STMA HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

• Tuesday, November 26th, 2024 - End of Trimester
• Wednesday, November 27th, 2024 - No School - Teacher Workshop day
• Thursday - Friday, November 28th - 29th, 2024 - No School - Thanksgiving break
• Monday December 23, 20024- Wednesday January 1, 2025 - No School - Winter break
• Saturday, May 3rd, 2025 - Prom
• Friday, June 6th, 2025 - Graduation

• Registration Night - Thursday, January 23rd, 2025 5:00pm - 7:00pm
• Conference Night, Trimester 2 - Thursday, January 30th, 2025 4:00pm - 7:00pm
• Conference Night, Trimester 3 - DATE CHANGE - Monday, April 14th, 2025 4:00pm - 7:00pm

Study Knight is a dedicated time for students to connect with our staff as they prepare for the end of Trimester 1. We know that finals, assignments, and projects can make this a stressful time, and we aim to offer the support students need to succeed.

On Study Knight, we will have an assessment room for students needing to make up tests or quizzes, open study rooms, and subject-specific teachers available as resources. This structure allows students to focus on the areas they need most while providing a supportive environment as they wrap up the trimester.

Details:

• Date: November 21st
• Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM
• Grades: All

Schedule:

• Session 1: 6:00 - 6:35
• Passing Time 1: 6:35 - 6:40
• Session 2: 6:45 - 7:20
• Passing Time 2: 7:25 - 7:30
• Session 3: 7:30 - 8:00

This evening is an excellent opportunity for students to connect with staff, get organized, and feel prepared as they move into final assessments and project submissions. We look forward to supporting our students during Study Knight!

Name: Regan Anderson

Parents: Angela and Trent Anderson

Siblings: Cole (8th grade)

Plans after high school: My plans after high school are to attend the University of North Dakota. While at UND I plan to major in nursing.

Most Memorable STMA Moment: My most memorable memory was joining the girls wrestling team as a junior. It was fun to be apart of the team and learn a new sport. The girls were all so supportive and encouraging of each other. I enjoyed getting to know Coach Lefebvre.

Teacher/Staff Who Has Impacted Me: The teacher that has impacted me most is Mr. Massman. He has such a great attitude, and is always helpful when students ask questions. Most importantly, he is always approachable.

I Love STMA Because: I love STMA because of all the teachers. My teachers have all been so supportive and I have been able to make great connections with them.

Name: Trynnity Bichler

Parents: Darcey and Jason

Siblings: Justyss (20) Kyah (29)

Plans after high school: My plan includes attending a college where I can major in Radiology.

Most Memorable STMA Moment: My most memorable moment was my sophomore year at the USA themed football game. The energy was insane. We were the underdogs and won the game.

Teacher/Staff Who Has Impacted Me: The teacher who has impacted me most is Mr. Steve. He is a really good teacher and understands the sport/school balance of athletes. He is funny and easy to talk to.

I Love STMA Because: I love STMA because I was able to participate in multiple activities at the same time. Everyone in the STMA community is incredibly supportive of one another.

Name: Alexander Hernandez

Parents: Dina and Juan

Siblings: Paola (10th grade), Genesis (4th grade)

Plans after high school: My plans after high school are to attend a 4 year college where I will continue to play soccer. I plan to major in biology and radiology.

Most Memorable STMA Moment: My most memorable STMA moment was winning the soccer section championship against Moorhead my sophomore year. We were the first boys soccer team in STMA history to make it to the state tournament.

Teacher/Staff Who Has Impacted Me: The two teachers that have impacted me most are Ms. Marschel and Ms. Bonson. Mr. Marschel has been my homeroom teacher for the past four year. She welcomes you to her class with a smile every day and has high expectations of her students. She is a great person to start my day with everyday. Ms. Bonsen is a great social studies teacher. She was the first person I had a connection with at STMA High School. I always invite her to the teacher appreciation nights for sports.

I Love STMA Because: I love STMA because it is a great community and shaped me to be the person I am today. I will always be grateful for the opportunities STMA has given me.

Name: James Kpoto

Parent: Hawa

Siblings: Fredrick (20) Momo (8th grade) Taliyah (5th)

Plans after high school: My plans after high school are to attend a 4 year university where I will major in nursing and minor in psychology. After completion of my bachelors degree I will continue on to medical school.

Most Memorable STMA Moment: My most memorable moments have been at the pep-fests. It is fun having everyone together celebrating. It is a great break from the daily norm.

Teacher/Staff Who Has Impacted Me: The teacher who has impacted me the most is my homeroom teacher Ms. Read. She is like a second mom to me. She is always willing to listen and support me.

I Love STMA Because: I love STMA because it pushes you to be better. The teachers and staff care about your education. I love how Principal Reeves interacts with the students. He's not just a figure behind a desk.

The St. Michael-Albertville Rotary Club is pleased to announce that St. Michael-Albertville High School juniors Ronak Arora, Ranya Ezzaid, and Faith Sigugu are recognized as the Rotary Students of the month for November.

“Rotary is very proud to recognize Ronak, Ranya and Faith as students of the month,” said Mike Simon, STMA Rotary Club President. “They have demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence and represent the service above self ideals of Rotary.”

*Please note that these programs are not affiliated with STMA High School. Contact the association directly for any questions.

