Principal’s Desk News & Information Upcoming Dates School Care News
Elementary (P3-8) & Childcare
Oct 23
Dear SMSA Families,
We hope this newsletter finds you well and thriving! As we embrace the changing season, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for your continued support and partnership. Together, we are creating a nurturing environment for our children to learn and grow.
Celebrations from the Week
On October 23rd, SMSA proudly celebrated Red Ribbon Day, a day dedicated to promoting safe and healthy choices. This year’s theme was “Life Is a Puzzle, Solve It Drug Free.”
Remember, every choice you make is an important piece that shapes your future. By choosing to stay drug-free and live healthily, you create a picture filled with hope, courage, and strength. Together, as Ledgers, we can build a bright and connected community where everyone feels supported and valued. Let’s put the pieces together, one healthy choice at a time!
As we approach the end of our first trimester, please note that it officially closes on November 19th, which is only about three weeks away. Skyward is our primary communication tool to display the learning happening at SMSA for your child(ren). If you haven’t yet interacted with Skyward regarding your child(ren)’s progress, it may be time to look at Skyward or ask for support if you need to learn more about Skyward and it’s amazing functions.
Halloween Celebrations:
Our P3 – Grade 5 Halloween classroom parties will be held on October 31st. Please check in with your child’s homeroom teacher for more details.
Grades 6-8 will celebrate Halloween at our Middle School Halloween Party on October 31st during the last hour of the school day. A big thank you to our Parent Connectors for supporting these activities!
Note: Parents must be SEE trained to attend Halloween activities at SMSA.
Don’t forget, our annual Trunk or Treat will take place on October 30th in the South Hall upper parking lot. Please make sure you are registered and SEE trained for this fun event if you have decided to hand out candy! Let’s make it AWESOME for the children.
We are grateful for the strong partnership we share with our families. Your ongoing support plays a crucial role in our community and in the success of our students. Thank you for being an integral part of our SMSA family! We look forward to continued collaboration as we support our children’s education together.
God Bless,
Steven Kelnhofer
skelnhofer@smsacademy.org
Elementary Principal, SMSA
Trunk or Treat
There is still time to register to host a truck or treat car on Thursday, October 30, 2025. Register today to spread some spooktacular fun and share some yummy treats with our little ghosts and goblins.
Ordering Yearbooks
Did you order a yearbook for your child yet? If not, please use the QR code to order your yearbook today. All orders are due on November 6th.
Coats for Kids
The National Honor Society is sponsoring a Coats for Kids drive at school. Each fall, The Salvation Army works with schools, agencies and community to collect requests for new/used winter outerwear for families in need & organizes the county’s largest winter outerwear distribution. We are asking for donations to help The Salvation Army have a coat for everyone who needs one. You can drop off your item in the boxes by the South and North office by October 31st.
Library Volunteers Still Needed
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
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.
Junior Legers Basketball Club
It’s Basketball Time!
- Coaching and skill development
- 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 are reduced by $25 for each additional family member, excluding 1st and 2nd grades. Any questions please contact:
Mike Heaney heaney.reconstruction@gmail.com
Patrick Ellestad patrick.ellestad@gmail.com
Jason Rathke rathkejj24@hotmail.com
Karen Feld karenevelyn85@gmail.com
We are looking for additional board members. This year specifically a tournament logistics person. Let one of us know if you are interested in becoming a board member.
Who Will Win $20,000?! BMR Tickets on Sale NOW!
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
Middle School Musical Parent & Student Informational Meeting
The Middle School Theatre Department is excited to announce this year’s production: Fame JR.! Following the success of the motion picture, television series, and stage show, Fame has become a worldwide phenomenon. Fame JR. features a high-energy pop score (including the iconic title song) and a heartfelt coming-of-age story.
Set in the early 1980s at New York City’s celebrated High School for the Performing Arts, the musical follows a diverse group of students as they dedicate themselves to four years of demanding artistic and academic work. With humor, honesty, and plenty of music and dance, Fame JR. explores the challenges and triumphs many young people face today.
Workshop/Auditions: October 28–30, 3:30–5:00 PM. Students must attend all three workshops, even if they plan to be part of the backstage crew.
Parent Volunteers: Please remember that all parents must be SEE trained in order to help with the production. If you have questions, contact Pat or Cassie in the office.
We are so excited for this year’s show and can’t wait to see our students shine on stage!
Mrs. Packer & Ms. O’Brien
Would you like to get involved at SMSA?
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!!
Refer-A-Family Program - Earn $500 Towards Tuition
October 27, 2025 – No School – Faculty In-service
October 30, 2025 – Trunk or Treat
October 31, 2025 – All System Mass