Family November 2024 Knight Line

As we celebrate Thanksgiving this week, we want to reflect on the profound benefits and transformative power of gratitude.

Gratitude has the ability to enhance our health, happiness, relationships, and success. Research shows that people who practice gratitude are generally happier and form stronger friendships. According to the Institute of HeartMath, gratitude also improves the heart's rhythm, helping us reduce stress, think more clearly under pressure, and heal physically. Interestingly, it’s physiologically impossible to feel stressed and grateful at the same time. When we embrace gratitude, our bodies are energized by uplifting emotions and endorphins, rather than depleted by stress hormones.

Gratitude is like a muscle—the more we use it, the stronger it becomes. By incorporating simple practices into daily life, families can cultivate a sense of thankfulness and positivity. Here are five ways to embrace gratitude together:

1. Take a Daily Gratitude Walk
   Dedicate 10–30 minutes each day for a family walk and take turns sharing what you’re grateful for. This mindful activity not only promotes positivity but also creates special bonding moments.

2. Share Gratitude at Mealtimes
   Make gratitude a part of your family meals by inviting everyone to share something they’re thankful for from their day. This tradition helps nurture connection and encourages reflection.

3. Express Gratitude to Each Other
   Take a moment to write a note or tell a family member why you appreciate them. Reading it aloud can make the experience even more meaningful. Expressing gratitude strengthens family bonds and fosters a supportive home environment.

4. Spread Smiles 😊
   A smile is a small gesture with a big impact. It lightens the mood, reduces stress, and creates a welcoming atmosphere. Plus, smiles are contagious—spread them freely at home and in our community!

5. End Your Day with Gratitude
   Before bedtime, gather as a family to reflect on your day. Share one or two moments you’re grateful for. This practice fosters mindfulness and helps everyone end the day on a positive note.

By weaving gratitude into your daily routines, you can create a more joyful and connected family life. Let’s make gratitude a tradition!

Source: Jon Gordon Weekly Newsletter November 25, 2024

STMA puts students first and fully embraces student voice. Our students have a lot to offer and their ideas and feedback are informative and valuable. To listen to our students and get their unique perspectives on what they are seeing, hearing, and feeling, we host 24 student forums throughout the school year. Feedback and ideas are shared with school staff and the school board. Click here to view of summary of student responses for trimester one.

We are grateful for the investments in education approved in the 2023 legislative session. However, even with the new funding, historic inflation and new mandates adopted in the 2023 session have challenged our already strained budgets. We are hopeful the 2025 legislative session serves as a foundation for years of underfunding and legislators will provide additional funding to restore Minnesota’s commitment to public education.

Please join us at our 2025 STMA Legislative Forum. We are inviting students, staff, families, community members, St. Michael and Albertville City Councils, and Wright County Commissioners. We have also invited Senator Lucero, Representative Hudson, and members of the House and Senate Finance and Policy Education Committees. The Forum is on Thursday, January 2 at 6:00 p.m. in the STMA Middle School West Auditorium. Click here for a shareable flyer with additional information. Please help us fill the auditorium by inviting your friends and neighbors to advocate for our needs.

The 2025 STMA Legislative Platform focuses on funding and resisting new mandates/increasing local control. Please take a few moments to review the platform and the legislative priorities the district has set for this legislative session. The school board will take action on the platform at the December 2 school board meeting.

To learn more about school funding watch this video on school funding. School funding is complex and difficult to understand. This video explains school funding and how it affects STMA students, staff, families, and the community.

Our partner in student transportation services, Vision of STMA, can be reached at 763-497-0102.

We are excited to implement the Character Strong curriculum across all grades this year! Character Strong offers vertically aligned lessons aimed at fostering character development, strengthening relationships by intentionally teaching key character traits, and enhancing social and emotional skills. Each month, we will highlight a specific character trait. In December, we will focus on empathy—join us as we teach, model, and celebrate this important value together.

We are excited to announce the substitute teacher and substitute support staff training dates for the 2024-2025 school year. This training is essential for all new and returning substitute teachers and substitute paraprofessionals to ensure they are well-prepared and supported in providing high-quality instruction and support for our students.

Training sessions will be held on the following dates:

• January 21, 2025

• April 15, 2025

Each session will run from 3:45 to 5:15 p.m. in the boardroom, located at STMA Middle School West (enter via door B).

We encourage all substitute teachers and substitute paraprofessionals to mark their calendars and attend one of these sessions. Your participation is key to maintaining the excellent learning environment we strive to provide at STMA.

Thank you for your continued dedication to our students and schools!

Recently four STMA support staff members were recognized as Educational Support Staff Award [ESS] recipients. These staff members were selected by their peers for being positive role models, inspiring fellow colleagues, students, and their communities, and for being exemplary staff members who recognize students as individuals by showing genuine respect and concern.

CONGRATULATIONS:

• Carol Newman - Administrative Assistant at Big Woods Elementary
• Jan Griffin - Due Process Paraprofessional at Middle School East
• Rebecca Peterson - Administrative Assistant at Fieldstone Elementary
• Jodi Jung - EL Paraprofessional at the High School

We are grateful for their leadership, dedication to STMA students, and for always putting kids first!

11-04-2024 Regular School Board Meeting

Wright Technical Center Annual Update

Director of the Wright Technical Center Mr. Brian Koslofsky shared his annual report on enrollment, programming, and finances at the Wright Technical Center.

Transportation

Transportation Supervisor Chad Englund and Vision of STMA Owner Monique Hoglund Bergan shared an update with the Board.

Action on STMA Crisis Plan

The Board approved the STMA Crisis Plan. This is an annual action item.

Action on 1.0 FTE English Language Learner Teacher

The Board approved the addition of a 1.0 FTE English Language Learner Teacher due to increased enrollment of students requiring EL services.

Action on 1.0 FTE Special Education Teacher and 6.5 hour/day Special Education Paraprofessional

The Board approved the Special Education staffing requests that are due to increased enrollment of students who require special education services.

Action on Resolution of School Board Supporting Application to MSHSL Foundation: Form A

The Board approved the Resolution of School Board Supporting Application to MSHSL Foundation.

MSBA 2025 Leadership Conference

Chair Scherber asked the Board to inform the District if they would like to attend the MSBA 2025 Leadership Conference.