Principal’s Desk News & Information Upcoming Dates School Care News
Elementary (P3-8) & Childcare
Feb 26
Dear SMSA Families,
I hope this message finds you well and joyful. As we progress through the school year, I want to express my deep gratitude for your dedication and support in creating a nurturing environment for our children to flourish.
Last week, we observed Ash Wednesday, marking the start of our Lenten journey. This week we are blessed to make a trip to Holy Family for a field trip to visit the Madre Padgrinda. A special and heartfelt thank you to Holy Family for making this possible. Let’s make the most of our Lenten time by engaging in sacrifice, prayer, and acts of charity. Every small act of kindness can create a pattern of holy moments, enriching our world this Lenten season.
The second trimester concludes on February 27th. It’s a perfect time to log into Skyward to review your child’s progress. Report cards will be available on Skyward on March 4th at 3:00 PM. Please remember to digitally sign report cards on Skyward to access the achievements of the second trimester.
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; an Electronic Signature box will appear.
– Click “View Report” to see your child’s report card.
– After reviewing, select the “I Agree” box.
– Click “Submit Signature” when finished.
Forward testing for Grades 3 – 8 is scheduled from March 24th to April 9th. Please help ensure a smooth testing experience by having your child(ren) present during this period. Additionally, students will need wired headphones for part of the Forward Exam.
During this Lenten season, please know that I am keeping you and your families in my prayers. Let’s work together to cultivate gratitude and truly recognize one another. Thank you for your continued partnership with SMSA. Together, we are setting the path for our children to achieve their incredible dreams.
God Bless,
Steven Kelnhofer
Elementary Principal, SMSA
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.
Solo & Ensemble Volunteers Needed
SMSA is hosting the Flyway Conference Solo & Ensemble Music Festival on February 28th, 2026. This is for MS and HS music students to perform. We are looking for volunteers to sign up for a shift to make this event a success. Students looking for service hours can sign up as well!
Click the link below to sign up for a slot: https://signup.com/go/zWZzhDS
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
April 3 & 6, 2026 – No School – Easter Break