Principal’s Desk News & Information Upcoming Dates School Care News

Dear SMSA Families,
We hope this message finds you well and thriving as we approach the end of the school year. Your continued support and involvement in our community mean so much to us. Together, we are building a nurturing environment for our students to grow and flourish.

Thank you to all the parents and guardians for appreciating our fabulous teachers and staff this week. A huge THANK YOU to the Parent Connectors for displaying the Ledger Way core values of leadership and community by creating an outstanding week for the faculty and staff. You are appreciated in many ways and are well deserving of a Principal’s Pen Award. From all the teachers and staff, we offer you an enormous THANK YOU for your generosity of time and talents.

On behalf of the leadership team at SMSA, I would like to take a moment to thank all of our teachers and staff for their partnership in educating our global leaders of tomorrow, rooted in Christ’s teachings. SMSA leadership and I are fortunate to work with each and every one of them as they are superheroes who go above and beyond each day here on the Ledge.

Every day, I witness the beauty, art, and science of holistic education inside and outside the classrooms. Their dedicated work brings many moments of joy to our students. They empathize, inspire, comfort, and teach those they serve to move closer toward fulfilling God’s purposes for them.

The teachers and staff serve our students to solve global challenges and become leaders and superheroes for tomorrow. Each day, I feel blessed to have them at SMSA, as they dedicate their lives to Catholic education, serving students, parents, and each other to create moments of learning, leading, respect, responsibility, faith, and community. SMSA is special because it’s family. Thank you for the hard work that we get to do together!

Last Day of School Extended Care Information
The last full day of school is fast approaching! We want to inform you that after-school care will be available for those who are registered for this program on the last day of school, May 30th. Please sign up in the extended care room or email Ms. Tracey in the coming weeks if your student(s) will need after-school care on this day. This will help us staff appropriately.

Volunteer Requirements for Field Trips and Field Day
To chaperone a field trip or volunteer at Field Day, it is necessary to have completed the Safe Guarding God’s Children or SEE training. SMSA will also run a background check. If you have not yet completed this training, please contact the Business Office for more information on how to become SEE trained.

We are grateful for your ongoing support in making SMSA a wonderful place for our children to learn and grow. As we wrap up the school year, we look forward to continued collaboration and partnership with you.

God Bless,
Steven Kelnhofer
Elementary Principal, SMSA

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 attend a special breakfast with Mr. Kelnhofer, Mr. Thuerwachter and a special guest. They 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 was Fr. Kevin Durand.

Adley P. (P3) – Adley is all about community! She loves to include everyone and is an exceptional friend and classmate. Adley is respectful, kind, and always ready to learn!
Alexis M. (P3) -Alexis is respectful and kind to his friends and teachers. He has a contagious smile and is always willing to help others out.
Dawson M. (4K) – Dawson is a kind friend who loves to participate in class, is respectful, and does his best on his work. We love having Dawson in our class!
Adeline L. (4K) – Addy is respectful and kind to her classmates and teachers. She is a good listener, she works hard, and she tries to do her best!
Scarlet C. (Kindergarten) – Scarlet is a kind and respectful student. She is always doing the right thing and loves helping others. She is a great role model!
Graesyn K. (Kindergarten) – Graesyn leads our class by his calm and respectful example. He is very bright and loves to learn. Graesyn is always ready to participate in all we do!
Joseph W. (Kindergarten) – Joey is a wonderful child who loves to learn new topics. He walks in each and every morning ready to do his best. He has a love of learning and a zest for life. I can’t wait to see what he will accomplish next!
Bubba T. (Grade 1) – Bubba truly strives to show all of the Ledger Core Values. He is a wonderful friend to everyone, and his honesty is unmatched. Bubba takes responsibility for his actions even if it will get him in trouble, and he shows respect to everyone he meets. Bubba has worked hard this year to be a role model and his effort shows.
Axell B. (Grade 1) – Axell is such a wonderful friend, always there to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He is respectful, responsible, and shows kindness in everything he does. Axell genuinely loves learning and brings a joyful attitude to school each day. Although he may be quiet, he eagerly participates in class and shares his thoughts. Keep up the amazing work, Axell! Your positive spirit brightens everyone’s day!
Finley G. (Grade 1) – Finley has a very kind heart. She is a wonderful friend and role model in the classroom. She works hard and always tries her best!
Levi R. (Grade 2) – Levi is a respectful student. Levi is an active listener who follows directions the first time. Levi puts forth a lot of effort in all he does.
Samuel S. (Grade 2) – Samuel is kind and respectful to his peers and adults. He challenges himself in all subjects and stays focused on his tasks.
Caylee L. (Grade 2) – Caylee comes to school ready to learn. She participates in class, helps others, works hard, and asks questions. She is respectful to her teachers and classmates and is always prepared for the day.

