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

Spring Break, End of Quarter 3:

Spring officially arrived in Wisconsin on Monday, just in time for SMSA to take a well deserved Spring Break next week!  Friday, March 25 is the final day of classes before we begin a week of Spring Break on the Ledge!  Classes will resume on Monday, April 4 (B-Day).  March 25 is also the final day for Quarter 3.  Given the way Spring Break falls on the calendar, Quarter 3 grades will be finalized on April 4, and available to parents and students in Skyward by April 8.  Faculty will be unavailable during Spring Break. 

 

Family and student access to Skyward gradebooks will be inaccessible from 3:30pm on March 25 to 8am on  Friday April 8.

 

Class of 2022 Top Ten:

Last month the academic top ten students from the SMSA Class of 2022 were recognized at a banquet hosted at North Fond du Lac for all Flyway Conference high schools.  In alphabetical order, the SMSA Class of 2022 academic top ten students are:

 

  • Ella Blackburn
  • Isabelle Coon
  • John Feudner
  • Braylee Freund
  • Gregory Gehring
  • Katherine Peters
  • Mattison Putzer
  • Margaret Sawicki
  • Alexis Ullenberg
  • Alexis Vercauteren

 

Congratulations to the SMSA Class of 2022 “Top Ten”  for their dedication to academic growth and achievement.  We look forward to recognizing and celebrating student academic accomplishments and contributions to SMSA on May 19 during the Ledger Honors Convocation.  The Class of 2022 will also be recognized during the Senior Banquet on May 22 and Commencement on June 5. 

 

Class of 2022 Valedictorian & Salutatorian: 

The Class Valedictorian is the student who has earned the highest cumulative grade point average over the first seven (7) semesters of high school, and thus ranks first academically in their class. The Class Salutatorian is the student who has earned the second highest cumulative grade point average in their class over the first seven (7) semesters of high school, and thus ranks second academically in the class.   

 

Today, during a special prayer service in the Chapel, the Class of 2022 academic top ten and Class Valedictorian and Salutatorian were announced for the first time. At this time, SMSA is pleased to share that the Valedictorian of the Class of 2022 is Gregory Gehring, and the Salutatorian of the Class of 2022 is Margaret Sawicki.  We thank Greg and Maggie for their commitment to learning and congratulate both for their academic accomplishments and for earning this special recognition!  

 

Absence from School

SMSA publishes its school calendar well in advance of the school year.  It is always available online to reference. Academic Calendar 2021-22.  Parents and guardians are trusted to do their very best to respect and support the school calendar and the natural limits of the school year.  Holidays and breaks are generous.  Research has demonstrated that poor attendance (missing more than 5 days of classes in a semester or 10 days or more per year) can be very disruptive to student learning and achievement.  Consecutive days missing are particularly challenging for students from a learning loss perspective.  Research also indicates that those who remain in school can also be negatively impacted by the disruption of learners who are absent from the classroom. Of course, teacher lesson planning is also challenged by absenteeism.  In the end, absence from school always affects more than one student. We encourage all Ledgers to be present whenever school is in session.  We have high goals for learning at SMSA.   To meet our Ledger learning goals, absence should be avoided, and hopefully, a very rare and unavoidable occurrence. 

 

SMSA  parents/guardians may submit a request for anticipated absence at any time during the school year. Naturally, whenever a student is away from class, loss of learning, and the subsequent frustration that can also result may be a natural consequence.  We also know that some absences are less timely than others.  Absence at the end of a grading cycle for example  may also have an unintended negative impact on a student learning and/or grades.   Please remember that students are responsible for all missing or late coursework and for initiating and making arrangements directly with their teachers regarding any absence.  Teachers will outline expectations for accomplishing missed assignments and assessment.

 

Our Lady of the Ledge, pray for us!

