Principal’s Desk News & Information Upcoming Dates High School Counseling

In a recent radio interview, I listened to an interesting conversation about the lives of saints. The point was made that a common thread found in the writings of many saints is that as they go to bed dreaming about ways that they can better serve the needs of others when they wake up.

The radio discussion further reflected that in our modern society and especially Western culture, too many people go to bed dreaming of ways to improve their own lives – with little thought to the needs of others.

This Lent, we ask God to give our Ledgers – and each one of us – the grace to become more consistently selfless instruments of peace and love. Our society desperately needs the generous helping hands of servant leaders who dare to dream about ways to improve the life experience of others…and especially those who are most at risk and vulnerable. This is the Christian call: to love God above all, and to love others as we love ourselves. To love God we must think of what God needs from us, and then deliver. To love others, we must be conscious of their needs, and then seek to help.

In our dear Springs community we have many grand and subtle examples of selfless service. When students arrive at school actively seeking to “make the day” of a peer or a teacher with kindness, they embrace this Christian calling. When our Parent Connectors deliver Wednesday treats to acknowledge the hard work of faculty and staff, they uplift the spirit of employees and live the calling. When teachers prepare terrific lesson after terrific lesson to stimulate and advance student learning, they live the calling.

Of course, these are simple examples. But you get the point. May God bless our community efforts to love one another as we seek to embrace our calling this Lent and always.

Quarter 3 concluded earlier this week on April 1st. Quarter 3 Report Cards will be available to view in Skyward Family Access on April 3rd after 3:30pm.

A reminder that, in high school, only Semester grades are considered ‘permanent’ grades – those that will always be a part of a student’s transcripted permanent record. Quarter grades are important markers of student academic progress at the halfway point of a Semester.

Our Lady of the Ledge, pray for us.
Mr. Eamonn O’Keeffe
Principal, High School

On Friday, April 4th, all 9th through 11th grade students will participate in our district testing day on campus. This is an important day for our students, but also an important day for faculty and administration. You see, while the ACT suite of tests in high school is used to support college searches and applications, the test results also help SMSA school leaders and faculty identify areas of our curriculum and instruction that may need support, reinforcement or revision. College readiness, which is measured by the ACT suite of tests, is an important standard for all high schools in Wisconsin. Similar to MAP testing in elementary schools, the Pre-ACT and ACT results provide important data for tracking college readiness and for improving teaching and learning. Thanks for supporting this important annual day of testing.

VERY IMPORTANT DETAILS for April 4th:
* Seniors are excused for April 4th…and have chosen to schedule their class trip on that day. Senior moderators will be sharing finalized information about the class trip to Milwaukee in a separate communication.

* Freshman and Sophomores will be taking the PreACT on campus at SMSA.

* Juniors will be taking the ACT with writing on campus at SMSA.

Parents and guardians of freshman, sophomores and juniors should review the following information to prepare for the upcoming district testing date:
* Students must be present in their testing room by 8:05 a.m.!!! Students that arrive late – or do not have a charged Chromebook or all needed materials for the PreACT or ACT – will not be allowed to participate in the district testing day.

* All students in grades 9-11 will need to bring their fully charged Chromebook AND charger. Both the PreACT and ACT are digital tests.

* All students will also need #2 Pencils and an approved calculator.

* Students may bring a snack from home to eat during the extended break between the math and reading test. Water is also permitted during break time.

* Lunch will NOT be served to the high school on this day since testing will conclude before the lunch hour and students will be released around 1:00 pm. * * *Families should arrange for transportation so students may leave campus directly after testing concludes.

IMPORTANT DO NOT BRING…
Students may NOT bring into the testing room any electronic devices such as cell phones, smart watches, fitness bands, or any other device with recording, internet, or communication capabilities. The prohibited use of these devices is effective from the moment students are admitted to the testing room until they are dismissed at the end of the test. Even on break times, all electronics are prohibited. Students will be dismissed from testing, and their score will be voided if cell phones or other prohibited devices are detected.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Mrs. Trepte, Mrs. Cauley, or Mrs. McCarthy.

The traditional “Big Three” senior class events for families include – Ledger Honors Convocation, Senior Honors Ceremony, and Baccalaureate Mass & Commencement. These key events not only recognize our seniors, but also uniquely celebrate our Springs mission and heritage. Please mark your calendars!

* April 4, 2025 No Classes: Senior Class Trip to Milwaukee. Seniors should arrive at campus by 12:30 pm (bus leaves at 1pm and returns to campus at 11pm). Class moderators have shared other details about the trip with seniors.

