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

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.

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 all needed materials for the PreACT or ACT – will not be allowed to participate in the district testing day.
* All students will need 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 this break time.
* Lunch will NOT be served to the high school on this day since testing will wrap up before the lunch hour and students will be released around 1:00 pm. Students should arrange to 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.

This is a good time for students to take account of their academic responsibilities – and make a plan to become current if they are behind. As always, Ledgers are expected to meet all learning obligations and finish strong!

It is also a good time for parents and guardians to review their students’ academic achievements in Skyward. Parents and guardians are encouraged to make a plan to discuss both successes and/or challenges their child may be experiencing. Teachers shall also be reaching out to parents in circumstances where students may be at risk for failing the Quarter.

Quarter 3 Report Cards will be available to view in Skyward on April 3rd.

Any practicing Catholic could answer this call. Families without children, with young children or with grown children all qualify! This includes single adults also!

Global Outreach is a Catholic student exchange program which welcomes students from east-central Europe to study at Wisconsin and Nebraska Catholic high schools for one year. As its mission, Global Outreach seeks to build a civilization of love by forming young, dynamic Catholic servant leaders for the 21st century. This mission is much needed in the six countries served by Global Outreach: Czech Republic, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, and Ukraine.

We still have several students waiting to hear that we have found a Host Family for them. Help bring the light of peace to their part of the world by welcoming one of these fine students for attendance at your Catholic High School. SMSA has hosted Global Outreach almost every year for the past ten years.

You can view testimonies from former host families on our website: https://www.globaloutreachprogram.com/become-a-host-family

If you are interested, please contact Barbara Tota-Boryczka, Global Outreach Executive Director (920) 540-3085 barbara.totaboryczka@globaloutreachprogram.com or Therese Vinz, Student Coordinator therese.gosc@gmail.com (920) 319-1141.

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

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When: April 5, 2025 – Doors open @ 5:00
Where: FCC – 400 University Dr, Fond du Lac, WI

Reserve YOUR Ticket Here!

We can’t wait to see you there!

Prom is scheduled for May 3rd and will surely be another memorable experience for our students. Whether or not your son/daughter chooses to attend Prom (and we hope they do), all Juniors and Seniors (and up to one guest per person) are invited to attend Post Prom. Post Prom is a safe and fun event that will be held from 11:00pm – 1:00am, featuring games, prizes, food, friends and fun.

Please consider supporting this special event for our students by making a donation or serving on the committee.

Monetary Donations (requested by March 31 PLEASE): To defray the costs of this event, we are asking you to please consider making a donation. There are several ways to contribute:

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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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/

A lots of representatives coming to SMSA campus this Spring. Please review dates and times below and see if any of these options would benefit you! It’s important to explore different options and learn about campus life from these representatives.

Email counseling if you would like to attend and please be specific as to what visit you would like to participate in.

Your current high school sophomores and juniors are invited to Nurse Camp 2025!
June 9–12, 2025
9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Marian University Stayer Center & SSM Health St. Agnes Hospital

Discover how nursing changes lives!
• Practice nursing skills in Marian’s newly renovated simulation labs:
CPR
First Aid
IV Therapy/Injections
Sterile Techniques
Vital Signs
Infection Control
• Shadow a nurse: Maternity/Nursery; Medical; Surgical/Ambulatory Care
• Meet one-on-one with health care professionals and current nursing students

Other details:
• Lunch will be provided each day.
• Only current high school sophomores and juniors are eligible to apply.
• Space is limited to 20 students.
• Students who participate in Nurse Camp and later enroll at Marian will receive a $2,000 scholarship!

Apply Today! DEADLINE: April 1, 2025 A $50 nonrefundable reservation fee will be required upon acceptance.

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 4 – Froedtert Hospital at 9:00am in Fond du Lac. This is a chance to see the NEW hospital!
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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