Warrior News

Dear Warrior Family,

Happy New Year and welcome to January! As we enter the final weeks of the first semester, I’m filled with gratitude and pride as we reflect on our journey from 2025 into 2026. Our students, staff, and families have done remarkable work, and I’m excited to share some recent highlights and reminders as we prepare to close the semester.

Highlights
Student engagement continues to be strong across classrooms and activities. Our students are connecting with their community and one another in meaningful ways. We just completed our third extremely successful blood drive. Thank you to our student council for making school life better for all Warriors and the community.

For the first time during my tenure, we hosted a science fair that put our students’ work on full display. Thank you to the Science Department and to every student who prepared and presented. You exemplified curiosity, rigor, and strong communication skills. We look forward to future exhibits that spotlight our scholars and their unique interests.

Final exams begin Wednesday, January 14th. Please encourage your student to be “laser-focused” during this review period, asking teachers for help can make a big difference. Parents, I want to encourage you to visit your students’ Schoology and MI-Star to plan a study schedule for the week. We will have after-school tutorial support on Tuesday January 13th from 2:45 PM to 5:45 PM.

Underclassmen families, now is when we begin scheduling conversations for next year. Please talk with your student about their interests and course options. Interest forms will be released soon. These conversations shape future pathways, so engagement is important. “Our job is to create the conditions for every young person to grow, explore, and become their best self,” and we are committed to partnering with families to make that possible.

Thank you for trusting Southfield A&T Staff to be part of your students’ journey. Together we will finish this semester strong and prepare for a successful second half of the year.

With gratitude,

David Reese, Principal
Southfield A&T High School

Please see the attached flyer to join our newly formed PTSA

Mark your calendars!!!

• April (TBD) - Grammy/Mock Elections
• May 22nd - Graduation Rehearsal (Tentative)
• May 27th - Senior Prom @ International Ballroom in Greektown
• June 5th - Graduation @ Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre 10 a.m.

Every senior must purchase a cap and gown to participate in graduation. The basic package for $80 is still available. For those who have not paid for their cap and gown, please do so ASAP on Go Fan as cap and gowns will be ordered at the end of January!

Back by popular demand. It's not too late to purchase a class of 2026 senior jersey. Please see the information below.

Southfield A&T held it's first science fair in nearly 8 years. Students in Ms. LaSovage and Dr. Boone's classes submitted over 80 projects to be judged. Congratulations to our 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners:

3rd Place: Microplastics in Water; submitted by:

London Clemons

Peyton Kirksey-Bonarge

2nd Place: Daphnia; submitted by:

Jayda Bryant

Chloe Hassan

Jayda Lyons

Holly McAdoo

Blake Woodard

1st Place: The Physics of Football; submitted by

Caleb Lang

ReAnn Luckett

Justin Porter

Curtis Sherman

The Southfield A&T Chapter showed up and delivered. Leila Arrington and Paris

Whitman earned their accolades for earning the Diplomat Level Torch Awards. Princess

Tayo came 1st place in Database; Uche Adi came in 2nd place in Human Resource

Management. The Small Business and Administrative Support teams both came in 2nd

place. All of these students qualify for state competition in Grand Rapids which will be

held in March. The energy was celebratory—genuine cheers all around—and the

momentum feels real. Ms. Brown-Perkins & Ms. Dunn, Co-Advisors are very proud of

their accomplishments!

During the months of November and December NHS members collected mittens from Seminar classes. The winning class won a pizza party and certificate of appreciation. Thanks for participating Mr. Eaton, Mr. Green, Mr. Smith, Mrs. Pope, Mrs. Crosby, and Mrs. Ellis.

The mittens were donated to Stevenson Elementary School.

On the Same Page meets bi-weekly at 7:05 AM in the Media Center. Students have chosen the first read titled One of Us is Lying. Any student wishing to join the club can stop by Ms. Felix-Brown's room, located in B202, to pick up a copy of the book. Join us for the fun, the reading, and the snacks.

Any student considering a career in a professional trade should visit the Apprenticeship Wall at SHSA&T (see picture below). The Wall connects students with Registered Apprenticeship opportunities through QR codes, which link to career videos and apprenticeship program details. It's designed to promote apprenticeships in high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand industries to students in a localized region. The goal is to provide accessible information and make it easier for students to learn about and apply for these "earn-while-you-learn" programs.

