From the Office of Eamonn O'Keeffe

Expectations for Virtual Learners

Our Return to the Ledge 2020 plan includes the promise of learning flexibility during these unpredictable times.  In addition to the dozen high school students that have elected our 100% virtual learning option, at least an additional three dozen more high school students have activated the virtual learning option thus far.  Families have chosen to switch to virtual learning for various good reasons. One reason we see is that parents followed health guidelines by choosing to keep students home who were not feeling well.  Parental caution is most appreciated in these cases!  Some students became virtual learners due to formal quarantine measures.  In addition to these cases, we expect that as the year continues, more high school families may eventually choose to learn virtually – for similar or varied other reasons.  Any family needing to switch students from in-person learning to virtual learning – for either a temporary or longer period of time should connect with the attendance line as the first point of contact at 920-322-8036 or attendance@smsacademy.org

 

While our virtual systems are hardly perfect, I am very pleased with the positive cooperation and good spirit demonstrated by our students, parents and faculty in these first four weeks! We are all in this together! Communication is key – and this has been a clear priority for parents, students and teachers! I am very grateful!  With our new pandemic adaptations and learning reality, SMSA pledges to remain committed to our mission, the Ledger Way, and to striving for improvement – always for the benefit of students.  Parent feedback is always welcome. 

 

I invite our high school families to please see Expectations for Virtual Learners for a slideshow version of expectations that were previously shared with HS parents via the Return to the Ledge document. Please review this for what is expected of teachers as well as families who are engaged with virtual learning. 

 

Ledger Learning Guide

Parents are encouraged to check the Ledger Learning Guide to keep updated on instructional expectations and course learning targets for their teens.  The LLG can be found on the SMSA Website under the tab for Parent & Family Resources.  We recommend that all parents bookmark the LLG landing page  SMSA Ledger Learning Guides Home Page


News and Information

Class of 2020 Yearbook Pickup

Class of 2020! If you haven’t already, please pick up your purchased yearbook in the North Hall Office.


Sacramental Preparation Classes Registration

Those hoping to receive a Sacrament (First Communion, First Reconciliation) in the 2020-2021 academic year, please contact Jessica Derks, jessicad@hffdl.org for more information. Registration closes Saturday, October 10th.

 

Please note: First Communion and First Reconciliation take place in second grade. If your child needs to receive any of the Sacraments (including Baptism), but is not in the specified grade levels, please contact Faith Formation by calling 920-921-0580 or email scarter@hffdl.org.

All 11th and 12th grade students will receive a postcard with information about Confirmation. Contact Andrew Skiff at andrews@hffdl.org for more information.


High School Yearbook

Please click here to order your highschool yearbook today!


Yearbook Senior Ads

Dear Senior Parents,

It’s time! The yearbook is offering you the opportunity to show your love and support with a personal senior ad. What a great way to let your senior know how proud you are of the accomplishments and progress made during the years spent at Springs!  Need ideas? Please see the ads in the 2020 yearbook for inspiration. The submitted message and photos will be used in your ad. 

 

Purchasing and submitting your senior ad: NEW THIS YEAR! All senior ads, including pictures and payment, must be submitted online through Walsworth Yearbooks. Please see the yearbook order section on the St. Mary’s Springs Academy website for more information. Yearbook ads will be designed by Yearbook members. If you have an idea of how you would like your ad designed, please email hsyearbook@smsacademy.org.

 

         Please select your ad size:

 

                Full-page………….$180

                Half-page…………$110

                Quarter-page…….$75

 

Please respond by January 10, 2021!

Reserve your space now! Assemble and send your pictures/message, along with your payment to Walsworth.

 

Thank you for your support and cooperation.

 

-Your SMSA Yearbook Editors

High School Counseling

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.


Upcoming Dates

Service Academy Day – September 19th

Congressman Tom Tiffany is having a Service Academy Day on Saturday, September 19th at 11:30 a.m. at the The Eagles Club (outdoors) under a 40’ x 80’ FT tent in Wausau, WI. (Registration at 11:00 a.m.).

Address- 1703 S 3rd Ave, Wausau, WI 54401 (Tent in the Baseball Diamond)

 

Admissions counselors from all 5 Federal Service Academies will be represented (USNA/Annapolis, USMA/West Point, USAFA/Air Force, the US Coast Guard Academy, and US Merchant Marine Academy/Kings Point) The student does not need to reside in Congressman Tiffany’s district to attend…not every Congressman/woman does these information seminars.

 

Gaining admissions to USNA is a two part event. The student must obtain a nomination from his/her Senator, Congressman, the Vice President (or President if they have an active duty parent or guardsman). This year, Senatorial nominations close out at the end of this month. Each Congressman also sets his/her own date, typically mid-Oct to submit the required paperwork and sign up for an interview.

 

Then he/she must apply for one of the 800 slots for HS students from around the country. This involves getting letters from an English and Math teacher, as well as an in-person interview with a Blue and Gold Officer (BGO). There is also a physical fitness screening administered to each student.

 

Admissions into a service academy is on par with being admitted to an Ivy League school due to the selectivity.

 

Wisconsin typically has anywhere from 7 to 25 students admitted.


Career Exploration

No news at this time.


Job Opportunities

No news at this time.


Scholarship Opportunities

Epic Flight Academy – Deadlines 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 (click here) or aviation maintenance (click here) to apply for Epic Flight Academy’s 3 aviation scholarships. We are located in New Smyrna Beach, Florida and welcome applicants from all around the U.S.

 

For full details and link to the online application, please click here.


College/University SMSA visits

No updates at this time.


College/University Visits

UW-Green Bay 

Through the gracious support of our donors, all application fees have been waived for students who apply by Saturday, October 31, 2020. 

 

Please connect with us during the virtual Wisconsin Education Fair.  Click here to register for one of the following dates:

Wednesday, October 7, 2020

Sunday, November 8, 2020

Wednesday, February 10, 2021

Wednesday, March 10, 2021

Sunday, April 11, 2021

 

Please click here to view this year’s Counselor Update for new topics for this year.


Marian University Sabre Days

Virtually join the events and choose your adventure of a visit.

 

Want a live streaming campus tour?

Hear from faculty in your area of interest?

Q&A with Financial Aid? Let’s get your visit tailored to YOU!

Click here for more information!