SJHS Newsletter 1.4.26

Weekly Highlights:

• Monday, January 5 - Start of Quarter 3 / Semester 2
• January 5 @ 7:00 PM - Spring Play Parent Meeting in Auditorium
• January 6 @ 6:00 - 9:30 PM - Spring Play Practice Begins
• January 6 @ 7:00 PM - Booster Club Meeting in Library
• January 8 @ 6:30 PM - SJUSD School Board Meeting
• January 9 @ 9:00 - 11:00 AM - Grow Arizona in Career Center (to help Juniors and Seniors with college and career planning)

Future Events - Save the Dates:

• January 19 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day / No School

Dear SJHS Families,

As we prepare to return from Winter Break and step into Quarter 3 / Semester 2, I am reminded of how powerful a fresh start can be. A new semester brings new opportunities, new experiences, and a renewed chance for every student to set goals, implement strong habits, and build friendships that make high school memorable.

With this new semester, many students may experience schedule changes. Some students have “graduated” from Math or Reading Lab and will transition into new electives. Other students will be placed in Credit Recovery — whether due to a failing grade or excessive absences during first semester — to ensure they stay on track for graduation. Some students might be eager to explore new options, and we are excited to offer several additional opportunities this spring, including another section of Automotive Tech I, a new Study Hall class, and a second co-ed Fit for Life class.

We are also thrilled to welcome two outstanding educators to our staff this semester.

• Mr. James Anway, former principal of St. Johns Middle School and an expert educator, returns to SJHS as our Intervention Specialist. He will lead our Credit Recovery program and support both new and veteran teachers as an Instructional Coach.
• Coach Mike Morgan, a community icon, joins us to teach a Team Sports class. His experience, leadership, and passion for students will be a tremendous asset.

Both of these educators step into teaching roles previously held by Coach Lon Dimbatt, who has concluded his career with SJHS, for now. His impact on our school—especially his leadership in taking our football team to the State Championship and earning the title of Runner-Up—will be felt for years to come. We are grateful for his dedication and have no doubt he will continue to be a presence in our school and athletic community.

As we begin this new semester, I encourage every student and staff member to embrace the clean slate in front of them. Show up. Set goals. Try something new. Lean into the friendships and support systems around you. Every day is a chance to grow.

With gratitude,

Mrs. Mo

by Bianca Diaz

January marks a new year and a fresh start as we begin Quarter 3 and Semester 2! This is the perfect time for students to reset, set new goals, and build strong habits that support success—starting with attendance. Showing up to school every day and arriving on time to every class period plays a major role in academic achievement, classroom engagement, and staying on track for graduation.

Regular attendance helps students stay connected to learning, while being on time ensures they don’t miss important instruction at the start of each class. As we move into this new semester, we encourage all students to commit to being present, prepared, and punctual throughout the entire school day.

For Quarter 3, our attendance competition is raising the bar by focusing on both absences and tardies. The grade level with the fewest combined absences and tardies will be crowned the winner! Every day—and every class period—counts, so let’s start the year strong and make attendance a priority.

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.

with Mr. Johnson

The following information was sent out to all seniors and their parents last month, but as a reminder, ALL seniors must set up time to meet with Mr. Johnson in the Career Center ASAP. If you are planning on attending college after graduation, the following steps need to be completed:

1. Apply to your colleges of choice.

2. Complete the FAFSA -- MUST be completed by both student and parent before colleges will award scholarships.

3. Send high school transcripts to each college of choice.

4. Complete your ECAP.

5. Apply to all scholarships available.

Note: Colleges have already started to award scholarships. Once they award their scholarship money financial aid availability will be limited. The sooner you apply the better.

I will be sharing scholarship opportunities as soon as I receive them for both local and national organizations, so please watch your email inbox. To search what scholarships are available, visit: https://studentscholarships.org/

If you have any questions, please let me know.

Thank you,

• Monday, January 5 - 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM in Mrs. Johnson's Classroom

• Tuesday, January 6 - 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM in the Library

• Wednesday, January 7 - 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM in the Library

• Thursday, January 8 - 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM in Mrs. Hitchcock's Culinary Classroom

• Friday-Saturday, January 9-10 at Basha High School

by Tawnya Wood

• January 6 - Boys Basketball @ Miami
• January 9-10 - Wrestling @ Shelby Ray Invitational (Varsity)
• January 10 - Girls & Boys Basketball vs. Hopi

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