* Saturday, May 3 Junior/Senior Prom (South Hills Country Club). Event details will be shared soon by junior moderators. Independent (and generous) parent volunteers will be sharing additional information regarding post-prom plans.

* Saturday, May 10 Jazz Night. (Prairie Center) 6:30 – 8:30 pm. This will be the final jazz performance of the year, and in the high school career for some seniors in vocal and instrumental Jazz ensembles. Family and friends are encouraged to attend.

* Thursday, May 15 Ledger Honors Convocation (Holy Family Church) from 9am – 10:30am. This is an assembly that includes ALL high school students, and integrates annual Department Awards and SMSA heritage awards. The accomplishments of underclassmen and our seniors shall be highlighted and celebrated. Key legacy and heritage awards will be presented in the presence of the whole school community. Family and friends are encouraged to attend. A livestream link to the event will also be made available through the Holy Family Church Facebook page.

* Sunday, May 18 Senior Honors Ceremony (Stayer Center, Marian University) from 2-4pm. This very special event and reception is for all seniors and their parents, who will be joined by class moderators and administration. The event agenda shall include: sharing the traditional senior superlatives; viewing the senior video; and a special “parade of seniors” – which includes the formal presentation of cap & gown as well as special gift from Campus Ministry to all graduates. The high school accomplishments and future plans of each senior shall be highlighted.

* Wednesday, May 21 Spring Concert (Prairie Theatre) from 7-8:30pm. This will be the final chance for some senior students to share their musical gifts publicly in our community. Family and friends are encouraged to attend. Special senior recognitions will be part of the program.

* Thursday, May 29 Final Day of Classes for Seniors for Quarter 4, Semester II and the 2024-25 School Year.

* Friday, May 30 No school for Seniors. REQUIRED Commencement Practice (Holy Family Church) from 10:30 to Noon. Seniors will attend rehearsal for Baccalaureate Mass and Commencement with class moderators and administration.

* Sunday, June 1 beginning at 2:30pm, Baccalaureate Mass & Commencement (Holy Family Church) REQUIRED. Students are asked to arrive and check-in at Holy Family Church by 2:00pm to begin lining up in the church hall. There shall not be any limit/restriction on guest attendance. After a brief 15 minute break following Baccalaureate Mass, the Class of 2025 Commencement ceremony will begin in the Church (approximately 3:30 pm). Both events will be livestreamed.

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The Ledgerfest Online Silent Auction is heating up! 

Don’t miss your chance to bid on some outstanding packages, including exclusive grade-level packages donated by our amazing Ledger families, one-of-a-kind art projects created by our talented students, and a range of exciting items for everyone – whether you’re looking to treat yourself or find a perfect gift. There’s something for every taste and budget!

Here’s how to get in on the action:

• Bid High, Bid Often! The more you bid, the more you help support St. Mary’s Springs Academy.
  
• Bidding closes at 8:00 PM on Saturday, April 5, 2025. Don’t wait – these amazing items won’t last forever!
  
• You don’t need to be present to win! So, you can bid from the comfort of your home and still take home some incredible prizes. 

This auction is all about supporting our students and school while having a blast! So, what are you waiting for? Start bidding now, and let’s make this year’s auction the best one yet!

Click Here To Start Bidding!

Are you a parent or grandparent looking for a meaningful way to give back to our school community? The library is the perfect place for you to make a difference, meet new people, and share your love of reading and learning with our students!

We’re looking for dedicated SEE trained volunteers to assist with a variety of activities, including:
-Helping with children’s reading programs
-Assisting in shelving and organizing books
By volunteering, you can:
-Inspire a love of reading in young minds
-Enjoy flexible volunteer hours (weekly commitment or on call sub)

Whether you have an hour a week or a few hours a month, your time will make a huge impact.

Come join our library family and help us create a welcoming space for everyone!

Sign up today! Please fill out the following link; https://forms.gle/PtEAqYrdrMXiSJBH7 or email library@smsacademy.org with any questions.

Staff Appreciation Week is coming..May 5th – 9th! Planning has begun for this very special week, and we will once again be providing a luncheon for our fabulous SMSA Staff. If you are interested in contributing towards this luncheon, you can either send cash or check (payable to Andrea Nuss) to school in a sealed envelope with Staff Appreciation Luncheon written on it or Venmo @Jeff-Nuss-3 (4355- last four digits). All contributions are due by April 30th. Thank you so much! Please watch for details about this week in the upcoming weeks.

