Cardinal Call
Greetings, Cardinals!
The first week of school is in the books! This week's Cardinal Call has a deeper dive into PreACT testing on September 22, and we also begin to highlight important Homecoming week dates. Let's have a great week, Cardinals!
Sincerely,
Jim Ertel
Principal
Fall PreACT Testing
On Tuesday, September 22, 2026, Sun Prairie East will administer the PreACT exam to all 9th–11th grade students during the school day. Seniors still report to school on testing day. We will have alternative activities for them.
Why the PreACT?
In the Fall, the PreACT is for practice and feedback and is not used for college admissions or state reporting. In addition to providing data to our educators to inform future instruction, it also provides valuable information to support student growth. The assessment helps students:
⭐ Identify academic strengths
🔍 Spot areas to improve
📝 Gain experience with ACT-style questions
📊 Plan for college and career readiness
How can I prepare for the PreACT?
In SP30, students will receive key information about preparing and test-taking strategies.
The PreACT mirrors the ACT, so these materials can double as preparation for both assessments: Test Prep & Kaplan Test Prep & ACT practice test.
All students also have access to free ACT & SAT prep through a program called Methodize that students can find under the Resources tab on Xello (an academic & career planning application on school issued devices).
What can I expect on Test Day?
Students will test during the regular school start time.
Students should bring a fully charged device, along with a water bottle and snack to be eaten during the scheduled break. All other testing materials will be provided.
Testing room assignments will be posted in school common areas.
What’s on the PreACT?
English – 35 minutes | 48 items
Math – 45 minutes | 26 items
Reading – 40 minutes | 33 items
Science – 40 minutes | 36 items
Results will be available about three weeks after testing and will be shared with both students and parents/caregivers.
Electronic Devices - 9/8 Weekly Update
After the first week of school we want to congratulate our students on their support and compliance with the Bell to Bell - No Cell policy. After one week we had three phones turned into the main office. That means that 99.8% of the student body honored our new policy. Great work!
ID Requirement Update
Additional clarification about the requirement for students to wear their IDs has been provided to high school administration. Starting in October students will be required to wear their IDs on their person.
- This means student will not have to wear their ID around their neck on a lanyard, but could if they prefer.
- Lanyards have already been purchased by schools so they will be provided to students if they would like one, for free.
- Plastic ID badge holders have also been purchased by schools and they will also be provided to students if they would like one, for free.
- Students do have the option to purchase a lanyard or badge clip of their choosing if they would like.
- East plans to provide SP30 lessons for students on what this could look like at the end of September, and we will continue to provide updates on this policy as they are provided.
Picture Retakes
Tuesday, 9/8, is picture retake day! If you did not have your ID or yearbook picture taken, please have it taken on Tuesday. This is your chance to get your ID picture taken and printed.
Meet our SRO
Officer Davis is our School Resource Officer at Sun Prairie East. Should you need any assistance with any police-related matters, feel free to reach out to him. Thank you!
Email: jdavis@cityofsunprairie.com
Phone: 608-834-6731
- Voicemail Box X5606
Monitoring Student Activity on School-Issued Devices via Securly
Securly is the tool used by the District to keep harmful content on school-issued devices away from our students. Securly has a feature that will allow our teachers to directly observe what is on the Chromebook screens of the students in their classrooms.
The Securly tool also allows parents and caregivers to observe their child's activity while using school-issued devices. Parents and caregivers can access this information by viewing their child's Activity Feed. Parents and caregivers also receive Flagged Activity notifications that inform them of any flagged activities pointing to self-harm or bullying related to their child.
Please see the instructions included in the links below for more information on how to access the Securly app:
Securly Information for Caregivers & Students (ENGLISH)
AP Information
AP Students & Families: Over the last several years, Sun Prairie East High School has been left with a large bill of unpaid AP exam fees. In an effort to become more fiscally responsible and ensure that our AP exam order accurately reflects students’ plans, we are changing the date of when AP exam fees are due. This year, AP exam fees will be posted to students’ Infinite Campus accounts by October 1st, 2026. Each AP exam costs $99, and payment for AP exam fees will be due by November 1st, 2026. Please be aware that students whose AP exam fees have not been paid by the deadline will not have an AP exam ordered for them. For students who are on free or reduced lunch programming, AP exam fees are waived due to Wisconsin state law (Wis. Stat. sec. 120.12(22)). Please reach out to Beth Butler, AP Coordinator, at eabutle@sunprairieschools.org or 608-834-6700 ext. 5778 with questions.
Important Safety Update: District Launches Speak Up Speak Out Reporting Tool
Fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and mental health support is essential to the Sun Prairie Area School District. To enhance our campus safety protocols, our district is transitioning to use a reporting system called Speak Up Speak Out (SUSO) for all safety concerns. In the past, we used SUSO specifically for reporting threats of school violence. Now, we are transitioning to use it for any safety-related concern.
What is Speak Up Speak Out?
Speak Up Speak Out is a comprehensive, confidential safety reporting system supported by state safety resources.
Students and families can use SUSO to report a wide range of concerns, including:
Bullying, Cyberbullying, and Harassment
Threats of School Violence or Weapons
Peer Mental Health & Crisis Situations (e.g., self-harm, severe distress, depression)
Drug or Alcohol Misuse
Any Other Safety or Campus Concerns
SUSO has many benefits that helped us make the decision to transition away from other electronic reporting systems:
Empowers Student Voice: Gives students a direct, secure option to speak up when they notice concerning behavior online or in person.
100% Confidential Option: Removes the fear of social retaliation by allowing students to submit tips confidentially.
Round-the-Clock Monitoring: Reports are monitored 24/7/365 to ensure urgent threats or mental health crises receive immediate attention.
Collaborative Intervention: Connects school administrators, counselors, and local safety teams to provide targeted supports.
Accessing the Speak Up Speak Out portal is quick and straightforward:
District Website: Click the Speak Up Speak Out link located on the main page of our district and school websites.
Web Search: Search "SUSO Wisconsin" in any browser to reach the main reporting site.
Bookmark this link so you have quick access if you ever need to use it.
We ask that you review this tool with your student and reinforce the message that reporting a concern can save lives, help our schools be safer spaces, and support peers in crisis.
Thank you for your continued partnership in keeping our schools safe.
SENIORS - Early Graduation Deadline
Early Graduation: Students interested in applying for early graduation should schedule a meeting with their counselor to review eligibility and other important considerations. The completed application form must be submitted to Student Services no later than 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 15th.
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!
Fall sports are in full swing! Please look through the information below for important updates from the athletics and activities office.
Thank you!
Jenna Boberg, CAA
Athletics & Activities Director
Event Guidelines
We are excited to have our fall sports in full swing. We have already started to host home events. Please review the SPASD event guidelines. Our athletes are ready to take the field, stage, pool, court, pitch, course and so much more this school year. Together we will continue to make these fantastic, safe and enjoyable events for all.
All East students will need their student ID or if they have not yet received their 26/27 student ID, they will need to look up their Infinite Campus profile. This can be done in advance and screenshotted for quick access. Also, please download GoFan to purchase digital tickets to our events.
