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

As a Catholic school, St. Mary’s Springs Academy strives to integrate our faith tradition with our lived experiences as a school community. When Lent began on Ash Wednesday, our whole system gathered at Holy Family Church to worship together. As we marked our foreheads with ashes we were reminded to “repent and turn to God.” Holy Week brings unique and sacred opportunities for us to “turn to God.”

On Palm Sunday (this Sunday), we ‘turn’ to see Jesus arrive triumphantly in Jerusalem for Passover.

On Easter Monday we ‘turn’ to see Jesus get angry at merchants and bankers for denigrating the house of God with their untimely commerce.

On Holy Thursday we commemorate Jesus’ Last Supper, and we ‘turn’ to see how he washes the feet of his disciples. We ‘turn’ again – this time to see Jesus’ agony in the garden of Gethsemane, the heartbreaking betrayal of our Lord by a friend and disciple, and His public humiliation after being arrested.

On Good Friday, school is closed so that we can ‘turn’ to gaze upon a broken and battered Jesus, sentenced to die, viciously flogged, and mocked as he carries his Cross. While He hangs nailed to the Cross, we ‘turn’ to see Jesus forgive those who harm Him. Finally, we ‘turn’ to see Jesus die from crucifixion…sacrificing his life for the love of our souls.

Our faith professes that Jesus’s sacrificial love during this Holy Week has made salvation real for God’s children, past, present and future. It is the risen Lord, who continues to invite us to love one another, assuring us that whenever we do…we “turn to God.”

This Lent, I have been inspired by how often students, faculty and staff have freely chosen to turn to God through their thoughtful acts of encouragement and kindness. Our school mission indicates that our life on the Ledge is “rooted in Jesus.” The Good News of the Gospel tells us that Jesus is alive! We believe this, and joyfully find that during Lent 2025, Jesus continues to be encountered at SMSA…not only through Chapel Adoration, Mass, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, but also through the empathy, support, love and kindness that members of this faithful learning community display each and every day. I am thankful for the Springs, and for the many ways that we are able to encounter the living God – in Lent and in all seasons.

Our Lady of the Ledge pray for us.
Eamonn O’Keeffe
High school Principal

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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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 until 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 SMSA High School Chapter Chats Club book drive (March 3-7, 2025) was a tremendous success—thanks to YOU!

We initially planned to donate books solely to the St. Katharine Drexel Shelter, but because of your incredible generosity, we collected over 900 books! This allowed us to expand our donations to even more local organizations, including New Beginnings Pregnancy Center, Boys & Girls Club of Fond du Lac, Charis Pregnancy Help Center, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Fond du Lac County.

Your kindness and support will put books into the hands of so many readers, making a lasting impact on our community. Thank you for promoting literacy and sharing the joy of reading with others!

There will be a mandatory Parent/Player meeting for the upcoming 2025 football season. This is for ALL Freshmen-Senior players as of the Fall of 2025.

There are two separate dates; you only need to attend one of the following.
Sunday, April 27th 6:30pm-8:00pm Hutter Gym
Wednesday, April 30th 6:30pm-8:00pm Hutter Gym

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

Lands’ End is excited to announce their fourth annual Back-to-School Sweepstakes, they invite school families to enter for a chance to win one of fifty $100 Lands’ End Gift Cards for the purchase of school uniform clothing. The sweepstakes begins on April 7, 2025 and ends on May 5, 2025. For official rules and to enter, visit landsend.com/bts-sweepstakes.

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.

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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Successfully completing this course could lead to employment at Taylor Park Pool, Fairgrounds Pool and/or the Aquatic Center.

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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