SAINTS & SIPS -- Join the Conversation!
You're invited to our second Saints & Sips gathering of the 2026–2027 school year!
Join St. James Public Schools Superintendent Liam Dawson for a casual coffee conversation where ideas percolate and community grows!
Date:: Monday, October 12, 2026
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Location: Encore Coffee Cafe
October's Topic: The Minnesota Permanent School Fund
Did you know Minnesota has a Permanent School Fund that helps support public education across the state?
This month, we'll explore what the Permanent School Fund is, how it works, and why it matters to Minnesota's public schools and communities. Whether you have questions, ideas, or simply want to learn more about our schools, we'd love to have you join us! No formal agenda. Just coffee, conversation, and connection.
At St. James Public Schools, we believe strong schools are built through strong community partnerships. We look forward to listening, learning, and growing together!
Grab a coffee, pull up a chair, and join the conversation!
#SaintsAndSips #StJamesPublicSchools #SaintsPride #CommunityConnections
ST. JAMES PUBLIC SCHOOLS IS HIRING! JOIN OUR TEAM TO BECOME A SAINT!
Looking for an opportunity to make a difference? St. James Public Schools is seeking dedicated, passionate individuals to join our team and help support our students, schools, and community!
Current Opportunities:
- Special Education Paraprofessional – SUN Room
- Early Childhood Substitute Paraprofessional
- Child Care Assistant Teacher
- Child Care Aide
- Head Track & Field Coach – St. James/Madelia Cooperative
Whether you're passionate about supporting students, working with young learners, or leading student-athletes, there's a place for you on our Saints team!
Learn more and apply today:
https://www.applitrack.com/ISD840/onlineapp/default.aspx?all=1
Help us spread the word by sharing this post with someone who would be a great addition to our team!
#SaintsPride #StJamesPublicSchools #NowHiring #JoinOurTeam
The first of three sessions of Puentes Al Futuro (Bridge to the Future) took place tonight at St. James MSHS.
Thank you to the University of Minnesota-Morris for helping facilitate these important conversations. The next session will be held on October 22nd.
La primera de las tres sesiones de Puentes Al Futuro tuvo lugar esta noche en el MSHS de St. James.
Gracias a la Universidad de Minnesota-Morris por ayudar a facilitar estas importantes conversaciones. La próxima sesión se celebrará el 22 de octubre.
We’re excited to celebrate another awesome group of #NorthsideStJ Saints Power Winners! 🎉🌟
These students are leading the way with kindness, hard work, and positive choices throughout Northside.
Keep shining, Saints, and keep showing that Saints Power! ❤️🖤🙌
These students are leading the way with kindness, hard work, and positive choices throughout Northside.
Keep shining, Saints, and keep showing that Saints Power! ❤️🖤🙌
Happy National Coaches Day!
Thank you to our St. James Public Schools coaches for the time, care, and dedication you invest in our student athletes. Through every practice, competition, and conversation, you help students build confidence, persevere through challenges, and learn the value of teamwork.
Your impact reaches far beyond the scoreboard. Thank you for helping our students grow as athletes, teammates, and people!
#NationalCoachesDay #GoSaints #SaintsPride #WingsUnited #SJMSpartans
Reminder: Puentes al Futuro – This Thursday!
St. James Public Schools is excited to host Puentes al Futuro, a series of college preparation workshops offered in Spanish for students in grades 7–12 and their families, supported by the University of Minnesota-Morris.
The first workshop is this Thursday, October 8, from 6:30–8:30 p.m. at St. James High School.
Throughout the three-workshop series, families will learn more about:
- Higher education in the United States
- The college application process
- Financial aid and paying for college
The workshops are completely free, and food and childcare will be provided. Students and parents/guardians are encouraged to attend together.
📅 Thursday, October 8
⏰ 6:30–8:30 p.m.
📍 St. James High School
Additional workshops will be held October 22 and October 29.
We encourage our Spanish-speaking families who are interested in learning more about college opportunities to join us!
Recordatorio: ¡Puentes al Futuro este jueves!
St. James Public Schools se complace en ofrecer Puentes al Futuro, una serie de talleres de preparación universitaria ofrecidos completamente en español para estudiantes de los grados 7–12 y sus familias, con el apoyo de la University of Minnesota Morris.
