SJHS Newsletter 3.8.26

March 8 - 14, 2026
Upcoming Events
- March - National Youth Art Month
- March 6 - 15 - SJHS Title I Parent Survey OPEN
- March 9 - 13 - Spring Break/No School
- March 11 at 9:00 AM (MST) - Strategies for Talking to Teens about Substance Use Webinar
Future Events - Save the Dates:
- March 15 - SJHS Title I Parent Survey CLOSES
- March 16 - 19 - Spirit Week
- March 16 - Quarter 4 Begins
- March 16 - Real Life Readers at The LOFT
- March 17 - Spring Sports Assembly (altered schedule)
- March 17 - Arizona Youth Survey (10th & 12th Graders)
- March 17 - Site Council Meeting in the SJHS Library
- March 21 - MORP
- March 24 - ACT Testing Day (all 11th Graders)
- March 26 - 30 - Spring Musical
SJHS Title I Parent Survey - March 6 - 15
Parents/Guardians,
You should have received a link on March 6 via email and/or text for the SJHS Title I Parent Survey. Your feedback is essential in helping us improve our programs and support for students. Please complete this survey by March 15 based on your experience with SJHS for the 2025-2026 school year.
If you have more than one child enrolled at SJHS:
- Individual Feedback: You may complete a separate survey for each child if your experiences or their needs differ.
- General Feedback: Alternatively, you may submit a single survey responding from an "in general, overall" perspective for your family.
Your survey responses will be anonymous, unless you provide distinguishing or personal information in the optional open response questions at the end.
SJHS State Testing Information
Missed our State Testing newsletter? Click this link to see all of the important information regarding testing at SJHS! https://app.smore.com/n/4xjdc
ACT Prep Classes at SJHS
- Offered on the dates listed at 8:00 AM in the SJHS Library
- Each class is a different test topic, so come to all of them!
- Free to all high school students
- Sponsored by The Loft
Order Your Yearbook, Now!
- Get your yearbook pre-ordered before prices go up!
- The last date to purchase is April 10, 2026
- Pay in the main office or online using the QR code or link on this flyer
Senior Yearbook Ads - Orders Due March 31
- Recognize your senior with an ad in the yearbook
- Scan the QR code or use the link on this flyer to purchase
- Email your design to the yearbook staff at sjhsyearbook25@gmail.com
Buy a Yearbook Business Ad - Due March 31
- Feature your business in the yearbook, preserved for history!
- Scan the QR code or use the link on this flyer to purchase
- Email your design to the yearbook staff at sjhsyearbook25@gmail.com
Principal's Message
Catching Our Second Wind & Spring Break
March always brings a shift in St. Johns—not just in the weather, but in our collective energy. Last year, in my March Board Report, I wrote about the infamous St. Johns’ wind and the way it strengthens roots and resilience.
This year, I’ve been thinking about a different kind of wind: a “second wind.” This is an idiom we often use without considering its origin. This expression comes from the sport of sailing, referring to a sudden burst of wind that propels a ship forward after a period of calm. A second wind has now become a saying to describe an unexpected surge of energy that arrives just when fatigue starts to settle in. Runners describe it as the moment their breathing steadies and their stride becomes lighter. Psychologists describe it as a shift in focus and motivation that helps a person push through a demanding stretch. In either case, it’s a reminder that momentum can return right when we need it most.
In schools, March is exactly that moment. We are far enough from August that the freshness and excitement of the new year feels distant, and yet we are still far enough from May that the finish line isn’t quite in sight. March is the point where routines can feel heavy, expectations high, and daylight still a little too short. And yet—this is also when we see students surprise themselves, teachers find new sparks of creativity, and programs gain traction. March is when the work we have been doing all year begins to show its shape.
As we head into spring break next week, I hope the pause gives everyone a chance to breathe deeply, reset, and return ready to catch that second wind. Breaks are not just rest; they’re part of the rhythm that helps us come back stronger, clearer, and more grounded. Whether your plans involve travel, family time, projects at home, or simply a slower pace, I hope it brings exactly what you need.
When we return, we’ll step into the final stretch of the year—one that always moves quickly, but also one filled with growth, celebration, and meaningful moments. I am grateful for the steady commitment of our staff, the resilience of our students, and the support of our families. The winds of St. Johns may be relentless, but so is the strength of this community.
Wishing you all a safe, restful, and restorative spring break.
Mrs. Mo
Attendance Check-in
by Bianca Diaz
Some Data to Ponder over Spring Break
We had over 2,300 tardies just for Quarter 3, compared to Quarter 2 with an estimated 1,500 tardies and Quarter 1 an estimated 1,200. We saw an increase of tardies this quarter which was not our goal; we wanted to reduce our tardies. Check out the chart to see this data broken down further by grade.
