IMMACULATE MARY!

On December 8 each year, Catholics all over the world celebrate the Immaculate Conception. Though this feast day occurs during the liturgical season of Advent, which prepares for the birth of Jesus, SMSA students know that the Immaculate Conception refers to the miraculous, spotless conception of Mary in the womb of her mother, St. Anne. Later, as Mary grows up, an Angel acknowledges Mary’s sinless conception proclaiming “Hail, full of Grace…”at the moment she is invited to become the birth mother of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

From the beginning of time, God calls and people respond. The story of Salvation is in fact the history of this call-and-response “dance.” Though born without sin, as a human, Mary was also endowed with free will. By uttering her courageous and faithful “yes” to God’s amazing call/invitation, Mary enters a beautiful and mysterious dance that “saves” all of humanity and ensures God’s will is done.

This is our legacy and calling as Christians and as Ledgers. The mission of all Catholic schools and all Christian people is to glorify God, as Mary did, by saying “yes, Lord!” While we are not a perfect learning community, we are truly blessed to see that God’s will is done at SMSA. This happens through the many loving, faithful, kind and sacrificial acts of students, parents, faculty and staff. So many generously offer time, talent and treasure to benefit our mission each year. Our school’s commitment to community service, to daily morning prayers, weekly Mass, the Examen and Angelus prayers are just some regular habits that keep us grounded in our collective desire for God to be with us always and in all ways.

As St. Mary’s Springs Academy, December 8th is also celebrated as our patronal Feast Day! We are grateful to the Holy Mother for her perpetual example of faithfulness to God, and for Her enduring love and willing protection. We pray that our Springs community will rise to the faithful example of our namesake. May we say “yes, Lord” each day with increased fidelity and enthusiasm.

HIGHLIGHTED LEDGER WAY CORE VALUE: RESPONSIBILITY

We lead by example and are accountable for our actions, even when it’s difficult. We affirm sound judgment and trustworthy behavior.

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

From the Student Covenant:

• Be truthful in all matters, admit errors, be accountable for choices

• Gracefully accept consequences, correction and direction

• Report negative/abusive treatment of oneself or others to a school authority

• Meet all deadlines as requested

From the Parent Covenant:

• Demonstrate good moral and ethical principles

• Report negative or abusive treatment of students, oneself or others to a school authority

• Meet all deadlines and take an active role in your Children’s education, attending designated parent meetings

• Support policies and procedures outlined in SMSA handbooks

• Seek information and resolution directly from the Academy, whenever concerns may arise, consulting with staff closest to the situation (subsidiarity)

From the Employee Covenant:

• Demonstrate good moral and ethical principles

• Be present, productive, and accountable to all assigned duties

• Protect the safety and wellbeing of all students

• Report negative or abusive treatment of students, oneself or others to a school authority

• Enforce academic and behavioral policies and procedures outlined in school handbooks

• Meet all deadlines and professional expectations

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

TIK-TOK WARNING!

During a House Homeland Security Committee meeting last month, FBI Director Christopher Wrey bluntly described TikTok as a “national security threat.”

In addition to concerns over national security threats, TikTok has also been previously identified by law enforcement and school counselors across the country as a dangerous social media platform which exposes young people to inappropriate content and strangers that they are not equipped to handle. Students in Wisconsin and across the country have shared heartbreaking stories about being exposed to online predators, cyberbullying at the hands of strangers and classmates, and videos of nudity, drugs and violence on TikTok.

Cybersecurity experts have warned against minors being involved with TikTok, as they see it as a platform that robs children of their innocence. I ask that all SMSA parents/guardians become aware of the dangers of TikTok. Students who are already using this platform need to know how to set up security features for their own protection, and to speak to a trusted adult if troubling or inappropriate experiences occur.

Per our Internet usage policies, Ledgers that are found using any social media platform (at any time) to harass, demean or ridicule another will be held accountable to disciplinary consequences - including but not limited to suspension from school.

Our Lady of the Ledge, pray for us.

Eamonn O’Keeffe

High School Principal

Volunteers Needed for Pancake Breakfast with Santa!

Volunteers are needed for the annual "Pancakes with Santa" event at the Children's Museum, this Saturday, December 10th. 2 hour shifts are available, each beginning at 8:30am and 10:30am.

Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0949ada72aa7fac16-pancake

Volunteers encouraged to dress in comfortable holiday attire. If you have questions, please call Anna at 920-929-0707.

2022/2023 SMSA Concession/Admission Help Needed!

Are you the parent of a SMSA middle school or high school athlete? If so, please consider signing up using the links below to help out the ABC (Athletic Booster Club) by volunteering your time and talent working in concessions or admissions at an upcoming sport event.

Booster Club encourages ALL parents of ALL athletes to embrace teamwork and volunteer at an event that suits your schedule. For those that have already signed up and volunteered, ABC sincerely appreciates your help!

Please use the links below to sign up through SignupGenius:

• Girls Hoops

• Boys Hoops

If you have any questions, please contact the SMSA Booster Club. Thank you.

Invitations to Join National Honor Society

High School Parents/Guardians,

The invitation to apply for induction to the NHS has been sent to all eligible students. If your student is a Junior (2024) or Senior (2023) with a GPA of 3.5 or higher they have received an email inviting them to apply. If your student is interested, applications are due December 23rd, 2022. Late applications will not be considered.

NHS is a national scholarly service organization. Students in NHS are expected to not only excel in their studies, they are expected display leadership, good character, and service to the community.

Thank you,

Dr. Biessman and Mr. Zimmer

Registration for College Information Night 2023 is OPEN

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

Registration for this event is required and can be completed online. Please register for the event no later than Friday, January 20th.

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!

Job Opportunities

Fond du Lac Boys & Girls Club

Kohl's Department Store

Fond du Lac County Health Department

Ledger Learning Guide