SJHS Newsletter 3.15.26

Weekly Highlights:

March 14 - Pi Day (see Principal's Message)
March 15 - SJHS Title I Parent Survey CLOSES
March 16 - 19 - Spirit Week (see flyer)
March 16 - Quarter 4 Begins
March 17 - Spring Sports Assembly (see adjusted bell schedule)
March 17 - Arizona Youth Survey (10th & 12th Graders in English)
March 17 at 6:00 PM - Site Council Meeting in the SJHS Library
March 19 at 11:40 AM - No Tardy Party in the SJHS Library - Congrats Freshmen!
March 20 at 8:00 AM - FINAL ACT Prep at SJHS Library with The Loft (see flyer)
March 21 - MORP (see flyer)

Future Events - Save the Dates:

March 24 - ACT Testing Day (11th Graders) - See SJHS State Testing Newsletter
March 26 - 30 - Spring Musical (see flyer)

SJHS Title I Parent Survey - CLOSES March 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

Spirit Week - March 16-19

Spring Sports Assembly - March 17

MORP - March 21

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

SJHS Calendar

To see all school events, check out our SJHS Google Calendar.

Pi Day: Why a Single Number Matters

On March 14 (3.14), the math world recognizes Pi Day. Pi represents one of the most important constants in science and engineering.

What is Pi?

Pi (ℼ) is the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter. Whether you are measuring a steering wheel or a satellite dish, that ratio is always roughly 3.14. Because the number is "irrational"—meaning it never ends and never develops a repeating pattern—it has fascinated thinkers for thousands of years.

Why We Study It

We don’t just study Pi to pass a Geometry test. It is a fundamental tool used in the real world every day:

Technology: Your GPS and cell phone signals rely on Pi-based calculations to work.
Architecture: Modern buildings and bridges use these ratios to remain stable and safe.
Navigation: Pilots and NASA scientists use Pi to plot long-distance travel across the globe and through space.

Beyond the math, learning how to work with complex numbers like Pi is "strength training" for your brain. It builds the logic and problem-solving skills needed for Algebra 1 & 2, College Algebra, and the real-world decisions you’ll make in Financial Literacy.

Here are some additional facts about pi that range from historical to "brain-training" logic:

1. The "NASA" Limit

You might think scientists need thousands of digits of Pi for space travel, but they don't. NASA only uses about 15 decimal places (pi is approx 3.141592653589793) to calculate interplanetary travel. Using just those 15 digits is accurate enough to calculate the position of a spacecraft near a distant planet with an error no larger than the width of a human finger.

2. It’s an "Irrational" and "Transcendental" Number

Irrational: It cannot be written as a simple fraction (like $22/7$ is just an estimate).
Transcendental: This is a higher-level math concept, but it essentially means Pi isn't the solution to any simple algebraic equation. It is literally "beyond" basic algebra, which is why we need its own symbol.

3. The World Record is Staggering

As of 2024, the world record for calculating Pi has reached 105 trillion digits. For a human to recite just the first 100,000 digits would take about 16 hours without stopping to eat or sleep.

4. Pi is Everywhere in Nature

Pi isn't just in man-made circles. It shows up in:

Rivers: The "meandering ratio" (the actual length of a river divided by the straight-line distance from start to end) often averages out to be close to Pi.
Your DNA: The double helix of your DNA involves Pi in the way it twists.
The Pupil of your Eye: Every time your eye adjusts to light, Pi is part of the geometry of that movement.

5. Pi Day is also Einstein's Birthday

Albert Einstein was born on Pi Day (March 14, 1879). On the flip side, Stephen Hawking passed away on Pi Day in 2018. It’s a day that seems to be magnetically attached to some of the greatest "brain power" in history.

Math is about more than just finding an answer in a book; it’s about developing the mental discipline to handle complex information.

by Bianca Diaz

The Home Stretch: Making Everyday Count After Spring Break

Welcome back! We hope your family had a restful and rejuvenating Spring Break.

As we return to campus, there is a palpable shift in energy. While it may feel like the finish line is in sight, the period between now and graduation is often the most academically demanding. We are officially entering the "Home Stretch"—a critical window where final projects, final exams, and state assessments converge.

