Dear Parents and Guardians,

It’s hard to believe we are concluding the first half of the school year.  We have been blessed in so many ways as I reflect upon the first half of our journey together.  Many moments come to mind as I think about the past two quarters of school.  Many stories of the Ledger Way in action.  Many thank you moments to those who help us on the journey. Many trials that caused us to stumble and fall forward. Many times when Christ has been with us on our journey.  

I challenge your family to take some time during this weekend to reflect as a family about the pieces mentioned above that have occurred through the first half of the school year.  

These past days I observed two fourth grade boys offer to take the place of an adult holding the door to let students in recess. (Leading)  One student saying petitions for other students’ prayer intentions. (Faith)  A student group focused on making a difference for others and planning for their future. (Leading & Community)  A student apologizing on their own for a decision they made towards another student. (Respect & Responsibility)  Make no mistake about it, the Ledger Way is alive and well.  

The second quarter is coming to its conclusion on January 20, 2022.  Skyward will be closing on Friday, January 21st for grading purposes. It will reopen on Friday, January 28th to reveal second quarter report cards.  Thank you for being partners in the journey of learning.  

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

January 20th:  Last day of the second quarter

January 21st: No School – Teacher Grading Day

January 24th – January 28th: Grade 2 – Grade 8 (MAP testing) 

January 30th – February 4th: Catholic Schools Week 

Interested in participating in the co-op wrestling program? 

Click here for more information.

As we finish the second quarter on the Ledge, it is important that we continue to reflect on student learning and growth as one piece of our commitment to providing an exemplary Catholic education to all of our students. Part of this process includes having all students in grades 2-8 participate in the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) tests three times per year. The goal of this is to more accurately view a student’s progress throughout the academic year in the areas of mathematics and reading. These results assist in providing a more complete picture of what your child knows and is ready to learn. A combination of data from MAP testing, as well as formative and summative assessments in the classroom, makes it possible for teachers to tailor classroom lessons and set goals for students to address specific student needs at all levels.

Students in grades 2-8 will be participating in Winter MAP testing during the week of January 24, 2022. We are truly excited to focus on your child’s individual growth and achievement this school year. For more information about the MAP Growth test please visit: https://www.nwea.org/the-map-suite/family-toolkit/.

It is imperative that you use the following process when dropping off/picking up your student(s).  We have had some near misses with students, faculty and staff almost being hit.  All students are to be dropped off/picked up next to the sidewalk by door #1 (with your vehicle exiting to the North) or utilizing the North lot if the Hug ‘N Go lane is full.  Student safety is a priority and it takes everyone following the same procedure to ensure the safety for all those on campus.  Thank you for your cooperation.

Click here to review the procedure for students in grade 6-10 (or a HS non-driver).

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 and stay tuned for more details on the class package themes and how to register for the event and/or auction. Ledgerfest – Luck of the Ledger – March 19, 2022.

None at this time.

No news at this time.

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!