STMA HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

The November 4 ballot will include two referendum questions to support the District’s day-to-day operations (levy) and important facility projects (bond). The requested funding will provide the needed funding to maintain programming and staff and complete safety and security, technology, building maintenance, and academic space projects.

The need for voter-approved funding to support our school district is not new. As a result of unsuccessful requests in recent years, the District has made over $7.3 million in reductions. As a result, we have larger classes, fewer programs, and limited access to important support services. Furthermore, we have delayed numerous facility improvement projects that are needed to maintain our schools and support student learning.

The District will be sharing a lot of information in the coming weeks regarding the referendum and the importance of these two ballot questions. Please take the time to become an informed voter. You can visit the referendum page at STMA.K12.MN.US/VOTE2025. There will be several informational meetings for you to hear from the District firsthand and get your questions answered. Please consider attending one of these important meetings.

Most importantly, exercise your right to vote on or before November 4.

Join Us for Community Informational Sessions

All will be held in the STMA Middle School West Auditorium at 11343 50th St NE Albertville MN.

• Wednesday, September 10th, 6:00 P.M.
• Thursday, September 18th 6:00 P.M.
• Friday, September 19th 9:00 A.M.
• Tuesday, October 7th 6:00 P.M.
• Saturday, October 11th 10:00 A.M.
• Monday, October 27th 6:00 P.M.

This newsletter is a great way to celebrate our students, highlight their accomplishments, and keep our community connected to the life of our school. Each edition is designed to be a quick read, allowing you to focus on the updates and information that matter most to you.

We hope you find this to be a valuable resource to stay informed about what’s happening at STMA High School while also getting to know our students and their stories a little better.

Three ways to report an absence to STMA High School.

Include students first name, last name and reason for absence. Should your student need to be released early, include time they are to leave.

1. ParentVue - In the ParentVue app simply login and click on report absence and enter date. For early dismissal include a departure time to ensure a pass for your student.
2. Email - email hsattendance@mystma.org.
3. Call attendance line - Call (763) 497-2192 option #4 to leave a message.

On the first day of school, members of our Knight’s Leadership Council and National Honor Society volunteered their time to work alongside our 9th grade students during the Respect Retreats. These student leaders guided small group activities and discussions centered on the theme of respect.

As we welcome our 9th graders into the STMA High School culture, this freshman-only day serves as an impactful introduction to what it means to be a Knight. It also provides opportunities for meaningful connections with older students who genuinely care about them as individuals.

This leadership extends beyond the first day—our student leaders will continue visiting homeroom classes throughout the year to build on the relationships formed during Day 1.

Thank You to Our Community Supporters

We are deeply grateful to our community financial supporters who make it possible to provide meaningful programming for our 9th grade students on the first day of school. Through their generosity, all 9th graders participate in a Respect Retreat led by Youth Frontiers.

This retreat is an intentional opportunity to welcome our newest high school students. It helps them feel comfortable as they learn the layout of the building, meet their teachers, establish new routines, and begin forming connections. Guided by student mentors, 9th graders take part in activities designed to build respect, self-confidence, empathy, and a sense of belonging—setting a strong foundation for a successful school year.

A heartfelt thank you to St. Cloud Financial Credit Union, Deerwood Bank, Pellco Machine Inc., Derek Brandt – State Farm, and the STMA Rotary Club for investing in our students and supporting the culture we strive to create at STMA High School.

Counseling Office Updates

Angela Narducci A-Del angelan@mystma.org

Lisa Silbernagel Dem-Jar Lisasi@mystma.org

Serena Schmidt Jas-Moo Serenas@mystma.org

Rachel Dayton Mop-Sch rachelda@mystma.org

Kinsey Essler Sci-Z kinseye@mystma.org

Mary Poss- Administrative Assistant - Maryp@mystma.org

Making an appointment to see your counselor

Students and families can book an appointment online to see their assigned counselor. Students have access throughout the building to scan a QR code leading right to their counselor's booking page. Links to book counseling appointments can also be found on our Student Support Webpage.

SENIORS: Join the counselors during SNAP to discuss the college application process. We will cover important topics such as application basics, the Common App, transcript requests, letters of recommendation, and utilizing XELLO as part of your application journey. Don't miss this opportunity to stay organized and ready for the application season.

