Principal’s Desk News & Information Upcoming Dates School Care News
Elementary (P3-8) & Childcare
Mar 26
Dear SMSA Families,
I hope this communication finds you in good spirits. As we approach an important time in our faith journey during the season of Lent, I want to express my gratitude for each of you. Your steadfast support and collaboration help our school community flourish, and it is truly a blessing to work with you.
Holy Week begins this Sunday with Palm Sunday, marking the start of our journey with Jesus as we remember His entrance into Jerusalem surrounded by many admirers. Throughout Our Lord’s journey, we see reflections of our own lives. Each event encourages us to engage in prayer, sacrifice, service, and ultimately find joy after challenging times. Let us come together in these reflections, drawing closer to Jesus. As the week progresses, we invite you to join the following events at Holy Family Parish:
Holy Thursday: Commemorating the Last Supper and the first Mass.
Good Friday Service: Reflecting on the passion of Our Lord.
Easter Vigil Mass on Saturday: Leading us to the joyous celebration of Easter Sunday.
Easter Sunday Mass: The Glorious celebration of our Risen Lord.
We are pleased to announce that Forward Testing for most of our students in Grades 3, 5, 6,and 7 has been successfully completed. A few make-up tests will occur next week. Grade 4 and 8 will continue their Forward testing April 8th and 9th. Thank you for ensuring that students arrived on time and prepared on testing days. This data collection is crucial for SMSA as we strive for academic excellence and continuously work towards our mission.
Our lost and found is overflowing with items and t’s time for some spring cleaning! SMSA will clear the lost and found area shortly after Easter. Please encourage your children to check for any missing belongings, as all unclaimed items will be repurposed.
Thank you for your continued partnership with SMSA. It will wonderful to see many of you at Ledgerfest, as our community comes together to support our school. Together, we are paving the way for tomorrow’s children to achieve incredible dreams.
As we move forward, I look forward to our ongoing collaboration and the beautiful moments we will share. May you have a blessed Holy Week.
God Bless,
Steven Kelnhofer
Elementary Principal, SMSA
Check Out Ledgerfest's Auction! Bid On Your Favorite Packages Today!
Discover incredible items and experiences at SMSA’s Ledgerfest Online Auction!
Bid from the comfort of home and support our school’s programs. Explore the auction catalog and place your bids today. Start bidding now: https://smsacad2026.ggo.bid/bidding/package-browse
Don’t miss your chance to win unique packages while making a difference for SMSA! Bidding closes at 8:30 p.m. this Saturday, March 28th at Ledgerfest. Need not be present to win.
Spread The Word! SMSA Is Hosting An Open House!
You’re invited to join us for our St. Mary’s Springs Academy Open House for grades P3–12 on Wednesday, April 1st (no joke!) from 4:00–6:30 PM. Please share this information with friends and family interested in learning more about SMSA!
During your visit, you’ll be able to:
- Tour the school and meet teachers across all grade levels
- Connect with current students
- Learn more about the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program (WPCP)
- Create an art project in our elementary Art Room
- Visit the Library
- Explore a High School Science Project
You may enter through either school entrance (North or South Hall). To help us prepare for your visit and make your experience as meaningful as possible, please take a moment to click the link and complete our short form: https://forms.gle/JSxUkbrHjUzzfgFQ7
SMSA Skate Day is coming!
Enjoy your day off of school on Monday, April 6th at our SMSA Skate Day at Korneli’s on the Avenue from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm! All students 3k through 8th grade are invited. There will be a $5.00 admission fee and a $3.00 skate rental fee. You are welcome to bring your own skates. The concession stand will be open to purchase food as well as the arcade games will be available to play. No RSVP needed. Students must be accompanied by an adult. We hope you can join us for a fun filled afternoon!
