STMA HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

We are beyond a great Homecoming week and settling into October at STMA High School. It has been a tremendous start to the year, filled with energy and a focus on positive student experiences. We are grateful for the opportunity to work alongside our students and families to create meaningful experiences both in and out of the classroom. Thank you for your continued partnership in making STMA a place where every student can thrive.

We love featuring our students in this newsletter to give you a picture of the people who make this place so special. They define what it means to be a Knight.

At STMA, we take pride in offering students meaningful opportunities to explore their interests and prepare for the future. Our Robotics program is a prime example—growing from 32 students on three teams to a K–12 initiative with over 125 students on 10 teams. Students build teamwork, problem-solving, and engineering skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

Currently, Robotics shares space with welding, woods, and metals classes—limiting storage, practice, and growth. The proposed K–12 STEM Center would create dedicated areas for robotics, computer science, advanced manufacturing, and engineering, along with a LEGO Lab for K–8 students and evening community education opportunities.

In addition to STEM growth, STMA is pursuing a Black Box Theater Project to expand creative opportunities for students in the performing arts. This flexible performance space will allow smaller productions, student showcases, community performances and interdisciplinary presentations in an intimate setting—fostering collaboration, creativity, and confidence.

View the flyer for more details on the K–12 STEM Center proposal.

View the flyer for more details on the Renovated space for music and Theater Programs.

Name: Rowan Adams

Parents: Tohnya and Brian Adams

Siblings: Dallon (21), Mallory (9th grade), and Geneva (8th grade)

Plans after high school: I will be attending a 4 year college. I am currently undecided on my major.

Most Memorable STMA Moment(s): Some of my favorite high school memories come from cheering on our teams at sporting events and feeling the energy of the crowd. I’ve also really enjoyed being part of the NHS roadside clean-up team—working together toward a common goal has been a rewarding experience.

Teacher/Staff Who Has Impacted Me: The teacher that has impacted me most is Mr. Olesen. He has a real talent for understanding students and providing the kind of focused feedback that actually sets you up for success.

I Love STMA Because: Having all my friends here is a huge part of it, but beyond that, the community and atmosphere have given me an all-around positive and memorable high school experience.

Name: Grace Holmberg

Parents: Robyn and Nathan Holmberg

Siblings: Bradley (9th grade)

Plans after high school: I plan to attend a 4 year college where I will major in Biomedical Engineering.

Most Memorable STMA Moment(s): My most memorable moment at STMA was during my Junior year when the Dance Team took home 1st place at the Forest Lake Invitational. That victory was an incredible feeling. It was exciting to share that moment with my teammates - all of our hard work and practice had paid off.

Teacher/Staff Who Has Impacted Me: The teacher who has had the greatest impact on me is Mr. Hoffman. He’s an outstanding teacher who has supported me not only academically but also beyond the classroom.

I Love STMA Because: What I love most about STMA is the combination of opportunities for students and the incredibly strong community we have here.

Name: Motumah Takgbajouah

Parents: Florence and Totoe Takgbajouah

Siblings: Nai (31)

Plans after high school: I plan to attend a 4 year college out of state where I will major in Psychology.

Most Memorable STMA Moment(s): My most memorable moment at school was the incredible turnout we had for Culture Day last year. Seeing so many people participate made me feel proud of the hard work I put in to help make the event a success.

Teacher/Staff Who Has Impacted Me: The teacher that has impacted me most is Ms. Sebens. When I transferred here as a sophomore, she was one of the first teachers I had, and her support made all the difference. She gave me the extra motivation and encouragement I needed.

I Love STMA Because: I love STMA because it's given me the chance to explore my interests and really excel at them. I also feel like I can genuinely put effort into my grades here, which is a big change from my old school.

Name: Logan Warner

Parents: Rebecca and Jason

Siblings: Brynn (9th grade) and Dylan (6th grade)

Plans after high school: After graduation, I plan to attend a four-year college to major in Business. My goal is then move to the East Coast to pursue a J.D. degree and continue my education in law.