We will be hosting the following meetings during SNAP:

September 9: Seniors-College Application Process

September 11: Seniors-College Application Process

Senior PARENTS - Senior and Junior College & Career Planning Information Night:

Learn how to support your senior through the college application process

Thursday, October 9th at 5:30 pm: Performing Arts Center

Direct Admission Minnesota

To support our students' postsecondary journeys, STMA High School has joined the Direct Admissions Minnesota program for the 2025-26 school year. Direct Admissions offers seniors a look at the many college options they have after high school by proactively notifying them of which Minnesota colleges and universities they are accepted to - before they even apply! Keep an eye for your direct admissions letter in your student email, coming soon in October!

Check out this video to learn more.

MN Goes to College

The Minnesota Department of Education has a new website with a variety of virtual information seminars to support families with their college search. Visit the MNGoesToCollege website here for College Planning Series virtual events throughout the fall - two $1,000 scholarships will be available for attendees who register.

College Admission Representative Visits

Where: Career Center/SNAP

When: See the admissions representative schedule here.

The National College Fair does not visit Minneapolis this fall, however there are in person events as well as virtual events you may attend. The National College Fair is a great opportunity to gather information about colleges and universities from all over the nation in ONE place.

College Visits over MEA Break

Many colleges and universities around Minnesota will host campus visit days over MEA break. It is a great opportunity to explore Minnesota schools. Check out each college's website to see if they are hosting a MEA campus preview day.

How to request an official and unofficial transcript

Official Transcript

Student signs into Xello website from their waffle and follow these steps to request an official transcript

Under “Plans” find “College Applications” and click directly onto the school you’re applying to.

If students are applying Directly through the College’s website, under Tasks you may request your transcript to be sent. It is free and sent securely through Xello.

If students are applying through the Common App, once they’ve connected their Common App with Xello and completed the FERPA portion of the Common App, students may request their transcript in Xello under Tasks. It is free and sent securely through Xello.

NOTE: Before graduation, you must request that a final transcript be sent to the school you will be attending in the fall.

• Friday, September 26th - Homecoming Football game 7:00pm
• Saturday, September 27th - Homecoming Dance 9th/10th grade 6:30pm -8:30pm, 11th/12th grade 9:00pm - 11:00pm

SENIORS ONLY

• Senior class picture - October 7th, 11:00am Stadium (tentative)
• Senior meeting, ordering of cap and gown - October 30th, 11:00am PAC

• Thursday, October 2nd, 2025 - HS student picture retake day (7:30am - 10:00am)
• Thursday, October 9th, 2025 - HS Trimester 1 conferences (4:00pm- 7:00pm)
• Thursday, October 16th, 2025 - NO School ALL
• Friday, October 17th, 2025 - NO School ALL
• DATE CHANGE: Thursday, May 28th, 2026 Last day of school - Seniors ONLY
• DATE CHANGE: Friday, May 29th, 2026 7:00pm - Graduation
• Thursday, June 4th, 2026 - Last day of school 9th-11th grade

For parents of students who access Special Education services:

We are pleased to invite you to consider becoming a member of STMA’s Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC). This group provides input on special education issues to the STMA school district. Parent involvement in the SEAC is especially vital to our efforts! By sharing their unique perspective of what it is like to use these services, parents can help the district to be more effective. As a result, outcomes for children with disabilities continuously improve. If you have any questions, please reach out to Whitney Weber, whitneyw@mystma.org.

Minnesota law requires that all children get vaccinated against certain diseases to attend school. Students entering 12th grade for the 2025-2026 school year need to have documentation or a legal exemption for 2 doses of meningococcal vaccine (Most children received the first dose of this vaccine when they entered 7th grade). If your child already received the 2nd meningococcal vaccine, please fill out the attached immunization form.This form can also be used for medical/non-medical exemptions and new students.

For more information on meningococcal disease, you will find Meningococcal Disease Basics at www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/meningococcal/basics.html on the Minnesota Department of Health website.

Potassium Iodide Form
There is a Potassium Iodide Form attached to be completed for only 9th grade and new students.

Health Information Form
There is a Health Information Form attached to be completed for ALL students every year. All forms can be returned to the High School Health Office on Kickoff Day or prior to the start of school.

The Resource Room, that is staffed by a High School teacher, is available on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday after school from 3:30pm - 4:30pm in the High School Media Center.

Assessments can be taken in the Media Center before school when scheduled in advance with a classroom teacher.

• Educational Benefits are available to families who qualify. If you would like to apply please complete an Educational Benefit application. Click here to see more information regarding benefits you may qualify for and to fill out the application.

Email: highschooloffice@mystma.org
Website: https://hs.stma.k12.mn.us/
Location: 5800 Jamison Avenue Northeast, Saint Michael, MN, USA
Phone: 763-497-2192