ADVENT on the LEDGE!

The liturgical season of Advent is a joyful and hopeful time of prayer and preparation. At this special time of year, Christmas decorations brighten our homes, streets and workplaces. Christians all over the world pray for peace on earth and goodwill to all, while paying special attention to the most vulnerable. In our Western society, shopping, gift giving, celebrating special events, and sumptous feasts mark the holiday. Believers prepare their homes and their hearts to celebrate and share the good news that God is with us: “Come, oh come Emmanuel!”

Like with all seasons of the school year, Advent will be a busy time on the Ledge! This first week of Advent, SMSA has offered the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation to all students and staff. Together on December 8th, our whole K-12 system will celebrate the Immaculate Conception - our SMSA Feast Day - with Mass at Holy Family Church. On December 19th, our choirs and bands will help us celebrate the season with seasonal favorites at our annual Christmas Concert hosted at Holy Family Church.

At this time of the year and all times, the mission of St. Mary’s Springs Academy proclaims our goal to be a school that is “rooted in Christ's teaching, academic excellence, and service to Church and community, which prepares students to meet global challenges and become leaders for tomorrow.” During this holy season of Advent, we are reminded that God is always a partner in this mission with us, ever available to be with us, and ever hoping to grow closer to us.

HIGHLIGHTED LEDGER WAY CORE VALUE: RESPECT

We treat God’s people with respect and kindness at all times. We acknowledge our differences, offering compassion, empathy and tolerance.

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

From the Student Covenant:

• Reverence the God-given dignity and uniqueness of self and others in person and online

• Respect school property and the belongings of others

• Be empathetic, tolerant and patient with all

• Practice modesty and humility in language, behavior and dress

From the Parent Covenant:

• Reverence the God-given dignity and uniqueness of self and others in-person and online

• Support confidentiality and the privacy of others in the SMSA learning community

• Honor the boundaries and practices established to support school safety and order

• Not interfere with school operations nor display distrustful, disruptive, or harassing behaviors toward school staff in-person or online

From the Employee Covenant:

• Reverence the God-given dignity and uniqueness of self and others in-person and online

• Support confidentiality and privacy in the SMSA learning community

• Honor boundaries and practices that support school safety and order

• Support parents right to information pertinent to student success

• When questions or concerns arise, seek information and resolution directly from within the Academy (principle of subsidiarity apply)

• Abide all practices and policies of ‘Safeguarding God’s Children

Let us continue to build and develop a life-giving community of respect 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

SAVE THE DATE: College Information Night 2023

Mark your calendars for Wednesday, January 25th 2023! Freshmen, sophomores, juniors and their families are invited to attend SMSA's 2nd Annual College Information Night!

Mr. Stamatakos has assembled an impressive cast of presenters from across the country who will offer students and their families information about topics including:

• How to build a college list

• How to build an impressive college application (with and without test scores)

• Who gets in to UW-Madison and what matters most in the application review process

Watch the eLedger and your E-mail for a link to register for this event! In the meantime, please direct any questions about College Information Night to Mr. Stamatakos.

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

Fond du Lac County Health Department

Ledger Learning Guide