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

Dear St. Mary’s Springs Academy Families,

Advent is a time for preparation and happiness, and this week marks the Third Week of Advent. We light the pink candle, known as the Shepherd’s Candle, symbolizing the joy the shepherds felt at Jesus’ birth. This week is also referred to as “Gaudete Sunday,” a wonderful reminder to contemplate the joys in our lives and how we can bring joy to others.

As we move towards the Fourth Week of Advent next week, we will light the final purple candle, the Angel’s Candle, symbolizing love. Next week, let us celebrate the boundless love that God has for us, demonstrated through the birth of His Son and the good news delivered by the angel Gabriel.

Thank you once again for attending the Christmas concert(s). Last week began on Tuesday with the kindergarten through fourth grade presented a wonderful program filled with the theme of bells that rang the sounds of peace, hope, and love. On Wednesday morning, we were fortunate to witness the talents of our little Ledgers in our Early Childhood Program. Wednesday evening, fifth through eighth graders showcased their musical talents in a delightful band and choir concert. Each concert brings a gift to us. I love to see the gift of learning and growth. We get to see the progress our students make throughout the years through a musical lens. May the joy shared at these events remain in your heart through the end of the Advent season and accompany you throughout the Christmas season.

As Christmas approaches, I want to express my sincere gratitude for sharing the gift of your child(ren) with our Ledger community. Raising children can be challenging at times, yet the joy and blessings they bring into our lives far outweighs those challenges. Every milestone, from their first step to stepping into high school, is a treasure we deeply cherish. I encourage you to spend this Christmas with your children because one of the greatest gifts we can give is acknowledging them as a gift from God.

As we celebrate this joyful season, we look forward to continuing our collaboration in 2026. Thank you for being an integral part of our St. Mary’s Springs Academy family community. See you in 2026 and until then be safe and let your light shine.

Peace Be with You,
Steven Kelnhofer
Elementary Principal, SMSA

We will be sponsoring a movie, popcorn and pajama day on Tuesday, December 23rd. For a $3.00 donation the students in P3-8th grade will get to watch a film, enjoy a bag of popcorn donated by Faris Popcorn, and wear pjs (P3-5th) or sweats (6th-8th). They may bring in their own 20 ounce or less drink from home.

All the proceeds from the movie and popcorn afternoon will go to help Rashaud. All money needs to be turned in to your child’s homeroom teacher by Friday, December 19th. If your family is unable to contribute at this time, your child will still be able to participate.

Please read below to learn more about Rashaud.
Rashaud is an awesome kid who unfortunately ended up in a terrible drowning accident when he was 8 years old. He spent a month and a half in the hospital and continues to do occupational and physical therapy once a week.

Rashaud is now 11 years old and a 5th grader at Parkside Elementary. He has a heart of gold and a smile that’s contagious. He lights up any room he enters. The funds raised will go towards expanding his sensory corner and his wheelchair van fund.

Your support and prayers for Rashaud and his family are greatly appreciated!

Registration for the 2026-2027 academic school year is open for families with students currently enrolled at SMSA until January 9, 2026. Registration will be completed online through your Family Access account in Skyward. Step-by-step instructions can be found on the website by following the link Online Registration Instructions.

Reminder, Skyward online registration can be completed using your cell phone.

All current families must complete Online Registration for each student.

Log into your Family Access account in Skyward.  If you have misplaced your login credentials for Skyward, please email jpoetzel@smsacademy.org.

Online Registration includes information verification regarding your family and student(s). Registration will open for students not currently enrolled in SMSA in January 2026. Early registration will assist in determining class sizes for the 2026-2027 academic year. The registration fee will become part of your 2026-2027 tuition statement.

Current families must complete registration by January 9, 2026.

If you have questions regarding online registration use this link registration@smsacademy.org.

