Principal’s Desk News & Information Upcoming Dates School Care News
Elementary (P3-8) & Childcare
Apr 18
Dear Parents/Guardians,
April of 2024 is moving quickly as we continue to celebrate the Easter season. As we head towards the month of May, we recognize May tends to be a busy month filled with faith celebrations, field trips, field days, spring MAP testing, SMSA Showcase event, eighth grade graduation mass and many other opportunities on the Ledge. We are excited for these many opportunities to learn, play and pray together as a Ledger community to conclude our school year.
Volunteering
Field trips are one of many ways a parent may volunteer at SMSA. If chaperoning a field trip is of interest to you, please keep watch for communication from your child’s classroom teacher for dates and further information that is needed to chaperone on a field trip. To chaperone a field trip, volunteers need to have gone through the course of SafeGuarding God’s Children or SEE training and have SMSA run your background check. If you have not already completed the training please contact the Business Office for more information to become SEE trained.
Last Day of School Extended Care Information
The last full day of school is fast approaching. After school care will be available for those that are registered for this program for the last day of school as it’s a whole day of school. Due to this being new to us we are asking parents to sign up in the childcare room in the coming weeks if your student or students will need to use after school care on May 29th so we may staff appropriately. The hours are (3:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.). Please use the sign up sheet or E-mail Ms. Tracey.
Drop off and Pick up Safety
For reasons of safety, SMSA asks you to use the Hug and Go lanes, both in front of North Hall and in front of South Hall as intended. Please do not drop off or pick up your child or children at intersections of our parking lot. It’s noticed that children are being dropped off and picked by incorrect locations at SMSA. This type of behavior and decision making is not safe for students or convenient to our drop-off/pickup process. The main area of concern is the middle main driveway coming towards SMSA off HWY K. This intersection is not a drop off/pickup zone. Please help us stay safe and be a responsible SMSA community member by following the appropriate process in place. Thank you fin advance for supporting the community and choosing to be an example of correct and considerate driving behavior.
Thank you for your continued partnership with SMSA. Together we create a path for tomorrow’s children to achieve amazing dreams.
God Bless,
Steven Kelnhofer
Elementary Principal, SMSA
Principal's Pen Award Winners!
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. K and Mr. Fisher and special guest, receives a certificate with a brief sentence on how they followed The Ledger Way, and a principal’s pen.
This week’s Special Guest were members of SMSA’s Business Office. This week’s Principal Pen award winners are:
Ben M. (6th grade)– Ben exemplifies the principles of the Ledger Way – Faith, Learning, Respect, Leadership, Community and Responsibility – in both social studies and religion. One aspect I particularly admire is his diligence in ensuring all tasks are completed before indulging in leisure time.
Alex S. (6th grade) – Alex is an enthusiastic learner on the Ledge, demonstrating exceptional dedication. He consistently engages in his learning, submits his work punctually, and executes tasks with remarkable proficiency, showcasing his commendable sense of responsibility. Moreover, Alex exudes respect throughout SMSA’s halls, embodying a truly admirable quality.
Eleanor B. (6th grade) – Eleanor is extremely respectful and always ready to learn. She is a leader at SMSA by always trying her best and leading by example. She is always prepared for math and science. She is a very responsible student. Our SMSA community is lucky to have her!
Lauren T. (7th grade) – Lauren is a very sweet girl who is always putting her best effort forward. I am impressed with her work ethics in class and her kindness to others. She is a great example of learning, respect, and responsibility on the ledge. I love having her in class.
Alexander S. (7th grade) – Alex is a great volunteer who shares his faith with others whether it is serving for Mass or leading the rosary in class. Alex also challenges himself in class to learn new material, participates well in class, and is responsible for completing his work on time. Alex is a pleasure to have in class!
Knox C. (7th grade) – He is responsible by turning in his work on time and well done. He shows respect while working with his group in class and working with me, his teacher. He is extremely polite. He always asks nicely with “please” and adds “thank you.” He shows leadership when he willingly shows his work at the board in front of the class. His presence is a model of Christian community.
Cailyn W. (8th grade) – Cailyn is an awesome all around student. She is responsible, helpful, respectful to all, and shares her deep faith. She is truly a joy to have in class.
Adelyn S. (8th grade)– Addie is a shining example of the Ledger Way core values. She is a diligent student who puts her best effort into all of her school work and makes her learning a priority. Her strong work ethic and commitment to our core value of responsibility will ensure her continued success into high school!
Cecilia C-B(8th grade) –CC shows the Core Values of Learning and Leadership by being willing to participate in class, showing enthusiasm in her religion projects, and coming up with creative ideas that she shares with her small groups.
