Principal’s Desk News & Information Upcoming Dates School Care News
Elementary (P3-8) & Childcare
Mar 5
SMSA Families,
As we enter the final trimester of the school year, I want to express my sincere appreciation for your ongoing support and collaboration. Your involvement is crucial to our students’ success, and together, we can create a meaningful school experience.
As we begin our third trimester, families can gain insight of last trimester via the use of Skyward. Report cards will be available for digital signing and access in Skyward on March 4th. To view your child’s report card, please follow these steps:
Log into Family Access.
Click on the Portfolio tab on the left side.
Find your child’s name.
Under Description, locate the document labeled “Report Card” for the current term.
Click the document title; the Electronic Signature box will appear.
Click “View Report” to see your child’s report card.
After reviewing, check the box, “I Agree.”
Click “Submit Signature” when you are finished.
At SMSA, student learning remains one of our top priorities. If you have any concerns or questions about your child’s learning, please reach out to their teachers during business hours to schedule a conference. We encourage strong partnerships to support student achievement.
Forward testing for Grades 3 – 8 will occur from March 24th to April 9th. Please ensure your child(ren) are present to facilitate a successful testing experience. Students will need wired earbuds or headphones for part of the Forward Exam.
Next week, our campus will be closed for spring break, providing everyone an opportunity to reflect, relax, and recharge. This time away allows us to appreciate the small educational moments each day on the Ledge, and we are grateful for the dedication of our teachers and staff as they invest their skills and hearts in shaping the future. May this break allow all of us to spend quality time with loved ones, step away from the school routine, reflect on our growth this year, and rest as we prepare for the exciting conclusion of the school year!
During this Lenten season, please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. My hope is for families to take time to recognize one another and cultivate gratitude. Let us remember that we are cared for every day. Thank you for your continued support in making SMSA a nurturing and thriving community. I look forward to our continued collaboration and the positive impact we can achieve together for our students.
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 is Kelly Mueller, Athletic Administrator.
Rylen P. (P3) –Rylee is respectful, kind, and always willing to help! She builds community by asking others to play and she is empathetic and inclusive to all of her classmates. Rylee’s friendship and love for learning does not go unnoticed!
Liliana N. (4K) –Liliana is always respectful, she loves to learn, and always does a beautiful job on her work. She always looks for ways to be a helper to her teachers and her friends, is a kind friend, and creates community in our classroom by including everyone in play. Liliana is a great example of faith in action and is always demonstrating our Ledger core values in the classroom.
Briggs S. (Kindergarten) –Briggs is always respectful and kind to everyone he meets. He is always putting in his best effort in all he does. He never gives up no matter how hard things may be for him. I love how he wants to be friends with everyone around him and tends to show extra kindness to those in need!
Emma P. (Grade 1) –Emma comes to school with a smile. She is respectful and kind. She loves to learn and always tries her best. She is a great role model.
Evelyn M. (Grade 2) –Evelyn is constantly living our core values by always putting others before herself. She has the kindest heart and is a strong leader.
Brandon S. (Grade 3) –Brandon is a great role model when it comes to our core values here at school. He is a polite and respectful student to all. Brandon loves to challenge himself and is always willing to help others.
8th Grade Girls High School Scholarship Opportunity
Over the past years, the Milwaukee Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women (MACCW) has been a strong and faithful supporter of Catholic education. While attending a Catholic high school can be a significant financial commitment for families, it is an investment that offers lasting value.
For the Fall of 2026, MACCW will award four $2,000 scholarships to four deserving young women who plan to enter a Catholic high school within the Archdiocese.
Please help us spread the word to eligible daughters, granddaughters, nieces, and friends’ or relatives’ children. Applicants may have attended public or private schools or been homeschooled during their elementary years.
Scholarship Requirements
Applicants must:
- Reside within the Archdiocese of Milwaukee
- Plan to attend an Archdiocesan Catholic high school
- Complete the official application form
- Write a 500-word essay responding to one of the two questions provided on the application
- Submit one letter of recommendation from a non-relative
Applications and full details are available at maccw.com.
