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

Dear SMSA Families,
As we continue to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ during the second week of Advent, I want to express my sincere gratitude for your ongoing support and collaboration. Your participation in our school community makes a significant impact, and together, we create a nurturing environment for our students.

During Advent, we focus on peace and preparation. The second week features the Bethlehem Candle, reminding us of Joseph and Mary’s journey to Bethlehem. Let’s reflect on how we can cultivate peace in our lives. What brings you peace? How can we share that peace with others? I encourage you to find peaceful moments in your day and appreciate the unexpected gifts they bring to our hearts.

Our Christmas concerts were the true highlight of this week. There’s nothing like hearing our children sing and make music during the Advent season. Thank you to our Ledger faculty and staff for their efforts in bringing the sounds of the season through the P3/4K Christmas program, K5 – Grade 4 Christmas concert, and the Grades 5-8 Christmas band and choir concert. The joy of these three gifts is enough to grow ones own heart three sizes.

A big thank you to the Ledger Express support volunteers and to our Parent Connectors for creating sand leading such a joyful experience for our little Ledgers and their families. It was wonderful experience to see the smiles and joy in a beautiful Christmas setting. Thank you to all the families who attended and actively participated in our SMSA community.

We’re excited to announce a movie, popcorn, and pajama day on December 23rd. All proceeds will support Rashaud Reynolds and his family. For a suggested donation of $3.00, students in grades P3-8 can enjoy a movie, a bag of popcorn (donated by Faris Popcorn), and the chance to wear pajamas or sweats. Students may also bring a drink from home (20 ounces or less). Please ensure all money is given to your child’s homeroom teacher by Friday, December 19th. If your family is unable to contribute at this time, please know that your child can still participate.

We appreciate your continued support as we prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. Your partnership is invaluable, and we look forward to continuing this journey with you.

Wishing you peace and preparation time during this Advent season.

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 is Ashley Lane at SMSA, who is our Donor and Alumni Assistant Director.

Harper G. (4th Grade) -Harper is an exceptional learner that consistently puts forth her best effort in all of her classes. She shows amazing leadership skills and is respectful to all of her classmates and teachers.
Camille C. (5th Grade) -Camille is very responsible, hard working and leads by example. She is respectful to peers and adults and volunteers by participating in classroom discussions and group work. She is kind and asks thoughtful questions.
Jaelyn S. (6th Grade) -Jaelyn demonstrates outstanding learning and responsibility. She completes her work on time, helps her classmates with their learning, and takes true ownership of her growth. Even while away on vacation, she stayed fully caught up and continued to meet expectations. She is a wonderful example of dedication and responsibility.
Itzayanna B. (7th Grade) -Itzayanna is a wonderful example of Faith and Learning at SMSA. She is prayerful, speaks openly about her love for Jesus through Mary, and serves joyfully at Mass. She also approaches her academics with the same dedication, always giving her best effort and striving to grow each day.
Cooper P. (Grade 8) -Cooper is always kind and respectful to everyone. He did an amazing job during Elves R’ Us, stepping up and doing anything asked of him.

Hey Ledgers! NJHS is hosting a Food Drive from 12/15–12/19 to support Blessed Bites, a program that provides meals to families in need. High-need items include: canned goods (pop-tops if possible), fruit cups or cans, canned meat, small peanut butter, instant coffee packets, cereal, granola/protein bars, and brown paper bags. If we collect at least 500 donations, Fr. Durand will get SILLY STRINGED at lunch! Let’s come together as a community and make a real impact. Thank you for your support!

We will be sponsoring a movie, popcorn and pajama day on Tuesday, December 23rd. 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 Rashaud. All money needs to be turned in to your child’s homeroom teacher by Friday, December 19th. If your family is unable to contribute at this time, your child will still be able to participate.

Please read below to learn more about Rashaud.
Rashaud is an awesome kid who unfortunately ended up in a terrible drowning accident when he was 8 years old. He spent a month and a half in the hospital and continues to do occupational and physical therapy once a week.