El primer taller será este jueves 8 de octubre, de 6:30 a 8:30 p.m. en la Escuela Secundaria de St. James.
Durante los tres talleres, las familias aprenderán más sobre:
- La educación superior en los Estados Unidos
- El proceso de solicitud universitaria
- La ayuda financiera y cómo pagar la universidad
Los talleres son completamente gratuitos. Habrá comida y cuidado de niños.
Animamos a los estudiantes y a sus padres/tutores a asistir juntos.
Puentes al Futuro
📅 Jueves, 8 de octubre
⏰ 6:30–8:30 p.m.
📍 Escuela Secundaria de St. James
También habrá talleres el 22 y 29 de octubre.
¡Invitamos a nuestras familias a acompañarnos y aprender más sobre las oportunidades universitarias y cómo prepararse para el futuro!
St. James Public Schools is excited to host Puentes al Futuro, a series of college preparation workshops offered in Spanish for students in grades 7–12 and their families, supported by the University of Minnesota-Morris.
The first workshop is this Thursday, October 8, from 6:30–8:30 p.m. at St. James High School.
Throughout the three-workshop series, families will learn more about:
- Higher education in the United States
- The college application process
- Financial aid and paying for college
The workshops are completely free, and food and childcare will be provided. Students and parents/guardians are encouraged to attend together.
📅 Thursday, October 8
⏰ 6:30–8:30 p.m.
📍 St. James High School
Additional workshops will be held October 22 and October 29.
We encourage our Spanish-speaking families who are interested in learning more about college opportunities to join us!
Recordatorio: ¡Puentes al Futuro este jueves!
St. James Public Schools se complace en ofrecer Puentes al Futuro, una serie de talleres de preparación universitaria ofrecidos completamente en español para estudiantes de los grados 7–12 y sus familias, con el apoyo de la University of Minnesota Morris.
El primer taller será este jueves 8 de octubre, de 6:30 a 8:30 p.m. en la Escuela Secundaria de St. James.
Durante los tres talleres, las familias aprenderán más sobre:
- La educación superior en los Estados Unidos
- El proceso de solicitud universitaria
- La ayuda financiera y cómo pagar la universidad
Los talleres son completamente gratuitos. Habrá comida y cuidado de niños.
Animamos a los estudiantes y a sus padres/tutores a asistir juntos.
Puentes al Futuro
📅 Jueves, 8 de octubre
⏰ 6:30–8:30 p.m.
📍 Escuela Secundaria de St. James
También habrá talleres el 22 y 29 de octubre.
¡Invitamos a nuestras familias a acompañarnos y aprender más sobre las oportunidades universitarias y cómo prepararse para el futuro!
We’re kicking off the 2026–2027 school year by celebrating our first #NorthsideStJ Saints Power Winners! 🎉🌟
We’re so proud of the kindness, hard work, and positive choices our students are already showing. What a great way to start the year! Keep shining, Saints! ❤️🖤🙌
We’re so proud of the kindness, hard work, and positive choices our students are already showing. What a great way to start the year! Keep shining, Saints! ❤️🖤🙌
The week is underway, Saints!
Let’s cheer on our student-athletes as they compete throughout October 5–10. The full schedule is in the graphic.
For current times, locations, and any schedule changes, check Bound: https://www.gobound.com/mn/schools/stjames
Go Saints! #SaintsPride #GoSaints #WingsUnited
⏳ Northside's Elementary PTO Fundraiser ends tomorrow!⏳
Let’s finish strong and make this last day count!
🔔 REMINDER: PAPER SALES FORMS ARE DUE TOMORROW, MONDAY OCTOBER 5TH!
Please have your child turn their forms in, with the money, to their teacher or drop it off to the Northside Elementary office!
If you prefer to drop it off directly with someone from the PTO, please send them a Facebook message or email stjnorthsidepto@gmail.com
Thank you!
Let’s finish strong and make this last day count!
🔔 REMINDER: PAPER SALES FORMS ARE DUE TOMORROW, MONDAY OCTOBER 5TH!
