Greetings from the Dean's Office

Halloween season seems to be one of the most exciting times of the year for our students.  Maybe it is because it signifies that Thanksgiving, the Holloway Tournament, and Lessons & Carols are just around the corner.  Maybe it is because our students really enjoy dressing up in outlandish costumes and scaring each other.  Either way, campus is abuzz.  

Last weekend we had almost 40 students head up to Hershey Park in the Dark, in Hershey, Pennsylvania.  That same night, another 20 students went to Sky Zone Glow, which is the "after dark" glow in the dark event at Sky Zone trampoline park.  By all accounts our students had a great time, but more importantly they were great ambassadors for Saint James with their enthusiasm and good behavior.

This weekend is highlighted with another round of Halloween-themed activities. On Friday night, Dr. Brauner and Dr. Weibel will use science to whip up spooky concoctions that are sure to illicit a reaction from the students participating. On Saturday, our Student Activities Club, with great help from Mr. Pillow and Ms. Proctor, will host their second annual haunted house in the bunker below Mattingly Hall.  Both of these events are open to the Saint James community, not just current students. 

Finally, on Sunday we are fortunate enough to have the opportunity to have the dedication of one of the new town homes, as well as the site dedication of the Pohanka Fine Arts Center. Join us for chapel at 11:00 a.m. followed by the site dedications at noon.

Sincerely,

Steve Lachut
Dean of Students

WEEKEND ACTIVITIES

Reminder to day students that they are welcome to participate in any weekend activity!

Duty Captains: Mr. & Mrs. Zawie
Notes: Open Weekend

Friday:

3:00 - Boys Varsity Soccer @ MAC Tournament
4:15 - Girls Soccer vs St. Andrew's
4:30 - Varsity Field Hockey @ Brookewood
6:00 – Dinner (Required)*
6:30 – Second Form Social at Ross Fulton House (Batsons)
6:45 – Costume Shopping
7:00 – Varsity Football @ Maret
7:30 – Chemoween with Dr. Brauner & Dr. Weibel
9:00 – Depart for Zip-Lining in the Dark at Cedar Ridge Adventures
10:00 – Check-in at Kemp Hall (Required)*
10:30-11 – Check-in on dorm (Required)*

Saturday:

8:00 – Breakfast (Optional)
8:30 – Work Squad
10:00 – Great Outdoors Festival @ Whitetail
11:00 – Lunch (Required)*
12:30 – Cross Country @ MAC Championship
6:00 – Dinner in KEMP HALL (Required)*
6:00 – Dinner Out/Fast Food Run
7-8:30 – Walk Through
7:30 – 10 – Haunted House in Mattingly Bunker
8;30-10 – Walk Through
10:00 – Check-in at Kemp Hall (Required)*
10-11 – Walk Through
10:30-11 – Check-in on dorm (Required)*

Sunday:

8:00 – Breakfast (Optional)
8:30 – Work Squad
11:00 – Chapel
12:00 – Townhouse & Fine Arts Building Dedications
12:45 - Brunch (Required)*
1:30 – Depart for local shopping
1:30 - 5:30 – Library Open
3:00 - 5:00 – Fine Arts Open
3:00 - 5:00 Open Gym
6:00 - Dinner
7:45 – On Dorm Check-in for Study Hall
9:45 – Compline

IMPORTANT NOTES

From the Parents' Association:

All parents should have received their Annual Fund letter in the mail last week. Phone calls begin tonight! This drive is very important to the overall success of the school and it is part of a tradition of giving that really sets Saint James apart from other schools. As we celebrate our 175th year, let us show the entire community why this school is so special to all of us by having 100% participation in the Annual Fund!  Please remember that you can make your donation over time and participation is the key.  Any amount you are comfortable with giving is very much appreciated and helps us reach our goal of 100% participation!! 

Please contact Tim Almany (tdalmany@yahoo.com) or Jan Welty (janelwelty@hotmail.com) if you would like to help tonight or any other phonathon event!

We are still in need of volunteers for this weekend! We will have a girls lacrosse tournament on our campus on October 28th and 29th. We are in need of many volunteers to work our concession stand. It is one of our most profitable events. Students can also earn volunteer hours by signing up through ivolunteer!  Please consider helping out that Saturday and/or Sunday. 

Volunteer Here

To All Cookie Day Volunteers:

The first Cookie Day of the year will be on Wednesday, November 15. Please drop off all treats to Claggett Hall on Wednesday by 1:00. Remember to use non returnable containers and label your treats. Please remember to sign up on iVolunteer  

Contact Catherine Ann George with any questions. cajtjlgeorge@gmail.com

Thank you so much for donating. The students truly appreciate this treat.

Blackbaud Reminder:

Have you logged in to Blackbaud yet?  Blackbaud is where you can access students assignments and grades, directory information, calendars and schedules, and more. Be sure to bookmark the Blackbaud website.  You may also access Blackbaud from the "Login" button at the top of the Saint James website. If you have questions or need assistance logging in, please contact Jennifer Martirano at jmartirano@stjames.edu or 301-733-9330 x3038.

From Mr. McDonald, regarding Iceland:

I am taking a group of students to Iceland in March 2018. We have two spots remaining. This is the LAST CHANCE to come with us!  As of November 10th the numbers need to be finalized and official booking of flights, hotels, whale watching excursions, reservations at the Blue Lagoon, and many other exciting adventures begins.  

If you are interested in enrolling, please visit our trip website.  Don't hesitate to reach out with any questions!

Thanks,

Mr. Jeremy McDonald

From the College Counseling Office:

There is a NACAC College Fair in Washington, D.C., on Sunday, November 5th.  More than 300 colleges are expected to be in attendance.  More information can be found here.

Fall Family Weekend Survey:

Thank you to all of the families who were able to join us for Fall Family Weekend!  In order to improve from year to year, we would like your feedback.  Please submit this short survey to provide us with your thoughts. 

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