Eamonn O’Keeffe

Principal, High School

Upcoming Dates

Friday, March 25th – End of Quarter 3 

Monday, March 28th – Friday, April 1st – No Classes/ SPRING BREAK

Monday, April 4th – Classes resume (B-Day)

Friday, April 8 – Skyward family and student access 

Tuesday April 19 – ACT District Testing Day for Juniors at SMSA (more details to follow)


Junior Class Kringle Sale

The junior class of SMSA will be selling Racine Kringles to fundraise for Prom 2022. The sale will be after all masses at Holy Family and Sacred Heart on Saturday, April 2, and Sunday, April 3. Several flavors are available for $10.00 each. The flavors are raspberry cheesecake, strawberry, chocolate eclair, pecan, almond, and cherry. Plan ahead—freeze the Kringles to serve them at your Easter brunch.


Prom 2022 Ticket Sales Begin April 4

Hello, Juniors and Seniors! It is that time of year again…PROM! As prom is fast approaching, tickets will be on sale from April 4 through April 8. This is the week that we return from spring break. If you do not buy a ticket, you will not be able to attend prom. The tickets will be $60.00 per person. They will be sold during lunch. This will include Mass, the Dinner, and the Dance April 23 at Whispering Springs. Arrival and check-in will begin at 5:30 pm and Mass will take place at 6:00 pm. Dinner is at 7:15 pm and the dance is to follow. Again, tickets will be on sale from April 4 through April 8. The tickets are $60.00 per person.


Post Prom 2022 – Let’s GLOW Crazy!

It’s Glowing Down!

April 23, 11:30pm-1:30am

Korneli’s on the Avenue

 

ATTN: JUNIOR & SENIOR PARENTS – WE NEED YOUR HELP!

YOUR MONETARY DONATIONS WILL GO DIRECTLY TOWARD PRIZES. Traditionally, each student leaves with a prize. We will also have 5-10 top prizes.

 

If you are able to contribute donations of cash or checks (payable to SMSA Post Prom), please give directly to Stephanie Korb or Venmo (post prom in memo); @Stephanie-Korb-4. If donating through Venmo, please do not accept the purchase protection prompt as this adds a service fee for taxable goods which is not applicable.

 

Cash/Checks can also be dropped off at SMSA, but be sure to label envelope post prom & put memo on checks. Any amount is greatly appreciated!  All donors will receive an acknowledgement letter from SMSA directly.

 

To be well prepared, it is requested all donations be secured and received by Monday, April 11th.  Thank you for helping make this a normal, successful post prom!!

 

Dawn Blanck & Stephanie Korb

 

Click here to view the flier


Attention Junior Girls: Academy Girls Scholarship Information – Deadlines April 25th

Applications for the 2022-2023 Academy Girls Scholarship are now being accepted. This is a merit-based scholarship to be awarded to one current, female, SMSA junior based on essay responses and GPA. Upon proof of enrollment, a $750 credit will be issued from St. Mary’s Springs Academy to offset tuition to the scholarship winner in her senior year at SMSA.

 

Application deadline is 3:30 p.m., April 25, 2022. The award winner must be able to commit to attending the Academy Girls Luncheon on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 to give a short speech about what this scholarship means to her, how she models the Core Values at SMSA and her post high school plans.

 

Click here for further information and application details.

News and Information

School Safety

As always, if you or your child become aware of a potentially dangerous situation that may threaten campus safety, we urge you to contact the Fond du Lac Police Department.  To report life threatening urgent matters, please dial 9-1-1.  To report concerns that may not be urgent, please call 920-322-3700.  You  may also call the high school main office at 920-322-8062


Speak Up, Speak Out

 School Fact Sheet_final.pdf  Created by the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of School Safety (OSS), the Speak Up, Speak Out Resource Center (SUSO) is a comprehensive, one-stop place to turn with important concerns currently offering: threat assessment consultation, critical incident response, and general school safety guidance. Please click the link above for the SUSO flyer or visit the SUSO website https://speakup.widoj.gov/ for additional information on these three services as well as resources on school safety best practices.


Ledger Learning Guide

SMSA Ledger Learning Guides Home Page 2021-2022 School Year

Parents are invited to reference the Ledger Learning Guide each week.  Teachers are updating their course expectations  each week, identifying learning targets and referencing relevant standards.


