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

Dear SMSA Families,
As we enjoy the beauty of fall, we are grateful for the strong partnership we share with our families. Every day, our SMSA community provides opportunities for students to grow in faith, strengthen their learning, develop their character, and discover how they can lead through their words and actions. Thank you for the many ways you support our students, teachers, and the mission of St. Mary’s Springs Academy!

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Parent Connectors!
A special shout-out and heartfelt thank-you to our Parent Connectors Committee and the wonderful volunteers who provided special treats for our teachers during both evenings of Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences. Your thoughtfulness and generosity were a meaningful reminder of how much our community values and supports our educators.

Your willingness to serve is a beautiful example of Leadership in Action. Leadership is not always about being in charge; often, it is about recognizing a need, stepping forward, and finding ways to encourage and support others. Thank you for sharing your time, talents, and hearts with our SMSA family. We are blessed by your generosity!

Red Ribbon Day: Be a Hero, Live Drug Free!
On October 26, SMSA will proudly celebrate Red Ribbon Day, a day dedicated to promoting safe, healthy choices. This year’s theme is “Be a Hero, Live Drug Free.”

Every choice we make helps shape the person we are becoming. Choosing to live a healthy, drug-free life takes courage, personal responsibility, and the confidence to make decisions that support our well-being and future. These choices are also an important part of leadership. When students make positive decisions, encourage their peers, and stand firm in what they know is right, they become leaders who can make a meaningful difference.

Together, as Ledgers, we can build a community where everyone feels supported, respected, and valued. Let’s put the pieces together, one healthy choice at a time!

First Trimester Ends November 17th

The end of our first trimester is November 17th, just a few weeks away! As we approach this milestone, we encourage families to take time to reflect on the learning and growth that have taken place since the beginning of the school year.

Skyward is our primary tool for communicating and monitoring student progress. If you have not recently reviewed your child’s progress, now is a great time to log in and explore the information available. If you need assistance navigating Skyward or understanding its features, please reach out for support.

Regularly checking in on student progress helps families and teachers work together to celebrate successes, identify areas for growth, and establish meaningful next steps. We can also help students develop leadership by encouraging them to take ownership of their learning, reflect on their effort, and recognize the responsibility they have in their own growth. Thank you for partnering with us in this important work!

Halloween Celebrations
We look forward to celebrating the Halloween season with our students on Friday, October 30th!

P3–Grade 5 Classroom Parties: Parties will take place on October 30th. Please check with your child’s homeroom teacher for classroom-specific details.
Grades 6–8 Middle School Halloween Party: Middle school students will celebrate during the last hour of the school day on October 30th.

A big thank-you to our Parent Connectors and volunteers who help make these activities enjoyable for our students. Your service helps create joyful experiences and strengthens the sense of community that makes SMSA special.

Please remember that parents must be SEE trained to attend Halloween activities at SMSA. Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all students.

Annual Trunk or Treat — October 29th
Get ready for some Halloween fun! Our annual Trunk or Treat will take place on October 29th in the upper South Hall parking lot. If you plan to decorate a vehicle and hand out candy, please make sure you are registered and SEE trained before participating. We appreciate everyone who contributes to making this event a memorable experience for our children.

Trunk or Treat is a wonderful opportunity to share joy, build connections, and serve our school community. Thank you for helping make it an awesome evening for our Little Ledgers!

Leading Together, Growing Together
We are grateful for the many ways our families contribute to the life of SMSA. Whether you volunteer your time, encourage healthy choices, support your child’s learning, or offer a kind word to a teacher, your actions help shape a community rooted in faith, respect, responsibility, and service.

As we continue through the school year, may we encourage our students to recognize that leadership begins with everyday choices: taking responsibility, including others, persevering through challenges, and using their God-given gifts to serve those around them.

Thank you for being an integral part of our SMSA family. Together, we are forming young people who are rooted in Christ’s teachings, committed to academic excellence, and prepared to lead with faith, serve with compassion, and make a positive difference in the world.

