The Highlighter - April 2024
Superintendent’s Message
May 7 is approaching…do you have a plan to vote?
This year, our team has been working hard to plan for the future of our schools, asking ourselves how we can best support St. Johns students and families through our work and our facilities.
On May 7, we are asking our community to vote on a school bond proposal for district-wide facility improvements. If approved, there would be no tax rate increase expected over the current millage rate.
What’s in the proposal? Check out the video!
The bond would address four key areas:
Please vote by May 7!
Visit www.sjredwings.org/bond2024 for more information.
Clinton County Top 10 Students
St. Johns Public Schools would like to congratulate the Top 10 Clinton County students in each of our city's schools, including our own Redwings! The list (in no particular order) includes each student’s future plans and course of study. Congratulations to the Class of 2024!
St. Johns (Individual photo gallery:https://photos.app.goo.gl/NqwFs5zu8VmsoJB86)
Clara Fletcher • Grand Valley State University • Electrical Engineering
Isabelle Branch • Saginaw Valley State University • Psychology and Neuroscience
Ella Schafer • Hillsdale College • Biological Sciences
Lily Sackrider • Hope College or the University of Michigan • Health Sciences/ Pre-Med
Parker Beebee • Saginaw Valley State University • Public Health
Aida Leonard • Western Michigan University • Business Law
Nathan Klein • MSU or Ferris State University • Statistics
Adriannah Ingleright • Undecided • Political Science/Pre-Law
Christopher Karasek • MSU Lyman Briggs • Pre-Medical Studies
Natalie Reddish • University of Michigan • Political Science
Behind the Scenes Staff Highlight
Sara Schroeder - Administrative Assistant to the Principal and Office Manager SJHS
Sara Schroeder is an essential member of the high school team for St. Johns Public Schools. She worked in the dental field as a Dental Hygienist for over 20 years before starting at SJHS. "I loved my job but with that came aches and pains. That is when I decided to do a career shift." Sara started at SJHS in 2019 in the front office and then took a position in the fall of 2021 as Mr. Dobson's administrative assistant.
What a typical day is like at your job?
Everyday is different. There is never a day that is the same. My first priority is to get our substitute teachers organized and where they need to be. I do a little bit of everything everyday, which I love. I have day to day duties but then I also have projects that I am always working on. I am currently working on the awards programs and graduation.
What is your favorite part of the job?
My favorite part of the job by far is when I started in 2019 my daughter was a senior and my son was a freshman. Both are now graduated and in college. I loved both of them and their friends coming to see me throughout the day. I would say ultimately my favorite part of the job is when I know I have made an impact in a student's life. Those moments are the most rewarding.
"Sara is an integral part of our building's operation. The entire SJHS School community is incredibly fortunate to have a person that works so hard, cares so deeply, and puts such effort and passion into everything she does. She is the glue that holds the office and building, for that matter, together. I personally am so thankful to work with her everyday." St. Johns High School Principal, Mark Dobson
SJMS Production of Frozen Junior Highlighted on WILX
National Teacher Appreciation Week
National Teacher Appreciation Week is May 6-10, 2024. The Michigan Department of Education’s (MDE) Office of Educator Excellence (OEE) wishes to celebrate teachers across Michigan for the entire month of May.
MDE invites parents to submit 15-30 second videos of their students recognizing and thanking a specific teacher for their impact. Nothing fancy is required—cell phones can capture the videos. Please follow the directions on the flyer. Videos and parental consent may be submitted via the Teacher Appreciation Video Project Google Form. Videos are currently being accepted until Friday, April 19, 2024.
Submitted videos may be posted on the Teacher Appreciation Month webpage and the MDE’s YouTube channel. The Office of Educator Excellence Facebook (@MIeducator) and X (formerly Twitter) social media pages will be promoting the videos throughout the month of May.
If your child has great things to say about a teacher, don’t hesitate—use the instructions found on our website to submit a video today!