Help Us Recognize Outstanding SMSA Faculty & Staff - Nominations Now Open
Dear SMSA Faculty & Staff and Current Parents,
Each day at St. Mary’s Springs Academy, we are blessed by faculty and staff who go above and beyond in service to our students, families, and our mission of providing an outstanding Catholic education on the Ledge. As we approach the end of the school year, we invite members of our community to help recognize those individuals whose dedication, faith, and commitment have made a meaningful impact during this school year through the St. John Baptist de La Salle Awards.
These awards recognize excellence among our SMSA faculty and staff and include the following recognitions:
• St. John Baptiste de La Salle Elementary Faculty Award
• St. John Baptiste de La Salle High School Faculty Award
• St. John Baptiste de La Salle Staff Award
Nominations may be submitted by SMSA faculty & staff and current parents. If a member of our faculty or staff has made a meaningful impact on your family or the broader SMSA community, inspired learning, or embodied the mission and spirit of SMSA, we encourage you to take a few moments to share your nomination.
The nomination window will be open from March 19 through April 3.Please use the link below to submit a nomination:
The nomination form includes a few short questions that help us better understand the impact of the person you are recommending. Thank you for helping us celebrate the incredible faculty and staff who help make St. Mary’s Springs Academy such a special community.
With gratitude,
Stacey Akey
President
St. Mary’s Springs Academy
President
St. Mary’s Springs Academy
8th Grade Girls High School Scholarship Opportunity
Over the past years, the Milwaukee Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women (MACCW) has been a strong and faithful supporter of Catholic education. While attending a Catholic high school can be a significant financial commitment for families, it is an investment that offers lasting value.
For the Fall of 2026, MACCW will award four $2,000 scholarships to four deserving young women who plan to enter a Catholic high school within the Archdiocese.
Please help us spread the word to eligible daughters, granddaughters, nieces, and friends’ or relatives’ children. Applicants may have attended public or private schools or been homeschooled during their elementary years.
Scholarship Requirements
Applicants must:
- Reside within the Archdiocese of Milwaukee
- Plan to attend an Archdiocesan Catholic high school
- Complete the official application form
- Write a 500-word essay responding to one of the two questions provided on the application
- Submit one letter of recommendation from a non-relative
Applications and full details are available at maccw.com.
All applications and letters of recommendation must be postmarked by Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Scholarship recipients will be notified by phone by Monday, May 4, 2026.
The deadline is quickly approaching, so please encourage interested students to apply as soon as possible.
For questions, please contact the MACCW Scholarship Chair:
Beatrice Sikorski at 262-363-4312 or Jenny Moyer at 414-248-3310.
Beatrice Sikorski at 262-363-4312 or Jenny Moyer at 414-248-3310.
Dave Stetter Environmental Education Scholarships & Camp Opportunities
Fond du Lac County Bird and Nature Alliance (formerly Audubon) is offering Dave Stetter Environmental Education Scholarships for the summer of 2026. Dave Stetter, a science teacher at Goodrich High School, highly valued hands-on environmental education for instilling conservation values. The Wisconsin Land and Water Conservation Association sponsors summer camps that offer such experiences. Middle school youth (entering grades 6-8 in fall) may attend the at Camp Lakotah, Wautoma, from June 28-July 1. High school students entering grades 9-12 in the fall are eligible for scholarships to at North Lakeland Discovery Center from North from June 15-18. See camp brochures and details at: https://wisconsinlandwater.
Scholarships cover camp fees and parents are expected to provide transportation to/from the camp. To obtain a Dave Stetter EE Fund application visit the Fond du Lac County Audubon webpage: https://fdlaudubon.org/wp-
The scholarship application/instructions are listed below. Scholarship applications are due on April 30, 2026.
2026 Conservation Camp Scholarship Information
Dave Stetter Environmental Education Scholarship Application
Questions may be directed to Margie Winter (jmwinter@charter.net or 920-517-5416) or Kathleen Stetter (krstetter@gmail.com or 920-410-7768).
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!!