Welcome to the twenty-seventh edition of
Panther Press,
a biweekly electronic newsletter sent to families and friends of
San Joaquin Memorial High School
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Our Fall semester is officially concluded and, while it has been an unusual one, our staff, students and faculty rose to the occasion and overcame great challenges. Our spring semester begins on January 11.
In this issue, we take a look at student success stories and more.
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Scholarship and Financial Aid Applications Opening Soon
Our scholarship application and financial aid application both open on December 1! To learn more about the scholarships available to both current students and new freshmen as well as students from our partner schools, visit https://sjmhs.org/scholarships.
2019 tax returns will be accepted for applications requesting this information.
More information will be emailed on December 1!
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Reminder: Winter Session 2020
It’s been a challenging year academically and emotionally. Most of our students adapted readily to the virtual and hybrid programs. However, we recognize that some students still need additional help. Given the unique circumstances of a shorter semester, a new learning platform, and online finals, SJM will be offering a Winter Session program for students to retake core classes in which they’ve earned a D or F in Fall 2020.
Please check your student’s grades in FACTs Family Portal and consider if a review course during the winter break is needed and fits with your family’s plans.
Counselors are recommending Winter Session to students who earn a D or F in the following courses: all levels of English, math, and religion; US History; World History; Biology; Ag. Biology; and Zoology/Botany.
Our goals for Winter Session courses are:
1) help prepare a student for spring semester coursework
2) meet graduation and college admission requirements, and
3) allow an opportunity to regain academic eligibility for extra-curricular
activities in the spring.
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San Joaquin Memorial’s All-School Test Day is Back!
Date: Tuesday, January 26, 2021
College admissions test prep is and always has been a priority at SJM. We want to make sure that our students are test-ready and eligible for early scholarship and college admission opportunities.
All SJM juniors will take the nationally distributed PSAT/NMSQT (Practice SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) on campus on January 26.
Sophomores and freshmen will take a practice ACT online through Albert.io.
Seniors will have the day off. (It would be a great time to do a virtual college visit.)
More details will come the first week back to school in January.
SAT/ACT Math Prep for Winter Break
To support our students in preparing for the practice SAT and ACT, the SJM math department has posted SAT/ACT math prep to the Class of 2022, 2023 and 2024 Google Classrooms. Students will use the grade-level codes found in their Google Classroom to access math test prep through Albert.io. Thank you math department! Click here to download instructions on how to access the test prep.
Naviance Now
Seniors – should make sure their college list is up to date and includes admissions decisions.
All Students - check out the Scholarship applications found under “Colleges” – “Scholarships & Money” – “Scholarship List.”
All Students – looking for a summer experience? Check out Enrichment Programs found under “Colleges” – “Research Colleges” – “Enrichment Programs.”
Financial Aid for College
Class of 2021 – be aware of financial aid and scholarship application due dates. Check your colleges’ financial aid websites for directions.
Congratulations to our School Winners of the Heisman High School Scholarship!
Gianna Triplett and Tanner Sagouspe were selected as the 2020 School Winners for the Heisman High School Scholarship. The Heisman High School Scholarship competition is awarded by The Heisman Trophy Trust and Acceptance Insurance. Triplett and Sagouspe advanced to compete for a State award.
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San Joaquin Memorial Freshman Rallies to Support Her Community |
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After the Creek Fire destroyed her house, SJM freshman Mary-Ellison Hage knew what she needed to do after processing her own grief: help her neighbors.
She reflected on the fact that many of her neighbors were elderly and retired and would likely struggle with the loss more than she would. Many neighbors didn't have insurance. She also thought about how some of her neighbors were members of the community Volunteer Fire Department, helping others while their own homes burned to the ground.
"The Cressman community is very special, and it wouldn't be the same without my neighbors," she said. "I wanted to encourage them to go back and rebuild. I wanted them to know that they are not alone and that there is hope. I felt God was calling me to spread His love and to inspire other people to do the same."
In an effort to directly help her neighbors without fire insurance, she asked her parents if she could use their store—Java Express in Selma—to fundraise. She sold sandwiches, salads, chips, drinks, t-shirts, caps and canvas bags. Other businesses even followed her example and created fundraisers of their own.
Through her hard work, she raised $4,000 to support her community.
"After experiencing all this, I learned that God does everything for a reason," she said. "It is important to share our blessings with others and always follow Jesus' example. A small gesture can go a long way. Young or old, little or big, rich or poor, we are all called to make a difference in our community. No good deed is too small. We can all change the world one small act of kindness at a time, if we set our mind to do it!"
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SJM Science Classes Get Hands-On
SJM teachers and students have been busy in the classroom the last few weeks, working on some exciting hands-on projects.
Amanda Bailey's Sustainable Agriculture and Biology class conducted skill presentations.
"Students presented skills that people would need in specific ag careers," said Bailey. "Paired with a career research project, these skills may help students get jobs in the future. Regardless of their status (virtual or in person) students were required to teach the class how to do something that may help them in a future career. Students chose careers from a variety of Agricultural sectors, including ag mechanics, ag finance, ag processing, communication/marketing, and research/development."
Skills discussed ranged from agriculture accounting basics to landscaping and pruning (pictured top left).
Dave Duncan's Biology class has also been busy. Students learned about cell division and got hands on with microscopes (top right). Duncan said online instruction has been a challenge and that hybrid learning has been working better for him as an instructor.
"In terms of challenges to online instruction: it’s very difficult to get a read on where kids are in their understanding," he said. "It’s much easier if they are present to check on them."
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Yearbooks on Sale Now
Senior Ads are also available to purchase and build on the same website. Email Ms. Hathaway with any questions at [email protected]
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Miss our National Letter of Intent signing ceremony? Watch below! |
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Revisit our Veteran's Day ceremony, including remarks from Andrew Zaragosa, Silver Star, Bronze Star and Medal of Honor recipient. |
The SJM 2021-2022 Application for NEW incoming freshmen and fall transfers is now open on the SJM website. The application fee will be waived during the priority application period, October 1 to December 31. Help us spread the word by passing this information on to prospective parents and students! For assistance in the application process or to schedule a private, socially distanced tour of the SJM Campus, contact Rainey Lewis at (559) 475-5837 or [email protected].
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Alumni Contact Update
Panther Alums, even though your time here at Memorial has passed, this is still your home! Please stay connected with us so that you can be part of our exciting engagement opportunities such as our sporting event tailgates, alumni mixers and so much more! To stay connected please fill out this form.
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Join our Parent Guild or Booster’s Club!
Interested in getting involved at SJM and supporting the school? Join our Parent Guild or Booster’s Club! Contact Shirley Boujikian for more information regarding the Parent Guild at [email protected], (559) 475-5831 and [email protected] for more information on the Booster’s Club.
Click here for the application forms:
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