Principal’s Desk News & Information Upcoming Dates School Care News
Dear Ledger Families,
As we enter the final weeks of our first trimester, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing support and partnership. It is your engagement that makes our school community thrive!
The first trimester officially closes on November 19th. Skyward grades will be turned off for parent view on November 19th. Families with students in grades 1-8 will receive digital report cards through Skyward on November 24th to view the report cards. Please electronically sign the report card in Skyward. Families of P3 through Kindergarten students will receive hard copy semester report cards on January 23rd.
As we move forward, we are grateful for the strong partnership we share with you, our wonderful families. Thank you for your ongoing support in making Ledger School a warm and welcoming place for our students.
Wishing you all a joyful and productive week ahead!
God Bless,
Steven Kelnhofer
Elementary Principal, SMSA
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 is Mr. Eamonn O’Keeffe, High School Administrator.

Janie B. (Grade 4) -Janie truly exemplifies what it means to encompass the SMSA Core Values on a daily basis. Janie is a faith-filled student who models after Jesus in word and action. She always does her best work. Janie is helpful in the classroom and is kind to others.
Avery H. (Grade 5) -Avery truly is an example of how a student can live the LedgerWay. She is respectful and inclusive when interacting with others. Avery applies herself daily, often going above and beyond what is asked of her.
George B. (Grade 6) -George consistently shows respect and kindness toward his teachers and classmates. He demonstrates his faith through his actions and approaches learning with curiosity and effort. George takes his responsibilities seriously and can always be counted on to do his best.
Annaleigh S. (Grade 7) -Annie truly shines in how she lives out the SMSA values of faith and community. She is prayerful during class intentions and is always the first to offer a kind word or a helping hand to both teachers and classmates.
Isaac S. (Grade 8) -Isaac always tries his best in class and he is an awesome example of living by the core value of faith. He volunteers to participate in every mass and helps out whenever needed.
As the 8th grade class gears up to host this year’s Elves R Us, they are looking for brown grocery bags with handles or any other large bags with handles to help with transporting of gifts. They are also in need of packing supplies for breakable or delicate gifts.
These items can be dropped off at the North or South Hall offices, please make sure to mark them for ELVES! Thank you!
The students in grades 4-8 at St. Mary’s Springs Academy have created unique and original Christmas cards. These cards will be sold for $2.00 after the Masses at Holy Family Parish sites on Saturday, November 22nd and Sunday, November 23rd. All proceeds from the Christmas Card Sale will benefit The Rashaud Reynolds family.
Rashaud is an awesome kid who unfortunately ended up in a terrible drowning accident when he was 8 years old. He spent a month and a half in the hospital and continues to do occupational and physical therapy once a week.
Rashaud is now 11 years old and a 5th grader at Parkside Elementary. He has a heart of gold and a smile that’s contagious. He lights up any room he enters. The funds raised will go towards expanding his sensory corner and his wheelchair van fund.
Please click here to sign up to sell the cards after one of the Masses. This is a wonderful opportunity for service hours!
Your support and prayers for Rashaud and his family are greatly appreciated!

Start your Christmas season off with a fun-filled afternoon with our SMSA Families! Our SMSA Parent Connectors group will once again be hosting The LedgerExpress: A Christmas Celebration on Sunday, December 7th, from 1:00 pm-2:30 pm. Wear your pajamas or dress in holiday gear, enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, make a Christmas craft, take pictures at our photo station, make a treat & play some holiday games. The event will be held in Baker Gym & the Commons Area. Your child brought home the reservation form earlier this week. Please RSVP by Tuesday, November 25, 2025, to reserve your LedgerExpress ticket. We hope to see you there!
Click here to Print the RSVP Form
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Andrea Nuss, alnuss@charter.net.
We are currently looking for regularly scheduled and sub volunteers to assist our students in the library during the following times:
* Wednesdays: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
* Thursdays: 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM
* SUBS various times of the week/month as needed
Starting January 2026 – Volunteers are needed Mondays from Noon – 3:00 p.m.
Why do we love having regular volunteers?
Because our students love forming connections with their library helpers! When you’re here regularly, you get to know the students—their personalities, their interests, and their favorite books. It’s a wonderful opportunity to build relationships and help guide young readers by recommending books you know they’ll enjoy.
Whether you’re a parent, or grandparent, your time makes a big difference. If you love books and enjoy working with kids, and are SEE trained we’d love to have you on our library team!
Contact Lisa at library@smsacademy.org with any questions or for more information.

Who will win $20,000 this year!?
The BMR cash raffle is one of only three major fundraisers for SMSA that involves EVERY family, Pre-K through 12th grade. Each family receives 5 BMR tickets to sell and/or purchase.
Tickets have been distributed to the youngest child per family in our System. Please be sure to check their backpacks or ask them if they were handed your families tickets after school.
Please review the information included in the envelope regarding this fundraiser. Sold tickets may be returned to school with your child, or to the North, South or Scrip offices any time before the live noon drawing on Friday, January 16, 2026.
If you have any questions, or if you would like to purchase additional tickets, please contact a member of the BMR committee, listed below.
Valerie Everson
920.251.3719
Stephanie Fessler
920.960.0556
Katie Mathos
920.979.6757
Lisa Shannon
920.539.2892

Mark your calendars — Ledgerfest is happening Saturday, March 28, 2026!
We are bringing all the fun, energy, and team spirit you can handle — it’s sure to be a night full of laughs, cheers, and good times!
Location: FCC (400 University Dr. Fdl)
Time: Doors open at 5:00 pm
Want in on the action? Join the Ledgerfest Committee!
Help dream up ideas, decorate, and make this year’s event the best one yet. Reach out to Ashley Lane if you’d like to join the team — it’s a total blast and a great way to get involved!
Get ready… this event is sure to be a slam dunk!
It’s going to be a night you won’t want to miss!

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!!