From the Desk of Steve Kelnhofer - Elementary School Principal

Dear Families,
We hope this newsletter finds you well and filled with joy. As we approach the month of February, we are excited to share some important announcements and celebrations from our school community. Your continued support and partnership mean the world to us!

 

Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences
Our second set of Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences is scheduled for Wednesday, February 5th. These conferences were either recommended by the teacher or scheduled by the parent/guardian. Thank you for partnering with us as we move learning forward! A shout out to our Parent Connectors for organizing the snacks provided at parent/teacher conferences.

 

Valentine’s Day Celebration
Valentine’s Day is around the corner! We will be celebrating on February 14th in our classrooms. Our little Ledgers will bring their valentines, bright smiles, and warm hearts as they eagerly share all three with their peers and teachers. These simple actions offer the opportunity to reflect upon the Heart of Christ. Each day, Jesus continues to pour out His heart for us. He loves us and calls us to be in relationship with Him. Through the actions of children giving and receiving tokens of kindness, we can see a model of the Heart of Christ in relationship. Jesus says, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Kindness is a small moment that makes a big impact in someone else’s day—a beautiful lesson to remind us of the Ledger Way at many levels.

 

Please connect with your classroom teacher if you wish to support Valentines parties. As a reminder you must be SEE trained to engage in our classrooms in this way. We want to remind everyone of the importance of our school-family partnership. Your involvement and support play a vital role in our students’ education and development. We are grateful for all you do to help us foster a nurturing and engaging learning environment.

 

Did you know we have seven Masses on campus throughout the week? One Mass is held for each grade level, beginning in Third grade. Families are always welcome to attend! For more information, please visit the South Hall office.

 

As we move forward, we look ahead with excitement for the opportunities to collaborate and celebrate together. Thank you for your ongoing support in making our school community a wonderful place for our children to learn and grow.

 

God Bless,
Steven Kelnhofer
Elementary Principal, SMSA

 

 


 

News and Information

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 was Kelly Mueller, Athletic Administrator.

 

James M. (P3) – James is an outstanding example of our core value of learning. He is always engaged in the learning for the day, loves to ask questions and seeks out answers!
Abram G. (P3) – Abram shows kindness to his friends and teachers. He is always willing to help others and is a great listener.
Briggs S. (K4) – Briggs is a quiet, kind and gentle soul who is a friend to everyone and always tries his best.
Elliana M. (K4) – Elliana shows her faith in many ways in the classroom through her participation in daily prayer and showing her excitement to learn about God and Jesus. She is a great role model and shows her love of God every day!
Brooks F. (Kindergarten) – Brooks has a big heart. He is kind and respectful and is always lending a helping hand to anyone in need. He is a great friend.
Olive G. (Kindergarten) – Olive demonstrates kindness and respect every day. She is very polite and loves to help her friends whenever needed.
Weslynn G. (Kindergarten) – Weslyn loves to learn and share all she knows. She is polite, helpful, and always does her best. She never gives up and is so excited each and every day to learn all she can.
Miri W. (First Grade) – Miri works hard in the classroom. She is a joyful friend to everyone, and she is a quiet leader.
Hayes W. (First Grade) – Hayes is an outstanding friend to everyone. His kindness is remarkable, and he is always ready to help anyone in need. With a fantastic sense of humor, he eagerly embraces each school day and is fully prepared to learn. As a strong leader and an inspiring role model, he consistently shows respect and demonstrates responsibility and safety at all times. Keep up the excellent work, Hayes!
Raymond B. (First Grade) – Raymond is a very respectful boy with a kind heart. He is a good friend to everyone. He is a great listener and is always trying his best.
Wyatt S. (Second Grade) – Wyatt is a responsible learner. He shares and asks questions. He gives his best effort and always has a smile on his face!
Jude G. (Second Grade) -Though Jude is quiet, he has leadership qualities. He leads by example. Jude is always ready to learn, follows rules and listens to the teacher. He is very responsible and respectful. Jude is such a joy to have in my classroom.
Matthew F. (Second Grade) – Matthew loves to learn and share the information he has acquired. He is a great friend to all and makes everyone feel welcomed. Matthew is kind and respectful to adults and his peers.

