalism, we look at it a couple of different ways, either a minor or a major infraction. In either case, if there is damage that needs to be replaced, the student that caused the damage will have to pay restitution, which means we'll have to pay them beforehand. If it is a major infraction, the first offense could result in up to 10 days of OSS.”

PHOTO CAPTION

P/T Conference Turnout

November 10th, 2022

By. Kaylee Kraczek

20139@stjschools.org

The Parent/ Teacher conference was October 25 from 3:30pm-7:00pm and on October 27 from 12:30pm-7:00pm at the high school. Parents had the option to have online, call, or in-person conferences with the teachers. This year’s turnout wasn't very high with a total of over 130 conferences. The turnout was so low that teachers are debating if they still need to do P/T conferences in the High School. Teachers reach out to parents more now than ever, with their advanced ways of communication by text, email, calls, etc. Parents constantly get messages and emails about their students' grades and behaviors. Alec Conner stated “I wouldn't be surprised if maybe it was a cultural thing after covid came” According to kidshealth.org the true definition of parent teacher conferences is “...to provide a great opportunity to: share academic progress and growth based on classroom observations, testing data, assessments, portfolios, and assignments.”

Tiger Times Changed To Increase Student Involvement.

November 10th, 2022

By. Logan Stutzman

35842@stjschools.org

Starting at the end of September, St. James High School has added different Tiger Times to their Tuesday and Thursday schedules to increase student involvement.

“I think involvement with extracurricular activities and co-curricular activities is something that's valuable and important. It gets kids more invested in school,” said Devin Johnson.

The high school staff met a few times over last spring to find a way to improve over time. The most feedback they had received from the members was that Tiger Time was a great time for organizations and clubs to meet inside school hours.

“Sometimes it's a little hectic, but for somebody who sponsors multiple clubs, it's nice to have time on Mondays and Wednesdays to schedule meetings and I like seeing different kids on Tuesdays and Thursdays than I normally have in the classes,” says Katie Shultz who’s leading the ‘Hero’s Journey in Film’ Tiger Time.

Senior student Conner Mills, who attends Mr. Terrill’s Yoga Tiger Time said, “It gives students something to actually do with that time, and something to look forward to.”

Some other Tiger Times being offered include; ACT Prep(Bouse), Crochet(Briggeman), Drop Everything and Read(Daniels), Walk and Talk(Olivas/Rodriguez), Magic(Harris), Instrumental Music(Payne/Limback), Card Games(Lorts), Chess(Glidden), Mobile Games(Adams), Fantasy Football(Singleton), Leadership and Communication(Davis/Watson), Pictionary/Charades(Mueller), and Quiet Reading(Betts).

Caleb and Endsley crowned the 2022 St James High Schools Homecoming King and Queen on October 7 (via St. James High School Facebook Page).

Adams, Endsley Win Homecoming Royalty

October 26th, 2022

By. Logan Stutzman

35842@stjschools.org

Caleb Adams and Mallory Endsley were crowned the 2022 St. James High School Homecoming King and Queen October 7 after a week-long celebration.

Friday, October 7th was the High Schools Homecoming Parade, where the Sabertooth Band started it off, followed by sports, clubs, royalty, class floats, and finally by the St James High School Band. The St James Middle School had its first chance in almost 20 years to come watch and enjoy the array of floats.

The High School’s Assembly was held that afternoon, where the winners of the floats, banner, and skit were announced by Principal Devin Johnson. Float winners were the Freshmen class, banner winners were the Sophomore class, and the skit winners were the Senior class!

Royalty included king candidates Jason Wilkerson, Dale Hinderhahn, Michael Dekock, and Caleb Adams. Queen candidates were Abby McKee, Mallory Endsley, Navy Setzer, and Heather Austin. Adams and Endsley were crowned king and queen before the start of the varsity football game.

The Homecoming festivities ended with the annual homecoming dance, on Saturday, October 8.

Sandusky, Millsap Are Teacher and Staff of the Month

October 26th, 2022

By. Paige Sells

21230@stjschools.org

In September, Becky Sanducky won teacher of the month and Amber Millsap won staff member of the month at St. James High School. Sandusky said she felt extremely happy about winning this award and Millsap expressed how she felt extremely good about it.

