The Highlighter - January 2024
Superintendent’s Message
This is our community and your schools. We want you to know what you are voting for on May 7, 2024.
"Together, we succeed."
Fact Sheet
On Tuesday, May 7, 2024, our community will vote on a school bond proposal for St. Johns Public Schools. If approved by voters, this bond would provide $92,000,000 for improvements across the district at no tax rate increase expected over the current rate to address four key areas: Read more....
Ballot Language Breakdown
Understanding the Ballot language information and FAQ regarding the Bond. Read more....
District Bond Webpage
On Tuesday, May 7, 2024, our community will vote on a school bond proposal for St. Johns Public Schools. If approved by voters, this bond would provide $92,000,000 for improvements across the district at no tax rate increase expected over the current rate to address four key areas:
• Safety & Security
• New Early Childhood Center
• Building & Learning Efficiencies
• Athletics & Fine Arts Facilities
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: Jordan Blank - Transportation
Jordan Blank is an essential member of the transportation team for St. Johns Public Schools. He is the Head Mechanic and has been with the district for 9 years. Jordan says each day can be different but a normal day would include getting the buses going in the morning and then moving on to "write-ups" which are issues reported by the drivers and can include anything from brake jobs to installing new wipers.
His favorite part of the job is "fixing the buses" and being part of the team that helps keep the students and staff arriving at school and back home safely.
"Jordan does an amazing job of keeping our buses up and running, and will do whatever is asked without a question. He helps in other departments and comes in to plow and for snow removal when needed as well. He is a great worker and great individual to have at SJPS!"
Robbie Gleeson - Director of Operations and Transportation
Upcoming Events
- MIFA Competition Theatre - Regionals - February 3rd
- Bond Community Forum - February 7th - High School Media Center
- HS Band & Orchestra Solo & Ensemble - February 10th
- Mental Health Series - How to Motivate Your Child - February 21st (6:30pm) Online
- IQ Hub Art Explosion Event - Through March 1st (Information)
Social Media Highlights
Click photos to follow links
SJHS Visual Art Portfolio Class completes Artist Doll and Packaging Project
Students chose an artist, then using a doll from the Dollar Store, had to alter that doll to be a representation of their chosen artist and style. The dolls went through many changes, hair removal, facial features erased with nail polish remover, and some had body reconstruction. Students also designed and constructed the packaging for the dolls, which were required to reflect the artist's style and work as well as include a brief biography. Great job SJ Artists!
SJHS Concert Choir Competes at MSVMA District Solo & Ensemble
SJPS Students Display Exhibits at Agro Liquid - IQhub "Art Explosion Event"
This year the Agro Liquid IQhub is once again hosting its "Art Explosion Event" from now until March 1st. Our K-12 Art Department participates in this event, with about 60 pieces of elementary art from our 4 elementary schools and several pieces from our middle and high school art students. Along with student artists, our very own elementary art teachers Kelly Parsons and Josh Gove have submitted pieces of their own. "We appreciate your continued support of the K-12 Visual Arts program in our district. It means so much to know our district is a strong supporter of arts education."
Recent Performances
HS Orchestra Winter Concert
December 20th, 2023
Bands of the High School
Christmas Concert 2023 December 18, 2023
Sports Highlights
Click photos to follow links
Congratulations to our varsity cheer team, Owosso Invite Champions!
The winning score🥇: 685.2
Varsity Boys Basketball Defeats Corunna to Retain the Trophy!
43-39 in overtime! Ballin’ for Cancer Champions!
Varsity Wrestling Splits with Mason and Okemos in Home Dual
Mason 69 vs. St Johns 6 (01/24/2024)
Okemos 12 vs St. Johns 69
Building Updates
Redwings News (HS) -SJ/RESA Students Help With North Pole Facelift
Four students in the CCRESA CAD & Design Architecture class put together a set of preliminary drawings for remodeling an existing building in Ashley to look like a train station. The building is prominently featured in the Village of Ashley's Country Christmas. The four students are (L-R) Elijah Mallory, Ben Miller (PW), Edith Corey and Carter Hutchinson. The committee liked components from each student's design, but they selected Elijah Mallory's design as the winning design and Edith Corey's as second. Each student was awarded a set of pins that allow them to attend all the events for the Christmas weekends in Ashley. The Ashley Country Christmas Committee, led by Paula Pettigrew, visited the class to share their feedback. Read the Newsletter
Senior Newsletter - Commencement 5/30/24
The Class of 2024 will celebrate Commencement on 5/30/24 at 7:30pm at the SJHS Football Field. Gates open at 6:30pm. The stage will be located near the north end zone of the stadium, so seating can be utilized on both sides of the stadium. Read moreThe Middle School Minute - Free Breakfast!
Did you know SJMS offers free breakfast to all students? We do! Students can grab breakfast in the cafeteria each morning before 7:45 a.m. Free Breakfast and Lunch is district wide for all students!
Eureka Elementary - In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 15, the fourth graders performed a choral reading that week entitled "I Have a Dream". We spent time learning about Dr. King and his fight for equal rights while practicing for our two performances in front of the school. Watch Video