Elementary News

SMSA and I wish you a very happy and blessed Easter Season. May you and your family find Jesus during this most important celebration time within our faith community. Thank you for sharing your child(ren) with SMSA as together we continue to teach the children to build a relationship with Christ. This movement has the ability to transform and influence our community to reach it's full potential of living the Ledger Way core values in our everyday lives. We all have an important role to play and a purpose to fulfill. May your Easter be one filled with joy.

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:

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).

PPA scholarship application links for the 2023-2024 school year are now live. This is applicable for any students that have been involved in the SMSA music/theatre programs and are currently in grades 6-12th. Applications are due no later than Thursday, April 6th.

Middle School (currently in grades 6th - 8th): https://forms.gle/hBEg6EusvbeXHYwy5
High School (currently in grades 9th - 11th): https://forms.gle/97xCA9CvoTBEJUc29
Graduating Seniors (in Spring 2023): https://forms.gle/Pq8a5ZkusfgiuhiYA

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 - Weeks of 3/27/23 & 4/3/23

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 attend a special breakfast with Mr. K., Mr. Fisher, members of the High School's Friends of Rachel Club, and a special guest and receive a certificate describing how they followed The Ledger Way along with a principal’s pen.

This Special Guest for the week of March 27th was Kelly Mueller - Enrollment Director and Assistant Varsity Volleyball Coach.

The Principal's Pen award winners for the week of March 27th are:

Clara W. (6th Grade) - Clara is a hard working student who takes great responsibility for her learning. She is a great friend who adds positivity to our SMSA community.
Madison R. (6th Grade) – Madison is a respectful faith-filled student. She leads by example in a quiet and respectful way. She takes responsibility to the next level as a student who takes learning seriously.
Thaden C. (6th Grade) – Thaden is a hardworking, responsible, and kind young man. He is thoughtful towards others and respectful to his teachers and classmates. He is always willing to lend a hand when it is needed.
Samuel F. (7th Grade) – Sam is willing to learn, follow student covenants, cooperate, are friendly and responsible.
Adrianna S. (7th Grade) - Adrianna is a very sweet girl who always tries her best, is kind to others and is very responsible.
Christopher S. (7th Grade) – Christopher is very respectful to all, is very responsible in classroom activities, and brings about the best in our classroom community.
Ryland S. (8th Grade) – Ryland is a great guy. He loves to share his hunting stories and is wonderful to have in class.
Wyatt K. (8th Grade) – Wyatt always does the right thing, he is respectful, responsible, and works well with everyone.
Maggie S. (8th Grade) – Maggie lives out “The Ledger Way” each day by demonstrating both social and academic responsibility. She leads by example, supports her classmates, and strives for success!

The Special Guest for the week of April 3rd was Greg Brunette - Director of Business Operations.

The Principal's Pen award winners for the week of April 3rd are:

Jack F. (P3) - He is respectful to his peers and teachers, loves coming to school and participating in all activities. We love having Jack in Class.
Nayelah B. (4K) – Nayelah is a joy to have in class. She loves to learn and share her knowledge with the class! She works hard and is a great role model to her peers! We love having her part of our classroom family!!
Cooper C. (4K) – Cooper is such a wonderful example of the Ledger Way! Cooper always does his best on his work, is always respectful, and is a kind friend to all. Cooper goes above and beyond to always be a helper to his teachers and friends. We love having Cooper in class!
Rhadyn K. (5K) – Rhadyn is a kind boy. He is respectful to all in and out of the classroom. When learning he always gives his full attention and tries his best at every task. He has a smile that can brighten any room he is in! He has a genuine love of his faith and is always glad to tell you all he knows about it!
Griffin J. (5K) - Griffin is a wonderful role model to his friends. He shows respect to his teachers and lights up any room he walks into. Griffin loves to learn and gives his best efforts in everything he does!
Charlotte T. (5K) – Charlotte is a great role model! She comes to school every day ready to learn. She's always willing to help her classmates out. She's kind, sweet, and a great friend to all!
Sophia H. (1st Grade) – Sophia shows responsibility each day by being prepared for class. She is a leader in groups and demonstrates the core value of community by including others. She is a learner and she is respectful to peers and adults.
Briella B. (1st Grade) – Briella demonstrates the core value of learning. She is a positive and caring friend to her classmates and is kind to all of her teachers. Briella's love for writing really shines through her creativity and imagination, which does not go unnoticed. She is a great leader and is always doing the right thing here at SMSA!
Henry B. (1st Grade) – Henry Burkart for demonstrating his eagerness to learn as a student and being respectful to everyone around him, as he is always willing to help anywhere that he can.
Emma F. (2nd Grade) – Emma shows the core value of community and respect. Emma is a great friend to everyone and thinks of others before herself.
Porter K. (2nd Grade) – Porter is a great leader in the classroom. He is willing to guide others and always lends a helping hand. He also has a love for learning. He discovers new ways of learning because of his willingness to work hard, his curiosity and his ability to challenge himself
Aiden P. (2nd Grade) – Aiden has leadership qualities. He is very responsible. He works hard academically. He always has a positive mindset.

That's a Wrap!

The results are in!

You helped us raise over $135,000 via ticket sales, sponsorships, auction items and raffles. This $135,000 + has an immediate use - giving students at SMSA an unparalleled Catholic education and experience. Thank you!

If you were not able to attend Ledgerfest, the highlight of the evening was senior student, Reese N., who took the stage to share her personal experience as a Ledger. In her words, "Springs is a family," is more than just a cliché phrase used on The Ledge. Watch as she illustrates just what this family means to her. P.S. get the Kleenex box ready!

Finally, thank you to our amazing Ledgerfest committee: Jenn Ellestad, Stephanie Fessler, Melissa Heaney, Molly Jaster, Meredith Kahnke, Theresa Menting, Andrea Nuss, Tya Robles, and Kayla Schumacher. This event would not be possible without your time, dedication and talents!

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!

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

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

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:

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