Principal’s Desk News & Information Upcoming Dates School Care News
Elementary (PreK - 8) & Childcare - October 30, 2025
Oct 30
Dear SMSA Families,
As we embrace the vibrant spirit of our school community, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for your continued support and partnership. Together, we are creating a nurturing environment for our children to learn and grow.
Happy Halloween! It was wonderful to see the joy and community spirit during our Halloween activities this week.
Thank you in advance to our Homeroom Parents for your support for classroom Halloween parties as your support truly makes a difference. It’s delightful to watch our little Ledgers in their creative costumes, sharing smiles and laughter with one another.
Special thanks to our Parent Connectors for your efforts to make the Trunk or Treat event a fantastic success! This community gathering not only brought us together but also created lasting memories. Thank you for your hard work in fostering our SMSA spirit!
This week, we will attend an All System Mass on October 31st. This Mass presents a special opportunity for our third graders to showcase their presentation of the Litany of Saints to our SMSA community. This occasion is particularly significant for our third-grade class. Kudos to the dedicated teachers, parents, and students for their commitment and hard work. We are truly blessed to have such wonderful role models at SMSA!
We are approaching the end of our first trimester of school, which officially closes on November 19th. Skyward is a great tool to check in on your child(ren)’s progress in school and their learning journey.
During the week of November 3rd, SMSA will be going through the final stages of our accreditation visit. A big thank you to all the faculty, parents, and students who supported this initiative!
We are grateful for the enthusiastic support you provide to our school community. Thank you for your ongoing partnership in shaping the future of our children.
Looking ahead, we are excited to continue collaborating with you in fostering an enriching environment for our students.
God Bless,
Steven Kelnhofer
skelnhofer@smsacademy.org
Elementary Principal, SMSA
Last Call - Coats for Kids
The National Honor Society is sponsoring a Coats for Kids drive at school. Each fall, The Salvation Army works with schools, agencies and community to collect requests for new/used winter outerwear for families in need & organizes the county’s largest winter outerwear distribution. We are asking for donations to help The Salvation Army have a coat for everyone who needs one. You can drop off your item in the boxes by the South and North office by October 31st.
Yearbook Orders Due November 6, 2025!
Did you order a yearbook for your child yet? If not, please click here to order your yearbook today. All orders are due on November 6th.
Library Volunteers Still Needed
We are currently looking for regularly scheduled and sub volunteers to assist our students in the library during the following times:
* Wednesdays: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
* Thursdays: 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM
* SUBS various times of the week/month as needed
Why do we love having regular volunteers?
Because our students love forming connections with their library helpers! When you’re here regularly, you get to know the students—their personalities, their interests, and their favorite books. It’s a wonderful opportunity to build relationships and help guide young readers by recommending books you know they’ll enjoy.
Whether you’re a parent, or grandparent, your time makes a big difference. If you love books and enjoy working with kids, and are SEE trained we’d love to have you on our library team!
Contact Lisa at library@smsacademy.org with any questions or for more information.
Who Will Win $20,000?! BMR Tickets on Sale NOW!
Who will win $20,000 this year!?
The BMR cash raffle is one of only three major fundraisers for SMSA that involves EVERY family, Pre-K through 12th grade. Each family receives 5 BMR tickets to sell and/or purchase.
Tickets have been distributed to the youngest child per family in our System. Please be sure to check their backpacks or ask them if they were handed your families tickets after school.
Please review the information included in the envelope regarding this fundraiser. Sold tickets may be returned to school with your child, or to the North, South or Scrip offices any time before the live noon drawing on Friday, January 16, 2026.
If you have any questions, or if you would like to purchase additional tickets, please contact a member of the BMR committee, listed below.
Valerie Everson
920.251.3719
Stephanie Fessler
920.960.0556
Katie Mathos
920.979.6757
Lisa Shannon
920.539.2892
Would you like to get involved at SMSA?
Are you looking to get more involved at SMSA? If so, join our Parent Connectors Group!! We organize events for our SMSA families & show our appreciation towards our amazing SMSA Staff throughout the year!! Please email Andrea Nuss, alnuss@charter.net if you are interested. Thank you so much!!
Refer-A-Family Program - Earn $500 Towards Tuition
October 30, 2025 – Trunk or Treat
October 31, 2025 – All System Mass
November 26-28, 2025 – No School – Thanksgiving Break