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

Dear Families,
As we approach the holiday season, we at SMSA want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for your continued partnership and support. Your involvement in our school community makes a significant difference in the lives of our students.

In the first week of Advent, we light the first purple candle, known as The Prophecy Candle. Purple symbolizes penance, preparation, and sacrifice within the Catholic Church. This week, we remember the Old Testament prophets and celebrate hope. In the spirit of hope, SMSA is excited to support the Medina family and their three children who are living with Spinal Muscular Atrophy. We invite you to read more in the eLedger about how we can connect our mission and the Catholic social teachings to hope for the Medina family.

We want to extend a special thank you to our 8th grade team of teachers, students, and supportive parents for making the Elves R Us academic learning experience a resounding success. The dedication shown by our teachers and students was remarkable. Thank you also to the adult volunteers who helped with wrapping, supervising the store, setting up, tearing down, and much more. We couldn’t have done it without your support! We appreciate the students and families at all grade levels who participated in the shopping experience. Your support enabled our 8th graders to learn valuable lessons in customer service, economics, fine motor skills, and patience. Elves R Us truly embodies our Ledger Way Core Values.

Please mark these important dates on your calendars and join us in celebrating the joyous spirit of the season!
Christmas Concerts:
December 10: 5th – 8th grade Christmas Concert at 1:00 PM and 6:30 PM in the Hutter gym
December 11: Kindergarten – 4th grade Christmas Concert at 12:45 PM and 6:30 PM in the Hutter gym
December 11: Early Childhood P3 and 4K Christmas Concert at 8:15 AM in the Baker gym

Thank you for your partnership in nurturing our children to be rooted in Christ’s teachings, to learn about serving the community, and to become tomorrow’s leaders. Together, we will pave the way for our children to achieve their amazing dreams. We are grateful for your ongoing support in our educational journey. Together, let’s continue to create a supportive environment for our students to thrive.

Wishing you a joyful 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.

Eden W. (P3) – Eden is extremely respectful and a wonderfully kind friend. She is responsible and welcoming and is a leader amongst her classmates.
Cecilia B. (P3) – Cece is respectful and kind to others. She is a leader in our classroom and a great role model to other students
Justice Y. ( K4) – Justice is a very hard worker in the classroom. She puts forth her best effort in everything that she does and exemplifies the Ledger Way.
Eloise P. ( K4) – Ellie comes in everyday with a smile on her face! She gets along with everyone and is kind. She also loves to learn and works hard!
Jackson W. (Kindergarten) – Jackson is a great role model. He is kind and respectful and he is always willing to help anyone out.
Lucy N. (Kindergarten) – Lucy leads by her great example each day. She always knows the right thing to do in the classroom. She is respectful and kind towards her friends and teachers.
Kinsley V. (Kindergarten) – Kinsley is always kind to everyone she meets. She is always willing to lend a helping hand when there is a mess or something needs to be done. Kinsley also tries her hardest at everything that she does!
Frances S. (Grade 1) – Frances is a great friend to everyone. She is quick to help everyone and shows great respect and compassion for others.
Audrey R. (Grade 1) – Audrey exemplifies kindness and goodness, making a positive impact on everyone she encounters. She is a true role model, always stepping forward to help friends in need. As an outstanding teacher-helper, Audrey consistently demonstrates respect, responsibility, and safety. Thank you for being an incredible influence, Audrey, and continue your amazing work!
Marigold S. (Grade 1) – Marigold comes in everyday with a smile on her face! She has such a kind heart and is a hard worker. She is always respectful towards others.
Derek B. (Grade 2) – Derek is a responsible leader. He is always ready to learn and he is a great listener. Derek helps others without being asked.
Griffin J. (Grade 2) – Griffin is always ready to learn new things. He challenges himself to do his best. Griffin is respectful to everyone.
Owen D. (Grade 2) – Owen works hard to grow in all subjects. He always tries new strategies to solve problems and shares his ideas with others. He is always willing to lend a helping hand!

The students in grades 4-8 at St. Mary’s Springs Academy have created unique and original Christmas cards. These cards will be sold for $2.00 after the Masses at Holy Family Parish sites on Saturday, December 7th and Sunday, December 8th. All proceeds from the Christmas Card Sale will benefit 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.

You can help by clicking here to sign up to sell the Christmas cards after one of the Masses

This is a wonderful opportunity to earn service hours!

Your support of this project and of The Medina Family is greatly appreciated!

You can help by clicking here to sign up to sell the Christmas cards after one of the Masses.

CHRISTMAS PROGRAM
Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at 12:45 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.
Hutter Gym; 12:45 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. Christmas Concert.

~All grades 5K-4th students, faculty, and staff will attend the performance. Students are in school uniform. The public is invited as well.

6:10 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. ALL 5K – 4th Grade Students report to Hutter Gym

~Parents/Guardians should take their child(ren)’s coats, etc.

~If families arrive early to get a good parking space, children should remain with parents until 6:10. DO NOT allow them to roam around
unattended. There is expensive equipment involved and it is too dangerous for the children to be running around.

~We ask that all younger children remain with their parents in seats for the concert. There are many things that can break and the students have
worked very hard to put on a great show! Thank you for your cooperation

6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Christmas Concert – Students wear nice Christmas Clothing. All are invited!

Tuesday, December 10th
1:00pm Concert-all are welcome; 6:00pm students report to school- students who are in band or band AND choir will report to the band room.
6:20pm-all students who are in choir only will report to their section in the gym

ALL BAND CHOIR STUDENTS MAY WHERE NICE CHRISTMAS CLOTHING, NO JEANS OR SWEATS
6:30pm Concert-all are welcome

Puck drops at 7:30 p.m., come and cheer on your Ledger Hockey team as they take on Appleton North at Fond du Lac Blueline Ice Center on Tuesday, December 10, 2024!

The following teachers have been chosen by the senior players and managers to be honored during the game.

Attention Middle and High School Students! Please support our Hot Chocolate and Bake Sale to raise money for students to attend the March for Life in Washington DC in January! The sale will be held outside of the North Hall before school on December 11th and 12th.

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

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!

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.

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December 10: 5th – 8th grade Christma Concert (1:00 and 6:30 in the Hutter gym)
December 11: Kindergarten – 4th grade Christmas Concert (12:45 and 6:30 in the Hutter gym)
December 11: Early Childhood P3 and 4K Christmas Concert (8:15am in the Baker gym)

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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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

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