Please have your child turn their forms in, with the money, to their teacher or drop it off to the Northside Elementary office!
If you prefer to drop it off directly with someone from the PTO, please send them a Facebook message or email stjnorthsidepto@gmail.com
Thank you!
Happy National Custodian Day!
Today, we celebrate the St. James Public Schools custodial team for the care and pride they bring to our schools every day!
From preparing classrooms for learning to getting our buildings ready for activities and community events, their work helps make our schools clean, safe, and welcoming for everyone. Behind every school day are countless tasks and caring people who make it possible.
To our custodial team: Thank you for supporting our students, staff, and community. Your work matters, and we appreciate you!
Join us in thanking our team in the comments!
#NationalCustodianDay #SaintsPride
October is National Principal Month!
This month, we celebrate the incredible principals who lead with dedication, compassion, and vision every day.
Thank you to Mr. Fugazzi, MSHS Principal and Mrs. Murphy, Northside Elementary Principal for helping create welcoming school communities, supporting teachers and staff, encouraging students, and making a difference in the St. James Community!
We are grateful for all that you do!
Happy National Principals Month and Go Saints!
This month, we celebrate the incredible principals who lead with dedication, compassion, and vision every day.
Thank you to Mr. Fugazzi, MSHS Principal and Mrs. Murphy, Northside Elementary Principal for helping create welcoming school communities, supporting teachers and staff, encouraging students, and making a difference in the St. James Community!
We are grateful for all that you do!
Happy National Principals Month and Go Saints!
St. James Families,
Homecoming is a time to celebrate our students, schools, and community. As the week begins, I want to follow up on our Homecoming message with a reminder about making safe and respectful choices outside of school.
We have received reports of homes being toilet papered more than once, windows being banged on, and objects being left in yards. These actions disrupt families, create cleanup, and can make people feel unsafe in their own homes.
Please talk with your child about respecting others’ homes and property, knowing where they are in the evenings, and avoiding pranks that disturb neighbors. Depending on the circumstances, incidents may be referred to the St. James Police Department. Conduct connected to school may also be addressed under district student conduct policies, including disciplinary action when appropriate.
Thank you for helping make Homecoming a positive week for the entire St. James community.
https://app.smore.com/n/mkcte
Go Saints!
Liam Dawson
Superintendent
🏈 Homecoming Week is here, Northside! ❤️🖤
We’re excited to celebrate September 28–October 2 with a week full of Saints spirit!
🎉 Spirit Dress-Up Days:
Monday: Favorite Hat Day
Tuesday: Red, White & Blue Day
Wednesday: Pajama & Sock Day
Thursday: Favorite TV Character Day
❤️ Friday: Red & Black Day🖤
Friday, October 2 will be an extra exciting day! Our football players will visit Northside during morning recess, TEAM UP will offer face painting and hair spray, and our students will head out in the afternoon for the Homecoming Parade and Pep Fest!
🏈 Homecoming buttons are available for $1 in the Northside office, and the Northside PTO will also be selling Homecoming spirit items throughout the week!
We can’t wait for a fun week celebrating our school and community!
❤️🖤 Go Saints! ❤️🖤
We’re excited to celebrate September 28–October 2 with a week full of Saints spirit!
🎉 Spirit Dress-Up Days:
Monday: Favorite Hat Day
Tuesday: Red, White & Blue Day
Wednesday: Pajama & Sock Day
Thursday: Favorite TV Character Day
❤️ Friday: Red & Black Day🖤
Friday, October 2 will be an extra exciting day! Our football players will visit Northside during morning recess, TEAM UP will offer face painting and hair spray, and our students will head out in the afternoon for the Homecoming Parade and Pep Fest!
🏈 Homecoming buttons are available for $1 in the Northside office, and the Northside PTO will also be selling Homecoming spirit items throughout the week!
We can’t wait for a fun week celebrating our school and community!
❤️🖤 Go Saints! ❤️🖤
It’s Homecoming week in St. James, and we’re ready to cheer on our Saints!
From the courts and fields to the cross country course, our student-athletes have a full week ahead. Check the graphic for the September 28–October 3 schedule, and join us in showing Saints pride at home and on the road. Let’s make this a memorable week for our students, families, alumni, and community!
