The Highlighter - November 2025

Dear St. Johns Families, Staff and Community,

As Thanksgiving approaches, I want to share my heartfelt appreciation for our St. Johns Public Schools students, staff, and community. Each day, I am inspired by the dedication of our staff, the enthusiasm of our students, and the unwavering support of our families.

This season reminds us of the power of community and the strength that comes from working together. Thank you to our staff for your care and commitment, to our students for your energy and curiosity, and to our families for your trust and partnership.

I hope everyone takes time to enjoy the company of family and friends and to appreciate the people and moments that make our lives meaningful. Together, we make a difference in the lives of our students every single day, and I want to sincerely thank each of you for all that you do to support St. Johns Public Schools.

Wishing you all a safe, healthy, and happy Thanksgiving season!

Sincerely,

Anthony Berthiaume, Ph.D.

Superintendent

St. Johns Public Schools

The STRIVE Academy is essential to the success of St. Johns Public Schools. Its purpose is to provide an atmosphere that creates a sense of belonging and ownership. Students are encouraged to discover their potential and to develop skills which allow them to overcome personal, social, academic, and technological barriers to success that will allow them to redirect their lives and become cooperative, self-sufficient, and responsible citizens in school and in the community.

The alternative educational program for SJPS, the STRIVE Academy, started as community education back in 1983. After restructuring at the end of the 2012 school year, the program became online based and went from around a dozen staff members to the current staff of two teachers and one secretary. The program also went from over one hundred students to a maximum of sixty, which allows the staff more “one on one” opportunities.

Traci Zampaloni, STRIVE secretary, is in her 18th year with the program. Teachers, Dorice Steiner and Cory Arts are in their 6th and 22nd year, respectively. This small staff works closely with the students, with the goal of getting them to the 24 credits required for graduation. They also work closely with the parents, providing daily, weekly and monthly reports on their progress.

It’s an online program, but the majority of the students come into school to work online. The program is very structured and the students must stay on pace (daily percent 10.0% weekly percent 50%) with their education to graduate. Some of the older (junior and senior) students are able to earn a more blended schedule with the opportunity to balance a work schedule along with their education. The program is an extension of St. Johns High School and students also have the opportunity to earn college credit and skills through the Clinton County RESA program.

A tradition that started in 2013, STRIVE staff have taken it upon themselves to make sure their students get a chance to enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner together before the holiday break. “We’re your family and we’re going to have a feast!” The staff starts early in the morning, getting the meal ready to enjoy as a group, taking a break during the school day.

This year, STRIVE applied for and received a mini grant, which they wanted to use to help bring awareness to mental health issues. They were able to purchase and pass out “you are enough” tee shirts during this year's celebration.

The event helps with the close, community feel of the students and staff. “We really try to connect on a level outside of school, talking to them about other life interests.” “We kind of take on more than a teacher role here, we give them not only education but also prepare them for life after school by acting as counselors and mentors.”

Often other districts have shadowed the program, trying to find out why the program has been successful for so long and how to improve their own programs. What they find is that the structure with the kids is a big part of it. “They have to earn it to stay and continue their education.” There are the occasional rough days, but the students are able to fit in as part of their community and succeed together.

“We love these kids. We could have been at any of the schools over the years. I chose to do this. It's kind of our niche, it's more of a challenge.” “Its also very fulfilling to know that we have made some impact. Some of the kids come back after graduation, proud and excited to show us what they've accomplished.”

Last year twenty one students from the program graduated, earning their diploma from St. Johns Public Schools.

On November 13th, over 60 volunteers from the SJHS YAC (Youth Action Committee) raked the lawns of 14 St. Johns residents in need! And then enjoyed many treats from the thankful community members! Thank you YAC for showing your Redwing Pride, giving your time & providing a QUALITY raking service for residents in need!

Send A Hug! is a classroom run business that began 25 years ago. It is run by Mrs. Thomas' Work-Based Learning and Ms. Allen's Vocational Education classes, which are set up to help students learn how to be successful in the workplace. "This is our annual invite-only fundraiser for the students to showcase their hard work and practice appropriate social skills. This is our favorite night of the year!"

Our fifth graders recently wrapped up a high-energy Amazon Rainforest “press conference” project, and it was a hit from start to finish. Students began by reading several short passages to build background knowledge about the rainforest. They were then placed in small groups, where they read an Amazon hiking guide, received a unique team profile, and were assigned two special items to carry on their trek. Using all of this information, each group wrote about why they felt both nervous and excited for the journey ahead. Along the way, they encountered a series of survival scenarios that pushed them to think creatively and rely on their team’s strengths. For every challenge, they had to craft a written solution backed by evidence from the hiking guide and their earlier rainforest reading.

The adventure didn’t end there. Word spread that every group had survived their dangerous hike, and suddenly the “world” wanted answers. Each team prepared a press statement and then shared their story at a classroom press conference, complete with fielding questions about their escape. The activity blended reading, writing, research, speaking, and teamwork in a way that pulled everyone in. Students had a great time, and more than a few even asked if they could host another press conference later this year. It was a fun, engaging, and confidence-building success for our fifth graders.

We are grateful for the generosity and community spirit shown by two wonderful local businesses: Schlegel Sand & Gravel and Uncle John’s Cider Mill.

This year, Schlegel Sand & Gravel graciously donated 20 complete Thanksgiving meal baskets to support families in need within our school community. Their kindness provides that 20 families will enjoy a warm holiday meal.

To make these baskets even more special, Uncle John’s Cider Mill generously contributed homemade loaves of bread. A heartfelt touch that is truly appreciated.

Our staff worked together to identify families who would benefit from this support, and each of these families has expressed deep gratitude for the kindness shown.

We extend our sincere thanks to Schlegel Sand & Gravel and Uncle John’s Cider Mill for their generosity, partnership, and commitment to our community. Their support reminds us of all of the power of giving and the importance of caring for one another.

Thank you for making a meaningful difference this Thanksgiving!

Veterans Day 2025
"The Band is committed to supporting the Veterans in our community. It is an honor to be part of their parade and ceremony. Thank you to all the Veterans, current and future, for your sacrifices that you have made for our country." Mr. Davis - Redwing Marching Band Director