Principal’s Desk News & Information Upcoming Dates High School Counseling

Here’s what we’re learning from national data, and what parents should know:

Q: Is “sextortion” targeting teenagers?   

A: Yes. Predators are now using AI “nudify apps,” and teens are learning to use these as well. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) received more than 50,000 reports of “sextortion” involving teens (as prey and predators) last year alone. Law enforcement suggests that this is only a fraction of cases, as most cases don’t get reported.  Some Wisconsin schools have reported cases where predators took photos of teenagers from their school’s public social media pages. They then used AI “nudify apps” to blackmail teenagers with “deepfake” doctored photos.

Police have run experiments posing  as 13-year-olds on several apps.  Sting arrests have increased nationwide.  Some law enforcement departments claim they are overwhelmed by the sheer volume of potential child abuse occuring online. 

Q: What should parents know about teen cyberbullying cases?

A: Students in all regions of the nation are using AI to create inappropriate content and memes of other students, teachers, and school staff.  In some cases, the viral AI productions dare students to replicate the same bullying feats in their own school community.  We have seen – even in our own Flyway Conference this year –  that students often use anonymous accounts and school “Barstool” pages to cyberbully students at their own school or other schools in the area.

Q: Are students talking to AI companion apps?

A: Recent reports from researchers indicate that an increasing number of  teenagers are having personal, emotional, and sexual conversations with AI companion apps like Nomi, Talkie, Replika, and Character.AI. Most parents have never heard of these platforms.

Users are able to create a customized “AI companion” and then talk to it like a real person. 

If your kids are using popular AI platforms like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini, the most important thing you can do is make sure their age is set correctly on the app.  This determines the type of responses the platform will provide.

Q: What is SMSA doing? 

A: Educating students and families… and developing policies. We share our concerns. We challenge students to be diligent and discerning online, to be honest, and to set limits.  Ledgers are also provided with practical tips for recognizing harrassment, and reporting dangerous people and situations online.

Administration is dedicated to sharing information and updates as possible with parents/guardians. 

SMSA educators are also working to create an AI policy this year. Our policy shall naturally address academic guidance for students and teachers, clearly identifying what AI use is allowed, what isn’t, and what counts as cheating, etc.

A good policy will also include prohibitions and consequences for engaging with abuses online or with any AI-generated sexual, threatening, or harassing images of students or staff members.  Any policy that we develop shall also clearly define disciplinary responses for misuse of technologies.

Finally, I encourage SMSA parents/guardians to reach out to our administration or Counseling Office with any concerns related to online activity or abuse that may be impacting your child.  As we know, it takes a village to raise our children, and we are very grateful to partner the broader Springs community to address any situations that may be compromising our shared values and the experience of our students. 

Our Lady of the Ledge, pray for us! 

Eamonn O’Keeffe, Principal, High School

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The price of the high school yearbook will increase to $70 on October 31. Order yours today!
https://yearbookforever.com/school-store/37kC5HrU9n90ERXTClbK26t9
Enter: St. Mary’s Springs High School

Register for driver education at Fond du Lac High School in Fond du Lac. CESA 2 offers the driver education class and behind-the-wheel driving lessons at Fond du Lac High School.

Get ready for Ledgerfest Casino Night on Saturday, March 13, 2027!

Once again, our SMSA families are coming together to create AMAZING grade-level themed baskets for the Ledgerfest Silent Auction! These baskets are always a crowd favorite, and we need your help to make them bigger and better than ever!

Every donation, big or small, helps us create incredible baskets while supporting the REAL JACKPOT—our SMSA students!

Ready to Go ALL IN? Here’s How to Donate!

Donate Online: https://smsacademy.ejoinme.org/donateLF27

Enter your donation amount and click “Next.” Please indicate which grade level(s) your donation should support and how much you’d like designated to each.

Venmo: https://www.venmo.com/u/SMSA_Ledgers
Include the grade level(s) and designated amounts in the payment description.

Cash or Check: Make checks payable to SMSA and send in an envelope marked ES Ledgerfest/Ashley Lane. Please indicate the grade level(s) your donation should support. Envelopes can be dropped off at either school office.

Don’t Miss Your Chance to Give!
Donation Deadline: Thursday, November 19!

We’re collecting contributions earlier this year so our basket coordinators can score some fantastic holiday deals (hello, Black Friday!) and make every donated dollar go even further!

Let’s raise the stakes, fill those baskets, and make Ledgerfest 2027 a WINNING night for our students! Thank you for your generosity and support!

The Ledger Fishing Club will be holding its New Member informational meeting on Wednesday, November 11th at the Fisherman’s Road Clubhouse. Come join us at the 5pm or 6:30pm meeting, whichever fits your schedule best.

This meeting is only for new/prospective members & parents.

The LFC is open to all St Mary’s Springs high school students whether you have ice fished previously or not! If you are interested in learning more about the LFC, we encourage you to pick up a flier at the North Office and plan on attending the November 11th meeting to learn more about the club, our events and participation requirements.

Check us out on Facebook @ “LFC – Ledger Fishing Club”
We look forward to fishing with you this winter!

LFC New Member Meeting Info Page 2027

Would you like to get involved at SMSA?

Are you looking to get more involved at SMSA? If so, join our Parent Connectors Group!! We organize events for our SMSA families & show our appreciation towards our amazing SMSA Staff throughout the year!! Please email Andrea Nuss, alnuss@charter.net if you are interested. Thank you so much!!

Our next PPA meeting is November 18th at 6pm in the conference room across from the Business Office. We will be working through our normal agenda with an emphasis on the upcoming fall play. All are welcome to join!

Future Meetings:

December 9th

Learn how you can get involved. Contact PPA@smsacademy.org to learn more!

Are you looking to get more involved at SMSA? If so, join our Parent Connectors Group!! We organize events for our SMSA families & show our appreciation towards our amazing SMSA Staff throughout the year!! Please email Andrea Nuss, alnuss@charter.net if you are interested. Thank you so much!!

Did you know? You can Refer-A-Family and receive tuition credit!

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November 25-27, 2026 – No School – Thanksgiving Break

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As a student, maybe you are looking for a first job, or something to provide you with a bit more work experience and a little extra spending cash. The Children’s Museum of Fond du Lac is currently looking for motivated, fun, and engaging individuals to join the team. Work at CMFDL as a Playmaker in a bright, cheerful space. Duties may include daily restock of exhibits, cleaning, program engagement, and various tasks to keep the museum running smoothly. Shifts are available after school through closing, which is at 5 pm during the week; we are open 9 to 4 on Saturdays. Interested in learning more?

Apply today at https://www.cmfdl.org/content/about/employment-internships

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