Principal’s Desk News & Information Upcoming Dates School Care News
Elementary (P3-8) & Childcare
Apr 16
Dear Parents and Guardians,
April is flying by as we continue to observe the Easter season. With May approaching, we know the month will be full of activities: faith-based celebrations, field trips, field days, spring MAP testing, the SMSA Showcase Event, the K–8 eighth-grade graduation mass, and many other events on the Ledge.
We look forward to these opportunities to learn, play, and pray together as the Ledger community as we wrap up the school year. Thank you for joining us in these celebrations!
Parents can support SMSA in many ways, including chaperoning field trips and volunteering during field day. If you are interested in serving as a chaperone or volunteering, please watch for messages from your child’s classroom teacher with dates and chaperone/volunteer requirements.
All field trip chaperones and field day volunteers must complete or have gone through the Safe Environment Education (Safe Guarding God’s Children / SEE) training, and SMSA will conduct a background check. If you have not yet completed the training, contact the Business Office for details on how to become SEE-trained.
Last Day of School — Extended Care: As we think about the final full day of school, please note that after-school care will be available on May 29th. To help us plan staffing, sign up in the extended care room or email Ms. Tracey in the coming weeks if your student(s) will need care that day.
We appreciate your continued support in making SMSA a nurturing place for our children. Together, we help prepare our students to pursue their dreams.
Thank you for your partnership. We look forward to working with you in the weeks ahead.
God bless,
Steven Kelnhofer
Elementary Principal, SMSA
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 attended a special breakfast with Mr. Kelnhofer, Mr. Thuerwachter and a special guest. They also received a certificate with a brief sentence on how they followed “The Ledger Way,” and a principal’s pen. This week’s special guest speaker was Greg Brunette, Director of Business Operations at SMSA.
Emma O. (Grade 4) -Emma is faith filled in following the footsteps of Jesus in words and in actions. She displays learning by always putting forth her best effort. Emma is a good leader by helping others and volunteering ideas in the classroom.
Layne T. (Grade 5) -Layne embodies the principles of the Ledger Way in her daily life. With a strong sense of respect and kindness, she interacts with everyone around her, treating each person with genuine care. No task is too daunting for her; she consistently completes her work on time, demonstrating her commitment and reliability. She is always eager and ready to lend a helping hand to others whenever they are in need.
Lauren K. (Grade 6) -Lauren is a hardworking and dependable student who is always willing to help her teachers and peers. She shows great leadership qualities and respect for our school community, while also taking responsibility for her learning by completing assignments on time and seeking a better understanding when needed.
Asher W. (Grade 7) -Asher models our core values of community and leadership. He is inclusive, helpful, and contributes thoughtful questions to our classroom discussions. He always has a positive spirit and leads by example!
Jillian R. (Grade 8) -Jillian is a very hardworking student who is a leader and is always willing to assist others, including teachers. She shows great character qualities and exemplifies our core values here at SMSA.
Safe Environment Awareness Week & Child Abuse Prevention Month
During the month of April, which is known around the country as child abuse prevention month, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee recognizes April 19th – 25th as Safe Environment Awareness Week. St. Mary’s Springs Academy wants families to know that we are committed to maintaining safe environments in our school through adult child abuse prevention training; criminal background checks for all clergy, volunteers working with minors, and employees; safety training for children in each grade level; and adhering to all mandatory reporting requirement laws.
This year, help St. Mary’s Springs Academy mark our support for child abuse prevention by wearing the color blue on Monday, April 20th. This would be a blue top (spirit-wear or other) with uniform pants. Wearing blue helps remind us and encourage others to prevent child abuse and support healthy children and families.
In addition, your child will continue to receive support through SMSA’s counseling department, including lessons on topics such as online safety, healthy relationships, communication, emotional regulation, and bullying prevention (etc.) Some of these lessons, particularly those focused on abuse prevention, are part of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee’s required “Circle of Grace” curriculum. This program fulfills the Archdiocese’s Safeguarding Our Youth requirement.
Thank you for your continued support and for allowing us to partner in providing a safe environment for your child(ren)!
For more information, please see the resources below.
5-Ways-to-Protect-Your-Children-From-Abuse
Staff Appreciation Week is coming!
Planning is well underway for our SMSA Staff Appreciation Week, May 4 -8, 2026 and we are in need of our SMSA Families help! We will once again be having a special staff luncheon during this week to show our appreciation for our amazing SMSA Staff. We are looking for families to contribute monetarily towards this meal and other items for the week. If you would like to help with this, you can either send cash/check (payable to Andrea Nuss) in a sealed envelope with Staff Appreciation/Andrea Nuss on it or Venmo @Jeff-Nuss-3 (4355 – last four digits). All contributions will be due by Friday, May 1st. If you have any questions, please email Andrea Nuss, alnuss@charter.net. Please watch for more details in the eLedger regarding Staff Appreciation Week at the end of April. Thank you so much for your help in making this week extra special for our SMSA Staff!
Staff Appreciation Committee
2026 Conservation Camps
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
May 12, 2026 – 5th-8th Grade Spring Concert
May 18-22, 2026 – Book Fair
May 20, 2026 – Student Showcase
May 25, 2026 – No School – Memorial Day
May 27, 2026 – 8th Grade Graduation
May 29, 2026 – Last Day of Classes (PreK-7th)