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

Dear Parents and Guardians,

 

At Monday’s in-service, faculty and staff took time to discuss and explore the awesomeness of Generation Z (6th graders to 12th graders) and Generation Alpha (grade 5 and below.)  One of the best takeaways to use with kids was this stem sentence, “What do I need to do differently to support you moving forward?”  

 

Let’s grow forward together and support the upcoming generations by learning reflective thinking and advocating for themselves.  As we may know, these are two important skills many individuals need to be successful.  

 

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

 

 

Transition in the South Hall Office

I am tasked with sharing some bittersweet transition news, as Summer Anderson, PreK-8 Administrative Assistant, has accepted a new position. Her last day at SMSA will be Wednesday, February 23, 2022. We have been blessed to have Summer in the South Hall front Office and will certainly miss her, but wish her well in her new journey. Kelcy Steffes, PreK-8 Administrative Assistant will still remain in the South Hall front office and will be assisted by Allisen Willis, Coordinator of Health Services, for the remainder of the year. 

 

Summer wishes to share, “I have received so many gifts during my time here. I am so grateful that my own children and all of our students have the privilege of learning on the Ledge. Of course I will remain a Ledger for Life and look forward to seeing you all often as a parent, volunteer, and supporter of SMSA. My prayers are always with you all.”

 

Lockdown /Active Threat Exercise 

Today, February 17, 2022, we successfully executed a System-wide Lockdown Drill/ “Active Threat Exercise.”  Students, faculty and staff were notified that this was a drill/exercise via the intercom at 9:20 a.m.  We understand emergency response exercises can produce anxiety for both parents and students.   Please know that practicing exercises like this, in addition to monthly evacuation drills, is a critical step in ensuring our students, staff and faculty are able to react quickly and efficiently in the event of an actual emergency.  

 

The safety of our students is, and will always be, our number one priority. We appreciate your continued support as we provide the Ledger community with critical information and training to aid in keeping them safe on our campus.

 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Kyle Krueger at kkrueger@smsacademy.org, Safety Coordinator for today’s exercise.

 

Internet Safety Presentation – February 23rd

We are very pleased to announce that on Wednesday, February 23rd, SMSA will be hosting a special live/in-person presentation focused on internet safety.  Mr. Eric Szatkowski shall present to all 6-8 grade students during the school day and will provide a special adult only presentation to parents for all grade levels at 6:00 p.m. on that evening in Baker Gym. 

Topics include the latest on potential dangers of social networking sites and apps, decoy apps, as well as disturbing trends of sexting, cyber bullying and webcam exploitation.  

 

For more information on Eric, please click here.

 

If you have any questions contact:

Mrs. Cauley, K-4 Counselor: manderson@smsacademy.org

Mrs. Dengel, MS Counselor: sdengel@smsacademy.org

 

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

Wednesday, February 23rd – Parent Internet Safety Presentation at 6:00 p.m. in Baker Gym

Monday, March 28th – Friday, April 1st – Spring Break

Wednesday, June 8th – 8th grade graduation at Holy Family Church at 9:00 a.m. 


Hearing and Vision Screening - February 23rd

SMSA, in partnership with the Fond du Lac Health Department, will be holding a Hearing and Vision screening on Wednesday, February 23rd. The grades that will be screened for both hearing and vision include: Kindergarten, 1st and 3rd. The grades that will be screened for vision only include: 3k, 4k, 5th, and 7th. 2nd grade will be screened for hearing only. 4th and 6th grade will not be screened this year.

 

If any concerns are noted, a referral form will be sent home with recommendations for follow up. If you do not want your child to participate in the screening please reach out to your child’s teacher or to Allisen Willis, RN at awillis@smsacademy.org.


Ledgerfest 2022 - March 19th

We need your help to ensure this year’s event is a huge success. Here’s how:

 

  • Register to attend the event and/or become a sponsor by clicking here.
  • Make a donation toward your child’s class auction package by clicking here.  Thank you to those that have already donated!
  • Make a personal, business or group donation to our live or silent auction by clicking here.  Donations can be dropped off at SMSA during school hours.

• Sign up to volunteer at Ledgerfest by clicking here.


News and Information

Principal's Pen

This week’s Principal’s Pen awards goes to:

The following 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students were honored this morning at the Principal’s Pen Breakfast:

 

Vida Borah – 3rd: For her leadership in the classroom that allows her to be an example for others.  Her willingness to help others and her teacher is an inspiration to many! She possesses so many core values!

 

Eli Wiedmeyer – 3rd: For consistently showing respect to his classmates and his teachers.  Within our learning community Eli strives to challenge himself and his peers while sharing his love of knowledge!

 

Jaiden Moul – 3rd: For showing leadership by having a terrific attitude in the classroom, on the playground, and in the library. 

 

Aarya Patel  – 3rd: For being a leader by making sure to be ready for each class.  She also helps to make sure others are taken care of.  She has a strong faith and always prays for others in our intentions.  She works hard to be her best. 

 

Alianna Rozek – 4th: For helping to build a community in our classroom by including everyone.  She makes sure no one is left out. 

 

Easton McDermott – 4th: For working diligently and doing quality work.  He is always positive and pleasant. 

 

Natalia Karewicz – 4th: For her love of learning through reading.  She adds value to her classroom community by having a positive attitude. 

 

Sophia Wolff – 4th: For being an outstanding member of our classroom community.  She treats everyone with respect and kindness at all times. 

 

Lily Anderson – 5th: For showing respect to all adults and classmates.  She benefits her community with her calm and cool demeanor and shows her love of learning with love with research and writing. 

 

Knox Cleland – 5th: For showing respect daily when working with others.  He always makes sure that everyone is included and has a great sense of community. 

 

Lucille Holmes – 5th: For always coming to math ready to learn and being a great example to her classmates.  

 

Hunter Schneider – 5th: For modeling respect using manners and showing kindness.  He loves to learn through reading and conversation. 


Ledgerfest Class Auction Packages

The elementary Ledgerfest parent committee is excited to be collecting funds to put together themed class auction packages again this year for the Ledgerfest silent auction. These class auction packages are fast becoming our highest bid on items!

 

To make an online donation towards your child(s) class package, click here. 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 at kzitlow@smsacademy.org or 920-322-8006

 

Thank you! Don’t forget to gather your friends and register for the event, click here.


February Specials Newsletter

Click here to read the February Newsletter.


Junior Ledger Fastpitch Softball

Interested in joining the Junior Ledger Fastpitch Softball program?

Click here for information.

Click here for the liability waiver

Click here for the COVID-19 waiver

Scholarship Opportunities

None at this time.

Before/After School Care News

No news at this time.


 

Parent Connectors - Join us Today

Staff Christmas Gathering Update - Rescheduled 

Thank you to all of the families that contributed to the SMSA staff gathering.  The original plan was to have the party on Monday, January 17.  Due to the rise in covid cases and to help prevent further spread, the gathering will be postponed until further notice.


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!