STMA HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

As we move towards the end of February, Trimester 2 is quickly drawing to a close. This is an important time for students to stay focused, finish strong, and ensure all coursework and assessments are completed prior to the trimester deadline. In this edition, you will find key information related to the end of the trimester, including important dates and support available to students.

We also had a fun Snow Week 2026 filled with memorable moments for our students. Be sure to check out the photo recap highlighting the student spirit throughout the week.

Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting our students. As always, we are proud of the positive way our Knights represent our school and community.

Name: Simelle Lombel

Parents: Agnes and James

Siblings: Kemmah (23), Denise (14)

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

Most Memorable STMA Moment(s): My favorite memory has to be our Senior Homecoming Tailgate. It was a standout moment where our class came together to enjoy each other's company. There was a genuine sense of unity and school spirit that made it feel like a true milestone.

Teacher/Staff Who Has Impacted Me: The teacher who has impacted me most is Mr Burr. He truly cares about his students as individuals, always checking in to see how we are doing and taking the time to build a real personal connection. He makes you feel supported every day, both as a student and as a person.

I Love STMA Because:I love the small-town feel of our community. Everyone looks out for each other, and you always know there’s someone you can turn to.

Name: Cody Merfeld

Parents: Brandi and Andy

Siblings: Kali (19)

Plans after high school: I plan to attend Montana State, where I plan to major in neuroscience.

Most Memorable STMA Moment(s): My most memorable STMA memory is from sophomore year, competing at the conference track meet with my relay team. We didn’t start the season as the strongest group, but through hard work and shared goals, we found our rhythm together. I was lucky enough to be surrounded by seniors who took me under their wing. Beyond the sport, they mentored me on the importance of being welcoming, building genuine friendships, and what it truly means to lead a team.

Teacher/Staff Who Has Impacted Me: The teacher who has impacted me most is Mr. Dewey. He cares about his students as individuals. He has constantly encouraged me to be the best version of myself—both in my studies and in my life outside the classroom.

I Love STMA Because: I love STMA because of the incredible sense of belonging here. No matter what group you join, you are immediately made to feel included.

Name: Ava Pajari

Parents: Jessica and Brandon

Siblings: Lila (15), Halston (9), Callahan (9), Finley (3)

Plans after high school: I will be attending Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin. I plan to double major in Psychology and Theater, with the long-term goal of becoming a Marriage and Family Counselor.

Most Memorable STMA Moment(s): My most memorable moment was when the One Act Play went to state. Beyond the performance, it was the incredible, tight-knit bond of our cast that made the experience so meaningful.

Teacher/Staff Who Has Impacted Me: The teacher who has impacted me the most is Ms. Armstrong. She helped me find my voice and where I belong in the music room. I have not only had the opportunity to have her as my choir teacher, but also have taken voice lessons from her and she was the Assistant Director of Theater.

I Love STMA Because:I love STMA because it is an environment where you are constantly challenged to grow. Both the staff and my fellow students have pushed me to be the very best version of myself, and I feel incredibly prepared and grateful for the journey ahead.

Name: Ronin Whittlef

Parents: Teri and Cade

Siblings: Alex, Cole, Joely, Trinity

Plans after high school: I plan to attend Dakota County Technical College to pursue a career as a Linesman.

Most Memorable STMA Moment(s): Some of my favorite memories come from the time spent in the Activity Center (AC) after school. Lifting with my friends wasn't just about the workout; it was about the camaraderie and the shared goals we worked toward every day.

Teacher/Staff Who Has Impacted Me: The teacher who has impacted me the most is Mr. Schaunaman. He has been a true role model for me. He has a unique way of treating his students with the respect of adults, which creates a great learning environment. He is incredibly skilled at his craft and manages to make every class both enjoyable and meaningful.

I Love STMA Because: I love STMA because of the community. STMA is filled with good people who make you feel supported.

The St. Michael-Albertville Rotary Club is pleased to announce that St. Michael-Albertville High School juniors Amanda Keller and Macy Weber were recognized as the Rotary Students of the Month for February.

“Rotary is very proud to recognize Amanda and Macy 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.”

Many of our students love taking Chinese. Learning Chinese builds grit and a growth mindset, producing globally-minded leaders ready for international collaboration! Students develop character-decoding skills that strengthen visual-spatial memory and pattern recognition, which are highly transferable to mathematics and data analysis. As a tonal language, it also sharpens listening skills and communication mindfulness by demanding extreme attention to detail. Students prepare for the global stage by engaging with an ancient culture and modern economy, gaining the empathy to navigate diverse environments. Our curriculum features direct language instruction throughout the week, with Fridays dedicated to exploring rich Chinese cultural elements.

"To learn a language is to have one more window from which to look at the world."

We are excited to announce the Trimester 2 Study kNight scheduled for March 2nd, from 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM. As the end of the trimester approaches, we understand the importance of providing additional support to ensure our students feel confident and well-prepared. This evening offers a valuable opportunity for students to receive assistance from dedicated teachers and peers. Whether your focus is on mastering challenging concepts, making up assessments, or seeking clarification on specific topics, our Study kNight aims to foster a supportive learning environment. We encourage all of our students to take advantage of this valuable resource as they gear up for a successful end to the trimester.

We would encourage all students and parents/guardians to view grades available on ParentVUE and StudentVUE. In addition, we will be running an end of trimester assessment schedule which is included below. This information is always available for viewing on our school website. Students expecting to be gone for assessments should make arrangements with teachers to complete them in advance.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people between the ages of 10 to 24. Sometimes the struggle can be underestimated because of age. We hear you and help is available. Suicidal thoughts are not rare and you are not alone. They show up under predictable conditions. Generally, if a person is feeling down for long enough, they will begin to have thoughts such as “maybe I shouldn’t be here anymore,” “it would be better for my friends, relatives and other loved ones if I wasn’t here,” etc. If these thoughts are not addressed and things continue to be difficult or get worse, these thoughts can turn into planning ways that someone could end their life. This is called “making a plan.” If things continue to be difficult or worsen, some people will act on these plans. This is not a mysterious or unusual situation. Scientists, medical doctors and psychologists have known about this process for decades. A person isn’t “weak” or “bad” if they have such thoughts. It’s a response to tremendous emotional pain that can be treated and things can get better.

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

2026-2027 Course Registration is now complete, view your students courses in your ParentVue account, by clicking on 'Course Requests'.

ACT Test Prep Resources

Juniors interested in preparing for the ACT, can find a variety of ACT prep resources linked here.

Scholarships

We know that seniors are finalizing plans for life after high school and there may be some worries about how to pay for college! Local Scholarship information will be shared with seniors in early March. If they are interested in looking for additional scholarships they can find more information on the Student Support website → Scholarship & Financial Aid.

PSEO

If you are a future Junior or Senior considering PSEO, you can find information about PSEO, next steps, and posted meeting dates on the STMA Student Support webpage.

Scheduling Reminders:

Please be aware that schedule changes for trimester three are on a very limited basis and only for the reasons listed below as classes are very full. As the trimester approaches we will also be balancing class sizes the best we can. 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

• Thursday, March 5, 2026 - Trimester 2 ends
• Friday, March 6, 2026- No School - Grading Day
• Monday, March 30 - Friday, April 3, 2026 - No School - Spring Break

• Thursday, May 28th, 2026 Last day of school - Seniors ONLY
• Friday, May 29th, 2026 7:00pm - Graduation
• Wednesday, June 3th, 2026 - Last day of school ALL 9th-11th grade
• Thursday, June 4th, 2026 - Intervention day - more info to follow for students it applies to.

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