Principal’s Desk News & Information Upcoming Dates High School Counseling
High School (9-12)
Apr 24
Rest in Peace Pope Francis!
“Catholic schools are called to be places of evangelization, dialogue, and encounter.” — Pope Francis, Address to Italian Catholic School Teachers
Along with the universal Church, the Springs community grieves the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, who entered his eternal rest on Easter Monday morning. With the sacred Triduum and the celebration of the Resurrection fresh in our experiences, the Pope’s death invites us to renew our own faith in the promise of eternal life and fidelity to the Good News.
The Papacy of Francis demonstrated personal humility, intellectual and cultural curiosity, and solidarity with the world’s marginalized, especially migrants. Many of his official writings and teachings emphasized that morality must always be seen in relationship to mercy. In other words, when we act with mercy, we are a moral people. When we do not, we fail to advance the moral life. Without mercy in our hearts and actions, we move further from God.
Pope Francis often asked Catholics and people of all faith traditions to consider how they are showing mercy in their words and actions. He affirmed that ‘just societies’ are those whose policies evidence mercy and offer hope.
Among his many contributions, Pope Francis was a passionate advocate for Catholic education. He consistently reminded us that schools are not only centers of learning but also sacred spaces for forming the whole person. He encouraged educators to shape both intellect and heart, forming young people into individuals of faith, compassion, and action. As he wrote in Evangelii Gaudium:
“Schools and universities are outstanding environments for articulating and developing this evangelizing commitment in an interdisciplinary and integrated way.” — Evangelii Gaudium, 134
As a lifelong Catholic educator I have long been inspired by this vision. It affirms the distinct and vital mission of Catholic schools: to proclaim the Gospel while forming both the minds and hearts of young people in truth and love. It continues to be a privilege to serve alongside colleagues, parents and students on the Ledge who are committed to advancing the Gospel of Jesus by embracing truth in lessons, actively serving others, and by building a beloved community of trust where faith, hope, love, and mercy are reflected in positive relationships.
We are grateful for Pope Francis and for the many inspiring ways he has shown the world how to live a life that is faithful to Jesus. We thank him for imitating Christ – and for inspiring young and old to encounter Jesus and embrace the Good News of our Lord.
At this time, we entrust the College of Cardinals to the guidance of the Holy Spirit as they gather in prayerful discernment to choose the next successor of Peter. May the Spirit grant them wisdom, unity, and hearts open to God’s will – for the good of the Church and the world.
May Francis rest in the peace of Christ.
Our Lady of the Ledge, pray for us.
Eamonn O’Keeffe
High School Principal
Class of 2025 End of Year Events
The traditional “Big Three” senior class events for families include – Ledger Honors Convocation, Senior Honors Ceremony, and Baccalaureate Mass & Commencement. These key events not only recognize our seniors, but also uniquely celebrate our Springs mission and heritage. Please mark your calendars!
* April 4, 2025 No Classes: Senior Class Trip to Milwaukee. Seniors should arrive at campus by 12:30 pm (bus leaves at 1pm and returns to campus at 11pm). Class moderators have shared other details about the trip with seniors.
* Saturday, May 3 Junior/Senior Prom (South Hills Country Club). Event details will be shared soon by junior moderators. Independent (and generous) parent volunteers will be sharing additional information regarding post-prom plans.
* Saturday, May 10 Jazz Night. (Prairie Center) 6:30 – 8:30 pm. This will be the final jazz performance of the year, and in the high school career for some seniors in vocal and instrumental Jazz ensembles. Family and friends are encouraged to attend.
* Thursday, May 15 Ledger Honors Convocation (Holy Family Church) from 9am – 10:30am. This is an assembly that includes ALL high school students, and integrates annual Department Awards and SMSA heritage awards. The accomplishments of underclassmen and our seniors shall be highlighted and celebrated. Key legacy and heritage awards will be presented in the presence of the whole school community. Family and friends are encouraged to attend. A livestream link to the event will also be made available through the Holy Family Church Facebook page.
* Sunday, May 18 Senior Honors Ceremony (Stayer Center, Marian University) from 2-4pm. This very special event and reception is for all seniors and their parents, who will be joined by class moderators and administration. The event agenda shall include: sharing the traditional senior superlatives; viewing the senior video; and a special “parade of seniors” – which includes the formal presentation of cap & gown as well as special gift from Campus Ministry to all graduates. The high school accomplishments and future plans of each senior shall be highlighted.
* Wednesday, May 21 Spring Concert (Prairie Theatre) from 7-8:30pm. This will be the final chance for some senior students to share their musical gifts publicly in our community. Family and friends are encouraged to attend. Special senior recognitions will be part of the program.
* Thursday, May 29 Final Day of Classes for Seniors for Quarter 4, Semester II and the 2024-25 School Year.
* Friday, May 30 No school for Seniors. REQUIRED Commencement Practice (Holy Family Church) from 10:30 to Noon. Seniors will attend rehearsal for Baccalaureate Mass and Commencement with class moderators and administration.
* Sunday, June 1 beginning at 2:30pm, Baccalaureate Mass & Commencement (Holy Family Church) REQUIRED. Students are asked to arrive and check-in at Holy Family Church by 2:00pm to begin lining up in the church hall. There shall not be any limit/restriction on guest attendance. After a brief 15 minute break following Baccalaureate Mass, the Class of 2025 Commencement ceremony will begin in the Church (approximately 3:30 pm). Both events will be livestreamed.
LAST CHANCE To Purchase Your Prom 2025 Tickets - Mama Mia: A Night in Greece
Prom tickets MUST be purchased by Friday, April 25, 2025. Prom tickets are $60 each.
The schedule of events for the evening of May 3, 2025:
4:00 pm: Pictures at Stayer Center – Marian University. 45 S. National Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI 54935.