All applications and letters of recommendation must be postmarked by Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Scholarship recipients will be notified by phone by Monday, May 4, 2026.
The deadline is quickly approaching, so please encourage interested students to apply as soon as possible.
For questions, please contact the MACCW Scholarship Chair:
Beatrice Sikorski at 262-363-4312 or Jenny Moyer at 414-248-3310.
Beatrice Sikorski at 262-363-4312 or Jenny Moyer at 414-248-3310.
Dave Stetter Environmental Education Scholarships & Camp Opportunities
Fond du Lac County Bird and Nature Alliance (formerly Audubon) is offering Dave Stetter Environmental Education Scholarships for the summer of 2026. Dave Stetter, a science teacher at Goodrich High School, highly valued hands-on environmental education for instilling conservation values. The Wisconsin Land and Water Conservation Association sponsors summer camps that offer such experiences. Middle school youth (entering grades 6-8 in fall) may attend the at Camp Lakotah, Wautoma, from June 28-July 1. High school students entering grades 9-12 in the fall are eligible for scholarships to at North Lakeland Discovery Center from North from June 15-18. See camp brochures and details at: https://wisconsinlandwater.
Scholarships cover camp fees and parents are expected to provide transportation to/from the camp. To obtain a Dave Stetter EE Fund application visit the Fond du Lac County Audubon webpage: https://fdlaudubon.org/wp-
The scholarship application/instructions are listed below. Scholarship applications are due on April 30, 2026.
2026 Conservation Camp Scholarship Information
Dave Stetter Environmental Education Scholarship Application
Questions may be directed to Margie Winter (jmwinter@charter.net or 920-517-5416) or Kathleen Stetter (krstetter@gmail.com or 920-410-7768).
Wisconsin Her Day Teen Summit
4‑H Program for Fond du Lac County offers several hands‑on, curiosity‑sparking opportunities for youth in grades K–8
4-H LEGO Club
Meets the 4th Tuesday, 6:30–7:30 PM
Each month, youth leaders introduce building techniques, creative challenges, and hands‑on design activities. All materials are provided, making this a great entry point for young builders interested in STEM and creative problem‑solving.
Junior Master Gardener (JMG) Club
Meets every other Thursday
- 4:00–5:30 PM during the school year
- 1:00–2:30 PM during the summer
JMG offers a fun blend of gardening, science, healthy living, and teamwork. Youth plant and care for their own garden, explore nature, try simple kitchen activities, and enjoy creative projects throughout a 15‑week season.
New 4‑H Wildlife Club
Meets Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:00–7:00 PM
(Feb 19, Mar 10, Mar 31, Apr 14, May 14, Jun 11)
Perfect for kids who love the outdoors! Youth discover Wisconsin wildlife, try hands‑on projects like Pop Can Casting and building Fish Hotels, and explore the Gottfried Prairie & Arboretum.
Wildlife Club Promotional Flyer
4‑H In‑School & After‑School Clubs
We also offer flexible, ready‑to‑run classroom clubs led by trained 4‑H staff and volunteers—ideal for enrichment periods, after‑school programs, or integrated classroom learning.
Topics include:
• STEM & engineering
• Healthy living
• Leadership & teamwork
• Agriculture & natural sciences
• Creativity & problem‑solving
To explore curriculum or schedule a club, please contact:
Misty Jimenez, 4‑H Program Educator
misty.jimenez@wisc.edu
More information: https://fonddulac.extension.
Middle School Cheerleading Important Information
Dear Parents/Guardians of Current Grade 4-7 SMSA Students Interested in SMSA Middle School Cheerleading for Fall of 2026:
I am very pleased and excited to announce that I will again be the volunteer Middle School Cheerleading Head Coach for St. Mary’s Springs Academy for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year. This program is open to St. Mary’s Springs Academy students who will be in Grades 5-8 during the 2026-2027 school year. Clinics/practices and cheering for middle school football games will begin in August, 2026.
