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

Then the king will say to those on his right, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” (Matthew 25:24)

Hello Everyone —

It was reported in the October 8 edition of the El Paso Matters newspaper that “Pope Leo XIV’s eyes grew misty Wednesday as an El Paso delegation led by Bishop Mark Seitz presented him letters and a video that captured the fears and anxieties of people facing mass deportation in the United States.”

So, what exactly has Pope Leo said about immigration?

Pope Leo says the Church must not be silent on immigration, advocating for the welcome, protection and integration of migrants and refugees. He recently urged United States Catholic bishops to be more forceful in defending their rights against the “coldness of indifference” and the “stigma of discrimination.”

In his first major document, an apostolic exhortation entitled “I Have Loved You” (Dilexi Te), a project he inherited from his predecessor Pope Francis, Leo XIV criticized global economic inequality and the inhumane treatment of immigrants, stating that supporting migrants is embraced by sacred scripture and the church’s mission.

In a badly broken political climate rampant with blatant disregard for the dignity of the human person, our Holy Father provides some key points for our serious consideration and to prickle our consciences.

–A Call for Action: With growing frequency, Pope Leo is urging not only the U.S. bishops but all people of goodwill to speak out and be more unified in defending migrants’ rights.
–Rejection of Indifference: As people of faith, we are not to become uncaring and blind to the challenges and sufferings of our migrant sisters and brothers who are literally at our doors.
— Emphasis on Welcome: The Holy Father’s message includes the imperative to “welcome, promote, protect and integrate” new arrivals, viewing them as children of God and seeing Christ in them.
— Solidarity: In recent interviews, Pope Leo has assured immigration advocates that the church will stand with them and migrants who are suffering from poverty, violence, and mass deportations.
–Critique of Current Policies: The pope holds before our eyes a critique of the U.S. administration’s anti-immigration policies and their impact while conscious of the government’s right to enact laws that serve the common good but without disregard for protecting human dignity. He does so as a continuation of concerns first shared by his predecessor.
— Scriptural and Historical Basis: The Holy Father connects his message to the scriptures and cites St. Francis Xavier Cabrini, the patroness of migrants, as an example of selfless service to immigrants.
–Recall the “Final Judgment”: “For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, a stranger and you gave me no welcome, naked and you gave me no clothing, ill and in prison, and you did not care for me.”

Then they will answer and say, “Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or ill or in prison, and not minister to your needs?” He will answer them, “Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.” [Matthew 25:42-45]

As I do for you, please pray for me,
​
Most Reverend Jeffrey S. Grob
Archbishop of Milwaukee

This week, all high school Ledgers gathered in Hutter Gym for the J-Term Assembly! At that time, in a college fair format, students circulated to learn more about class activities and expectations for J-Term ‘26 courses offered on the Ledge, at MPTC, and at Marian University. I urge you to watch for the J-Term ‘26 brochure that students will receive at the Assembly. Here is a digital copy for your review: 2026_J Term Booklet (1) (1)

In addition to course descriptions, the brochure is loaded with FAQ’s and other key details for understanding the operation of J-Term.

From October 20-23, students will register for their J-Term ‘26 class during homeroom.

Planning has been interesting and inspirational, firmly focused on providing unique, hands-on, value added and mission-driven learning experiences for our Ledgers.

Believe it or not, the first quarter ends on October 22nd. Those grades also trigger the next co-curricular eligibility review.

It is a good time to check-in with your Ledger to ensure that their academic responsibilities are being fulfilled in each class. As always, consult Skyward Family Access to review student progress, and please reach out to teachers with specific questions or concerns.

Our Lady of the Ledge, pray for us!

Eamonn O’Keeffe, High School Principal

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The National Honor Society is sponsoring a Coats for Kids drive at school. Each fall, The Salvation Army works with schools, agencies and community to collect requests for new/used winter outerwear for families in need & organizes the county’s largest winter outerwear distribution. We are asking for donations to help The Salvation Army have a coat for everyone who needs one. You can drop off your item in the boxes by the South and North office by October 31st.

We are currently looking for regularly scheduled and sub volunteers to assist our students in the library during the following times:
* Wednesdays: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
* Thursdays: 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM
* SUBS various times of the week/month as needed

Why do we love having regular volunteers?
Because our students love forming connections with their library helpers! When you’re here regularly, you get to know the students—their personalities, their interests, and their favorite books. It’s a wonderful opportunity to build relationships and help guide young readers by recommending books you know they’ll enjoy.

Whether you’re a parent, or grandparent, your time makes a big difference. If you love books and enjoy working with kids, and are SEE trained we’d love to have you on our library team!

Contact Lisa at library@smsacademy.org with any questions or for more information.

Who will win $20,000 this year!?

The BMR cash raffle is one of only three major fundraisers for SMSA that involves EVERY family, Pre-K through 12th grade. Each family receives 5 BMR tickets to sell and/or purchase. 

Tickets have been distributed to the youngest child per family in our System. Please be sure to check their backpacks or ask them if they were handed your families tickets after school.

Please review the information included in the envelope regarding this fundraiser.  Sold 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 16, 2026.

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

Stephanie Fessler

920.960.0556

Katie Mathos

920.979.6757

Lisa Shannon

920.539.2892

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 27, 2025 – No School – Teacher In-Service

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Are you interested in exploring these four pathways of study?

1. Electromechanical Technology
2. Mechanical Design
3. Quality & Advanced Manufacturing
4. Carpentry Apprenticeship

We are excited to announce that several college representatives will be visiting SMSA to meet with interested students. This is a great opportunity to learn more about each school and connect directly with the admissions counselors who will be reviewing applications.

Upcoming Visits
Air Force ROTC (Lunch Room): Friday, October 17 | 1:00 – 1:45pm
Lawrence University: Wednesday, October 22 | 9:10 – 9:50am

SMSA is proud to participate in another year of Trade Tours through the Fond du Lac R.O.C.K. program, which stands for Retention, Opportunity, Community, and Knowledge. This program aimed at working specifically with high school seniors and juniors who are piecing together their plans post high school graduation. This program provides career exploration through business tours and job shadows. Fond du Lac R.O.C.K. is a program of Envision Greater Fond du Lac. Please let counseling know if your student would be interested in joining a future tour.

For additional information please visit click here.

Please refer to the information provided at the link below, for local and state scholarships that SMSA seniors can apply for. This list is always subject to change and may not be all-inclusive.

Local scholarship opportunities (Fond du Lac area) are listed first, followed by opportunities for residents of the state of Wisconsin.

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