From the Office of Eamonn O'Keeffe: High School Principal

Holy Week

When Lent began on Ash Wednesday, all of SMSA gathered at Holy Family Church to worship together. As we marked our foreheads with ashes we were reminded to “repent and turn to God.”

Next week, Lent concludes as Holy Week brings unique and sacred opportunities for all of us to “turn to God.” On Palm Sunday, we can ‘turn’ to see Jesus arrive triumphantly in Jerusalem for Passover. On Easter Monday we can ‘turn’ to see Jesus get angry at merchants and bankers for denigrating the house of God with their untimely commerce. On Holy Thursday we commemorate Jesus’ Last Supper, and we can ‘turn’ to see how he washes the feet of his disciples…and encourages us to do the same. We can ‘turn’ again – this time to see Jesus’ agony in the garden of Gethsemane, the heartbreaking betrayal of our Lord by a friend and disciple, and His public humiliation after being arrested. On Good Friday, we can ‘turn’ to gaze upon a broken and battered Jesus, sentenced to die, viciously flogged, and mocked as he carries his Cross. While He hangs nailed to the Cross, we can ‘turn’ to see Jesus forgive those who harm Him. Finally, we can ‘turn’ to see Jesus die from crucifixion…all for the sake of giving us a chance at abundant life.

Our faith professes that Jesus’s sacrificial love during this Holy Week has made salvation real for God’s children, past, present and future. It is the risen Lord, who continues to invite us to love one another, assuring us that whenever that happens, we “turn to God.”

Our school mission indicates that our life on the Ledge is “rooted in Jesus.” The Good News of the Gospel tells us that Jesus is alive! We believe this, and joyfully find that during Lent 2024, Jesus continues to be encountered at SMSA…not only through Chapel Adoration, Mass, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, but also through the empathy, support, love and kindness that members of this faithful learning community display each and every day.

I am thankful for the Springs, and for the many ways that we are able to encounter the living God – in Lent and in all seasons. May God bless you this Holy Week!

 

Easter Holiday

There are no classes on Good Friday, March 29 or Easter Monday, April 1 so that all can enjoy the Easter Holiday! Classes will resume for the first day of Quarter 4 on Tuesday, April 2 – an A-Day!

Quarter 3 Ends: Report Cards After Easter Holiday

Thursday, March 28 is the final day of classes for Quarter 3. Grades shall be due on Monday, March 27 and will be verified between March 28-30. From Thursday, March 28 at 3:30pm to – Thursday, April 4 at 3:30pm, the Family/ Student access to Skyward will be disabled so that Quarter 3 grading can be finalized and verified. Parents and students will be able to view Q3 Report Cards after 3:30 pm on April 4 when Skyward access is restored.

A reminder that, at the grading period, student eligibility for co-curricular participation is also assessed by administration. Ineligible students (and their parents) will be notified as part of the usual process after Easter Holiday.

 

 


 

Prestigious Herb Kohl Excellence Scholars Announced!

This week, the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation announced recipients of the organization’s 2024 Student Excellence and Initiative Scholarship program. Excellence Scholarships of $10,000 will be awarded to 102 graduating high school students who have demonstrated academic excellence and have displayed a broad range of activity and leadership in their community. Initiative Scholarships of $10,000 will be awarded to 85 students. The application process for the Kohl Excellence Scholarship is particularly competitive.

I am pleased to announce that two Ledgers from the Class of 2024 are recipients of this prestigious scholarship recognition! We offer hearty congratulations to Klaudia Sullivan and Riley Walters! Klaudia and Riley are very deserving of this special and rare recognition, and SMSA educators could not be more proud of their accomplishments! SMSA was one of only 15 high schools in the State with more than one Kohl Excellence Scholarship recipient!

Award recipients are selected by a statewide committee composed of civic leaders and representatives of education-related associations and the program’s co-sponsors: The Wisconsin Newspaper Association Foundation, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, regional Cooperative Educational Service Agencies (CESA), the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators, and the Wisconsin Homeschooling Parents Association. The Kohl Foundation award program was established by Herb Kohl, former U.S. senator, philanthropist, and businessman who died December 27, 2023. Since 1990, the foundation has awarded nearly $38 million to Wisconsin educators, principals, students, and schools.

Go Ledgers!

 


 

WBCA announces Boys and Girls Basketball Team Academic All-State Honors

The Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association has announced its 2024 Boys and Girls basketball Team Academic All-State awards. The WBCA recognizes teams who have achieved great success in the classroom. To be recognized, WBCA member coaches were required to nominate their team. Team GPA’s were based on cumulative credits attempted by the top ten varsity players on each team as well as those players’ GPA.

