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

After recently initiating a high school pilot program to support AI Literacy in the classroom, a parent reached out to learn more about the Catholic Church’s position on the emerging reality of artificial intelligence.   I want to share with all SMSA parents some of the information that was provided in response to this good parent inquiry!   

It is easy to see that artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing how our children learn, communicate, work, and understand the world. As parents and educators, the Church counsels that we should neither fear this technology nor embrace it uncritically. The Catholic Church encourages a thoughtful, ethical approach to AI that places human dignity, responsibility, and the common good above technological convenience.

Since last Spring, the Vatican has emphasized that artificial intelligence must remain a tool serving humanity—not a substitute for human intelligence, relationships, conscience, or moral judgment.  During our teacher inservice last August, SMSA educators came to agree that technology can support learning, creativity, research, and problem-solving, but it cannot replace the uniquely human qualities of empathy, wisdom, compassion, faith, and discernment.

For SMSA parents, several considerations are especially important. First, encourage your children to use AI responsibly and honestly. AI should support learning, not replace independent thinking, original work, or personal effort. Second, remind students that AI-generated information is not always accurate, unbiased, or appropriate. Critical thinking and sound judgment remain essential. Third, discuss privacy, online safety, and the importance of protecting personal information. Finally, help our Ledgers recognize that technology should strengthen—not diminish—what it means to be human, including their relationships and their responsibility to serve others.

As a Catholic educational community, SMSA has an opportunity to teach students not simply how to use AI, but how to use it wisely, ethically, and responsibly.  Our guiding question should always be: Does this technology help us become more fully human and better serve others?

Ultimately, the Catholic Church guides that technology must serve the human person, not the other way around. That is an important lesson for our students—and for all of us.

Our Lady of the Ledge, pray for us! 

Eamonn O’Keeffe, Principal, High School

←Back to Top

Puffs, or: Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic is a comedic, off-Broadway play written by Matt Cox that tells the familiar 7-year wizarding saga from the underdog perspective of the Puffs. While a certain famous boy wizard with a lightning scar fights dark lords and saves the day year after year, the Puffs are just trying to pass their classes, stay out of mortal danger, and avoid finishing dead last in the House Cup.

Play Dates:

• Friday, November 20, 2026 – 7:00 p.m.
• Saturday, November 21, 2026 – 7:00 p.m.
• Sunday, November 22, 2026 – 1:00 p.m.

Click Here to purchase your ticket(s) today!

The HS Music Department is having their annual poinsettia sale. You can purchase tickets in the North Hall Office or from high school music students who are participating in the sale. Tickets are $20 and are being sold thru 12/15/26. Once you purchase a ticket, you take it to Haentze’s Floral to pick out your beautiful red poinsettia. Thank you for supporting the HS Music students.

It’s that time of year again!  Time for St. Mary’s Springs Academy’s “Big Money Raffle” (BMR). Who will win $20,000 this year!?

This cash raffle is one of only three major fundraisers for SMSA that involves EVERY family, Pre-K through 12th grade. Each family receives 6 BMR tickets to sell and/or purchase.  Tickets are being distributed this year as follows:

• If your youngest child attending SMSA is in grades P3 – 5th grade, you will be receiving your tickets at conferences on either October 21 or October 22 from your child’s homeroom teacher. If your youngest child attending SMSA is in grades 6th – 8th, members of the BMR committee will be handing out tickets in the middle school hallway during conferences. If your youngest child attending SMSA is in 9 – 12th grade, your tickets will be coming home with your child.
• Any remaining tickets that were not distributed at conferences will be sent home with your youngest child at SMSA. Please be sure to check their backpacks.

Please review the information included in the envelope regarding this fundraiser.  Tickets may be returned to school with your child, or to the North, South or Scrip offices any time before the live noon drawing on Friday, January 15, 2027.

If you have any questions, or if you would like to purchase additional tickets, please contact a member of the BMR committee, listed below.

Valerie Everson

920.251.3719

Katie Mathos

920.979.6757

Lisa Shannon

920.539.2892

The price of the high school yearbook is now $70, order yours today by clicking the link below.
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!

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. All are welcome to join!

Future Meetings:

December 9th

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

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

←Back to Top

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

←Back to Top

MPTC invites you to participate in Moraine Park Technical College’s Career Experience events taking place in December. These experiences are offered at no cost to students and run from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. What You Will Experience:​
Engage with professionals and use real-world equipment.
Get expert advice on education paths and job opportunities.
Meet other students with similar interests.
https://www.morainepark.edu/visit-us/career-experience/

Important Items to Note:
Students must secure their own transportation to the event.
Parents/Guardians must complete an Acceptance of Risks and Responsibility and Release of Liability Form before their student can participate in the Experience. The form will be emailed directly to the parent/guardian and can be completed electronically.

For students to register, please go to this link: Career Experience Events – Moraine Park Technical College. The experiences are listed by the date. Spaces are limited!
Event Date: Wednesday, December 2, 2026
Location: Fond du Lac Campus
Registration Deadline: Wednesday, November 25, 2026

Pathways of Study:
Trades Track: Architectural Technology, Electricity. Welding, Automotive Technology
Cosmetology Track: Cosmetology
Culinary Track: Culinary

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

←Back to Top