SPHS Newsletter January 2026

What an awesome year 2025 was for Sauk Prairie High School! Can't wait to see what 2026 brings for all our Eagles!

More state championships? More AP Testing Records? A 95% attendance rate? Top 5% in the state in growth?

Each of those are within reach and I'm so excited to be working here when we achieved the next big milestone!

We've had a few delays already, and we are approaching the time of year when weather conditions may cause school to be delayed, canceled, or dismissed early. The District relies on the National Weather Service, regional road crews, local law enforcement, and our bus company to help make decisions about when to delay or close school.

Please review the following details about weather decisions and communications plans:

• Communication: School closings will be announced as early as possible via text and phone messages to families, posted on the District’s website, and shared on local television stations: WISC Channel 3, WKOW Channel 27, and WMTV Channel 15.
• Your Contact Information: Keep your family and emergency contact information up-to-date in Skyward so you receive the messages.
• Extreme Cold Warnings: As directed by School Board policy, schools will be closed if the National Weather Service issues an "Extreme Cold" warning for our area for the time just before the school day begins. (This "Extreme Cold" label replaces the NWS "Wind Chill" warning used in past years.)
• Early Release Days: If a late start is declared on a day already scheduled as an Early Release Day (typically the third Wednesday of each month) school will end at the usual time and the early release will be cancelled.
• Alternative Drop-off Plans: If school closes early due to weather and no one will be available at home to support younger children, please have an alternative plan worked out for your child and communicate that plan to your child’s school. (Children riding the bus can only be dropped off at a residence on an already existing bus route.)

We will hold parent teacher conferences flexibly scheduled during the week of Feb. 2-6 this trimester. Unlike past Trimesters, instead of you getting an invite from each teacher your child(ren) has(have), I will send out a global scheduling tool on Wednesday January 28th. This should streamline the way you as parents book your conferences with teachers and keep your email inbox a little less cluttered.

Conferences can be held in-person, via phone, via video conference, or in an email exchange based on what makes sense for parents, students and teacher needs. Ideally, the format would be mutually agreed upon.

If you have any problems scheduling a conference with a teacher or a teacher does not offer you an option for conferencing about your student, please email me so that I can help resolve any issues.

In the event of an unforeseen emergency—whether it is a medical situation, an early dismissal due to severe weather, or any other critical incident—our ability to quickly reach a responsible adult is crucial.

Please take a moment to verify the following information in Skyward for your student:

• Primary Contact Numbers: Ensure your cell phone and work numbers are correct.

• Emergency Designees: Confirm that all listed emergency contacts (those who can pick up your student if you are unavailable) are people who can be reached and are authorized to do so. Please make sure they are aware they are listed.

Current and accurate information ensures we can communicate effectively with our families as quickly as possible during any unforeseen emergency.

​Important Senior information can be found in the Class of 2026 Newsletter. This newsletter is designed to keep everyone informed and on track for a smooth and memorable finish to high school. Thank you for your continued support and partnership as we guide our seniors toward this exciting achievement.

Any question just ask us, we're here to help!

Michele Fingerson, michele.fingerson@saukprairieschools.org

Stephanie Beglinger, stephanie.beglinger@saukprairieschools.org

If you are a parent of a senior and are not receiving this newsletter, the first one went out in December and the second will go out the second week of January, please contact Harriett Peterson to be sure we have your current email address.

All motor vehicles must be registered for parking permits by submitting the below online form. Once you have completed the online form the parking permit fee will be added into Skyward Fee Management and can be paid online. Once the Parking Permit is paid for, it can be picked up in the main office. Any questions, to pay for permits or to pick up permits, please see Harriett Peterson in the main office.

Happy new year to you all! I hope the break was restful and enjoyable for your families. I, your friendly school librarian, just wanted to bring everyone’s attention to an amazing resource the library provides to our SPHS students – New York Times Academic Pass.

By using the link found at the top of the SPHS/SPMS library webpage – it’s the first bullet point on the "SPSD Secondary Library News" – then, using their school email to log in, your student will have access to all the news articles the NYT provides!

Similar to SORA, they can even access it outside of school hours/beyond their school devices (as long as they sign in with their school email). If your SPHS student(s) want to stay up-to-date on all the breaking news, remind them of this awesome resource the SPHS library provides to them!

Sincerely,

Your friendly school librarian, Ms. Stella.

Owen Murphy, Counselor / Last Names A-K

608-644-2856 owen.murphy@saukprairieschools.org

Tonya Lassanske, Counselor / Last Names L-Z

608-644-2854 tonya.lassanske@saukprairieschools.org

Kevin Pratt, Academic & Career Planning Coordinator

608-644-2860 kevin.pratt@saukprairieschools.org

Chelsi Schlough, Administrative Assistant

608-644-2855 chelsi.schlough@saukprairieschools.org

8th GRADE PARENT NIGHT

When: Wednesday, January 28th @ 5:30-6:30 pm

Where: Sauk Prairie High School - Eyrie

Who: Parents of 8th Grade Students (students welcome)

What: This presentation will provide information for the parent(s)/guardian(s) of future freshmen. We will discuss academic and career planning, the high school trimester schedule, graduation requirements, course registration, and other pertinent transition information. High school counselors will be giving the same presentation in 8th grade classrooms, so students are welcome, but it is not necessary that they attend.

