Cardinal Call
Greetings, Cardinals!
This school year's theme at Sun Prairie East is "Take Flight." What does take flight mean to us as a school community? Over the past four years we have been building our Cardinal Community after a long history of one high school in Sun Prairie. This year, we have our first group of scholars that have been with us for their entire high school experience. Additionally, we have been seeing growth in our academic skills after the pandemic, and this school year we want to drive up those academic outcomes for our students. As just one example, last year we had over 800 AP exams taken. This was a 20% increase from 2024-2025. Additionally, 73% of those exams scored a 3 or better. For our black students, we saw a 60% increase in exams taken year over year. Data points like this tell us as a community we are ready to TAKE FLIGHT!
Sincerely,
Jim Ertel
Principal
2026-2027 Welcome Packet
Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year! Linked here is this year's welcome packet that will be distributed at registration. Please feel free to take a look at our digital copy prior to the event.
Bell-to-Bell No Cell - Year 2
Linked below is our Bell-to-Bell no Cell poster. Student and staff expectations remain the same as they were for the 2025/2026 school year. For 2026/2027 we will continue to have posters and flyers in public spaces and classrooms. “Bell-to-Bell no Cell” is the theme for our focus on increasing the use of instructional time and improving scholar outcomes. When students return to school we will have lessons prepared for SP30 and content area classes about electronic device expectations. Our top priority continues to be teaching students how to use devices responsibly and to build skills around safe and productive technology use. When you stop in for registration, please keep a look out for more information in our welcome back packets!
2026 Keys To Success
Our 9th grade orientation program, Keys to Success, will take place here at Sun Prairie East High School on Thursday, August 20, 2026 from 9:00AM - 11:00AM.
Incoming 9th graders will spend the morning connecting with their classmates, getting to know Sun Prairie East, and learning how to find success as a Cardinal! If you missed the registration for this event, your 9th grader can still attend, but transportation will not be provided.
Publication of Student Schedules
Student schedules were published to infinite campus at 3:30 PM on August 14th. While students and families were emailed a list of classes in June, full schedules are now available.
School Supplies
At the High School level we do not have a standard school supply list. Many teachers will let your students know of any specific materials they will need for class during the first couple of days. To start the year please have your student bring a notebook/s, pens/pencils and their Chromebook (more information on Chromebooks to come). Many students also benefit from having a binder/s to organize their materials.
Some specific class requests can be found on our website under the "Academics" section.
PSAT
What is the PSAT/NMSQT?
The PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT) (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) is a test for our Juniors and can serve as a practice version of the SAT that helps you get familiar with the types of questions and format you’ll see on college entrance exams. It measures your skills in reading, writing, and math — the same skills that are important for college success. In addition, the NMSQT portion of the exam allows students to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program. High-performing juniors may earn recognition, scholarship opportunities, and academic distinctions that can strengthen college applications.
Is the PSAT required?
No, the PSAT is optional. You are not required to take it, and colleges do not ask for or look at your PSAT scores during the admissions process.
Why take the PSAT?
Even though it’s optional, here are some reasons why it can be beneficial for students:
Practice for the SAT: The PSAT gives you a realistic test experience so you can see what to expect on the SAT and where you might want to improve.
Scholarship opportunities: Juniors who take the PSAT may qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program.
College readiness check: Your PSAT results can help you understand how prepared you are for college-level work and what skills to strengthen.
Can any grade level take it?
The test is intended for juniors; however, sophomores are welcome to take it for practice. Please note that only juniors are eligible for the National Merit Scholarship, so sophomores will not qualify for the National Merit Scholarship.
FEES?
$18.00 - The PSAT test fee must be paid through Infinite Campus. After the form closes, the fee will appear in Infinite Campus on Monday September 14, 2026. *Fee waivers may be available for qualifying students.
Accommodations Needed?
Students with disabilities who wish to apply for PSAT accommodations make their request in writing via email to the school’s PSAT coordinator by Monday August 31, 2026. The College Board will review applications and approve or deny requests that are made. The test date comes up early in the fall semester; therefore it is critical to start this process early. If you do not notify the PSAT coordinator by Monday August 31, 2026, that your child will need accommodations for the PSAT, your child will not receive accommodations for the test.
For accommodations, SP East students may contact Phau Thao (pthao@sunprairieschools.org) to initiate the request.
Important: If you would like to take the PSAT exam during the fall of the 2026 school year on Wednesday October 14th, 2026, please complete the attached Google form by 11:59 PM Friday, September 11, 2026. No exceptions.
For more details or questions, feel free to reach out to Ms. Thao at pthao@sunprairieschools.org
PSAT GOOGLE FORM (Student access only! Please use your Sun Prairie School Email Address to Sign Up)
Hello from the Athletics Office!
Please plan on stopping by the athletics/activities table during registration this week! Staff will be available to answer questions about sport registration, activity passes, digital ticketing and more.
Electronic ticketing for our athletic events and dances will continue via GoFan this year. Concessions at our athletic events will operate CASHLESS beginning this school year.
The school store will be open during registration as well. Stop by for some new or vintage Cardinal gear!
Students- we are gauging interest in beginning a girls flag football team this year. Any girls interested, please fill out this google form: Girls Flag Football Interest Survey
We’re excited to welcome all of our families to a new school year! As we gear up for another exciting season of high school athletics & activities, we’re eager to support our student-athletes in representing our school community with pride, sportsmanship, and dedication. Our theme this year is, Better Together! Whether your student is joining a team or club for the first time or returning for another season, we’re here to ensure a positive and rewarding experience for all. Our office is located just inside the main doors and our office hours are M-F 8am- 4pm.
Fall Sport registration is currently open on Infinite Campus via the parent portal! Please make sure all athletic forms, including physicals, are up to date and submitted prior to tryouts or the first practice. As always, we expect families and athletes to review the Student-Athlete/Activities Code of Conduct Handbook, which outlines our additional expectations on top of the school handbook.
Let’s work together to make this a successful and memorable year!
Here are some helpful links for SPE Athletics:
Arbiter Master Athletic Schedule (formerly Rschool)
Feel free to call 608-834-6720 with any questions or email us at cardinalsathletics@sunprairieschools.org.
Thank you & Go Cards!
Jenna Boberg, CAA
Athletics & Activities Director
