❤️🌎 2nd and 3rd Grade's Hearts Around the World Project is complete! They loved adding each new pin to their map. They ended just 12 states short of all 50 and even received cards from five countries! So proud of our students and grateful for everyone who helped our hearts travel the globe. ❤️💌 #HappyDays #BestLittleScoolEver

Valentine’s celebrations! 💕

Our students had a blast at their Valentine’s Parties, and the Valentine Box Contest was a huge hit—so much creativity and joy on display! 📦✨

#HappyDays
#Bestlittleschoolever

Keeping traditions alive—kisses, hugs, and love from our kindergarten family. ❤️

Heads up!

Friday, February 27, 2026 is Spring Picture Day.

Share a candy and share a smile! 😊 🗓️ February 10-12th (Purchase in the gym before announcements) Candy Grams are 75¢ each—great for friends, classmates, or your Valentine! 💕 Let’s spread some sweetness!

🎉✨ Join Us for 8th Grade Recognition! ✨🎉

📅 Date: Thursday, February 12th
🕒 Time: 6:00pm
📍 Location: Strain Japan R-XVI

Bring your family, cheer loud, and help us honor these athletes as they move into high school athletics!

We’re welcoming the warmer weather with open arms (and a few snowballs)! ❄️😄☀️ Students were thrilled to enjoy outdoor recess again this past week and their joy is contagious. Here’s to brighter days ahead! #HappyDays #Bestlittleschoolever

SJS Families---
🎈 Inflatable Night is coming! 🎈

The 8th Grade is hosting a night full of big bounces, big laughs, and big fun for the whole family!

🗓 Friday, Feb. 27, 2026
⏰ 6:00–7:30 PM
🎟 FREE admission

🍿 Concessions available: Pulled pork, nachos, candy & soft drinks

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Parents must be present throughout the event

Don’t miss this bounce-tastic night! 🏰🎉

A shout-out to Mrs. Taylor, our beloved counselor! Every student deserves a school counselor to help with academic achievement strategies,
managing emotions, applying interpersonal skills, and planning for postsecondary options.
School counselors #AmplifyStudentSuccess

We had a blast kicking off this year’s Kids Heart Challenge at Strain Japan R-XVI!

With help from our Heart Heroes, students are learning how to keep their hearts healthy through movement, kindness, rest, and knowing when to ask for help. 💪💖😴

👉 Join the fun by visiting http://www2.heart.org/goto/strainjapan
or downloading the AHA Schools app.

🎉 Bonus: Students earn a FREE wristband just for signing up!

Let’s work together to build healthy hearts and healthy habits! 💙

#KidsHeartChallenge #HeartHeroes #HealthyHearts #StrainJapanRXVI #MoveMore

Last week, our first graders welcomed a guest reader who helped bring the joy of literacy to life. 📚 We are grateful for community members who partner with our schools to support early reading and spark curiosity in our young learners. Thank you, Mrs. Farnan, for investing in our students and helping us continue to build a strong foundation for lifelong learning!

We are hiring!

🐆🏀 That’s a WIN for our Leopards! 🏀🐆 The Strain Japan A Team Basketball squad came out strong tonight and battled hard to secure a big win against St. Anthony’s! From start to finish, our Leopards showed determination, teamwork, and heart on the court. Way to represent Strain Japan with pride—keep the momentum going! 💛🖤

Winter Semi-Formal

Our Pre-K students created beautiful heart art today using paint and marbles! ❤️🎨 This fun activity helped build creativity, fine motor skills, and lots of smiles as they rolled their marbles to make one-of-a-kind masterpieces.

Home Game

Strain families, enjoy your long weekend!
#bestlittleschoolever
#happydays
#happyweekend

Snack Cart will be available this Thursday!