TEACHER FEATURE: This column will return in December.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Many have written about the important role that gratitude plays in the pursuit of wellness and happiness. Research has found that when people take time to count blessings and express gratitude, the chemicals in our brains that produce wellbeing and joy get activated. Intentionally practicing gratitude has become a key aspect of healing therapy for wounded warriors for example. When we practice gratitude, we gain perspective, and it is apparently near impossible to simultaneously feel downtrodden.

I am grateful to serve as principal of the high school at St. Mary’s Springs Academy! In my work as a school leader, it is not difficult to find blessings each day. Nearly always, it is people that activate my gratitude at Springs. I am grateful to observe classrooms of Ledgers who embrace learning. I feel blessed to serve students who respect themselves, others, and their faith. I feel blessed and grateful for students who seize opportunities to challenge themselves, who seek to make someone's day, and who positively contribute to improving life on the Ledge! Truly impressive is observing students learning from their mistakes and not giving up on their own abilities. I am thankful to see students discover a new academic, artistic, spiritual or athletic talent, and then choose to share it with others.

It is a blessing to serve alongside teachers, staff, and coaches who consistently encourage our Ledgers and who generously place their own God given talents and skills at the service of young people. All of us are grateful for parents, guardians, alumni and benefactors who support the mission of SMSA and the cause of Catholic education.

Parents, thank you for supporting all of us at the Springs during good days and those more challenging. Thank you for choosing Catholic education for your children and for trusting SMSA to deliver on our mission and your expectations. Your commitment is not overlooked by those of us who endeavor to excellence in Catholic education on the Ledge.

Recently, as part of their Social Justice class, seniors gave presentations “pitching” the good work of several organizations whose mission it is to provide support and care for the poor and vulnerable. Students highlighted how important Catholic Social Teachings are to caring for the vulnerable in our society. They learned about agencies that help wounded and homeless veterans, orphans, victims of abuse, the hungry, and mentally disabled. Many can be left behind in our society. Our faith helps us to see the face of Jesus in the poor and weakest among us.

During this Thanksgiving Holiday, may God help us to see others in need, refrain from judging their circumstances, and respond with love as we can. May God continue to bless our families, and help us to be instruments of peace, joy, and love. Lots and lots of love!

HIGHLIGHTED LEDGER WAY CORE VALUE: FAITH

We live our Catholic faith in both word and action. We are disciples of Jesus Christ, called to be living examples of both faith and stewardship.

How can we live into the ideals of this core value?

From the Student Covenant:

• Engage with opportunities to deepen my relationship with God

• Participate in prayer and worship experiences with reverence and openness

• Fulfill theology curriculum expectations, including all service learning

• Participate in SMSA class retreats

From the Parent Covenant:

• Support the SMSA mission and commitment to Catholic values and faith formation

• Model Gospel values and make choices that reinforce school vision and mission

• Engage prayer to support the needs and wellbeing of students, families and employees

• Practice and share my faith

From the Employee Covenant:

• Support the SMSA mission and commitment to Catholic values and faith formation

• Model Gospel values and reinforce school vision and mission

• Engage prayer to support students, families and colleagues

• Practice and share my faith

• See my vocation as ministry and service to others

Let us continue to build and develop a life-giving community of faith on the Ledge!

Our Lady of the Ledge, pray for us.

Eamonn O’Keeffe

High School Principal

High School Placement Test

The High School Placement Test for the Class of 2027 will be held on Saturday, December 3rd, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The test will be admisistered at SMSA. If you have any questions, please contact Kelly Mueller at kmueller@smsacademy.org.

Join the SMSA Ice Fishing Club!

Date: December 7, 2022 at 6:00 PM

Where: Fisherman's Road Fishing Club

W4040 Fisherman's Road

Any students in grades 9-12 wishing to join the Ledger Ice Fishing Club should attend this meeting along with their parents. We will discuss how the club works, our tournament schedule, etc. This meeting is for new members and their parents only! Another meeting will take place after sign up.

Please contact Scott Sadownikow at wcsmscott@yahoo.com or Scott Guelig at stke92@att.net

Scholarship Website for SMSA Seniors

Last year, Mr. Stamatakos created a website that SMSA seniors can use to learn about local scholarship opportunities that they can apply for to help fund their college educations at two and four-year colleges. The website will continue to be updated throughout the coming months as updated applications for the current senior class are received by Mr. Stamatakos. Mr. Stamatakos will also E-mail out applications for these scholarships to the senior class and to parents of seniors as he receives them...so please check your E-mail for these opportunities!

Please visit the website early and often to start learning about scholarship opportunities that you can take advantage of!

YScreen for the Class of 2026

Since 2003, SMSA has welcomed YScreen to campus to do a mental health screening for freshmen students. Y-Screen is a Fond du Lac program that connects students to support services both locally and in schools. YScreen helps identify risk factors associated with depression, anxiety, and suicide. It's the only program in our community that addresses the issue of teen emotional health and suicide prevention through screening and follow through.

YScreen is free and confidential. Reach out to Mrs. McCarthy with any questions.

Job Opportunities

Fond du Lac Boys & Girls Club

Children's Museum of Fond du Lac

Kohl's Department Store

Ledger Learning Guide