Student and staff safety is our highest priority. When inclement weather has the potential to impact the safety of students and staff, we take immediate action. We rely upon many professional resources to guide the decision to close, delay, or dismiss school early. We actively monitor weather conditions by collaborating with the National Weather Service, Vision Transportation, St. Michael and Albertville Public Works, neighboring school districts, and our own school staff. We keep families and staff updated through media outlets, automated calls, emails, texts, the district website, and via social media. Knowing winter is fast approaching, it is wise to develop a plan in advance of inclement weather.

Please remember, the first two days that are canceled due to inclement weather will be designated as no school days. After that, STMA Flex Learning (AKA e-learning) days may be used. See Flex Learning on the STMA website for additional information regarding the STMA Flex Learning Plan.

To familiarize yourself with our inclement weather procedures, click here to visit the district website.

We are honored to recognize Veterans Day in our school community, extending our gratitude to the staff and community members who have served. Additionally, we acknowledge our students who have committed to serving in the armed forces; we are proud of their dedication and deeply value their contributions to our country.

STMA is committed to providing meaningful instruction that helps students understand and appreciate the contributions of our veterans. This day serves as an opportunity for our community to reflect on the sacrifices made by so many in service to our country.

STMA Theater is proud to present Beauty and the Beast for the fall musical. The musical will be performed at the the High School Performing Arts Center the following dates:

Thursday, November 7th, 7:00pm

Friday, November 8th, 7:00 pm

Saturday, November 9th, 7:00pm

Sunday, November 10th, 2:00pm

Click here to buy your tickets!

Reserve your 2025 copy here.

Left to right: Kelly Storey, Jeanne Fisher, Ryan Loecken, Trever Nordlund, Laurie Collings, Liva Korf

We want to take a moment to highlight how critical attendance is to student outcomes. Research consistently shows that chronic absenteeism is linked to several significant challenges, including course failure, an increased risk of dropping out, and lower academic achievement overall. Simply put, when students are frequently absent, it becomes much harder for them to succeed.

Let’s continue to work together to ensure our students have the support they need to attend school regularly and achieve their full potential.

Did you know you have the option to e-mail hsattendance@mystma.org to notify us of a students absence instead of calling the attendance line at 763-497-2192 ext. 4. Please include the name of you student, grade and reason for absence.

Counseling Office Updates

Angela Narducci A-Del angelan@mystma.org

Lisa Slbernagel 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

Trimester Two Schedule Changes

Please be aware that schedule changes for trimester two are on a very limited basis and only for the reasons listed below as classes are very full. As the trimester approaches, we will be balancing class sizes. Your schedule on student view will be the most up-to-date, please do not follow the copy you received at the beginning of the year when the trimester starts.

Requests can only be made for the following reasons:

• The student does not have the

• prerequisite(s)

• The student failed a class

• There is an obvious error (two classes at the same time)

• To add a class that is needed to graduate - The schedule is unbalanced

College Visits

The Counseling office will host various admission representative visits throughout the school year during SNAP. See the representative schedule here. Juniors and seniors are encouraged to attend colleges of interest.

College Application Tips

1. Be Aware of Deadlines! Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application.

2. Follow Directions when applying. It seems like a given, but be sure to follow specific instructions when completing your application, and make sure to read everything.

3. Use your personal/professional email address, you will lose access to your STMA email after graduation.

4. Keep track of your Login and Password Information for each application.

5. Don't Procrastinate. Plan ahead for all the application materials you will need.

6. ASK for help! Set up a meeting with your counselor if you have any questions.

FASFA Application

The FAFSA application will be available in December at Fafsa.ed.gov All senior students planning to attend any college next year should fill out the FAFSA. Additional FAFSA resources can be found here.

Trade School/Technical College after high school

Many families forget to check out technical colleges as an option after high school. This is an especially important choice to consider if you are a student who didn’t enjoy the traditional school setting like high school. Visit 15 Best Jobs for Trade School Graduates for information on the top-paying technical careers.

Seniors

Visit the counseling office/Student Support Website for all your senior information needs. Topics range from sending transcripts to applying to college & FAFSA! If your plans for after high school are undecided, schedule an appointment with your school counselor to talk further about your opportunities.

ree Virtual college and financial aid events

The Minnesota Department of Education will be running a series of FAFSA seminars starting Oct. 1- Oct. 22. The sessions will cover the college application process and general financial aid information, details on the FAFSA application, Minnesota Dream Act, and other ways to pay for college.

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.

What does it mean to be self-aware?

Being self-aware means knowing what’s important to you—what makes you tick—and living in ways that are consistent with that. If you know what’s important to you and use that to make decisions about how to spend your time, you’ll be more likely to feel at ease, successful, happy and well.

What are values? Why are they important? Why is it important for you to be clear about your own values?

A lot of people talk about “finding life balance.” For adults, it’s often about work and family. For you, it might mean having a good mix of school, activities, time with friends and family, and time to just relax.

What sometimes gets missed in this conversation is talking about values, practicing gratitude, sleep and self care.

We all know what we value, right? Sometimes it can be hard to think of all the things you value in life. Take a look at this activity to outline what things are most important to you and then put those values into action by taking a look at how much time you dedicate to those things that matter most to you.

“Values Circle” worksheet

Resources Provided by Allina Health: Change to Chill

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