God Bless,
Steven Kelnhofer
Elementary Principal, SMSA

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 attended a special breakfast with Mr. Kelnhofer, Mr. Thuerwachter and a special guest. They also received a certificate with a brief sentence on how they followed “The Ledger Way,” and a principal’s pen. This week’s special guest speaker was Kyle Krueger, High School Assistant Principal at St. Mary’s Springs Academy.

Jordan C. (Grade 4) – Jordan is an outstanding member of our classroom community! He is respectful, responsible, and focused learner, filled with faith.

Samantha B. (Grade 5) – Samantha is a wonderful student who is a joy to have in class. She is a good listener, respectful, responsible, and actively participates in classroom activities and discussions. She is kind and considerate toward her classmates and teachers, and she works well with others. She is eager to learn, stays engaged during lessons, and puts forth great effort in her work.

Dylan C. (Grade 6) – Dylan is a wonderful student who comes to school ready to learn. He is responsible, participates in class, asks questions, and willingly helps others. His kindness and positive attitude make him a valued member of our classroom.

Olivia D. (Grade 7) – Olivia is a hardworking student who demonstrates the SMSA core values of learning and respect. Her determination, positive attitude, and willingness to keep working through challenges make her a wonderful example to others.

Emerson B. (Grade 8) – Emerson is a wonderful student who constantly shows our core value of respect, is willing to participate during discussions and has been an example of being prepared for class! He is a faithful and respectful leader amongst our students in 8th grade.

We are excited to announce that SMSA will once again offer Trunk or Treat for our SMSA families, and we invite you to participate! Below you will find details about the event as well as a sign up form to register you/your vehicle to hand out treats (candy/food or non-food items).

In accordance with the Archdiocese, ALL CANDY DISTRIBUTORS MUST BE SEE TRAINED. If your SEE training is not up to date, there is still time to do so before Trunk or Treat.

EVENT DETAILS:
When:  Thursday, October 29, 2026
Trunk Set-Up: 5:15-5:45pm
Trunk or Treating: 6:00-7:00pm
All car-hosts should be PARKED by 5:30pm, as students may start arriving early. Only approved car-hosting vehicles will be allowed in the upper south parking lot. This is for the safety of all students/event attendees.
Where: SMSA South Upper (Elementary School) Parking Lot What: Trick or Treat throughout the SMSA parking lot with decorated vehicles!

Interested in hosting a car to hand out treats?! Sign up here to hand out candy and confirm your SEE training. Registration is required to HOST a vehicle. Please complete the form by Friday, October 23.

No registration is required to attend! Simply mark your calendars, dress up and join us for an evening of fun and treats! SEE training is not required to attend the event. SEE training is only required to host a car.

Only car hosting vehicles will be allowed to enter/park in the Upper South parking lot. All other vehicles and event attendees not handing out candy, must park in the lower lot and walk up to the South lot to enjoy the event. This is for the safety of all children and attendees.

SEE Training:
Looking to update your SEE Training or take the course for the first time? Check out upcoming nearby in-person classes: Safe Environment Events – Archdiocese of Milwaukee

Remember, SEE Training is required to volunteer and/or chaperone at SMSA. SEE Training is good for 5 years. If it has been over 5 years since your SEE Training, renewal is required with a refresher course: CLICK HERE.

Questions or interested in volunteering for the event (student volunteers are welcome!)? Please reach out to Ali Helleberg at alison.faris@gmail.com.

We look forward to seeing you and your little pumpkins on October 29!

Sincerely,
The Trunk or Treat Team

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

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!

The National Honor Society is sponsoring a Coats for Kids Drive at SMSA from Monday, September 28th through Friday October 30st. Each fall The Salvation Army collaborates with schools, agencies, and communities to collect requests for new and used winter outerwear for families in need. They also organize the county’s largest winter outerwear distribution. We are asking for donations to help The Salvation Army to ensure they can provide coats for everyone who needs one. Donation boxes will be located at the north and south hall offices.

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!!

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!

←Back to Top

October 23, 2026 – No School –  In-Service – Elementary Students Only

←Back to Top

If your child/children are in need of extended care please email Ms. Tracey at (tsaunders@smsacademy.org).

Thank you

←Back to Top