STMA HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
OCTOBER 2020
VIDEO MESSAGE FROM PRINCIPAL REEVES
CELBRATING OUR STUDENTS
UPDATED LEARNING CALENDAR
As we complete our fourth week of our hybrid model, we are recognizing the need for more distance learning days embedded into our current school calendar to ensure a high quality of learning for students. The new calendar will replace five A/B days with five distance learning days. These distance learning days, strategically spread out throughout the school year, will ensure that our teachers are well prepared for all three learning groups: A Students, B Students and Distance Learners. In addition, and because of the changes, two of our current A/B days will be altered. Below are the dates affected by this change.
Dates Moved to Distance Learning: October 14th, November 25th, February 10th and 17th; and, March 31st.
A/B Changes: November 24th and June 2nd.
For a printable version of the calendar below, please go the STMA website, click on the Covid tab at the top of the page, Click 2020-21 learning plan and then the 5-12 hybrid learning calendar.
Thank you for your patience and continued support!
GRADUATION 2021
Dear St. Michael-Albertville Parents of Seniors,
Congratulations to your high school senior! This will be an exciting school year for you and your senior. Though graduation may seem like a long way away, preparation for the big day starts now.
Herff Jones is honored to be the official provider to your high school for everything you will need for graduation. I am your high school’s graduation consultant, here to help you with selections and orders. We provide a wide selection of unique and custom graduation items including STMA caps and gowns, diplomas, frames, graduation announcements and class rings.
At this time, we are asking you to provide us with some basic information. Please complete the included Google form (via the link below) by October 14th. This information will help us to keep you informed about cap and gown graduation orders and deadlines.
I’m looking forward to working with you and your student as we prepare for graduation 2021.
Most Sincerely,
Donelle Welch
Herff Jones//By your side
GUIDANCE OFFICE
The STMA Guidance Office is an excellent resource for your family! We have four counselors at the high school assigned to families alphabetically plus an Administrative Assistant who helps all students and families. The counselors meet with students within the areas of academics, social/emotional needs and college/career planning. This includes a wide range of support like sending a transcript to a college, to helping a student get back on track after an extended absence due to mental health issues. If you ever have a question and you don’t know who to ask, feel free to ask us and we will point you in the right direction. Meeting with your counselor is easy-students can email to set up an appointment or stop in to find a time that works best for your schedule. Visit the Guidance Office website for counselor contacts and additional information on how we can best serve your family https://www.stma.k12.mn.us/domain/1340
We look forward to getting to know your family!
Angela Narducci (last names A-E)
Meghan Pettis (F-La)
Valerie Williams (Le-Rh)
Kinsey Essler (Ri-Z)
Mary Poss-Administrative Assistant
Angela Narducci (A-E)
Meghan Pettis (F-La)
Valerie Williams (Le-Rh)
Kinsey Essler (Ri-Z)
Mary Poss
COUNSELOR'S CORNER
How to manage and reduce stress.
When you begin to feel stress, and the symptoms that come along with it, remember to practice these following coping skills:
- Take a few deep breaths to center yourself.
- Get some kind of physical activity every day. Start with a short walk or stretching.
- Do an activity you enjoy.
- Talk to a trusted friend or family member about how you are feeling.
- Maintain good health habits. Eat well-balanced meals and avoid caffeine, alcohol and nicotine. A healthy body tolerates stress more effectively.
https://www.changetochill.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/16179.pdf
(highlight and right click - choose go to link to open in a new browsing window)
SOCIAL WORKERS
- Provide consultation with staff and families
- Network with community agencies in finding resources
- Identify and support mental health initiatives within the high school and district
- Provide individual and group sessions that support identified needs for students on individual education plans (IEPs)
DOs & DON'Ts FOR PARENTS OF DISTANCE LEARNING STUDENTS
9TH GRADE MENTORS
STMA HIGH SCHOOL COVID AWARENESS
The Minnesota Departments of Health and Education have issued requirements to all school districts for navigating COVID-19 and maintaining safe learning models. A critical component includes student health screening protocols. It is important that parents monitor symptoms in their children and keep them home when ill, and also to follow the isolation and exclusion guidance provided by the Minnesota Department of Health. Our STMA COVID Health Coordinator and health services staff are charged with following this required guidance when communicating with you regarding the health of your child, and when providing clearance to attend school.
It is difficult for parents to hear that their children cannot attend school for an extended amount of time, and difficult for educators to be separated from their students. However, these requirements were put in place to protect all of us, and to give our community the best chance for keeping our schools open. Remember, it is an expectation that your child will participate in distance learning if excluded from in-person attendance according to the COVID screening protocol.
These are also great reminders for parents as we encourage you to do your self-health check at home before sending your students to the building.
PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
The conference dates and times are:
Thursday, October 8th - 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Monday, October 12th - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
To sign-up for a conference time with your student's teacher, please use our sign up link below.
STUDENT SUPPORT
The Resource Room, that is staffed by a High School teacher, is available on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday after school from 3:30pm - 4:30 pm in the High School Media Center.
Technical support is also available to the students. Please see the flyer below for different ways Mrs. Neu can help.
LOCATE STMA HIGH SCHOOL
High School - @STMAHighSchool
Principal Reeves - @STMAreeves
Activities Director Cornell - @StmaAd
Email: hsoffice@mystma.org
Website: https://www.stma.k12.mn.us/
Location: 5800 Jamison Avenue Northeast, Saint Michael, MN, USA
Phone: 763-497-2192