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

Grateful Days

Last week our nation celebrated Thanksgiving once again. Fellow Americans gathered around tables, fireplaces and flat screens, to enjoy a traditional feast, and give thanks for abundant blessings of the past year.

 

As Catholics, thanksgiving is more than an annual affair. We give thanks every time we celebrate Mass. Eucharist is a Greek word that literally means “thanksgiving!” Every time we attend Mass, we gather around the table of the Lord, enjoying a Holy banquet, and giving thanks for God’s real presence with us. We are grateful for Jesus, and for the many ways in which God’s amazing Grace touches our lives.

 

To paraphrase a former Franciscan teacher of mine ‘either we acknowledge that God is in all things, or we lose the basis for seeing God in anything.’ St. Bonaventure (1217–1274), who is regarded as the second founder of the Franciscan Order, wrote, “The magnitude of things … clearly manifests the immensity of the power, wisdom and goodness of the triune God, who by His power, presence and essence exists uncircumscribed in all things.”

 

Catholic Christians believe that God’s footprints and fingerprints can be found all around us, and within us. Above all else, it is God’s real, yet mysterious, presence for which we are most grateful.

 

These are grateful days for me. As such, let me share my own ‘litany’ of thanks for our community: I am especially thankful for the dedication of our teachers who inspire students and work tirelessly to help our Ledgers learn and grow. I am thankful for our Pupil Services staff and Counselors who help students recognize and appreciate God’s many gifts. I am grateful for the dedicated time of athletic coaches and club moderators who share their passion with our Ledgers. I am grateful for our Campus Ministers – adults and students – whose faith inspires action, kindness, service, and devotion. I am grateful for our administration and main office team who bring fresh ideas, steady leadership, and goodwill to each day. I am thankful for our families whose choice of SMSA signals partnership and support of the Springs mission. I am thankful for the ever-growing community of Springs benefactors and boosters – always willing to help advance the mission and vision of this learning community. Finally, I am thankful for our students – the focus of all our efforts on the Ledge. They bring energy and creativity to school each day, are eager to learn and cooperate with their teachers, and eagerly grow in faith and logic while also discovering their God given gifts and talents.

 

As we enter into this season of joy, may our celebrations – and especially the experience of Eucharist – increase our gratitude, enliven our spirits, and give us open hearts to welcome God’s unconditional love and perpetual presence.

 

Our Lady of the Ledge, pray for us.

News & Information

Sturgeon Cup 2023 - SMSA vs. Fondy Hockey Apparel Sale

 

Click here to purchase your 2023 Sturgeon Cup apparel starting Friday, December 1st at 9:00 a.m. The last day to purchase your shirts, in support of the Ledger Hockey team, is Sunday, December 10th. All orders will be delivered to SMSA for distribution on Tuesday, December 19th. 

 

Proceeds from the sale of the Sturgeon Cup shirts will be donated to the American Legion in Fond du Lac.

 

On Friday, December 22nd, pack the stands wearing your Sturgeon Cup apparel to cheer on our Ledger Hockey team as they take on Fondy!

 

The Ledger Alumni Hockey game vs. Fondy will take place before the Varsity game on the 22nd.

 


 

SMSA Faculty and Staff Christmas Gathering 2023 Donations

For over twelve years several SMSA families have sponsored a Christmas Gathering for SMSA teachers, administrators, and staff as a way to show their gratitude.  For many families, the contribution was given in place of individual Christmas gifts, or as an added appreciation.

 

In previous years, the gathering happened after school but not all SMSA Staff members were able to attend due to other commitments. Instead, this year we will provide a special luncheon that will happen during their school day so that all staff can enjoy.  All staff will each receive a special gift as well.

 

Please note, this opportunity is optional and offered to any SMSA family that would like to contribute.  We ask each family interested in participating for a minimum donation of $50.

 

Monetary donations for the special luncheon/gifts will be accepted through Friday, December 22.  Please mail your contribution to Andrea Nuss, W4642 Mill Road, Fond du Lac, WI 54937.  Checks may be made payable to Andrea Nuss. If you are interested in paying through Venmo, please send to @Valerie-Everson-4.

 

Please address questions to Valerie Everson at valerie@eversonandgibbs.com, or to Andrea Nuss at alnuss@charter.net.

 

Blessings to you during this holiday season!

 


 

SMSA Booster Club Concession/Admission Volunteers Needed!

If you are the parent of a SMSA student athlete, please consider giving your time to help out in our basketball concession stand or with admissions. The Booster Club supports ALL SMSA sports, so feel free to help out at those activities your kiddos are not involved in, assuring other parents can watch their son or daughter in that particular sport. This is a great opportunity to serve and see/meet more of our Ledger family.

 

Signing up is easy…. just click on one of the links below and select a date that best fits your schedule. Thank you to those that have already signed up and given their support! Go Ledgers!

 

Winter Sports:

Boys HoopsGirls Hoops

 


 

Parents of Performing Arts

If your child is in high school or middle school band or chorus, theater, or jazz vocals/band, we’d love for you to join us!

 

PPA meeting Dates for the 2023-2024 year:
Wednesday, December 20, 2023 Join us for a special Christmas meeting at Table One in the Retlaw Hotel at 6:00 PM
Wednesday, January 17, 2024
Wednesday, February 21, 2024
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
Tuesday, May 14, 2024 Note the change in usual day
Meetings in 2024 will be held at 6 pm in the Lauby Lounge (first floor teacher lounge).

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

 


 

Student Council Thanksgiving Pie baking

 

Thank you everyone who contributed to the Thanksgiving pie ingredient drive and to the Student Council who led the drive and made the pies. We are able to contribute 68 pies to the Holy Family Thanksgiving dinner due to your generosity and support.

 

Proud to be a Ledger!!

 


 

Spanish Costa Rica trip fundraiser

The students participating in the Costa Rica cultural experience in June 2024 from St. Mary’s Springs Academy High School will sell 22-ounce oval Racine Danish Kringles after masses on Saturday, December 9th after the 4 p.m., and Sunday, December 10th, after the 10 a.m. at Holy Family.

 

They will also be selling on Sunday, December 10th, at Sacred Heart after the 9 and 11 a.m. masses. The flavors available will be pecan, turtle, apple cinnamon and raspberry cheesecake. The Kringles freeze well and would make a wonderful addition to your Christmas gatherings! The cost is $12 each or $33 for three. Cash or check only – no debit or credit cards can be accepted. This fundraiser will help offset the cost of the trip for our students.

 


 

Ledgerfest 2024 Class Baskets

Planning has begun for our annual Ledgerfest fundraising event (our largest and one of the most fun events of the year)! In previous years, we have collected money from each grade level and put together amazing auction baskets that will be in our silent auction.

 

Follow the link below to donate to your students grade, making this the Best Ledgerfest to date.

 

Donate

 


 

Save The Date - Ledgerfest 2024 - March 23rd!

 


 

Michael J. Wolfe Annual Pro Life Exhibition Scholarship

Calling all Teens! Promote your pro life belief and show off your creativity. And win some CASH in the process. Please see the attached flyer for the Michael J. Wolfe Exhibition sponsored by The Fond du Lac Chapter of WI Right to Life.

 

Learn More

 


 

Poinsettia Sale 2023

The HS Music Department is kicking off their annual poinsettia sale this week. The money from this sale helps to offset the cost of future Music Department Trips.

 

If you would like to participate in the poinsettia sale or purchase one, please email: Megan Seel – megan.seel@gmail.com

 

The Poinsettia’s are $20 and can be picked up from Haentze’s Floral between now & 12/24.

 

 

Thank you for supporting the HS Music Department!

 


 

Have You Returned Your BMR Tickets Yet?

Sold tickets can be returned to SMSA any time before the live drawing on January 12, 2024.

 

Please make all checks payable to SMSA. Additional tickets can be picked up at the North, South or Scrip offices at SMSA, or from the following locations in our community: Central Barber, Everson Law Office, Flood Oil Company, Holiday Automotive, Holy Family Catholic Church, Hopper’s Silk Screening & All Star Trophy, Michels Corporation and Twohig Family Dentistry.

 

Who will be the Grand Prize winner on January 12, 2024, taking home $20,000? Will it be YOU?!

 

BMR Committee:

Valerie Everson — 920.251.3719
Stephanie Fessler — 920.960.0556
Katie Mathos — 920.979.6757
Lisa Shannon — 920.539.2892
Sasha Smith — 920.517.1693

 


 

Upcoming Dates

None at this time.

High School Counseling

Semester 2 Schedule Changes

As we approach the start of the second semester please know that any schedule changes need to be made through December 1st –  December 15th. To request a schedule change please pick up a request form in the North Hall Office and schedule a meeting with Mrs. Cauley or Mrs. McCarthy to discuss your options. Any changes in your schedule will need approval from parent/guardian and Mr. O’Keeffe.

 

There will be no schedule change appointments during J-Term (January 3rd – 19th). Once semester 2 begins, January 23rd, we will do schedule changes as needed.

 

As a reminder, not all schedule changes can be met – but we will do our best!

 

Please reach out to counseling with any questions.

 

Schedule a Meeting with Mrs. Cauley

 

Schedule a Meeting with Mrs. McCarthy

 


 

Youth Apprenticeship Info Night - December 13th

If your student is interested or considering participating in Youth Apprenticeship next year there is a great opportunity to learn more about the application process and expectations during a live webinar on Wednesday, December 13th at 5:30PM-6:30PM. This is for current Sophomores/Juniors who are considering YA for the 2024-2025 school year.

 

Youth Apprenticeship is a program managed Cesa 6 – students who participate are able to work off-campus in jobs that pertain to future careers. This is a great opportunity to network with local companies. It also can give students a chance to learn more about what interests them and get a taste of the working world.

 

Register for This Event

 

If you are unable to attend, please still register for the webinar and you will be emailed a recording of the YA Info Night. Please reach out to counseling if you have any questions.

 


 

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.