Elementary News

March 9th, 2023

From the Desk of Steve Kelnhofer - Elementary School Principal

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Next week we will be taking a break from school and venturing into spring break at SMSA. May this break offer a time to spend time with family and a time to step away from the business of school to reflect how far we have come thus far and rest to prepare for the end of the 2022/2023 school year. Every day offers small moments of education. Every day is a blessing to see how much has been achieved and the amount of growth that has occurred in educating the whole child spiritually, emotionally, and academically. Spring break is an opportunity to reflect open all these every day small moments as a whole and see the overall progress that has been accrued. I'm blessed to get to witness the awesomeness of our teachers, staff and students each day as they give their talents and heart as gifts to the future.

Happy early St. Patrick’s Day! St. Patrick used the shamrock to teach and explain the Holy Trinity as he traveled about evangelizing. He taught that just as the shamrock has three leaves it is still one, just as the Holy Spirit, the Son and the Father make up the oneness of God.

This idea correlates to education at SMSA as well. There are many stakeholders to create the oneness of an SMSA education. Parents, the students, and SMSA along with many others create the opportunity for one Catholic education rooted in Christ’s teachings, striving for academic excellence, living into service for church and community, as we prepare students to meet global challenges and become leaders for tomorrow.

Safety

Please support keeping our drop off and pick zones safe. Over the last few weeks vehicles have been observed using the driving lane instead of the hug and go lane to drop off or pick up students. Please use the entire hug and go lane when dropping off or picking up your child(ren) if you choose not to use the parking lot. Children and adults need to use the crossing areas of the parking lot instead of cutting the corners of the parking lot to the lower playground. This is designed for your safety. Please reduce your speed and drive phone free in our school zones. Please use the parking lot as it was designed and follow the safety processes. It takes all of us to keep everyone safe. Thank you.

Forward testing – Week of March 20th

Forward testing for Grades 3 – 8 will be occurring at the end of March. Please join us in making this a successful endeavor by having your child(ren) here at SMSA during the testing window. Thank you.

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

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.

NEW-SIMPLE-QUICK -- SMSA Online Registration for 2023-2024

Registration for the 2023-2024 school year will be completed online through your Family Access account, in Skyward. Step-by-step instructions can be found on SMSA's website.

Due to Skyward system limitations, using your cell phone to complete online registration will not work.

All current families must complete online registration for each student.

Log into your Family Access account in Skyward. If you have misplaced your login credentials for Skyward, please use the Forgot Login/Password link found on the Skyward login page and follow the directions.

Online registration includes information verification regarding your family and student(s). Registering your child(ren) is needed to determine class size and seats available in each classroom for 2023-2024. The registration fee will be part of your 2023-2024 tuition statement

To secure your seat for the 2023-2024 school year complete online registration by Monday, March 20th.

After March 20th, SMSA will open registration to the public. If grade levels fill to the maximum seats available, students will be put on a waiting list.

If you have questions regarding online registration, please email us at registration@smsacademy.org

Click these links to access the following:

● Tuition Policies

● Tuition Assistance

● To enroll a NEW student

● Online Registration Instructions

Principal's Pen Recipients - Week of March 6th

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 on how they followed The Ledger Way, and a principal’s pen.

This week's Special Guest was Kelly Mueller - Enrollment Director and Assistant High School Varsity Volleyball Coach.

This week's Principal Pen award winners are:

Gabriel R. (3K) - Gabe is a sweet and a kind little boy! Gabe is a very respectful child and always makes many green choices in preschool.
Matthias G. (4K) – Matthias is respectful and kind. He has the best smile and a positive attitude to go with it. He is always willing to learn and give everything his best effort.
Bubba T. (4K) – Bubba is a wonderful student who is a great example of the Ledger Way. He comes into school with a smile each day, excited to learn. Bubba is a kind and respectful friend who is loved by all. We enjoy having Bubba in our class
Elliott W. (5K) – Elliott is a hardworking little boy! He is making sure he can learn as much as possible each and every day! In the classroom he is always respectful of others and wants to make sure that he can help anyone in need. He truly follows our Core Values!
Caylee L. (5K) - Caylee has a bright personality that helps her spread kindness and happiness to others. She is responsible in her learning as she always asks questions and is curious to learn more. She is a great role model to her peers.
Everly L. (5K) – Everly is respectful and kind to her teachers and peers. She is a wonderful friend to all. She works hard everyday and is a great role model.
Kellan K. (1 Grade) – Kellan shows community by including others and being kind. He shows responsibility by being prepared for class. He works hard each day and loves to learn.
Charles R. (1 Grade) – Charles demonstrates the core value of respect. Being new to SMSA this school year, Charles has adjusted to his new classroom and made some wonderful friendships in 1st grade! This is simply because of his respect towards others. Charles is kind, caring, and loving towards all of his teachers and peers, which deserves to be recognized. Keep letting your light shine for others!
Madelyn M. (1 Grade) – Madelyn shows leadership by helping other students and being eager to learn new things. She is constantly challenging herself to try her best and encouraging others around her to do the same.
Layne T. (2 Grade) – Layne shows the leadership core value everyday. She is always helping others, being respectful, learning all she can, and just an all around great role model for our 2nd grade class.
Isaac B. (2 Grade) – Isaac shows a love for learning. He enjoys challenging himself and works hard to make himself better every day. Isaac also shows his faith by being kind to others. He supports his friends and is a good listener.
Micayla M. (2 Grade) – Micayla is very responsible. She always has a positive mindset. She works hard with academics.

