STMA HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

As we begin Trimester 3, we are quickly reminded how fast the school year moves and how meaningful this final stretch is for our students. Spring brings a renewed energy to STMA High School with the start of activities and athletics, the excitement of prom, and a number of important senior milestones leading up to graduation. These moments provide opportunities for connection, celebration, and reflection as we close out the year together. Please take a few minutes to review the information below to stay informed on all that is happening at STMA High School this spring.

As we have gathered attendance data over multiple years, it has become clear that our spring conferences have significantly lower participation compared to fall conferences. In an effort to make the best use of everyone’s time while also exploring ways to better meet the needs of our families, we will be trialing a hybrid conference format this spring.

Spring conferences will take place on April 23rd from 4:00–7:00 PM. All conference times will be reserved through our Shield Hub system (additional information on this process will be shared soon).

The evening will be divided into two formats:

• 90 minutes of virtual conferences

• 90 minutes of in-person conferences

More detailed information will be shared in the coming weeks. Thank you in advance for your patience and flexibility as we trial this new format.

As part of our efforts to support the transition from 8th to 9th grade, we have several opportunities built into the year to help students begin to understand what to expect at the high school level.

Each year, a group of our 12th grade students visit both MSE and MSW to speak with 8th graders. During these conversations, our seniors share their perspectives on academic expectations at the high school, student life, and the many ways students can get involved once they arrive at STMA High School. This is paired with Principal John Reeves speaking with students about how they can best prepare themselves for life as a high school student.

We recognize that being in front of these students as often as possible in advance of the next school year is beneficial as they begin to envision themselves in the high school environment.

In May, 8th grade students will also come to STMA High School as part of our annual 8th Grade Transition Day, where they have the opportunity to visit the building and become more familiar with the space and routines they will experience as freshmen.

In addition, we host a dedicated evening for 9th grade families in the fall to help students and parents navigate the transition into high school. We also begin the school year with a first day dedicated solely to our 9th grade students, allowing them to settle into the building, learn expectations, and build comfort in the environment before the full student body returns. These intentional steps are all designed to help ensure a smooth and successful transition into high school.

Name: Madysen Coulson

Parents: Melissa & Chad

Siblings: Haylee (25), Nathan (23)

Plans after high school: I am looking forward to attending a four-year university out of state, where I plan to pursue a degree in Digital Marketing or Graphic Design.

Most Memorable STMA Moment(s): My most memorable experience was serving on the Yearbook staff for the past two years. Stepping into the role of Co-Chief Editor was incredibly rewarding, as it allowed me to lead a team and help capture our school’s history.

Teacher/Staff Who Has Impacted Me: Ms. Sebens has been a major influence on my high school career. She is thoughtful, well-spoken, and a truly organized leader. Having the opportunity to work alongside her and watching how she handles her responsibilities with such care has taught me so much.

I Love STMA Because: STMA is special because of the people. From the teachers who challenged me to the lifelong friends I’ve met, I feel so lucky for the opportunities and connections I’ve found within these walls.

Name: Adam Lamghafri Loudiyi

Parents: Houda & Abdelali

Siblings: Ayah (16)

Plans after high school: I plan to attend I plan to attend Anoka-Ramsey Community College and then transfer to a four-year university to pursue a career as a Special Education teacher.

Most Memorable STMA Moment(s): I have really enjoyed being part of the Philosophy Club. Mr. Hett has been a great mentor, and I’ve appreciated the opportunity to learn from and explore different perspectives with my peers.

Teacher/Staff Who Has Impacted Me: The teacher who has had the greatest impact on me is Ms. Korf. I’ve had the opportunity to have her for several classes throughout high school. She is incredibly supportive and always willing to listen, especially on difficult days.

I Love STMA Because:I love STMA because of the strong sense of community. The friendly faces, the kindness and respect shown by everyone make it a safe space that truly feels like home.

Name: Avery Lemonds

Parents: Michelle & Jeffrey

Siblings: Grace (22), Hayden (23), Madeline (25), Tommy (11)

Plans after high school: I plan to attend Gustavus Adolphus College this fall. I plan to major in nursing and am looking forward to continuing my gymnastics career at the collegiate level.

Most Memorable STMA Moment(s): My favorite memory was winning sections this year. It was incredibly rewarding to see our team’s collective hard work and dedication allowing us to achieve our shared goal together.

Teacher/Staff Who Has Impacted Me: Mrs. Butkowski and Mr. Peatrowsky have made a lasting impact on my time here. They truly care about their students' success and are always willing to go the extra mile to provide help and support.

I Love STMA Because: I love STMA because it has taught me the importance of setting goals and, gave me the tools and discipline to reach them.

Name: Zach Aandal

Parents: Julie & Travis

Siblings: Sydney (23), Cailey (21)

Plans after high school: I am still undecided for next year, but I know my future will involve working with youth.

Most Memorable STMA Moment(s): My favorite memory has to be the football game against Rosemount this year. Being part of such a monumental upset against the #1 seed was an incredible experience—the energy and school spirit were something I’ll never forget.

Teacher/Staff Who Has Impacted Me: The teacher who has impacted me most is Ms. Nicole Anderson. I had Ms. Anderson twice in 9th grade and have had the opportunity to be her Teacher Aide for her my senior year. She is so easy to talk to and has been a wonderful mentor to me.

