Cardinal Call
Greetings, Cardinals!
Welcome back! It's hard to believe that April is already here. Over the next few weeks we have a number of important events. First, next week on April 8th is PreACT testing. This is our second round of statewide testing for 9th and 10th grade students. Important information about that testing day from Ms. Looper is in the newsletter below. On April 14 we are celebrating our annual academic awards night for 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students. We are looking forward to a great evening, so please mark your calendars for that.
Sincerely,
Jim Ertel
Principal
General Announcements
AVID Fish Fry
Please help support our AVID program by visiting the fish fry at the Round Table on Friday, April 11th.
AP Testing - Proctors Needed!
Support scholars taking national exams by becoming an AP Proctor!
We are seeking proctors to work between May 5 and May 23 at East High School, West High School, and the PLC at the Hilltop Campus. Test proctors are responsible for test room security and the administration of exams. We have many opportunities to help, both full day and half day. Pay is $20/hour and proctors must be high school graduates over the age of 18 and pass a background check. Please complete this form by April 2 to indicate your interest, and share with your neighbors!
PreACT Information
The following information was emailed to parents and caregivers of 9th and 10th grade students today. Please take a close look if you have a 9th or 10th grade student.
Dear 9-10th Grade Scholars, Families, and Caregivers,
On April 8th, Sun Prairie East, West, and Prairie Phoenix Academy High Schools will be closed except for 9th and 10th graders taking the PreACT Secure assessment. The PreACT is a state-mandated educational assessment that monitors students’ academic readiness for college and/or careers. There is no fee for completing the evaluation. Please see the attached flier below for more information:
ACT High School Assessments Information for Families - English
ACT High School Assessments Information for Families - Spanish
ACT High School Assessments Information for Families - Hmong
*9-10th-grade students take the PreACT Secure at their primary school of enrollment. JEDI Virtual School students take the PreACT at the Prairie Phoenix Academy location.
Testing Day
Scholars must bring their fully charged Chromebooks and chargers on the testing day, as this is an online assessment. Students may also bring ACT-approved calculators. Any non-approved calculator will not be permitted. While small purses will be allowed, large bags, cell phones, and all other electronics (including smart watches) are prohibited in the testing environment. Scholars who access medication during the school day will be accommodated. Food or snacks will not be allowed in testing rooms unless necessary for medical reasons. Water bottles are only permitted outside of the testing area.
For 9th and 10th graders taking the PreACT, bus routes are running normally. Students arriving later than the start time will not be permitted to take the assessment and will be scheduled to make up the exam later.
Further information about the testing schedule for the day will be shared in later communication. Please note that for students who will be testing with accommodations, more information will be communicated about their testing experience. Contact your scholar's 504 Coordinator (Amy Kohl–East and Amy Giza–West) or student services coordinator (Mallory Long–East and Sadie Brown–West) if you have further questions.
Test Preparation
Scholars can learn more about the preACT Secure, including preparation and practice tests, to gain experience with a tutorial and example test questions.
We look forward to this opportunity for our scholars to demonstrate their college and career readiness and take the following steps toward their post-secondary goals. As the date approaches, more information about testing room assignments will be available. If you have questions in the meantime, please refer to the information below provided by your school assessment coordinator.
Snacks for Testing Day
At SP East, we are hoping to provide a special breakfast and variety of snacks for students on ACT day. We will provide donuts and hope donations will help fuel them through the morning. Please drop off snack donations to the SPEHS main office by Monday, April 7th at 4pm.
Sincerely,
Rachel Looper
Assistant Principal
France and Germany Trip
Below are some highlts from the French and German trip over spring break!
French Newsletter
Linked below is this month's French Newsletter.
Save the Date - Awards Nights
Please save the date for our spring academic awards nights.
- Academic Awards Night 9th-11th grades: April 14
- Senior Scholarship Awards Night/Academic Awards: May 15
Reminders for Students and Families
5th Hour - Tutoring Continues All School Year
Tutoring is available after school in the LMC on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. We have staff on hand that can help with all core content areas and students are able to make up summative assessments during 5th hour with coordination from their instructor.
Job Fair
Sun Prairie East will be hosting a job fair on April 2. The job fair is sponsored by the Business Education Partnership. Thank you!
Student Services Information
College Visits
Madison College: 4/2/25
Please see Ms. Johnson in student services for a pass.
Youth Apprenticeship
SSM Health Youth Apprenticeship Jobs
SSM Health has posted their 2025-26 YA positions. You can access all positions from SSM Health’s Apprenticeship Program page (link below). Students are expected to apply for the youth apprentice program at their high school before applying for an SSM Health YA position. Our recruiter will verify this by sending an email to their respective consortia/school leader.
Athletics & Activities
From the Athletic Director's Desk
Spring sports are in full swing! A big thank you to our buildings and grounds department for getting all our outdoor spaces ready for action.
Ms. Boberg CAA
Athletic Field Updates
The baseball and softball turf field projects are complete. We are ready to begin our spring season! A huge thank you to our facilities & grounds and custodial staff in their continued work preparing our campus for spring events!
Grade & Attendance Reminders
This is a friendly reminder that 3rd Quarter/Mid-Semester grades will have an immediate impact on athletic eligibility (any F’s result in a 15 school day and night suspension). Thank you for your attention to timely and accurate reporting and for supporting our student-athletes both in the classroom and on the field.
Students participating in athletics may be scheduled for early release on game/meet days. They must attend class until their designated release time, which will be reflected in their attendance on Infinite Campus. Release times are communicated by coaches and can be found in our athletic scheduler: Big 8 Conference Schedule. Students who leave earlier than allowed or skip their last period will receive an unexcused absence.
Thank you for your support!
Upcoming Start Dates for Spring Sports
- March 31st- Boys Tennis, Boys Golf
This Week's Events
Please see the linked information for upcoming contests.
Upcoming Events
- Academic Awards Night - April 14
- Prom - May 10
- Senior Awards Night - May 15