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

Dear SMSA Families,
As we move into this beautiful season of Advent, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for your continued support and partnership. Your involvement in our school community makes a significant difference, and together, we create a nurturing environment for our students.

As we journey through Advent, we focus on peace and preparation. The second week of Advent highlights the Bethlehem Candle, reminding us of the journey Joseph and Mary took to Bethlehem. Let us reflect on how we can foster peace in our lives. What brings you peace? How can we share that peace with others? I encourage you to find moments of peace in your day and appreciate the unexpected gifts that come with it.

Our Christmas concerts were a true highlight this week. There’s nothing quite like hearing our children sing and make music during the Advent season. Thank you to our Ledger faculty and staff for their community effort to bring the sounds of the season through the gift of the students in the P3/4K Christmas program, K5 – Grade 4 Christmas concert, and the Grades 5-8 Christmas band and choir concert.

A huge thank you to Ledger Express and our Parent Connectors for creating such a joyful experience for our little Ledgers and their families. It was wonderful to see the smiles and joy within a beautiful Christmas environment. Thank you to all the families who attended the event and actively participated in our SMSA community.

We are excited to announce a Movie, Popcorn, and Pajama Day on Friday, December 20th. All proceeds will go to the Medina Family. For a recommended donation of $3.00, students in grades P3-8 will enjoy a film, a bag of popcorn (donated by Faris Popcorn), and the opportunity to wear pajamas or sweats. Students may also bring their own drink from home (20 ounces or less). Please ensure that all money is turned in to your child’s homeroom teacher by Friday, December 13th. If your family is unable to contribute at this time, please know that your child will still be able to participate.

We are grateful for your ongoing support as we work together to 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 joy 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 was Ashley Lane, Donor and Alumni Assistant Director.

Henry B. (Grade 3) – Henry is a respectful and faithful leader in our classroom. He is a great friend to everyone, making sure they are included in every activity. Henry encourages his other classmates with positive praise. He is also always willing to help out when needed.
Lukas G. (Grade 3) – Lukas is a respectful and faithful student. He is a great friend and leads by example. He is always willing to help out where he is needed.
Samuel N. (Grade 3) – Samuel is a responsible and respectful student. He works hard on everything he does and is always willing to help others. Samuel is a leader inside and outside of the classroom!
Nolan W. (Grade 4) – Nolan comes to school every day ready to learn and work hard. He is always the first to help out. Nolan is also kind to everyone in his class.
August S. (Grade 4) – August is responsible and takes great pride in his learning. He shows respect by living his faith in word and in action.
Lewis R. (Grade 4) – Lewis is responsible and does his best in all of his subjects. He also likes to help out when needed.
Jack R. (Grade 5) – Jack is a kind and smart kid. He shows respect for others, and he is always attentive.
Thomas K. (Grade 5) – Thomas shows his leadership through all of the covenants. He strives to do his best on all of his work and greets everyone with a smile.
Monty R. (Grade 5) – Monty is always following the Ledger Way. He is prepared for class daily, as well as a willing participant in class discussion and activities. Monty is always kind and respectful to others.

We will be sponsoring a movie, popcorn and pajama day on Friday, December 20th.

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 the Medina family.

All money needs to be turned in to your child’s homeroom teacher by Friday, December 13th.

If your family is unable to contribute at this time, your child will still be able to participate.

About the Medina Family:

The Medina family has 3 children with Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Mateo is 13, Javier is 8, and Amelia is 6 years old. Mateo spent his first year in and out of the hospital. He had surgeries for a feeding tube and trach to help him breathe. Javier receives spinal injected medicine every 4 months for life. He has a feeding tube and wears a bipap at night. Javier is unable to run or jump and lost his ability to smile. Amelia was diagnosed before she was born. She received a one time infusion and currently shows no signs of Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

Your support of this project and the Medina family is greatly appreciated!

Join your SMSA Ledgers Hockey team as they take on Arrowhead and honor our brave men and women who have and are currently surving in our Military during the Ledger Hockey Military Appreciation Game!

When: Saturday December 14, 2024
Time: 2:00pm Varsity
4:15 Junior Varsity
Where: Blueline Family Ice Center

SMSA Online Registration 2025-2026 Is Now Open 

Registration for the 2025-2026 school year is open for families with students currently enrolled at SMSA until January 6, 2025. Registration will be completed online through your Family Access account in Skyward. Step-by-step instructions can be found on the website by following the link Online Registration Instructions.

New this year, Skyward online registration can be completed using your cell phone.

All current families must complete Online Registration for each student.

Log into your Family Access account in Skyward.  If you have misplaced your login credentials for Skyward, please email jpoetzel@smsacademy.org.

Online Registration includes information verification regarding your family and student(s). Registration will open for students not currently enrolled in SMSA in January 2025. Early registration will assist in determining class sizes for the 2025-2026 academic year. The registration fee will become part of your 2025-2026 tuition statement.

Current families must complete registration by January 6, 2025.

If you have questions regarding online registration use this link registration@smsacademy.org.

Click these links to access the following:

•     Tuition Policies
•     Tuition Assistance
•     To enroll a NEW student
•     Online Registration Instructions

Thank you so much to all the families who attended our Parent Connectors LedgerExpress event this past weekend! Kids enjoyed many holiday filled stations…created a gingerbread house picture frame craft, played holiday bingo, enjoyed frosting a gingerbread cookie, sipped on some hot cocoa, took pictures in front of our gingerbread house backdrop, basket raffles, played in the bounce house obstacle course, ax throwing and holiday games!! Mr. Ledger even joined in the festivities!

Thank you to all of the parents who helped plan, donate items and baskets, or volunteered at the event. Thank you also to the middle school and high school students who helped at the stations. We couldn’t have done this event without all of our volunteers! We appreciate you! Have a wonderful rest of the holiday season!

For over thirteen 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.
This year, we will provide a special luncheon for all staff to enjoy during their school day in late 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 20. Please mail your contribution to Andrea Nuss, W4642 Mill Road, Fond du Lac, WI 54937. Checks may be made payable to Andrea Nuss. Valerie Everson will be accepting Venmo payments @Valerie-Everson-4. The last 4 digits of her phone number are 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!

As SMSA’s winter sports begin, please click on the links below to sign up to help with admission and concession stands at both the boys’ and girls’ home basketball games.

Boys Hoops Sign Up

Girls Hoops Sign Up

Who will win $20,000 this year? It could be YOU or someone you know!

Each SMSA family has received 5 BMR tickets to sell and/or purchase before the NOON drawing on Friday, January 10, 2025. Don’t miss your chance to take home the grand prize!

Tickets can be returned with your child to school or dropped off at the North, South, or Scrip offices any time before the drawing.

Have questions or want to buy extra tickets? Reach out to a BMR committee member below.

The drawing will take place snow or shine! Remember last year?! Get your tickets in today – the clock is ticking!

Valerie Everson

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December 14 – High School Placement Test for all 8th graders seeking admission to SMSA high school

December 23, 2024 – January 3, 2025 – Christmas break
May 28 – Kindergarten – Eighth Grade Mass & 8th grade graduation at Holy Family at 9:00 am

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Extended care registration for the 2025-2026 academic year will open in January of 2025.

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

Thank you

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