Dear Parents and Guardians,
The first week of Advent invites us to prepare for the coming of Our Lord. The year of 2020 could be looked at as a year of trial and strife. One could alter a mindset and look at the year of 2020 as a year that calls us to unity, change, hope and encountering Christ.
As we continue to partner in the educational journey of the leaders of tomorrow. let us remember unity, change, hope and encountering Christ are pillars for us to show a strong example of living for each other to our next generations of leaders.
I invite you to take time to reflect and ponder around the ideas of unity, change, hope and encountering Christ as an SMSA community and family. How are we being called to dream and create a positive change for our SMSA family? How may I encounter Christ in small ways and invite others to see Christ in our SMSA family to form unity in the mission of SMSA? What action or actions could I take to provide hope for a brighter tomorrow for someone?
Pope Francis leaves us with much to consider this Advent, “to come out of the crisis better, we have to recover the knowledge that as a people we have a shared destination. The pandemic has reminded us that no one is saved alone. What ties us to one another is what we commonly call solidarity. Solidarity is more than acts of generosity, important as they are; it is the call to embrace the reality that we are bound by bonds of reciprocity. On this solid foundation we can build a better, different, human future.”
Throughout this Advent season, I pray unity, change, hope and encountering Christ will be part of your journey towards becoming closer to Christ when Christmas day arrives.
God Bless,
Steven Kelnhofer
Transition in the South Hall Front Office: It saddens me to inform you Mrs. Jacinta Emmer has decided to enter the next portion of her life’s journey starting December 19, 2020. Jacinta will be transitioning from her front office position. I’ve been so blessed to journey with Jacinta as she was a classroom aide and then our Administrative Assistant the last few years at SMSA. Jacinta’s love for everyone and joyful spirit has been appreciated and noticed by students, teachers, parents and all she comes in contact with during the school day. Her abundance of faith shines throughout her day.
I’m pleased to announce Kelcy Steffes will be joining Summer Anderson in SMSA’s South Hall front office. We welcome her exciting personality, thirst for learning and organizational skills to our SMSA team. Her first day was December 3, 2020.
Upcoming dates
Aaron Rodgers Day to Support the Solutions Center – Two Dates
In support of the Solutions Center, students will be allowed to wear Packer gear and jeans or sweats (no rips or holes).
Grades P3 – 5th: Thursday, December 10th
Grades 6th – 8th: Friday December 11th
Click here to view the flyer.
P3 – Grade 5 Christmas Wear – December 11th
Please have your child wear Christmas day attire on Friday, December 11, 2020. The why of the dress up day will be unwrapped at a later time.
Skyward: As we enter the midpoint of the second quarter, I invite you to take a look at Skyward and see how learning is occurring for your child for this quarter. It’s a good time for a great discussion with your child on learning that has been occurring during the second quarter.
Elves R US:
As we enter the holiday season, we are pleased to once again carry on the tradition of Elves R Us at St. Mary’s Springs Academy. Entering it’s 27 year of operation, Elves R Us is an educational program managed by the 8th grade students. Elves R Us will take on a different look this year to mitigate risk while continuing on with the learning experience.
Elves R Us is off to a great start. I love all the safety protocols that were put in place to mitigate risk, but still allows the eighth class to learn throughout this educational program. Thank you for supporting the program and supporting the eighth graders in their journey.
Please find more Elves R Us information by clicking here.
Ledger Learning Guide
Parents are always encouraged to check the SMSA Ledger Learning Guides Home Page to see weekly learning targets, resources and expectations in every course. Parental partnership in helping students stay organized and focused on learning is always appreciated.
God Bless,
Steve Kelnhofer