Dear Parents/Guardians,
In less than a week students return to the Ledge and SMSA for a year of growth. We welcome students in many ways to the ledge as we have done in the past. We celebrate differences and accept each other as we are created as children of God. All made perfectly unique. The adults at SMSA will be prepared to make SMSA a safe learning environment for all choices being made to attend SMSA.
I ask all parents and guardians to lean in as well. Prepare your students with a conversation around the differences they may experience and observe this year regarding virtual learners and students and adults choosing what is best for them. We respect all as we seek understanding of the greater community around us. Together we are strong and create a beautiful community of learners.
Below is an example of the schedule for grades 6-8 orientation. The event is created to create an opportunity for students to work together, find comfort with their teachers, and build an expectation for the school year.
Last year, we found this worked very well for grades seven and eight. We are extending it to sixth grade this year due to suggested feedback. Your child will be well taken care of in the welcoming arms of our faculty and staff. Please enter through the South Hall upper parking lot entrance. The students may bring some items on the first day of school if needed.
Other information about this day and other dates can be found at this link, P3 – grade 8 Important Upcoming Dates
Example of an Orientation Day schedule for sixth grade.
12:30 PM-12:50 PM Chapel
- Welcome students at the door – South Hall
- Chapel – Fr. Weber, Mr. Kelnhofer, and Mr. Fisher – introductions and welcome
12:50 PM – 1:20 PM Homeroom Time with Core Value Emphasis and Practice with Lockers
1:20 PM – 1:35 PM Rotation: Introduction / Core Value Emphasis
1:35 PM – 1:50 PM Rotation: Introductions/ Core Value Emphasis
1:50 PM – 2:00 PM Back to Homeroom
- Questions and Answers and Closing Prayer
Thank you for your continued partnership and support of SMSA. I’m looking forward to a fantastic school year with your most precious gifts, your children.
God Bless,
Steven Kelnhofer
Elementary Principal, SMSA
Standards Based Grading
As I have mentioned in previous eLedgers, St. Mary’s Spring Academy is excited to introduce Standards Based Grading in grades kindergarten through third grade for the 2021-22 school year! Standards Based Grading is a best practice initiative the Archdiocese of Milwaukee is leading all of its schools towards implementing in the coming school year.
The objective of the video series is to educate parents in short videos to unpack Standard Based Grading. The series intends to deliver an education and mindshift to understand Standards Based Grading, why Standards Based Grading is best practice, and how Standards Based Grading functions with the parent and teacher supporting the student’s journey.
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