Principal’s Desk News & Information Upcoming Dates School Care News

Dear Families,
As the holiday season approaches, we want to express our sincere gratitude for your ongoing partnership and support at SMSA. Your involvement significantly impacts our students’ lives.

During the first week of Advent, we light the first purple candle, known as The Prophecy Candle. In the Catholic Church, purple represents penance, preparation, and sacrifice. This week, we reflect on the Old Testament prophets and celebrate hope.

A special thank you goes to our 8th grade teachers, support staff, 8th grade students, and supportive parents for making the Elves R Us learning experience a great success. Mrs. Holz did a wonderful job taking the reigns and leading the event that weaves together curriculum, our Ledger Way core values and our mission to serve. The dedication of our teachers staff and students was outstanding and amazing in many ways throughout the Elves R Us process. We also appreciate the parent and adult volunteers who assisted with wrapping, supervising the store, setup, and cleanup. We couldn’t have succeeded without your help! We’re grateful for the participation of students and families from all grade levels. Your support allowed our 8th graders to gain valuable skills in customer service, economics, fine motor skills, and patience. Elves R Us truly reflects our Ledger Way Core Values.

Please save these important dates and join us in celebrating the joy of the season as our Christmas programs are around the corner.
Christmas Concerts:
December 9: Kindergarten – 4th grade Christmas Concert at 1:15 PM and 6:30 PM in the Hutter gym.
December 10: Early Childhood P3 and 4K Christmas Concert at 8:15 AM in the Baker gym.
December 10: 5th – 8th grade Christmas Concert at 1:00 PM and 6:30 PM in the Hutter gym.

As the first trimester came to a close before Thanksgiving, please take time to go into Skyward and digital sign your child’s report card to view the full report card. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to the South Hall office if you have questions.

Thank you for partnering with us in nurturing our children, grounding them in Christ’s teachings, and preparing them to be tomorrow’s leaders. Together, we will create a path for our children to achieve their dreams. We appreciate your continued support in our educational journey and look forward to fostering a supportive environment for our students to thrive.

Wishing you a joyful Advent season,
Steven Kelnhofer
Elementary Principal, SMSA

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 Ashley Lane at SMSA, who is our Donor and Alumni Assistant Director.

Liliana M. (P3)-Lily treats everyone with respect and has a kind heart. She is always ready to learn.
Laney M. (K4)-Laney comes in every morning with a smile on her face, ready to learn! She is a natural leader in the classroom. She is a great role model to her classmates on a daily basis by showing others how to work hard, follow directions, and be a kind friend to all!
Ember M. (Kindergarten)-Ember shows all of our core values. She is hard working, kind, and is always ready to help anyone in need. She always tries to go above and beyond what is asked of her in the classroom!
Bentley M. (1st Grade)-Bentley shows kindness and respect to all of his classmates and teachers. He comes ready to learn and is a great role model to his classmates.
Adrian N. (2nd Grade)-Adrian has a fantastic attitude and a kind heart. He has excitement for learning and always puts his best foot forward.
Matilda B. (3rd Grade)-Matilda comes into the classroom with a positive attitude every day. She works hard and takes responsibility in everything she does. She truly is a great role model when it comes to being a respectful classmate and her willingness to help others.

Who will win $20,000 this year!?

The BMR cash raffle is one of only three major fundraisers for SMSA that involves EVERY family, Pre-K through 12th grade. Each family receives 5 BMR tickets to sell and/or purchase. 

Tickets have been distributed to the youngest child per family in our System. Please be sure to check their backpacks or ask them if they were handed your families tickets after school.

Please review the information included in the envelope regarding this fundraiser.  Sold tickets may be returned to school with your child, or to the North, South or Scrip offices any time before the live noon drawing on Friday, January 16, 2026.

If you have any questions, or if you would like to purchase additional tickets, please contact a member of the BMR committee, listed below.

Valerie Everson

920.251.3719

Stephanie Fessler

920.960.0556

Katie Mathos

920.979.6757

Lisa Shannon

920.539.2892

Support our Parent Connectors Bake Sale Fundraiser that will take place after both Elementary Christmas Concerts (1:15 pm & 6:30 pm) on Tuesday, December 9th at the North Office Entrance. All proceeds will be used throughout the school year to offset the cost of our events & show our appreciation towards our SMSA Staff. Thank you for your support!

We will be sponsoring a movie, popcorn and pajama day on Tuesday, December 23rd. For a $3.00 donation the students in P3-8th grade will get to watch a film, enjoy a bag of popcorn donated by Faris Popcorn, and wear pjs (P3-5th) or sweats (6th-8th). They may bring in their own 20 ounce or less drink from home.

All the proceeds from the movie and popcorn afternoon will go to help Rashaud. All money needs to be turned in to your child’s homeroom teacher by Friday, December 19th. If your family is unable to contribute at this time, your child will still be able to participate.

Please read below to learn more about Rashaud.
Rashaud is an awesome kid who unfortunately ended up in a terrible drowning accident when he was 8 years old. He spent a month and a half in the hospital and continues to do occupational and physical therapy once a week.

Rashaud is now 11 years old and a 5th grader at Parkside Elementary. He has a heart of gold and a smile that’s contagious. He lights up any room he enters. The funds raised will go towards expanding his sensory corner and his wheelchair van fund.

Your support and prayers for Rashaud and his family are greatly appreciated!

The National Honor Society will be hosting a fundraising event at Pizza Ranch on Wednesday, December 17th from 4 pm to 9pm. Pizza Ranch will donate 15% of the proceeds to our chapter. The funds raised will be used to buy groceries and prepare meals for the homeless in Fond du Lac. Please take a night off from getting the kitchen dirty to support our students and community members.

Are any of these items yours? We have lots of beautiful winter coats, Ledger apparel, uniforms, shorts, athletic wear, water bottles…. you name it, we have it! Please check out our lost and found. We will have the lost and found displayed until Dec 23rd. Any items left over will be donated.

The K-4th Grade School Music Department is getting ready for our Christmas Concert! The concert is Tuesday, December 9th, so we wanted to reach out with some important information for the upcoming performances.

Tuesday, December 9th
During the school day:
All students will wear their school uniforms.
1:15 pm Performance in Hutter Gym-parents and families invited.

Evening concert:
Students will report to the gym at 6:10 pm. Please be prompt and allow travel time so students are at their appointed places on time.

We understand you may come much earlier for parking. That is fine.
Concert begins at 6:30pm. If you arrive early, please make sure your child stays with you until 6:10 pm, we ask that they not be running around the gym.

Dress code (for evening only) is as follows:
ALL students–wear your “Christmas or Sunday Best” or fancy attire. (no jeans)

All Parents, Grandparents, and Friends who are planning on attending the afternoon Christmas concert should report to the north or south office to sign in and get a sticker to wear. We also ask that you report back to the north or south office and sign yourself out for the day upon your departure.

The Middle School Music Department is getting ready for our Christmas Concert! The concert is Wednesday, December 10th, so we wanted to reach out with some important information for the upcoming performances.

Wednesday, December 10th
During the school day:
All students will wear their school uniforms.
1pm Performance in Hutter Gym-parents and families invited.

Evening concert:
Students that are in band and band/choir will report to the band room at 6:00pm

Students who are only in choir will report to Hutter Gym at 6:10pm. Please be prompt and allow travel time so students are at their appointed places on time.

We understand you may come much earlier for parking. That is fine.
Concert begins at 6:30pm.

Dress code (for evening only) is as follows:
ALL students–wear your “Sunday Best” or fancy attire. (no jeans)

All Parents, Grandparents, and Friends who are planning on attending the afternoon Christmas concert should report to the north or south office to sign in and get a sticker to wear. We also ask that you report back to the north or south office and sign yourself out for the day upon your departure.

For over fourteen years several SMSA families have sponsored a Christmas Gathering for SMSA teachers, administrators, and staff as a way to show their gratitude. For many families, the contribution was given in place of individual Christmas gifts, or as an added appreciation.
The special luncheon for all the staff to enjoy will be provided during a school day in January.

Please note, this opportunity is optional and offered to any SMSA family that would like to contribute. We ask each family interested in participating for a minimum donation of $50.

Monetary donations for the special luncheon will be accepted through Friday, December 19. Please mail your contribution to Andrea Nuss, W4642 Mill Road, Fond du Lac, WI 54937. Checks may be made payable to Andrea Nuss. If you are interested in paying through Venmo, please send to @Valerie-Everson-4, last 4 digits 3719.

Please address questions to Valerie Everson at valerie@everson-law.com, or to Andrea Nuss at alnuss@charter.net.

Blessings to you during this holiday season!
Andrea Nuss & Valerie Everson

We are currently looking for regularly scheduled and sub volunteers to assist our students in the library during the following times:
* Wednesdays: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
* Thursdays: 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM
* SUBS various times of the week/month as needed

Starting January 2026 – Volunteers are needed Mondays from Noon – 3:00 p.m.

Why do we love having regular volunteers?
Because our students love forming connections with their library helpers! When you’re here regularly, you get to know the students—their personalities, their interests, and their favorite books. It’s a wonderful opportunity to build relationships and help guide young readers by recommending books you know they’ll enjoy.

Whether you’re a parent, or grandparent, your time makes a big difference. If you love books and enjoy working with kids, and are SEE trained we’d love to have you on our library team!

Contact Lisa at library@smsacademy.org with any questions or for more information.

Planning has begun for our annual Ledgerfest fundraising event—mark your calendars for Saturday, March 28, 2026! You won’t want to miss this exciting evening celebrating SMSA.

Once again, we’re asking each grade level to contribute toward creating some incredible auction baskets. Your support makes a huge difference in making Ledgerfest a success!

If you would like to contribute towards your child’s grade level basket, click this link: https://smsacademy.ejoinme.org/LF26class to donate online. Once you enter a donation amount and click next, please fill in your child’s name and grade level (if you are donating for more than one child, please list each name and grade level along with the amount for each child). If you prefer, you may still send cash or check (payable to Andrea Nuss) in an envelope marked: Ledgerfest/Ashley Lane. Please also indicate your child’s grade level on the envelope.

All contributions are due by Thursday, February 5th. Thank you so much!
If you have any questions, please reach out to your grade-level lead:
P3: Lindsey Pietrowski – pietrowski.lindsey@gmail.com
K4: Allison Geiger – kageiger@att.net
K5: Amy Meyer-Bremer – ameyer17@outlook.com
1st Grade: Betsy Royce – ejmiazga@gmail.com
2nd Grade: Molly Jaster – molly.jaster@gmail.com
3rd Grade: Jourdan Jacobs – jourdanjacobs@gmail.com
4th Grade: Katie Heller – katieheller11@gmail.com
5th Grade: Jenn Ellestad – jenn.ellestad@gmail.com
6th Grade: Andrea Nuss – alnuss@charter.net
7th Grade: Tya Robles – tyajean623@gmail.com
8th Grade: Shannon LaLuzerne – slaluzerne@smsacademy.org
High School (9-12): Andrea Nuss – alnuss@charter.net, Betsey Gitter – kevandbets@gmail.com and Pam Kristmann – pamkristmann@gmail.com

Thank you for your generosity and for helping make Ledgerfest 2026 another amazing celebration of our Ledger community!

Mark your calendars — Ledgerfest is happening Saturday, March 28, 2026!

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

Want in on the action? Join the Ledgerfest Committee!
Help dream up ideas, decorate, and make this year’s event the best one yet. Reach out to Ashley Lane if you’d like to join the team — it’s a total blast and a great way to get involved!

Get ready… this event is sure to be a slam dunk!
It’s going to be a night you won’t want to miss!

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!!

Did you know? You can Refer-A-Family and receive tuition credit!

Click Here to Learn More!

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December 9, 2025 – K-4th Grade Christmas Concert

December 10, 2025 – 5th-8th Grade Christmas Concert

December 24, 2025 – January 2, 2026 – Christmas Break

January 5, 2026 – School Is Back In Session

January 16, 2026 – BMR Drawing

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Please email extendedcare@smsacademy.org if you have any questions.

Thank you

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