Cardinal Call

Happy Dr. Martin Luther King Jr day! I hope everyone was able to stay warm on this chilly January Monday. This week is the last week of semester 1. Congratulations to all our early graduates, and we will see you in June! January 20 is also the start of Requestfest. We have been helping to train all our staff to be able to educate and answer questions about the registration process. An overview of the course sign up process is highlighted below. Lastly, students, please check in with your instructors as we wrap semester 1. Staff will be working hard to finalize grades for transcription after January 23. Let's have a great week!

Sincerely,

Jim Ertel

Principal

Requestfest begins on January 20, 2026. Academic planning details for students in 9th - 11th grade will be shared throughout the next two weeks. This includes course offerings and instructions on how to request and plan in Infinite Campus. You can also learn more on the district website. Below is a timeline of block and SP30 lessons. The deadline to complete course requests is February 4, 2026.

As we are getting close to the beginning of Second Semester, here are some scheduling reminders:

• Make sure that students check Infinite Campus for their most up to date schedule. We continue to make adjustments based on a variety of factors, and a screen shot from the beginning of the year is probably no longer accurate.

• If there is something amiss with a student’s schedule and they need a change, please fill out this schedule change form.

• A reminder: Schedules can only be changed within the first 10 days of the semester and a schedule change request is not a guarantee.

• Schedules will NOT be changed for the following reasons (Student and Family Handbook Page 16):

• Student wishes to change to improve grade point average.

• Student states that the class is getting too hard.

• Student states that they have changed their mind.

• Student has concerns with the teacher assignment.

• Student is unhappy with the lunch period assignment.

• Student has concerns relating to members of a given class.

• Student wishes to change schedule due to employment or extra-curricular activity.

• Student wishes to drop year-long class, mid year.

• Student wishes to rearrange current classes.

If you are a senior that is graduating at semester, there are some important steps to complete before your time with us is complete. Please review the following links to make sure devices are handed in, fees are paid, and you have your Google drive transferred to a non-SPASD account. Congratulations, and see you in June!

• ​Here is the Letter for Early Grad Students & Families.
• ​Here is the Google Takeout Instructions for transferring their files.

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, January 24 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM Where: Pizza Ranch 682 S. Grand Ave, Sun Prairie

Door 6 or the driveway just to the left after you pull into the parking lot off of HWY N is open for drop off and pick up before and after school. Utilizing door 6 allows for less parent traffic outside the main entrance as students are entering and exiting the student parking lot. Please use door 6 if you are dropping off or picking up your student before and after school.

Linked below is the January 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.

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.

Seniors: The local scholarship application is now open. The deadline to complete is January 30th. This is a great opportunity to be considered for scholarships that are only available to Sun Prairie students. Click here to access the application.

Spring sports are going to be here before we know it. High School Spring Sports Sign Up opens on February 1, 2026 on Infinite Campus. The following sports are offered:

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

Jenna Boberg, CAA

Athletics & Activities Director

When Quarter 2/Semester 1 grades are posted, any winter athlete or student participating in activities who has a posted “F” or “INC” will enter an automatic 15 school day and night suspension period.

During this suspension, students may continue to attend and participate in practices, but may not participate in any athletic or activity competitions, games, or events. This suspension is enforced upon grade posting and is not a probationary period.

The 15 school day and night suspension must be served in full. Grades for SP30 assignments are included when determining eligibility.

Inspired by a true story, BRIGHT STAR is a sweeping, heartfelt musical featuring a Tony®-nominated score by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell. Set against the vibrant backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and 1940s, this deeply emotional tale explores love, loss, and the transformative power of redemption. When literary editor Alice Murphy meets a young soldier just home from World War II, he awakens her longing for the child she once lost. Haunted by their unique connection, Alice sets out on a journey to understand her past—and what she finds has the power to transform both of their lives.

With its stunning melodies and richly developed characters, BRIGHT STAR weaves an uplifting and poignant journey through time, filled with hope, heartache, and the promise of second chances. A beautifully genuine and soul-stirring musical, BRIGHT STAR captivates audiences with its deeply moving story and lively bluegrass score.

Tickets are available at https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=sppac

If you have children that would be interested in our Bright Star Kids Camp check out the information below:

Support our Cardinal athletes this season as they face the West Wolves!

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:

• Jan 27, 2026: Pitching & Negotiating NIL Deals

• 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