SJHS Newsletter 11.16.25

November 16 - 22, 2025
Upcoming Events
Today & Tomorrow:
- November 14 @ 7:00 PM - SJ Football vs Arizona Lutheran Academy at Mike Morgan Stadium, SJHS All ticketing through GoFan - AIA passes accepted (no other passes accepted)
- November 14 - PTSO Food Drive Class Competition Ends (drop of food in main office by 3:00 PM)
- November 15 @ 1:00-4:00 PM - PTSO Holiday Market and Family Movie Event at St. Johns Middle School
Weekly Highlights:
- November 18 - Site Council 6:00pm HS Library
- November 19 - Education Support Professional Day
- November 20 - Spring Musical lunch meeting (auditorium)
- November 21 - National Substitute Educators Day
- Now - November 25 - PTSO Fundraiser (see flyer in PTSO section)
Future Events - Save the Dates:
- Now - November 25 - PTSO Fundraiser (see flyer in PTSO section)
- November 26-28 - NO SCHOOL / Thanksgiving Break
- December 5 @ 8:30 - 11:30 AM - ASVAB Test in Library (see Mr. Johnson to sign up)
Principal's Message
Honoring Heroes
Dear SJHS Families,
On Monday, November 10, we honored the military men and women from our community at the SJUSD 22nd Annual Veterans Day Assembly. This was my first time experiencing this event, as last year I was in Utah for my son's wedding. I was humbled to be able to say a few words of appreciation and to introduce a slideshow presentation about each of the branches of the military. Moreover, I enjoyed seeing the ways our schools and students recognize these heroes from our St. Johns community.
Next week, we have the privilege of celebrating two groups of unsung heroes in education: Education Support Professionals and Substitute Educators.
- Education Support Professionals Day, November 19
- National Substitute Educators Day, November 21
Our education support professionals—especially our special education aides—are the steady hands and caring hearts who ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive. They provide individualized support, encouragement, and patience, helping students access learning and build confidence. Their dedication reminds us that growth happens not only through instruction, but also through compassion and connection.
We will also honor our substitute educators, who step in with flexibility and resilience to keep classrooms running smoothly. Their willingness to adapt, support, and guide students at a moment’s notice makes a tremendous difference in maintaining continuity and care.
Together, these professionals embody the spirit of teamwork that makes schools strong. They remind us that education is not the work of one, but the collective effort of many—each role essential, each contribution valued.
Please join me in thanking these remarkable individuals. A simple gesture of appreciation or a kind word can go a long way in showing how much we appreciate their commitment to our students and our school.
With gratitude,
Mrs. Mo
Attendance Check-in
by Bianca Diaz
The Importance of Consistent School Attendance
As we reach the midpoint of Quarter 2 and look ahead to the upcoming holiday season, we want to take a moment to emphasize the importance of regular school attendance. Every day in class provides valuable learning opportunities, and consistent attendance helps students stay engaged, build strong academic habits, and achieve their full potential.
Research shows that students who attend school regularly are more likely to perform better academically and develop positive social and emotional skills. Even missing just two days a month can add up to nearly three weeks of lost learning over the course of a year.
We understand that this time of year can be busy for families, but we encourage you to prioritize daily attendance whenever possible. Please help your child arrive on time and ready to learn every day—it truly makes a difference.
Together, we can ensure every student finishes the quarter strong and prepared for success.
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!
Quarter 2 Attendance Check In!
Quarter 2 check in see which class is in the lead.
Reward for Quarter 2 Winner
The winning class for quarter 2 will get out 5 minutes before lunch time and got to the library for a hot chocolate bar.
Attendance Reminder
Quarter 2! Show up. Grow Strong. Succeed!
Check Out this Month's Attendance Newsletter! 📰
Counselor's Corner
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:
- 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
- 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.
- Please sign up to take the ASVAB with Mr. Johnson by December 1, 2025.
Thank you,
Rick Johnson
Academic Counselor SJHS
ASVAB Student Flyer
ASVAB Parent Flyer
FAFSA is Open!
All Seniors
NPC Scholarship Information
(NPC Scholarship Info Continued)
Clubs Connection
Art Club
- Monday, November 17 - 11:45 AM - 12:35 PM in Mrs. Johnson's Art Classroom
Legacy Leadership Lunch Meeting
- Tuesday, November 18 - 11:45 - 12:35 PM in Library
Club America Lunch Meeting
- Wednesday, November 19 - 11:45AM - 12:35 PM in Library
FFA
- Friday-Saturday, November 21-22 - Regionals
Parent Teacher Student Organization Info
Upcoming PTSO Events
PTSO Fundraiser
All proceeds go to support SJUSD Schools and Teachers!
PTSO Food Drive
Drop off any non-perishable food items to help families in need at any of the three St. Johns schools - every item helps! The class competition ends November 14, but we will continue to collect food throughout the month of November.
PTSO Holiday Market & Family Movie Event
Join us on November 15 from 1:00-4:00PM at the St. Johns Middle School for a fun-filled evening for the whole family!
Shop local vendors at our Holiday Market! Watch a family-friendly holiday movie! Take part in our Silent Auction with great items to bid on!
Free to attend – everyone is welcome!
Sports Highlights
by Tawnya Wood
Semifinals
St. Johns is headed to the semifinals! Redskin football achieved a major victory over Arizona Lutheran (13-10), and will face Tanque Verde High School at McClintock High School in Tempe on Saturday, November 22 at 6pm. Tickets must be purchased through GoFan (please purchase prior to arriving at the game). Please be aware, McClintock High School has a CLEAR BAG POLICY. Gates open at 5pm. Let's show up and cheer our team to victory!
Basketball and Wrestling Begin!
Our first basketball game of the season will be Freshman Girls vs. Show Low on Tuesday, November 25th. Basketball will be in full swing after Thanksgiving weekend. Wrestling will have their first multi in Winslow on December 3rd.
Girls Basketball Schedule
Boys Basketball Schedule
Wrestling Schedule
StuCo Stuff
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!
Get & Stay Connected
Watch our daily morning announcements by subscribing to our YouTube channel and don't forget to turn on notifications.
We Are One. We Fear No One. Eyes Up.