SJHS Newsletter 5.17.26
May 17 - 23, 2026
Upcoming Events
Weekly Highlights:
- May 17 at 7:00 PM - Baccalaureate - Seniors on Stage at 6:45 PM - Everyone Invited (see flyer)
- May 18 at 3:35 PM - Drama Class/Fall Play Auditions in Ms. O's Classroom (see flyer)
- May 19 - Final Exams for Odd Hours (1, 3, 5, 7) - (see flyer)
- May 19 at 7:00 PM - Academic Awards Night in the Auditorium (see flyer)
- May 20 - Final Exams for Even hours (2, 4, 6, 8) - (see flyer)
- May 20 at 12:00 PM - Yearbook Signing Party in the Library (see flyer)
- May 21 from 8:00 - 9:00 AM - Student Checkout (see flyer)
- May 21 at 8:15 AM - Senior Walk at Coronado Elementary in Graduation Robes
- May 21 at 10:00 AM - Graduation DRESS Rehearsal in the Auditorium
- May 22 at 9:00 AM - Final Graduation Rehearsal in the Auditorium
- May 22 at 7:00 PM - Graduation in the Auditorium
- May 22 at 10:00 PM - Senior Grad Party at The Loft (sponsored by the SJ Booster Club)
Summer Events - Save the Dates:
- May 25 - Memorial Day / Office Closed
- May 26 - Summer Office Hours Begin
- June 1 - Registration Deadline for Summer School Credit Recovery
- June 2 - Summer School Credit Recovery Begins
- June 11 - School Board Meeting at the District Office
- June 25 - Summer School Credit Recovery Ends
- July 3 - Independence Day / Office Closed
- July 21 from 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM - NHS Blood Drive in the Auditorium Lobby
- July 27 - 28 - Navapache Teacher's Conference
- July 28 - New Student & 9th Grade Registration & School Pictures/ID Cards
- July 29 - 10th, 11th, & 12th Grade Registration & School Pictures/ID Cards
- August 3 - NAVIT 1st Day of School
- August 3 - New Teachers Back to School
- August 4 - Returning Teachers Back to School
- August 5 - All Staff Back to School
- August 10 - 1st Day of School (No NAVIT classes)
Baccalaureate - May 17
Drama Class/Fall Play Auditions - May 18
Final Exams - May 19-20
Academic Awards Night - May 19
Yearbook Signing Party - May 20
Student Check-out - May 21
Graduation 2026 Information
Seniors! Check out our Graduation 2026 Newsletter and make sure you are prepared for all the upcoming events!
Principal's Message
Friends! Redskins! Countrymen! Lend me your ears!
Dear SJHS Families,
As principal, I have the unique opportunity to conduct and present at a variety of events throughout the school year. This coming week, I have been requested to speak at the Baccalaureate ceremony, the Academic Awards program, and at Graduation. While I try not to make my remarks too long--since I realize that no one comes to these events to hear me drone on--I do feel honored to share the stage with our incredible students and have a chance to share my thoughts and words of advice with them.
Two weeks ago, I closed the National Honor Society Induction Assembly with some of my thoughts. The student body was there, along with the parents of the new inductees (and some parents of the current members of NHS), so hopefully you won't mind if I take this newsletter to share some of these same sentiments again (reformatted slightly to fit a newsletter, rather than an in-person, in-the-moment speech). My hope is that these words can help our school community--students, staff, and families--to keep a clear perspective and an earnest focus over the final days of the 2026 school year.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
It [was] an honor to stand before you and welcome the newest members of the St. Johns High School National Honor Society. [This event] is about celebrating not only the academic achievements, but also the personal achievements of these students.
This year, our Student Council chose the theme “Eyes Up”—a call to be aware, engaged, and present in every moment. At our Homecoming Assembly, The StuCo reshared the kick-off video and invited us to reflect on whether we were truly living with our “eyes up.” And, every morning, at the end of the announcements, they remind us to keep our “eyes up.” Today, I want to refocus us on this theme, especially as we look toward the final days of the 2026 school year and as we recognize these National Honor Society inductees.
The theme “Eyes Up” reminds us to stay focused on what matters most. NHS students embody this mindset. The four pillars of NHS that we ... [learned] about—Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and Character—are not boxes these students check once. They are habits they build by paying attention to the choices they make every day. When a person’s eyes are up, they will notice the classmate who needs help, they will see the work that needs to be done before someone asks, they will recognize when it’s their moment to lead, and when it’s a moment to listen.
To our new inductees: you were selected because you are already living these values. To our returning members: continue to strengthen the culture of St. Johns High School through your consistency and example. If there are areas in which you are falling short and not living true to the pillars of the NHS, don’t be discouraged–instead, recommit NOW to do better and be better. And, to all students here today: NHS is not about perfection—it’s about direction. Keep your eyes up, and you will find yourself moving toward the person you have the potential to become.
