The Highlighter - December 2023
December 18th, 2023
Superintendent’s Message
Snow Day Decisions and Communication
As we enter the “Snow Day Season,” I’d like to share some information about how the decision of whether or not to cancel school is made and how a school closing will be communicated.
Mental Health Resources
Monthly district-specific webinars: 2023-2023 Series Topics and Dates
Parent Coaching
- Sign in to ParentGuidance.org
- Click on “parent coaching” to sign up for a trained parenting coach then select “Register for Coaching”
- Coaching is just what it sounds like; one-on-one help with a trained coach, helping you face issues with yourself or your family. Coaching is free and confidential.
- Coaching for Parents
- Learn more about Coaching
Behind the Scenes Staff Highlight
Behind the Scenes: Cassie Greenfield - Food Service
Cassie Greenfield is an essential member of the food service team at St. Johns High School. She has been with the district for 9 years and describes a typical day as "very fast paced. With scheduled lunch times, everything must be prepared within a certain time frame."
"This is the best job I've ever had, I absolutely love it. For a mom, it is the perfect job. While my kids are in school, I'm here working. We get out at the same time and with snow days, days home from school together, its just perfect."
Her favorite part of the job is working with the kids and how fast paced the work is. She likes that the job always has something that needs to be done and it "keeps you on your toes!"
Behind the Scenes: Stephanie Keller - Food Service
Stephanie Keller is an essential member of the food service team at St. Johns Middle School. She started with the district as a substitute teacher seven years ago, before moving to food service.
"This is my home out here, at the Ala Carte" A typical day involves making the Bosco sticks, making the pretzels, make sure everything is stocked and then helping the staff in the kitchen, if they need help making the food.
When she's not working the Ala Carte station at SJMS, Stephanie works at Sparrow Hospital as a pediatric nurse. The extra schedule works out well for her and its another chance to work with kids. Her favorite part of the job is "seeing the kids every day and working with the nice ladies in the kitchen."
Upcoming Events
- 7th Grade and Jazz Bands Winter Concert - December 19th (7:00pm)
- HS Orchestra Winter Concert - December 20th (7:00pm)
- MS/HS Choir Concert: Winter - December 21st (6:30pm)
- MS Band Concert - December 21st (7:30 pm)
- Mental Health Series - School Avoidance - January 17th (6:30pm) Online
Social Media Highlights
Click photos to follow links
The St. Johns Redwing Marching Band performs at the 2023 Silver Bells in the City, Electric Light Parade.
"The Future is Bright" for High School AP Biology Class
MS Careers Class
8th grade students made good use of Careers class in order to study for upcoming exams!
Family Board Game Night at Oakview!🎲
During our 2nd annual game night, families had a chance to play math games, board games, Literacy games or strategy/thinking games. This year's event was moved to December in the hopes it would give parents some holiday gift ideas. Families even had a chance to win some great games as prizes!
Recent Performances
Holiday Magic at Eureka Elementary
December 4, 2023
Holiday Magic at Riley Elementary
December 6 & 7, 2023
St. Johns Middle School Presents A Winter Concert
Featuring 7th & 8th Grade Orchestras
Jennifer Parker, Director
Tuesday, December 12, 2023
6th Grade Band Winter Concert
December 13, 2023 SJMS Auditeria
Sports Highlights
Click photos to follow links
Wrestlers Win Lansing Eastern Invite!
Lansing Eastern tournament 12/9:
Team Champions!
Individual results:
113 Reagan Ward 2nd, 120 Sean Pettigrew 1st, 126 Tyler Riedel 3rd, 144 Cohen Larrison 6th, 150 Ben Krajniak 2nd, 157 Brady Heibeck 6th, 165 Jayden Keys 3rd, 175 Big Mike Berkhousen 7th, 190 Brody Abendroth 7th, 215 Gavin Moreno 3rd, 285 Ryan Dimmick 1st
Congratulations to our Redwing Competitive Cheer Team for finishing 1ST in the CCCAM Scholarship Meet at SJHS!
Varsity Girls Basketball Wins on Opening Night!
The Varsity girls basketball won 56-15 over Eaton Rapids and stand at 2-1 on the season so far.
Swimmers/Divers Named LSJ Swimmer of the Year, Dream Team and All Area
Redwing Ella Schafer is once again, Swimmer of the Year! Adrianna Longoria, Coach Stacie Smith named to Dream Team. Natalie Ott, Natalie LaBean, Lindsey Smith All Area. Lillian Howell, Grey Roebke Honorable Mention.
Dance Team 1st Performance
MS Boys Basketball Teams Finish strong
The final games last night capped off terrific seasons for 7th grade boys basketball! The A team finished with a 51-23 road victory over Fowlerville and a 7-3 final record. The B team won their game 49-28 to finish 5-5 on the season.
"Being without 2 key players didn't keep the B-squad from ending the season strong. A great team effort! Everyone scored! The A-squad finished their great season with a strong performance. It was a great team effort, with everyone getting in the score sheet!" Coach Nevins
The 8th grade A team finished the season with a 63-25 home win over Fowlerville tonight and a 8-2 record overall! The 8th grade B team lost a nail biter, 30-31 but still finished the season with a 6-4 record! Great seasons Redwings!
Building Updates
Redwings News (HS) - Information Session about Agriscience Courses for 24-25 :On 12/14/23, students were invited to come to the auditorium during Seminar to learn about Agriscience classes (Animal Science and Plants, Natural Resources & Wildlife) that will be offered in the scheduling process for 24-25 academic year. Members of both the agriculture industry and agriscience students/teachers will be available to answer questions and share information on what to expect. More information can be gathered here.
The Middle School Minute - Academic Support - After School Program
SJMS is pleased to announce that we are able to offer additional academic support after school! Teachers are available to work with small groups of students in the SJMS library and classrooms on Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:50 p.m.-3:50 p.m. Teachers may assist students with missing assignments or reteach concepts from previous lessons depending on individual students' needs.
Gateway North - The staff at Gateway is excited for the upcoming Sing Along that will feature all grades on December 22nd.
Oakview South Newsletter - We are excited this holiday season to announce we are again ringing in the holidays with the 12 Days of Giving. For 12 days, students and staff will collect items to support the Beacon of Hope Family Care Center here in St. Johns.