Honor Rolls

Click here to view the Honor Roll for Quarter 2

Click here to view the Honor Roll for Semester 1


High School Counseling

News and Information

No news at this time.


Upcoming Dates

Practice ACT Test – April 9th

SMSA is offering current Juniors an opportunity to take a PRACTICE ACT TEST on Saturday, April 9th. Students can register for the test by clicking here.

 

The test will be a full-length ACT (without writing). Students who take the test will be able to receive their practice test scores immediately following the exam!

 

Please register for the test no later than Friday, March 25th and direct any questions about this test to Mr. Stamatakos at jstamatakos@smsacademy.org.


Career Exploration

Wisconsin American Legion Law Enforcement Career Academy – July 24th – 29th

Are there current juniors or seniors interested in law enforcement or related careers? The Wisconsin American Legion Law Enforcement Career Academy (WALLECA) is the perfect experience for those students. This program of The Wisconsin American Legion is a 6 day academy held at the Wisconsin State Patrol academy at Ft. McCoy. The academy is scheduled for Sunday – Friday, July 24 – 29, 2022. Cadets attend at no cost, as we are supported by valued sponsors. The cadets are housed at the dorms at the State Patrol Academy.

 

The academy consists of 26 female and 26 male cadets. The cadets are chosen from their applications that they submit. The link to the application is attached below. The application requires signatures from a parent, a school counselor and a law enforcement professional. We want students who are in good standing at their school and in their community as they are the future law enforcement professionals. The students who are chosen to attend will be notified in April.

 

The curriculum consists of fire arms training, physical training, ethics, crime scene investigation, arrest tactics, OWI enforcement, Department of Natural Resources, Human trafficking, and many more classes.

 

Many of our graduates are already working in law enforcement professions. They credit this academy with their success.

 

The application for the Wisconsin American Legion is due March 25, 2022. The completed application can be printed, completed, then mailed to: Wisconsin American Legion Law Enforcement Career Academy P.O. Box 388 Portage, WI 53901. Or scanned and emailed to: Sheri@wilegion.org. https://wilegion.org/walleca/


Job Opportunities

Camp Y-Koda Is Hiring For Summer 2022

Click here to view their flyer.

 

Boys and Girls Club Fond du Lac 

Click here to view the job postings.

Click here to view a video on the Boys and Girls Club.


Scholarship Opportunities

Attention Junior Girls: Academy Girls Scholarship Information – Deadlines April 25th

Applications for the 2022-2023 Academy Girls Scholarship are now being accepted. This is a merit-based scholarship to be awarded to one current, female, SMSA junior based on essay responses and GPA. Upon proof of enrollment, a $750 credit will be issued from St. Mary’s Springs Academy to offset tuition to the scholarship winner in her senior year at SMSA.

 

Application deadline is 3:30 p.m., April 25, 2022. The award winner must be able to commit to attending the Academy Girls Luncheon on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 to give a short speech about what this scholarship means to her, how she models the Core Values at SMSA and her post high school plans.

 

Click here for further information and application details.


Mercury Racing Scholarship Opportunity – Deadlines April 29th

Mercury Racing is pleased to announce the Excellence in Trade Scholarship for the 2022 – 2023 academic year. This scholarship program is designed to support local high school students or recent graduates who will further their education in a trade-related field. The program will offer two scholarships of $5,000 each ($2,500 for each semester), intended to alleviate financial stress of post-secondary education. This scholarship program will help grow the local workforce by providing the education and tools needed to succeed.

 

These scholarships are available to high school seniors or recent graduates from a public or private high school/junior college within the districts of: Fond du Lac with an application deadline of Friday, April 29, 2022.

 

Additional scholarship criteria are:

Cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale; submission of official transcript required.

Must submit two (2) letters of recommendation from a teacher, advisor, employer, or other professional reference.

Entering full-time in a trade-related field in fall of 2022 (must provide enrollment information).

 

To learn more about the Mercury Racing 2022 Scholarship Program and to apply, visit: mercuryracing.com/scholarships.


College/University SMSA visits

None at this time.


College/University Virtual Visits

None at this time.