Elementary News

January 19th, 2023

From the Desk of Steve Kelnhofer - Elementary School Principal


Dear Parents and Guardians,


As you journey through January students are busy learning and growing each day. This week, second grade through eighth grade have began to take their winter MAP tests in Language, math and reading. Students in kindergarten and first grade are continuing to engage in math talk as they discuss numbers and continuing to grow as readers and writers.


Many moments come to mind as I reflect upon the first half school. Many stories of the Ledger Way in action. Many moments of understanding the trinity of the new covenants to be our common dialogue during the journey. Many trials that caused us to stumble and yet progress forward as opportunities for learning moments. Many times when Christ has been with us to carry us on our journey. Many adventures of learning and triumph over uncovering new knowledge or skill.


The other day I observed a kindergarten student that needed extra support in math and his peer didn't hesitate to to extend a helping hand. There was a student in seventh grade that hands out smiles to anyone who passes them it seems like all the time every day to friend or stranger. Stories told during the Principal Pen's breakfast of being kind, showing leadership and living the gospel story in present time. AWESOME! Make no mistake about it, the Ledger Way and the Ledger Spirit is alive and well.


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


God Bless,

Steven Kelnhofer

Elementary Principal, SMSA

Upcoming Dates

  • Monday, January 16 - Friday, January 27 - Winter MAP testing window for Grades 2 - 8

  • January 29th to February 3rd - Catholic Schools Week

  • February 16th - Parent/Teacher Conferences

  • February 17th - No School/in-service

  • February 24th - End of 2nd trimester

  • February 27th - Elementary no school/in-service

Parents of Performing Arts Meeting Dates

Parents of Performing Arts meeting Dates for the 2022-2023 school year are:

  • February 15

  • March 22

  • April 19

  • May 16 (note the revised date)



All meetings will be held at 6:00 PM in the Lauby Lounge (first floor teacher lounge).

Contact Maggie Rose with any questions about PPA!

Skyward Resources

Parents, please use the following links...

To make a lunch payment using eFunds

To check a student's information, (After logging into your Skyward account, click the "Student Information" tab on the left hand column.)

2022/2023 SMSA Concession/Admission Help Needed!


Are you the parent of a SMSA middle school or high school athlete? If so, please consider signing up using the links below to help out the ABC (Athletic Booster Club) by volunteering your time and talent working in concessions or admissions at an upcoming sport event.


Booster Club encourages ALL parents of ALL athletes to embrace teamwork and volunteer at an event that suits your schedule. For those that have already signed up and volunteered, ABC sincerely appreciates your help!


Please use the links below to sign up through SignupGenius.


If you have any questions, please contact the SMSA Booster Club. Thank you.

Principal's Pen Recipients: Weeks of 1/9/23 & 1/16/23

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. K. and Mr. Fisher and special guest, receives a certificate with a brief sentence on how they followed The Ledger Way, and a principal’s pen.

The special guest for the week of January 9th was Father Michael Malucha, Associate Pastor at Holy Family.

The Principal Pen award winners for the week of January 9th are:

  • Audrey H. (3K) - She is a true delight to have in class. She is kind to her everyone.

  • Tristan F (4K) – He is a friend to everyone. He makes good choices and is a wonderful role model to his classmates.

  • Axell B. (4K) – He has really grown so much this year in confidence and enthusiasm for learning. He is a sweet kind boy who is a great friend to his classmates. He is a very responsible student who always does his best. We love having Axell in class.

  • Catherine S. (5K) – She walks in each morning with a smile on her face ready to learn. She shows great respect for everyone she meets. Catherine models a great love of her faith inside and out of the classroom. I am so proud of all she does!

  • Wyatt S. (5K) - Everyday, he comes to school ready to be a great leader. He is respectful to not only his teachers, but also his friends. Wyatt gives his best in everything he does: learning, helping a friend, and being responsible.

  • Penelope V. (5K) – She is a great leader. She’s always willing to help anyone out and is friends with everyone. She has a kind heart and is hard working.

