Elementary News
April 13th, 2023
In this week's Elementary eLedger
From the Desk of Steve Kelnhofer - Elementary School Principal
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Happy Easter! Our Savior has risen and has given us hope, joy and love. The beautiful opportunity caused me to reflect upon the question; How would we approach each day if we thought about it as experiencing the first morning ever, or if this could be the only morning we were given or gifted? Would this cause us to pivot our everyday actions, or approach to the moments gifted to us in the day? Would gratitude be intentional in the small moments, experiences, and interactions throughout the day? Would each moment be like a child finding an Easter Egg or their Easter basket? Would the experience be like eating your favorite flavored jelly bean? Would interactions be like hosting and hugging a family member that has not been seen for awhile? Each day is a gift. Let's value it for all its worth.
Each day the faculty and staff along with the leadership team are blessed to have these moments, experiences and interactions with the family community of SMSA. Together, the whole SMSA community changes the world to be a better tomorrow. We journey through learning experiences that are tough and hard at times, and joyous and celebrated at other times. All part of many individual journeys that we are blessed to travel through together.
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
Parents of Performing Arts Meeting Dates
Parents of Performing Arts meeting Dates for the 2022-2023 school year are:
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).
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.
The Spring Book Fair is Coming - Volunteers Needed!
We are beginning to prepare for our Spring Scholastic Book Fair, which takes place Monday, May 15th through Thursday, May 18th. There are many new title releases that I know our students will enjoy, and it’s a great time to purchase books for summer reading!
In order to have the best experience for our students, all volunteer slots need to be filled. Please consider helping out and use our online sign up sheet to volunteer for a job at the fair! https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/741295446035/false?popup=true#/invitation
Your interest and time is greatly appreciated!
John and Emily Adams - SMSA Scholastic Book Fair Chairs
Save the Date! The SMSA Student Showcase is Coming Back!
Our Parent Connectors Group is bringing back our SMSA 3K - 8th Grade Student Showcase on Wednesday, May 17th from 3:00 P.M.– 5:30 P.M! This is an open house-style event that honors our SMSA Students for all the amazing things they have done this school year.
Guests will be able to walk through the school making stops in their classrooms, talk with their teachers & see some of their amazing work. Also, you will be able to see their fabulous art displayed in the hallways, stop in the music room, say a prayer in our chapel & finish by celebrating them with a treat in the Commons Area.
We hope that you'll join us in celebrating our amazing students!
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
Summer Opportunities!
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: