FROM THE OFFICE OF STEVE KELNHOFER, PREK - 8TH GRADE PRINCIPAL

Dear Parents and Guardians,

 

Joy to the World!  The third week of Advent is about joy.  We get to take this week to remember joy as part of our Advent journey.  This fits harmoniously with the SMSA concert week.  All of the concerts bring their each special piece of joy at each particular grade level and program. The joy and humility of observing the concerts and programs express the meaning of Christmas through the lens of St. Mary’s Springs Academy.  

 

Thank you for joining us at the concert events.  May the joy given at the events be with you through the conclusion of the Advent Season and journey with you throughout the Christmas season.  May your families experience a blessed Christmas complete with the gifts of joy, love and hope.  

 

Thank you for sharing the gift of your child(ren) with St. Mary’s Springs Academy.  The gift of a child or children is trying at times yes, but the joy overshadows any of the challenges.  To get to see a first step, the first day of school, the first award, the first accomplishment, the first book read, are beautiful treasures given to us to cherish in the vocation of being parents.  Take this Christmas and cherish it, as time passes, sometimes all too quickly.  Share peace, love and hope with those around you.  The best gifts are those unwrapped in the spirit of Christmas. 

 

Thank you for your continued partnership with SMSA.  Together we create a path for tomorrow’s children to achieve amazing dreams. 

God Bless,

Steven Kelnhofer

skelnhofer@smsacademy.org

Elementary Principal, SMSA

 

Standard Based Grading

Please select the following six links to see the box set of SBG at SMSA.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kC85kS-z_Mk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tecnwN4dXLU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7ejwOMhkAg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7jww2J7RJs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQO1AVjoMJ0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1jIyS7wso0


Upcoming Dates

December 22nd – Last school day before break – Jeans and holiday or spirit wear top

January 3rd – Welcome back from Christmas break.  

January 20th – Last day of the second quarter

January 21st – No School – Teacher Grading Day


Movie and Popcorn Afternoon to Benefit Mason - Money Due December 17th

For a $3.00 donation the students in P3-8th grade will get to watch a movie, enjoy a bag of 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 Mason and his family. All money needs to be turned in by Friday, December 17th. If a family is unable to contribute at this time, the student/s will still be able to participate. Please read below to learn more about Mason.

 

Mason, who is currently 9 years old, has a brain tumor. He began having headaches and vision issues in 2018, and after tests and an MRI, they found a mass near his pituitary gland. After attempting surgery to remove it, they found it was too risky as it was wrapped around nerves and blood vessels. They have been trying to shrink the tumor using chemo. Mason has lost almost all eyesight in his right eye, and now he is losing vision in his left eye. The tumor is also pressing on his pituitary gland, which is causing it not to work properly.


Big Money Raffle (BMR) - January 14th

Have you turned in your BMR tickets yet? The BMR drawing is Friday, January 14, 2022!

 

Holiday get-togethers are the perfect time to sell your tickets. Take them to Christmas gatherings, or purchase one or more for that hard to shop for person on your Christmas list.

Tickets may be returned to school any time before the drawing at noon on Friday, January 14, 2022. Additional tickets are available at the North, South and Scrip offices or email kzitlow@smsacademy.org.


News and Information

Principal’s Pen

The following elementary students were honored at last week and at this week’s Principal’s Pen Award breakfast:  

 

Week of the 7th:

Matthew Freund – 4K: Matthew is a great example of the Ledger Way! He is a kind friend, loves to learn, and always does his best job.  We love having him in our class family!

 

Molly O’Hearn – 4K: Molly is a gift to our class family! She is always willing to lend a helping hand, does her best, and shows her faith with her kindness and love.  We love having Molly in our class!

 

Jack Smith – 4K: Jack was recognized for being a kind friend to all students. He is also a good role model for how to make green choices at school!

 

Janie Bembenista – K5: Janie is very respectful and kind to all teachers and students. She is always willing to help a friend out.  She is a leader in our classroom and even outside of class. 

 

Henry Burkart – K5: Henry is a kind, respectful, and helpful student.  He always goes out of his way to help someone in need. 

 

Quincy Hoefer – K5: Quincy is a kind, helpful, and hardworking student. She stays on task and really works hard. She is always willing to help a friend in need. 

 

Jackson Wagner – K5: Jackson was recognized for always respecting his teachers and peers. He has an excitement and joy for learning. He is a leader in the classroom. 

 

Micayla Mireski – 1st grade: Micayla was recognized for showing respect to others, love for learning, including others, and always being responsible. She is a positive leader for all. 

 

Zachariah Weaver – 1st grade: Zach is always eager to learn! He lends a helping hand to his classmates and is a wonderful friend to all. 

 

Gannon Whisnant – 1st grade: Gannon exudes joy with his smile and positive attitude.  He finds the upside in every situation. 

 

Charlie Holmes – 2nd grade: Charlie brings an excitement for learning to the classroom. He is a great teacher for his peers.  He challenges himself to achieve his goals. 

 

Genevieve Kurtz – 2nd grade: Genevieve was recognized for her leadership. She is always the first to help another friend and play with those who don’t have a friend to play with.

 

Aspen Lovelace – 2nd grade: Aspen is always positive.  She is respectful to adults and peers.  She is very responsible and always works hard. 

 

This week:

Rowan Hart – Grade 3: for leadership within the classroom, helping others, lending supplies, and always being willing to restate objectives within the classroom.

 

Asher Westergaard – Grade 3: for always being eager to help and serve.  He is excited about learning and has a positive attitude 

 

Brooklyn Zangl – Grade 3: for always showing the Ledger Way in everything she does.  She is a great helper in the classroom and to all her friends.  She takes learning seriously, puts a 110% effort, and strives to always learn more.  She is a great Ledger Leader who truly knows what a community of faith is all about.  

 

Farah Geiger – Grade 4: for being an outstanding member of the classroom community.  She treats everyone like a friend and is always extremely helpful. 

 

Andrew Hahn – Grade 4:  for working hard and taking his learning seriously. Andrew is a good friend to everyone. 

 

John Leising – Grade 4: for being very respectful and polite.  He treats everyone with kindness. 

 

Ben Mathos – Grade 4: for being eager to help his friends and classmates.  Ben is a terrific listener and always very polite. 

 

Owen Dengel – Grade 5: for being responsible both in class and virtually.  He is respectful to all adults and students and is always thinking of others.  He shows he is a true follower of Christ.

 

Aiden Rector – Grade 5: for being patient and gracious.  He uses excellent manners and is kind and understanding. 

 

Brady Zangl – Grade 5: for always using his time wisely and being a leader in our classroom.


Developing God’s Given Gifts With Art, Music And Movement

Click here to read the December updates.


Ledgerfest Class Auction Packages

Planning has begun for Ledgerfest – Luck of the Ledger – Saturday, March 19, 2022! The elementary Ledgerfest parent committee is excited to be collecting funds to put together themed class auction packages again this year to be used on our silent auction. The class auction packages are fast becoming our highest bid on items!

 

New this year, we are making it easier than ever for you to donate towards your child’s class auction package. Click here to make a donation 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 send cash or check (payable to Andrea Nuss) in an envelope marked: ES Ledgerfest/Kristin Zitlow. Please also indicate your child’s grade level on the envelope.

 

Any questions? Contact Kristin ~ kzitlow@smsacademy.org ~ 920-322-8006

 

This is a simple way to make your impact at SMSA!


Scholarship Opportunities

Lands’ End School Starboard Scholarship - 8th Grade - Deadline EXTENDED to January 19th

WIN A $5,000 LANDS’ END SCHOOL STARBOARD SCHOLARSHIP

 

The Lands’ End School Starboard Scholarship acknowledges and rewards students who display exceptional leadership skills. Up to five scholarships will be awarded to eligible Preferred School students in grades 8‑12. Please see full eligibility guidelines. The Lands’ End School Starboard Scholarship Program was established to assist middle and high school students, currently in grades 8-12, who are enrolled at a Lands’ End Preferred School in the U.S. (SMSA Preferred School Number: 900157314)

 

2021-2022 Application now available. Applications will be accepted now through January 19, 2022 or until 1,000 applications have been received.

 

https://www.landsend.com/starboard-scholarship/


 

Before/After School Care News

No news at this time.


 

Parent Connectors - Join us Today

If you are interested in helping with our Parent Connectors Group, please contact Andrea Nuss, alnuss@charter.net.  We appreciate the support of our SMSA Families!