Take Action: Help Improve Internet Access for Our Students
Every student should have the ability to complete their homework at home. We recognize that not all students have equitable access to internet at home. In the interest of ensuring all students in your district have the access they need, MASB is sharing information about the State of Michigan’s Broadband Mapping Challenge, which can help secure federal funds to expand quality broadband to homes in your district. Click the image to learn more
Mental Health Resources
Mindfulness
Date & Time: April 24th 6:30 - 7:30pm via Zoom
Monthly district-specific webinars: 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
Upcoming Events
- SJMS Theatre Presents: Frozen! April 18-21
- MIFA Forensics- State Finals May 3-4
- MS & HS Pops Concert - May 16
Recent Musicals
Spring Concerts
Riley 3/14 3-5 grades: https://youtu.be/c2-XZQVMZwU
Riley 3/14 k-2 grades: https://youtu.be/BYnQrulwJx4
Riley 3/13 3-5 grades: https://youtu.be/HIED90zEVUE
Riley 3/13 k-2 grades: https://youtu.be/pHPN7mf900I
Social Media Highlights
Click photos to follow links
Redwing Alumni Surprises Family with Early Military Return
Spencer Keck has been active duty in the Army since 2007. He has been station in South Korea, Camp Humphreys, since May 2022 with the 94th Military Police Battalion. As of May 2024, he will be retired with nearly 17 years of service and today he gets to surprise his children with his early return. First he got to surprise his daughter Selina at Oakview South Elementary and then his son Jax at Gateway North Elementary. Taryn and Spencer Keck grew up in St. Johns and graduated with the class of 07. They have three children, Selina (10), Jax (7) and Sydney who is 3 years old. With his military retirement, the family is thrilled to call St. Johns home for good.
Board of Education and City Commission Joint Meeting
The St. Johns Board of Education and City Commission held a joint meeting on 3/11 to discuss ongoing and upcoming projects concerning the district and city. It is believed to be the first time these two groups had convened together. The meeting covered ideas that align with both the school district and the city, including the current bond proposal, the Wilson Center project, Fantasy Forest 2.0 project, and the plan to apply for the Safe Routes to School grant next year. Superintendent Anthony Berthiaume of St. Johns Public Schools expressed, "I believe that such meetings, dialogues, and exchanges of ideas help us prioritize the shared vision for our city and district, maintaining the momentum for progress."
Band, Orchestra and Choir Programs Excel at Festival!
- Congratulations to our Band and Orchestra groups on their outstanding performances at the MSBOA District 5 Band and Orchestra Festival!
- Congratulations to the SJ Choir Program for their outstanding performances and Division 1 ratings at MSVMA District 5 Choral Festival!
Sports Highlights
Tennis/Baseball Teams Win Redwing Invitationals!
Congratulations to the varsity baseball team on winning last weekend's Redwing Invitational! The Redwings defeated Shepherd and then came from 6 runs down to defeat Western with a walk off run in the 7th!
Congratulations to the varsity tennis team on winning yesterday's Redwing Invitational! Final scores were Grand Ledge – 0, Mount Pleasant – 13, St. Johns – 22, Lansing Catholic – 13.
Varsity Girls Soccer Starts Season with 0-0 Tie at Dewitt
SJ 0 - Grand Ledge 2
SJ 0 Dewitt 0
SJ - Fowlerville - Rescheduled
SJ 4 Ionia 1
SJ 1 East Lansing 0
Varsity Lacrosse Teams Start with Opening Night Wins
VARSITY GIRLS LACROSSE 4/4
St. Johns/Ovid-Elsie 8 Holly 6
"It was a back and forth game, the girls played hard and got the victory. Eden Peele had 5 goals, Maggie Falor had goals, Maya Hunt had 1 goal and Skyler Baatz stopped 9 of 15 shots on goal. A great team win"
Coach Draher
VARSITY BOYS LACROSSE 4/6
St. Johns/ Ovid-Elsie 11 Allen Park 4
"Amazing start for the boys, the team played hard and moved the ball very well. Jacob Gregg had 4 goals, Brady Purtill had 3 goals, Wyatt Blemaster had 1 goal, Hunter Walker had 1 goal, Anthony Lacross had 1 goal, and Cooper Schafer had 1 goal."
Coach Nichols