Most Memorable STMA Moment(s): My most memorable moment was being part of both the Concert Choir tour in Omaha and the State One Act Play victory! The One Act students on the tour had to leave immediately to fly back and perform at State, and we took first place. I will never forget the excitement and hard work of that entire experience.

Teacher/Staff Who Has Impacted Me: The teacher who has made the biggest impact on me is Mr. Kanton, one of my 8th-grade teachers at West. He opened my eyes to what’s happening around the world and made learning fun and engaging. Mr. Mann has also had a big influence on me—both through the extracurricular activities I’m involved in and in the classroom.

I Love STMA Because: I love STMA because of all the opportunities it has given me to excel in different areas. I’ve never had to choose between the things I enjoy—I’ve been able to pursue all of my interests without having to give something up!

The St. Michael-Albertville Rotary Club is pleased to announce that St. Michael-Albertville High School juniors Grace Lindenfelser and Frankie Edgar were recognized as the Rotary Students of the Month for October.

“Rotary is very proud to recognize Grace and Frankie as students of the month,” said Kevin Lenz, STMA Rotary Club President. “They have demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence and represent the service above self ideals of Rotary.”

Homecoming 2025 was a week to remember at STMA! From PowderPuff Football and Senior Sunrise to spirited dress-up days, packed sporting events, and the Homecoming Dance, students had many opportunities to celebrate school pride and create lasting memories. It was a truly positive experience for our students, and we are grateful for the energy and enthusiasm our community brought to the week.

Jewelry making is a new course being offer at STMA High School for the 2025-2026 school year. In this hands-on Art class, students learn how to design and create wearable art using a variety of materials and techniques, including leather stamping, beading, wire wrapping, weaving, ceramic beads and pendants, lost wax casting, and more!.
The course encourages creativity, craftsmanship, and design thinking as students bring their artistic visions to life in the form of rings, pendants, bracelets, tapestries and more. Each project helps students develop both artistic and technical skills while discovering the patience and precision required for fine craftsmanship.

Information on the 2025–2026 Yearbook

Senior and Baby Photos are due Friday, October 24th. Email photos to stmahsyearbook@mystma.org with your student’s name in the subject line (example: John Johnson Senior/Baby Photo). If a senior photo is not submitted by the deadline, the student’s school ID photo will be used in its place. Senior Photo proofs will be sent to families and shared in homerooms later in the year.

Follow Valor Yearbook
Follow Valor on Instagram @stma_yearbook for school activity updates. Valor is now using SmugMug to share photos at stmahsyearbook.smugmug.com.

Congratulations, Valor Staff!
The 2024–2025 Valor Yearbook staff were awarded their fourth consecutive All-State Gold Medallion Award from the Journalism Educators of Minnesota, presented at the Minnesota High School Press Association State Journalism Convention on October 7, 2025.

Individual award winners include:

• Makenzie Reineck (’25) – First Place, Social Media Promotion

• Ava Geiman (’25), Josie Nygard (’25), and Gracie Vankuyk (’26) – Second Place, Yearbook Spread Design

• Kenzee Levisee (’25) – Fifth Place, Student Life Story

• Madysen Coulson (’26), Allison Dresser (’26), and Anna Volkenant (’25) – Fourth Place, Yearbook Spread Design

• Ava Geiman (’25) and Josie Nygard (’26) – Third Place, Yearbook Theme Package

• Cece Roberts (’25) – Fourth Place, Student Life Story

STMA Presents the Musical Pippin: A Dazzling Circus of Self-Discovery

Step right up! The STMA Theatre Department invites you to experience the magic, music, and mayhem of Pippin, running November 6–9 in our high school PAC. This year’s production reimagines this production through the vibrant world of a circus—complete with colorful characters, daring performances, and a touch of theatrical wonder.

Pippin follows a young man on his search for purpose and meaning, as he journeys through love, war, and temptation in pursuit of an extraordinary life. Guided by the mysterious Leading Player, Pippin must decide what truly makes life fulfilling.

