FROM THE OFFICE OF EAMONN O'KEEFFE, 9TH - 12TH GRADE PRINCIPAL

Prom!

I am pleased to share that more than 140 tickets have been sold for this year’s Prom!  That represents a 25% increase in typical Prom sales!  Many thanks  to our junior class council and committees and teacher moderators for working so hard under a very tight window of time to promote and organize Prom in this time of pandemic! 

 

By now, parents know that Prom occurs Saturday, April 24th from 8:00 to 11:00 p.m. at Whispering Springs Golf Club, 380 Whispering Springs Dr, Fond du Lac, WI 54937.   This year, due to COVID-19 restrictions and precautions,  SMSA shall be sponsoring Prom as a dance only event, which means the prom ticket does not include a traditional on-site dinner or admission to any post-prom activities.   The Prom Court Grand March of seniors, and the crowning of Prom King and Queen remain a highlight tradition of the evening.  Parents of Court members (ONLY) are welcome to arrive for the 9:00 p.m. Grand March. 

 

While attending Prom at Whispering Springs, everyone shall be required to properly wear masks.  We recognize that strict social distancing practices may not be possible, which further underscores the importance of mask wearing at this indoor large group event with young people who have not been vaccinated.  Please be advised that the Fond du Lac County Health Department requires SMSA to contact trace Prom should a positive case of Covid-19 be reported.  Students or guests who do not comply with SMSA Prom expectations may be asked to leave the dance.  Refunds shall not be provided. 

 

Finally, parents of Prom goers, please note: 

  • Students have been told that they may not arrive late to the Prom (after 8:30 p.m.).  Any student arriving after this time, may only be admitted after a parent conversation with a school official on site at Whispering Springs. 
  • Students may not leave the Prom dance at Whispering Springs prior to 10:30 p.m. without parental approval (phone conversation with a school official on site at Whispering Springs).  Per parents who are sponsoring and organizing post prom activities, students leaving the Prom dance early (before 10:30 p.m.) may not be admitted to post prom celebrations. 

 

“SPRING HOMECOMING WEEK” Comes to the Springs: May 1st – 8th

We are pleased to announce that the month of May will commence with Spring Homecoming Week – a celebration that is a unique opportunity resulting from the confluence of fall and spring athletics during this unusual year so impacted and influenced by COVID-19. “Spring Homecoming Week” shall include: 

 

  • Saturday, May 1st 
    • 12 Noon to 2:00 p.m., Football Game (Ripon Field).  This is the second to last football game of the season.  It also kicks off  “Spring Homecoming Week” at SMSA! The student council is organizing special theme days at school from Monday – Friday, May 3rd – 7th. 
    • 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., Powder Puff Football Game involving Senior, Junior, Sophomore and Freshman Girls (Marian University Soccer Fields). Two rounds of games to determine a Champion! Parents are welcome to attend! This is the second event of “Spring Homecoming Week” at SMSA.  Social distancing and masks are recommended. 
    • 8:00 to10:00 p.m., Bonfire! (SMSA North Parking Lot) is the third event of this eventful Saturday and of  “Spring Homecoming Week!” It is a special chance for the school community to gather outdoors under the stars and enjoy fellowship and music! The Fond du Lac Fire Department is partnering to make this a safe and fun event for all!

 

  • Wednesday, May 5th from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. is Spring Concert (Holy Family Church). Parents of student participants are welcome.  Masks are required for all in attendance. 

 

  • Thursday, May 6th  from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.,  Ledger Honors Convocation for the high school (Hutter Gym).  This event is an integration of the annual Department Awards and Senior Heritage Awards.  Senior parents (only) are invited to attend in-person.  A livestream of the event will also be made available. The event will feature community scholarship presentations and key SMSA legacy and heritage awards in the presence of the whole school community.  Masks are required for all in attendance. 

 

  • Friday, May 7th from 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Field Day (SMSA Fields) This special event is for all SMSA students only, and will occur within the context of the school day.  This fun event of friendly competition is being organized by the student council. 

 

  • Saturday, May 8th from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. Jazz Night (Thelma Sadoff Center). This will be the final musical performances of the year. Parents of Jazz night performers are eligible for event tickets. Masks are required for all in attendance. 

 

We are grateful to God for the graces which have enabled these plans to unfold for our Ledgers!  In a school year that has been anything but typical, these end of the year opportunities allow our Springs community to recapture some semblance of normalcy, and offer a chance to celebrate ‘community’ – an important core value of The Ledger Way. 

 

Exam schedule and expectations: May 18th – 21st

The following details have been finalized and shared with all students.  Homeroom teachers are taking time to review each document with students in the days ahead.  

 

Finish Strong!

