Cardinal Call

With spring around the corner we are entering the time of the year where standardized testing happens. This week's newsletter contains information for our 11th grade testing day on March 10. As a reminder, only 11th graders report to school on March 10 for testing. 9th-10th graders will test in April and we will have information in upcoming newsletters about the PreACT. Lastly, I wanted to give a shoutout to the students and staff members that put on the musical. It was a wonderful show and all your hard work and talent was on full display. Way to go!

Sincerely,

Jim Ertel

Principal

On February 18th, Sun Prairie administrators and educators will be participating in classroom walkthroughs as part of our instructional framework fidelity tool implementation process. What that means for students is that you will likely see extra adults in your classrooms. Have no fear! These SPASD educators will be in classrooms so that they can provide feedback to building-level administrators about instruction across classes. Your teachers are also aware that these walkthroughs will be happening. If you have any questions, please check in with a member of the administrative team. Thank you!

Dear 11th Grade Scholars, Families, and Caregivers,

On Tuesday, March 10, all SPASD 11th grade scholars will participate in the ACT during the school day. Students will test at their primary school site (Sun Prairie East, Sun Prairie West, or PPA for JEDI scholars). Only 11th graders report to school.

The ACT is Wisconsin’s state-required assessment for juniors, is free to students, and is an important opportunity for students to demonstrate their learning and readiness for college and career pathways.

🎯 Why the ACT?

The ACT allows students to:

• Demonstrate academic learning and skills

• Show college and career readiness

• Decide whether to share scores with colleges and scholarship programs

ACT results are also used for:

• State and district accountability reporting

• Schoolwide reflection on strengths and growth areas

📝 Registration

Students will pre-register at school during the week of March 2 utilizing a personal email

📚 Test Preparation & Resources

• Be ACT Ready!

• Free ACT Prep is available through Methodize in Xello
  (Students Log in → scroll to the bottom → select Methodize Test Prep)

• Additional ACT preparation resources will be shared by school staff

🔍 Test Day Details (March 10)

What to bring:

• Picture ID

• Fully charged Chromebook and charger

• May bring ACT-approved calculators

What not to bring (Items will be secured in a locked/supervised location):

• Backpacks or large bag

• Cell phones, smart watches, or other electronics

• Food or drinks

Important notes:

• Students arriving after testing begins will be scheduled for the make-up test on March 17

• Dismissal will be at 1pm. Students with individualized testing schedules will receive additional communication from assessment coordinators.

ℹ️ Additional Information

• Testing room assignments and schedules will be shared closer to the test date

• Students testing with accommodations through an IEP, 504 Plan, or Multilianguage Learner Plan will receive additional details

• Family resources:

• ACT High School Assessments Information for Families - English

• ACT High School Assessments Information for Families - Spanish

• ACT High School Assessments Information for Families - Hmong

📊 Results

• Scores will be available in myACT several weeks after testing

• Paper score reports are mailed 3–8 weeks after testing

• Students choose whether to send scores to colleges and may add schools in myACT up to two days after testing (as long as they pre-register); students can make selections as part of the pre-registration process during the week of March 2

Thank you for partnering with us to support our 11th grade scholars during this important milestone. We look forward to a smooth, supportive testing experience for all students.

With appreciation,

SPASD Assessment Team

Building on the spirit of Equity in Action: Community Conversations, the Department of Systemic Equity and Inclusion is excited to launch the first-ever Pizza with a Purpose. This informal gathering creates space for community members to come together, enjoy a slice, and engage in meaningful conversation about the district’s equity work.

Pizza with a Purpose brings the equity conversation out of the district and into the community, increasing access, connection, and shared understanding. The focus will be on the district’s Equity Framework and its five focus areas, highlighting the initiatives and strategies that guide our work. This is a structured space for listening, learning, and dialogue centered on collaboration and growth.

Come for the pizza. Stay for the purpose. Your voice matters.

When:
Saturday, February 21, 2026
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Where:
Pizza Ranch
682 S. Grand Ave, Sun Prairie, WI 53590

Attention Seniors- The local scholarship application deadline has been extended to February 12th at 11:59pm. The local scholarship gives students the opportunity to apply for scholarships specifically for students in Sun Prairie. Click here to access the application. If you have any questions, reach out to your counselor.

School Board Reps: Want to become a Student School Board Representative and interact with your school and community on a whole new level? Applications are due February 14th, 2025.

Linked below is the February French Newsletter.

Linked below is the Band program newsletter.

There are no classes available to add new students to Behind the Wheel training. Students who are eager to complete their license should pursue a Private Driving School.

Funds for income eligible students, ages 14.5-19, to take driver training coursework and/or behind-the-wheel are now available through the Driver Education Grant Program. Students should visit Wisconsin Department of Transportation Driver Education Grant Program to enroll.

The funds will be made available to eligible applicants on a first come, first served basis, until the available funds for each quarter are depleted. Students will present the school with the DMV-provided coupon. Schools enrolled as a WisDOT vendor will enter the student’s name and coupon identifier into the Driver Education Completion (DEC) system. Funds will be paid directly to the driver training schools. Students unable to receive funding should visit Wisconsin Department of Transportation Driver Education Grant Program to re-enroll each quarter.

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.

The Sun Prairie Optimist Club is proud to host an Essay Writing Contest for local youth - a chance to share your voice, reflect on service, and win prizes! Link HERE.

Additionally, the application to the Orville Frank scholarship can be found HERE. More about the scholarship: Orville Frank was a dedicated, charter Optimist Club member. He was a long-time resident of Sun Prairie, and retired veteran. Orville passed away in 2020, and we continue to honor him with these scholarships.

Congratulations to the following students on signing to continue their athletic careers: Brady Stelzer (Baseball, UW–La Crosse), Edward Witkiewicz (Football, Northern State University), Connor Hensen (Football, University of Sioux Falls), Van Vogler (Baseball, Minnesota State University-Mankato), Brady Kaufman (Football, University of Minnesota Duluth), Manny Abreu (Baseball, Madison College), Braenna Stampf (Tennis, UW–Stout), Brady Melum (Football, UW–Madison), Hudson Turek (Football, Upper Iowa University), and Joey Tamboli (Baseball, Madison College).

Jenna Boberg, CAA

Athletics & Activities Director

Sun Prairie East had eight students competing in various Leadership Development Contests at Deforest High School, including Parliamentary Procedure, Employment Skills, Extemporaneous Speaking, Prepared Speaking, and Discussion.

Micheal Murdock placed Second in Prepared Speaking!

Vahnyah Vickerman-Kelley placed Second in Discussion!

Both will advance on to the Sectional Competition on March 4th.

Lydia Statz, Genevieve Hoeg, Lauren Alt, Hanna Zimmerman, Willa Parish, and Kaiden Bickle also all did very well in their competitions!

Spring sports registration is now open! If your student is interested in any of the following sports make sure you get signed up on Infinite Campus!

Track - Boys and Girls starts March 09, 2026

Lacrosse - Boys and Girls (CO-OP) starts March 16, 2026

Softball starts March 16, 2026

Baseball starts March 23, 2026

Soccer - Girls starts March 23, 2026

Golf - Boys starts March 30, 2026

Tennis - Boys (CO-OP) starts March 30, 2026

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:

• Feb 24, 2026: Protecting Yourself in NIL Deals

• Mar 31, 2026: Financial Management for NIL Athletes

• 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, Rachel Looper

Main Office: 608-834-6703

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