SJHS Newsletter 2.1.26

Tonight & Tomorrow:

• January 30-31 - Academic Decathlon Regionals @ St. Johns High School - come watch the Super Quiz event and awards ceremony on Saturday, January 31 at 12:15 PM in the Auditorium
• January 30 @ 7:00 PM - St. Johns Fine Arts Committee - Magician Show in the Auditorium

Weekly Highlights:

• February - Career & Technical Education Month
• February 2-6 - National School Counseling Week
• February 5 - Bus Evacuation Drill
• February 5 at 6:00 PM - SJUSD School Board Meeting

Future Events - Save the Dates:

• February 10 - Real Life Reads Book Club Meeting (see flier in Clubs Connection)
• February 10 - St. Johns Booster Club Meeting
• February 13 - NAVIT Registration for 2026-27 Deadline
• February 14 - Sweethearts Dance
• February 15 - School Resource/Safety Officer Appreciation Day
• February 16 - Presidents' Day / NO SCHOOL
• February 20 - ACT Test Prep Begins at SJHS Library
• February 24 - ASVAB Test (for all Seniors and interested Juniors)

Dear SJHS Families,

At St. Johns High School, Career & Technical Education (CTE) is more than a class—it’s a pathway to opportunity.

We are proud to offer hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for life after high school. Through CTE, students gain real-world skills, explore career options, and build confidence for futures that may include college, the workforce, the military, or technical training.

CTE Starts Early at SJHS

Starting in a student's freshman year, students can enroll in CTE programs right on campus, including:

• Construction

• Culinary Arts

• Agriscience

• Automotive Technology

These programs allow students to learn by doing—developing technical skills while also strengthening problem-solving, teamwork, responsibility, and leadership.

College Credit & Career Training for Upperclassmen

Our juniors and seniors may also participate in programs through Northern Arizona Vocational Institute of Technology (NAVIT), our local JTED partner. NAVIT programs offer students the opportunity to earn college credit while learning a trade, with classes available in St. Johns, Show Low, and Snowflake.

Programs include fields in health care, public safety, skilled trades, technology, and cosmetology, giving students direct pathways into high-demand careers.

As skilled-trades advocate Mike Rowe reminds us: “We don’t have a shortage of jobs. We have a shortage of skilled people.”

This CTE Month, we proudly celebrate our students and educators who are building skills, confidence, and strong futures—right here in our community.

Thank you,

Mrs. Finch

by Bianca Diaz

Short days, cold weather, and seasonal sniffles can make mid-winter feel like the toughest stretch of the school year. But staying engaged and active at school helps students keep routines steady, stay connected with friends and teachers, and maintain momentum toward their goals. Even on chilly mornings, getting to school supports academic success and mental well-being. Remember: the consistency we build now sets the tone for a strong finish to the year.

Why Showing Up Matters

• Routine = resilience: Regular schedules help students feel grounded and focused.

• Connection boosts motivation: Being at school keeps students socially engaged and supported.

• Small wins add up: Each day of attendance strengthens learning habits and confidence.

Winter Survival Tips (for students & families)

• Layer up: Warm clothes make mornings easier and classrooms more comfortable.

• Fuel smart: A balanced breakfast helps energy and concentration last all day.

• Move a little: Short walks or stretch breaks can lift mood and fight winter fatigue.

• Sleep counts: Consistent bedtimes support immunity and focus.

• Hand hygiene: Washing hands and covering coughs helps keep everyone healthy.

Did You Know?

• Sunlight helps learning: Even brief daylight exposure can improve mood and alertness—open those curtains in the morning!

• Movement boosts memory: Light activity increases blood flow to the brain, which can help with focus and recall.

• Hydration matters in winter: Cold weather can dull thirst, but staying hydrated supports energy and immune health.

• New year, fresh momentum: Students who keep steady attendance in winter often finish the year stronger academically.

Let’s lean into healthy habits, support one another, and keep showing up—even when it’s cold outside. Spring (and a strong finish!) is closer than it feels.

Quarter 3 Incentive: No Tardy Party

To encourage positive attendance habits, the class with the fewest tardies and absences during Quarter 3 will win the No Tardy Party! This incentive promotes accountability, teamwork, and school pride while recognizing students who prioritize attendance and punctuality.

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.

My name is Rick Johnson, and I am a native of Phoenix, Arizona, and currently the Academic Counselor for St Johns High School. I graduated from Bethany College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Health and Physical Education with a minor in Educational Leadership, after receiving a football scholarship. Then, I later received my Master’s in Administration from Grand Canyon University. I currently hold a certification in Pre-K-12 Administration.

I have over 30 years’ experience as a certified K-12 Health and Physical Education Teacher and 6 years as an Administrator. I am also a certified Master Life Skills Trainer and Conflict Resolution Trainer. In that capacity, I also directed several Leadership programs, National Junior Honor Society, and owned and operated Elevate Leadership Adventures which provided opportunities for not only at-risk youth but youth with disabilities.

Along with my teaching experience I have played in and won a national football championship at Kansas. I also, held many coaching positions including at the college level and high school head coaching positions for football, volleyball, track, and basketball, winning numerous state titles.

Currently at St. Johns High School, I specialize in helping students navigate the complexities of college applications and graduation requirements. My mission is to empower every student to reach their full potential by providing individualized support and advocacy. I have also enjoined the last two years as the Head Defensive Coordinator for our amazing Redskin Football Team!

When not at school, I am spending time with my wife of 40 years, building our home, working on our property, and playing with our four pit bull rescue dogs. I also enjoy hunting, bass fishing tournaments, spending time with my wife, who is the Visual Arts and Ceramics teacher at SJHS, and we spend as much time as possible with our son who is a chef in Reno, Nevada, and our daughter who is a writer.

with Mr. Johnson

• Monday, February 2 - 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM in Mrs. Johnson's Art Classroom

• Tuesday, February 3 - 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM in the Library

• January Book of the Month: What to Say When You Talk to Your Self
• February 10, 2026 at 7:00 PM
• Meet at The Loft or on Zoom
• See flier for more information or to sign up

• Thursday, February 5 - 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM in Mrs. Hitchcock's Agriculture Classroom

Congratulations Spiritline on your 2nd place finish at TSC State Competition! We love you and are proud of you girls and your coaches!

Our Wrestling and Basketball teams continue to battle and gain victory on the mat and on the court. Wrestling placed 4th at the Queen Creek Duals and are prepping for their upcoming sectionals and state. Basketball Girls & Boys are both currently high seed! Here's what's happening this week:

• January 31 - Girls and Boys Basketball @ NPA
• February 3 - Girls & Boys Basketball vs Round Valley
• February 3 - Spiritline SENIOR NIGHT (halftime of Boys Varsity game)
• February 4 - Boys Basketball vs Morenci (3 & 4:30pm)
• February 4 - Wrestling vs Snowflake, SENIOR NIGHT, 7pm
• February 5 - Girls & Boys Basketball Regionals Round 1 at home
• February 7 - Girls & Boys Basketball Regionals Final Four (location TBD)

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We Are One. We Fear No One. Eyes Up.