Attention Seniors and Families: Dollars for Scholars 2026 is Here!

Are you ready to take the next step toward your future? The Sauk Prairie Dollars for Scholars 2026 Program is officially open! This is your chance to apply for local scholarships that can help make post secondary education more affordable.

Start Your Application Today

You can begin entering your basic information now, but remember:

The official application window is February 1–23, 2026.

You must return during this window to complete and submit your application.

Need Help? We’ve Got You Covered

Scholarship help sessions will be available at school during SEAS on the following dates: Feb. 2, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, and 20.

Bring your questions—we’re here to help!

Resources to Guide You

• Introduction Video

• Application Tutorial Video

• 2026 Application Timeline and Checklist

All these resources are also available on our website under the Student & Parents tab:

saukprairiedollarsforscholars.org

Important Dates

• Start entering basic info: Now

• Application window: Feb. 1–23

• Help sessions: Feb. 2, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 20

Don’t miss this opportunity—start today and finish strong!

MORE SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION

Scholarships can come from a variety of local, state, and national sources. Seniors can begin their scholarship search now. Students should consider:

• Frequently checking the LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS listing. These links will continue to be updated all year.

• Applying for scholarships from the college or university the student plans to attend.

• Checking with any organizations or businesses associated with the student's family or the student.

• Using reputable SCHOLARSHIP SEARCH WEBSITES.

• Viewing available scholarships in XELLO.

• Carefully researching other scholarship opportunities. A scholarship opportunity is generally not legitimate if the student or family is being asked for money.

FAFSA AVAILABLE - October 1st for Seniors

The 2026–2027 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form is now available for current seniors. Please complete the FAFSA form in a timely manner to ensure you have access to as much financial aid as possible.

For more information on financial aid, here is a link to the financial aid presentation from our fall financial aid night: 26-27 FINANCIAL AID PRESENTATION

UW DIRECT ADMIT WISCONSIN

Direct Admit Wisconsin is an initiative by the Universities of Wisconsin to proactively offer admission to qualifying high school students in between their junior and senior years of high school. Sauk Prairie High School is participating in the Direct Admit Wisconsin program. Direct Admit Wisconsin does not require a traditional application for admission. Students offered direct admission will need to complete the Direct Admit Form.

View the Next Steps Checklist and complete the Direct Admit Form via the Universities of Wisconsin Admissions Pathway Portal.

Josh Boyer, Activities Director, Sauk Prairie High School

608-644-2808 joshua.boyer@saukprairieschools.org

Julie Lamberty, Athletics Administrative Assistant

608-644-2802 julia.lambery@saukprairieschools.org

• WHEN: MONDAY, March 2, 2026

• WHERE: SAUK PRAIRIE HIGH SCHOOL MAIN GYM

• TIME: 6:00 PM

SPSD employs school nurses to meet the health needs of students while they are in school. If you have questions regarding your student or a health related issue you can contact Juan Ramirez, RN

Direct Line: 608-644-2806 Cell: 608-218-4219,

E-Mail Juan Ramirez, RN, Health Services Website

Medication at school is permitted with an up to date medication form signed by physician, if applicable, and parent. Please have your physician complete the attached form if you would like this option.

HS | SPSD NON-Rx SELF ADMINISTRATION MEDICATION CONSENT

HS | SPSD Rx MEDICATION CONSENT FORM

The health and safety of our students and staff are one of our top priorities. To help us prevent the spread of illness in our school community, we are reminding everyone of our guidelines on when to keep a child home from school. Thank you for your cooperation in helping us maintain a healthy environment for everyone at school.

Lisa Krayer, Director Food Service

608-643-5971, lisa.krayer@saukprairieschools.org

Tammy Smith, Administrative Assistant, Food Service

608-643-5983, tammy.smith@saukprairieschools.org

For information on Lunch Menus, prices, adding funds to your student lunch account, Free & Reduced applications, and Permission to Waive District Fees click HERE

1/7 - Weekly Collaborative Time - HS Only Early release @ 2:40pm

1/14 - Weekly Collaborative Time - HS Only Early release @ 2:40pm

1/19 - No School - MLK Jr Holiday

1/21 - Weekly Collaborative Time - HS Only Early release @ 2:40pm

1/28 - Weekly Collaborative Time - HS Only Early release @ 2:40pm

2/2-6 - 2nd Trimester Parent Teacher Conferences

2/13 & 2/16 - No School

2/18 - Early Release HS 1:50pm

2/23 - 2/27 FFA Week

For Athletic Events check out the Athletics Calendar

For River Arts Center events click HERE. Check events under the HOME & ART GALLERY.

For FFA Events click HERE, then go to the calendar.

For Sauk Prairie Music Events click HERE

Website: https://high.saukprairieschools.org/
Location: 105 9th Street, Prairie du Sac, WI, USA
Phone: (608) 643-5900