St. James Public Schools

We’re thrilled to share the second issue of The Saints Scene, our quarterly newsletter highlighting the latest from St. James Public Schools! Inside, you’ll find stories and celebrations from across the district: updates on recent and upcoming events, achievements, and information that showcase the incredible students, staff, and families who make our community shine.

Read it here: https://secure.smore.com/n/v6bwt

Let’s keep learning, growing, and succeeding—together.

Go Saints!
Liam Dawson, Superintendent
St. James Public Schools

about 14 hours ago, Liam Dawson

Veterans Day Celebration at St. James Public Schools: Today, our students and staff came together to honor the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. The program was a meaningful tribute filled with reflection, music, and gratitude. Our student emcees did a wonderful job leading the ceremony, and ELA teacher Jacquelyn Anderson served as our honorary speaker, sharing stories from her time in the U.S. Navy and the valuable lessons she learned through her service. Her words reminded everyone of the courage, dedication, and sacrifice shown by those who defend our freedom. The event also featured beautiful performances from our band and choir whose music added heartfelt emotion to the morning’s tribute. We are proud of our students, staff, and community for coming together to show appreciation for our veterans. Thank you to all who have served, your bravery continues to inspire us each day. #VeteransDay #StJamesPride #ThankYouVeterans

1 day ago, Liam Dawson

Join the Conversation!
St. James Public Schools is kicking off Saints & Sips a casual coffee conversation with Superintendent Dawson; where ideas percolate and community grows.

Our first Saints & Sips session will be held on Monday, November 17 at 10:30 a.m. at Encore Coffee Cafe.
This month’s topic: Listening to Lead – Shaping the Next Chapter of St. James Public Schools.

Come share your thoughts, ask questions, and help shape the future of our schools, one cup at a time.

#SaintsAndSips #StJamesPride #CommunityConversation

1 day ago, Liam Dawson

St. James Public Schools is honoring its Veterans during the Veterans Day Program: watch here: St. James Veterans Day vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/3058315?autoplay=0

2 days ago, Liam Dawson

Today we honor the bravery, sacrifice, and service of all who have worn our nation’s uniform thank you, Veterans, for protecting our freedom!

2 days ago, Liam Dawson

This evening, the school board received a recap of fall activities from Saints student athletes. Tennis - Keyana, Alivia, and Ellie Cross-Country - Katelyn and Alex Football (photo missing) - Max and John Volleyball - Adisyn Go Saints!

2 days ago, Liam Dawson

Veterans Day Program at St. James High School Join us as we honor the brave men and women who have served our country. Tuesday, November 11, 10:15am High School Event Center The public is welcome and invited to attend this special program as our students and staff pay tribute to our veterans and active-duty service members. Following the program, veterans and current military members are invited to lunch as a small token of our gratitude for their service and sacrifice. Let’s come together as a community to show our appreciation and respect for those who have protected our freedom. #VeteransDay #StJamesSaints #CommunityPride #ThankYouVeterans

3 days ago, Liam Dawson

📚 The Scholastic Book Fair Is Almost Here! 📚
Help your child grow a love for reading! Visit our Book Fair for a great selection of affordable books in English and Spanish!

Location: Northside Elementary Library/Media Center

Dates:

Thursday, November 6th, 2025 from 3:30PM – 7:30 PM

Friday, November 7th, 2025 from 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM

Thursday, November 13th, 2025 from 3:30 PM – 7:30 PM

All purchases benefit our school! See you at the Book Fair! ❤️

8 days ago, Keri Murphy

🎉 Shoutout to this week’s #NorthsideStJ Saints Power Winners! Your positivity and effort shine bright every day! Keep up the awesome work! 🙌

8 days ago, Keri Murphy

SJM Spartans Logo Unveiling

SJM Spartans: Two Towns. One Force.

The SJM Spartans logo is more than a mark, it’s a symbol of unity and strength. Some of St. James and Madelia's athletic programs have come together under one banner, one name, and one mission: to compete as a single, unstoppable team.

