From the Office of Eamonn O'Keeffe

Teacher Appreciation Week

An educational proverb proclaims, “The best teachers are those who show you where to look, but don’t tell you what to see.”  During this Teacher Appreciation Week, we give thanks for our SMSA faculty!  When asked to describe their teachers, our SMSA students recently shared the following words: generous; committed; enthusiastic; supportive; unselfish; smart; faithful.  One freshman student shared, “All my teachers have told me that they care what happens to me and all of us.  They want us to be good people, not just good students.” 

 

I have been inspired and impressed all year with how our teaching staff and support staff regularly go the “extra mile” for their beloved Ledgers. I can attest how dedicated they are to serving the needs of students. While not perfect people, their efforts to affirm, believe and care for students are perfectly sincere.  As virtual learning required our teachers to change plans, be flexible and become aggressive learners of new technologies, I observed amazing professional growth, energized collaboration and the optimistic spirit of our staff lead the changes! They have remained positive while pivoting to a whole new and disorienting existence as 100% remote and online educators.  I appreciate and respect each member of our faculty! I have enjoyed serving with our teachers and have marveled at their creativity.  Perhaps most impressive day to day is how SMSA teachers embrace being role models, and how they live their faith in plain sight but without fanfare.  St. Paul’s letter to the Corintians exclaims,”Everytime I think of you, I thank God.” Join me in thanking God for our SMSA teachers!

 

End of School Updates

This week, SMSA President Stacey Akey shared a message with our parent community which included links to important high school updates pertinent to the end of school. Links to these important documents are provided below for your added access and convenience.  

End of School Calendar – High School

Grading Adaptations – High School

 

Our Lady of the Ledge – Pray for Us

 

As COVID-19 continues to cause pain, suffering, hardship and disappointment across our state, nation and world, we call upon our patron and spiritual advocate, Mary, to protect our Springs community, help us to grow in faith and trust in God’s grace, and remain united together as a community of hope.  

Mary, Mother of God, 

Heal us, strengthen us, protect us, 

that we may give strength and hope, 

to the most vulnerable in our community, and world. 

Amen.

News and Information

Quarter 3 High Honors and Honor Roll

Please click here to view the Quarter 3 honors.


ACT Rescheduled Test Day - June 13th

The safety of students and test center staff is ACT’s top priority.  Therefore, the ACT has rescheduled it’s test date to Saturday, June 13, 2020 in response to concerns about the spread of the COVID-19. 

 

All students registered for the Saturday, April 4th test should have received an email from ACT informing them of the postponement and instructions for free rescheduling to Saturday, June 13th or a future national test date.


Class of 2020 - Unite!

Hey Seniors! Did you know that we created a special shirt design, just for you, to show your strength and resilience during these unforeseen times? Click here to see this design and five other awesome options! Parents, there is a special design option for you, too – click here.

 

Don’t forget to support our Seniors by displaying a Class of 2020 sign! #LedgersforLife signs are $7 and personalized signs are $17 each. Have a question? Contact Signarama at orders@signarama-fdl.com and they will take care of it for you!

 

Order your sign today by clicking here.


Upcoming Dates

Cancellations and Postponements

Please click here to view the current cancellations and postponements.  This list is being updated every Friday as new information is gathered.


Academy Girls Scholarship - deadline May 15th

The Academy Girls Scholarship for 2020-2021 is now available in the Counseling Office. 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 May 15, 2020 in the Counseling Office. The award winner must be able to commit to attending the Academy Girls Luncheon on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 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.

 

Please click here for more information.

Please click here for essay questions.

High School Counseling

From the Office of Tallen Mahaffey - High School Guidence Counselor

Students and Parents-College Planning Event via Zoom – May 12th

I hope this message finds you and your family safe and well. Please mark your calendars for Tuesday, May 12th at 6:30 p.m. I want to invite you and your son/daughter to an important College Planning Event via Zoom-with Admissions Officers from Alverno College, Marian University, Marquette University, and Mount Mary University.