The Ledger Way calls students to responsibility, respect, learning, leadership, community and faith. The faculty, staff and administration depend on students to know what is expected and behave appropriately.  As we wind down this long and challenging year with so many unusual aspects, we are all eager for the changes and experiences that summer will usher in.  Our faculty and staff are 100% committed to finishing strong!  We encourage students to do the same.  A positive end to the school year will involve treating one another with respect; counting blessings each day; not falling behind in school work; and preparing for school each day the way teachers expect.  Finally, parents please note that late work cannot be credited after Friday, May 21st .  Skyward grade changes will not be possible after that date (with the singular exception of documented medical excuses).  Please help our Ledgers to plan well, keep up with their obligations, and enjoy finishing strong!

 

Our Lady of the Ledge, pray for us!

 

Be well, God bless. 

Eamonn O’Keeffe, Principal Grades 9-12

Upcoming Dates

April 24th – Prom (Whispering Springs)

May 1st – Spring Homecoming Week commences. Day concludes with a Bonfire on campus at 8:00 p.m.

May 5th – Spring Concert (Holy Family Church)

May 6th – Ledger honors Convocation (Hutter Gym)

May 7th – Field Day activities 

May 8th – Jazz Night (Thelma Sadoff Center)

May 17th – Final day of classes (bell schedule)

May 18th – 21st – EXAMS

May 23rd – Baccalaureate Mass & Commencement (Holy Family Church)


Staff Appreciation Week Donations - Due April 28th

SMSA Families!  Staff Appreciation Week is coming, Monday, May 3rd – Friday, May 7th. We have some special things planned for our amazing SMSA staff and we are in need of your help! 

 

We are looking for donations of various pre-wrapped candies. Please use this SignUp link, https://signup.com/go/XDdRWYQ, to sign up for specific items.

 

We are going to continue with having you drop off your donations at either Katie Mathos (1050 Deer Run) or Andrea Nuss’ (N5530 Boyke Drive) home or you can contact us to meet up at drop off or pick up at SMSA. If you drop off your donation at one of our homes, please write your name on the item. Please have your donations to us by Wednesday, April 28th.

Thank you so much for your help in making this week extra special for our staff. We appreciate you! If you have any questions, please reach out to either Katie (katiemathos@gmail.com) or Andrea (alnuss@charter.net).


Staff Appreciation Week is Coming - Donations Due by April 30th

Hello SMSA Families,

Staff Appreciation Week is coming up, Monday – Friday, May 3rd – 7th. We are kicking off the week by having the Chameleon Food Truck cater lunch to all staff on Monday, May 3. If you would like to contribute monetarily to this, please send money in an envelope to school labeled Andrea Nuss or Katie Mathos and Staff Lunch Donation on it or you can Venmo Katie @Katie-Mathos. If writing a check, please make payable to Andrea Nuss or Katie Mathos. 

 

Please have all donations in by Friday, April 30th.

Any donation amount is greatly appreciated! Thank you so much!

 

Also please watch the eLedger the next couple of weeks for updates on other events that will be happening during Staff Appreciation Week!!

Katie Mathos and Andrea Nuss

High School Spring Music Concert - May 5th

The High School Music Department’s Spring Concert will be on Wednesday, May 5th at Holy Family at 7:00 p.m.

 

Each student is allowed 2 adults to be in attendance.

 

There will be a livestream through the Holy Family Facebook Page. This Concert will feature the Concert Choirs and Concert Band.


Ledger Honor Convocations - May 6th

Thursday, May 6 will be a special schedule in the high school to celebrate the many academic accomplishments of the 2020-21 school year, and especially honors earned by the Class of 2021.  B-Day classes will meet as usual, and an all school Ledger Honors Convocation is scheduled for 10:30am – 12 :15pm in Hutter Gym. May 6th Special Schedule.

 

Senior parents are welcome to attend, but space and COVID safety limitations will not allow for parents of freshman – juniors to attend. We hope to also make the event accessible through a livestream link. 


High School Musical - April 16th - April 18th

The St. Mary’s Springs high school theater department is proud to present “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” LIVE!  Go to, www.hometowntickets.com, to purchase tickets and reserve your seats today! They are set up in groups of three and socially distanced for safety. Masks will be required at all times.

 

Shows will be Friday, April 16th and Saturday, April 17th at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, April 18th at 1:00 p.m. at the NFDL Horace Mann Theater. Tickets are $12 with student pricing available.

 

Can’t make it to the show, but still want to watch?  For a $12 fee, visit, http://venlink.net/login, to watch the Saturday evening show live!

 

Questions? Contact Mrs. Lewis at clewis@smsacademy.org.


