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

Dear St. Mary’s Springs Academy Families,
Advent is a time of preparation and joy, and this week represents the Third Week of Advent. We light the pink candle, known as the Shepherd’s Candle, reflecting the joy of the shepherds at the birth of Jesus. This week is also called “Gaudete Sunday,” a beautiful reminder to reflect on the joys in our lives and how we can spread joy to others.

As we approach the Fourth Week of Advent, we will light the last purple candle, the Angel’s Candle, representing love. Next week, let us rejoice in the endless love that God has for us, as shown through the birth of His Son and the good news delivered by the angel Gabriel.

Thank you for your attendance at the Christmas concerts this past week. The week started off on Tuesday with the fifth through eighth graders sharing their musical talents in a beautiful band and choir concert. On Wednesday morning, we were blessed to witness the gift of our little Ledgers in our Early Childhood Program. Wednesday evening, kindergarten through fourth grade brought us a wonderful program filled with peace, hope and love. May the joy shared these events be in your heart through the conclusion of the Advent season and journey with you throughout the Christmas.

As we approach Christmas, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for sharing the gift of your child(ren) with our Ledger community. Raising children is challenging at times, yet the joy that children bring into our lives far outweighs those challenges. Every milestone, from their first step to stepping into high school is a treasure we deeply cherish. I encourage you to take this Christmas to spend time with your children because one of the greatest gifts we can give is the gift of being noticed as a gift from God.

As we celebrate this joyous season, we look forward to continuing our collaboration in 2025. Thank you for being an essential part of our St. Mary’s Springs Academy family community.

Peace Be with You,
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.

Ryder F. (Grade 6) – Ryder is a hardworking respectful young man. He is a responsible Ledger who always comes to class prepared and ready to learn!
Luka R. (Grade 6) – Luka puts his best effort into everything he does. He is very respectful to teachers and peers, is always engaged in his learning, and wants to strengthen his understanding of what is being taught in class.
Quinn H. (Grade 6) – Quinn is a faith-filled respectful and responsible leader who takes learning seriously in the sixth grade classroom community.
Elijah Everson (Grade 7) – Elijah is a shining example of community and leadership. He is inclusive and kind to everyone, setting a positive example for our little Ledgers!
Victor H. (Grade 7) – Victor is a very respectful student who follows directions well along with being ready to learn and complete his work. Victor demonstrates his faith by offering prayers for those in need.
Vivian K. (Grade 7) – I am always impressed with Vivian and how she displays the core value of respect. She is always kind and supportive to others. This includes teachers and peers.
Jacob H. (Grade 8) – Jacob did a fantastic job during Elves week. He was responsible and respectful, and he went above and beyond and did every job he was asked to do and more.
Cameron G. (Grade 8) – Cameron was an All-Star during Elves week. Whatever job he was given, he gave 100%, and represented the 8th grade class very well. Thank you Cameron!
Barron B. (Grade 8) – Barron showed the Core Values of Leadership & Responsibility by being a great big buddy Elf to younger students ranging from preschool through 5th grade.
Yaretzi H. (Grade 8) – Yarezti always strives to do her very best. She is willing to help others, even before herself. She is responsible, respectful, and kind.
Natalie S. (Grade 8) – Natalie is always extremely helpful and will not hesitate to do anything asked of her. She shows great leadership in all of her classes and demonstrates the core value of community by always being supportive of others.
Easton S. (Grade 8) – Easton worked very well during Elves week. He offered to do any job necessary and completed those jobs to the best of his ability. He worked hard and showed great responsibility towards others and especially with the younger students. Great job Easton!

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

All Sold tickets must be returned by noon on Friday, January 10, 2025 to be entered to win. Tickets can be sent with your child to school or dropped off at the North, South, or Scrip offices any time before the drawing.

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

Purchase your limited edition “We Support Our Troops” Ledger Hockey long sleeve shirts by clicking here! Orders will close January 3, 2025, and your shirts can be picked up mid-January at Hopper’s.

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

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

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December 23, 2024 – January 3, 2025 – Christmas break

January 6, 2025 – Classes resume
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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