Elementary News
February 16th, 2023
In this week's Elementary eLedger
From the Desk of Steve Kelnhofer - Elementary School Principal
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Lent is before us and is beginning next week with an All-System Mass at Holy Family on Ash Wednesday. You are invited to celebrate with us at our 9:00 A.M. Mass at Holy Family. Lent is a time we are called to practice the three disciplines of fasting, almsgiving and prayer. It is good to think of these three areas during Lent as we get the opportunity to use them to further our relationship with Our Father. Reflecting back when I taught second grade, during Lent we discussed not only what we “give up,” but what action do we put in place of what we give up. We discussed how Lent and fasting creates an opportunity to create a new habit that could change our lives and the lives of others for the better. Take some time this week to discuss Lent with your family and how we get to practice three disciplines and get to become closer to the best version of ourselves.
Second trimester Skyward report cards will be accessible on Tuesday, February 28th. Please use Skyward to digitally sign reports cards and gain access to the learning that has been accomplished during the second trimester. Thank you for our partnership in Parent/Teacher conferences this week. We welcome partnerships and scheduled conferences whenever the need shall arise.
Thank you for your continued partnership with SMSA. Together we create a path for tomorrow’s children to achieve amazing dreams.
God Bless,
Elementary Principal, SMSA
Upcoming Dates
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:
March 22
April 19
May 16 (note the revised date)
All meetings will be held at 6:00 P.M. 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.)
WI Parental Choice Program Open Enrollment for 2023-2024
The WPCP online application period will open February 1st, 2023 and close on Thursday April 20th, 2023.
The DPI requires current Choice families to fill out an application for the 2023-2024 school year. Filling out the application informs the DPI that you want to receive your Choice voucher for the following school year. If the DPI does not receive an application from a current Choice family the voucher will not be renewed.
New and current families must electronically submit their application at:
https://dpi.wi.gov/parental-education-options/choice-programs/student-applications
NEW families must be income eligible to apply. The following income limits have been posted for 2023-2024:
Family Size Maximum Yearly Income
1 $29,898
2 $40,282
3 $50,666
4 $61,050
5 $71,434
6 $81,818
For each additional member in a family add $10,384.
Family income includes the income of the student’s parent(s)/legal guardian(s) that reside in the same household as the student.
Current Choice families are not required to provide income documentation. Proof of residency documents are required for current and new families.
Information about WPCP can be found on the SMSA website.
Questions can be directed to:
Carol Ellestad: SMSA Choice Designee
cellestad@smsacademy.org or 920.322.8002.
Principal's Pen Recipients: Week of February 13th
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 sharing how they followed The Ledger Way, and a principal’s pen.
The Special Guest for the week of February 13th was Kyle Krueger, HS Assistant Principal & Dean of Student Life
The Principal's Pen award winners for the week of February 13th are:
Marigold S. (4K) – She is kind and sweet, and a wonderful friend to everyone. She takes her time and gives all her work her very best. She is a leader at making positive choices in the classroom and showing respect every day.
Jackson O. (Grade 3) - Jackson is a good friend to all, he is always willing to help his classmates by sharing, carrying anything they need help with, and offering to work with any student in small groups. Jackson is a leader in our classroom by always sharing his ideas and ways he solves problems in math. He is patient and kind and his love for school, his friends and God shows in everything he does!
Charles H. (Grade 3) – Charlie is a respectful student who follows directions and helps others when needed. Charlie is also a very positive student who always makes me and others smile and laugh.
Elsie A. (Grade 3) – Elsie is so respectful to not only her teachers but her peers as well. She has such patience with everyone around her. She is willing to help any fellow peer that needs an extra reminder or needs extra encouragement. She shows her leadership skills everyday in our classroom!
Maddie R. (Grade 4) - Maddie always tries her very best in all her classes. She is extremely respectful to all her teachers and classmates.
Skylar S. (Grade 4) – Skylar demonstrates Faith by being thoughtful in Religion reflections. Sklar walks in the footsteps of Jesus in her words and actions. Skylar shows ongoing Learning by writing complete and well thought out responses in her work. Skylar is kind to everyone and is very helpful.
McKayla A. (Grade 4) – McKayla is a respectful student who cares about all those around her. She makes sure no one is left out.
Miguel C. (Grade 5) – Miguel has confidence and leadership skills, which are shown daily in the classroom. He is willing to take part in class discussions, volunteers to answer questions, and actively participates in group activities. He helps to make the class community a good place to learn.
Eli D. (Grade 5) – He demonstrating respect and responsibility. He’s respectful to all those around him, and he shows responsibility in thoroughly filling out his planner each afternoon. He works hard in class and has made great progress!
Quinn Z. (Grade 5) – Quinn is a very organized student and always comes to school ready to learn. She is always willing to help others and hasn't missed any school days this year!
SMSA Skate Day!
SMSA's Parent Connectors Group is hosting a Skate Day at Korneli's on the Avenue on Monday, February 27th! 3K- 8th Grade, accompanied by an adult, are invited to enjoy their day off of school with roller skating, arcade games & raffle prizes!
3K - 5th Grade: 11:00 A.M. - 1:45 P.M.
6th - 8th Grade: 2:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M.
$7.00 admission includes skates (arcade tokens not included with admission). You are welcome to bring your own skates. No RSVP needed.
Please contact Andrea Nuss with questions
Summer Opportunities!
Register Now for Ledgerfest 2023!
This is NOT a joke!
You are invited to attend Ledgerfest, Saturday, April 1st, 2023! Ledgerfest is SMSA largest fundraising event of the year, featuring a new theme each year, outstanding silent auction and so much more!
This year, the doors to our new location, THELMA Sadoff Center for the Arts, will open at 5:00 P.M., where you will enjoy an evening of laughter and mingling in a comedy club atmosphere. The Ledgerfest committee is excited to offer open seating, raffles, silent and live auction, heavy passed hors d'oeuvres and food stations catered by Crave, along with outstanding entertainment provided by Fish Sticks Improv Comedy Troupe.
Invitations will hit mailboxes soon, but you can register online today!
Let's laugh the night away in support of SMSA and Catholic education during this year's Ledgerfest celebration!
Register Now for Fond du Lac Youth Baseball!
FDL Youth Baseball Registration is Open!
Register online at www.fdlyouthbaseball.com by next week. All information can be found on the website. Please register online as soon as possible to help with league planning.
If you would like to sell candy bars to offset the costs you must register online and attend one of the in-person registration dates below to pick up the candy while supplies last.
Wednesday. February 1st (6-8 PM at old FDL Rec Dept behind Woodworth Middle School)
Thursday, February 2nd 6-8 PM at old FDL Rec Dept behind Woodworth Middle School)
Saturday, February 4th (6-8 PM at old FDL Rec Dept behind Woodworth Middle School)
If you have troubles registering online on computer or phone, we can also help you at these registration dates but may involve a wait.
More information can also be found on this form.
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: