Reminder, there will be no school Friday, October 4, 2019. The Business and Scrip Offices will be open normal hours.
No School - October 4th
FROM THE OFFICE OF EAMONN O'KEEFFE, 9TH - 12TH GRADE PRINCIPAL
The Fall Harvest
October has always been one of my favorite months of the year! I enjoy the change of seasons that October represents. The beautiful fall colors and the cooling of days that ushers in sweater weather have always been welcome changes for me! Halloween decorations begin to appear and, for many, pumpkin pie enjoyed with pumpkin spice lattes are guilty pleasures of this harvest season of change!
At SMSA, October marks the first FULL month of school, fully completing the transition between summer and fall. It is traditionally an extra-busy time, including first quarter grades, parent teacher conferences, standardized testing – not to mention the transition between athletic seasons. The celebration of school spirit culminating in Homecoming festivities! In Catholic schools, October provides an opportunity to elevate our consciousness around the dignity of life as we support Respect Life month activities.
For administration, October is also a time when informal and formal instructional supervision ramps up. High performing schools value feedback. The process of classroom walk-throughs and formal observations are underway at SMSA. Our collective goal as educators is to constantly improve our craft and service to students and families. Self-reflection and assessment of instructional effectiveness is an important step in fulfilling that goal.
There is quite a bounty to harvest at SMSA! This month allows us to see the first fruits of our labor together.
I look forward to seeing parents during Homecoming festivities next week, and at Parent-Teacher Conferences on Wednesday, October 16.
Our Lady of the Ledge, pray for us.
Enlightening Assembly - October 1st
On Tuesday, October 1st, SMSA high school students enjoyed an assembly morning hosted at Holy Family Church. Featured speakers included, Sr. Miriam Heidland, SOLT and Fr. John Burns. Together, they engaged our students with affirming and positive insight rooted in the Gospel. Their core message: You are meant for more!
Both Sr. Miriam and Fr. John shared stories into living a life of faith in a world that leaves us wanting more, even when we seem to have everything we desire. Our students were engaged, hearing over and over how God loves them and has brought them to life for a purpose!
Fr. John Burns left our students with these questions:
1) Where are you going?
2) Who is going with you?
3) Is there room for Jesus on your journey?
We will continue to reflect on these questions as the year unfolds. Perhaps SMSA parents can also engage their children with the same questions periodically. We are partners on mission together!
Important Upcoming Dates
Homecoming Week Schedule - October 7th - October 12th
We are very excited for Homecoming week! It is a chance for each class and each student to show their school spirit and personality! In an effort to enjoy and celebrate at SMSA appropriately, respectfully and in accordance with school expectations, we ask that students enter into the week with common sense and goodwill. As a reminder, “dress up theme” clothing must be modest and follow the guidelines spelled out in our handbook.
Please click here to view the dress code policy and refer to “General Dress Guidelines” for information on non-uniform days.
Any student who chooses to not participate in the dress up days must arrive to school in their school uniform.
Monday, October 7th – Dress up theme: Jump in the Pool!
-Bring bottled water donations to your homeroom for the local warming shelter and earn Spirit points for your class.
-Powder Puff games at Marian University Smith Field beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, October 8th – Dress up theme: Costume
-Bring candy/snack donations to your homeroom for the local warming shelter and earn Spirit points for your class.
-Locker decorations hung up during homeroom
Wednesday, October 9th – Dress up theme: Dress like a Celebrity
-Bring jars of peanut butter and jelly donations to your homeroom for the local warming shelter and earn Spirit points for your class.
Thursday, October 10th – Class dress up themes:
Freshman – Box the Foxes
Sophomore – Outlaw Omro
Junior – Trap the Foxes
Senior – Outsmart Omro
-Grades 9 and 10 – Bring paper bag donations to your homeroom for the local warming shelter and earn Spirit points for your class.
-Grades 11 and 12 – Bring sandwich bag donations to your homeroom for the local warming shelter and earn Spirit points for your class.
Friday, October 11th – Dress up theme: Ledger Spirit Day – Blue and White
-All System Mass at Holy Family beginning at 8:45 a.m., all are welcome.
Saturday, October 12th – Homecoming Football game vs Omro Foxes at Fruth Field. Kickoff is at 11:00 a.m.
