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

Dear SMSA Families,
As we enter this Thanksgiving, we do so with an attitude of gratitude, we want to extend a warm greeting to each of you. Your families are a vital part of our community, and we are grateful for the love and support you provide. Together, we are nurturing our children to grow in faith, service, and leadership.

We celebrate the spirit of gratitude that surrounds us. We encourage everyone to be a good example and help children grow in appreciation for the small wonders, incredible people, and amazing experiences we encounter daily.

As we reflect on our blessings, let’s remember the thought-provoking question: “What if you woke up today with only the things you thanked God for yesterday?” Thanksgiving is a beautiful reminder to pause and appreciate the gifts we’ve been blessed to encounter in the moments of our lives. This day is a reminder to pause and say thank you every day to those around us and to our Father above us who loves us.

SMSA is excited to support the Medina family and their three children who are living with Spinal Muscular Atrophy. We invite you to read more in the eLedger about how we can connect our mission and the Catholic social teachings to real-world applications during this special season.

Please note that the first trimester concluded on November 15th.

Skyward will be turned off for parent view until November 20th. On this date, digital report cards can be signed and viewed.

We are grateful for your partnership in the educational process. Together, we are helping our children become rooted in Christ’s teachings, learn about serving our community, and become tomorrow’s leaders. Let’s continue to foster a path that allows our children to achieve their amazing dreams.

Warm regards,
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 will attend a special breakfast with Mr. Kelnhofer, Mr. Thuerwachter and a special guest. They will 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 Mr. Eamonn O’Keeffe, High School Principal.

Brooklyn Z. (Grade 6) – Brooklyn is a strong leader of the Ledger Core Values. She has great respect for her peers and teacher and is a responsible learner who shares her knowledge with others.
Danica S. (Grade 6) – Danica is an excellent student who is always putting her best effort into everything she does. She is very respectful to teachers and peers and is always engaged in her learning
Nishesh B. (Grade 6) – Nishesh has been demonstrating the SMSA core value of learning. He works hard at doing RACE to Better Responses in his work in SS, Religion, ELA, Math and Science.
Quinn Z. (Grade 7) – Quinn takes responsibility for her learning by participating in class and asking thoughtful questions. She is always willing to volunteer for chapel mass and classroom tasks, embodying our core value of community.
Ava K. (Grade 7) – Ava is always willing to lend a helping hand. She is an excellent student who is very respectful and works very well during class activities!
Lucy K. (Grade 7) – Lucy is a great example of showing faith and leadership. She is always the first one to offer to read at mass and does a wonderful job.
Knox C. (Grade 8) – Knox is always respectful, kind and engaged in his learning. He participates and helps others when needed. He shows great leadership and responsibility.
Drake H. (Grade 8) – Drake uses his musical talent during our chapel time making the mass beautiful. Thank you Drake!
Madison R. (Grade 8) – Madison is a quiet leader in the classroom, always doing the right thing, trying her hardest, and being respectful of her teachers and classmates.

CHRISTMAS PROGRAM
Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at 12:45 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.
Hutter Gym; 12:45 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. Christmas Concert.

~All grades 5K-4th students, faculty, and staff will attend the performance. Students are in school uniform. The public is invited as well.

6:10 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. ALL 5K – 4th Grade Students report to Hutter Gym

~Parents/Guardians should take their child(ren)’s coats, etc.

~If families arrive early to get a good parking space, children should remain with parents until 6:10. DO NOT allow them to roam around
unattended. There is expensive equipment involved and it is too dangerous for the children to be running around.

~We ask that all younger children remain with their parents in seats for the concert. There are many things that can break and the students have
worked very hard to put on a great show! Thank you for your cooperation

6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Christmas Concert – Students wear nice Christmas Clothing. All are invited!

Tuesday, December 10th
1:00pm Concert-all are welcome; 6:00pm students report to school- students who are in band or band AND choir will report to the band room.
6:20pm-all students who are in choir only will report to their section in the gym

ALL BAND CHOIR STUDENTS MAY WHERE NICE CHRISTMAS CLOTHING, NO JEANS OR SWEATS
6:30pm Concert-all are welcome

We will be sponsoring a movie, popcorn and pajama day on Friday, December 20th.

For a $3.00 donation the students in P3-8th grade will get to watch a film, enjoy a bag of popcorn donated by Faris 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 the Medina family.

All money needs to be turned in to your child’s homeroom teacher by Friday, December 13th.

If your family is unable to contribute at this time, your child will still be able to participate.

About the Medina Family:

The Medina family has 3 children with Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Mateo is 13, Javier is 8, and Amelia is 6 years old. Mateo spent his first year in and out of the hospital. He had surgeries for a feeding tube and trach to help him breathe. Javier receives spinal injected medicine every 4 months for life. He has a feeding tube and wears a bipap at night. Javier is unable to run or jump and lost his ability to smile. Amelia was diagnosed before she was born. She received a one time infusion and currently shows no signs of Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

Your support of this project and the Medina family is greatly appreciated!

The students in grades 4-8 at St. Mary’s Springs Academy have created unique and original Christmas cards. These cards will be sold for $2.00 after the Masses at Holy Family Parish sites on Saturday, December 7th and Sunday, December 8th. All proceeds from the Christmas Card Sale will benefit The Medina family.

The Medina family has 3 children with Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Mateo is 13, Javier is 8, and Amelia is 6 years old. Mateo spent his first year in and out of the hospital. He had surgeries for a feeding tube and trach to help him breathe. Javier receives spinal injected medicine every 4 months for life. He has a feeding tube and wears a bipap at night. Javier is unable to run or jump and lost his ability to smile. Amelia was diagnosed before she was born. She received a one time infusion and currently shows no signs of Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

You can help by clicking here to sign up to sell the Christmas cards after one of the Masses

This is a wonderful opportunity to earn service hours!

Your support of this project and of The Medina Family is greatly appreciated!

You can help by clicking here to sign up to sell the Christmas cards after one of the Masses.

As the weather cools, our thoughts turn toward the holiday season ahead! At SMSA that means the 30+ year tradition of Elves-R-Us is just around the corner! Please be on the lookout for information regarding this year’s event to come home with your student the week of November 18th. Shopping days will run December 2 – December 6.

Please click HERE to view the Elves-R-Us FAQs! We can’t wait for another year of Elves-R-Us!

Attention Middle and High School Students! Please support our Hot Chocolate and Bake Sale to raise money for students to attend the March for Life in Washington DC in January! The sale will be held outside of the North Hall before school on December 11th and 12th.

For over thirteen years several SMSA families have sponsored a Christmas Gathering for SMSA teachers, administrators, and staff as a way to show their gratitude. For many families, the contribution was given in place of individual Christmas gifts, or as an added appreciation.
This year, we will provide a special luncheon for all staff to enjoy during their school day in late January.

Please note, this opportunity is optional and offered to any SMSA family that would like to contribute. We ask each family interested in participating for a minimum donation of $50.

Monetary donations for the special luncheon will be accepted through Friday, December 20. Please mail your contribution to Andrea Nuss, W4642 Mill Road, Fond du Lac, WI 54937. Checks may be made payable to Andrea Nuss. Valerie Everson will be accepting Venmo payments @Valerie-Everson-4. The last 4 digits of her phone number are 3719.

Please address questions to Valerie Everson at valerie@everson-law.com , or to Andrea Nuss at alnuss@charter.net.

Blessings to you during this holiday season!

Start your Christmas season off with a fun-filled afternoon! SMSA Parent Connectors group will again be hosting The LedgerExpress: A Christmas Celebration on Sunday, December 8th, from 1:00 pm-2:30 pm. The event will be held in Baker Gym & the Commons Area.
Wear your pajamas or dress in holiday gear, enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, make a Christmas craft, take pictures at our photo station, make a treat, enjoy the obstacle course bounce house & play some holiday games. The cost of the event is $7.00 per child.

Your child brought home a registration form last week. Please return your form & money by Tuesday, November 26, 2024, to reserve your LedgerExpress ticket. We hope to see you there! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Andrea Nuss, alnuss@charter.net.

LedgerExpress Reservation Form

Click here to purchase your 2024-2025 elementary (PreK-8th Grade) yearbook.

As SMSA’s winter sports begin, please click on the links below to sign up to help with admission and concession stands at both the boys’ and girls’ home basketball games.

Boys Hoops Sign Up

Girls Hoops Sign Up

Please check the lost and found located outside of the south office. Items not picked up by Thanksgiving Break will be donated or put in the uniform exchange.

Who will win $20,000 this year!? It could be you, or someone you know! Each SMSA family has received 5 BMR tickets to sell and/or purchase before the noon drawing on Friday, January 10, 2025.

←Back to Top

November 23 – High School Placement Test for all 8th graders seeking admission to SMSA high school

November 27-29: No school for Thanksgiving break
December 10: 5th – 8th grade Christma Concert (1:00 and 6:30 in the Hutter gym)
December 11: Kindergarten – 4th grade Christmas Concert (12:45 and 6:30 in the Hutter gym)
December 11: Early Childhood P3 and 4K Christmas Concert (8:15am in the Baker gym)

December 14 – High School Placement Test for all 8th graders seeking admission to SMSA high school
May 28 – Kindergarten – Eighth Grade Mass & 8th grade graduation at Holy Family at 9:00 am

←Back to Top

Parents please remember in order for your child/children to have a spot in extended care the $100.00 registration fee per family needs to be turned in to the south office.

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

Registration for SMSA’s Extended Care Program can be done online through your Skyward Family Access account.

Thank you

←Back to Top