Thank you! ~Staff Appreciation Committee

We are excited to announce a canned good donation drive in partnership with three Marian University students for their capstone project, Broken Bread! This initiative aims to support those in need in our community. Donations will be accepted from March 31st to April 11th, and the grade that collects the most donations will earn a sweet reward—donuts! Let’s come together to make a difference and show our community spirit. Your generous contributions will go a long way in helping those who need it most. Thank you for your support!

The National Honor Society is sponsoring a blood drive at St. Mary’s Springs Academy April 9th from 9 am to 2 pm at school. Blood donations do save lives, and we most likely know someone who has benefitted from a donation. This drive also helps a student receive a college scholarship. Please use the QR code below to register.

Go online to RedCrossBlood.org and enter Sponsor Code: StMarysFDL.

The National Honor Society students thank you for your help in making this drive a success.

The Fond du Lac Public Library is hosting a Teen Photo Contest! No one sees the world exactly the way you do. Share your unique point of view through the 11th-annual Fond du Lac Teen Photo Contest.

Area teens are invited to submit photos in three categories:

Music: Capture the concept of music in a photo.
Portrait: Share someone’s story through a portrait. How will you show their essence in a photo?
Anything Goes: Share with us any photo you have taken that you feel is award-worthy!

The photographer who submits the photo judged best overall will win a grand prize $250 Visa gift card. Honorable mention awards will be given for the winners of each category.

The contest is open to teens who attend school in Fond du Lac County in grades six through 12.

Deadline to enter is April 9, 2025, after which the library will gather a VIP panel to judge entries.

Entries will be displayed in the library’s Langdon Divers Gallery in May.
Full contest rules and guidelines are available here or by calling (920) 322-3940.

It’s a great chance for students to gain recognition for their work and have a chance to win $250!

Did you know? You can Refer-A-Family and receive tuition credit!

HIGH SCHOOL YEARBOOKS ARE FOR SALE

High school yearbooks are available to purchase online at the SMSA website for $55. Prices go up on March 31, 2025 to $65. Get yours by clicking here!

Are you wanting to get more involved in our Parent Connectors Group? If so, look for the Parent Connectors volunteer form in your packet you will be receiving at the supply drop off day (3K-5th Grade). If your youngest child is in 6th grade or above, you won’t be receiving a form to fill out but can email Andrea Nuss, alnuss@charter.net, to share that you are interested in being a part of our group. Every year a new email group gets created so please submit your form even if you have done so in the past years. Also, only one form per family is needed to be filled out. Throughout the year, our group has various school family events as well shows our amazing SMSA Staff how appreciative we are for them. By being a part of our group, you will receive emails that shares ways you can help with these events through volunteering and donating. Our group wouldn’t be a successful without all of the wonderful people involved in it. Thank you so much! If you have any questions, please email Andrea Nuss, alnuss@charter.net.

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April 18, 2025 – No School – Good Friday

April 21, 2025 – No School – Easter Monday

May 3, 2025 – Prom and Post Prom

May 10, 2025 – Jazz Night

May 15, 2025 – Ledger Honors Convocation

May 18, 2025 – Senior Honors Ceremony

May 21, 2025 – Spring Concert

May 30, 2025 – Commencement Practice – Seniors Only – REQUIRED

June 1, 2025 – Baccalaureate Mass & Commencement

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The City of Fond du Lac is hiring for:
– Full Time Positions
– Part Time Positions
– Seasonal Work

Want to explore exciting career opportunities? Click here to view all of our job openings and apply today!

Job Fair Openings

The SHRM Student Relations Committee is once again planning an event for students to learn about the businesses and careers in their communities! This event will be held virtually on Wednesday, April 9th from 4:30-6 pm. Please mark your calendars! This event will be a great opportunity for students to learn about the businesses and careers in our communities, what skillsets are needed and make some connections along the way. We are also offering a resume building and interview assistance breakout session.

SCHOLARSHIP ALERT! Applications are currently being accepted for the FDL SHRM Scholarship. Visit the FDL SHRM Scholarship page to learn more and apply! Deadline to submit is April 18, 2025. https://www.envisiongreaterfdl.com/fdlshrm/scholarships/

SMSA is proud to participate in another year of Trade Tours through the Fond du Lac R.O.C.K. program, which stands for Retention, Opportunity, Community, and Knowledge. This program aimed at working specifically with high school seniors and juniors who are piecing together their plans post high school graduation. This program provides career exploration through business tours and job shadows. Fond du Lac R.O.C.K. is a program of Envision Greater Fond du Lac. Please let counseling know if your student would be interested in joining a future tour.

2024-25 Trade Tour Schedule:
April 17 – Sargento at 11:00 (arrive at 10:45) in Plymouth
April 22 – J.F. Ahern at 11:00am in Fond du Lac

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.

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