On January 22, 2026, our SHSA&T 9th graders with GPAs above a 3.0 and their parents are invited to a presentation in the Media Center at 10 a.m. about Wolverine Pathways (WP). Students in WP participate in year-round programming that facilitates college preparation and academic involvement. They are challenged to grow socially and emotionally by joining a community of college-oriented scholars. The program fosters relationships, both professional and personal, that encourage student academic resilience and achievement and will continue to provide opportunities through college and beyond.

In addition to preparing scholars for college and career success, economic barriers that limit achievement are addressed. All scholars who successfully complete WP and are admitted to U-M Ann Arbor or U-M Dearborn receive a full, four-year tuition scholarship to the university (applied after all applicable federal and state financial aid). If a scholar does not successfully and fully complete the program, there is no financial reward, even if they are later admitted to U-M.

Scholars who take the journey will enjoy a range of college and career workshops, cultural experiences, campus connections, and academic opportunities curated especially for them.

On January 12, 2026, the College and Career Center will be hosting a FAFSA Night for senior students and families that would like more information about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and/or would like 1:1 assistance with the form. Light refreshments will be provided and a FAFSA specialist will be available to answer in-depth questions and assist with the form.

On January 13, 2026, 30 of our SHSA&T 11th and 12th graders will be attending a field trip to Lawrence Technological University. Our scholars will explore the campus and attend a presentation to learn more about the institution. Permission slips are due to Ms. Mboup on Monday, January 12th! Paper copies are available in D-201, the College and Career Center.

Also on January 13th, Recruitment Officer Miles Patterson will be presenting about the U.S. Naval pathway to interested juniors and seniors. Scan the QR Code on the flyer to register for this event.

On January 29, 2026, Dr. Yolonda Freeman-Hildreth will be presenting information about University of Detroit Mercy's 5-year Physician Assistant program. Juniors and Seniors interested in STEM or Health Sciences should register to attend. Scan the QR code on the flyer to register.

On February 11, 2026, SHSA&T 9th graders will participate in the annual College & Post-Secondary Panel Discussion in the Media Center (see attached flyer). In addition to the colleges and organizations confirmed and listed on the flyer to participate, we have invited representatives from the US Marines, Michigan State University, Wayne State University, and Lawrence Tech University.

On March 24, 2026, Schools to Tools Mobile Field Trip will spend the day at SHSA&T for the second year in a row. A program of the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights, Schools to Tools aims to provide students with the information, training, and hands-on experiences they need to make informed career decisions about professional trades.

This fall, scholars at Southfield High School for the Arts & Technology will be able to participate in one of the 19 Career Pathway Academies. These include: Business Management, Culinary Arts, Digital Multimedia, Finance, Fine Arts (2-D, 3-D and Graphic Design), Fire Academy, Health Sciences, Information Technology (Advanced Computer Programming, Cybersecurity, and Game Design), Marketing & Entrepreneurship, Mechatronics/Robotics, Performing Arts (Dance, Instrumental (Band), Theater, Vocal), Radio/TV Production.

Career pathway academies have the potential to fundamentally transform the secondary education experience by integrating academic learning with hands-on, career-focused instruction. These academies are designed to equip students with a robust foundation in both technical skills—such as digital literacy, industry-specific competencies, and problem-solving—and professional skills like communication, collaboration, and time management. By embedding real-world relevance into the curriculum, students are better prepared for the demands of today’s dynamic workforce. This approach not only enhances engagement and motivation but also supports a smoother, more intentional transition to post-secondary opportunities, whether that be college, vocational training, or direct entry into a career.

Here are some simple, fun, and age appropriate suggestions for families to explore career readiness with high school scholars

1. Career Personality Quiz Night

• What: Take free online assessments together (like My Next Move or 16Personalities).

• Why: Sparks conversation about strengths, interests, and possible career paths.

• Family Role: Compare results, share your own career journey, and talk about fit and surprises.

