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

Staying Healthy

In the last two weeks, we have observed a significant surge in positive cases of COVID-19 in the State of Wisconsin and in our Springs community. Along with health care providers and civic leaders and our partners with the Fond du Lac Health Department, we urge families to be vigilant about social distancing, limiting large gatherings with people who are not a part of your household especially as we prepare for the holidays.  In order for SMSA to continue offering in-person instruction we rely on the whole community doing its part to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.  We are so very interconnected.  My own family has and will continue to make sacrifices so not to compromise the in-person learning goals of the three school communities in which we interact with each day.  We will not be celebrating Thanksgiving under the same roof with extended family members.  This year, family storytelling will occur on Zoom!  While not ideal, it is a little thing we choose to do to maintain healthy Jones and O’Keeffe families…as well as the school communities for which we care deeply. 

 

Jesus tells his disciples: “This is my commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you” John 15:12.  May God continue to bless and strengthen the Springs community so that we will be willing and ready to show our love through the sacrifices necessary to protect the health of our community during this most difficult time. Our Lady of the Ledge, pray for us. 

 

Faculty In-Service Day – No School for Students – November 20th

As a reminder, students will be off campus on Friday, November 20, 2020.  It is a scheduled professional development day for our faculty.   

 

Virtual Learning Expectations

Parents are encouraged to review the established norms and expectations for virtual learning at SMSA.  These two resources were developed at the start of the year and remain our recommended best practices for teachers, parents and students. In terms of video etiquette , let me emphasize a couple of important reminders: 

  • In the virtual space, students are always expected to have their faces visible on screen, not blocked.  Recently, teachers have needed to remind students too often of this accepted norm.  
  • Students should always be in a safe and appropriate location for learning virtually (not a bedroom or automobile).  
  • Students should be dressed appropriately when engaged with virtual learning

HS Expectations for Virtual Learners 2020-21 

Expectations for Virtual Learners Slide Deck

 

Ledger Learning Guide  

Parents are always encouraged to check the SMSA Ledger Learning Guides Home Page to see weekly learning targets, resources and expectations in every course.  Parental partnership in helping teens stay organized and focused on learning priorities each week is always appreciated.  Videos from Virtual Back to School Night 2020  have now been permanently linked to the Ledger Learning Guide for parent accessibility. 

Upcoming Dates
No news this week.
News and Information

Music Department Live Stream

The HS Music Department will be presenting their Fall Concert as a live stream from Holy Family on Wednesday, Nov 18th at  7:00 p.m. Please click here for the live stream via Holy Family’s facebook page.

 

This concert will feature the HS Concert Choir, Concert Band, Jazz Band & Vocal Jazz. There will be no audience admitted into Holy Family for the concert.


IMPORTANT – Big Money Raffle Information

Parents and Guardians!

 

It’s that time of year again, for St. Mary’s Springs Academy’s “Big Money Raffle” (BMR). This cash raffle is one of only three major fundraisers for SMSA that involves EVERY family, Pre-K through 12th grade. Each family will be receiving 5 tickets in your youngest child’s backpack (P3-8) or in your home mailbox if your child(ren) are in grades 9-12.

 

Tickets may be returned to school with your child or to the North, South or Scrip offices. Returning tickets as soon as they are sold is very important this year. If you have any questions, or if you would like to purchase additional tickets, please contact Kristin Zitlow at kzitlow@smsacademy.org. Participation from every family truly makes a difference. Thank you for your support!


High School Counseling

News and Information

No news at this time.


Upcoming Dates

No news at this time.


Career Exploration

No news at this time.


Job Opportunities

Festival Foods Hosting Open Interviews

The Fond du Lac store will be hosting open interviews on 

Tuesday, November 17th from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday, December 1st from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday, December 8th from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday, December 15th from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday, December 29th from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.

 

Please click here to view their flyer.

 

Additional Notes: We’re proud to offer flexible hours, as well as a Tuition Assistance program, called Dollars for Students, to help with saving for college.


Scholarship Opportunities

Ellington Mutual Insurance Company Scholarship

The Counseling Office has received the Ellington Mutual Insurance Company Scholarship. It’s available to graduating seniors who plan to attend a college or technical college. The student’s parents must be a policyholder of Ellington Mutual Insurance Company.


Wisconsin Elks Most Valuable Students Contest – Deadline November 15th

The Elks National Foundation awards 500 four year scholarships based on academic leadership and financial need. Applicants do not have to be related to a member of the Elks. Male and female students compete separately. Complete details can be found at enf.elks.org/MVS. Deadline is Sunday, November 15th, 2020


Elks Legacy Awards – Deadline February 5th

The Legacy Awards provide $4,000 scholarships for children and grandchildren of dues-paying Elk members. Please click here for more details and the application link. Deadline is Friday, February 5, 2021.


Lands’ End Starboard Scholarship (Grades 8-12)

The Lands’ End School Starboard Scholarship acknowledges and rewards students who display exceptional leadership skills.  Each winning student will receive a $5,000 scholarship.  Applications are being accepted from now until Tuesday, December 15, 2020.

 

For a full list of details and eligibility requirements, please click here.


College/University SMSA visits

No updates at this time.


College/University Virtual Visits

United States Air Force Virtual Visits – November 12th and 13th

Due to the Covid 19 crisis, Sgt. Nelson will be setting up virtual visits with the Zoom app for any students interested in learning more about the Air Force. Below is a list of dates and times.

 

Thursday, November 12, 2020

10:30 a.m. ID: 810 0403 2700

Password: 8BCMJc

 

11:30 a.m. ID: 838 4986 3555

Password: 3Kj9Bt

 

12:30 a.m. ID: 860 7170 0373

Password: 5CST82

 

Friday November 13, 2020

10:30 a.m. ID: 858 9480 0422

Password: 5EgKVZ


Winona State University Virtual Visit – November 21st

Winona State University has a virtual Saturday visit coming up on Saturday, November 21, 2020. This event will include an admissions presentation as well as a presentation from our Art and Design faculty.  Please sign up for this event here!