-Homecoming Dance – 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. in Baker Gym (Court Crowning at 10:00 p.m.)
Yearbook Orders - Due December 1st
This is your opportunity to order your 2019-2020 yearbook!
We are already hard at work designing the book and taking pictures to fill its pages. This is your book of memories!
Please click here for the order form.
Please click here for the senior ad form
News and Information
Transcripts Sent – for Seniors
For seniors wanting their transcripts sent to colleges and universities, please stop in the Counseling Office and fill out a blue form giving us permission to send them out and where you want them sent.
High School Counseling
News and Information
No news at this time.
Upcoming Dates
College Goal Wisconsin 2019 FAFSA Completion Event – October 7th
Need help filing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)? Plan to attend one of the free events to assist in filling out the form. Find all dates, locations and what you’ll need to bring with you by clicking here.
Marian University will be hosting an event on Monday, October 7, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.
Click here to view the flyer.
Click here to view upcoming dates.
Americanism Essay Contest – deadline December 1st
The counseling department has received a copy of the Fleet Reserve Association Milwaukee Branch 14 Americanism Essay Contest. This is available for 7-12th graders. Deadline is Sunday, December 1, 2019.
Entrants must be sponsored by a branch of the Fleet Reserve Association or a unit of the Ladies Auxiliary or by an FRA Member-at-Large. Copies of the application may be picked up in the high school counseling office or from your social studies teachers.
Job Opportunities
Applebee’s
Applebee’s is hiring hosts and to-go specialists. Please stop in the counseling office for more information.
Career Exploration Opportunities - multiple dates
Wisconsin American Legion Law Enforcement Career Academy June 22nd – 26th
Do you have a high school junior or senior who is interested in a law enforcement related career? The American Legion, Department of Wisconsin, will be holding their 4th Law Enforcement Career Academy from June 22 – 26, 2020 at The Wisconsin State Patrol Academy at Ft. McCoy. The academy is open to 50 Wisconsin high school juniors and seniors. There is no cost to the student. The student cadets are housed in the dormitories at The Wisconsin State Patrol Academy, all of their meals are provided.
The applications for the Wisconsin American Legion Law Enforcement Career Academy will be available in January 2020. Students in good standing who are interested in a law enforcement related career are encouraged to apply. You can check out the link about WALLECA on our website by clicking here.
Any questions can be directed to Sheri by calling 608-745-1090 or email her at sheri@wilegion.org.
Scholarship Opportunities
Horatio Alger Association Scholarship
The Horatio Alger Association seeks to assist students who have demonstrated integrity, perseverance in overcoming adversity, strength of character, financial need, a good academic record, commitment to pursue a college education, and a desire to contribute to society.
Must be pursuing a bachelor’s degree, have a critical financial need, be a United States citizen and have a minimum GPA of 2.0.
More information available in the counseling office.
American Legion Oratorical Scholarship Program
The American Legion Oratorial Scholarship program is open to all are high school students. Each participant must be sponsored by a local Legion Post. More information can be found on the Oratorical page at http://www.wilegion.org.
University of Wisconsin – Madison
The Office of Student Financial Aid is doing great things for students who want to become Badgers, regardless of their financial background. Explore below to learn more about our programs that help make a degree from a world class institution within reach.
Click here for more information on how to become a Badger!
The Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship
The Counseling Office has received the Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarship. This is available to any high school senior who is a U.S. citizen.
Applications will be judged on scholarship, leadership and financial need. For details and application please click here.
College/University SMSA visits
College Visits
Junior and Senior students-Please watch for notifications that representatives from various universities will be visiting the Counseling Office this fall and again in the spring. Please come in and sign up for a visit if there is a college you’d like to learn more about. The counseling office will be calling in all of the juniors at some point to get them familiar with the search process.
College/University Visits
Discover Moraine Park – October 16th
Want to learn more about MPTC? Plan to attend “Discover Moraine Park” on Wednesday, October 16, 2019 at the Fond du Lac campus.
Visit classrooms, meet instructors, tour the campus, attend a FAFSA Completion Workshop (3:30 – 6:30 p.m.) and tour student housing. Walk-in between 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Contact Erin at 920-924-3204 for more information or stop in the counseling office.