Consistent tardiness, even if it’s just five minutes a day, creates a significant "silent" gap in education that totals 15 hours—or over two full school days—per year. While five minutes seems negligible in the moment, it disrupts the foundation of the day's lessons and can quickly escalate; being 30 minutes late daily results in a staggering four weeks of lost learning time. Ultimately, this habitual lateness hinders academic performance and prevents students from fully engaging with the classroom structure necessary for success.
Why the Clock is Winning (And How to Beat It)
As we move to the end of the school year, we’ve noticed tardiness is on the rise. While it’s tempting to blame a single missed alarm, the reality is that punctuality often fades as the initial excitement of the new year wears off.
Research from Attendance Works and our own observations highlight a few key reasons why staying on time becomes a challenge this time of year:
The "Mid-Year Slump": Declining motivation and academic pressure can make it harder for students to face the day. When students feel behind on schoolwork, they may subconsciously avoid the classroom to skip the stress of catching up.
Physical & Mental Fatigue: Chronic sleep issues and rising anxiety often peak mid-semester. Combined with diminishing morning routines that were much stricter in September, it’s a recipe for oversleeping.
Logistical Hurdles: From winter traffic to unpredictable transportation issues, external factors can turn a five-minute delay into a chronic habit.
The Habit Loop: Over time, if there aren’t clear consequences or internal drives, the "cost" of being late starts to feel lower than the effort required to be on time.
Let’s Reset the Routine
Consistency is a muscle—the more we practice it, the stronger it gets. Arriving on time doesn’t just help with grades; it reduces social anxiety and ensures students don't miss those crucial first minutes of instruction that set the tone for the day.
Have a fun-filled Spring Break! Come back well rested and ready to jump, on time, into our final quarter and attendance competition!
Quarter 3 Winner of the No Tardy Pizza Party: FRESHMEN!
Parents/Guardians/Community Members: If you would like to help or donate rewards to our students for good or improved attendance, please fill out the form below.
Quarter 3 Attendance Competition Penguin Race
There will be weekly updates of which grade is in the lead of the quarter 3 competition. Remember we are counting tardies along with absences this quarter. Make sure to show up and on time!
Winners of the Q3 Attendance Penguin Race FRESHMEN with 21.5%
2nd - Juniors 22.1%
3rd - Seniors 26.7%
4th - Sophomores 27.3%
Quarter 3 Reward
The Freshmen class will celebrate their win with the Pizza Party March 19 at 11:40AM in the HS Library.
Check Out this Month's Attendance Newsletter! 📰
Counselor's Corner
with Mr. Johnson
FAFSA is Open!
All Seniors
SCHOLARSHIPS SECTION
Arizona Community Foundation Scholarships
Most deadlines are in March and April
ACF Scholarship Workshops
NPC President's Scholars Program Scholarship - DUE March 6, 2026
The President’s Scholars Program is Northland Pioneer College's most prestigious merit award that recognizes your high level of academic performance in high school. Because of your achievement, NPC offers you an opportunity to become a President's Scholar. This honorary program includes specialized attention from faculty, as well as a scholarship that covers your tuition, fees and books at NPC for four semesters! For more information or to apply online, visit: https://www.npc.edu/presidentsscholars
Score Valley Suns Tickets
Seniors, complete your FAFSA and score 4 free Valley Suns tickets! This is a new FAFSA incentive program from the AZ Board of Regents for all high school seniors.
FAFSA Scholarship - DUE April 30
Clubs Connection
National Youth Art Month
- March 2026
Academic Decathlon State Competition
- Friday - Saturday, March 6 - 7
Save the Date!
St. Johns High School Drama Department presents Les Miserables, March 26, 27, 28, and 30 at 7:00 PM.
Athletics
Congratulations SJHS Girls Varsity Basketball STATE CHAMPIONS!
What a game! What a season! Girls and coaches, we are so proud of you for winning the 2A State Championship title! We loved watching you work together as a team all season and were thrilled to see you work with determination and unity to secure the final win. Thank you for giving us so much to cheer for! https://www.wmicentral.com/sports/st-johns-wins-girls-basketball-state-title/article_c3fa8eda-d43c-4170-ba6d-78255e598fc9.html
Upcoming Events
Spring Break March 9-13
March 5-7: Softball @ Joseph City Invitational
March 7: Track @ Tucson Levi Wallace Invitational
StuCo Stuff
Spirit Week - March 16-19
MORP - March 21
Get & Stay Connected
Watch our daily morning announcements by subscribing to our YouTube channel and don't forget to turn on notifications.
We Are One. We Fear No One. Eyes Up.