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

Dear SMSA Families,
We hope this newsletter finds you well and enjoying the beautiful fall season! As always, we are grateful for your continued partnership and support in enhancing our students’ educational journey.

This past Tuesday, we celebrated our Principal Pen Award winners from Pre3 through Grade 3. Each month, award winners are selected by adults on campus from various grade levels. During the celebration, students enjoyed a light breakfast, heard an inspiring keynote speaker from SMSA, received their awards, and will be featured in the upcoming eLedger. It was truly uplifting to hear stories reflecting our Ledger Way core values and witness the growth in holistic education at St. Mary’s Springs Academy.

In addition, Students in Grades K-2 completed their reading fluency assessments. Grades 2-8 finished the Fall MAP testing session. We are gearing up for our grades 6-8 musical, with auditions just around the corner. Our fall sports teams are wrapping up their seasons, showcasing dedication and teamwork!

Our classroom Halloween parties will take place on October 31st in the afternoon and in the morning for Early Childhood. Please check with individual homeroom teachers for further details. Parents must be SEE trained to attend the classroom parties.

Join us for our annual Trunk or Treat event in the upper parking lot coming late October and more information coming soon. It’s a wonderful opportunity to build community and enjoy some festive fun together!

A special shout-out and heartfelt thank you to the Parent Connectors Committee and the wonderful volunteers who organized special treats for our teachers during the two evenings of conferences. Your kind gesture means so much to us at SMSA. We truly appreciate all you do to support our teachers throughout the school year. You are amazing, and your hearts are filled with love!

As we move forward, we are excited about the continued collaboration between our families and our staff. Thank you for being an essential part of our SMSA community. Together, we can achieve great things!

God Bless,
Steven Kelnhofer
skelnhofer@smsacademy.org
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 is Mr. Kyle Krueger.

Evelyn D. (P3) -Evelyn exudes kindness and is so respectful to everyone with her gentle demeanor. She asks classmates to join in during play and is very inclusive. Evelyn is comforting to classmates when they are sad or hurt and is always engaged while we are learning!

Abigail K. (K4) -Abigail comes in daily with a smile on her face, ready to learn! She consistently demonstrates learning through participating in whole group activities and taking her time on her work. She tries her best each day!

Otto D. (Kindergarten) -Otto is a natural leader in our classroom who consistently takes pride in all of his work, is respectful to his peers and school community, and leads our class in prayers every day. Otto is a bright student who is always excited about academic challenges and learning something new. At the beginning of the school year, Otto immediately stepped up without being asked when he saw a classmate was having a hard time coming into school in the morning. Otto encouraged them every day and helped make them excited about school each morning.

Louie B. (Grade 1) -Louie works hard to learn everyday, and adds to classroom discussions. He courageously raises his hand to answer questions and is not afraid to make mistakes. He always works hard and does his best.

Elise V. (Grade 2 ) -Elise challenges herself daily. She asks questions, problem solves, and helps others understand when they need help. She is a great model when it comes to learning in the classroom.

Eleanor R. (Grade 3) -Eleanor works hard everyday in the classroom. She pays very close attention in class. She is respectful to her teacher and classmates. She shines very bright both in the classroom and out.

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.

Fall has arrived and that means Halloween is just around the corner! We are excited to announce SMSA will once again offer Trunk or Treat for our SMSA families and invite you to participate. Below you will find details about the event as well as a sign up form to register you/your vehicle to hand out candy.

PLEASE NOTE: In accordance with the Archdiocese, ALL CANDY DISTRIBUTORS MUST BE SEE TRAINED. If your SEE training is not up to date, there is still time to do so before Trunk or Treat. See details below:
Event Details:
Trunk or Treat: SMSA South Parking Lot
Thursday, October 30
Time:
Trunk decorating – 5:15-5:45 p.m.
Trunk or Treat – 6 – 7 p.m.
Sign up here to hand out candy and confirm your SEE training.
Please complete the form by Friday, October 24.

If you are not handing out candy and just want to attend the event with your kids, SEE training is not required. Event attendees not handing out candy, please plan to park in the lower lot at school and walk up to the South lot to enjoy the event.

There is no registration required to attend the event – just mark your calendars and join us for an evening of fun and treats.

SEE Training:
Looking to update your SEE Training or take the course for the first time?
Remember, SEE Training is required to volunteer and/or chaperone at SMSA – so if you haven’t already – register today and complete the course to be SEE Trained qualified for the next 5 years!
Note: if you have already done SEE Training and just need to do the refresher course (required every 5 years) CLICK HERE.

Check out upcoming nearby in-person classes:
St. Matthew School in Campbellsport – Thursday, October 16 (6 -9 p.m.)
*Or look for a full list of trainings in the Milwaukee Area during October CLICK HERE

Questions? Please reach out to Jenn Ellestad at jenn.ellestad@gmail.com
We look forward to seeing you and your little pumpkins on October 30!

Sincerely,
The Trunk or Treat Team

It’s Basketball Time! 

