SJHS Newsletter 9.06.26

Important Events - This Week:

• September 1 - 11 - Rivalry Week Competition (see flyer for more information)
• September 7 - No School / Labor Day
• September 8 @ 7:00PM - PTSO General Meeting in the SJHS Library
• September 10 - Mid-quarter grade check - Quarter 1
• September 11 - 9/11 Program at Football Game v. Round Valley (see flyer for more info)
• September 12 - NAVIT CNA students @ CPR training

Upcoming Events - Save the Dates:

• September 15 - U of A on SJHS Campus
• September 15 - Site Council Meeting
• September 17 - Booster Club Meeting
• September 22 - NHS Blood Drive (see flyer to make appointment)
• September 28 - October 3 - Homecoming Week (more info to come)
• September 29 - Safety Town Assembly

Dear SJHS Families,

As our students settle back into the routine of school following the Apache County Fair week, I want to take a moment to connect our student‑selected theme #KeepitReal to the work we are doing as a school community. "Keeping it real" means being clear about where we are, transparent about where we are going, and committed to doing the work that helps every student grow.

This year, our staff, Site Council, and district partners collaborated to identify three school improvement goals that will guide our efforts for 2026–27. These goals reflect our data, our district mission, vision, and values, and our belief that every student deserves meaningful progress and strong support.

SJHS 2026–27 School Improvement Goals

• SJHS Goal #1 — Attendance
• This year, we are again focusing on attendance because it is the single strongest predictor of student success. When students are in class consistently, they learn more, feel more connected, and stay on track for graduation. Last year’s attendance focus was on decreasing chronic absenteeism. We made great strides, but we know we can do even better. This year, our focus is on improving daily attendance. By doing this, we will be helping students build habits that matter long after high school — reliability, responsibility, and showing up for what’s important. This goal is about ensuring students don’t miss opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive.

• SJHS Goal #2 — Student Achievement
• Our second goal centers on academic growth. Previously, we focused on academic proficiency. This year, instead of looking only at test scores, we are focusing on how much students improve over time. Growth tells us whether our instruction is effective, whether interventions are working, and whether students are gaining the skills they need in reading, writing, and math. We chose this goal because growth is fair, measurable, and meaningful — it reflects progress for all students, no matter where they start. By improving growth, we strengthen the foundation for every class, every grade level, and every pathway after high school.

• SJHS Goal #3 — Grade A: College & Career Readiness
• Our third goal is about preparing students for life after high school. College and Career Readiness includes things like earning industry certifications, completing FAFSA, passing the ASVAB, succeeding in dual‑enrollment courses, and staying on track for graduation. These indicators matter because they open doors: jobs, scholarships, military opportunities, and college acceptance. We are focusing on this goal because readiness isn’t just a number — it’s confidence, options, and a plan for the future. Strengthening these indicators helps us maintain our school letter grade of A, but more importantly, it ensures our students leave SJHS prepared for whatever comes next.

Why These Goals Matter

These goals were chosen because they reflect both our strengths and our opportunities. They align with district priorities, state expectations, and even more importantly, the needs of our students. By focusing on academics, engagement, and readiness, we are investing in the whole student and ensuring that our work this year is purposeful, measurable, and meaningful.

As we move forward, I will continue sharing updates, progress, and ways families can partner with us to accomplish these important goals. Thank you for your support and for helping us #KeepitReal at SJHS.

With appreciation,
Mrs. Mo

Click the button below to see the September Attendance Newsletter! Including ...

• Important Reminders
• Bell Schedule
• A Word from Mr. Bradshaw
• Updated Attendance Codes for 2027
• Attendance Tips

Just a reminder ... appointments can be made online to see Mr. Johnson through our high school website or by using the link https://calendly.com/rjohnson-staff/30min.

Keep in mind the two-week window for changing your schedules has ended. Any future schedule changes will only be allowed for special circumstances requiring administration, teacher, and academic counselor approval.

Warmly,

Rick Johnson
Academic School Counselor

• Club meetings will resume next week

Here's what's happening this week:

• September 7 - Football @ Santa Cruz
• September 8 - Girls Soccer vs Snowflake
• September 9 - Volleyball vs Round Valley
• September 10 - Girls & Girls Soccer vs Payson, Volleyball @ Blue Ridge, JV Football @ RV
• September 11 - Football vs RV
• September 12 - Volleyball @ EPIC Small Schools Tourney

SJHS Classes of 1977 and 2002: mark your calendars and save the date, as we'll be honoring your classes during homecoming this year on Friday, October 2, 2026.

Please reach out to your class officers or select a representative to reach out to the school on your class's behalf. We will need to know who will be speaking for your class at the assembly and how many will be attending the luncheon by September 21.

Don't know who's in the class? Check out the QR code.

Get & Stay Connected! Scan the QR codes to keep up on the latest happenings at SJHS. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch our daily morning announcements, and don't forget to turn on notifications. #like #subscribe #keepitreal

A Booster Club membership drive will be happening at home football and soccer games starting this fall. More details to come!