WBCA TEAM ACADEMIC ALL-STATE

Division 1
1st: Kettle Moraine – 3.722
2nd: Kimberly – 3.720
3rd: Brookfield East – 3.695

Division 2
1st: Plymouth – 3.830
2nd: Fox Valley Lutheran – 3.745
3rd: Rhinelander – 3.741

Division 3
1st: Omro – 3.804
2nd: Elk Mound – 3.762
3rd: Altoona – 3.749

Division 4
1st: St. Mary’s Springs – 3.848
2nd: Mineral Point – 3.810
3rd: Edgar – 3.791

Division 5
1st: Abundant Life – 3.805
2nd: Potosi – 3.742
3rd: Drummond – 3.707

 


 

Forward Exam Testing: 3rd-8th and 10th Grade

St. Mary’s Springs Academy is preparing for our students in 3rd – 8th grade as well as 10th grade to participate in the Wisconsin Forward Exam. The Forward Exam is designed to gauge how well students are doing in relation to the Wisconsin Academic Standards. These standards outline what students should know and be able to do in order to be college and career ready. The Forward Exam is a Wisconsin computer-based exam that is administered in the spring of each school year at the grade levels seen below:
Grades 3-8 in ELA (English Language Arts) and Mathematics
Grades 4 and 8 in Science and,
Grades 4,8, and 10 in Social Studies.

 

This year, testing at SMSA will take place during the week of Monday, March 25th as well as during the week of Monday, April 1st. The Forward Exam must be administered in person and cannot be proctored virtually. We ask for our support by having your child(ren) attend school during the testing window. For more information, please use this link to access the Wisconsin DPI Forward Information Guide for Families.

 


 

News & Information

Ledgerfest 2024 Online Auction Closes Saturday, March 23. Bid Now!

This year’s Ledgefest auction is filled with outstanding packages including all of the amazing class auction packages and student art projects! Check out the auction if you have not already done so by clicking here!

 

Bid High and Bid Often in support of St. Mary’s Springs Academy and Catholic education.

 

 


 

Fondy Tennis

Fondy Spring Tennis is right around the corner. Registration forms can be found on the www.fondytennis.com website. Spread the word and see you on the courts soon!

 

Fondy Tennis Lessons & Registration Form – Spring 2024

 


 

Student Excused Absence Reminders

After recent student attendance audits we would like to send out a reminder of our current attendance policies for our high school students.  Below are excerpts from the 2023-24 Student/Parent Handbook regarding appointments, excused absences, and attendance on the day of co-curricular activities.  The entire handbook may be found on our website by clicking here

 

Appointments  

Every effort should be made to schedule medical, dental, counseling or personal appointments outside of regular school hours. If it cannot be avoided,  parent(s)/ guardian(s) must send a signed note with logistic details of the appointment to the North Hall Office prior to 8:30 a.m. Absences for non-medical related appointments are considered highly disruptive to school culture and student learning and are thus strongly discouraged. 

  • The student presents a note signed by the parent/guardian to the North Hall Office BEFORE the first bell. The note is to be dated and the reason for the necessary permission to leave school.
    • The Principal or Assistant Principal retains the right to verify appointments and length of appointments.
  • For a student to remain eligible to participate in school sanctioned after-school activities or events following a doctor/dentist appointment scheduled during a school day, the student must present a note from the doctor’s office upon returning to school.

 

Excused Absence

Parents are required to call the Attendance phone line (920-322-8036) or email attendance@smsacademy.org on the day of absence before 8:30 a.m. 

Archdiocesan Policy outlines  reasons for which a student may be absent without being considered truant:

  • Student Illness (medical confirmation may be required after three days or a pattern of similar illnesses is called in by the parent) or medical emergency. 
  • Severe illness or death in the family.
  • Religious observances or services. 
  • Court appearance or legal procedure that requires student attendance. 
  • School sponsored activities that require the student to be off campus.
  • Pre-arranged absences pre-approved by the Principal or Assistant Principal that address a special and specific student need. (ie-college visits, family trips, quarantine imposed by a public health officer). 
  • Suspension from school (out-of-school suspensions must be counted as truancy unless included in list of excused absences). 
  • Parents are expected to give a reason for the absence.  Administration will have the final say if an absence is considered excused or unexcused.

 

Absence & Co-curricular School Activities

Per the SMSA High School Co-Curricular Code of Conduct:

  • Students must attend school ALL DAY on the day of scheduled events and/or practices in order to participate.  Students that are marked absent for any part of the day due to illness or are determined to have an unexcused absence are ineligible to participate in co-curricular activities that day.
  1. Students may not participate in any school sanctioned co-curricular activity during/after school on the same day as an unexcused absence. Failure to be in attendance as stated will result in non-participation in all co-curricular events and practices that day. 
  2. Exceptions to these attendance rules will include the following: (a) Absence from campus which have been excused for a funeral, court appearance, school approved field trips, documented medical appointments, or for other unusual or extenuating circumstances as cleared in advance by administration; (b) Absence from campus related to a classroom activity or grade requirement.

 

High school academic and athletic administration reserve the right to determine the status of any absence as “excused” or “unexcused”.

 

If you have any questions about whether an absence is considered “excused’ or “unexcused” feel free to reach out to Kyle Krueger, High School Assistant Principal at kkrueger@smsacademy.org, Athletic Director Mitch Redig at mredig@smsacademy.org, or Athletic Administrator Kelly Mueller at kmueller@smsacademy.org.  

