SJHS Newsletter 1.25.26

January 25 - 31, 2026
Upcoming Events
Weekly Highlights:
- January 20-February 13 - NAVIT Registration Open for 2026-27
- January 26-30 - Spirit Week (see flyer)
- January 26 at 12:30 - 3:00 PM - Balfour in SJHS Library for Seniors
- January 27 at 10:20 AM - Winter Sports Assembly in Main Gym (adjusted bell schedule)
- January 27 at 5:00 - 7:00 PM - Teacher Appreciation Event at The Market
- January 28 - EAC Honor Music Festival (Band, Choir, Orchestra)
- January 30 - Darrin Reed Memorial Scholarship Application DUE
- January 30 at 7:00 PM - St. Johns Fine Arts Committee Presents: Craig Davis - Magician
- January 30-31 - Academic Decathlon Regionals at SJHS
Future Events - Save the Dates:
- February 2-6 - National School Counseling Week
- February 10 - Real Life Reads Book Club (see flier in Clubs Connection)
- February 14 - Sweethearts Dance
- February 24 - ASVAB Test (for all Seniors and interested Juniors)
Spirit Week Activities - January 26-29
Assembly Bell Schedule - Tuesday, January 27
Teacher Appreciation Event at The Market, January 27
NAVIT Registration 2026-27
Beginning Tuesday, January 20, 2026–2027 NAVIT registration will open for current sophomores and juniors. Mrs. Finch will begin meeting with the students who indicate interest to provide them with additional details and next steps.
Complete this NAVIT Interest Survey
Students should complete this form to indicate whether they are interested or not interested in NAVIT courses. Completing this form is the first step in the registration process. It will allow Mrs. Finch to see who would like more information.
Darrin Reed Foundation Scholarship DUE January 30
Principal's Message
T.H.I.N.K.ing More About It
Dear SJHS Families,
Last week, I shared how our school community has the power of T.H.I.N.K. before they speak, post, or share, and the power to choose words and actions that are True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, and Kind (read last week's message). What I appreciate most is how these values show up not just in classrooms, but in hallways, at games, and in the way our students treat one another when no one is watching.
That’s why our recent recognition from the Arizona Interscholastic Association for outstanding sportsmanship feels especially meaningful (see the Athletics section below). Recognition like this isn’t earned in a single moment, it's earned through consistent character. This reflects athletes who compete with integrity, coaches who model respect, and fans who lift others up. In short, they reflect a community committed to T.H.I.N.K. even when emotions run high and the spotlight is bright.
I’m proud of our students for showing that excellence isn’t just about performance, it’s about how we show up for one another. And if you’ve read this far, consider this your secret mission of the week: quietly tell me you’re a "kindness ninja" when you see me. I’ll know you’re one of the readers who helps keep our culture strong. 🥷
Let’s carry this momentum forward and continue showing Arizona what it looks like when a school leads with heart.
With gratitude,
Mrs. Mo
Attendance Check-in
by Bianca Diaz
A Fresh Start—Any Day Works
We’re already more than halfway through January, and for many of us, the new year may not have started exactly how we imagined. Goals we set with excitement might feel a little out of reach right now—but that’s okay. The most important thing to remember is this: it is never too late to start. We don’t need a new year, a new month, or even a Monday to begin again. Any day is the perfect day to reset, refocus, and take a step forward.
When it comes to attendance, progress doesn’t have to happen all at once. Small goals matter. Maybe today’s goal is simply, “I will not be late today.” That goal can turn into a full day of being on time, then a full week, and eventually a full month. Each small win builds momentum and confidence. The tools you need to succeed—planning ahead, setting reminders, and staying committed—can be picked up at any time. What matters most is starting and continuing, even when it feels challenging.
A rough start does not mean you’ve failed, and it certainly doesn’t mean you should give up. Growth isn’t about being perfect; it’s about persistence. Keep reaching, keep striving, and keep showing up. Every day is a new opportunity to do better than yesterday, and every step forward—no matter how small—is progress worth celebrating.
Quarter 3 Incentive: No Tardy Party
To encourage positive attendance habits, the class with the fewest tardies and absences during Quarter 3 will win the No Tardy Party! This incentive promotes accountability, teamwork, and school pride while recognizing students who prioritize attendance and punctuality.
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 3 Attendance Competition Penguin Race
There will be weekly updates of which grade is in the lead of the quarter 3 competition. Remember we are counting tardies along with absences this quarter. Make sure to show up and on time!
Penguin Race as of 1/23/2026
In the lead we have the Juniors with 6.7%
2nd Freshman with 6.75%
3rd Sophomores with 8.08%
4th Seniors with 8.14%
Quarter 3 Reward
No Tardy Pizza Party! Show up. Grow Strong. Succeed!
Check Out this Month's Attendance Newsletter! 📰
Counselor's Corner
with Mr. Johnson
FAFSA is Open!
All Seniors
SCHOLARSHIPS SECTION
Score Valley Suns Tickets
Seniors, complete your FAFSA and score 4 free Valley Suns tickets! This is a new FAFSA incentive program from the AZ Board of Regents for all high school seniors.
FAFSA Scholarship - DUE April 30
Clubs Connection
Art Club
- Monday, January 26 - 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM in Mrs. Johnson's Art Classroom
Legacy Leadership
- Tuesday, January 27 - 12:10 - 12:55 PM in the Library
Real Life Reads - Book of the Month
- January Book of the Month: What to Say When You Talk to Your Self
- February 10, 2026 at 7:00 PM
- Meet at The Loft or on Zoom
- See flier for more information or to sign up
FFA Fieldtrip
- Wednesday, January 28 at 7:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Athletics
SJHS Student Athletes Compete with Class
Our school community has every reason to celebrate an outstanding display of sportsmanship this season! Officials' evaluations from the AIA place our players at an impressive 4.98 (1st in 2A, with 6 of 7 programs earning perfect 5s!), fans at 4.89 (#25 in 2A), coaches at 4.85 (#27 in 2A), and overall, at 4.91 (#13 in 2A).
Adding to the pride, our Wrestling, Volleyball, and Girls Soccer programs all received perfect 5.0 ratings across players, coaches, and fans this year. These exceptional marks reflect the respect, integrity, and positive attitude everyone brings to every game—win or lose.
While our fans are already performing at a high level, there is room to improve. Let's focus on positive encouragement, respecting officials' calls without negativity, and cheering in ways that uplift our athletes and opponents alike—creating an even more welcoming environment for all.
Students, parents, and fans: thank you for embodying true sportsmanship and making our programs shine as examples in the 2A division. Let's keep pushing toward perfection through the rest of the winter season and beyond! This is something we can all be truly proud of.
Upcoming Wrestling, Basketball & Spiritline
We have another busy week ahead of us!
- January 23-24: Wrestling @ Queen Creek Duals
- January 24: Spiritline @ TSC Competition in Phoenix
- January 24: Girls & Boys Basketball @ Greyhills
- January 26: Girls & Boys Basketball @ Valley Sanders, Freshman Girls @ Jo City
- January 27: Wrestling Multi at home
- January 28: Boys Basketball @ Madison Prep
- January 29: Girls & Boys Basketball vs Valley Sanders, SENIOR NIGHT
- January 30: Girls & Boys Basketball vs. NPA
Wrestling Schedule
Girls Basketball Schedule
Boys Basketball Schedule
StuCo Stuff
Coming Soon! Sweethearts Dance
Get & Stay Connected
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We Are One. We Fear No One. Eyes Up.