News from the Academy of Saint James
January 22 - 26, 2024
“The Blessing of New Beginnings” Genesis
Happy New Year! January is a time for new beginnings and positive change. I
love the promise of the New Year and all the opportunities that exist for our children and
their futures. Together, we look forward to 2024 with joy and anticipation as we praise
our Lord for all we have and for His being in our lives.
Students in grades 6 through 8 have completed their Midterm exams having been given
the opportunity to learn the value of organizational and study skills from the beginning of
the year. These exams also help parents and students understand the changes they need to
improve their studies. We worked together to support our students before, during and
after exams to strive to achieve their full potential.
My middle school students are reading the following novels Hatchet, My Side of the
Mountain, and The Outsiders. Reading these novels, students share with others their
understanding of the story’s elements and insight into the author’s message. After
completing a novel, the students experience a sense of accomplishment and look forward
to reading their next novel. My goal as their literature teacher is to inspire students to
become lifelong readers and appreciate the values of reading.
The sixth grade students are also preparing to celebrate the value of Catholic school
education during the week of January 28 - February 3. This year’s theme, “Catholic
Schools: United in Faith and Community” will be discussed in religion classes and how
to apply this theme in their homes, our community, and in living in our world. Also, in
literature classes we will be crafting inspirational poems about the Academy of Saint
James.
Thank you to all the Saint James parishioners and families who continue to support the
Academy. I wish that 2024 be filled with peace, health, grace and blessing of Jesus in the
days ahead for all.
Mrs. Shire
Middle School Literature Teacher and Student Council Moderator