  • Jaxon P. (1st Grade) – Is a kind friend and is always willing to help others. He tries his best and is eager to learn new ideas. He shows his faith by participating in prayer

  • Samantha B. (1st Grade) – She demonstrates the core value of faith and leadership. She follows in the footsteps of Jesus and makes positive choices at school. She brings joy to all students and her teachers with her bright and caring personality.

  • Harper B. (1st Grade) – She follows the Leader Way Core Values of Respect and Learning. She is such a kind student who is always checking on her friends and classmates if they are okay. She has also demonstrated her eagerness to learn, in and outside the classroom.

  • Esmeralda C. (2nd Grade) – She shows the respect core value because she is always a good listener, raises her hand, and is a kind friend to everyone.

  • Oliver L. (2nd Grade) – His is a great leader in the classroom. He leads other by being a good friend to all, working hard everyday, and taking ownership of his work and actions in and out of the classroom.

  • Maeda R. (2nd Grade) – She starts every day with a positive mindset. She works hard with academics. She shows kindness to others.

The special guest for the week of January 16th was Father Justin Weber, SMSA Chaplain

The Principal Pen award winners for the week of January 16th are:

  • Madison G. (3rd Grade) - She is a leader within our classroom by sharing, helping, kindness and cooperation. She is eager to learn and ready to work with anyone in our classroom. She shows community by her generous ways to help others and give when needed. She thinks things through and isn’t fast to react

  • Aspen L. (3rd Grade) – She is a respectful student who cares about others. She takes her learning seriously and always keeps things positive. She is an amazing student to have!

  • Thomas K. (3rd Grade) – He is an honest 3rd grader and takes leadership in his learning. He leads with leadership and faith. He shares his faith with the classroom with his kind ways and his willingness to help out where needed. He works hard to be the best he can be.

  • David G. (4th Grade) – He shows community by his willingness to always help others. He also shows excellent leadership by setting a great example for others.

  • Elliott R. (4th Grade) - He is very polite, faith filled and kind to others. He always does his best work and contributes great knowledge to discussions and group activities.

  • Luka R. (4th Grade) – He demonstrates the core value of Community by helping out when needed. He makes sure to include everyone around him.

  • Sophia W. (5th Grade) – She challenges herself to always do her very best. She is respectful and responsible. A wonderful role model for her peers.

  • Farah G. (5th Grade) – She works hard in all that she does, accepts challenges with grace, and is always friendly to her classmates and teachers.

  • Liam G. (5th Grade) – He is a joy to have in class. He always comes ready to learn and is a great role model for others

Junior Ledger Fastpitch Softball

School Safety

As always, if you or your child become aware of a potentially dangerous situation that may threaten campus safety, we urge you to contact the Fond du Lac Police Department.


To report life threatening urgent matters, please dial 9-1-1. To report concerns that may not be urgent, please call 920-322-3700. You may also call the high school main office at 920-322-8062.

Speak Up/Speak Out (SUSO)

Created by the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of School Safety (OSS), the Speak Up, Speak Out Resource Center (SUSO) is a comprehensive, one-stop place to turn with important concerns currently offering: threat assessment consultation, critical incident response, and general school safety guidance.

Visit the SUSO website for additional information on these three services as well as resources on school safety best practices.

Standards-Based Grading

St. Mary’s Spring Academy is excited to introduce Standards Based Grading in grades kindergarten through third grade for the 2022-23 school year! Standards Based Grading is a best practice initiative the Archdiocese of Milwaukee is leading all of its schools towards implementing in the coming school year.



The objective of the video series is to educate parents in short videos to unpack Standard Based Grading. The series intends to deliver an education and mind shift to understand Standards Based Grading, why Standards Based Grading is best practice, and how Standards Based Grading functions with the parent and teacher supporting the student’s journey.


Please watch the following videos to learn more about Standards-Based Grading at SMSA: