Principal’s Desk News & Information Upcoming Dates School Care News
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Last week I heard a story about our middle school cross country team that was filled with the Ledger Way Core Values and filled my eyes with water. One of our runners was having a hard and difficult race. This runner stopped during the race because of his difficulties that he was enduring. A following teammate was approaching from behind and stopped running to check on his teammate. The approaching runner encouraged his teammate to keep going and that he will be with him until they finished race. Whether it was carrying the other runner up the hill, leading to followed, encouraging from behind or running along beside is how the second runner supported his teammate.
As they approached the finish line, the runner that was having a difficult race was encouraged by the helpful runner to finish ahead. The first runner to cross received the last medaling place ribbon for the race. The helpful runner finished one place removed from medal contention. In turn, the medaling runner handed his medal to his teammate stating that he deserved it more than him.
This story incapsulates SMSA’s mission, vision, covenants, and core values. It also displays three various ways to be a leader; sometimes we need to push and encourage from behind, other times to take the lead and pull and at times it’s time to walk beside. The runners actions also displays reflection and empathy. Two characteristics that display leadership. I’m proud of both of these runners as we run life’s race together.
Fall Parent/Teacher/student Conferences
Parent/teacher/student conferences will be held on October 1st and 2nd for grades P3 through 8th grade. A parent communication regarding conferences was sent by homeroom teachers. Please use our Skyward system to sign up for a scheduled conference time if your child is in grades P3 – grade 5. Grades 6 – grade 8 conferences will be an open house format. SMSA is excited to build partnerships with each and every one of you through the important conference experience. We will be asking parents to fill out a quick survey during conference night to learn more about sharing ideas between home and school to improve services at SMSA. Looking forward to seeing you on campus next week for our mandatory fall conferences.
Trunk or Treat and Halloween classroom parties will be held on Halloween this school year. Please look for more information from the homeroom teachers regarding classroom Halloween activates. We are blessed to work with Parent Connectors as they will be communicating more information regarding Trunk or Treat. It’s a great time to build community and have a little fun as well.
Thank you for your continued partnership with SMSA. Together we will create a path for tomorrow’s children to achieve amazing dreams.
God Bless,
Steven Kelnhofer
skelnhofer@smsacademy.org
Elementary Principal, SMSA
The Fond du Lac County Highway Department installed a “No U Turn” sign Monday, September 23rd on County Road K. This measure was implemented to enhance safety and improve traffic flow in our area.
Additionally, Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office deputies are monitoring this location and enforcing the new regulation. We urge all parents, guardians and student drivers to adhere strictly to the traffic flow guidelines detailed in the map below. Specifically, we ask that you refrain from parking along the stone wall in front of the North Hall Office, as this obstructs traffic and may cause backups, potentially resulting in citations for U-turn violations. Both the stone wall and the Hug and Go lane in the South Lot are designated for continuous traffic flow, not for parking to drop off or pick up students. If your student is not prepared to exit your vehicle promptly, please utilize the designated parking areas on our campus.
As a reminder, it’s essential to adhere to school bus etiquette to ensure the safety of all students. When approaching a school bus that has its stop arm extended and lights flashing, you must come to a complete stop, regardless of the direction you are traveling. This allows students to board and disembark safely. Always remain vigilant in school zones and be prepared for unexpected stops.
Your cooperation is essential in ensuring the safety of our students and facilitating smooth traffic operations during drop-off and pick-up times. We appreciate your understanding and support regarding this matter.
A long standing tradition at SMSA continues again this year with the Christmas Card Fundraiser, in which students in Grades 4 through 8 will be creating and selling handmade Christmas Cards. These cards will be sold for $2.00 each by the St. Mary’s Springs Academy families after all the Masses at Holy Family Parish sites on Saturday, December 7th and Sunday, December 8th. We will also be having a movie and popcorn afternoon, the day before Christmas Break, where students can bring in a donation to watch the movie of their choice and enjoy popcorn. Everyone will be able to participate, whether they bring in a donation or not. All proceeds from the card sale and movie/popcorn will go to benefit a local child (Fond du Lac County) and his/her family, who is currently or has had medical concerns/conditions.
If you know of a child and their family that you feel is deserving of a nomination, please fill out this form. All nominations will be reviewed and a recipient will be chosen by random draw.
Before you know it Elves R Us, a time honored tradition on the Ledge will be here and our 8th grade students will be helping to bring the magic of Christmas to SMSA’s Elementary students, faculty and staff!
The Elves store will be held the week of December 2nd through December 6th. Setting up the store and wrapping room will begin on November 25th and 26th. More information will follow, but in preparation we are in need of larger bags with handles so the kids can transport their gifts home safely. If you have any larger plastic shopping bags (not the small grocery plastic bags), or brown grocery bags with handles, please drop them at either the North or South office. Thank you!
Are you wanting to get more involved in our Parent Connectors Group? If so, look for the Parent Connectors volunteer form in your packet you will be receiving at the supply drop off day (3K-5th Grade). If your youngest child is in 6th grade or above, you won’t be receiving a form to fill out but can email Andrea Nuss, alnuss@charter.net, to share that you are interested in being a part of our group. Every year a new email group gets created so please submit your form even if you have done so in the past years. Also, only one form per family is needed to be filled out. Throughout the year, our group has various school family events as well shows our amazing SMSA Staff how appreciative we are for them. By being a part of our group, you will receive emails that shares ways you can help with these events through volunteering and donating. Our group wouldn’t be a successful without all of the wonderful people involved in it. Thank you so much! If you have any questions, please email Andrea Nuss, alnuss@charter.net.
Parent/Teacher Conferences: October 1 & 2, 2024
No School – Teacher In-service: October 3 & 4, 2024
Absent/Retake Photo Day for all P3 – 8th grade: October 10, 2024
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