 

This presentation will help you and your soon to be senior navigate the college search, application, and decision-making process during a time of significant change. While all parents and students are invited, this event is designed specifically for current juniors and their parents. There will be time for you to ask questions of the presenters and then there will be additional time for you to meet in smaller Zoom meeting groups with each Admission’s Officer. All from the comfort of your home. PJ’s are encouraged…

 

While not required, please follow this link to let us know you would like to attend this event https://forms.gle/vW91d9AGeUddQMg47 and submit questions you would like the college admissions officers to answer.


News and Information

College/University Virtual Updates

During these “virtual” times, many colleges and universities have cancelled their Open Houses and Visit Days. If you were planning on attending one of these events for the college/university you’re interested in, make sure to check their website as many colleges/universities are offering virtual tours instead.


Virtual Career Interviews – Brought to you by Envision Greater Fond du Lac

Please click here for information on the Virtual Career Interviews.


Updates from St. Norbert College

We have virtual tours online, led by our student guides.  Those same guides have put together a really nice “Why I love SNC” video from their homes.

 

There’s also a video glimpse of the campus, as well as an interactive map that highlights many of the most-used facilities.

 

Our admission counselors have been holding online “visits” with prospective students and their parents, answering questions and providing insights on life at our liberal arts college.

 

Counselors can also hold virtual visits and presentations for groups of students at your high school; get in touch with me if you’d like to arrange one.

 

We’ve extended our application deadline for seniors from May 1 to June 1, so there’s still ample time to get one in.

 

We’ve also waived the SAT/ACT requirement for new applicants this year.

 

And there’s more in the works!

We’re keenly aware of the plight of high school students trying to make one of the biggest decisions in their lives at a time when everything seems to be turned upside down. We’ll do all we can to help: I encourage you and your students to reach out to us, for any reason, any time.

 

Stay safe and stay healthy.


2020 World Affairs Seminar

The 2020 offering of World Affairs Seminar (WAS) will take place this coming June, however the format has changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. WAS will be conducted in a revised, virtual format. The 2020 WAS conference will still be focused around the theme “Hunger in a World of Plenty”. It will take place from Monday through Thursday, June 22 through 25, 2020.

 

WAS Delegates will participate utilizing remote access. Small groups will be formed and facilitated by discussion group leaders. The seminar will feature Internationally renowned Keynote and Breakout speakers. Participation in virtual field trips will also take place.

 

The WAS is a summer conference for high school students, ages 14 to 18 years old. Individuals are eligible to participate once they have completed their first year of high school.

 

The World Affairs Seminar (WAS) is a Rotary International Youth program of District 6270. WAS has provided a unique experience in international relations, leadership training and group dynamics for nearly 45 years.

 

For further information about WAS 2020 please click here

 

Applications are still being accepted.

 

Scholarships are available from Fond du Lac Morning Rotary Club.

 

If you have questions or wish to apply, contact Jeff Reed, Fond du Lac Morning Rotary, at jreed6270@gmail.com.


Upcoming Dates

Cancellations and Postponements

Please click here to view the current cancellations and postponements.  This list is being updated every Friday as new information is gathered.


Marian University Virtual Introduction to Health Professions – June 15th – 19th

Marian University is offering a Virtual Introduction to health professions course Monday – Friday, June 15th-19th from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. A thought-provoking exploration of nursing, social work, radiologic technology and others. Email for more information: healthprofessions@marianuniversity.edu.


Career Exploration

No updates at this time.


Job Opportunities

Camp Y-Koda Summer Camp Openings

Sheboygan Camp Y-Koda will be open this summer and they are looking for staff. For the counselor roles, students must be 18 and over (or turning 18 before June 15th) to apply. For the Buildings & Grounds Assistant, students must be 16 & over with a driver’s license to apply. 

 

Please contact Camp Y-Koda for more information.


Scholarship Opportunities

Mercury Racing Scholarship – Final Notice 

This is the final reminder for the Mercury Racing Scholarship opportunity. The deadline is today, Thursday, April 30, 2020.

 

Please click here to view the application.


College/University SMSA visits

No updates at this time.


College/University Visits

No updates at this time.