Click these links to access the following:

• Tuition Policies

• Tuition Assistance

• To enroll a NEW student

• Online Registration Instructions

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

For over fourteen years several SMSA families have sponsored a Christmas Gathering for SMSA teachers, administrators, and staff as a way to show their gratitude. For many families, the contribution was given in place of individual Christmas gifts, or as an added appreciation.
The special luncheon for all the staff to enjoy will be provided during a school day in January.

Please note, this opportunity is optional and offered to any SMSA family that would like to contribute. We ask each family interested in participating for a minimum donation of $50.

Monetary donations for the special luncheon will be accepted through Friday, December 19. Please mail your contribution to Andrea Nuss, W4642 Mill Road, Fond du Lac, WI 54937. Checks may be made payable to Andrea Nuss. If you are interested in paying through Venmo, please send to @Valerie-Everson-4, last 4 digits 3719.

Please address questions to Valerie Everson at valerie@everson-law.com, or to Andrea Nuss at alnuss@charter.net.

Blessings to you during this holiday season!
Andrea Nuss & Valerie Everson

Are any of these items yours? We have lots of beautiful winter coats, Ledger apparel, uniforms, shorts, athletic wear, water bottles…. you name it, we have it! Please check out our lost and found. We will have the lost and found displayed until Dec 23rd. Any items left over will be donated.

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

Starting January 2026 – Volunteers are needed Mondays from Noon – 3:00 p.m.

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.

Planning has begun for our annual Ledgerfest fundraising event—mark your calendars for Saturday, March 28, 2026! You won’t want to miss this exciting evening celebrating SMSA.

Once again, we’re asking each grade level to contribute toward creating some incredible auction baskets. Your support makes a huge difference in making Ledgerfest a success!

If you would like to contribute towards your child’s grade level basket, click this link: https://smsacademy.ejoinme.org/LF26class to donate online. Once you enter a donation amount and click next, please fill in your child’s name and grade level (if you are donating for more than one child, please list each name and grade level along with the amount for each child). If you prefer, you may still send cash or check (payable to Andrea Nuss) in an envelope marked: Ledgerfest/Ashley Lane. Please also indicate your child’s grade level on the envelope.

All contributions are due by Thursday, February 5th. Thank you so much!
If you have any questions, please reach out to your grade-level lead:
P3: Lindsey Pietrowski – pietrowski.lindsey@gmail.com
K4: Allison Geiger – kageiger@att.net
K5: Amy Meyer-Bremer – ameyer17@outlook.com
1st Grade: Betsy Royce – ejmiazga@gmail.com
2nd Grade: Molly Jaster – molly.jaster@gmail.com
3rd Grade: Jourdan Jacobs – jourdanjacobs@gmail.com
4th Grade: Katie Heller – katieheller11@gmail.com
5th Grade: Jenn Ellestad – jenn.ellestad@gmail.com
6th Grade: Andrea Nuss – alnuss@charter.net
7th Grade: Tya Robles – tyajean623@gmail.com
8th Grade: Shannon LaLuzerne – slaluzerne@smsacademy.org
High School (9-12): Andrea Nuss – alnuss@charter.net, Betsey Gitter – kevandbets@gmail.com and Pam Kristmann – pamkristmann@gmail.com

Thank you for your generosity and for helping make Ledgerfest 2026 another amazing celebration of our Ledger community!

Mark your calendars — Ledgerfest is happening Saturday, March 28, 2026!

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

Want in on the action? Join the Ledgerfest Committee!
Help dream up ideas, decorate, and make this year’s event the best one yet. Reach out to Ashley Lane if you’d like to join the team — it’s a total blast and a great way to get involved!

Get ready… this event is sure to be a slam dunk!
It’s going to be a night you won’t want to miss!

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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December 24, 2025 – January 2, 2026 – Christmas Break

January 5, 2026 – School Is Back In Session

January 16, 2026 – BMR Drawing

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Please email extendedcare@smsacademy.org if you have any questions.

Thank you

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