Christmas Break will begin Monday, December 23rd. Classes will resume Thursday, January 2nd, 2020. During this time SMSA will be closed, including the Business and Scrip Office as well as Child-Care.
Have a very Merry Christmas and Blessed New Year!
High School - December 19
Dec 19
News and Information
Christmas Break - December 23rd - January 1st
FROM THE OFFICE OF EAMONN O'KEEFFE, 9TH - 12TH GRADE PRINCIPAL
A Christmas Blessing
Merry Christmas!
During the four weeks of Advent our SMSA community has been faithfully waiting for the coming of Jesus and celebration of the Nativity. Though prayer experiences, school liturgies, special reconciliation services and through service drives, our students have had the opportunity to focus their hearts and minds on what it means to be a person of faith.
Students, faculty and staff have taken time to reflect together and independently on important matters of our Christian tradition, for example, what generosity looks like in action; how joyful interactions positively affect those we meet; how a community of faith supports (and feeds) one another and what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. Indeed, this is the benefit of Catholic education. This is SMSA!
The time we have all waited for has finally come! As faithful Christians, even as we sing “O come, O come Emmanuel” during this most holy season of expectation and preparation, we also believe that God is already with us. Hallelujah! Part of our privilege at the Springs is the opportunity to unpack that very truth each day. Thank you parents for supporting Catholic education, for trusting us at SMSA with your precious children and for partnering with teachers, coaches, counselors, moderators and all staff and administration to strengthen our school and its holistic mission.
Of course, in addition to the religious significance of this time of year, we have also been waiting for Christmas vacation – that well-timed and important break from school. Our students have talked about their traditions during this time. Many look forward to extended time to engage with family and friends. Some most relish time to relax and rejuvenate through frequent naps and the chance to slumber longer in the mornings. Others are looking forward to a frenzy of activity and travel. School will resume on Thursday, January 2, 2020. We look forward to continuing a great year in the New Year!
On behalf of our faculty, staff and leadership, I wish you all a safe and happy break and a very Merry Christmas!
News and Information
Post Prom Co-Chairs Needed
Volunteers are needed to help plan post prom. We are in need of 2 junior parents to plan and oversee the event. Transition meetings would occur mid-January with full committee meetings the last week of January. Committees include games, food, decorating, donations and set up/take down.
Many volunteers are needed to make this event such a big hit with our Junior and Senior students!
Please contact Jennifer Walters at jwalters@smsacademy.org if you are interested or have any questions.
Upcoming Dates
Ugly Sweater Day - December 20
High school students are encouraged to wear their, school appropriate, ugly sweater on Friday, December 20, 2019.
Students can wear jeans (no holes or rips) or their uniform pants. If students choose not to wear an ugly sweater, they need to wear their school uniform.
High School Placement Test - January 11th
High School Placement Testing for ALL Students who will be entering 9th grade for the 2020-2021 school year will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2020, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The test will be held at SMSA.
ALL current SMSA students and those that will be new to SMSA, must take the placement test.
If you have any questions, please contact Kelly Mueller at kmueller@smsacademy.org.
High School Counseling
News and Information
Internet Safety
Internet fads come and go, some served to bring us together to support a noble cause like the Ice Bucket Challenge that raised 114 million dollars to fight ALS Disease and others were just plain silly, like the Mannequin Challenge.
As parents, we know how to monitor our children’s internet activity and counsel them on how to navigate this important medium. However, there are certain internet fads that can mislead our children to engage in risky and potentially harmful or dangerous behaviors. The “Pass Out Challenge” or “Choking Game” has recently resurfaced on the internet. Incredibly, this is the act of making yourself pass out or faint sometimes with the help of a “friend.” The results have sometimes been tragic particularly with boys aged 11 – 16.
Please click here to view more about this dangerous challenge.
While there are no known incidents of SMSA students engaging in this potentially harmful activity, this may be a good time to revisit internet safety and encourage kids to think through-as a popular internet meme tells us to think about “WCGW” or What Could Go Wrong?!
Zaps ACT Test-Prep Seminar – January 9th
The Junior class will be participating in the Zaps ACT Test-Prep Seminar on Thursday, January 9, 2020 from 8:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. During this 5 hour seminar, students will learn tips to improve scores, practice strategies to eliminate wrong choices and much more.
Stay tuned for more information.
Upcoming Dates
ACT Test Prep at UW-Oshkosh
UW-Oshkosh is offering an ACT prep course this winter on Saturday mornings, January 11 – February 15, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Classes will be held on the UW-Oshkosh campus. Cost is $200.
Please click here to register.
Career Exploration
Walk-In Wednesdays at Agnesian/a member of SSMHealth – Multiple Wednesdays
If you’re looking to take the next step in your career and you’re interested in health care, Agnesian HealthCare, a member of SSM Health, is looking for you! Join them any Wednesday until December 18, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. to noon at one of their three care centers.
Click here for more information.
Job Opportunities
Agnesian Healthcare, a member of SSMHealth
Agnesian Health Care – a member of SSM health, is looking for environmental services technicians (housekeeping).
Please click here to view the full job description.
Scholarship Opportunities
Aurora Health Center Scholarship
The Counseling Office has received the Aurora Health Center Scholarship. Eligible applicants are those who plan to study at an accredited college, university or technical school for any health-related career.
Please stop in the Counseling Office for more information or to pick up an application.
College/University SMSA visits
Check with the Counseling Office for upcoming dates.
College/University Visits
Please stop in the Counseling Office for upcoming dates.