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

Dear SMSA Families,
As we embrace the vibrant spirit of our SMSA community, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your continued support, generosity, and partnership. Together, we are creating an environment where our students can grow in faith, strengthen their learning, build meaningful relationships, and discover how to lead through their everyday actions.

Happy Halloween, Ledgers!
It was wonderful to see the joy, creativity, and community spirit during our Halloween activities this week! Seeing our Little Ledgers dressed in their imaginative costumes, sharing smiles, and enjoying time together was a great reminder of the special community we are blessed to share.

A heartfelt thank-you to our homeroom parents for supporting our classroom Halloween parties. Your time and willingness to serve help create meaningful experiences for our students. We also extend a special thank-you to our Parent Connectors Committee for helping make our annual Trunk or Treat a fantastic success! Your hard work and generosity bring families together and strengthen the spirit of community that makes SMSA so special.

These acts of service are wonderful examples of our Ledger Way Core Value of Leadership. Leadership is not always about being in the spotlight; it is often demonstrated by stepping forward, serving others, and helping create something special for the people around us. Thank you for modeling these values for our students!

Celebrating Faith and Learning at All-System Mass
On October 30th, we will gather for an All-System Mass, a meaningful opportunity for our SMSA community to come together in faith. We are especially excited for our third graders to share their presentation of the Litany of Saints with our school community.

This is a special milestone for our third-grade students and a beautiful opportunity to recognize the preparation, practice, and dedication that go into such an important presentation. Thank you to our teachers, parents, and students for the time and care invested in this experience.

Their preparation reminds us that leadership grows through commitment, perseverance, and a willingness to contribute our gifts for the benefit of others. As our students learn about the saints and the ways they lived out their faith, they are also discovering how they can lead by example, serve their community, and live according to Christ’s teachings. We are blessed to see our students putting their faith into action!

Finishing the First Trimester Strong!

We are approaching the end of our first trimester, which officially closes on November 17th. This is a great time to reflect on the growth our students have made and encourage them to finish the trimester with purpose, effort, and confidence.

With the Milwaukee Brewers competing on baseball’s biggest stage in the World Series, we have a timely reminder of what it takes to work toward a goal. A successful baseball team does not get to the World Series through talent alone. Players practice the fundamentals, learn from mistakes, encourage their teammates, and continue working hard even when the game gets challenging. Every player has a role, and the team succeeds when everyone takes responsibility for doing their part.

The same is true in the classroom! Learning takes practice, perseverance, teamwork, and a willingness to keep improving. Each assignment, classroom discussion, and opportunity to learn is another chance for our students to strengthen their skills. Leadership means taking ownership of our learning, giving our best effort, learning from setbacks, and encouraging those around us. We want every Ledger to approach the end of the trimester with the mindset of a strong teammate: prepared, persistent, positive, and ready to contribute.

As families, you can help by checking in with your child about their goals, celebrating progress, and encouraging them to reflect on what they have learned and where they can continue to grow.

Skyward is a helpful tool for monitoring your child’s academic progress throughout the trimester. We encourage you to log in, review current information, and reach out if you need assistance navigating the system. When students, families, and teachers work together, we create a strong team committed to every child’s success.

Leading Together, Growing Together
Thank you for the enthusiastic support you provide to SMSA. Whether you volunteer your time, encourage your child through a challenge, support classroom learning, or help strengthen our school community, your actions make a difference.

As we move into the next part of the school year, let’s continue to encourage our students to lead with faith, take responsibility for their learning, persevere when things are difficult, and recognize the value of being part of a team. Just as every player contributes to a winning Brewers baseball team, every member of our SMSA community has an important role in helping our students thrive.

Together, we are forming young people who are rooted in Christ’s teachings, committed to academic excellence, and prepared to lead with purpose, serve with compassion, and make a positive difference in the world.

God Bless,
Steven Kelnhofer
Elementary Principal, SMSA
skelnhofer@smsacademy.org

Click here to purchase your child’s yearbook for the 2026-2027 school year.

Get ready for Ledgerfest Casino Night on Saturday, March 13, 2027!

Once again, our SMSA families are coming together to create AMAZING grade-level themed baskets for the Ledgerfest Silent Auction! These baskets are always a crowd favorite, and we need your help to make them bigger and better than ever!

Every donation, big or small, helps us create incredible baskets while supporting the REAL JACKPOT—our SMSA students!

Ready to Go ALL IN? Here’s How to Donate!

Donate Online: https://smsacademy.ejoinme.org/donateLF27

Enter your donation amount and click “Next.” Please indicate which grade level(s) your donation should support and how much you’d like designated to each.

Venmo: https://www.venmo.com/u/SMSA_Ledgers
Include the grade level(s) and designated amounts in the payment description.

Cash or Check: Make checks payable to SMSA and send in an envelope marked ES Ledgerfest/Ashley Lane. Please indicate the grade level(s) your donation should support. Envelopes can be dropped off at either school office.

Don’t Miss Your Chance to Give!
Donation Deadline: Thursday, November 19!

We’re collecting contributions earlier this year so our basket coordinators can score some fantastic holiday deals (hello, Black Friday!) and make every donated dollar go even further!

Let’s raise the stakes, fill those baskets, and make Ledgerfest 2027 a WINNING night for our students! Thank you for your generosity and support!

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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November 25-27, 2026 – No School –  Thanksgiving Break

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If your child/children are in need of extended care please email Ms. Tracey at (tsaunders@smsacademy.org).

Thank you

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