Safe Environment Awareness Week
During the month of April, which is known around the country as child abuse prevention month, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee recognizes April 22th – April 26th as Safe Environment Awareness Week. St. Mary’s Springs Academy wants families to know that we are committed to maintaining safe environments in our school through adult child abuse prevention training; criminal background checks for all clergy, volunteers working with minors, and employees; safety training for children in each grade level; and adhering to all mandatory reporting requirement laws.
This year join, help St. Mary’s Springs Academy mark our support for child abuse prevention by wearing the color blue on Monday, April 22nd. This would be a blue top (spirit-wear or other) with uniform pants. Wearing blue helps remind us and encourage others to prevent child abuse and support healthy children and families.
Middle School Musical
SMSA’s Middle School Presents Moana Jr. This thrilling and heartwarming coming-of-age story follows the strong-willed Moana as she sets sail across the Pacific to save her village and discover the truth about her heritage. Moana and the legendary demigod Maui embark on an epic journey of self-discovery and camaraderie as both learn to harness the power that lies within. With empowering messages of bravery and selflessness, Moana JR. is sure to bring out the hero within each of us.
Please join us on Friday, April 26th at 7 pm or Saturday, April 27th at 1 pm or 7 pm. The show will be presented at Theisen Middle School and tickets can be purchased at Hometown Tickets.
Herb Herro Scholarship - Now Accepting Applications - Due Tuesday, April 30th at Noon
The Herb Herro Scholarship is offered to current 8th grade SMSA students, who intend to continue their SMSA journey in high school.
The scholarship is financial need-based, meaning that students/families must demonstrate financial need by way of completing the tuition assistance application which is currently open (click here) and prior to Beginning of May when interviews take place. In addition, students must complete an application/essay and obtain two letters of recommendation.
This award is a four-year commitment, typically anywhere from a 1/4 scholarship to a full-scholarship, renewable each year. Recipients are required to maintain a quarterly 3.0 grade point, complete 20 annual hours of community service, and show active participation in their parish to maintain their award from year to year.
Applications are confidential and managed in the SMSA Advancement and Business Offices. A special committee will read these applications, and if selected to move on to the next round, students will be called in for a formal interview with our panel. If selected to interview, we will share more information about the date, location and time via email.
Please return your completed application and two letters of recommendation by Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at noon. These can be emailed to Chris Decker at cdecker@smsacademy.org or mailed/delivered to:
St. Mary’s Springs Academy
Attn: Chris Decker
255 County Road K
Fond du Lac, WI 54937
Click here to download the Herb Herro Scholarship Application.
Click here to download the Herb Herro Scholarship Recommendation Form.
Fond du Lac Children's Museum - DINOSAUR DISCOVERY - Friday, April 19, 2024
The Fond du Lac Children’s Museum invites you to unearth fun during their special Dinosaur Discovery! Explore the fascinating world of dinosaurs, discover real fossils, and enjoy prehistoric crafts and activities, plus a special presentation led by Paleontologist Nick of the Dinosaur Discovery Museum!
Save the Date! 8th Grade Ledger Legacy Club (LLC ) Pizza Ranch Fundraiser - May 6, 2024!
Grades 5-8 Spring Concert Information
Our 5th-8th Grade Concert will be on Monday, May 13th in Hutter gymnasium, at 6:30pm.
Students who are in BAND will report to the band room at 6:00pm and CHOIR ONLY students will report to the gym at 6:10pm.
All 7th and 8th grade BAND students should wear all black, and grades 5th and 6th grade BAND students should wear Sunday’s Best, no jeans or sweats.
All CHOIR ONLY students should wear Sunday’s Best, no jeans or sweats.
Concert times are 1:00pm and 6:30pm.
This is a graded event. All students are expected to participate.
Thank you!
Christa Lewis and Gerry Scudella
Save the Date...SMSA Student Showcase & Glow Show Art Display are coming!
Save the Date……Our SMSA Student Showcase (3K – 8th Grade) & Glow Show Art Display are back by popular demand…Wednesday, May 15th from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm (Open House Style). Glow Show Art Display will open at 3:15 pm once middle schoolers have been dismissed. A time to celebrate all of their hard work this school year! Your child(ren) will walk you through school showing you their best work in their classrooms, enjoy a prayer in the chapel, see their amazing artwork displayed at the Glow Show, stop in the music room & enjoy a sweet treat. It is going to be an “out of this world” event and we hope you can join us! No RSVP needed.
Are YOU are next SMSA Book Fair Chairperson?
The bi-annual book fair, sponsored by the Parent Connectors, is a beloved event at SMSA and we are looking for a new chairperson to lead the way into the future.
If you have elementary-aged children, would you consider chairing it? The only requirements are that you love books and are SEE-trained. Our upcoming Spring Book Fair is a great way to get your feet wet and shadow our current chair before leading the next fair in Fall 2024. You will have the support of past Book Fair Chairs, Parent Connectors, our SMSA Volunteer Community, and a Scholastic Rep to help you on your way, so you are not in it alone.
