STMA HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

MESSAGE FROM PRINCIPAL MERFELD
As we wind down the first trimester of the school year, I want to express sincere gratitude to our incredible students, families, and community. Your support and commitment since day one have made the start of this school year wonderful for STMA High School students.
We are wrapping up a fantastic fall season of athletics, arts, and extracurricular activities. It has been a joy watching our students represent our school with pride, grit, and sportsmanship. As these programs wind down, we look forward with great anticipation to the start of our winter season and all the energy it brings to our school.
Behind every success story at our school is a team of teachers and staff who work tirelessly to support, challenge, and care for our students every day. It is the strong partnership between our hard-working educators and our supportive families that makes our school such a wonderful place to work and learn. Thank you for all you do to make our school community special.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT -Rotary Students of the Month
The St. Michael-Albertville Rotary Club is pleased to announce that St. Michael-Albertville High School juniors Kylee Brandli, Landon Rooker, and Aiden Waddell were recognized as the Rotary Students of the Month for October.
“Rotary is very proud to recognize Kylee, Landon and Aiden as students of the month,” said Tom Monson, STMA Rotary Club President. “They have demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence and represent the service above self ideals of Rotary.”
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT - Valor Yearbook Celebrates State Award Success!
We are proud to share that the STMA High School Valor yearbook staff had another successful showing at the Minnesota High School Press Association State Awards. The awards were presented on October 8th at the Minnesota High School Journalism Convention at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities.
The 2025–26 Valor yearbook, “What If We Told You,” earned a Silver Medallion, recognizing the outstanding work and dedication of the entire yearbook staff.
In addition, several students received individual honors at the state level for their outstanding work in journalism. Congratulations to these talented students on their achievements! We are proud of their creativity, hard work, and commitment to excellence.
It Starts In The Stands
Feature Photo
First Place
Garett Robeck
More Color Bigger Crowds
Feature Photo
Second Place
Maddie Stern
Untouchable Arm
Photo Illustration
Second Place
Leo Bjerketvedt
She’s Got a Month of Memories
Student Life Story
Fourth Place
Anni Stollenwerk
Every Mile Counts
Sports Story
Fifth Place
Maiya Slusarczyk
A New Generation is Arriving
Spread Design
Fourth Place
Addison Schmoyer
STAFF SPOTLIGHT - LEEA & ESS Award Recipients
Congratulations to Abbey Bonsen, recipient of the Leadership and Education Excellence Award (LEEA), and Corrie Bergen, recipient of the Educational Support Staff (ESS) Award. Both were selected by their peers in recognition of their dedication, professionalism, and positive impact on our students, staff, and school community. These awards reflect the respect and appreciation of their colleagues and the meaningful contributions they make each day at STMA High School. Thank you both for all you do, and congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!
Abbey Bonsen - Social Studies Teacher
Corrie Bergen - Administrative Assistant
CLASS HIGHLIGHT - Entrepreneurship: Virtual Enterprise
Students in Entrepreneurship: Virtual Enterprise created LIFTERA, a student-run business dedicated to helping weightlifters maximize their training while saving time and money. Their product, the Drop Chain, is a unique attachment designed to enhance the functionality of lifting belts.
As they move into the manufacturing stage, every student plays a vital role in the company, from production and marketing to finance and sales. Together, they are experiencing what it takes to launch a real product and run a successful business.
Innovation, teamwork, and entrepreneurship in action!
Follow LIFTERA on Instagram @liftera.mn
TRIMESTER ONE - Finals schedule, November 23rd - 24th
As we approach the end of Trimester One, please take a moment to review the finals schedule for STMA High School. The schedule includes important dates and times to help families and students plan accordingly. We encourage students to be prepared and make the most of these final days of the trimester!
SENIORS ONLY - ordering of cap & gown
Attention, Senior Families! Our Senior Meeting will take place on Thursday, November 5th, during SNAP (11:02–11:26 a.m.). Students will have the opportunity to order their graduation cap and gown. There is no cost to families, but all students are required to place an order since gowns are sized individually.
Please plan to attend!
