This week, we’re featuring Jonathan Rushe (Surber)! Jonathan lives in Englewood, Colorado, where he serves as General Manager for Chuze Fitness and continues to pursue his passion for dance through Rushe Dance Project, which he co-founded with his wife, Samantha.
Jonathan reflects on how St. James helped him find his stride in running, academics, and the arts. He credits coach and teacher Kyle Blomgren as a lasting role model and shares how show choir and theater opened the door to his career in dance.
His advice to current students: “Don’t put yourself in a box. Be open to all experiences and try everything you can; you won’t regret it.”
Thank you, Jonathan, for sharing your story! Once a Saint, always a Saint!
Are you a St. James graduate? We’d love to hear where life has taken you. Submit your story for a future Alumni Spotlight:
https://forms.gle/PoERjQ5CRVJXSP196
#StJamesSaints #AlumniSpotlight #WhereAreTheyNowWednesday
Join our team at St. James Public Schools!
We’re seeking Special Education Paraprofessionals at both:
📍 Northside Elementary School
📍 St. James Middle/Senior High School
Make a difference each day by supporting students’ learning, building positive relationships, and helping students grow alongside a dedicated team.
Pay: $15.76–$18.10 per hour
Apply today and help our students thrive! Visit the employment section of our website here: Employment Opportunities or stop in to the District Office for a paper application.
#StJamesPublicSchools #NowHiring
¡Únete a nuestro equipo en St. James Public Schools!
Buscamos personal de apoyo (paraprofesionales) en Educación Especial para:
📍 Northside Elementary School
📍 St. James Middle/Senior High School
Marca la diferencia cada día apoyando el aprendizaje de los estudiantes, fomentando relaciones positivas y ayudándolos a crecer junto a un equipo comprometido.
Salario: $15.76–$18.10 por hora
¡Postúlate hoy mismo y ayuda a nuestros estudiantes a prosperar! Visita la sección de empleo en nuestro sitio web aquí: Oportunidades de Empleo (Employment Opportunities), o acércate a la Oficina del Distrito (District Office) para obtener una solicitud en papel.
#StJamesPublicSchools #Contratando
A special thank-you to Samantha Runge for securing an Ag Promotion grant through Minnesota Farm Bureau and the Minnesota Foundation for Agriculture, and to Keely Runge for delivering the books!
We appreciate your support in helping our students learn about agriculture and its role in our everyday lives!
Introducing your 2027 St. James Saints Baseball co-head coaches!
Pending Board Approval, St. James Public Schools is pleased to announce that Adam Schroeder and Ty Kaus have been named co-head coaches of the St. James Baseball Program for the 2027 season.
Please join us in congratulating Adam and Ty as they prepare to lead our Saints baseball players. We look forward to the season ahead!
Go Saints!
Congratulations to our newest #NorthsideStJ Saints Power Winners! 🎉 These students are showing kindness, working hard, and making positive choices throughout Northside.
🖤Keep making us proud, Saints! ❤️
Let’s cheer on our student-athletes as they represent St. James this week. Take a look at the graphic for the October 12–17 schedule, and show our teams your support!
For the latest event details and any schedule changes, check Bound: https://www.gobound.com/mn/schools/stjames/calendar
Go Saints!
#SaintsPride #GoSaints
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
These students are leading the way with kindness, hard work, and positive choices throughout Northside.
Keep shining, Saints, and keep showing that Saints Power! ❤️🖤🙌
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 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! ❤️🖤🙌
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!