Ledger Honors Convocation - May 6th

Thursday, May 6th will be a special schedule in the high school to celebrate the many academic accomplishments of the 2020-21 school year, and especially honors earned by the Class of 2021.  B-Day classes will meet as usual, and an all school Ledger Honors Convocation is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. – 12 :15 p.m. in Hutter Gym. May 6th Special Schedule

 

Senior parents are welcome to attend, but space and COVID safety limitations will not allow for parents of freshman – juniors to attend. We hope to also make the event accessible through a livestream link.


News and Information

SMSA Virtual Learning Guides and Information

With more students electing to learn virtually at this time of the year, I suggest parents of virtual learners review the links provided here. These are resources for better understanding virtual learning at SMSA. 

  1. SMSA Ledger Learning Guides Home Page
  2. HS Expectations for Virtual Learners DOC 2020-21
  3. Expectations for Virtual Learners Slide Deck

High School Counseling

News and Information

No news at this time.


Upcoming Dates

None at this time.


Career Exploration

Bellin College Summer Nursing and Imaging Camps – Multiple Dates

Applications are now being accepted for Bellin College summer nursing and imaging camps. Applying to summer camps

How much does it cost?

  • Nursing Day Camp:

Monday, July 26, 2021: $50

Tuesday, July 27, 2021: $50

Wednesday, July 28, 2021: $50

Includes camp t-shirt, lunch and clinical supplies

 

  • Medical Imaging Day Camp

Thursday, July 29, 2021: $90

Includes camp t-shirt, lunch and clinical supplies

 

Payment is not required until after the participants have been selected to attend the camp.

 

How are the participants selected?

Students are selected after a holistic review of their application including the date the applied, GPA, essay question, and dates available.

 

Who can apply?

High school students who are sophomores and juniors at time of application.

 

Questions?

Please contact Claire Drevs at claire.drevs@bellincollege.edu.

Apply online at www.bellincollege.edu/summercamps.


Job Opportunities

Festival Foods – Interviews Began April 13th

Festival Foods will be holding open interviews every Tuesday from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. They have several part time openings for the following areas: cashier, bagger/cart runner, meat clerk, deli clerk, bakery clerk, produce clerk and fresh cut clerk.


St. Lawrence Seminary 

St. Lawrence Seminary is looking for high school students to work 40 hours a week, Monday – Friday, starting June 1st. – August 13th.

 

The job will include: cleaning bathrooms, classrooms, dorms, offices, furniture, floors, carpets, moving furniture and occasional raking or weeding etc.

 

For an application: please call Mary Bink at 920-753-7524 or e-mail at mbink@stlawrence.edu (please include your name, address and phone number in the email.)


LaClare Family Creamery 

We have some part time and full time job opportunities. We are opening a new garden center at LaClare, and have part time retail/café positions available! We also have full time cheese productions positions available that allow for growth in the company including into leadership positions.

 

Click here for more information.


Scholarship Opportunities

2021- 2022 Academy Girls Scholarship – Deadlines April 23rd

The 2021-2022 Academy Girls Scholarship is available to current JUNIOR GIRLS.  Deadline is April 23rd. 

 

This merit-based scholarship will be awarded to one current, female, SMSA junior, and will be applied to her senior year tuition at SMSA.  Applicants will be evaluated based upon essay responses and academic achievement (GPA). 

 

Please click here for the application.  Submit to Mrs. Gilles no later than Friday, April 23rd


Mercury Racing Excellence in Trade Scholarships – Due April 30th

The Mercury Racing Excellence in Trade Scholarship is due April 30th. You can find more information at, https://bit.ly/MRScholarship2021.  They are offering two $5,000 scholarships to help students further their education in a trade related field.


Eastern Ridge Home Builders Association Scholarship – Due May 7th

Eastern Ridge Home Builders Association scholarship applications are due on Friday, May 7th. These scholarships are designed for students pursuing higher education or an apprenticeship program related to the residential construction industry. Additionally, scholarships are also available to children of employees of our member businesses pursuing education in any career field.

 

Click here for more information..


TC Energy Scholarship – Deadline May 14th

Please click here for more information on it. Deadline is May 14th.


6th Annual Epic Flight Academy Aviation Scholarship Awards – October 1st

Do you have students whose heads are in the clouds? We invite U.S. high school students who are interested in flight training or aviation maintenance to apply for Epic Flight Academy’s 4 aviation scholarships. We are located in New Smyrna Beach, Florida and welcome applicants from all around the U.S.

 

Will you please join us in supporting students’ dreams by sharing this scholarship information with interested students?

 

We are awarding $65,000 this year!

 

Open to current high school juniors and seniors for flight training and seniors for aircraft mechanics

Awarding 4 scholarships ($20,000 and $5,000 for flight training; $20,000 each for 2 aircraft mechanics)

 

Deadline to apply is Friday, October 1, 2021

 

Full details and links to the online application forms are available by clicking here.


College/University SMSA visits

None at this time.


College/University Virtual Visits

None at this time.