2. “Real Talk” Career Video Series

• What: Watch 5–10 minute videos of professionals explaining their careers (YouTube: “CareerOneStop” or “Roadtrip Nation”).

• Why: Offers a real-world glimpse into jobs, including lesser-known ones.

• Challenge: After each video, ask: “Could you see yourself doing that? Why or why not?”

3. Pathway Mapping Game

• What: Pick a dream job, then map out possible pathways (e.g., college, trade school, internships, apprenticeships).

• Why: Shows there’s more than one “right” way to reach a career.

• Family Twist: Parents/guardians can share their own winding or surprising career journeys too.

4. “Career Day” at Home

• What: Invite family friends or relatives to share about their job over dinner or a Zoom call.

• Why: Personal stories make careers feel real and relatable.

• Student Role: Prepare and ask 3–5 questions like: “What do you enjoy most? What’s one thing you didn’t expect?”

5. Budget a Life

• What: Use online tools like Reality Check by Texas Cares to explore how salary and lifestyle go hand-in-hand.

• Why: Connects career choices to real-life financial independence.

• Family Tie-in: Compare how different jobs impact budgets — great segue into talking about money management too.

6. "Job Shadow Bingo"

• What: Create a bingo card with different career exploration activities (e.g., shadow someone, attend a virtual job fair, research a company, create a LinkedIn profile).

• Why: Makes career readiness a game with variety and choice.

• Family Role: Offer ideas, connections, or rewards for a “bingo!”

7. Passion Project Portfolio

• What: Support your teen in building a portfolio of their interests — videos, artwork, blogs, coding projects, volunteering, etc.

• Why: Shows how hobbies, values, and talents can point toward career paths.

• Bonus: Helps with college apps, internships, and scholarships.

8. “What If?” Career Conversations

• What: Over dinner or in the car, casually ask fun “What if” questions like:

  • “What if you could only work outdoors?”

  • “What if you had to work alone most of the time?”

  • “What if you had to pick a career based on your favorite class?”

• Why: Encourages reflection and self-discovery in a low-pressure way.

Southfield High School for the Arts & Technology requires community service hours along with 22 graduation credits. Your student is required to complete and submit their Volunteer Log to their counselor before or during Senior Check-Out. Using the Volunteer Log, your student can submit hours accumulated through May of their respective graduation year. Hours required for each graduating class as follows:

Senior Class of 2026 & Beyond = 20 Hrs.

Please view the attachments or see your counselor for questions.

Please continue to use the service support link below so we can better assist you.

If you have a counseling emergency, someone will contact you as soon as possible.

Service Support Link: https://forms.gle/1FheMqhAemdJwLz46

Marching Warriors Perform Across Campuses and Borders

The Warrior Band stayed busy this winter. They performed at University’s concert band on December 16th, participated in the Band Jamboree on December 20th, and took part in the annual Canada parade in Essex. Between rehearsals, performances, and traveling across borders, the band has proven that music truly has no limits, and Warriors can stay in formation no matter the weather.

Senior Board’s Annual Lip Sync Show

The senior board’s annual Lip Sync show was a major success and continues to be a favorite school tradition. The performances were creative, high-energy, and well-received, with a large crowd in attendance. A special thank you goes to the Class of 2026 advisors, Mr. Green and Mrs. Crosby, along with Dance Company, and Ms. Schinke for ensuring the event ran smoothly from start to finish.

NHS Collects Winter Gear for Local Students

The National Honor Society Mittens for Kiddies drive wrapped up in December. They collected winter gear for children in our district. On December 16th, they visited Stevenson Elementary to donate all the collected items. To celebrate participation, a party was held for the top three seminar classes that collected the most donations, which combined community service with school spirit.

Student Council Hosts Successful Blood Drive

Student Council successfully hosted its third blood drive of the year. The turnout was strong, and many students and staff donated. This event once again demonstrated the compassion and leadership of our student body while contributing to lifesaving efforts.

BPA Students Advance to State Leadership Competition

Business Professionals of America students attended the Regional Leadership Conference on December 15th, and it was an extremely successful and eventful day. Nine students qualified for the State Leadership Conference, showcasing their dedication and professionalism.