Why Attendance Matters Now More Than Ever

In high school, the curriculum accelerates during the final quarter. Missing just a day or two can create a snowball effect that is difficult to reverse. Here is why consistent attendance is the "secret sauce" for a successful year-end:

Instructional Continuity: Teachers are currently connecting the dots between year-long concepts. Being in the room for these "lightbulb moments" is irreplaceable.
State Testing Readiness: We are entering the window for State Testing. These assessments are not just "another test"—they are vital benchmarks for student graduation requirements and help our school secure the resources our students deserve. Being present on testing days ensures your student can perform in a familiar environment with their peers, avoiding the stress of isolated make-up sessions.
Reduced Stress: Students who attend daily avoid the overwhelming mountain of make-up work and missed labs that often lead to burnout in May.

Strategies for a Strong Finish

Transitioning from "vacation mode" back to "school mode" can be tough. You can help your student maintain their momentum with a few simple habits:

Re-establish the Routine: Prioritize consistent sleep schedules to combat the "Spring Slump."
Monitor the Testing Calendar: Take note of specific state testing dates. Please try to avoid scheduling doctor's appointments or early dismissals during these windows.
Communicate Early: If an absence is unavoidable, please notify the attendance office and have your student check their digital classroom (Google Classroom) immediately.

The Bottom Line: Success isn't just about talent; it’s about showing up. From the classroom to the state testing hall, let’s work together to ensure every student finishes this year with pride and a transcript that reflects their hard work.

Let’s make these final weeks count!

Quarter 3 Winners will enjoy their No Tardy Pizza Party this week Thursday, March 19th at 11:40AM in the Library. Thank you to Lisa Painter at the Chamber of Commerce and Ditty's Pizza who made this a fun reward possible for the students.

Get ready for Quarter 4--it's going to be a good one!

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.

Help or Donate

Quarter 4 Attendance Competition

We are doing things a bit differently this quarter.

Quarter 4 Incentive

Weekly Rewards & End of Quarter Grand Prize Drawing

Quarter 4 Reminder

Show up. Grow Strong. Succeed!

March Newsletter

with Mr. Johnson

FAFSA is Open!

Seniors, complete your FAFSA ASAP! Talk to Mr. Johnson if you need help.

All Seniors

All Seniors must meet with Mr. Johnson, Academic Counselor, to ensure they are on-track for graduation and to review ECAP requirements.

Academic Counseling Center

College & Career Center

pdf

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WMRMC Scholarship - DUE March 20, 2026

White Mountain Regional Medical Center Auxiliary 2026 Healthcare Field Scholarship - DUE by March 20, 2026 (postmarked)

Download

2.1 MB

Arizona Community Foundation Scholarships

Most deadlines are in March and April

Visit azfoundation.org/scholarships

ACF Scholarship Workshops

Register at acf.cventevents.com/scholarship2026

March 26

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Quirky Quilters of SJ Scholarship - DUE March 31, 2026

All seniors graduating from SJHS pursuing any field at an accredited college/program are eligible. Applications are DUE March 31 to Mr. Johnson.

Download

825.6 KB

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

A new scholarship from the Arizona Board of Regents, Helios Education Foundation, Arizona Community Foundation and Valley of the Sun United Way is awarding scholarships to 25 AZ high schoolers who complete the FAFSA. Learn more about the $2,000 scholarship: collegereadyaz.com/fafsa-scholarship

Art Club

Monday, March 16 - 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM in Mrs. Johnson's Classroom

Legacy Leadership

Tuesday, March 17 - 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM in the Library

Club America

Wednesday, March 18 - 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM in the Library

Save the Date!

St. Johns High School Drama Department presents Les Miserables, March 26, 27, 28, and 30 at 7:00 PM.

SJHS Extracurricular Activities

For more information about SJHS clubs and organizations, visit our website.

Tuesday, March 17: Softball/Baseball @ Morenci; Spring Volleyball

Thursday, March 19: Softball @ Epic Tournament, Phoenix; Baseball vs Snowflake; Spring Volleyball

Friday, March 20: Baseball @ Mountain Classic, Show Low; Softball @ Epic Tournament, Phoenix

Saturday, March 21: Baseball @ Mountain Classic, Show Low

Baseball Schedule

Softball Schedule

Track Schedule

SJHS Athletics

For more information about our athletics programs, visit our website.

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.

St. Johns PTSO Facebook

For more information about the St. Johns PTSO, visit their official Facebook page.