5:30 pm: Mass at Dorcas Chapel, Marian University (45 S. National Avenue, Fond du Lac) Parents may attend if desire.
6:45 pm: Arrival at South Hills – All students will arrive at this time
7:15 pm: Dinner at South Hills
8:00 pm – 10:30 pm: Dance at South Hills
8:30 pm: Prom Court Crowning – Senior Court
10:45 pm: Everyone attending post prom must arrive to Ledgeview Lanes (170 Prairie Road, Fond du Lac, WI 54935 (920)-923-1233) by this time
11:00 pm – 1:00 am: Post Prom at Ledgeview Lanes
12:45 am: Prizes Drawn (Must be present to win 15 AMAZING prizes!)
1:00 am: Post Prom Ends
LAST CHANCE To Purchase Your Post Prom Tickets
All Juniors and Seniors and their guests are invited to the Post Prom Event, even if they choose to not attend Prom (although hope that they enjoy both events). Post Prom is a safe, fun and memorable part of the highschool experience at SMSA. With the help of the Student Post Prom Planning Committee, we have bowling, blackjack, a photo booth and lots of food. In partnership with parents and the community, there will also be MANY MANY prizes, including a TV, diamond necklace, speakers and SO MUCH MORE. Doors open at 10:30 and students must go immediately from Prom (South Hills) to the Post Prom Event (Ledgeview Lanes). No stops can be made in between to ensure greatest safety and adherence to Ledger Code Standards. Additional Details:
- Date: Friday, May 2nd
- Place: Ledgeview Lanes in Fond du Lac
- Time: 10:45pm – 1:00am
- Cost: $15 per student
- Tickets on Sale THIS Week in the lunchroom
Mother's Day Rose Sale
Staff Appreciation Week is coming!
Staff Appreciation Week (May 5th – 9th) is coming! We are looking for our SMSA Families to help with making this week a successful “Road Trip!” Listed below are links for the different opportunities to help through volunteering or contributing. More details are shared within each link.
Road Trip Snack Donations – May 2nd:
https://signup.com/go/ityPnsg
Breakfast Donations – May 5th:
https://signup.com/go/FmJtSyQ
Luncheon Donations – May 7th:
https://signup.com/go/xXmYaQU
Lunch/Recess Duties (Must be SEE Trained) – May 7th:
https://signup.com/go/nMUSOuE
If you have any questions, please email Andrea Nuss, alnuss@charter.net. We greatly appreciate your help in going the “extra mile” to make this week a success for our fabulous SMSA Staff!
Staff Appreciation Committee – Andrea Nuss, Lisa Shannon, Amy Meyer-Bremer, Ellen Kant, Becky Harmsen, Pam Mand, Erin Clark-Benedict & Marisa Tymusz
Football Player/Parent Meeting
There will be a mandatory Parent/Player meeting for the upcoming 2025 football season. This is for ALL Freshmen-Senior players as of the Fall of 2025.
There are two separate dates; you only need to attend one of the following.
Sunday, April 27th 6:30pm-8:00pm Hutter Gym
Wednesday, April 30th 6:30pm-8:00pm Hutter Gym
SPEED Camp Registration
Join Our Library Volunteer Team!
Are you a parent or grandparent looking for a meaningful way to give back to our school community? The library is the perfect place for you to make a difference, meet new people, and share your love of reading and learning with our students!
We’re looking for dedicated SEE trained volunteers to assist with a variety of activities, including:
-Helping with children’s reading programs
-Assisting in shelving and organizing books
By volunteering, you can:
-Inspire a love of reading in young minds
-Enjoy flexible volunteer hours (weekly commitment or on call sub)
Whether you have an hour a week or a few hours a month, your time will make a huge impact.
Come join our library family and help us create a welcoming space for everyone!
Sign up today! Please fill out the following link; https://forms.gle/PtEAqYrdrMXiSJBH7 or email library@smsacademy.org with any questions.
Refer-A-Family Program - Earn $500 Towards Tution!
24-25 High School Yearbooks for Sale
HIGH SCHOOL YEARBOOKS ARE FOR SALE
High school yearbooks are available to purchase online at the SMSA website for $55. Prices go up on March 31, 2025 to $65. Get yours by clicking here!
Get involved with our Parent Connectors Group!!
Are you wanting to get more involved in our Parent Connectors Group? If so, look for the Parent Connectors volunteer form in your packet you will be receiving at the supply drop off day (3K-5th Grade). If your youngest child is in 6th grade or above, you won’t be receiving a form to fill out but can email Andrea Nuss, alnuss@charter.net, to share that you are interested in being a part of our group. Every year a new email group gets created so please submit your form even if you have done so in the past years. Also, only one form per family is needed to be filled out. Throughout the year, our group has various school family events as well shows our amazing SMSA Staff how appreciative we are for them. By being a part of our group, you will receive emails that shares ways you can help with these events through volunteering and donating. Our group wouldn’t be a successful without all of the wonderful people involved in it. Thank you so much! If you have any questions, please email Andrea Nuss, alnuss@charter.net.
May 3, 2025 – Prom and Post Prom
May 10, 2025 – Jazz Night
May 15, 2025 – Ledger Honors Convocation
May 18, 2025 – Senior Honors Ceremony
May 21, 2025 – Spring Concert
May 30, 2025 – Commencement Practice – Seniors Only – REQUIRED
June 1, 2025 – Baccalaureate Mass & Commencement
FDL Community Aquatic Center - Lifeguard Training
Successfully completing this course could lead to employment at Taylor Park Pool, Fairgrounds Pool and/or the Aquatic Center.
South Hills Job Openings
Envision Fond du Lac R.O.C.K. Program (Trade Tours)
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.
Senior Scholarship Information
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.