Rashaud is now 11 years old and a 5th grader at Parkside Elementary. He has a heart of gold and a smile that’s contagious. He lights up any room he enters. The funds raised will go towards expanding his sensory corner and his wheelchair van fund.

Your support and prayers for Rashaud and his family are greatly appreciated!

The National Honor Society will be hosting a fundraising event at Pizza Ranch on Wednesday, December 17th from 4 pm to 9pm. Pizza Ranch will donate 15% of the proceeds to our chapter. The funds raised will be used to buy groceries and prepare meals for the homeless in Fond du Lac. Please take a night off from getting the kitchen dirty to support our students and community members.

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

Are any of these items yours? We have lots of beautiful winter coats, Ledger apparel, uniforms, shorts, athletic wear, water bottles…. you name it, we have it! Please check out our lost and found. We will have the lost and found displayed until Dec 23rd. Any items left over will be donated.

For over fourteen 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.
The special luncheon for all the staff to enjoy will be provided during a school day in 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 19. Please mail your contribution to Andrea Nuss, W4642 Mill Road, Fond du Lac, WI 54937. Checks may be made payable to Andrea Nuss. If you are interested in paying through Venmo, please send to @Valerie-Everson-4, last 4 digits 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!
Andrea Nuss & Valerie Everson

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

Starting January 2026 – Volunteers are needed Mondays from Noon – 3:00 p.m.

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.

Planning has begun for our annual Ledgerfest fundraising event—mark your calendars for Saturday, March 28, 2026! You won’t want to miss this exciting evening celebrating SMSA.

Once again, we’re asking each grade level to contribute toward creating some incredible auction baskets. Your support makes a huge difference in making Ledgerfest a success!

If you would like to contribute towards your child’s grade level basket, click this link: https://smsacademy.ejoinme.org/LF26class to donate online. Once you enter a donation amount and click next, please fill in your child’s name and grade level (if you are donating for more than one child, please list each name and grade level along with the amount for each child). If you prefer, you may still send cash or check (payable to Andrea Nuss) in an envelope marked: Ledgerfest/Ashley Lane. Please also indicate your child’s grade level on the envelope.

All contributions are due by Thursday, February 5th. Thank you so much!
If you have any questions, please reach out to your grade-level lead:
P3: Lindsey Pietrowski – pietrowski.lindsey@gmail.com
K4: Allison Geiger – kageiger@att.net
K5: Amy Meyer-Bremer – ameyer17@outlook.com
1st Grade: Betsy Royce – ejmiazga@gmail.com
2nd Grade: Molly Jaster – molly.jaster@gmail.com
3rd Grade: Jourdan Jacobs – jourdanjacobs@gmail.com
4th Grade: Katie Heller – katieheller11@gmail.com
5th Grade: Jenn Ellestad – jenn.ellestad@gmail.com
6th Grade: Andrea Nuss – alnuss@charter.net
7th Grade: Tya Robles – tyajean623@gmail.com
8th Grade: Shannon LaLuzerne – slaluzerne@smsacademy.org
High School (9-12): Andrea Nuss – alnuss@charter.net, Betsey Gitter – kevandbets@gmail.com and Pam Kristmann – pamkristmann@gmail.com

Thank you for your generosity and for helping make Ledgerfest 2026 another amazing celebration of our Ledger community!

Mark your calendars — Ledgerfest is happening Saturday, March 28, 2026!

We are bringing all the fun, energy, and team spirit you can handle — it’s sure to be a night full of laughs, cheers, and good times!
Location: FCC (400 University Dr. Fdl)
Time: Doors open at 5:00 pm

Want in on the action? Join the Ledgerfest Committee!
Help dream up ideas, decorate, and make this year’s event the best one yet. Reach out to Ashley Lane if you’d like to join the team — it’s a total blast and a great way to get involved!

Get ready… this event is sure to be a slam dunk!
It’s going to be a night you won’t want to miss!

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!!

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

Click Here to Learn More!

←Back to Top

December 24, 2025 – January 2, 2026 – Christmas Break

January 5, 2026 – School Is Back In Session

January 16, 2026 – BMR Drawing

←Back to Top

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

Thank you

←Back to Top