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

Semester Exams:

Sometimes simple advice is the best advice. I find this true regarding studying for semester exams. Research suggests that students who rewrite class notes – with pen or pencil (not on a keyboard) – are generally able to better retain and recall important information for assessments.

 

Above all else, brain research is clear that teenagers require rest – and lots of it – if their still developing brains are to maximize its magnificent functions. Students are encouraged to study in short, focused bursts, in positive settings – taking care to be intentional about giving their brain a break – through a combination of both rest and moderate physical activity to help minimize anxiety and get their blood moving.

 

Parents can take care that students are well nourished with healthy balanced food choices – NOT junk food and fast food. Parents can also support students by helping to minimize distractions and obligations during the preparation for exams. Finally, making sure students get to bed at a reasonably early hour on exam nights – and all school nights will never be a bad decision.

 

The following guidelines have been shared with SMSA high school students to help prepare for Semester Exams:

 

1) Students are to be compliant with SMSA dress/uniform code between 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on exam/testing days.

2) Students who arrive tardy by more than 5 minutes to a scheduled exam may not be admitted to the exam room. Students arriving tardy shall be redirected to the Commons/ Cafeteria.

3) During exam/testing periods, students may not be found loitering in the hallways or at their lockers. Hallways must remain quiet and clear during exam testing times.

4) At no time may students have food or drink in the exam room or hallways.

5) High school students who are not taking exams and who are not under the supervision of a teacher or coach are expected to leave SMSA campus grounds by 11:45 a.m. on exam/testing days.

6) Students who are not taking exams but who are unable to depart campus are expected to report to the Commons/Cafeteria – which will be supervised between 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. on exam/testing days.

7) Students who complete exams early may not be excused from the classroom early. There is ample time before, between and after exam periods for students to use the bathroom.

8) If a student misses a scheduled exam due to an excused absence, the student must contact the teacher immediately to arrange for a make-up exam. If the student absence is unexcused, the teacher is under no obligation to provide a make-up exam. If a student is unable to reach the teacher, he or she should contact an SMSA counselor.

9) All preK – 8 SMSA students have normal school day schedules on Tuesday through Friday (K-5 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; grade 6-8 from 7:50 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

10)Bus service for SMSA students will operate at the normal pick-up and drop-off times during the week of exams. However, there will NOT be added bus routes scheduled for mid-day pickup of high school students after exam periods end.

 

Please click here to view the exam schedule.

 

Skyward Blackout – January 13th – January 24th

As in the past, during semester exams, Skyward student grade book information will be turned off to students and parent access. The academic and administrative grade entry and verification processes will be prioritized during this time. So from Monday, January 13th at 5:00 p.m. until Friday, January 24th at 7:00 a.m. Skyward will be “dark” and inaccessible for students and parents. Semester grades will be posted and available for viewing by students and parents on January 24. 

News and Information

High School Yearbook Orders

High school yearbook sales are now only available online. We are no longer accepting them at school.  Please click here to order.


Upcoming Dates

High School Placement Test - January 11th

High School Placement Testing for ALL Students who will be entering 9th grade for the 2020-2021 school year will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2020, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The test will be held at SMSA.

 

ALL current SMSA students and those that will be new to SMSA, must take the placement test.

 

If you have any questions, please contact Kelly Mueller at kmueller@smsacademy.org.


Sadie Hawkins Dance - February 22nd

The Sophomore Class is excited to announce that their Sadie Hawkins Dance is scheduled for Saturday, February 22, 2020 in Baker Gym from 8:00 to 11:00 p.m. This year’s theme is “Winter Wonderland.”

 

Tickets will go on sale starting Monday, February 17th during lunch hours and before and after school in Mr. Thompson’s room (3037.) Tickets will be $7 per person in advance and $10 at the door.

 

We are still in the early planning stages, but if any sophomore parents would like to volunteer to help, especially with setting up for the dance on Saturday, please contact Mr. Thompson at jthompson@smsacademy.org.

High School Counseling

News and Information

Internet Safety

Internet fads come and go, some served to bring us together to support a noble cause like the Ice Bucket Challenge that raised 114 million dollars to fight ALS Disease and others were just plain silly, like the Mannequin Challenge.

 

As parents, we know how to monitor our children’s internet activity and counsel them on how to navigate this important medium. However, there are certain internet fads that can mislead our children to engage in risky and potentially harmful or dangerous behaviors. The “Pass Out Challenge” or “Choking Game” has recently resurfaced on the internet. Incredibly, this is the act of making yourself pass out or faint sometimes with the help of a “friend.” The results have sometimes been tragic particularly with boys aged 11 – 16. 

 

Please click here to view more about this dangerous challenge.

 

While there are no known incidents of SMSA students engaging in this potentially harmful activity, this may be a good time to revisit internet safety and encourage kids to think through-as a popular internet meme tells us to think about “WCGW” or What Could Go Wrong?! 


Upcoming Dates

ACT Test Prep at UW-Oshkosh

UW-Oshkosh is offering an ACT prep course this winter on Saturday mornings, January 11 – February 15, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Classes will be held on the UW-Oshkosh campus. Cost is $200.

 

Please click here to register.


Career Exploration

Please stop in the Counseling Office for upcoming dates.


Job Opportunities

Agnesian Healthcare, a member of SSMHealth

Agnesian Health Care – a member of SSM health, is looking for environmental services technicians (housekeeping).

 

Please click here to view the full job description.


Scholarship Opportunities

Gottlieb Bickelhaupt Memorial Scholarship and Julie Morgan Hinkley Memorial Scholarship

The Counseling Office has the updated scholarship applications for the Bickelhaupt and Hinkley Memorial Scholarships. There will be 2 $500 scholarships awarded to graduating seniors pursuing higher education. They will be evaluated on essay responses, service above required hours and academic achievement.

 

Please stop in the Counseling Office for an application.


WI American Legion Law Enforcement Career Academy – application deadlines February 24th

The Counseling Office has received information about the WI American Legion Law Enforcement Career Academy being held June 22 – 26, 2020 for students who have completed their junior or senior year and are in good academic standing. This will be held at the WI State Patrol Academy at Ft. McCoy. Deadline for submitting your application is February 25th.

 

Stop in the Counseling Office for more information.


CAPP Scholarship (Cooperative Academic Partnership Program)

The Counseling Office has received information about the CAPP scholarship which is available to current or former CAPP students (who will be on the Oshkosh, Fox Cities, or Fond du Lac campuses next fall). $500 each.

 

Stop in the Counseling Office for more information.


College/University SMSA visits

Please stop in the Counseling Office for upcoming dates.


College/University Visits

Please stop in the Counseling Office for upcoming dates.