St. James School

CHALLENGING MINDS, CHERISHING FAMILIES, CULTIVATING SOULS

MRS. LAUREL BARTHOLOMEW

Principal

     ​Mrs. Bartholomew and her family have lived in Gouverneur for 14 years.  She earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work and enjoys working with families.  She has worked in education for the past 6 years and has been a parent at St. James school for 11 years.  She and her family live on their off-grid homestead, caring for the land and striving to raise much of their food themselves. Her favorite pastimes are biking, hiking, reading and cooking for her family. 

Mrs. Ashley Barr

PreK Teacher and Vice Principal

Mrs. Barr was born and raised here in Gouverneur. She has a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a Master's in Curriculum and Education. She is NYS certified in Early Childhood as well as Elementary Education. In 2021, Mrs. Barr was appointed the Vice Principal of St. James School. Her youngest daughter attends St. James School.

Mrs. April Sochia

Third Grade

Mrs. Sochia resides in Gouverneur with her family.  She joined the St. James family in 2022 and is very excited to be teaching third grade.  Mrs. Sochia received her elementary education degree from SUNY Oswego where she figure skated on the Synchronized Skating Team.  In the fall, she coaches the Gouverneur Girls Modified Soccer Team and can be found attending many sports events watching her children.  Mrs. Sochia loves spending time in the Adirondacks or reading a book on her back porch.

Mr. Luke Gates

Fourth Grade

Mr. Gates grew up in Gouverneur, NY. He went to SUNY Oswego and earned his bachelor's degree in education, with a concentration in mathematics. Mr. Gates is an Air Force veteran, and taught middle school math in Maryland before returning home to New York. He has two children who both attend St. James School.