Elementary News
February 23rd, 2023
In this week's Elementary eLedger
From the Desk of Steve Kelnhofer - Elementary School Principal
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Lent began on Ash Wednesday. Through our Lenten journeys, may we be able to connect closer to Jesus as we repent and return to the gospel. We also remember we are dust and to dust we shall return. Let’s make the most of our time together this Lent and choose to create Holy moments for each other in simple ways in sacrifice, prayer alms giving. In doing one small act it can grow into a pattern of Holy moments and create a better world this Lenten season.
The second trimester officially closes February 24th. Skyward parent access will be turned off on this date for parent access and will be turned back on February 28th to view student report cards. Please click here to learn more about accessing electronic report cards.
Next week SMSA will begin to navigate a transition in faculty in our Middle School music department. Mr. Phil Schmahl will be transitioning into the next stage of his life’s journey effective March 6th. Mr. Schmahl will be moving on from SMSA and his position as the Middle School band teacher. Mr. Schmahl gave confidence to the band students and entertained the audiences at the SMSA concerts. It was amazing to see the progression of the musicians as they grew in our band program. Thank you Mr. Schmahl for all you have done to enhance and evolve SMSA through the years.
Beginning next week, we excited to announce Mr. Gerry Scudella will be joining SMSA as the interim MS band instructor. Mr. Scudella is a graduate of St Mary Springs High School class of 1974. He earned a Bachelor of Music Education - instrumental UW-Oshkosh 1980. Mr. Scudella comes to SMSA with many gifts, talents and experience. Mr. Scudella was the HS Band Director Plymouth HS (1980-1984), played drums and saxophone with my wife in Ron Harvey’s Phase IV and later Vintage, played saxophone in the Fond du Lac Symphonic Band (1975-2005), HS Band Director Horace Mann HS in North Fond du Lac (1984-2019.)
Currently, he plays tenor saxophone in the Lighthouse Big Band and serves as a Liturgical Musician for Holy Family Catholic Community, playing soprano saxophone with my wife Sandy; who plays piano and cantors. We are excited to welcome Mr. Scudella to the Ledge in our band program.
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 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 20th
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 20th was Kyle Krueger, HS Assistant Principal & Dean of Student Life
The Principal's Pen award winners for the week of February 20th are:
Owen D. (6th Grade) - Owen is a great member of our Ledger community. He is a respectful and faithful leader who works hard and takes pride in his learning.
Adelynn T. (6th Grade) – Adelynn is a student who shows respect in the classroom. She definitely leads by example in this area.
Declan T. (6th Grade) – Declan is a responsible young man who makes wise and respectful choices on a regular basis. He works hard in class and shows great leadership qualities. Finally, Declan shares his knowledge with others and shows great teamwork and cooperation with the community around him.
Allison G. (7th Grade) – She is cooperative in the classroom and group work. She is kind to everyone and peaceful all around.
William J. (7th Grade) - William is very respectful to everyone. Cooperative in and outside the classroom. He is very kind is all that he shares.
Eljay S. (8th Grade) – When asked to read at Mass he accepted the invitation gracefully. Also, Eljay worked with his father on a Friday night to put beds together for the Sleep in Heavenly Peace program in Fond du Lac. It is always great to see a father and son working together.
Maliyah G. (8th Grade) – She is picked for being kind, considerate of others, and always willing to help others.
Brody C. (8th Grade) – Brody is a living example of our Catholic faith. He participates in faith building activities and is a leader through prayer, words, and actions.
VolleyKids Clinic
The form below can be downloaded at: http://bit.ly/3xPvy1Q
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!
Registration is OPEN for Ledgerfest 2023!
Stand Up for Springs during this year's Ledgerfest!
When: Saturday, April 1, 2023 - Doors open at 5:00 p.m.
Where: THELMA Sadoff Center for the Arts
Register online by visiting www.smsacademy.org/ledgerfest. This year's event will feature a mingling, comedy club atmosphere, heavy passed hors d'oeuvres and food stations catered by CRAVE, open seating, raffles, silent and live auction, cash bar and entertainment provided by Improve Comedy Troupe, Fish Sticks Comedy.
We are still looking for auction items and packages, if you are interested in donating a service, item or package to our auction, please contact Kristin Zitlow.
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: