Principal’s Desk News & Information Upcoming Dates School Care News
Elementary (P3-8) & Childcare
Nov 6
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 ongoing support and partnership. It is your engagement that makes our school community thrive!
This week, our 8th graders had an incredible opportunity to interview for positions at Elves R Us as part of their 8th-grade project. It was truly uplifting to witness them navigating the interview process with confidence and enthusiasm. The Ledger Way core values shone brightly as each student articulated their strengths and shared their Christmas memories. A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated teachers and school counselor for guiding our students on this journey of self-discovery and purpose.
The first trimester officially closes on November 19th. Skyward grades will be turned off for parent view on November 19th. Families with students in grades 1-8 will receive digital report cards through Skyward on November 24th to view the report cards. Please electronically sign the report card in Skyward. Families of P3 through Kindergarten students will receive hard copy semester report cards on January 23rd.
We would also like to extend our gratitude to our Parent Connectors for organizing a spectacular Trunk or Treat event last week. It was delightful to see so many beautifully decorated trunks and our community coming together in celebration, including a special appearance by Mr. Ledger! Thank you for your efforts and volunteerism, which truly enrich our Ledger community.
A bonus thank you to the homeroom parents who supported Halloween classroom parties. We appreciate the sharing of your time, talent and treasure. It was good to see all the fun and excitement in the classrooms with crafts, snacks and games to support building community. I community that learns, prays and plays together, stays together.
As we move forward, we are grateful for the strong partnership we share with you, our wonderful families. Thank you for your ongoing support in making Ledger School a warm and welcoming place for our students.
Wishing you all a joyful and productive week ahead!
God Bless,
Steven Kelnhofer
Elementary Principal, SMSA
Principal's Pen
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. Kelnhofer, Mr. Thuerwachter and a special guest. They will also receive a certificate with a brief sentence on how they followed “The Ledger Way,” and a principal’s pen. This week’s special guest speaker is Mr. Eamonn O’Keeffe, High School Administrator.
Madi S. (3K) -Madi shows love, respect and kindness to her teachers and friends. She is ready to learn and help others.
Claire B. (K4) – Claire exhibits many of our SMSA core values! She is a responsible student who loves to learn, always does her best job on her work, is respectful and kind to her friends, and loves to be a leader in the classroom.
Gemma D. (Kindergarten) -Gemma has a strong faith and positive spirit that guides her each day at school. She consistently gives great effort and shows genuine curiosity in all she does while helping others along the way.
Trinabh B. (Grade 1) -Trinabh shows a genuine commitment to his work and supports his friends and classmates. His willingness to help others, whether in small groups or larger settings, highlights his caring nature. By contributing thoughtfully to class discussions, he fosters a respectful and positive environment where everyone feels valued and included.
Nayelah B. (Grade 2) -Nayelah is always eager to learn new things. She challenges herself to do her best. Nayelah is very respectful to adults and peers and she always has a smile on her face!
Jordan C. (Grade 3) -Jordan is a great example of our Ledger core values. He is respectful to all of his classmates and teachers. He shows leadership by being a great role model, he is ready to learn and helps out when needed.
Yearbook Orders Due TODAY, November 6, 2025!
Did you order a yearbook for your child yet? If not, please click here to order your yearbook today. All orders are due on November 6th.
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 packing supplies for breakable or delicate gifts.
These items can be dropped off at the North or South Hall offices, please make sure to mark them for ELVES! Thank you!
Christmas Card Sale to Benefit Rashaud Reynolds
The students in grades 4-8 at St. Mary’s Springs Academy have created unique and original Christmas cards. These cards will be sold for $2.00 after the Masses at Holy Family Parish sites on Saturday, November 22nd and Sunday, November 23rd. All proceeds from the Christmas Card Sale will benefit The Rashaud Reynolds family.
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.
Please click here to sign up to sell the cards after one of the Masses. This is a wonderful opportunity for service hours!
Your support and prayers for Rashaud and his family are greatly appreciated!
Trunk or Treat Thank You!
Thank you to everyone that helped make Trunk or Treat a huge success! The nice weather brought out a record number of participants and they were greeted by some of the most creative and festive cars and family costumes we have seen to date. We saw the Mario Brothers and Princess Peach, tons of fuzzy animals, blow up costumes galore, as well as Ariel and all of her friends from the Little Mermaid. Plus, families used their imaginations and brought even more energy and fun to the event with activities like the Human Slot Machine where kids had to match the fruit to win their candy!
We would like to thank:
- All the families and parents that hosted a car and handed out candy
- The families that donated extra candy to the event to ensure we didn’t run out too early.
- The parent volunteers that helped with check in, event photos and clean up.
- The student volunteers taking pictures at the photo booth and helping with the school door access.
- The SMSA staff who attended and supported the event
- The SMSA staff who supported the event before during and after with maintenance and office support.
- And of course Mr. Ledger for joining in on the fun
We hope everyone had a wonderful Halloween and we look forward to seeing you all again next year!
To view photos from this year’s Trunk or Treat, click here!
~ The Trunk or Treat Team
Book Fair Pre-orders
Did you pre-order a book at the book fair?
If you pre-ordered a book (or a book for your child) that was set to be delivered upon release, the October release is here!
We’ll also be receiving the November release in just a few weeks.
If you pre-ordered either of these titles, please contact the library with your information or any questions at library@smsacademy.org.
Thank you for supporting our book fair!
Save the Date...LedgerExpress is coming...Sunday, December 7th!
Kick off the holiday season with LedgerExpress, Sunday, December 7th, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm. Enjoy a fun filled afternoon with other SMSA Families! Watch for the registration form to come home soon with your 3K – 5th grade student. If you are looking to get involved and help plan the event, please contact Andrea Nuss, alnuss@charter.net.
Library Volunteers Needed
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.
Who Will Win $20,000?! BMR Tickets on Sale NOW!
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
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!!