Cardinal Call

May is almost here, and with that comes the many events we host to wrap up the school year. This week we have a few important dates. Prom guest forms are DUE on April 30th. Please make sure to have your forms turned in on time. Also, Friday is the Paul Frank Track Invitational and the spring play. We host many schools at the track invite, so if you are planning on attending either event please arrive early as the parking lot will be filled. Finally, next Wednesday, May 6th is Senior Awards Night. We are looking forward to a fun night of celebrating all our seniors' accomplishments. If you have any questions about these events or dates, please reach out to our main office and they can direct you to the correct staff member.

Sincerely,

Jim Ertel

Principal

Thank you to the food trucks that came out for our PBIS Food Truck Friday Celebration.

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction is hosting statewide Portrait of a Graduate listening sessions starting next week. There are 15 listening sessions across the state—12 in person and 3 virtual.

Additionally, we wanted to share the Portrait of a Graduate landing page: https://dpi.wi.gov/families-students/programs-initiatives/portrait-graduate. This page has updates on the process and asynchronous materials for people who cannot attend an in-person or virtual listening session but would still like to provide input.

Students from East and West participated in Reality Rocks this week. This activity is part of Economics class and is sponsored by the Business Education Partnership. Economics students choose a job and lifestyle and go through developing a budget for monthly expenses. They do things like purchase a car, buy a house, and pay taxes!

Sun Prairie East's prom will be on May 9th at Monona Terrace. The dance starts at 8:00 PM and runs until 11:00 PM. Here are some important dates and information to know about Prom:

• Guest Forms: Will be available in the main office from April 20th - April 30th. They are DUE at the end of the school day on April 30th.
• Tickets: Tickets will go on sale via GoFan on May 4th. They will be on sale through noon on May 7th.
• LINKED HERE is our FAQ document.
• Questions: If you have questions about guest forms please contact the main office. They will be able to direct your question to the appropriate administrator. If you have questions about ticketing please contact the athletic and activities office so that they can assist you.
• DO NOT PROCRASTINATE: In order to run a safe and successful dance off campus, we must screen guest forms and ticket sales. To do this we need finalized rosters for the event. Please purchase your tickets early and reach out with any questions prior to the deadline. Thank you!

As we move into an important season of planning for life after high school, we encourage all juniors to schedule a meeting with their school counselor during the month of April.

This one-on-one meeting is a valuable opportunity for students to:

• Review graduation progress and senior year course options

• Explore a variety of post-high school pathways, including college, career, military, and workforce options

• Identify next steps based on individual goals, interests, and strengths

• Get guidance on college applications, scholarships, and timelines

• Ask questions and create a clear plan for the months ahead

Taking time now to meet with a counselor can help reduce stress and ensure students are on track for a successful senior year and beyond. Parents are welcome to attend these conferences.

Use the links below to schedule an appointment with your counselor:

Sarah Albright (Last Names A-F)

Amy Karsten (Last Names G-L)

Steven Jordan (Last Names M-S)

Phau Thao (Last Names T-Z)

Linked below is the April French Newsletter.

Linked below is the Band program newsletter.

5th Hour Tutoring is up & running for 2025-2026! 5th Hour Tutoring runs Tuesdays - Thursdays from 3:50-4:40PM in the LMC, with teachers from English, math, science, social studies, art, and more available to work with students. Students are able to take the activity bus (which leaves at 4:45PM) home after 5th Hour tutoring.

If you wish to opt your student out of the Direct Admit Wisconsin program, please complete linked form below. Additionally, more information about the program can be found on our school district website, LINKED HERE.

Versión en español

Our spring sports season is well underway and we have been busy hosting many home events. Also, many times parking is limited here at the high school. Please drive cautiously and plan extra time to park and walk to the competition fields. We need to keep our bus lanes and fire lanes open in case of an emergency.

As you come to support our programs, please remember no carry-in food or drink is allowed and no pets are allowed with the exception of service animals.

Jenna Boberg, CAA

Athletics & Activities Director

The spring play is here. Come out and see The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe.

Please come join us at Burrachos for our share night on Monday, April 27th. You must mention East girls soccer in order for the team to receive the proceeds.

On Friday, April 17, seven students from the Green Bandana Project Club attended the 2026 Mental Wellness Student Leadership Summit hosted by the Wisconsin office of Children’s Mental Health. The student participated in breakout sessions and learned from other peer-to-peer wellness clubs across the state. They also had the opportunity to share all of the great work happening in Sun Prairie.

If you would like to support the Green Bandana Project Club, please shop our online apparel store before April 30! Order your apparel just in time for Mental Health Month in May! $2 per item will support our club!

Lydia Spatola, Faith Xiong, Mariama Camara and Grace Berens competed in the State Food Science Career Development Event on Friday, April 17th at Madison College. During this event, the team presented their proposed grab-and-go bakery item as part of their food science product scenario. Additionally, they completed a test and evaluated the qualities and comparisons for various food items.

Overall, the Food Science team placed 3rd at State. Our Food Science team had the highest overall score for their group presentation. Additionally, Grace Berens scored the highest individual score in state.

Students must be accompanied by an advisor or coach when using school facilities when school is not in session. If facilities are locked, students should not attempt to enter by jumping fences or propping open gates or doors.

Our athletes and families are invited to join Influential Athlete’s monthly virtual NIL Masterclasses to learn how to navigate NIL safely while maximizing opportunities and building skills for life after sports. Sessions take place on the last Tuesday of every month (except December) at 6 PM CST.

2025 – 2026 Schedule:

• Apr 28, 2026: Maximizing Media Exposure

• May 26, 2026: Life After Sports – Using NIL to Build Your Future

Please see the linked information for upcoming contests.

Sun Prairie East High School

Principal: Jim Ertel

Asst. Principal: Pang Khang, Allison Fuelling (Interim)

Main Office: 608-834-6703

Website: https://www.sunprairieschools.org/east-high
Location: 888 Grove Street, Sun Prairie WI 53590