From the Desk of Steve Kelnhofer - Elementary School Principal

Dear Parents and Guardians,
I hope this message finds you well and in good spirits. As we move through this exciting time of the year, I want to take a moment to share some important updates and celebrate our wonderful community at SMSA.

 

This Catholic Schools week has been filled with joy and spirit as we celebrate the holistic education at SMSA. Our curriculum integrates our faith, allowing students to gain skills, knowledge, and methods of application while engaging in meaningful learning experiences.
The joy and excitement throughout SMSA is palpable as we move forward in this special week. It is a wonderful place to learn, play, and grow in faith. The faculty, staff, and administration feel blessed to work with your children every day.

 

Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences
Our second set of conferences is scheduled for Wednesday, February 5th, 2025, from 3:40 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. These conferences are either recommended by the teacher or may be scheduled by you if you wish to meet with your child’s teacher. Attendance is not mandatory for the spring conferences.

 

The Skyward conference scheduler was opened to parents of our P3 – Grade 8 families. If you would like to schedule a conference, please follow these steps:
– Log into your Skyward account.
– Select Teacher Conferences from the left menu bar.
– Choose All Conferences.
– Select a time that works for you.
– To cancel or reschedule a conference:
– Log into your Skyward account.
– Select Teacher Conferences from the left menu bar.
– View your scheduled time.
– Follow the steps to select a new time for your child.

 

If you have any questions regarding conferences, please call the South Hall Office at 920-322-8046. Thank you for your partnership and communication to support your child’s educational experience at SMSA.

 

As a reminder, we are grateful for your continued partnership with SMSA. Together, we are creating a path for our children to achieve amazing dreams. Your involvement and engagement in our school community make a significant difference in the lives of our students.
Thank you for your ongoing support in making this week truly special. We look forward to continuing our collaboration and fostering a strong school-family partnership. Thank you for being an integral part of our SMSA community.

 

God Bless,
Steven Kelnhofer
Elementary Principal, SMSA

 

 


 

News and Information

Principal's Pen

 

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 Heather Reilley, Director of Pupil Services.

 

Bennett K. (Grade 6) – Bennett has a zest for learning. He always asks questions and wants to know more. Bennett is respectful to his peers and teachers and strives to do his best.
Rowan H. (Grade 6) – Rowan learns and listens to each lesson and is cooperative. She offers her ideas with the class and is very respectful. She also follows our Ledger Core Values.
Cameron W. (Grade 6) – Cameron is a respectful, responsible, and faith-filled student who shows kindness, participates actively, studies diligently, and helps others with a positive attitude.
Olivia R. (Grade 7) – Olivia demonstrates a shining example of our core values of respect and community. She is kind, empathetic, creative, and helpful. Olivia is growing into a servant leader on the Ledge!
Charlie R. (Grade 7) – Charlie is a great student who strives to do his very best. He is very respectful, positive, and leads by demonstrating the Ledger Way Core Values of responsibility, respect, and learning.
Natalia K. (Grade 7) – Natalia is a wonderful example of following all of SMSA’s Core Values. She is very kind, respectful, inclusive when working with others, engaged in her learning and is a leader for others in class. She always has a smile on her face and is very positive.
Holly G. (Grade 8) – Holly is always prepared for class, always on task, and always willing to share. Holly lives the Core Values and is mature beyond her years. She is a pleasure to have in class!
Hayden S. (Grade 8) – Hayden shows the Core Values of responsibility and leadership. He holds himself accountable for his actions, and he volunteered to show a 7th grade class the actions to the Bible Ditty!
Adelynn T. (Grade 8) – Adelynn is kind, extremely respectful, a friend to all and is a leader in the classroom. She is always prepared, is diligent in her work, and will help others when needed.

 

 


 

Lost and Found Items!

This is a friendly reminder to look at the LOST & FOUND for your child’s things in the South Hall. We have shoes, coats, jackets, hats, mittens, gloves, water bottles, lunch bags, sweatshirts, pants, shorts, shirts, and everything in between. All items will be donated if not claimed by February 10th.

 

 


 

Ledgerfest Class Auction Donations - Deadline to Donate February 20, 2025

Your support makes a BIG impact! The Ledgerfest Silent Auction’s success is thanks to amazing contributions like Class Baskets, one of our top fundraisers! Your donation could TRIPLE its value, directly benefiting SMSA and your student.

 

Donate HERE, or send cash/check (attention: Ashley Lane/LF25). Don’t forget to include your child’s grade with your donation. Thank you!

 

 


 

Middle School Musical

Sister Act Jr
Based on the hit 1992 film and Tony-nominated Broadway musical, Sister Act JR. is a feel-good musical comedy that will have audiences jumping to their feet! Featuring original music by Alan Menken (Newsies, Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors). When disco diva, Deloris Van Cartier, witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in the one place the cops are sure she won’t be found: a convent! Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and uptight Mother Superior. Using her unique disco moves and singing talent to inspire the choir, Deloris breathes new life into the church and community but, in doing so, blows her cover. Soon, the gang is giving chase, only to find them up against Deloris and the power of her newly found sisterhood.

 

Filled with powerful gospel music, outrageous dancing, and a truly moving story, Sister Act JR. will leave audiences breathless. A sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, Sister Act JR. is a reason to REJOICE!

 

The musical is presented by St. Mary’s Springs Academy Middle School, and directed by Sonya Packer and Michelle O’Brien. All ages are welcome. The shows are Friday, February 28th at 7 pm; Saturday, March 1st at 7 pm; and Sunday, March 2nd at 1 pm. The shows will be performed at Prairie Theatre at 400 University Dr., Fond Du Lac.

 

Tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for students and seniors. Purchase your tickets at Hometowntickets.com.

 

 

 


 

Girls on the Run Registration

We’re excited to announce that Girls on the Run (GOTR) is returning for another season at SMSA! GOTR is a national nonprofit program that inspires girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident using fun lessons that creatively integrate running. This program empowers girls in grades 3–5 to build social, emotional, and physical skills that will help them navigate life’s challenges. Each practice includes engaging discussions focused on important topics like self-confidence, teamwork, and goal-setting, followed by fun physical activities to build endurance for a celebratory, non-competitive 5K event in May. No running experience is needed—just a positive attitude and a willingness to have fun! Registration is open from January 22 – February 7, and participants are selected through a lottery system managed by GOTR of Fond du Lac County on February 13. Don’t miss this amazing opportunity for your daughter to grow, connect, and shine!

 

For more details, please click here to view the flyer, or contact Mrs. Anderson (site liaison) at landerson@smsacademy.org.

 


 

Refer-A-Family Program

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

 

Click Here to Learn More!

 

 


 

Volunteers NEEDED!

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

 

 


 

Upcoming Dates

February 6 & 7 – No School – Teacher In-service

May 28 – Kindergarten – Eighth Grade Mass & 8th grade graduation at Holy Family at 9:00 am

 

 


 

Before/After School Care News

Extended Care for the 2025-2026 academic year

Registration is upon us for Extended Care 2025-2026 school year. A friendly reminder when registering for Extended Care there is a $100.00 non-refundable registration fee.

 

In order for your child/children to have a saved spot in extended care this fee will need to be paid at the time of registration. Checks can be made payable to SMSA (Extended Care) to the south office. Reminder, spots fill up quickly.

 

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

 

Thank you

 


 

 

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