St. James Public Schools

St. James Public Schools staff kicked off the 2026–2027 school year with a day of learning, connection, and preparation! Staff engaged in professional learning with Sarah Ward focused on executive functioning and practical strategies to help students strengthen planning, organization, time management, and task completion. The day also included important training on the district’s Cardiac Emergency Response Plan as staff prepared to welcome students back safely and successfully. It is wonderful to have our staff back in the buildings, learning and growing together. Their energy and commitment have us excited for another great year at St. James Public Schools! Welcome back, Saints! #SaintsTogether #SaintsPRIDE #StJamesPublicSchools

Congratulations to the nine St. James Public Schools teachers who earned tenure effective with the 2026–2027 school year! Superintendent Dawson recognized these dedicated educators during today’s staff opening workshop, celebrating this important professional milestone and their continued commitment to our students. Pictured from L to R: Kai Friederichs, Kaitie Blomgren, Eve Hoek, Allison Johnson, Brittney Karschnik, Anna Petersen, JoAnna Pluym, Alyssa Stevensen and Chris Weymann. #SaintsStrong

Kindergarten Jumpstart 2026 was a success!

Our Class of 2039 spent the week getting to know Northside, exploring their classrooms, making new friends, and learning what it means to be a Saint!

The smiles, excitement, and curiosity throughout the week were the perfect way to kick off a brand-new school year. We loved welcoming our newest Saints and can’t wait to watch them learn, grow, and shine this year!

Welcome to Northside, Class of 2039!

Good luck to all our fall student-athletes, coaches, and teams as they begin another exciting season! Play with pride. Compete with GRIT. Support one another. Most importantly, enjoy every opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed together. We are proud of you, Go Saints! ❤️🖤

Even though school meals are provided at no cost, the Application for Educational Benefits still matters. It may unlock summer grocery support, internet and utility discounts, reduced college exam fees, and more, plus it helps your school access critical funding. Fill the form today! #FillTheFormMN #MoreThanMeals 2026-2027 Application for Educational Benefits (Español)

Welcome to St. James Public Schools! On Thursday, August 20, we welcomed our newest staff members to the Saints family! The day included Schmidt’s pastries, Encore Coffee, and a delicious lunch from Taher, generously sponsored by the St. James Rotary Club. Each new staff member also received a welcome bag from the St. James Area Chamber of Commerce. We are grateful for the wonderful support of our community partners and excited to see the positive impact these talented educators will make on the students of St. James Public Schools! Welcome to the Saints family! #SaintsPride #WelcomeToStJames #StJamesPublicSchools

SJPS is proud to announce that Michelle Kastner is returning to #StJamesMSHS. This year, she will be joining the English Language Development (ELD) team. Please help us welcome back, Michelle to St. James Public Schools.

We’re excited to welcome our 1st–5th grade students and families back for Entrance Conferences on Monday, August 31st, 2026!

SJPS is proud to announce that Kayla Fischer is joining #NorthsideStJ as a 4th Grade Teacher.

Please help us welcome Kayla to the Saints Family!

Our amazing Kindergarten Teachers are all smiles and ready to welcome the Class of 2039 today at Kindergarten Entrance Conferences!

We can’t wait to see our newest Saints at Kindergarten Jumpstart next week. It’s going to be a wonderful beginning to their school journey!

✏️ Northside Elementary School 2026-2027 Supply Lists! 🎒🖍️

It’s time to get ready for the 2026–2027 school year! Northside Elementary families can view school supply lists for Kindergarten through 5th Grade.

Check your child’s grade-level list and get a head start on your back-to-school shopping! 🛒✏️📓

🔗 View the 2026–2027 Northside Elementary School Supply Lists here:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hH5lW9Z0I1lRwUHzslrNSuXQqriKaK9BLvJvCjoxUPE/edit?usp=sharing

We’re looking forward to another great year at Northside Elementary! 🏫💙

#NorthsideElementary #BackToSchool #SchoolSupplies #SchoolSupplyList #ReadyForSchool

Looking forward to welcoming our Class of 2039 Kindergarteners and their families!

Hello, August!

We’re excited to welcome the 2026–2027 school year! Now is the perfect time to review the academic calendar and begin planning for another wonderful year of learning, growth, and memorable moments.

View the calendar here:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/16uUOimDwJRHqdyRdh15_cyM8yDFZmk93LfYJx_vWwfk/edit?tab=t.gkcqm84z36un

You can also find the calendar on our school website.

Let’s make it a fantastic year! Go Saints!

SJPS is proud to announce that Jerika Ziermann is joining #NorthsideStJ as a 4th Grade Teacher. Please help us welcome Jerika to the Saints Family! #GoSaints #SaintsStrong

SJPS is proud to announce that Mara Pauling is joining #StJamesMSHS as a Special Education Teacher. Please help us welcome back this St. James graduate into the Saints Family!

STEAM Camp 2026 officially came to a close today! This year’s Wild & Wise STEAM Camp, made possible through achievement and integration funding, brought together 151 students from St. James, Madelia, Lake Crystal, Truman, and Maple River for an exciting two weeks of learning, creativity, and exploration. A special thank-you to STEAM Camp Coordinator Sue Harris and all the teachers and support staff who made this incredible opportunity possible for our students!

A fun day of challenges and puzzles as SBTB kids engaged in an escape room today! Group 1 finished in 47 minutes and Group 2 finished in 39 minutes! Way to go!

The track enhancement project is complete!

Our newly refreshed track will reopen for walking and running on Thursday, August 6. Thank you for your patience throughout the project, we’re excited for our students and community to enjoy its fresh new look!

#SaintsPride #GoSaints

Exciting improvements are underway at St. James Middle Senior High School! Work on a new stage floor begins today, while crews continue making progress on the MSHS roofing project. These investments will help maintain and improve our facilities for students, staff, and the community for years to come. We appreciate everyone’s patience as crews and equipment move throughout the campus. We look forward to sharing more progress along the way! #SaintsStrong #BuildingForTheFuture