Welcome to the twenty-ninth edition of 
Panther Press, 
a biweekly electronic newsletter sent to families and friends of 
San Joaquin Memorial High School
Our Spring 2021 semester has officially begun and we are excited to have students back in the classroom, virtually or in-person. Below is more information about important deadlines and more!
San Joaquin Memorial Welcomes Two New Faculty Members this School Year

San Joaquin Memorial has welcomed two new faculty members this school year. Patricia Mettler joined SJM in Fall 2020, teaching English, Speech and Writing. Peter Allwine joins us for the first time this Spring 2021 semester, teaching Drama and Speech.
Important Information about the Spring 2021 Semester

Dear Parents,

This semester, we are on a Hybrid schedule. Please see the Hybrid schedule, which is attached. The schedule will explain which group of students attend on a particular day. When students do not attend class on campus they will attend class virtually via zoom. The school was divided using last names A-K and L-Z to determine which students are on campus for in person learning. This was done to minimize the amount of students on campus therefore providing a safe learning environment for the remainder of the semester. 

Please take note of the following information for this semester:

1. Hybrid Schedule for 2nd semester. See link below.

2. Points of Entry - Students will be allowed on campus starting at 7:30am and may enter through the gate located in the Senior Parking Lot and the Main Entrance off of Fresno Street. These gates will be open from 7:30-9:15am. The Junior Parking Lot will be open from 8:30-9:15am.  

3.  Temperature and Screening - All students entering campus must have their temperature checked and pre-screening completed. The screening app will be accessible for all students and must be completed as they enter campus. 

4.  Face Masks - All students will be required to wear face masks at all times while on campus...NO EXCEPTIONS. Please review the face mask guidelines attached. All face masks must follow school requirements.  

5.  Uniform Guidelines - Please review the uniform guidelines and grooming policies for students as these policies will be enforced. Please refer to pages 48-52 of the Parent Student Handbook for Uniform and Grooming guidelines.

6.  Lunch - Students will need to bring their own lunch as food options on campus will be very limited for safety reasons. Furthermore, food deliveries from outside vendors, parents, friends, siblings, etc will not be allowed. They will be turned away at the gate to further keep our campus safe.  

7.  Transportation - Brandy Rodriguez will be in charge of communicating all transportation questions and protocols. Her email is [email protected]

8. Visitors/Drop-offs - Students will not be allowed any visitors to campus. Parents may drop-off school materials like athletic equipment, books, iPad, etc to the attendance office when those items are needed for students.  






Scholarship and Financial Aid Applications Still Open

Our scholarship application and our financial aid application are both now open. Dozens of scholarships are available for current students, incoming freshman from non-partner schools and incoming students from partner schools.

Applicants interested in applying for scholarships must apply before January 15. No applications will be accepted past that deadline. Learn more about scholarships and the application process at https://sjmhs.org/scholarships

Apply directly for general scholarships (for students grades 9-12) by clicking here

If your student attends one of our Partner Schools, apply for additional scholarships by clicking here

Applicants for financial aid should apply as soon as possible to ensure they receive financial aid, as there are limited funds to go around. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • If you intend to apply for a scholarship, be sure to apply for financial aid by January 15, 2021.  
  • If your student is an incoming freshman and you want to know their financial aid award prior to freshman registration night, please apply by January 15, 2021.
  • Your 2019 federal tax return will suffice for documentation when applying. No need to wait until you file your taxes next year!

Learn more about financial aid and the application process at https://sjmhs.org/financial-aid-facts

Don't hesitate! Apply today!

Still have questions about how to apply for scholarships? Download guides to each application below!
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.

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.

Complete the FAFSA (Free Application of Federal Student Aid) online as soon as possible at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
 
Yearbooks on Sale Now
Yearbooks are now on sale. They cost $100. Go to yearbookordercenter.com

Senior Ads are also available to purchase and build on the same website. Email Ms. Hathaway with any questions at [email protected]
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].

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.

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: 
San Joaquin Memorial High School | sjmhs.org