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

Dear SMSA Families,
We hope this newsletter finds you well and enjoying the many blessings of the school year! As we move through the fall, we want to pause and express our sincere gratitude for the many ways you support our students and our SMSA community. Your partnership with our teachers and staff makes a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and helps us create an environment where every Ledger can learn, grow, and discover their God-given strengths.

We are especially excited to share some wonderful news! SMSA was privileged of honoring one of our exceptional educators at the Cor Unum event, celebrated in collaboration with the Holy Family community this week. Congratulations to Mrs. Nichole Lund, our kindergarten teacher, who will be recognized with the Elementary St. John Baptist de La Salle Excellence in Education Award.

Mrs. Lund is a wonderful example of what it means to live out our Core Value of Leadership. She generously shares her gifts and talents with our SMSA community and, most importantly, uses those gifts to make a difference in the lives of our little Ledgers. Through her joyful classroom, genuine care for students, strong relationships with families, and commitment to helping children grow, Mrs. Lund leads by example. She reminds us that leadership is not always about being in front—it is often about serving others, encouraging those around us, and using our God-given gifts to make a positive difference. We are truly blessed to have Mrs. Lund as part of our SMSA family. Please join us in congratulating her on this well-deserved recognition!

Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences
Our Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences will be held on the evenings of October 21 and 22 from 3:40–6:00 PM.
Grades 6–8: Conferences will be held in an open-house format.
P3–Grade 5: Conferences should be scheduled through Skyward with your homeroom teacher and any specials teachers you would like to meet with.

As we get closer to the conference dates, Skyward will send parents and guardians additional information regarding the scheduling process. We look forward to these opportunities to connect with you, celebrate your child’s growth, and work together to identify ways we can continue to support their learning and development.

Strong home-school partnerships are an important part of student success—and an important example of leadership. When families and teachers communicate openly, listen to one another, and work together with the best interests of the child at heart, we model for our students what it means to be responsible members of a community.

Teacher In-Service – October 1 & 2
Please note that SMSA and the Extended Care Program will be closed on October 1 and 2 for teacher in-service. These days provide our faculty and staff with valuable opportunities for professional learning, collaboration, and preparation. We look forward to welcoming our students back on Monday, October 5.

South Hall Entrance
As a reminder, the South Hall entrance and apron at Door 17 is designated as an area for parents and guardians to wait when dropping off or picking up children. We ask that this area remain a safe entrance and exit and not be used as a playground.

For safe play before or after school, please utilize our lower playground as you supervise your child(ren). Thank you for helping us maintain a safe environment by following these guidelines. Choosing to follow shared expectations, even in small moments, is another way we demonstrate responsibility and leadership as a community.

As we continue through the school year, we are excited to see our students grow not only as learners but also as young leaders. Every day provides opportunities for our Ledgers to step forward, serve others, make responsible choices, show kindness, and use their gifts to strengthen our community.

Thank you for being such an important part of the SMSA family. We are grateful to walk alongside you in forming young people who are rooted in Christ’s teachings, confident in their God-given strengths, committed to excellence, and ready to lead with faith and purpose.

We look forward to the wonderful weeks ahead and to continuing this journey together!

Sincerely,
Steven Kelnhofer
SMSA Elementary Principal

It’s Basketball Time! 

Information and Registration Night 

Wednesday, September 23th 6:30 PM 

(Coaches meeting to follow) 

High School Cafeteria

• 1st – 3rd Grade practices 
• 4th Grade team plays Saturday league and 2 tournaments 
• 5th – 6th Grade teams play up to 5 tournaments 
• 7th – 8th Grade teams play up to 7 tournaments 

Membership: 

• 1st – 3rd Grades $50 (includes t-shirt) 
• 4th – 8th Grades $125 + uniform cost 

Membership fees reduced by $25 for each additional family member, excluding 1st and 2nd grades.

Any questions please contact: 

Jamie Zappa jamielynn.zappa@gmail.com 

Patrick Ellestad patrick.ellestad@gmail.com 

Jason Rathke rathkejj24@hotmail.com

Karen Feld karenevelyn85@gmail.com 

Joe Pausha jpausha@aol.com        

Rayce Fleisner rfleisner@badgercorp.com 

Brent Vogelsang BrentVogelsang7@gmail.com

After many years of dedicated service, several of our board members will be stepping down, creating an opportunity for new volunteers to help shape the future of JLBC. 

We are currently seeking additional people to join our team. Responsibilities include helping organize our 1st through 8th grade basketball programs, supporting league operations, and assisting with our 7th and 8th grade boys’ and girls’ tournaments. Proceeds from these tournaments directly benefit SMSA Athletics and help provide opportunities for our student-athletes. Getting involved is the best way to understand what JLBC does and how your talents fit best!

Board meetings are typically held monthly via Zoom, making it easy to participate and contribute. If you are passionate about youth sports and would like to help ensure JLBC continues to thrive for years to come, we encourage you to consider joining our team.

Interested in learning more? Let one of us know. We’d be happy to answer any questions and discuss how you can get involved!

Click Here to Register for JLBC 2026-27

A long standing tradition at SMSA continues again this year with the Christmas Card Fundraiser, in which students in Grades 4 through 8 will be creating and selling handmade Christmas Cards. These cards will be sold for $2.00 each by the St. Mary’s Springs families after all the masses at Holy Family Parish sites on Saturday, December 5th and Sunday, December 6th. We will also be having a movie and popcorn afternoon, the day before Christmas Break, where students can bring in a donation to watch the movie of their choice and enjoy popcorn. Everyone will be able to participate, whether they bring in a donation or not. All proceeds from the card sale and movie/popcorn will go to benefit a local child (Fond du Lac County) and his/her family, who is currently or has had medical concerns/conditions.

If you know of a child and their family that you feel is deserving of a nomination, please click here to fill out the form. All nominations will be reviewed and a recipient will be chosen by random draw.

EAA Aviation Museum is offering exciting STEM learning opportunities for students and families.

This is a six-week Aviation After-School Club for grades 3-8 which will provide hands-on experiences with flight simulators, rocketry, robotics, and aviation career exploration.

• Grades 6-8: Mondays, October 5 – November 9, 2026
• Grades 3-5: Tuesdays, October 6 – November 10, 2026
• Time: 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
• Cost: $30 for all six sessions

EAA is also hosting Space Day again this year, on October 24^th, 2026. This family-friendly event is designed for families and features a variety of space-themed activities and experiences.

Click below to learn more about these exciting opportunities!

Fall 2026 EAA After School Club

Space Day 2026 EAA

Are you looking to get more involved at SMSA? Join our Parent Connectors Group! Our group organizes events for our SMSA Families as well as supports our fabulous SMSA Staff throughout the year! If you have a child(ren) in P3 – 5th Grade, you received a volunteer form to fill out. Please fill this out and return it to school. If your youngest child is 6th grade or older, please use this link, https://forms.gle/m5vP4m7FtFcA2qVP8 to fill out the form. We appreciate all of our volunteers! We couldn’t do what we do each year without you! Only one form needs to be filled out per family. If you have been a part of group in the past, please still fill out the form as a new email group gets created each year. All forms are due by Friday, September 4th. If you have any questions, please email Andrea Nuss, alnuss@charter.net. Thank you so much! Have a wonderful school year!

Parent Connectors Volunteer Form 2026-2027

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 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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