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

Dear Parents/Guardians,
The autumn leaves are displaying their true colors as the school year progresses forward. Our true colors are shining brightly as well. Students in grades 2- 8 have completed MAP testing for the fall session, we’re gearing up for our MS musical with auditions right around the corner, a few MS sports teams are wrapping up the fall season and there is fun and excitement around the dress days on homecoming on the Ledge. Moments and experiences such as the ones mentioned above, create an opportunity to GROW through life instead of just GOING through life. For one to grow through life we need to risk a little, try new things and reflect when we experience failure. Then have the grit to dust off and try again. These thoughts and actions get us closer to be our true colors and find purpose in this world where we can become leaders for tomorrow.

SMSA is excited to host a field trip for Education majors from Marian University. On November 7th, Marian students that are first year education majors, will be coming to the SMSA for a first hand experience in exploring education as a profession. It’s an exciting opportunity for the partnership between Marian University and SMSA.

A special shout out and thank you to the Parent Connectors Committee and the volunteers that put together special treats for the teachers for the two evenings of conferences. This kind gesture means so much to us at SMSA. We appreciate all you do to support our teachers as we go through the school year. You are truly amazing with hearts of filled with love.

Our classroom Halloween parties will be held on Oct. 31st in the afternoon. Please see more details from individual homeroom teachers. Parents must be SEE trained to attend the classroom parties. Oct. 31st will be our annual Trunk or Treat in out upper parking lot. Please look below for more information. It’s so much fun to build community at these events.

Thank you for your continued partnership with SMSA. Together we will create a path for tomorrow’s children to achieve amazing dreams.

God Bless,
Steven Kelnhofer
skelnhofer@smsacademy.org
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 was Mr. Krueger. Mr. Krueger is devoted to serving our students, staff, and families by instilling and sustaining Catholic values at SMSA!

This week’s Principal Pen award winners are:
Emma O. (3rd grade) Emma is a very kind and respectful classmate. She works hard and always puts her best effort into all her work. She loves to learn and challenge herself.
Anthony L. (3rd grade) Anthony is a very respectful learner in our classroom. He has a lot of knowledge to share with others and he is a faithful leader for all.
John A. (3rd grade) John is a respectful and positive friend in our classroom. He participates in class discussion.
Easton H. (4th grade) Easton demonstrates leadership by consistently leading in class discussions and is always willing to help with classroom tasks. Easton is positive and kind to everyone in class too.
Addy Z. (4th grade) Addy treats everyone in our classroom community with kindness and respect. She’s eager to learn and puts forth her best effort.
Elizabeth N. (4th grade) Elizabeth is respectful to her classmates and teachers. She is a hard worker and helps others when needed.
Josephine S. (5th grade) Josephine is respectful to all classmates and teachers. She is eager to learn and always tries her best.
Zach Z. (5th grade) Zach is very respectful to his teachers and peers. He is also very responsible and uses problem solving skills often. He is a leader in the classroom and treats everyone fairly.
Tyler S. (5th grade) Tyler is always focused and participating in class discussion. He is a positive member of our classroom.

It’s that time of year again!  Time for St. Mary’s Springs Academy’s “Big Money Raffle” (BMR). Who will win $20,000 this year!?

This 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. 

All tickets have been handed out, please review the information included in the envelope regarding this fundraiser.  Tickets may be returned to school with your child, or to the North, South or Scrip offices any time before the noon drawing on Friday, January 10, 2025.

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

Sasha Smith

920.517.1693

Click here to purchase your 2024-2025 elementary (PreK-8th Grade) yearbook.

