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

Friday, October 23rd marks the final day of classes for Quarter 1 in the high school.  As usual, Skyward family access will go dark during the grading process from 3pm on October 23rd – 12 Noon on October 28th.  

Teachers are required to finalize Quarter 1 grades by 11:59pm on Monday, October 26th.  Subsequently, grades are verified by administration on October 27th.  

Finally, Report Cards will be visible in Skyward family access after 12 Noon on Thursday, October 28th. 

All high school parents and guardians are invited to campus on Wednesday, October 28th from 4-6pm to meet with classroom teachers to learn more about your child’s academic performance.  No appointment is necessary.  Simply come between the published hours and meet with one, two or all of your student instructors.  It is entirely up to you.   We are hoping for a terrific turn-out of parents. 

High school administration and faculty have been developing a document to assist students with guidance around the use of Artificial Intelligence as a learning tool on the Ledge.  Please click the link to see a digital copy of the poster that will be posted in every high school classroom and shared with students on October 26th.  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sd5O6_CPxbCYvLIneIar_T9Ywahsp-JUmyUM5_vui_Y/edit?usp=sharing

Teachers in every academic discipline will be reviewing the guidelines with all high school Ledgers.  Our hope is to begin more intentional formation of our students around AI literacy and its ethical use.   With guidance from teachers, students shall learn to access many of the frontier AI platforms, identify the benefits and limitations of these tools, and also grasp the rules of ethical, responsible usage as a citizen of the 21st Century.  As we have been reminded by Pope Leo, these tools can be a gift…but may never replace human intelligence or creativity, and may never be used to compromise human dignity. 

We will all be learning together as these guidelines are rolled-out during Quarter 2.  I have no doubt that adjustments will be made as we evolve our understanding of Artificial Intelligence in education.  In the meantime, please pray that we learn well, and realize our goals to successfully form and enhance the moral compass, critical thinking skills and technical abilities of our Ledgers. 

Our Lady of the Ledge, pray for us! 

Eamonn O’Keeffe, Principal, High School

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Ledgers vs. Belleville:

Belleville High School will be hosting a WIAA Boys Football Game on Friday, October 23 2026 at 7:00 PM.

Admission Prices – Child/Student/Adult – $6.00 – Tickets may be pre- purchased online at this link – families may also buy tickets at the gate -with card or Apple Pay – we are 100% cashless. No passes are accepted for WIAA events.

Live Streaming Link: https://fan.hudl.com/usa/wi/belleville/organization/27925/belleville-high-school/watch?ib=4649358

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

Whether your family is looking for good family fun or you are a student looking to volunteer with children and families, SPOOKTACULAR has it all! Friday, Oct.30 from 3-6 PM at CMFDL. To reserve tickets or sign up to volunteer, log on at cmfdl.org

The National Honor Society is sponsoring a Coats for Kids Drive at SMSA from Monday, September 28th through Friday October 30st. Each fall The Salvation Army collaborates with schools, agencies, and communities to collect requests for new and used winter outerwear for families in need. They also organize the county’s largest winter outerwear distribution. We are asking for donations to help The Salvation Army to ensure they can provide coats for everyone who needs one. Donation boxes will be located at the north and south hall offices.

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 October 21st 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:

November 18th
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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October 28, 2026 – HS Parent/Teacher Conferences

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The following schools will be at SMSA to talk with students. Please sign up in the North hall Office.

St Olaf College – Northfield, Minnesota
Monday, October 26th | 1:45 PM – 2:25 PM
St. Olaf offers a liberal arts education with more than 85 majors, and pre-professional programs. The college is especially known for its strong biology, psychology, economics, environmental studies, computer science, and music programs. Popular majors include:
Biology / Neuroscience
Quantitative Economics
Political Science
Music & Music Performance
Statistics & Data Science

UW – La Crosse – La Crosse, Wisconsin
Tuesday, October 27th | 9:45 – 10:15 AM
UW La Crosse offers more than 100 undergraduate programs across a variety of fields, including health sciences, business, education, science, technology, and the liberal arts. The university is especially known for its strong health sciences, exercise and sport science, education, business, biology, and environmental science programs. Popular majors include:
Exercise & Sport Science
Health Sciences / Nursing
Business
Education
Computer Science & Information Systems
Nutrition & Dietetics
Recreation Management
Political Science
Mathematics & Statistics

UW – Platteville – Platteville, Wisconsin
Thursday, October 29th | 12:10 – 12:50 PM
UW Platteville offers more than 100 undergraduate programs across fields including engineering, business, agriculture, education, technology, and the liberal arts. The university is especially known for its strong engineering, agriculture, business, construction management, and criminal justice programs. Popular majors include:
Engineering
Agriculture
Construction Management
Computer Science & Information Technology
Biology
Mechanical & Manufacturing Technology
Environmental Science
Forensic Investigation
Graphic Design
Industrial Technology

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