• Princess Tayo won 1st place for Fundamental Desktop Publishing

• Uche Adi came in 2nd place for Human Resource Management

• Small Business Support Team received 2nd place with Armani Davis, Salla Bah, Kory Hickman, and Kendall Shortridge on the team.

• Administration Support Team secured 2nd place with Leila Arrington, Princess Tayo, Paris Whitman, and Brooklynn Williams on the team.

• Additionally, Leila Arrington and Paris Whitman were awarded the Diplomat Torch Award at regionals, recognizing outstanding leadership and service.

Together, these accomplishments reflect the dedication, talent, and leadership that define our school community. As we move forward, it’s this pride and involvement that continues to strengthen our Warrior spirit and bring us together. Happy New Year, Warriors

On January 22, 2026, 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m., A MUST Construction Careers Representative will visit the College and Career Center (D201) to discuss and connect students to apprenticeship opportunities with trade unions. This event is open to 11th and 12th grade students only. Space is limited to 35 students. Students can scan the QR code listed in the flyer to register for the event or stop by the College and Career Center to register in-person.

College and Career Center will host a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) informational session on Monday, January 12, 2026 from 5:00 p.m -7:00 p.m. in the Media Center. This event will provide students and parents with information to understand the FAFSA process and complete the FAFSA application. Staff will be available to answer questions and assist both parents and students at the event.

Financial Aid Resources

Students and families looking for help paying for college can attend a recording of the Virtual Financial Aid Presentation provided by MI Student Aid.

Participants will be able to gather information on the following financial aid topics:

• FAFSA application information
• Federal financial aid programs
• State financial aid programs
• Scholarship searching resources

Register by selecting a date below:

January 13, 2026 at 12:30 pm

January 29, 2026 at 6:30pm

February 10, 2026 at 12:30pm

February 26, 2026 at 6:30pm

March 10, 2026 at 6:30pm

March 26, 2026 at 12:30pm

April 16, 2026 at 6:30pm

April 28, 2026 at 12:30pm

To learn more about the Financial Aid, Scholarships, Michigan Student Aid Programs and other valuable resources, follow the link below:

https://www.michigan.gov/mistudentaid/students-families

2026-2027 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Form is available.

The 2026–27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form is now available to everyone. The FAFSA form must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Central time (CT) on June 30, 2026. Any corrections or updates must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CT on Sept. 12, 2026.

Please follow the link below to access the 2026-2027 FAFSA: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

Students and their contributors must create a FSA ID account prior to completing the FAFSA application. Please use the link below to begin the process:

https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch

For the Class of 2026 Students and Parents, please continue to check your email to learn about College and Career Events and other important information regarding Career and Education Planning such as Financial Aid and Scholarship resources.

The College and Career Center staff is available to assist all students with Career/Education Planning. Students can visit the College and Career Center located in D201 Monday-Friday during school hours. After-school Appointments are available upon request. Ms. Mboup, Ms. Easley and Mrs. Williams are available to assist students.

In order to better serve students, assistance is available using the following breakdown:

Last Name A-K: Ms. Mboup

Last Name L-Z: Ms. Easley

Please take advantage of this opportunity to add a new experience to your daily life.

You have been invited to be mindful with Inner Explorer HOME. Please use one of the links below to download the free app on your phone.
Google Play store - http://bit.ly/2IYLvJcApple

App Store - https://apple.co/2WNm0Eu

For the safety and security of fans attending home sporting events, the following process will be followed:

***All fans will be checked by a handheld

metal detector!!***

***No School ID/miStar NO ENTRY!

***NO Ski mask (Shall not be visible at any

time!)

***No Backpacks/Bookbags

***No purses (small handheld clutches

acceptable)

***Students must clear the parking lot/premises of Southfield A & T immediately following the game.

The new year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written. We can help write that story by setting goals.

~ Melody Beattie

January 12th - FAFSA Night in Media Center at 5 p.m.

January 14th - 16th - Final Exams - Half Days. Students dismissed at 10:30 a.m.

January 16th - End of Semester 1

January 19th - Martin Luther King Jr. Day - NO SCHOOL

January 20th - Records Day - NO SCHOOL

January 21st - Semester 2 Begins

January 26th - Semester 1 grades viewable in Parent Connect