Located in the SMSA Library, the hours are as follows:
Monday, May 12, 3—4:30pm
Tuesday, May 13, 7:15—8:15am and 3—4:30pm
Wednesday, May 14, 7:15—8:15am and 3—5:30pm
Thursday, May 15, 7:15—8:15am and 3—4:30pm

Click on the link below if you’re interested in funding an e-Wallet for your student, for cashless shopping, or to shop the Book Fair online.
https://www.scholastic.com/bf/stmarysspringsacad

See you there!

When: Wednesday, May 14th
Dress Rehearsal: 1:00 p.m. – Hutter gym – students in school uniform. Open to the public.

Band:
6:00 p.m. – All Band only and Band AND Choir students in all grades will report to the band room. Students may wear Nice Spring clothing or Sunday best clothing-no jeans or sweats

Choir:
6:20 p.m. – All Choir only students will report to their bleacher in Hutter gym. Students may wear Nice Spring clothing or Sunday best clothing-no jeans or sweats.

6:30 p.m. – Concert-Hutter gym – all are welcome!

Hello Current Grade 4-7 Parents and Students:
This is a reminder regarding the SMSA Middle School Cheerleading meetings that are coming up soon! To find out more information on the program and to sign up to participate in SMSA Middle School Cheerleading for this fall, a parent, and the interested student, currently in Grades 4-7, MUST ATTEND ONE OF THE TWO available MANDATORY informational meetings, which will take place at Holy Family Parish Hall (271 Fourth Street Way; enter doors to the left of the Church near the sign “Parish Office”) on the following dates:
Sunday, May 18, 2025 from 6:30-7:30 PM OR
Wednesday, May 21, 2025 from 6:30-7:30 PM (Note change of date from the original email sent in March)

Please note that you and your child must attend one of the meetings even if your child has previously participated in cheerleading at SMSA. If you have any questions, please contact Head Coach Lindsey Kraig Bembenista at kraigbembenista@gmail.com, or call or text her at (920) 263-8255.

Lindsey Kraig Bembenista
Middle School Cheerleading Head Coach

We will be celebrating the end of the school year with field days for our 3K – 7th Grade students! We are looking for parent volunteers to help at the stations. All volunteers must be SEE trained in order to help. Mark your calendars…The field days are Thursday, May 29th (Kindergarten – 5th Grade) and Friday, May 30th (3K, 4K & 6th – 7th Grade).
Thursday, May 29th:
8:35 am – 11:05 am – Kindergarten – 2nd Grade
12:10 pm – 2:35 pm – 3rd – 5th Grade
Friday, May 30th:
8:35 am – 11:05 am – 3K – 4K
12:10 pm – 2:35 pm 6th – 7th Grade

Here is the link to sign up to help: https://signup.com/go/nJePnoQ

A reminder email will be sent to you when the date gets closer. Thank you so much for your willingness to help!

This summer, I’m excited to offer personalized one-on-one math tutoring sessions for students who could benefit from some extra support. Each session is one hour long, held on Wednesdays, and priced at $40. These sessions are for students that are currently in grades 5-7.

I have three open time slots and would love to help your child strengthen their math skills in a focused, supportive environment.

10:10-11:10 a.m.

12:00-1:00 p.m.

1:05-2:05 p.m.

Feel free to reach out if you’re interested or have any questions!

Thanks so much,

Heather Petersen

6th grade Math & Science Teacher

hpetersen@smsacademy.org

The Fond du Lac School District’s Summer Adventure Academy registration is open and will close on May 15, 2025 at 3:00 p.m.

New for 2025: Registration will utilize the Arena Scheduling function through Skyward. In order to register for summer classes, all Fond du Lac District residents who do not currently attend FDL public schools will first need to complete an enrollment process in order to access Skyward to register.