Schedules can change. Find the latest times and locations on our Bound calendar.
Go Saints! #SaintsPride #GoSaints #HomecomingWeek
Good afternoon Saints Community,
Please see Superintendent Dawson's message leading up to homecoming week: https://app.smore.com/n/mkcte
Have a great Thursday afternoon and Go Saints!
Welcome to our first; Where Are They Now Wednesday Alumni Spotlight!
We are excited to begin celebrating St. James graduates and the many paths their lives have taken since graduation.
Our first spotlight features; Jeff Cargill, Class of 2004. Jeff lives in Elgin with his wife, Beth, and their two children. He works as a Construction Analyst for Rochester Public Schools and stays active by coaching wrestling, baseball, and soccer.
Jeff shares how growing up in St. James, competing in wrestling, and the lasting influence of Coach Eugene Hildebrandt helped shape the person he is today. His advice to current students is a wonderful reminder to appreciate the people and experiences around them.
Thank you, Jeff, for sharing your story and helping us launch this new series. Once a Saint, always a Saint!
Are you a St. James graduate? We would love to hear where life has taken you. Submit your story for a future Alumni Spotlight:
https://forms.gle/PoERjQ5CRVJXSP196
#StJamesSaints #AlumniSpotlight #WhereAreTheyNowWednesday
We are excited to begin celebrating St. James graduates and the many paths their lives have taken since graduation.
Our first spotlight features; Jeff Cargill, Class of 2004. Jeff lives in Elgin with his wife, Beth, and their two children. He works as a Construction Analyst for Rochester Public Schools and stays active by coaching wrestling, baseball, and soccer.
Jeff shares how growing up in St. James, competing in wrestling, and the lasting influence of Coach Eugene Hildebrandt helped shape the person he is today. His advice to current students is a wonderful reminder to appreciate the people and experiences around them.
Thank you, Jeff, for sharing your story and helping us launch this new series. Once a Saint, always a Saint!
Are you a St. James graduate? We would love to hear where life has taken you. Submit your story for a future Alumni Spotlight:
https://forms.gle/PoERjQ5CRVJXSP196
#StJamesSaints #AlumniSpotlight #WhereAreTheyNowWednesday
Roof Project Update
Roof work continues at St. James Public Schools, with the project continuing it's work on the southern end of the MSHS. These aerial photos offer a look at the work from early September.
Thank you to our students, staff, and families for their patience as crews continue this important work on our school facilities. We’ll share more updates as the project progresses.
#GoSaints
Roof work continues at St. James Public Schools, with the project continuing it's work on the southern end of the MSHS. These aerial photos offer a look at the work from early September.
Thank you to our students, staff, and families for their patience as crews continue this important work on our school facilities. We’ll share more updates as the project progresses.
#GoSaints
Thank You to Our Building and Grounds Crew!
With fall activities for the Saints and Wings United in full swing, we want to recognize the team that helped get our facilities ready for the start of the year.
From the football and practice fields to the tennis courts and spaces throughout the district, our building and grounds crew puts in countless hours preparing places where students can learn, practice, compete, and gather.
Thank you for the care and pride you bring to St. James Public Schools. Your work makes a difference every day!
#GoSaints
With fall activities for the Saints and Wings United in full swing, we want to recognize the team that helped get our facilities ready for the start of the year.
From the football and practice fields to the tennis courts and spaces throughout the district, our building and grounds crew puts in countless hours preparing places where students can learn, practice, compete, and gather.
Thank you for the care and pride you bring to St. James Public Schools. Your work makes a difference every day!
#GoSaints
A full week of Saints Athletics is ahead!
Our student-athletes will be competing in volleyball, football, soccer, tennis, and cross country throughout the week. Check the graphic for the complete September 21–26 schedule and come support our Saints at home and on the road!
Schedules are subject to change. Visit the St. James Bound calendar for the latest times, locations, and updates.
Good luck to all our student-athletes and coaches. Go Saints!
#SaintsPride #GoSaints
#NorthsideStJ 3rd Graders were busy learning about the central message, complete sentences, and predicates this week during Wit & Wisdom lessons.
