Principal’s Desk News & Information Upcoming Dates School Care News
Elementary (P3-8) & Childcare
Jan 23
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Ensuring a Safe and Efficient Drop-Off Zone
As we navigate our mornings, it’s important to remember the safety of our children and show an example of the Ledger Way. To help ensure everyone’s safety and minimize any potential accidents, and keep traffic moving, please observe the following guidelines:
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Use the Hug-and-Go Drop-Off Zone: This lane is designed for quick drop-offs. If your child is able to get out on their own, please pull up to the curb furthest forward in the Hug and Go lane, let them exit, and continue on. This helps maintain the flow of traffic and keeps the area safe for everyone.
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Use Parking Spaces: If you wish to walk your child into the building or need to assist them with getting out of the car, please park in one of the designated parking spaces in the middle section of the parking lot. This ensures that cars in the Hug and Go lane can flow as intended and keep our children safe.
- Avoid Letting Children Out in the Driving Lanes: For the safety of all, please avoid letting children out of the car in the driving lanes. Ensure they are exiting the vehicle only in the designated drop-off areas and after you’ve completely parked.
By following these simple instructions and being mindful of the Ledger Way Core Values, we can help ensure a smooth, safe drop-off process for our community. Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our children safe!
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 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 Heather Reilley, Director of Pupil Services.
Sophia M. (Grade 3) – Sophia is a friend that is always willing to help out a classmate or her teachers. She works hard in the classroom by participating and sharing her ideas. You will always see a smile on her face.
Briella B. (Grade 3) – Briella is a kind friend who is always willing to help out when needed. She works hard and is a great leader in our classroom.
Lily B. (Grade 3) – Lily is a quiet leader. She is an excellent model of helpfulness, politeness, and has an eagerness to learn.
Maeda R. (Grade 4) – Maeda shows learning by working hard and putting forth her best effort. She is always willing to share her ideas. Maeda is also a quiet leader, who respects her classmates and is willing to work with anyone.
Alayna R. (Grade 4) – Alayna shows great leadership in our classroom community. She shows her faith by making everyone feel welcome and included.
Dylan A. (Grade 4) – Dylan is always willing to help out when needed. He participates in class and is responsible by having his work done on time.
Sophia N. (Grade 5) – Sophia consistently demonstrates respect and kindness in her interactions with others. She actively assists her peers and contributes to group efforts. She is punctual and responsible, always completing her assignments on time, which showcases her strong work ethic and commitment to excellence.
George B. (Grade 5) – George is an excellent student and musician. He leads by example and is respectful to all adults and classmates. His work is carefully completed and he asks questions for clarification.
Olivia D. (Grade 5) – Olivia is respectful and kind to everyone. She shows effort and pride in all of her assignments and projects. She is a wonderful example of someone living the LedgerWay.
Catholic Schools Week
Sunday, January 26 – Celebrating Your Parish
- Springs’ families to attend the 10:00 AM mass at Holy Family wearing Spirit Wear tops and dress pants/skirts.
- Bishop Schuerman will celebrate the Mass along with Fr. Kevin Durand
- Students, faculty, and staff will serve in liturgical roles as able (serving, ushering, lectoring, and choir)
- Any interested students in grades 3 to 8 are invited to join the children’s choir to sing at this mass.
- President Akey will offer our words of gratitude to Holy Family for their ongoing support of SMSA.
- Donuts/coffee will be served following Mass with SMSA volunteers to serve.
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.
Ledgerfest Class Auction Donations
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!
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
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.
January 26 – February 1, 2025 – Catholic Schools Week
May 28 – Kindergarten – Eighth Grade Mass & 8th grade graduation at Holy Family at 9:00 am
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