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

Dear Ledger Families,
As we enter the final weeks of our first trimester, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for your continued support, encouragement, and partnership. The engagement of our families is one of the many blessings that makes SMSA such a vibrant and welcoming community. Together, we are helping our students grow in faith, learning, character, and leadership.

Leadership in Action: A Little Act of Kindness, a Big Impact
One of the most beautiful things about our SMSA community is seeing our students live out the Ledger Way through their everyday actions. Recently, a 5th student noticed a younger Little Ledger who was feeling upset and hesitant to enter their classroom. Rather than simply walking by, this student stopped, offered encouragement, and gently helped the younger child navigate the morning routine by asking thoughtful questions and providing reassurance. With that kindness and support, the younger student was able to enter the classroom and begin the day.

What a wonderful example of our Core Values of Community and Leadership! This moment reminds us that leadership is not defined by a title, age, or position. Leadership is demonstrated when we notice someone who needs help, take the initiative to care for them, and use our God-given gifts to make a positive difference. Sometimes the most meaningful leadership happens in the simplest moments—a kind word, a helping hand, or the willingness to stop and care for another person.

Stories like this warm our hearts and remind us of the community we are building together. We are proud of our students who recognize that being a Ledger means looking out for one another and living the Gospel through acts of compassion and service.

Honoring Our Veterans – Veterans Day
As we recognize Veterans Day on November 11th, we pause to express our sincere gratitude to the men and women who have served our country and to those who continue to serve today. Their courage, sacrifice, and commitment to protecting our freedoms are powerful examples of leadership and selfless service. We are especially grateful to the veterans within our SMSA family and community. May we encourage our students to honor these heroes by expressing gratitude, respecting others, and recognizing the importance of serving something greater than ourselves. We keep our veterans and their families in our prayers and thank them for the freedoms we enjoy each day.

First Trimester Report Cards and Skyward
Our first trimester officially closes on November 17th. As we approach this milestone, we encourage families to reflect with their children on the progress they have made, celebrate accomplishments, and identify opportunities for continued growth.

Please note the following important dates regarding report cards:
November 17th: First trimester concludes, and Skyward grades will be turned off for parent viewing.
November 20th: Families with students in Grades 1–8 will receive digital report cards through Skyward. Please remember to electronically sign your child’s report card.
January 21st: Families of P3 through Kindergarten students will receive hard-copy semester report cards.
Report cards provide an opportunity for students to reflect on their learning, recognize their effort, and take ownership of their next steps. We encourage families to engage in conversations about learning goals, perseverance, and personal responsibility. These are important habits that help students become confident, capable learners and leaders.

Leading Together, Growing Together
As we move forward, we are grateful for the strong partnership we share with you, our wonderful families. Your continued support, engagement, and encouragement play an essential role in helping our students thrive.

May we continue to inspire our students to recognize their God-given gifts, take responsibility for their learning, serve others with kindness, and lead with faith and purpose. Whether through academic effort, acts of kindness, or caring for a classmate, every Ledger has an opportunity to make a meaningful difference.

Thank you for helping make SMSA a warm, welcoming, and faith-filled community where our students are encouraged to live the Ledger Way each day. Wishing you and your families a joyful and productive week ahead!

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

Start your Christmas season off with a fun-filled afternoon! The SMSA Parent Connectors group will be hosting The LedgerExpress: A Christmas Celebration on Sunday, December 13th, from 1:00 pm-2:30 pm. The event will be held in Baker Gym & the Commons Area. Wear your pajamas or dress in holiday gear, enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, make a Christmas craft, take pictures at our photo station, make a treat & play some holiday games. Watch for the reservation sheet in your child’s take home folder. Please send in your RSVP by Thursday, December 3rd to reserve your LedgerExpress ticket. Tickets are $7.00 per child. We hope to see you there!

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Andrea Nuss, alnuss@charter.net.

Ledger Express Reservation Form 2026

Click here to purchase your child’s yearbook for the 2026-2027 school year.

Large Bags with Handles Needed For Elves R US!

As the 8th grade class gears up to host this year’s Elves R Us, they are looking for brown grocery bags with handles or any other large bags with handles to help with transporting of gifts. They are also in need of gift bags of all sizes to use when things cannot be wrapped.

These items can be dropped off at the North or South Hall offices, please make sure to mark them for ELVES! Thank you!

It’s that time of year again!  Time for St. Mary’s Springs Academy’s “Big Money Raffle” (BMR). Who will win $20,000 this year!?

This cash raffle is one of only three major fundraisers for SMSA that involves EVERY family, Pre-K through 12th grade. Each family receives 6 BMR tickets to sell and/or purchase.  Tickets are being distributed this year as follows:

• If your youngest child attending SMSA is in grades P3 – 5th grade, you will be receiving your tickets at conferences on either October 21 or October 22 from your child’s homeroom teacher. If your youngest child attending SMSA is in grades 6th – 8th, members of the BMR committee will be handing out tickets in the middle school hallway during conferences. If your youngest child attending SMSA is in 9 – 12th grade, your tickets will be coming home with your child.
• Any remaining tickets that were not distributed at conferences will be sent home with your youngest child at SMSA. Please be sure to check their backpacks.

Please review the information included in the envelope regarding this fundraiser.  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 15, 2027.

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

Katie Mathos

920.979.6757

Lisa Shannon

920.539.2892

Get ready for Ledgerfest Casino Night on Saturday, March 13, 2027!

Once again, our SMSA families are coming together to create AMAZING grade-level themed baskets for the Ledgerfest Silent Auction! These baskets are always a crowd favorite, and we need your help to make them bigger and better than ever!

Every donation, big or small, helps us create incredible baskets while supporting the REAL JACKPOT—our SMSA students!

Ready to Go ALL IN? Here’s How to Donate!

Donate Online: https://smsacademy.ejoinme.org/donateLF27

Enter your donation amount and click “Next.” Please indicate which grade level(s) your donation should support and how much you’d like designated to each.

Venmo: https://www.venmo.com/u/SMSA_Ledgers
Include the grade level(s) and designated amounts in the payment description.

Cash or Check: Make checks payable to SMSA and send in an envelope marked ES Ledgerfest/Ashley Lane. Please indicate the grade level(s) your donation should support. Envelopes can be dropped off at either school office.

Don’t Miss Your Chance to Give!
Donation Deadline: Thursday, November 19!

We’re collecting contributions earlier this year so our basket coordinators can score some fantastic holiday deals (hello, Black Friday!) and make every donated dollar go even further!

Let’s raise the stakes, fill those baskets, and make Ledgerfest 2027 a WINNING night for our students! Thank you for your generosity and support!

• Read more HERE
• Scholarship Application HERE
• Applications and details are also available at MACCW.com (Under Awards).

All applications, essays and letters of recommendation must be received
by March 29, 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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November 25-27, 2026 – No School –  Thanksgiving Break

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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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