Cardinal Call
Greetings, Cardinals!
Thank you to our students and caregivers that stopped by last week for registration. It was nice to greet and chat with so many families. On Monday, our full staff returns to the building. Please expect to start seeing communications from your teachers. Additionally, a great time to meet your instructors is Tuesday, August 25th, during our "Back to School Night."
Back to School Night is an informal event that allows students and families to walk their schedules and meet with the staff they will have this year. Also, for new students, administrative staff will be hosting an informational presentation and question and answer session at the start of the event in the performing arts center (PAC). Back to School Night runs from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.
Sincerely,
Jim Ertel
Principal
Student ID Expectations for Grades 9–12
Dear Students and Families,
As we prepare to welcome our scholars back for the 2026–27 school year, we want to share an important new expectation for students in grades 9–12.
Beginning this school year, students will be expected to visibly wear their school-issued student ID on a lanyard from the first bell through the last bell each school day. This expectation will help support safe, welcoming, and consistent learning environments across our high schools. Having their ID readily available will give students access to various school spaces and activities throughout the school year while also creating a more connected school community.
We know this will be a new routine for many students. Throughout September, our focus will be on helping students understand the expectation and build the habit of wearing their ID each day. Beginning in October, students will be expected to consistently wear their ID throughout the school day. Your principal and school staff will share more details with students and families, including information about receiving IDs and lanyards and what this expectation will look like day to day at your school.
We appreciate your support as we introduce this new expectation for our scholars.
Dr. Antoine Reed
Superintendent
Student IDs: What Families Need to Know
This year, students in grades 9–12 will wear their school-issued student ID on a lanyard throughout the school day. It’s a new routine, and we’ll spend the first several weeks helping students get comfortable with it.
A few things to know:
IDs should be visible and worn from the first bell to the last bell.
Lanyards have been purchased & ordered by each high school and will be distributed to students when they arrive.
Students can use their own lanyard, but it must be a breakaway lanyard that has a clip in the back. See image to the right.
IDs should be worn by students, not kept on a phone, Chromebook, or backpack.
Lost IDs can be replaced for a $5 fee.
We’ll spend September teaching and reinforcing the routine, with full implementation beginning in October.
East administration is also buying button makers so students can swag out their lanyards. We plan to incorporate these new expectations into our PBIS process.
More information about lanyard distribution and expectations will be coming in subsequent newsletters.
Keys to Success
Thank you to our Cardinal Connectors for hosting the 9th graders during our Keys to Success event. It looked like everyone had a great time.
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!
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!
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.
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
