Chapel Buddies Foster Mentorship and Connection Across Grades
On Friday, January 9, kindergarten students on the St. Mark’s Campus joined first through fifth grade students for Chapel, marking an important step in their Christian formation journey with the support of third grade Chapel buddies. While kindergarten students continue to participate in Pre-Primary Chapel, these Friday services help prepare them for the full Chapel […]
Lower Schools Reflect on the Christmas Story Through Lessons and Carols
As the Christmas season approaches, students at both Lower Schools gathered last week for meaningful Lessons and Carols services that blended music, scripture, and reflection. Each campus brought its own style to this cherished tradition while sharing a common purpose: preparing hearts and minds for the celebration of Christ’s birth. At the Beaches Campus, scripture […]
A Christmas Story Comes to Life Through Pre-K 4 Voices
Pre-K 4 students delighted families and friends today as they brought the story of Christmas to the stage in a heartwarming Nativity program. The young performers transformed the space into a living Nativity, confidently stepping into their roles and sharing simple lines that retold the timeless story. With wide smiles and enthusiastic voices, they captured […]
Third Grade Explores Jacksonville’s Historic Landmarks
Third grade students explored Jacksonville’s rich history during a recent field trip through Avondale, Riverside, Springfield, and Downtown. Throughout the day, students connected what they had been learning in the classroom to real places in their own city. The trip was led by Drew Haramis, St. Mark’s Campus’ third grade teacher and Jacksonville history expert. […]
“The First Thanksgiving” Opens a Season of Student Performances
Kindergarten students presented “The First Thanksgiving” on Wednesday, November 19, on stage in the Lori Schiavone Commons. Dressed as turkeys, pilgrims, and Indians, students recited poems and performed adorable and hilarious songs, including the much-loved song “Strut Mr. Turkey”! The kindergarten performance is the first of several opportunities for students to take center stage this […]
Fourth Grade Students Bring Literary Settings to Life with AI and VR
St. Mark’s Campus fourth grade students recently experienced the world of Louis Sachar’s novel Holes in an entirely new dimension. In a collaborative project led by teachers Morgan Lankford and Beth Harralson with David Sandlin, Technology and Innovation Instructor, students harnessed the power of artificial intelligence to enhance their creative writing and literary comprehension. Students […]
St. Mark’s Campus Hosts “Art and Design of Display”
On Saturday, November 15, the St. Mark’s Campus hosted an “Art and Design of Display” workshop, drawing over 60 guests from the ESJ community and beyond. The discussion was led by Atlanta-based artist Lindsey McCord, A Vision for Art Featured Artist, and Emily Magevney, art expert, collector, and ESJ parent. Attendees enjoyed an informative and […]
Lower Schools Celebrate Veterans Day
St. Mark’s and Beaches Campuses honored the brave men and women who have served and are serving in the military through heartfelt services, personal stories, and tributes on Tuesday, deepening student understanding of service and patriotism. The St. Mark’s Campus hosted a Chapel service for kindergarten through fifth grade students. Corporal Bryan Madsen, U.S. Marine […]
Students Step Into Narnia to Conclude “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” Novel Study
Fifth grade students recently completed a novel study on The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. To celebrate the end of the book, the class stepped into the world of C.S. Lewis for a special culminating event complete with snowy decor, a life-sized painted wardrobe, and special visits from the White Witch and Aslan. Students […]
Hands-on learning at Devil’s Millhopper and Poe Springs State Parks
St. Mark’s Campus fourth grade students got a firsthand look at Florida’s unique geology during a field trip exploring sinkholes, springs, and the Floridan Aquifer. At Devil’s Millhopper, they marveled at a 100-foot-deep natural sinkhole, and at Poe Springs, they tested water clarity and temperature from multiple locations. In the classroom, students turned observations into […]