• Coaching and skill development
• 1st – 3rd Grade practices
• 4th Grade team plays Saturday league and 2 tournaments
• 5th – 6th Grade teams play up to 5 tournaments
• 7th – 8th Grade teams play up to 7 tournaments

Membership: 

• 1st – 3rd Grades $50 (includes t-shirt)
• 4th – 8th Grades $125 + uniform cost

Membership fees are reduced by $25 for each additional family member, excluding 1st and 2nd grades. Any questions please contact: 

Mike Heaney heaney.reconstruction@gmail.com

Patrick Ellestad patrick.ellestad@gmail.com

Jason Rathke rathkejj24@hotmail.com

Karen Feld karenevelyn85@gmail.com

We are looking for additional board members.  This year specifically a tournament logistics person.  Let one of us know if you are interested in becoming a board member. 

JLBC Registration 2025 (1)

Thanks to the generosity of our students and staff, the Homecoming Penny Wars raised $1,982.64! Loaves and Fishes and Holy Family Warming Shelter will greatly benefit from these funds in the months to come with meal donations and a tie blanket project. Great job everyone!! Congratulations to our daily winners:
Monday-1st grade (Popsicles)
Tuesday-P3 (Popcorn)
Wednesday-K4 (Donut Holes)
Thursday-1st grade (Candy)
Friday-Kindergarten (Sundae Bar)

It’s that time of year again!  Time for St. Mary’s Springs Academy’s “Big Money Raffle” (BMR). Who will win $20,000 this year!?

This 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 are being distributed this year as follows:

• If your youngest child attending SMSA is in grades P3 – 8th grade, and you attended conferences on September 30 & October 1, you should have received your tickets as you entered the South Hall entrance. If your youngest child attending SMSA is in 9 – 12th grade, your tickets will be coming home with your child in the next week.
• Any remaining tickets that were not distributed at conferences will be sent home with your youngest child at SMSA. Please be sure to check their backpacks.

Please review the information included in the envelope regarding this fundraiser.  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

Beginning this week fifth and sixth grade band students are asked to try to practice an hour a week, outside of band rehearsals and lessons. Then submit a checklist in Google Classroom how long they practiced each week on Fridays.

I will add the example here of what they’re to fill out once a week on Fridays, only when we have five full days of school in a week
Thanks for your help!

Gerry Scudella
SMSA MS Bands

The Middle School Theatre Department is excited to announce this year’s production: Fame JR.! Following the success of the motion picture, television series, and stage show, Fame has become a worldwide phenomenon. Fame JR. features a high-energy pop score (including the iconic title song) and a heartfelt coming-of-age story.

Set in the early 1980s at New York City’s celebrated High School for the Performing Arts, the musical follows a diverse group of students as they dedicate themselves to four years of demanding artistic and academic work. With humor, honesty, and plenty of music and dance, Fame JR. explores the challenges and triumphs many young people face today.

Any student in 6th through 8th grade is invited to participate. We will be holding a mandatory Parent & Student Informational Meeting on Wednesday, October 22nd at 6:30 PM in the Multipurpose Room.
At this meeting, families will receive all the details needed to make a confident decision about participation: rehearsal schedule, expectations, and volunteer opportunities. Attending does not commit you to the show—it simply provides the information you need to decide if this is the right fit for your family.

Workshop/Auditions: October 28–30, 3:30–5:00 PM. Students must attend all three workshops, even if they plan to be part of the backstage crew.

Parent Volunteers: Please remember that all parents must be SEE trained in order to help with the production. If you have questions, contact Pat or Cassie in the office.

We are so excited for this year’s show and can’t wait to see our students shine on stage!
Mrs. Packer & Ms. O’Brien

BIG NEWS! Meet Dav Pilkey! The # 1 worldwide bestselling creator of Dog Man is going on tour this fall to celebrate the release of his newest book, Dog Man: Big Jim Believes, coming November 11th!

Don’t miss these epic events with cool giveaways, photos ops, fun activities, and more. Receive an autographed copy of his latest book!

Grab your tickets now at https://bit.ly/3KcDh3z

-WI Tour Date -11/16 – Milwaukee, WI @ Riverside Theater (with Boswell Books & Books & Company)

If you are interested in getting involved at SMSA, be a part of the SMSA Parent Connectors Group! Our group focuses on building connections with our SMSA families through our events during the school year as well as celebrating our amazing SMSA Staff. If you have a child(ren) in grades preschool through 5th Grade, you received a blue Parent Connectors Volunteer Form at supply drop off day. If you are interested in helping with our group, please fill out the form & return it to your child’s teacher by Friday, September 5th. Only ONE per family is needed to be filled out. If your youngest child(ren) is in 6th Grade or older, please email me, alnuss@charter.net, letting me know you would like to be included in the group emails as they didn’t receive a volunteer form. Once they are all collected and entered, you will receive an email. Each year a NEW email group is created to keep it updated so even if you have been a part of the group email in years past, please let us know you continue to want to be. We greatly appreciate ALL of our volunteers! We couldn’t do what we do without all of your help! It is going to be a great school year! If you have any questions, please email Andrea Nuss, alnuss@charter.net.

Volunteer-Form-2025-2026

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

Click Here to Learn More!

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October 27, 2025 – No School – Faculty In-service

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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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