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

Guidelines for Student Make-Ups of Final Assessments/ Exams/ Projects:

• If a student misses  a concluding assessment/ exam/ project due to an excused absence, the student must contact the teacher immediately to arrange for a make-up assessment/exam. If unable to reach the teacher, the student should contact the Counseling Office. 
• If the student’s absence is unexcused, the teacher is under no obligation to provide students with a make-up concluding assessment/exam/project.  
• Approved make-up concluding assessments/exams/project must be administered in-person and completed by May 29th (the final day of classes for Semester II).
• Virtual make-up of concluding assessments/exams/projects is not permitted.  
• If a medical excuse or illness makes it unreasonable for students to make-up a final assessment/exam/project, teachers may request from the principal that a student be given an INC grade for Semester I. If approved, by policy, the student will have ten (10) weekdays to resolve the INC grade. 

Guidelines for Student Anticipated Absence Requests at the End of a Semester:

• Any request for alternative time for a student to complete a concluding assessment/exam/project  must be approved by the principal at least one week prior to the anticipated absence.  
• With all approved anticipated absences, alternative concluding assessments/exams/projects may NOT be scheduled for a date/time AFTER the originally scheduled exam period.  Rather, students approved for an anticipated absence during the concluding days of a Semester shall abide the following guidelines:
  1.  May ONLY reschedule and complete a concluding assessment/ exam/project for a date and time earlier than the originally scheduled assessment date/time. This is a consistent norm of academic fairness, and a best practice of high performing schools. 
  2. Students are responsible for initiating and making alternative arrangements with their teachers.
  3. While not always possible, it is recommended that students receive a true alternative assessment /exam – different from the rest of the class.  This is a consistent norm of academic fairness, and a best practice of high performing schools.  
  4. An alternative assessment should be of equal weight, scope and challenge as the original. 
  5. SMSA faculty are expected to support and accommodate any student/family who has planned properly for an anticipated absence. 
• By policy, parents/guardians may submit a request for “Anticipated Absence” at any time during the school year – including days on which a concluding assessment/exam/project has been scheduled.  The form may be obtained in the North Hall Main Office and must be submitted ONE WEEK PRIOR to the anticipated absence date.  When completed, the form will be signed by a parent/guardian and submitted to the administrator who monitors student daily attendance (Mr. Krueger). These requests must be approved by Mr. O’Keeffe. 

For members of the Class of 2027, a change will be implemented next year relating to the Beatitudes Project graduation requirements.  Student and parent input is being studied by our team, and changes have been green lit for next year. 

For now, I can report that a decision has been made to integrate the Beatitude Project service requirements within the course requirements of “Catholic Social Teaching” – the theology class that all seniors take during Semester I.  This will help to better guide and track student service experiences, but also align the student service to the course content and Theology credit.  Since the Beatitude Project service will be limited to a Semester I timeline (not a full year project), a reduction in the service hour requirements will also accompany this change. 

The revised program details will be shared with parents and students in the Fall.  

Our Lady of the Ledge, pray for us. 

Eamonn O’Keeffe

Principal, High School

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There will be an informational meeting, Tuesday, May 19th at 6:00 p.m. for any families interested in sending their son/daughter on the HS Music Department Trip to Disney in 2027.

Please see the poster below. This meeting will cover: dates, costs, and eligibility.

Can’t make the date? Please email: apannier@smsacademy.org for information.

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Click Here to Read May Pick-Axe Newspaper

Please read the below letter from Holy Family about registering for Confirmation preparation, which opens this summer.

Please note: Confirmation preparation will take place through the parish, not during classes at SMSA. Be sure to review the information carefully so you do not miss any important details or deadlines.

SMSA Confirmation Letter – 2026

Spring Safety & Wellness Newsletter

Attention all dancers. Varsity Dance tryouts are scheduled for May 17th in Baker gym 12:30-3:30.

Email Coach Brusky at sbrusky@smsacademy.org

June 8 to July 2 3, 2 0 2 6
Register today by visiting ssmhealth.com/SPEED or scan the QR code inside the link below. SPEED is an intensive sports performance program designed to improve your athletic ability. With a focus on proper form and technique, it will help to keep you in the game. Sessions will be held at a SMSA. Teams can participate in sport-specific sessions!

Click on the links below for more information and/or to register.

AGN-13105 SPEED Program Poster FdL 2026 production

AGN-13105 SPEED High School Flyer FdL 2026 production

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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May 25, 2026 – No School – Memorial Day

May 29, 2026 – Last Day of Classes

May 31, 2026 – Class of 2026 Graduation

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The scholarship website has now moved to Naviance! Please remind your senior to check their Naviance account regularly for the latest scholarship updates. The Counseling Department will continue adding new opportunities as they arrive.

These state and local scholarships are specifically available to Springs students. To view them, students can log into Naviance and navigate to: Colleges → Scholarships & Money → Scholarship Search. There, they’ll find an up to date list of scholarships curated by SMSA counselors.
Please reach out to counseling with any questions!

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