Nurse's Notes

We will be hosting our annual Hearing and Vision Screening on Wednesday, March 22nd. It was rescheduled from the previous date of 2/22 due to the snow day. The screening will include Grades 3k, 4k, Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th and 7th. A detailed report will be sent with your child regarding the results and any potential recommendations.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Allisen Willis, RN at awillis@smsacademy.org or 920-322-8017.

Now Hiring - Part Time After School Care Supervisor

St. Mary's Springs Academy is seeking an individual who desires an opportunity to work in a dynamic empowering environment with students and other supervisors in Grades P3-5 as a part-time supervisor for our after school care program. There are three different classrooms each containing a range of similar grade levels. After school activities include playing on the playground, puzzles, games, helping with homework, etc.

Candidates must be willing to work as a team member, collaborate with colleagues, possess good communication skills and complete the Safe Environment Education training. Candidates with experience in an elementary school, child care setting or a love of working with children are preferred, but not required. Part-time (15-20 hrs.) 2:30-6:00 P.M (approximately) on scheduled school days during the academic year.

Qualified candidates should send letter of interest, resume and completed application (found online at www.smsacademy.org/careers) to:

SMSA

Attn: Carrie Wiza

255 County Road K

Fond du Lac, WI 54937

or cwiza@smsacademy.org

Ledgerfest RSVP Deadline is March 10th!

STAND UP FOR SPRINGS!

The RSVP deadline is Friday, March 10th. That's tomorrow!

Enjoy an evening of laughs and mingling with your friends and fellow SMSA families. Come dressed in casual night out attire, enjoy fantastic food catered by CRAVE, cash bar, entertainment provided by improv comedy troupe Fish Sticks, raffles and the best silent and live auction to date, all in support of St. Mary's Springs Academy!

When: Saturday, April 1, 2023. Doors open at 5:00 P.M.

Where: THELMA Sadoff Center for the Arts - 51 Sheboygan St., Fond du Lac

This year's Ledgerfest is a can't miss event! Register NOW before it is too late!

Questions? Contact Kristin Zitlow

Volunteer Sign Up For Ledgerfest

The Ledgerfest committee is looking for volunteers to help at this year's Ledgerfest event, Saturday, April 1st. Click here to review volunteer options, times and to sign up.

If you have not yet registered, we invite you to Stand Up For Springs on April 1st at THELMA Sadoff Center for the Arts. The Doors open at 5:00 P.M. enjoy an evening of mingling in a comedy club atmosphere, delicious food catered by Crave, raffles, live and silent auction, and plenty of laughs provided by improv comedy troupe, Fish Sticks Comedy!

Click here for event details and to register to attend.

Yearbooks on Sale!

Forward Exam Testing Window: March 20th-March 31st

St. Mary’s Springs Academy is preparing for our students in 3rd – 8th grade as well as 10th grade to participate in the Wisconsin Forward Exam.

The Forward Exam is designed to gauge how well students are doing in relation to the Wisconsin Academic Standards. These standards outline what students should know and be able to do in order to be college and career ready. The Forward Exam is a Wisconsin computer-based exam that is administered in the spring of each school year at the grade levels seen below:

Grades 3-8 in ELA (English Language Arts) and Mathematics
Grades 4 and 8 in Science
Grades 4, 8, and 10 in Social Studies

This year, testing at SMSA will take place during the weeks of March 20th and March 27th. The Forward Exam must be administered in person and cannot be proctored virtually. We ask for our support by having your child(ren) attend school during the testing window.

For more information, please review the Wisconsin DPI Forward Information Guide for Families.

Herb Herro Scholarship Now Accepting Applications

The Herb Herro Scholarship is offered to current 8th grade SMSA students who intend to continue their SMSA journey in high school.

The scholarship is need-based, meaning that students/families must demonstrate financial need by way of completing the tuition assistance application once it opens on April 1st. Students must also complete an application (including an essay) and obtain two letters of recommendation.

This award is a four-year commitment, typically anywhere from a 1/4 scholarship to a full-scholarship, renewable each year. Recipients are required to maintain a quarterly 3.0 grade point average, complete 20 annual hours of community service, and show active participation in their parish to maintain their award from year to year.

Applications are confidential and managed in the SMSA Advancement and Business Offices. A special committee will read these applications, and if selected to move on to the next round, students will be called in for a formal interview with our panel. If selected to interview, we will share more information about the date, location and time via email.

Please return your completed application and two letters of recommendation by Friday, March 31 at noon. These can be emailed to Katie Tank in the SMSA Advancement Office or mailed/delivered to:

St. Mary’s Springs Academy

Attn: Katie Tank

255 County Road K

Fond du Lac, WI 54937

Click here to download the Herb Herro Scholarship Application

Click here to download the Herb Herro Scholarship Recommendation Form

Registration is Open for Elementastic!

VolleyKids Clinic

The form below can be downloaded at: http://bit.ly/3xPvy1Q

Summer Opportunities!

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:

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