Non FDL-SD students residing in the district borders 

If you are enrolling a child who has NOT been enrolled or participated in Summer Adventure Academy previously:                                                

1. Click here to:

 Request a New Student Enrollment account, complete this online form.

1. You will receive an important e-mail with instructions on how to log into Skyward to begin the enrollment process for the new child/student.  It will provide you with an access link, username and password.

1. Once logged in, click “New FDL-SD Student: Enrollment” in the left sidebar to begin the Summer Academy enrollment process. 
2. Once completed, you will be contacted to continue with enrollment set-up. During that time, you’ll need to send the following information to Jenny Vang, Summer Adventure Academy Registrar, at vangj@fonddulac.k12.wi.us
   1. Photo ID of parent/guardian
   2. Original birth certificate of student
   3. Two proofs of residency (see requirements listed below)
3. You will receive a separate log-in for Skyward to register for classes.

Click here for Proof of Residency Requirements

2025 Summer Adventure Academy Course Catalog

DATES: Monday, June 2 – Thursday, June 5

Grades 2-3 9:00 am – 10:00 pm

Grades 4-5-6 10:15 am  – 12:15 pm

Grades 7-8-9 12:30 pm  –  2:30 pm

** Grades are for the fall of the 2025-26 school year**

Click Here For Registration Form – SMS Girls Basketball Camp 2025

26th Annual Boys basketball camp for boys entering 4th through 9th grade (Grades for the 2025-26 school year). The camp will run from June 16th – June 19th and will cost $70.00. Registration ends Friday June 6th.

SMSA Boys Basketball Camp 2025 Registration Form

Please Click Here – Grades 5 – 8 Registration

The Football Fundamentals Camp is a non-contact camp with emphasis on skills that make the game of football safer and more fun to participate in.

DATES: 07/14/2025 – 07/17/2025 (Monday-Thursday)
TIME: 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM
LOCATION: St. Mary’s Springs Athletic Field
255 Cty Road K
Fond du Lac, WI 54937

Football-Fundamentals-Camp-2025

Are you a parent or grandparent looking for a meaningful way to give back to our school community? The library is the perfect place for you to make a difference, meet new people, and share your love of reading and learning with our students!

We’re looking for dedicated SEE trained volunteers to assist with a variety of activities, including:
-Helping with children’s reading programs
-Assisting in shelving and organizing books
By volunteering, you can:
-Inspire a love of reading in young minds
-Enjoy flexible volunteer hours (weekly commitment or on call sub)

Whether you have an hour a week or a few hours a month, your time will make a huge impact.

Come join our library family and help us create a welcoming space for everyone!

Sign up today! Please fill out the following link; https://forms.gle/PtEAqYrdrMXiSJBH7 or email library@smsacademy.org with any questions.

Did you know? You can Refer-A-Family and receive tuition credit!

Click Here to Learn More!

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May 14, 2025 – 5th-8th Grade Spring Concert

May 14, 2025 – Student Show Case & Book Fair

May 28, 2025 – Kindergarten – Eighth Grade Mass & 8th grade graduation at Holy Family at 9:00 am

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Please note that Extended Care invoices will now be sent directly from Procare, rather than from SMSA’s Business Office. You may notice this change in your inbox, as shown in the below screenshot.

Recipients can expect their invoices to come from this email address: notifications@procaremessagingservice.com. If you reply to the email, your message will be directed to businessoffice@smsacademy.org, as usual.

If you have not received your invoice by May 5th, please check your Spam or Junk folders. To ensure future invoices arrive in your inbox, please mark the Procare email address as a trusted sender.

Thank you for your attention to this change and for your continued partnership.

Please sign up in the child care room if you will be utilizing the Extended Care in the afternoon on the last day of school Friday May 30th.

Registration is open for Extended Care 2025-2026 academic year. A friendly reminder when registering for Extended Care there is a $100.00 non-refundable registration fee.

In order for your child/children to have a saved spot in extended care this fee will need to be paid at the time of registration. Checks can be made payable to SMSA (Extended Care) to the south office. Reminder, spots fill up quickly.

Please email extendedcare@smsacademy.org if you have any questions.

Thank you

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