Dear SJUSD Community,
As the school year comes to a close, we feel so much gratitude for the efforts of our students, their parents, teachers, staff members, and so many others who have made this year a great success. While noting all of the successes is not possible, we wanted to share a few highlights.
In Fall 2022, both our middle school and high school learned that they had received “A” ratings based on performance from the previous school year. We are so proud of our students, teachers, administrators, and staff who made this possible.
While Coronado does not receive a school rating, the 3rd grade team (the grade that gets tested) learned that their students’ math proficiency rating for 2021-2022 was almost 50% higher than state average.
The district secured a grant that brought in Triad Wireless which now provides high-speed internet for any interested residents in the community.
Suzanne Hancock was awarded the Apache County Teacher of the Year award.
The district used grant money to update water fountains throughout the school district.
The district used grant money to redo the cafeteria floor at the high school.
On September 16, 2022, the high school football field was named Mike Morgan Stadium at halftime of the football game.
During Homecoming Week, SJHS honored the classes of 1973 and 1998.
Our HS volleyball team was the 2A runner-up, beating the #2, #3, and #7 seeds in the process. They were also undefeated at home this season.
We had our annual Veteran’s Day Assembly on November 10th and it was a great success. Rae Womack has organized this assembly for the past 19 years, and this year we highlighted “Women in the Military.” Our students who sang did an amazing job!
On November 15th, we hosted a “Career Night” at the high school with about a dozen individuals from our community who have different jobs presenting information on their careers. It was great to see students interacting with each of these individuals and getting more information regarding potential career options for students.
Our music department put on several wonderful performances (e.g. at the Apache County Fair, for Christmas, at the end of the school year, etc.).
With the use of grant money and very generous donations, in February, the high school began the weight room and wrestling room renovation project. The project aims to be completed by August 2023. We are excited to see the finished product and hope it will benefit students for years to come.
Alan Tryon and Cooper Heap took 1st and 2nd at the Apache County Spelling Bee. We are super proud of them.
Our 7th grade boys’ basketball team won their end-of-the-season tournament.
Our HS cheer team took 3rd at State.
The high school’s performance of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers was a huge success. The musical played for four nights, as well as one abbreviated show for the Coronado and middle school. Mendi Parker and her staff did a great job putting together such a quality show in just 9 weeks.
The 7th/8th grade orchestra received a superior rating at the Northeast region large-group music festival.
Special education students in basic ELA grew, on average, one grade level.
Special education students in basic Math grew, on average, two grade levels.
Adaptive skills classes now have adaptive PE, adaptive cooking, adaptive functional skills, and adaptive work skills. The students in the adaptive classes formed meaningful friendships with their peers and were given meaningful content based on their unique needs.
In March, the Arizona House of Representatives Education Committee recognized SJUSD for its students’ proficiency scores and its efforts in securing high-speed internet in St. Johns. The committee was impressed with how well our teachers, administrators, and staff members help students succeed.
Over the past year, the admin team, teachers, community members, the governing board, and staff members have all contributed to the creation of a strategic plan that lays out our vision, mission, guiding principles, and goals that will guide our district over the next 3-5 years.
Our high schools’ FFA, FBLA, and FCCLA clubs continued to grow in strength. Several of our students in these groups competed around the state and even qualified to compete nationally. We are proud of them!
In April 2023, our juniors took the ACT and their scores were, on average, 0.6 higher than they were last year. Their scores were, on average, 2 points higher than their specific scores on the Pre-ACT. In math, the average score increased by 1.2 points. These gains are the result of a lot of effort by teachers and administrators who continue to look for more ways to help students succeed.
Ellie Otto won a state championship in triple jump.
The governing board approved a software development course at the high school starting next Fall that will provide those who complete the program with options for high-paying, stay-at-home jobs.
At the end of May, Coronado will be having new carpet installed.
Our graduating class of Seniors earned over $2 million in scholarship money. We are proud of their efforts to pursue these scholarships and all that Rick Johnson (our HS academic counselor) did to help them along the way.
Please forgive us if we have omitted mentioning something or someone as we have detailed a few highlights. It is not possible to note all of the amazing things our students and staff have done throughout the year. We are so grateful for the wonderful people who make up our district and for their continual efforts to make SJUSD great. Have a wonderful Summer!
Warmly,
Kyle Patterson
Superintendent
St. Johns Unified School District