Sandusky achieved winning this award by putting in a lot of hard work into her job and the efforts she puts in with homecoming and other organizations. When asked about what winning this award means to her, she said “Quite a bit. Just the fact that I've been recognized by my peers and my colleagues… we notice, we recognize that you’re doing a little bit more than what you need to do for your job and we appreciate it.”

Millsap achieved winning this award by being kind to the people in the building and getting recognized for it. Winning this award means a lot to her. She said, “It means a lot. It's nice to be appreciated, and it's nice when people recognize that you’re trying real hard.”

Both Sandusky and Millsap said that their favorite part about their job is seeing the students everyday and being able to help the students.

The annual PTO Trunk-or-Treat will be held Saturday, October 29 at Maramec Springs from 3-6 p.m. (via Facebook)

PTO Collects 415lbs of Candy for The Trunk or Treat

October 26th, 2022

By. Kori Jackson

20861@stjschools.org

The parent-teacher organization held a candy drive contest to get as much candy as possible for the Trunk-or-Treat. The candy contest ended October 21.

All schools were involved. Anyone could have donated, and it All went towards the Trunk-or-Treat. Between three schools, and all of their families, the winning class who raised the most candy got the choice to receive a party of their choice, including a pizza party, donut party, and an ice cream party. The winning classroom at St. James High School was Mrs. Daniels' Tiger Time.

All of the candy is going to be greatly appreciated by all the treaters. Everyone involved in the parent teacher organization will be handing out all of the candy, which will be held on Saturday, October 29 at Maramec Springs Park.

The school's parent teacher organization would love to say a huge “Thank you!” and they look forward to seeing you this Saturday!

Bins are beginning to fill in Mrs. Daniels' class as students continue to bring in socks and blankets for the Russell House. (Mariah Perkins Photo)

Service Learning Project is Collecting Items for The Russel House

October 26th, 2022

By. Mariah Perkins

21213@stjschools.org

For homecoming this year, the high school student council has decided to do a service project. All donations are going to the Russell House to help women and children who are victims of physical and sexual abuse.

The freshman class is collecting diapers and pull-ups. Sophomores are collecting socks and throw blankets. Juniors are collecting toiletries, and Seniors are collecting feminine hygiene products.

Mrs. Daniels, a sophomore class sponsor, said, “So far we have collected over 20 packs of socks, and each pack has at least 10 pairs of socks in them. So we're looking at over 200 pairs of socks collected so far, but there's always room for more.”

There are three bins around the school: one at the front door of the school, in the commons outside of the gym doors, and one in Mrs. Daniels’ room.

The Sophomore class is also doing a penny war as another way to raise money for more supplies for the Russell House, so put your pennies in Cooper Armstrong’s box located in Mrs. Daniels’ classroom. The winner will receive a pie in the face.

The Tiger Eye PawCast Coming Soon To Spotify

By Conner Mills

December 8th, 2022

20355@stjschools.org

There will be up to two guest hosts per episode, and these guest hosts range from students and staff to community members and leaders.

Each episode will have a main topic based on who the guest hosts are. For example, if any of the high school history teachers were guests, then the topic would be history based.

A survey for the PawCast has been posted around the high school and an email has been sent out for the survey as well. This survey will be available all year for students to give continuous suggestions for topics.

If you or anyone you know has questions, please email Ms. Daniels or Conner Mills at rebecca.daniels@stjschools.org or 20355@stjschools.org.

Attribution: Becky Daniels Photo

Students gathered at their reunification zone after a second false bomb threat was made at St. James High School November 15.

HS Evacuates for Second False Bomb Threat

By Mariah Perkins

December 8th, 2022

21213@stjschools.org

On November 15, 2022, Superintendent Tim Webster got a report from the high school administration that a student had received an Airdrop that stated a bomb had been in the building. This led to an all-school evacuation,

Webster expressed the inconveniences it caused. “It stops any learning that was going on for the day.”

He discussed what happens when a bomb threat is reported. “Our local law enforcement has to reach out to the people ahead of them, which would be the ATF (Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives) or the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation).”

Consequences to making false

bomb threats can result in a class D felony. Class D is the second lowest level felony offense in Missouri and can carry jail time and a hefty fine.

“Some of the positives are we really had been complimented by statewide agencies on how fast our kids and our staff reacted and how they were able to perform in that type of situation. You don't ever want to think about those. But the reality is, if there ever was a real threat, it is reassuring to know that, you know, for the most part, the kids took it seriously and they did react and they got out of the building. So that is something to be proud of. We hope we don't have to do it anymore. Whether it be real or not real but it is something to be proud of."