 


 

Refer-A-Family Program

Did you know? You can Refer-A-Family and receive tuition credit!

 

Click Here to Learn More!

 


 

2024-2025 Key Academic Calendar Dates

Click here to view key dates for the 2024-2025 Academic School Year, including SMSA’s start date, Christmas break, spring break and graduation dates.

 

Reminder that you can view this information, along with handbooks, dress code and uniform criteria and other important resources on our website year round by clicking here.

 


 

SMSA World Language Travel Transportation Fund

 

Traveling abroad is an exciting and enriching opportunity for students where they can experience the beauty, authenticity and relevance of the subject they are studying. Students are responsible for funding the majority of their trip; however, SMSA has established this account to aid in funding bus transportation to and from the airport. Your donation today will ensure students, along with faculty chaperones, have a safe and reliable mode of transportation to start and end their traveling abroad experience.

 

This summer, students have an opportunity to travel to Costa Rica for Spanish class, and Germany for their German class. Thank you for supporting SMSA’s World Language Travel Experiences!

 

To make a donation, click here!

 


 

WI Parental Choice Program Opens February 1, 2024

The WI Parental Choice Program (WPCP) online application period will open February 1, 2024 and will close on Thursday April 18, 2024.

 

The DPI requires current Choice families to fill out the application for the 2024-2025 school year. Filling out the application for next school year (2024-2025) informs the DPI that you want to receive your Choice voucher for 2024-2025. If the DPI does not receive an application from a current Choice family the DPI assumes that you do not want the voucher for the next school year and your voucher will not be renewed.

 

New and current families must electronically submit their application here.

 

Current Choice families are not required to provide income documentation.

 

NEW families, applying for a school voucher, must be income eligible to apply. The following income limits have been posted for 2024-2025:
Family Size Maximum Yearly Income*
1 $32,076
2 $43,384
3 $54,692
4 $66,000
5 $77,308
6 $88,616
For each additional member in a family add $11,308.

 

Family income includes the income of the student’s parent(s)/legal guardian(s) that reside in the same household as the student.
Current Choice families are not required to provide income documentation. Proof of residency documents are required for current and new families.

 

WI Parental Choice Program information is available on our SMSA website by going to the Enroll tab at the top.

 

Questions about WI Parental Choice Program (WPCP) can be directed to:
Carol Ellestad
SMSA Choice Designee

cellestad@smsacademy.org or (920) 322-8002

 

 


Parents of Performing Arts

PPA SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS FOR CURRENT 8TH GRADERS AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ARE AVAILABLE. DUE APRIL 5, 2024.

Graduating Senior PPA scholarship application

 

Join us on the third Wednesday of each month in Lauby Lounge for the PPA meeting. All parents who have children in Middle School or High School music are encouraged to attend.

Don’t forget to sign up to volunteer to help make the musical a success! Many hands make light work!

Meeting dates:
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
Tuesday, May 14, 2024 Note the change in usual day
All meetings will be held at 6 pm in the Lauby Lounge (first floor teacher lounge).

Contact Anne Brunette (6brunettes@charter.net) with any questions about the PPA!

 

 

 


 

Summer Mission Trip Alive in You June 17-23, 2024

Looking for: fun-hard-working-kind-joyful- authentic-adventurous TEENS to ATTEND a Mission Trip to Knoxville, TN, June 17th-23rd (late night into 24th) Summer 2024.

 

Get signed up now BEFORE all of your Summer EVENTS are finalized.

Click Here to Learn More!

 


 

Upcoming Dates

March 23rd – Ledgerfest
March 29th – No school for Good Friday
April 1st – No School for Easter Monday

High School Counseling

Upcoming Trade Tour Dates

Dear Juniors and Seniors,
The next Envision Fond du Lac tour is scheduled for Tuesday, March 26th from at Sadoff Iron & Metal. These tours are designed for students looking to go into the Trades or looking for YA opportunities. We are looking for 4 Juniors or Seniors to attend this tour.

 

Please email the high school counselors if you are interested in the tour and please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions! Also! Please see that chart below for upcoming tour locations! Please feel free to contact the high school counselors to reserve a spot!

 

Upcoming 2024 Trade Tours
March 26th– Sadoff Iron & Metal
April 9th– McNeilus Steel
April 23rd– Aurora Healthcare
May 7th– JF Ahern
May 21st– Michels Corporation

 


 

Fr. Edward Sippel Scholarship

In honor of Fr. Edward Sippel and his lifelong dedication of service to the Catholic Church and the Fond du Lac area, Holy Family Catholic Community will award two $1,000 scholarships to graduating high school students who, along with their parent(s), have been registered members of Holy Family Catholic Community for at least one year prior to applying for the scholarship. Students must have received the Sacrament of Confirmation to be eligible to apply. Application and materials are due by May 3, 2024. For more information, please visit hffdl.org/scholarship.

 

 


 

Johnsburg Athletic Club Scholarship

2024 JAC Scholarship Application

 


 

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.

 


Boys & Girls Club of Fond du Lac

The Boys & Girls Club of Fond du Lac is hiring!

 

Click here to learn more!