Cub Scout Pack 3707 Join up / Sign Up Event
Henschel Indian Museum and Trout Farm
CALLING ALL BOYS! KINDERGARTEN THRU 5TH GRADE !!
Come join the fun with Cub Scout Pack 3707!
See what scouts is all about!
Date – Saturday, October 19, 2024
Time – 1:00pm- 4:00 pm
Place – Henschel Indian Museum & Trout Farm
N8661 Holstein Rd, Elkhart Lake, WI 53020
There will be a Wagonride tour of the Indian Effigy Mounds thru the beautiful woods, followed by a tour of the Indian Relics and Museum, and a little campfire for smores to wrap up the event!
What to wear ?– Weather appropriate clothing
What to Bring? – Just yourself and a friend that would like to see what Scouts is all about!
Cost – $7.50 per person, this can be paid when you arrive. If it is a check, it needs to be written out to Gary Henschel
RSVP – through Scoutbook or to Christine Krizenesky at hickory6@protonmail.com on or before Sunday October 13, 2024. He stressed this because he needs to know in advance, so he has enough help depending on the size of the group.

Meeting place- Lower high school student lot furthest to the south at St. Mary’s Springs Academy at 12:15 to either caravan / carpool. Let me know if you will be meeting us at Henschel so we aren’t waiting for anyone unnecessarily.

As the leaves begin to change and the temps get colder it is a sure sign that Halloween season is here.

We are excited to once again offer Trunk or Treat for our SMSA Families and invite you to participate! Below you will find details about the event as well as a sign up form to register you/ your vehicle for handing out candy. PLEASE NOTE: Based on the new rules from the Archdiocese, ALL candy distributors MUST BE SEE TRAINED. If your SEE training is not up to date, there is still time to do so before Trunk of Treat. See details below.

Trunk or Treat: SMSA South Parking Lot
Thursday, October 31, 2024
Time:
• Trunk decorating: 5:15 – 5:45 p.m.
• Trunk or Treating: 6 – 7 p.m.

Sign up to hand out candy and confirm your SEE Training status here. Here is the link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1C4zNcai5nRKoix0X904migqA2fD30944BUANx7q7IDw/edit?usp=drivesdk

Please complete the registration form by Friday, October 25, 2024.
If you are not handing out candy and just want to attend the event with your kids, you do not need to register and SEE training is not required. Event attendees not handing out candy can park in the lower lot at school and walk up to the South lot to enjoy the event..

SEE TRAINING:
Looking to update your SEE Training or take the course for the first time?
Remember, SEE Training is required to volunteer and chaperone at SMSA – so if you haven’t already – register today and complete the course to be SEE Trained qualified for the next 5 years!

Note: if you have already done SEE training and just need the do the refresher course (required every 5 years). Here is the link for the renewal process: Safe Environment. On the left side of your screen, you will see three bullet points and the third one will give you directions to renew your training. This is completed online and at your convenience.

Check out upcoming nearby in-person classes:
• Holy Angels in West Bend on Saturday, October 12, 2024 (9am- noon)

Or look for a full list of trainings in the Milwaukee area during October here (https://www.archmil.org/offices/safeguarding/Safeguarding-Events.htm?DateRange=month&Date=10/1/2024&Classifications=!)

Watch for more information about Trunk or Treat coming home with your children soon.

Questions? Please reach out to the Trunk or Treat committee by emailing Jenn Ellestad, Jenn.ellestad@gmail.com or Cathy Dux cathydux@gmail.com.

We look forward to seeing you and your little goblins on Halloween night!

Sincerely,
Andrea, Becky, Cathy, Holly and Jenn
Trunk or Treat Committee Members

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

Click Here to Learn More!

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October 25th: Middle School Halloween dance after school
October 31st: Elementary Halloween Parties (Last hour of the school day)
October 31st: Trunk or Treat (Evening program)
May 28th: Kindergarten – Eighth Grade Mass & 8th grade graduation at Holy Family at 9:00 am

The Fond du Lac Running Club is hosting our annual “It’s Fun to Run” Youth Run at Buttermilk Creek Park the morning of Saturday, October 26. This is an entirely free event for youth in grades 5 and under.

Click Here to Register – Youth Run Form

Mark your calendar for Friday, October 25th from 3-6 pm for our annual SPOOKTACULAR event! Enjoy monster mash, mad scientist experiments, caramel apple station, prizes and more!

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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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