Attribution: Becky Daniels Photo

On November 10, the high school Beta club and elementary school kids loaded the truck that delivered the cans to the Caring Center. (left photo) Here, Journey Lloyd (far left), Harper Sherfy (middle), and Grayson Swyers (far right), are placing cans in boxes and loading them into the truck. (right photo) Beta members (from left) M’Lynn Steen, Krina Patel, and Vanessa Perona lend a hand.

LWJ Collects 2005 Cans

By Paige Sells

December 8th, 2022

21320@stjschools.org

At Lucy Wortham James (LWJ) Elementary school, from November 7-10, 2022, the first grade and Amanda Gibson, held a food drive for their service learning project.

The students read a book called “Maddi’s Fridge”, and then the first graders made and hung up posters to encourage the other students to also bring in cans. They collected a total of 2,005 cans.

All the cans were donated to the St. James Caring Center.

Gibson feels that they accomplished their goal. “Our goal was 1,000, so we exceeded that goal. Then Mr. Copeland said that if we got 2,500 cans he would get a pie in the face. We are so close but came up short for that goal. But we were so proud of what the kids accomplished. It was the largest single donation to the caring center that they received.” The St. James High School Beta club helped the elementary school load the truck that would take the cans over to the Caring Center on November 10. Daniels and Beta were glad to help. “I sent an email to the elementary principal several weeks ago, letting them know that we have several Beta kids looking for service hours and if there were any projects coming up to let us know and we would be happy to lend a hand or become a partner in any project. After that, Mrs. Gibson emailed me and asked if I could send about a dozen kids over to help collect all the cans from the elementary food drive and I happily accepted.” With the food drive, there was a competition involved. The competition was whichever first grade teacher with the most cans, gets a pie in the face on the last day of the drive. The kids were very excited about the whole project and loved doing the project.

Attribution: Maddie Guccione Photo

Cristina “Cris” Fernandez-Huelves, a sophomore foreign exchange student from Alcobendas, Madrid in Spain, will be a St. James Tiger for the duration of the 2022-23 school year. At St. James High School, she is on the cheerleading squad.

Foreign Exchange Student Joins St. James High School

By Maddie Guccione

December

20882@stjschools.org

Sophomore Cristina Fernandez- Huelves is a foreign exchange student at St. James High School for the 2022-23 school year from Alcobendas, a municipality in the community of Madrid, Spain.

Her stay here will last until the end of the school year. While she's here, she would like to improve her English.

She says there are many difference between American schools and schools in Spain. “Spain is better. The food is just so much better. However, in Spain, the teachers move classes instead of the students."

She also enjoys being on the cheerleading team: "Yeah, I like being on the cheerleading team... In Spain, we don't have cheerleading because there isn’t American football. We have soccer."

She praised the hospitality of her host family. In the future, she would like come back to visit, but she will continue to live in Spain where her friends and family are.

Mrs Daniels, her English teacher, kindly said, “I love having Cris in class. She works so hard and isn’t afraid to ask questions. I really value hearing about her life in Spain. She will be sorely missed when she goes back home.”

Whether she's in St. James or Spain, She will always be a Tiger. If you see Cris, make sure to welcome her to the Tiger family.

Attribution: Savannah Smith Photo

New Ag teacher Mrs. Watson is seen helping Rowdy Cantrell with his assignment. Mrs. Watson likes to help make assignments fun for the students.

Watson Joins Ag Department

By Savannah Smith

December 8th, 2022

78590@stjschools.org

Mrs. Watson is a new agriculture teacher at St. James High School. She has a degree in agribusiness from West Texas A&M.

Watson has been a teacher for 8 years. She came from Rolla, MO, where she was a middle school math teacher.

Watson said, “Since I spent eight years with Jay Goff [Director of enrollment management at S&T] telling me how girls got out of math in middle school, I was stubborn, and I thought I can fix that. So I decided I was going to teach middle school math.”

Watson wanted to teach girls that boys are not smarter than them, and that girls are equals intellectually. But after teaching in Rolla, she decided she was ready for a change.

She became an agriculture teacher because that’s the program she originally graduated from. Her journey started by returning to Missouri from College Station, Texas. She then went back to college for a year and did summer camps. After college, she went to be a math teacher in Rolla for 3 years. Then she came to St. James to teach agriculture.

