Principal’s Desk News & Information Upcoming Dates School Care News
Elementary (PreK - 8) & Childcare - February 12, 2026
Feb 12
Dear SMSA Families,
We hope you are doing well and thriving! As we progress through February, we want to express our sincere gratitude for your ongoing support and involvement in our school community. Together, we are positively impacting our students’ lives. We hope you share Christ’s love during this Valentine’s week.
Valentine’s classroom parties for grades P3-Gr. 5 will be on Feb. 13th. Please remember, classroom volunteers must be SEE trained. Grades 6-8 will participate in a student-led 8th-grade service project on the afternoon of the 13th to promote community love.
Thank you for partnering with us during Parent/Teacher conferences last week. We welcome partnerships and scheduled conferences whenever needed.
Our second trimester ends on February 26th. Skyward report cards will be available on March 3rd at 3:00 PM. Please use Skyward to digitally sign report cards and review the learning achievements of the second trimester.
SMSA is participating in the Kids Heart Challenge: It concludes on February 17, 2026. A big thank you to the students who have registered and completed Finn’s Mission! If you haven’t yet, there’s still time!
To become a LIFESAVER: Download the Free AHA Schools APP for Apple or Android, click “Register Now,” and join your school’s team. Or visit the link and choose “Sign Up.” Spread the word by texting or emailing friends and family for their support.
Complete Finn’s Mission: Learn Hands-Only CPR and how to spot a stroke F.A.S.T. I’m excited to see how many students complete Finn’s Mission and gain essential emergency knowledge.
A reminder: when 273 students sign up online (with a parent/guardian email), our school will earn a BONUS $500 in PE equipment certificates! Completing Finn’s Mission Online earns a Victor (Leader) Clip and a Lifesaver Cape, which you can wear on February 13th, and a chance to enter the 2027 NFL Super Bowl Experience Sweepstakes! We’d love for 50 students and families to complete this and learn Hands-Only CPR and the Warning Signs of Stroke! Donations are due by 2/17/2026. THANK YOU for supporting the Kids Heart Challenge – your family is helping save lives and promote heart health!
As we look forward to the weeks ahead, we are excited to continue our collaboration with you. Thank you for being such a valuable part of our school community. Together, we can achieve great things!
God Bless, Steven Kelnhofer
Elementary Principal, SMSA
The Principal's Pen
The Principal’s Pen is an opportunity for teachers to recognize students who consistently demonstrate “The Ledger Way” with a focus on faith, learning, respect for leadership, community and responsibility. The students chosen will attend a special breakfast with Mr. Kelnhofer, Mr. Thuerwachter and a special guest. They will also receive a certificate with a brief sentence on how they followed “The Ledger Way,” and a principal’s pen. This week’s special guest speaker is Stacey Akey, System President.
Briella B. (Grade 4) -Briella has shown our SMSA core values by being respectful to her classmates and teachers. She is always willing to help others and works well with her classmates in group collaborations.
Alayna R. (Grade 5) -Alayna is a hard worker. She cares for her classmates and is always problem solving as well as trying to help them out. She works well in groups and keeps them on task. Alayna is respectful and is a great leader in the classroom.
Kinleigh G. (Grade 6) -Kinleigh shows her strong faith every day through her actions—treating others with kindness, patience, and respect, and always making sure classmates feel included, especially those who might feel left out. Kinleigh leads by example, showing true leadership and responsibility by consistently getting her work done on time. We’re proud of the way she lifts others up and sets such a positive tone in our school!
Presley G. (Grade 7) -Presley is a wonderful example of our core values of respect and community. Her constant kindness, welcoming smile, and genuine care for others reflect Christ’s love in a beautiful way.
Gianna G. (Grade 8) -Gia shows the Core Values of Learning and Community by putting forth her best effort, participating in class, asking good questions, and being willing to help others.
Solo & Ensemble Volunteers Needed
SMSA is hosting the Flyway Conference Solo & Ensemble Music Festival on February 28th, 2026. This is for MS and HS music students to perform. We are looking for volunteers to sign up for a shift to make this event a success. Students looking for service hours can sign up as well!
Click the link below to sign up for a slot: https://signup.com/go/zWZzhDS
SMSA Staff Gathering
Thank you to everyone that contributed before Christmas to the SMSA Staff Gathering! On Monday, January 26, the SMSA Staff was treated to a delicious lunch featuring Ala Roma, salads, fruit & dessert. Each staff member also walked away with a $20 gift card of their choosing. We appreciate our all of our SMSA staff, and it was wonderful to celebrate them!
Thank you!
Valerie Everson & Andrea Nuss
Football Fundamentals Camp (5th-8th Grade)
Registration is now open for the 2026 Summer Football Fundamentals Camp!
The Football Fundamentals Camp is a non-contact camp with emphasis on skills that make the game of football safer and more fun to participate in.
Click Here – Football Fundamentals Camp Registration
100% Tuition Credit Campaign Kick Off
You Are Invited! Ledgerfest 2026 is Gearing Up for a Slam Dunk!
We are bringing all the fun, energy, and team spirit you can handle — it’s sure to be a night full of laughs, cheers, and good times!
Location: FCC (400 University Dr. Fdl)
Time: Doors open at 5:00 pm
Get ready… this event is sure to be a slam dunk!
It’s going to be a night you won’t want to miss!
REMINDER - 2026-2027 Online Registration is Open!
Registration for the 2026-2027 academic school year is open for families with students currently enrolled at SMSA until January 9, 2026. Registration will be completed online through your Family Access account in Skyward. Step-by-step instructions can be found on the website by following the link Online Registration Instructions.
Reminder, Skyward online registration can be completed using your cell phone.
All current families must complete Online Registration for each student.
Log into your Family Access account in Skyward. If you have misplaced your login credentials for Skyward, please email jpoetzel@smsacademy.org.
Online Registration includes information verification regarding your family and student(s). Registration will open for students not currently enrolled in SMSA in January 2026. Early registration will assist in determining class sizes for the 2026-2027 academic year. The registration fee will become part of your 2026-2027 tuition statement.
Current families must complete registration by January 9, 2026.
If you have questions regarding online registration use this link registration@smsacademy.org.
Click these links to access the following:
Youth Baseball Registration 2026
Starting February 1st. Fondy Youth Baseball registration begins on-line at: www.fdlyouthbaseball.com.
Click the link for grade level league information, and registration details. 2026 Fondy Youth Baseball Registration Form
2026 Registration Form (Spanish)
Would you like to get involved at SMSA?
Are you looking to get more involved at SMSA? If so, join our Parent Connectors Group!! We organize events for our SMSA families & show our appreciation towards our amazing SMSA Staff throughout the year!! Please email Andrea Nuss, alnuss@charter.net if you are interested. Thank you so much!!
Refer-A-Family Program - Earn $500 Towards Tuition
February 18, 2026 – Ash Wednesday (Lent Begins)
March 9-13, 2026 – No School – Spring Break