Morning Assembly

After either 1) parking on the very limited school grounds, the adjacent park/library, or street (watch for posted towing signs), or 2) dropping the student off by following the traffic pattern, children proceed to the benches assigned for their grade. Careful attention should be given to instructing children to the correct use of the crosswalk near the 1st grade classroom. Do not allow students to walk between cars in the traffic pattern. Individual teachers will inform students of their rules for their class regarding classroom entry prior to morning assembly.

The morning bell rings at 7:57 am, sharp, after which the students are told to "Please stand"

Student Council Officers lead the following activities, in which all students participate:
   » Salute to the Cross (new students will pick this up quickly!)
   » Prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, special prayer of the day, . . .)
   » Pledge of Allegiance
   » Patriotic song

» Students are told to "Please be seated" for any student-wide, pertinent announcements, either from Sr. Mary Margaret, Student Council and/or a variety of parent event coordinators.

» Students are told to "Have a nice day" at which time they proceed to their classrooms. Morning Assembly lasts 5-15 minutes.

The following explanations should provide some insight into the various programs offered to St. James students. Much of this information is cross referenced; please read several times to try to gain understanding.

Snack / Recess
Daily at 10:00, for 20 minutes, students are taken outside to the benches where they may eat a home-brought snack or buy ice cream (on Mondays and Wednesdays).

Donut Days
On the first Friday of the month, Student Council sells a variety for $.50, at Snack time only. No donuts are sold at Lunch.

Hot Lunch
Monthly, on our website, parents should submit orders for restaurant-delivered lunch for the students. This "Hot Lunch" is available most Tuesdays and Thursdays; prices and establishments vary; previous menus included: hamburgers, pizza slices, chicken nuggets, hot dogs, and burritos. Entree items only are included in the prepaid form.

Payment should be sent in the Hot Lunch Payment Envelope and distribution of the items occurs like this:

» Except for Pizza days: When the lunch bell rings, the Hot Lunches are delivered to the class rooms along with a name/item sheet for the teacher for distribution of the food items.

» Pizza days: When the lunch bell rings, the students are given a ticket to redeem at the Food Sales Area for their pizza.

In addition to the entree ordered, and only on Hot Lunch Days, the students (regardless of whether they have ordered Hot Lunch for that day) may purchase drinks for either $.75 (can/bottle) or $.50 (cup).

Free Recess
Every Friday, all students who have met their teacher's expectations of good behavior are rewarded by being able to play "freely" (=no play leaders/areas) from 2:45 pm till dismissal (3:00). No food is served, except for the occasional Sr. Mary Margaret treat. Each teacher maintains and explains her guidelines for this reward.

Milk
Milk can be ordered from the online Hot Lunch System, by month.  If ordered, milk cartons are delivered to the classrooms, similar to Hot Lunch. This is available all days but half days.

Play Leaders
While the K-5th graders are playing at Snack and Lunch, a designated 6th, 7th or 8th grader is assigned to supervise their activities. Every Monday, during Morning Assembly, play leaders are assigned, and the play leader meets briefly with the teacher for advice/instruction. Each grade is divided by gender for play, and a different play leader is assigned to each group. For example: Mary Smith (Kindergarten Girls - Area 2), Tom Jones (3rd Grade Boys - Area 4). The areas of play are designated, and the students understand very quickly where they are to go. The adjacent public park is used only in the area near the school; the play equipment and restrooms are strictly off-limits. Lunch time is assisted by parents on Yard Duty.

Walking the Line
In an effort to curb misbehavior, "Time out with exercise" takes place at Snack and Lunch as needed. Each teacher determines what behavior qualifies for "Walking the Line." All grades qualify, and students have to walk on the designated painted line during Snack, and/or Lunch while their peers are at play. This should be viewed as taking away the privilege of getting to play.