FALL MUSICAL - Frozen
STMA Presents Disney’s Frozen: A Magical Tale of Sisterhood and Love For the first time in forever, the STMA Theatre Department presents Disney’s Frozen! Join Princess Anna, Queen Elsa, Olaf, and friends as they bring the magic, music, and heartwarming story of Arendelle to life. This exciting production showcases our students’ talents while building teamwork, confidence, and communication skills.
Join us November 12th–15th for an unforgettable theatrical experience! Reserve your seats NOW at the links below
Ticket link for Thursday, 7:00 PM show
Ticket link for Friday, 7:00 PM show
Ticket link for Saturday, 2:00 PM show
OUTSTANDING CLASSROOM FEES
Reminder to pay any outstanding classroom fees by the end of the trimester, Tuesday, November 24th.
To check for outstanding fees, log in to your ParentVUE account, select Fees, then Click the link to access online payment and then click the wallet icon to sign into Edutrak Connect. Any assigned fees will appear in your cart.
Payments can also be made in the main office during school hours. We accept cash, checks (payable to ISD 885), and credit cards.
Thank you for taking care of any outstanding balances!
DISTRICT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Parent Voices Needed: Join the District Advisory Committee
Ever wonder what’s happening behind the scenes in our district, or wish you could share your input before new ideas get rolled out? Consider joining the District Advisory Committee (DAC).
What It Actually Is
The DAC is an informal soundboard for district leadership. While the committee is strictly advisory, your feedback is truly appreciated and needed in making the best decisions for our learners! The District Advisory Committee doesn't make policies, manage budgets, or vote on decisions. Instead, administrators bring ideas, program updates, and district plans to hear what parents actually think.
It is a space to ask questions, offer feedback, and give school leaders a realistic parent perspective.
The Commitment
The group meets 6 times a year (about once every couple of months) for an hour.
Who Can Join?
Any parent/guardian in the district. You don’t need any special background or experience—just a willingness to sit in on a few meetings a year, listen to what's coming down the pipeline, and share your honest thoughts.
Interested in joining or learning more? Please submit your name here or contact Jennie Kelly, Director of Teaching and Learning @ jenniferk@mystma.org or stop by the District Office to learn more.
PROCEDURE FOR STUDENTS WHO BECOME ILL
If your student becomes ill during the school day, they should report to the Health Office rather than contacting a parent or guardian directly to leave school. The Health Office staff will assess the situation, contact a parent/guardian if needed, and coordinate the student's dismissal. Once a student is approved to leave due to illness, the Health Office will notify the attendance office and record the student as leaving for the day. Following this procedure helps ensure student safety, accurate attendance records, and proper communication with families.
REPORTING ABSENCES
Three ways to report an absence to STMA High School.
Include student's first name, last name and reason for absence. Should your student need to be released early, include time they are to leave.
- 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. *This option is only available until 10:00am daily.
- Email - email hsattendance@mystma.org.
- Call attendance line - Call (763) 497-2192 option #4 to leave a message.
UPCOMING EVENTS - 2026-2027 School Year
- Teacher Workshop - Tuesday, November 3rd - NO School ALL
- End of Trimester - Tuesday, November 24th
- Grading Day - Wednesday, November 25th - NO School ALL
- Thanksgiving Break - Thursday, November 26th - NO School ALL
- Thanksgiving Break - Friday, November 27th - No School ALL
SENIORS (Students ONLY)
- Senior meeting, ordering of cap and gown - November 5th, 11:00am PAC
PROM 2027
STUDENT SUPPORT
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
- 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.
VISION OF STMA CONTACT INFO
if your student is missing any items and utilizes transportation, please stop by Vision Transportation to check the lost and found! They currently have a large collection of lost items—especially sweatshirts and water bottles.
Please note that all unclaimed items remaining in the lost and found will be donated after Friday, November 6th. Vision is located across from Culver's in Albertville.
YEARBOOK
2026-2027 SCHOOL CALENDAR
STMA EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
LOCATE STMA HIGH SCHOOL
Email: highschooloffice@mystma.org
Website: https://hs.stma.k12.mn.us/
Location: 5800 Jamison Avenue Northeast, Saint Michael, MN, USA
Phone: 763-497-2192