Beyond the bright lights and big top, this production is also an educational journey for our students. Through their work on Pippin, cast and crew are developing essential skills in communication, teamwork, and confidence—skills that extend far beyond the stage.

Join us for an unforgettable night of music, storytelling, and spectacle as our students bring Pippin to life in this bold and imaginative production.

9th-12th grade students at STMA high school have an opportunity that the grand majority of high school students across the country do not! STMA has been taking students to Costa Rica through Seeds of Change, a non profit organization, since 2019. The trip is focused on science and the real-world application of the scientific method. Logan Olesen, the lead teacher, stated “The things that we are able to do in Costa Rica are not possible in a high school classroom. The students are fully immersed into the program and get to work with PhD students and college professors. The relationships and skills that they build will last a lifetime and catapult them into their future.”

Even though the trip is centrally focused around science, the students have a blast and get to do a variety of activities such as: zip lining, surf lessons, waterfall hikes, and horseback riding. Seeds of Change is the only organization that has a tropical research lab station designated for high school students, and STMA is one of the few public schools that still has students participate! Take it from Sam Scheffers, a STMA senior who went on the trip in 2025, “This trip has been a life-changing experience, I know it’s very cliche to say that, but it truly

was. I went into this trip expecting it to be similar to any science lab experience back at

school, but I was very wrong. This trip showed me how science actually works. It is unlike

anything I have ever done before.”

If you have any questions about this trip please feel free to reach out to Logan Olesen at Logano@mystma.org.

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

SENIOR INFORMATION

Senior PARENTS - Senior 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

Students will be receiving their personalized Direct Admissions Minnesota survey email on Wednesday, October 8th. Direct Admissions offers seniors a look at the many Minnesota college options they have after high school by proactively notifying them of which colleges and universities they are accepted to - before they even apply!

Check out this link to the Direct Admissions Student Center page to help your student navigate the process.

2026-2027 FAFSA Form- NOW available

The FAFSA application is available 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.

North Star Promise Scholarship

The North Star Promise provides free college tuition to Minnesota residents attending a University or Minnesota State College, and all Tribal Colleges. This program is open to all Minnesota resident students with a family income below $80,000, reported in the FASFA application.

Seniors with Nov. 1st College Application Deadlines

Transcripts and letters of recommendation need to be requested through Xello two weeks in advance of the college application deadline.

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.

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

JUNIOR AND SENIOR INFORMATION

College Rep 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 by signing up on ShieldHub.

Testing

If you are a senior and would like to take the ACT one more time, December 13th is your next option! The deadline to sign up is November 7th. Register at The ACT Test for Students

Juniors will have the opportunity to take the ACT during the school day in April. More information to come following winter break.

Reminder: Free College and Financial Aid Sessions Available to Minnesota Students

To support local high schools with their college application and financial aid efforts, the College Planning Series (formerly Ready, Set, FAFSA) will be offered to students and families this fall. Hosted on Tuesday evenings September 30 to November 18, six Zoom sessions will cover the college application process, general financial aid information, details on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the Minnesota Dream Act for undocumented students, and other ways to pay for college. All sessions will have simultaneous interpretation in Spanish, Somali, and Hmong. Experts from local colleges will be available during the events to answer questions in the chat. Students who attend are eligible to win a $1,000 scholarship (two available). Registration is open now for families. A promotional toolkit is available to schools with newsletter content and graphics. Please contact Beth Barsness (beth.barsness@state.mn.us) for further information.

• Parent/Teacher Conferences - Thursday, October 9th, 4:00pm - 7:00pm
• Fall Band Concert - Monday, October 13th, 2025, 6:00pm PAC
• Fall Choir Concert - Monday, October 13th, 2025, 7:30pm PAC
• Thursday, October 16th, 2025 - NO School ALL
• Friday, October 17th, 2025 - NO School ALL
• Tuesday, November 4th - NO School ALL, Teacher Workshop

SENIORS ONLY

• Senior meeting, ordering of cap and gown - October 30th, 11:00am PAC

• 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

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.

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