Page 16 - South Mississippi Living - February, 2017

COASTNOTES
St. James Catholic School
CONTINUES PROGRAMS OF EXCELLENCE story by Kelsey Sunderman-Foster photos courtesy of St. James Catholic School
For more than 50 years, St. James Catholic School has been serving the Coast through dedication to educating and empowering children in the community. Through their emphasis on instilling Christian values paired with academic excellence, they have earned a reputation as a frontrunner in elementary education.
“In 2014, we were recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School,” said Jennifer Broadus, the school’s principal. “This designation is reserved for schools that are among their state’s highest performing schools, as measured by state assessments or nationally-normed tests.”
Earning the Blue Ribbon status is the highest honor a school can receive from the U.S. Department of Education. Since receiving the Blue Ribbon status, St. James has continued to excel. In the past year, all members of
the school’s staff have become certified in using AEDs (automated external defibrillators) and providing CPR. They also received professional development training on dyslexia and other learning-related disorders.
Proof of their academic excellence is evident in the success of the students. In 2016, 59 percent of 3-6 grade students qualified for the University
of Southern Mississippi Gifted Studies
Program, and 64 percent of 4-6 grade students qualified for Duke TIP, a non-profit organization that offers programs for gifted students.
Outside the classroom, St. James offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, off-campus learning opportunities and creative arts. Most notably,
St. James’ fine arts programs have continued to introduce students to music, visual arts and performing arts. Each year, the school puts on a Spring musical, which is widely anticipated.
“We are the recent recipient of a $4,500.00 grant from
the National Endowment for the Arts and the Mississippi Arts Commission in support of our 2017 Spring Musical,” Broadus said. “The project grant was written by Mrs. Terese Evans. The NEA/MAC grant recognizes excellence in the promotion of arts in education.”
Last year, Evans — a faculty member — received the Leo W. Seal Innovative Teaching Grant in the amount
of $1,960 for “Art Serves: For the Children... By the Children” community service project. She and some
of her students recently donated various pieces of art to CASA (Court Appointed Special
Advocates) of Harrison County.
603 West. Ave., Gulfport | 228.896.6631 www.stjamesgulfport.com
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