In reflecting on the idea of Eyes Up, I noticed there is another layer to this posture. I want all of you to try this with me. Sit up straight in your seat. Now, tuck your chin down and try to touch your chin to your chest. Keep holding your chin down and while you do, I want you to try to keep your eyes looking up at me. Hold that position for a few seconds. … Well, that was awkward... and it probably felt uncomfortable. Did you notice how you felt physically, that it strained your eyes, tightened your throat, and felt unnatural? That physical tension reveals something deeper: when we lift our eyes, we instinctively lift our chin. And when we lift our chin, we do more than adjust our posture—we adjust our mindset.
Keeping your chin up emboldens additional attributes, such as resilience and confidence. When we tell others to keep their chin up, we are encouraging them to face challenges with courage, not defeat, and to move forward with dignity and self-worth. Keeping your chin up shows you are willing to be visible, to be seen by others, and to connect. Keeping your chin up is a posture of hope and readiness, of strength, and of choosing to rise, even when the days feel heavy.
EYES UP, together with CHIN UP, reminds us that how we carry ourselves shapes how we SHOW UP—for our classmates, for our teammates, for our families, and for our community. Let’s keep lifting each other. Let’s keep looking forward. Let’s keep our eyes—and our chins—up.
Thank you to our families for supporting [all of our] students and thank you to our staff for guiding them. Congratulations to each of our inductees. We are proud of you. ... We are one, we fear no one, eyes up!
With gratitude,
Mrs. Mo
Attendance Check-in
by Bianca Diaz
Cheers to Your Commitment: The Final Attendance Update
We’ve officially reached the final week of the school year! Looking back at the halls and classrooms over the last few months, there is one thing that stands out above all else: your dedication.
We are incredibly proud of every student who made the effort to show up, stay engaged, and take ownership of their attendance. Consistency is a quiet superpower, and you’ve shown you have it in spades.
The Finish Line is in Sight
There are only a few days left on the calendar. We know the "summer brain" is starting to kick in, but now is the time for one last push!
Show up for these final days.
Crush those finals and wrap up your projects.
Make it count. All the hard work you’ve put in since August is about to pay off.
Finish strong so you can head into break knowing you gave it your all!
Quarter 4 Attendance Awards
Our community really stepped up this quarter to celebrate your commitment to being in class. We want to extend a massive thank you to our local businesses Ditty's, El Cupidos, Snow Shack, Triple R, and The Market for providing the incentives that kept the energy high all quarter long.
A special shout-out goes to Jasmine Blackwater-Nygren at Apache County Attorney’s Office for their incredible generosity. Thanks to their support, we are able to award our grand prizes of Kindles and Chromebooks this quarter! Check out the video below to see who won!
Have a Great Summer!
You’ve earned this break. Whether you’re headed for a summer job, family travels, or just some well-deserved relaxation, we hope you have a safe and wonderful vacation.
Thank you for a great year—see you in the fall!
Quarter 4 Weekly Winners
Check out who won gift cards this quarter.
Quarter 4 Incentive
Weekly Rewards & End of Quarter Grand Prize Drawing. Thank you again to everyone who made this possible!
Quarter 4 Reminder
Last week to Show up. Grow Strong. Succeed!
Check Out this Month's Attendance Newsletter! 📰
Counselor's Corner
with Mr. Johnson
If you have received a scholarship of any kind, please report that information ASAP to Mr. Johnson, so he can add you to the Academic Awards Night program, on May 19, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Auditorium.
FAFSA is Open!
All Seniors
Clubs Connection
Art Club
- Monday, May 18 - 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM in Mrs. Johnson's Classroom
Legacy Leadership
- Tuesday, May 19 - 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM in the Library
Club America
- Wednesday, May 20 - 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM in the Library
Athletics
2026-2027 Athletic Packets with Physical Forms are Available in the HS Office!
Congratulations SJHS Track & Field!
You did an outstanding job at the Division V State Track Meet last weekend! Here are some of the results:
- GIRLS 800: Morgan Lee, 1st place & new school record!
- 4x100: Abby Wagoner, Morgan Lee, Ivy Winters, Alyvia Richardson, 2nd place
- 4x400: Brynli Rothlisberger, Holly Spiller, Avalon Udall, Morgan Lee, 4th place
- 4x800: Brynli Rothlisberger, Avery Lee, Avalon Udall, Morgan Lee, 3rd place
- BOYS Team State Runner Up!
- Triple Jump: Sam Winters, 1st
- Triple Jump: Alan Tryon, 3rd
- Pole Vault: Desmond Brown ,1st
- Pole Vault: Jose Pena, 2nd
- High Jump: Israel Jessop, 2nd
- 400: Israel Jessop, 3rd
- 4x100: Landon Willis, Sam Winters, Brigham Patterson, Trace Nielsen, 1st & new school record!
Good luck to Desmond Brown and Sam Winters who will be competing in the Championship Track Meet on Friday, May 15!
StuCo Stuff
Thank you, Teachers! Love, StuCo
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.
