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

Dear SMSA Families,
We hope this newsletter finds you well and enjoying the beautiful fall season! As we settle into the rhythm of the school year, we are grateful for the many ways you support our students and contribute to the spirit of our SMSA community. Together, we are creating an environment where our students feel valued, discover their God-given strengths, and grow into confident, compassionate leaders. Thank you for being such an important part of this journey!

Principal’s Pen Breakfast Program!
We are excited to begin our Principal’s Pen breakfast celebrations beginning the week of October 5th! This special initiative celebrates students who bring the Ledger Way Core Values to life through their everyday actions and choices.

Students will be nominated by our faculty and staff for demonstrating our Core Values, with a special emphasis on Leadership. Leadership is not simply about being in charge or standing in front of a group. It is about taking responsibility, serving others, making positive choices, showing courage, and using our God-given gifts to make a difference in the lives of those around us.

SMSA will host two Principal’s Pen breakfasts each month, providing an opportunity to recognize students who exemplify these values. Each breakfast will also feature guest SMSA speakers who will share meaningful stories and reflections connected to our Core Values.

We look forward to celebrating our students and highlighting the many ways they lead through kindness, service, perseverance, and responsibility. These moments remind us that leadership often begins with small, intentional choices that have a lasting impact on others. We are excited to recognize our young leaders and encourage every Ledger to discover the difference they can make!

Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences
We look forward to welcoming families to our Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences on October 21 and 22, 2026, from 3:40–6:00 PM. These evenings offer a valuable opportunity to celebrate student accomplishments, discuss areas for continued growth, and strengthen the partnership between home and school. When students, families, and teachers work together, we create a strong foundation for learning, personal responsibility, and leadership. By encouraging students to reflect on their progress, set goals, and take ownership of their learning, we help them develop the skills and confidence to lead with purpose.

As a reminder, Skyward will send parents/guardians an email message on October 5th regarding the conference scheduling process. Parents and guardians can begin scheduling conferences through Skyward starting Monday, October 5. We look forward to connecting with you and continuing our shared commitment to each child’s growth and success!

Guest Lunch Visits
We love seeing families connect with their children during the school day! When a student has a guest for lunch, we offer two options:
Guests may sit at the typical lunchroom tables with their child and alongside other students. Guests and their child may dine together at an individual table designated for them. on the west side of the cafeteria.

Please remember that outside food should only be shared between the visiting guest and the child they are visiting. Thank you for respecting these guidelines and helping us maintain a welcoming, positive, and inclusive lunchroom environment for everyone.

Leading Together, Growing Together
At SMSA, we believe leadership is something every student can practice, regardless of age or experience. It begins with how we treat others, the responsibility we take for our choices, and the willingness to use our gifts in service to our community. As parents and educators, we have the privilege of modeling these qualities and encouraging our students to do the same.

Thank you for your continued partnership in nurturing young people who are rooted in Christ’s teachings, committed to academic excellence, and prepared to lead with faith, humility, and compassion. We are blessed to be part of such a caring community and look forward to celebrating many more student accomplishments together!

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

Our Scholastic Book Fair is coming to SMSA during the week of October 19th. The book fair will be located in the Multi-Purpose Room on the 4th floor. The book fair will be open on October 20th – 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm, October 21st – 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm, October 22nd – 7:00 am – 8:00 am & 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm. We are also looking for volunteers to help at the book fair. If you are interested in helping with set up/take down or volunteering, please use this link to sign up: https://signup.com/go/cLVBKoB . Bonus this year if you volunteer, you will receive $10.00 for each hour to be used at the book fair. We hope to see you there! Any questions, please contact Liz Dodd, lizdodd331@gmail.com. Thank you so much!

The National Honor Society is sponsoring a Coats for Kids Drive at SMSA from Monday, September 28th through Friday October 30st. Each fall The Salvation Army collaborates with schools, agencies, and communities to collect requests for new and used winter outerwear for families in need. They also organize the county’s largest winter outerwear distribution. We are asking for donations to help The Salvation Army to ensure they can provide coats for everyone who needs one. Donation boxes will be located at the north and south hall offices.

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!!

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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October 1-2, 2026 – In-Service – No School

October 5-9, 2026 – Homecoming Week

October 21-22, 2026 – Parent/Teacher Conferences

October 23, 2026 – No School –  In-Service – Elementary Students Only

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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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