June 2022
Education Beat: Stopping the Slide
Summer is a time for kids to kick back, take a break from routine, and enjoy lazy days. It also, in many cases, is when learning loss- aka “The Summer Slide” can take place. Summer setbacks are nothing new regarding academics and the phenomenon has been researched by educators since the beginning of time. On average, student achievement can decline over the summer by up to a third of a prior year’s learning gains. Loss is usually greater in mathematics than reading, and higher grade leveled students are more noticeably affected than younger learners. The summer slide can be measured in both social skills and classroom discipline, in addition to academics.
The Railroad arrived and St. James was established 152 years ago
St. James was a railroad town in the true sense of the phrase. The community was named by the Minnesota Valley Railroad in 1867, some three years before the railroad’s arrival and the town’s existence. It was planned to be a division point and crew change location. In the summer of 1870, lumber was hauled in by wagon from the newly established railhead at Lake Crystal to construct the first depot at St. James. Track was laid from Lake Crystal to Madelia by August 26, 1870, and reached St. James on October 12th.
Summer Rec Baseball enjoys changes to format
A desire to increase participation and make schedules more family-friendly created changes to the design of summer recreation baseball. Adam Schroeder, SJA teacher and coach, leads the program and shared benefits of the changes.
Dream of owning business comes to life
A childhood dream of Femin Agustin Juavez came to life on Saturday, June 18, for him, his wife Adelina Ambrocio Gabriel, and daughter Heidy Augstin Ambrocio. From the time he spent walking to school in Guatemala to working and moving to St. James, Agustin Juavez dream of opening his own business stayed with him.
Ticket info, deadline approaches for annual St. James Wrestling Hall of Fame Banquet
The 50th anniversary continues for a magical winter in the St. James community when the Saints stood alone above all teams in the state for both the wrestling and basketball championships. The St. James Wrestling Hall of Fame will honor both the 1972 wrestling and basketball teams on July 16th, along with seven inductees, with several options remaining to get a ticket but time is running out.
Court Report
Driving without valid license: Angeline Jaimie Jessie Dolen-Einerwold, Sioux Falls, SD, $180; Christopher Maxwell Gray, Madelia, $180; Rudy Marinel Ambrocio Gabriel, St. James, $180 Uninsured vehicle-Drvier Violation: Angeline Jaimie Jessie Dolen-Einerwold, Sioux Falls, SD, $200 Motor vehicle registration - Operate unregistered vehicle: Christopher Maxwell Gray, Madelia, $100 Driving after revocation: Rocio Marisol Mireles, St.
Watonwan County Food Shelf collecting donations at Railroad Days Parade
This year the Watonwan County Food Shelf will be participating in the Railroad Days Parade. During the parade, Food Shelf Board Members and Volunteers will be collecting non-perishable food and monetary donations and are encouraging the community to give so they can continue to provide for those in need.
St. James Rotary Club kicks off Railroad Days with beanbag tournament
Joe McCabe presenting the second Heil team their fourth place winnings. Sarah Shelande Sonny and Steve Heil placed 2nd after their quick match against the Miest team.
St. James public schools hosting agricultural education intern
Becky Cronk of St. James Public Schools is hosting Elaina Knott as an Agricultural Education Intern. The internship is part of a State Teach Ag Results (STAR) program initiative, which is coordinated by the Minnesota Agricultural Education Leadership Council (MAELC). Knott is originally from Thief River Falls, MN and is studying Agricultural Education at the University of Minnesota-Crookston.
Artist of the Week
Ninth grader Ellie Stordalen is this year’s last Artist of the Week. Stordalen’s voice part is soprano, she also plays the french horn and trumpet in Jazz Unlimited.