I Love STMA Because: I love STMA because of the community. I've made lifelong friends here. The teachers have all been great. Everyone wants you to succeed.

The Courtesy and Respect Award is a prestigious recognition bestowed upon students who embody the core values of our school community. This award is a celebration of individuals who exemplify the essence of a knight, demonstrating outstanding character, courtesy, and respect in their interactions with peers, educators, and staff. Recipients of this award not only uphold high standards for themselves but also positively influence and impact those around them. The Courtesy and Respect Award recognizes and applauds students who contribute to the respectful spirit of our school, making it a better place for everyone.

The St. Michael-Albertville Rotary Club is pleased to announce that St. Michael-Albertville High School juniors Brett Behn, Elliot Herried, and Cayden Szymanski were recognized as the Rotary Students of the Month for March.

“Rotary is very proud to recognize Brett, Elliot and Cayden as students of the month,” said Kevin Lenz, STMA Rotary Club President. “They have demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence and represent the service above self ideals of Rotary.”

Sport Psychology is the study of the psychological factors associated with participation and performance in sport, exercise, and other types of physical activity. Athletes and coaches have historically focused on the physical training necessary to improve athletic performance, with the mental component being somewhat of an afterthought.

Today's science encourages awareness and practice of the ongoing mind-body connection that facilitates athletic growth and performance. Simply put, the course focuses on two specific aspects of sport performance: 1) How individuals may use psychological principles and skills to achieve optimal performance and derive satisfaction through sport participation and 2) Understanding how participation in sport, exercise, and physical activity affects psychological development, health, and well-being.

The course is broken down into 6 units, each of which examine psychological theories and skills applicable to sport & exercise but are subsequently applicable to social situations, career enhancement, and life skills in general. In brief, those units include History & Personality, Stress & Resilience, Confidence & Motivation, Concentration & Visualization, Injury & Coping, and finally Leadership & Teams. Through class discussions, videos, guided notes, and related activities, students contribute personal experiences related to their involvement in sport & exercise for the benefit of the larger diverse group of students.

Our students recently led a Culture Day that highlighted the diversity and experiences within our school community. Student groups created booths representing their cultures and entered them into a friendly contest, sharing traditions, history, and cultural elements with others. During our SNAP time, members of the student body had the opportunity to visit the booths and learn from their peers.

Students also organized an evening event that featured poetry, music, and dance, allowing participants to celebrate and express their cultures in meaningful ways.

We are proud of the leadership our students demonstrated in planning and executing this event. It was a tremendous experience for the students who organized and presented, as well as for those who were able to attend and learn from the celebration.

We are partnering with Thumbs Up to bring speaker Sam Eaton to STMA High School. Sam is a nationally recognized speaker, author, and mental health advocate who has presented at more than 250 events across the country, including schools, universities, corporations, and community organizations.

Through his lived experience, Sam helps audiences better understand depression, reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, and create space for individuals to seek the help they deserve.

This presentation will be offered as an optional opportunity for students during SNAP on April 14th.

https://www.recklesslyalive.com/

Counseling Office Updates

Angela Narducci A-Del angelan@mystma.org

Lisa Silbernagel Dem-Jar Lisasi@mystma.org

Serena Schmidt Jas-Moo Serenas@mystma.org

Rachel Dayton Mop-Sch rachelda@mystma.org

Kinsey Essler Sci-Z kinseye@mystma.org

Mary Poss- Administrative Assistant - Maryp@mystma.org

Scholarships for Seniors

We know that seniors are finalizing plans for life after high school and there may be some worries about how to pay for college. Local scholarship information was shared with all seniors in late February and applications are due March 27th. We encourage all seniors pursuing postsecondary education to apply. Scholarships can be found on the Student Support website → Scholarship & Financial Aid.

ACT Test Information & Prep Resources for Juniors

Students registered for the ACT on April 15th can check their email for essential non-test day instructions. Encourage your student to follow the directions they receive to set up their ACT account and complete the account questions by test day. Details regarding test day will be emailed closer to test day. A variety of ACT preparation materials are available and can be accessed via the link below: ACT Test Prep Resources

PSEO

If you are a future Sophomore, Junior, or Senior considering PSEO, you can find information about PSEO, next steps, and posted meeting dates on the STMA Student Support webpage.

• Monday, March 30 - Friday, April 3, 2026 - No School - Spring Break
• Thursday, April 23, 2026 - Senior SNAP (11:02 -11:26am)
• Thursday, April 23, 2026 - Spring Conferences
• Saturday, April 25, 2026 - PROM

• Thursday, May 28th, 2026 Last day of school - Seniors ONLY
• Friday, May 29th, 2026 7:00pm - Graduation
• Wednesday, June 3th, 2026 - Last day of school ALL 9th-11th grade
• Thursday, June 4th, 2026 - Intervention day - more info to follow for students it applies to.

Three ways to report an absence to STMA High School.

Include students first name, last name and reason for absence. Should your student need to be released early, include time they are to leave.

1. 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.
2. Email - email hsattendance@mystma.org.
3. Call attendance line - Call (763) 497-2192 option #4 to leave a message.

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 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.

Email: highschooloffice@mystma.org
Website: https://hs.stma.k12.mn.us/
Location: 5800 Jamison Avenue Northeast, Saint Michael, MN, USA
Phone: 763-497-2192