SJHS Newsletter 11.28.25

Tomorrow:

• November 29 - CHAMPIONSHIP FOOTBALL GAME vs Scottsdale Prep @ Mountain Pointe High School 3:00pm. All ticketing through GoFan - AIA passes accepted (no other passes accepted)

Weekly Highlights:

• December 1-5 - Spirit Week
• Monday - Cozy Pajama Day
• Tuesday - Jock vs. Nerd
• Wednesday - Winter Wonderland
• Thursday - Ugly Sweater
• Friday - Holiday Headwear

• December 2 - National Special Education Day
• December 2 @ 5:00 - 8:00 PM - Spring Musical Auditions in Choir Room
• December 3 @ 4:00 - 7:00 PM - Spring Musical Auditions in Auditorium
• December 3 @ 5:00 - 8:00 PM - Spring Musical Auditions in Auditorium
• December 3 @ 6:30 PM - School Board Meeting at District Office
• December 5 @ 8:30 - 11:30 AM - ASVAB Test in Library (see Mr. Johnson to sign up)
• December 5 @ 12:00 - 4:00 PM - Choir Fundraiser - Elf Training Obstacle Course in Auditorium
• December 6 @ 11:30 - 1:00pm - Choir Performing at PERA Senior Citizen Christmas Party

Future Events - Save the Dates:

• December 8 @ 12:30 - 3:00 PM - Balfour on Campus in Library
• December 20 - January 4 - Christmas Break / No School

Dear SJHS Families,

As we enter this season of giving, I am reminded that generosity is more than a tradition—it’s a science-backed pathway to joy and resilience. Neuroscientists have found that when we give—whether through time, kindness, or resources—our brains activate the same reward centers stimulated by enjoyable experiences, releasing dopamine and serotonin, the “feel-good” chemicals that reduce stress and strengthen emotional well-being (Reese, 2025).

Psychologists call this the “helper’s high”: that warm internal glow we feel when we extend ourselves for the sake of others. Far from being fleeting, this effect builds lasting connections. Studies show that giving in any capacity fosters stronger social bonds, enhances resilience during hard times, and even contributes to better physical health (Reese, 2025). In schools, this translates into classrooms where kindness fuels collaboration, and communities where support and celebration ripple outward.

December offers us countless opportunities to model and practice generosity—whether that is students volunteering their time or donating their resources, families supporting a variety of community-offered opportunities to serve, or staff gathering together in a shared activity of food and fun. Each act of giving reinforces the culture we are building: one rooted in unity and shared growth.

As we celebrate this holiday season, let’s remember that giving is not only a gift to others but also a gift to ourselves. It strengthens our spirit and reminds us that education, at its very core, is an act of generosity—teachers giving knowledge, students giving effort, families giving trust. Together, we embody this scientific principle of giving, and in so doing, we create a community where joy, resilience, and connection thrive.

With gratitude,

Mrs. Mo

by Bianca Diaz

We hope everyone is having a wonderful and relaxing Thanksgiving holiday! As we return to school, we’re heading into an important stretch of the year. The weeks between Thanksgiving and the upcoming winter break may be short, but they are packed with valuable learning, project work, assessments, and opportunities for students to strengthen skills before we close out the semester.

Consistent attendance during this time is especially important. Being present each day helps students stay on track academically, maintain strong routines, and feel confident as they move into the new year. Even a few missed days can make it harder for students to keep up with lessons and end the semester successfully.

We appreciate our families for encouraging students to arrive on time, stay engaged, and finish 2025 on a strong note. December is a busy month with celebrations, events, and school activities, but it’s also a time for focus and growth. Let’s make the most of these next few weeks together!

Thank you for your continued partnership. We’re excited for a positive, productive December ahead!

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.

Quarter 2 Reward: Hot Chocolate Bar!

The winning class for Quarter 2 will enjoy a Hot Chocolate Bar as their reward!
We would greatly appreciate any donations to help make this celebration extra special — whether it’s hot chocolate mix, cups, marshmallows, whipped cream, or fun toppings.

Thank you so much for your support and generosity!

with Mr. Johnson

ASVAB Information

This year, on December 5, 2025, St. Johns High School is participating in the ASVAB Career Exploration test, a no-cost career planning tool.

Last year, more than 786,000 students in 13,976 high schools across the nation explored the post-secondary options and found careers with ASVAB CEP. ASVAB CEP has been credited with inspiring young people to explore careers in the context of their skills and interests, resulting in greater career satisfaction, reduced student loan debt and less time wasted pursuing an ill-fitting field.

We invite you to join the movement and to help inspire young people to become #optionready. Encourage your sophomore, junior or senior to visit Mr. Johnson in the Career Center to sign up to participate.

What to expect:

1. Students don’t have to do any lengthy preparation. How much they have learned through the years will probably make the most difference in their results. Those looking for practice test items can find them here: https://www.asvabprogram.com/student-program
2. About two weeks after the test, results will be available in the counselor’s office. We scheduled the post-test interpretation in the Career Center for March 5, 2026. At this session, your child will receive access to asvabprogram.com where they will get score interpretation, complete an interest inventory and conduct career exploration activities. They will have access to this portal for up to two years. We encourage you to use this website with your child to discuss post-secondary planning together.
3. Please sign up to take the ASVAB with Mr. Johnson ASAP.

Thank you,

Rick Johnson

Academic Counselor SJHS

• Monday, December 1 - 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM in Mrs. Johnson's Art Classroom

• Tuesday, December 2 - 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM in the Library

• Wednesday, December 3 - 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM in the Library

• Thursday, December 4 - 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM in Mrs. Hitchcock's Ag Classroom

by Tawnya Wood

St. Johns Redskins are heading to the CHAMPIONSHIP! Our boys fought through the rain and cold to beat Tanque Verde 29 - 16. They will face the Scottsdale Christian Eagles on Saturday, November 29th at 3pm at Mountain Pointe High School in Phoenix. A sendoff is scheduled for November 28 at 8:45am. Tickets must be purchased through GoFan (please purchase prior to arriving at the game). Let's fill the stands and cheer our boys to victory! The AIA will allow fans who buy tickets to the SJ game to stay and watch the 3A Championship game at 7pm. Take State!

We kicked off the basketball season with a freshman girls game on Tuesday, November 25. Freshman boys will play in Show Low on December 2, and girls and Boys will play in Holbrook on December 3. Girls will play in the Phoenix Country Day tournament on December 5-6 and the boys will play in Jo City on December 5.

Wrestling will be at the Winslow Multi on December 3 and will compete at the Red Mountain Duels in Mesa on December 5-6. Let's go big red!

The Class of 2026 is selling See's Candy! Reach out to a senior to purchase some today! You can also order online (shipping fees apply). Thank you for your support!

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