Northside Family Connection

Dear Northside Families,

As we welcome the month of April, Northside continues to be a place of growth, energy, and meaningful learning. With spring in full swing, our students are staying engaged in their classrooms while also looking ahead to important assessments, exciting field trips, and opportunities to celebrate learning together.

Learning & Growing at Northside

April brings an important opportunity for our students to show what they have learned this year through MCA (Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment) testing. These assessments help us understand student progress and guide future instruction. We encourage students to do their best, get a good night’s sleep, and come to school ready to focus.

MCA Testing Dates:

• MCA Reading: April 13 – April 15
• MCA Math: April 20 – April 22
• MCA Science: April 27 – April 28

MTAS Testing Window:

• MTAS Reading & Math: April 13 – April 22

We appreciate your support at home in helping students feel confident and prepared.

Welcoming Our Future Learners

We are excited to welcome our incoming kindergarten students and families for Kindergarten Round Up! This is a special time for our newest learners to visit Northside, meet staff, and begin their school journey with us.

Kindergarten Round-Up:

• Thursday, April 9
• 11:00 am – 2:30 pm & 4:00 pm – 7:30 pm

We look forward to meeting our future Saints and their families!

Celebrating Learning Through Experiences

As we begin wrapping up the school year, students will have opportunities to extend their learning beyond the classroom through engaging field trips and hands-on experiences.

• Upcoming April Field Trips:

  • Friday, April 24: 2nd Grade – Ruby Ranch (STEM Camp)
  • Friday, April 24: 4th Grade – Walnut Grove (Date subject to change)
  • Thursday, April 30: 1st Grade – MLC College Play, NU Recreation Center, Parks

  These experiences help bring learning to life and create lasting memories for our students.

Important Dates:

• Thursday, April 2 – Monday, April 6: Spring Break ~ No School
• Tuesday, April 7: Classes Resume
• Thursday, April 9: Kindergarten Round Up (NO Kindergarten Classes)
• Friday, April 10: MCA Kick-Off
• Friday, April 24: 2nd & 4th Grade Field Trips
• Thursday, April 30: 1st Grade Field Trip
• Friday, May 14th, 15th & 16th: Aladdin Musical Performance
• Monday, May 18th (Rain Date: Tuesday, May 19): K-2nd Grade Track & Field Day from 11:30am–2:30pm; Behind Northside Elementary School
• Tuesday, May 26th (Rain Date: Wednesday, May 27th): 3rd-5th Grade Track & Field Day from 11:45am–2:45pm; At The Track
• Thursday May 28th: 5th Grade Promotion Ceremony
• Thursday, May 28th: Last Day Of School

Looking Ahead

April is a busy and exciting time at Northside. From welcoming new families to celebrating student learning and preparing for the end of the school year, we are proud of the continued effort and positive attitudes of our students. Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership—it truly makes a difference in your child’s success.

Warmly,
Mrs. Keri Murphy
Elementary Principal
St. James Public Schools