Please contact the current parent Host, Emily Adams, if you would like to learn more.
Emily Adams / SMSA Scholastic Book Fair Host
emilycainadams@me.com.
Bus Route Transportation 2024-2025
Fond du Lac School District (FDL-SD)
Transportation is provided on school buses contracted through a private bus company. It shall be furnished to elementary students (K-5) whose residences are outside the city limits for the city of Fond du Lac and who live two (2) or more miles from the school which they attend. Secondary students (6-12) living in rural areas more than two miles away from their attendance area school are eligible for transportation.
Families with eligible students that will need bus transportation next fall will be required to complete the FDL School District bus transportation card. The bus card is available on the SMSA website or at the South Hall office. A bus card is required for every new eligible child in the family. If your children currently ride the school bus a new bus card is not required for the next school year.
FDL-SD is requesting all Route bus transportation cards be completed and returned by May 15, 2024.
Return completed bus card to:
Carol Ellestad – cellestad@smsacademy.org
Or
FDL School District
Pupil Services/Transportation
72 W Ninth Street
Fond du Lac , WI 54935
For more information go to the FDL-SD website.
Who to Contact:
For more information regarding eligibility, please contact Wendy Burgess at 920-906-6524.
Bus Routes:
For information regarding routes, please contact Johnson Bus Company at 920-921-3003.
Staff Appreciation Week is coming!
Staff Appreciation Week is coming up, May 6th -10th!! Planning is underway for this special week for our SMSA Staff and our Parent Connectors Group is looking for monetary donations of any amount to assist with events that will be happening throughout that week. One very popular day for our staff is the luncheon we host for them.
If you would like to contribute towards events for the week, you can either send cash or check to school in a sealed envelope with “Staff Appreciation Week- Andrea Nuss” written on it (checks payable to Andrea Nuss) or Venmo @Jeff-Nuss-3 (last four digits -4355).
All contributions are due by Wednesday, May 1st. We greatly appreciate your support during this wonderful week honoring our fabulous SMSA Staff! Also, be watching for more details regarding the events that will be happening in the upcoming weeks! Thank you!
SPEED Camp - Summer 2024 Information
Sports Performance Enhancement & Explosive Development (SPEED)
Summer Sports Performance Camp
June 10 to July 25, 2024
Speed Camp Middle School Registration
Refer-A-Family Program
WI Parental Choice Program Opens February 1, 2024
The WI Parental Choice Program (WPCP) online application period will open February 1, 2024 and will close on Thursday April 18, 2024.
The DPI requires current Choice families to fill out the application for the 2024-2025 school year. Filling out the application for next school year (2024-2025) informs the DPI that you want to receive your Choice voucher for 2024-2025. If the DPI does not receive an application from a current Choice family the DPI assumes that you do not want the voucher for the next school year and your voucher will not be renewed.
New and current families must electronically submit their application here.
Current Choice families are not required to provide income documentation.
NEW families, applying for a school voucher, must be income eligible to apply. The following income limits have been posted for 2024-2025:
Family Size Maximum Yearly Income*
1 $32,076
2 $43,384
3 $54,692
4 $66,000
5 $77,308
6 $88,616
For each additional member in a family add $11,308.
Family income includes the income of the student’s parent(s)/legal guardian(s) that reside in the same household as the student.
Current Choice families are not required to provide income documentation. Proof of residency documents are required for current and new families.
WI Parental Choice Program information is available on our SMSA website by going to the Enroll tab at the top.
Questions about WI Parental Choice Program (WPCP) can be directed to:
Carol Ellestad
SMSA Choice Designee
Parents of Performing Arts
The Spring HS Musical: The Hunchback of Notre Dame Friday, April 19-21: 7 PM Friday and Saturday, 1 PM Sunday at NFDL HS.
The Spring MS Musical: Moana, JR Friday, April 26 at 7 PM, Saturday, April 27 at 1 PM and 7 PM at Theisen MS.
All tickets can be purchased at Hometowntickets.com.
Join us on the third Wednesday of each month for the PPA meeting. All parents who have children in Middle School or High School music are encouraged to attend.
Last meeting of the school year:
Tuesday, May 14, 2024 Note the change in usual day
All meetings will be held at 6 pm in the Lauby Lounge (first floor teacher lounge).
Contact Anne Brunette (6brunettes@charter.net) with any questions about the PPA!
April 19, 2024 – No School – In-service day
April 26-27, 2024 – Middle School Musical
May 15, 2024 – Student Showcase
Change in E-mail address for Child Care -before/afterschool care- Extended Care
Registration for SMSA’s Extended Care Program can be done online through your Skyward Family Access account.
This is the new email extendedcare@smsacademy.org. Please use this email moving forward.
Thank you