At the heart of the logo stands the Spartan helmet, a nod to the warriors who fought with loyalty, discipline, and strength. Just like them, we rise and battle side by side, stronger together than apart.

The bold SJM across the crest of the design proudly carries both towns, showing every opponent who we are and what we stand for: leadership, grit, and respect.

Two colors fuse Madelia’s orange and St. James’s red: a fierce blend symbolizing unity, energy, and courage. It’s a color of battle, the color of heart, and the color of two towns that have become one force. Together we lead. Together we fight. Together we win. We are the SJM Spartans.

A special thank you to Venatic Design of St. James for the logo introduction and their incredible work in creating a logo that perfectly captures the spirit of the SJM Sports Cooperative! #SJMSpartans

8 days ago, Liam Dawson

The Northside Elementary 3rd Graders had a really great day at the US Bank Stadium learning how STEM plays a big role in the running of the stadium! They had a stadium tour that included going into the player’s locker room and going onto the field! They also got to run onto the field thru the player’s tunnel! Lastly, they participated in a variety of STEM activities including building paper rockets and launching them at player cutouts in the end zone!

A huge THANK YOU to the Minnesota Vikings Foundation, in partnership with the Science Museum of Minnesota, for hosting us through the Vikings Voyage Program! They had so much fun! 💜 💛 🏈

9 days ago, Keri Murphy

Today is the day! Good luck to Andrei and Katelyn as the compete in this mornings state cross country meet! #GoSaints

12 days ago, Liam Dawson

Andrei & Katelyn are STATE BOUND! We sent them off with cheers this morning, good luck at the State Cross-Country Meet! Go Saints! #StateBound #SaintsPride

13 days ago, Liam Dawson

State Bound CC Athletes Posing by send off signs

Northside Elementary K–5th Grade Fall Conferences are fast approaching! 🍁
Please take a moment to sign up for a time that works best for you using the link below:
👉 https://www.ptcfast.com/schools/Northside_Elementary_School_1

We look forward to meeting with you to discuss your child’s progress!

13 days ago, Keri Murphy

#NorthsideStJ 4th & 5th grade teachers along with SPED and ELD staff are learning more about the ReadBasix assessment for literacy this afternoon as part of thr READAct

15 days ago, Liam Dawson

Congratulations to Katelyn, who is representing the state of Minnesota has moved on to the semifinals of the National FFA Creed Speaking contest held in Indianapolis, IN. Good luck, Katelyn! Go Saints!

15 days ago, Liam Dawson

Katelyn Runge holding a sign saying Creed Speaking

#NorthsideStJ 3rd Graders have been busy in Wit & Wisdom and UFLI. Students recently completed a Socractic Seminar in Wit & Wisdom and reviewed their /er/ sounds in UFLI! Way to go!

16 days ago, Liam Dawson

16 days ago, Liam Dawson

📚🎃 Storybook Pumpkin Contest Time! 🎃📚

Northside Elementary Staff has been busy creating some amazing Storybook Pumpkins, and now we need YOUR help to pick the winners! 🍂✨

👉 Browse through our Storybook Pumpkin posts and vote by hitting "LIKE" on your favorite one! 💕

🗓️ Voting ends Thursday, October 30th at 12:00 PM — so don’t wait!

Thank you for helping us celebrate creativity, reading, and fall fun at Northside Elementary! 🍁📖🎨

16 days ago, Keri Murphy

St. James Public Schools Sends Off FFA State Champion to Nationals
This morning, students and staff at St. James Public Schools gathered to celebrate Katelyn, who is traveling to the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana this week. The school community lined the halls of both buildings to give Katelyn a warm and spirited sendoff.

Katelyn earned the title of Minnesota State Champion in FFA Creed Speaking this past spring, and she will now proudly represent the state of Minnesota on the national stage.

The Saints Community is very proud of Katelyn’s accomplishment and the way she represents St. James and our state.

Congratulations and best of luck, Katelyn!
#SJPSPride #NationalFFAConvention #FFA #GoSaints

17 days ago, Liam Dawson

Photo of Katelyn Runge, FFA Creed Speaking State Champion