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

Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week

Pope Francis has said,  “educating is an act of love; it is like giving life.”  The Greek philosopher Plato wrote: “the object of education is to teach us to love what is beautiful.”   When I consider education through the prism of beauty and love, I absolutely see the faces of our SMSA faculty and staff!  What a privilege it is to serve students and families alongside the fine people who take up the craft of classroom teaching and learning on the Ledge everyday.  While we can never claim to be a perfect group of educators, I have no doubt that our teachers love their students and sincerely aim to help them recognize and encounter beauty.  As Catholic educators, it is especially important to us that our students see life in all its expressions as a beautiful gift from God, and learn to demonstrate personal and communal respect for the dignity of all people. 

 

It has been said that teachers affect eternity because it is impossible to tell if, or when their influence ends.  When I think about the teachers who have most influenced my path, I can still hear their encouragement and consult their sage wisdom in my daily efforts as principal.  They generously pointed me toward a future career that has been a gift and blessing every week for the past 30 years!  I will always be indebted to my teachers.  

 

According to Professor Darwin Martin, “a teacher’s job is similar to that of an electrician…to take a bunch of live wires and see that they are well-grounded.”  I know that my favorite teachers helped to ground me as well.  They helped me prioritize what was most important, and made sure that my actions matched my values.  I see our SMSA faculty and staff serving students in this way daily.  They teach lessons of character in the Ledger Way core values as much as they instruct in academic content. 

 

Each year in recognition of dedicated commitment to the art of education and for also exemplifying the ideals of a Catholic education at SMSA, the Cabinet Leadership of St. Mary’s Springs Academy recognizes a high school teacher of the year who has been a leader and made lasting contribution to teaching and learning.   Like each year, the name of this teacher will be permanently added to the wall display near our trophy lobby.  I am pleased to share that this year’s St. John Baptist de La Salle – Excellence in Education Teacher Award  is presented to Mrs. Kathy Bartel! 

 

Also,  the Cabinet Leadership of St. Mary’s Springs Academy recognizes a member of the non-teaching professional staff for their contribution to creating a positive, mission driven school culture. I am pleased to share that this year’s St. John Baptist de La Salle – Excellence in Education Staff Award  is presented to two wonderful servant leaders, a true dynamic duo:   Mrs. Bobbijo Amerling & Mrs. Amy Pickart! 

 

Finally, a hearty thank you to our Parent Connectors who have gone out of their way to make our faculty and staff feel special during this National Teacher Appreciation Week.  We have been greeted each day with affirming messages and signs and we have been showered with yummy meals and sweet treats galore!  Your collective thoughtfulness has been kindly noted and greatly appreciated! 

 

Exam Schedule and Expectations: May 18th – 21th

Semester II Exams will be administered in-person for all students this May.  The following details have been finalized and shared with all students.  Homeroom teachers are taking time to review each document with students.  

 

With only seven days of classes remaining before exams, we ask the good Lord for the grace and peace to finish the school year well.  May our Ledgers and their teachers feel God’s loving presence as they conclude their time together. 

 

Our Lady of the Ledge, pray for us!

 

Be well, God bless. 

Eamonn O’Keeffe, Principal Grades 9-12

Upcoming Dates

Friday, May 7th – Field Day activities 

Saturday, May 8th – Jazz Night (Thelma Sadoff Center)

Monday, May 17th – Final day of classes (alternate bell schedule May 17 Alternate Bell Schedule – LAST DAY OF CLASSES)

Tuesday – Friday, May 18th – 21st – Semester II EXAM Week May 2021:Exam Schedule & Expectations

Sunday, May 23rd – Baccalaureate Mass & Commencement for the Class of 2021 (Holy Family Church)


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. 


NHS 2020 - 2021 Induction Ceremony - May 12th

This year’s NHS induction ceremony will be held in the Hutter Gymnasium at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 12th. All current and new NHS members are invited to attend in person. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 restrictions, only the family of NHS members will be invited to attend virtually.


Swing Fore Springs Presents: The Hyland Open - July 30th

In celebration of Bob Hyland’s 50th season as SMSA’s head football coach, Swing Fore Springs 2021 is excited to present: The Hyland Open! 

 

Mark your calendar and join the fun on Friday, July 30th. Gather your foursome and click here to register to golf at one of two premier Fond du Lac golf courses, Whispering Springs Golf Club and South Hills Golf & Country Club.

 

After golf, a social celebration will be held at Avenue 795 (F.K.A. the KC Hall), come and enjoy drinks, food and fundraising to celebrate SMSA and Coach Bob Hyland. Registration is required for dinner to ensure an accurate count, due to Covid restrictions. You do not have to attend golf to attend the dinner. Click here to register.

For more information regarding the golf outing, social or to volunteer for the event, please contact Kristin Zitlow at kzitlow@smsacademy.org.


Volunteers Needed - Swing Fore Springs - July 30th

Help support SMSA during our Swing Fore Springs golf outing on Friday, July 30, 2021 by volunteering for this fun summer event. Click here to view and sign up for volunteer opportunities today!


News and Information

Class of 2021 Lawn Signs! Purchase today!

Flex your Ledger pride and support your Senior by displaying a Class of 2021 lawn sign at your home or business! All four sign options are full color, double sided and come with stakes. Choose to add a photo, name, custom text, or congratulatory note!

Purchase your sign today on Signarama’s website by clicking here.


SMSA Family Looking for a Summer Nanny

An elementary SMSA family is looking for a summer nanny to watch their children, ages 5 and 9, two days a week.  (Tuesday and Wednesday).  The hours would be around 20 a week. 

 

Please contact Amanda at 920-602-6155.


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

Boys and Girls Club of Fond du Lac

Click here for more information.

Click here for an application.


Scholarship Opportunities

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.