I am a current SMSA parent (George currently in grade 6 and Janie in grade 4) and attended St. Mary’s Springs High School Class of 2001. I participated in cheerleading while in middle school and at St. Mary’s Springs and loved the experience! My mother, Gail Kraig, serves as my assistant coach. She was a cheerleader throughout college and has coached cheerleading for a total of over 40 years at area Catholic schools, including St. Mary’s Springs High School. We are excited to work together again this year to continue the success of the Middle School Cheerleading program! Last year, a record number of 38 middle school students participated in cheerleading!
To find out more information on the program and to sign up to participate in Middle School Cheerleading, a parent, and the interested student, currently in Grades 4-7, MUST ATTEND ONE OF THE TWO available MANDATORY informational meetings which will take place at Holy Family Church Parish Hall (271 Fourth Street Way; enter doors to the left of the Church near the sign “Parish Office”) on either of the following dates:
- Sunday, May 17, 2026 from 6:30-7:30 PM
- Monday, May 18, 2026 from 6:30-7:30 PM
IMPORTANT–PLEASE NOTE: SIGN UP FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL CHEERLEADING WILL CLOSE AFTER THE FINAL MEETING ON MAY 18. THE ONLY EXCEPTION FOR LATE SIGN-UP WILL BE FOR STUDENTS WHO NEWLY ENROLL AT SMSA AFTER THE DEADLINE DATE.
There will be one squad of cheerleaders and there will be a schedule for cheering at designated Grades 5-8 SMSA home football games, which generally take place on Tuesdays and/or Saturdays, from August through mid-October.
At the informational meeting we will discuss our “vision” for the program this year, the clinics, practices and game schedules, uniforms, clothing requirements, rules and behavior expectations, etc. We will leave ample time to answer any questions parents and students might have regarding Middle School Cheerleading. Please note that you must attend one of the two meetings, even if your child participated in cheerleading before at SMSA, as we always have new information to share every year and new forms that you will need to complete!
Please put the following dates on your calendar for the MANDATORY pre-season Middle School Cheerleading CLINICS (held in Baker Gym):
Saturday, August 8, 2026:
- 4:00-7:00 pm—This clinic is for Grade 5 Cheerleaders and any Grade 6-8 new cheerleader who did NOT participate in cheerleading during the previous 2025 season at SMSA.
Sunday, August 9, 2026:
- 4:00-7:00 pm—This clinic is for ALL Grade 5-8 Cheerleaders
Friday, August 14, 2026:
- 4:00-7:00 pm—This clinic is for ALL Grade 5-8 Cheerleaders
Sunday, August 16, 2026:
- 4:00-7:00 pm—This clinic is for ALL Grade 5-8 Cheerleaders
Friday, August 21, 2026:
- 4:00-7:00 pm–This clinic is for ALL Grade 5-8 Cheerleaders
Regular Practices during the school year will be as follows:
- Fridays –3:30-5:00 pm (starts on August 28)
- Sundays –2:00-4:00 pm (starts on August 30)
- There are no practices on Labor Day weekend (9/4-9/6)
As soon as we receive the game schedule from the football coaches, we will send it to all cheerleading parents.
In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact me at kraigbembenista@gmail.com, or call or text me at (920) 263-8255.
We look forward to meeting you and your middle school student at one of the two informational meetings and to provide the best possible cheerleading experience for your child this coming school year!
Sincerely,
Lindsey Kraig Bembenista, Head Coach
Gail Kraig, Assistant Coach
Football Fundamentals Camp (5th-8th Grade)
Registration is now open for the 2026 Summer Football Fundamentals Camp!
The Football Fundamentals Camp is a non-contact camp with emphasis on skills that make the game of football safer and more fun to participate in.
Click Here – Football Fundamentals Camp Registration
100% Tuition Credit Campaign Kick Off
You Are Invited! Ledgerfest 2026 is Gearing Up for a Slam Dunk!
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
Get ready… this event is sure to be a slam dunk!
It’s going to be a night you won’t want to miss!
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
March 9-13, 2026 – No School – Spring Break
March 28, 2026 – Ledgerfest
April 3 & 6, 2026 – No School – Easter Break