SPHS Newsletter December 2025
Principal's Message
Our students demonstrated better than average growth almost across the board. Our growth rate is better than 89.2% of all 9-12 high schools in the state! Out of about four hundred and thirty high schools in the state we are 49th in overall growth, 39th in English Language Arts growth and 79th in Mathematics growth!!
We've all worked so hard over the last few years to improve our instructional delivery and support students in their learning. It is AWESOME to see those efforts pay off for students!
Health Guidelines for Keeping Students Home When Ill
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.
Important Reminder : Emergency Contacts
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.
🔔 Sauk Prairie High School Attendance Message: Trimester 2 Start 🦅
Good morning Sauk Prairie High School students and families!
With the start of Trimester 2 on Tuesday, December 2nd, we want to emphasize the critical importance of regular school attendance for student success.
Why Attendance Matters & Our 95% Goal 🎯
Consistent attendance is the single most important factor in achieving academic success. Every single day in class matters.
Our collective goal for Trimester 2 is to achieve a 95% attendance rate. This means that, on average, students are missing less than one day of school every four weeks. Reaching this goal ensures that students are maximizing their learning potential and staying engaged in their education.
Learning is Cumulative: Lessons and discussions often build on the previous day's material. Missing even one day can create gaps in understanding that are difficult to close.
Participation and Engagement: Being present allows students to engage in valuable class discussions, participate in activities, and receive direct instruction and feedback from teachers.
Building Good Habits: Regular attendance instills responsibility and discipline, essential habits for success in high school and beyond.
A Fresh Start for Trimester 2
The start of Trimester 2 offers a fresh opportunity for every student!
Regardless of how Trimester 1 went, December 2nd marks a clean slate in all your new classes. We encourage every student to embrace this new beginning:
Commit to Being Present: Make a firm commitment to attend every class, every day, and on time. Help us reach our 95% attendance goal!
Be Prepared: Come ready to learn with all necessary materials and a positive attitude.
Utilize Resources: Take advantage of the resources available at SPHS, including accessing staff during SEAS and NHS tutoring during the high school only releases on Wednesday, to stay on track.
Let's work together to achieve our 95% attendance goal and make Trimester 2 the most successful one yet!
Trimester 1 Report Cards
To view the report card:
From your Family Access home page, find the Portfolio tile.
Look for the attachment labeled 2025-26 Trimester 1 Report Card.
You can choose to either download or view the report card from this location.
Translation Tip: If your browser is set to translate, clicking the "eye" icon to view the report will translate it to your preferred language.
A Note From Your Friendly School Librarian
As we think about the long winter break coming up, I wanted to remind everyone of the services that the library offers 24/7 to your SPHS students!
Specifically, students can access SORA (our online ebook/audiobook platform). Students can access SORA through either the webpage or the app – no school-issued Chromebook necessary! All they have to do is be signed into their school email account, and then log in with Google. Additionally, if students navigate to the SPMS/SPHS Library Webpage, students can access Teen BookCloud – another one of the ebook/audiobook resources that the library provides. It’s fun to read… and even more fun to read for free using the resources provided by the library!
Hope everyone stays warm and well-read over the winter break!
Middle & High School Art Show
Mark your calendars for the first student art show of the year! It is just under a month away. The show opens on Saturday, December 6th and the opening reception is on December 11th, 2025 from 3:30-5:30 at the River Arts Center Lobby and Gallery. Artists from first trimester will be represented. Come join us in celebrating the creativity in Sauk Prairie!
25-26 Student Parking Permit
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.
Do You Have A Gently Used Cap & Gown?
We are looking for any gently used caps and gowns for our graduation closet. If you are anyone you know happens to have one that you're willing to donate for a student tht may be in need we will take it off your hands. Thank you!
Student Services
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
FAFSA AVAILABLE
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 assistance with the FAFSA, College Goal Wisconsin provides free information and assistance to families. College Goal Wisconsin is offering both in-person and virtual FAFSA Completion Events.
To register for a FAFSA Completion Event or to request additional information, please refer to collegegoalwi.org.
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
SCHOLARSHIPS
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.
Completing the DOLLARS FOR SCHOLARS APPLICATION. Available late January / early February.
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.
Athletics
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
Health Services
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
Food Service
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
Upcoming Dates:
12/10 - Weekly Collaborative Time - HS Only Early release @ 2:40pm
12/17 - Weekly Collaborative Time - HS Only Early release @ 2:40pm
12/19 - Last Day of School before Winter Break.
1/5 - Classes resume after Winter Break
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
Additional High School Happenings
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
Sauk Prairie High School
Website: https://high.saukprairieschools.org/
Location: 105 9th Street, Prairie du Sac, WI, USA
Phone: (608) 643-5900