 

 


 

Last SEE Training of the School Year!

Mark your calendars for February 19, 2025! Join us at SMSA from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM for the final Safe Environment (SEE) Training of the school year. This important session is a must for all who need certification.
Don’t miss out—ensure you’re ready for field trips, classroom activities, athletic coaching and more!
Register by clicking here.

Lost and Found Items!

This is a friendly reminder to look at the LOST & FOUND for your child’s things in the South Hall. We have shoes, coats, jackets, hats, mittens, gloves, water bottles, lunch bags, sweatshirts, pants, shorts, shirts, and everything in between. All items will be donated if not claimed by February 10th.

 

 


 

Ledgerfest Class Auction Donations - Deadline to Donate February 20, 2025

Your support makes a BIG impact! The Ledgerfest Silent Auction’s success is thanks to amazing contributions like Class Baskets, one of our top fundraisers! Your donation could TRIPLE its value, directly benefiting SMSA and your student.

 

Donate HERE, or send cash/check (attention: Ashley Lane/LF25). Don’t forget to include your child’s grade with your donation. Thank you!

 

 


 

Middle School Musical

Sister Act Jr
Based on the hit 1992 film and Tony-nominated Broadway musical, Sister Act JR. is a feel-good musical comedy that will have audiences jumping to their feet! Featuring original music by Alan Menken (Newsies, Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors). When disco diva, Deloris Van Cartier, witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in the one place the cops are sure she won’t be found: a convent! Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and uptight Mother Superior. Using her unique disco moves and singing talent to inspire the choir, Deloris breathes new life into the church and community but, in doing so, blows her cover. Soon, the gang is giving chase, only to find them up against Deloris and the power of her newly found sisterhood.

 

Filled with powerful gospel music, outrageous dancing, and a truly moving story, Sister Act JR. will leave audiences breathless. A sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, Sister Act JR. is a reason to REJOICE!

 

The musical is presented by St. Mary’s Springs Academy Middle School, and directed by Sonya Packer and Michelle O’Brien. All ages are welcome. The shows are Friday, February 28th at 7 pm; Saturday, March 1st at 7 pm; and Sunday, March 2nd at 1 pm. The shows will be performed at Prairie Theatre at 400 University Dr., Fond Du Lac.

 

Tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for students and seniors. Purchase your tickets at Hometowntickets.com.

 

 

 


 

Girls on the Run Registration

We’re excited to announce that Girls on the Run (GOTR) is returning for another season at SMSA! GOTR is a national nonprofit program that inspires girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident using fun lessons that creatively integrate running. This program empowers girls in grades 3–5 to build social, emotional, and physical skills that will help them navigate life’s challenges. Each practice includes engaging discussions focused on important topics like self-confidence, teamwork, and goal-setting, followed by fun physical activities to build endurance for a celebratory, non-competitive 5K event in May. No running experience is needed—just a positive attitude and a willingness to have fun! Registration is open from January 22 – February 7, and participants are selected through a lottery system managed by GOTR of Fond du Lac County on February 13. Don’t miss this amazing opportunity for your daughter to grow, connect, and shine!

 

For more details, please click here to view the flyer, or contact Mrs. Anderson (site liaison) at landerson@smsacademy.org.

 


 

Refer-A-Family Program

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

 

Click Here to Learn More!

 

 


 

Volunteers NEEDED!

As SMSA’s winter sports begin, please click on the links below to sign up to help with admission and concession stands at both the boys’ and girls’ home basketball games.

 

Boys Hoops Sign Up

 

Girls Hoops Sign Up

 

 


 

Upcoming Dates

February 6 & 7 – No School – Teacher In-service

May 28 – Kindergarten – Eighth Grade Mass & 8th grade graduation at Holy Family at 9:00 am

 

 


 

Before/After School Care News

Extended Care for the 2025-2026 academic year

Registration is upon us for Extended Care 2025-2026 school year. A friendly reminder when registering for Extended Care there is a $100.00 non-refundable registration fee.

 

In order for your child/children to have a saved spot in extended care this fee will need to be paid at the time of registration. Checks can be made payable to SMSA (Extended Care) to the south office. Reminder, spots fill up quickly.

 

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

 

Thank you

 


 

 

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