Watson said, “It’s been fun to come back.”

Sampson Replaces Menendez

By: Savannah Smith

78590@stjschools.org

Travis Sampson is a new teacher in St. James High school, after Menendez retired in 2022. Sampson graduated from Southwest Baptist University, with a bachelor's degree in elementary education. Sampson wanted to be a teacher because he had a really influential coach, and a couple of good teachers.

Before St. James, Mr. Sampson has taught at some local schools such as Salem for seven years and Eugene high school

. He has also taught overseas such as Brindisi, Italy and South Korea. He has been teaching for twelve years. Sampson says he has enjoyed teaching here so far. Sampson likes to teach many subjects like American history, sociology, and any subject regarding history. Sampson says, “give me a subject I’ll teach it, they may not be taught well, but it’ll be taught.”

Attribution: Elizabeth Keyes

Cutline: Joe Campbell is a science/health teacher at St. James High School. Here, Campbell is posing with his award for winning teacher of the month for Leading the Tiger Way.

Breeding, Campbell Win Awards

By: Paige Sells

21230@stjschools.org

In November, Ronna Breeding won staff member of the month and Joe Campbell won teacher of the month for Leading the Tiger Way at St. James High School.

Mrs. Breeding is a paraprofessional. She has been teaching for 12 years, but she became a teacher here because she wanted her son to come to this school, and she thought it would be a great opportunity to work with the kids here. Winning this award means “It’s an honor to know that the other teachers appreciate the support and they let us push into their classroom and help the kids as well.” Being able to work with the kids and the relationships she builds with the kids is her favorite part of her job. Mr. Campbell is a science/health teacher. He has been teaching for 27 years. He became a teacher because he enjoys instructing and teaching. He first realized this when he was in ROTC and he was given a chance to teach, and then from there he went on to pursue a teaching degree. Winning to him is “Well, it’s always nice to be recognized for the things that really everyone is doing. So I appreciate that.” His favorite part about his job is interacting with the students.

The other winners of Leading the Tiger Way are Katie Moreland and Kayla Crites at the elementary school, and Brenda Stack and JC Shepherd at the middle school.

Attribution: Zoey Bliss Photo

Cutline: Junior Zoey Bliss and her fellow class officers are hanging up these flyers to inform all teachers and students in the St. James district to participate on December 16th, 5- 7pm for a Christmas night to help families in need.

Pre-Christmas Night Fundraiser

By: Madalynn Tinsley

20590@stjschools.org

Come Join Junior Zoey Bliss and her class officers for a Christmas night you’ll never forget!

As of next Friday, December 16, 5-7pm at the St. James High school in the Auditorium, Zoey Bliss will be hosting a Christmas Night Fundraiser. This fundraiser is to collect toiletries for families in need. They will be showing the movie, How The Grinch Stole Christmas, there will be different activities to participate in, and will give you an opportunity to take pictures with Santa Claus.

This is mainly run by St. James High School class officers and a big help from Junior Amy Berkelman and Freshmen English teacher Mrs. Sandusky. All of this hard work is given by volunteer teachers and class officers in the St. James High School District.

It’s important for people to participate in this event because all donations will be given to families in need. Zoey importantly noted, “The more people, the more difference we can make.”

We highly encourage you to come support all of our hard workers that are making a difference for your community this Friday night.

Attribution: Photo taken by Royal Newton

Cutline: RTI cookie decorating event on December 8, 2022. The Pre-K kids held their cookie skits, the cookies had been eaten in seconds and the kids had gone through a sugar rush. Braxton Dautenhahn(right) with four preschoolers(middle) with their teacher(left).

RTI Helps Pre-K Decorate Cookies

By: Royal Newton

21390@stjschools.org

On December 8, 2022, the RTI culinary program held a cookie decorating activity in the Culinary classroom for the pre-K kids that are in the pups program. They visited from three local Rolla elementary schools and the event hosted 200 Pre-K kids in total. This event is held every year, it helps the toddlers develop more complex motor skills while giving them a creative outlet.

Caramel Dare, the culinary instructor, ran the event with the help of her RTI students. The culinary students helped make the sugar cookie dough, cut and cook the cookies, and they also helped put together small cookie making kits for the Pre-K students. The culinary students split up into two groups; one helped the kids construct their cookie creations while the others stayed in the back and made sure every cookie making kit was made right.

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