Elementary News

May 11th, 2023

From the Desk of Steve Kelnhofer - Elementary School Principal

Dear Parents/Guardians

Sharing appreciation or love with each other is important as we recognize God created us out of his love for us and to be in relationship with others. Thank you to all the parents/guardians for appreciating our fabulous teachers this week. Thank you to the Parent Connectors group Shining the Ledger Way core values of leadership and community by creating an outstanding week for the faculty and staff. Know you are appreciated in many ways. From all the teachers and staff, we offer all of you an enormous THANK YOU for your generosity of time and talents.

As the school year is winding down, please remember to check in with Skyward for learning that has occurred. It may be a good time to check for missing assignments, seek understanding, or feel really good for the accomplishments in learning.

This time of the year offers many ways to participate as a school community. Chaperoning field trips, attending concerts for Middle School, volunteering for field days are all ways to contribute to the end of the school year. Please look for these opportunities through teacher communications in the coming days and weeks ahead.

Extended Care for SMSA is filling up for next school year as families continue to register.

Before school care for P3-1st Grade is close to full.
After school care for our P3-K classroom is full at this time.
Before school care room for Grades 2-5, after school care room for Grades 1 - 2 and the room that supervises Grades 3-5 all have a few spots left at this time.

Lastly, I would like to take a moment to thank all of our teachers and staff and for their partnership in educating the global leaders of tomorrow. I would like to take the time to express how fortunate I am to work with all of them because they are superheroes that go above and beyond each day here on the Ledge. Everyday I get to witness the beauty, art and science of learning inside and outside the classrooms. Their work brings many moments of joy within me and our students each day. Know that they make a difference in someone’s life. They rescue, inspire, comfort, and teach those they serve to move closer towards fulfilling purposes that God created our students to solve global challenges and become leaders and superheroes for tomorrow. Each day I’m blessed to have each and everyone of them at SMSA as they dedicate their lives to Catholic education to serve students, parents and each other to create moments of learning, leading, respect, responsibility, faith, and community. SMSA is special because it’s family. Thank you!

Thank you for all your support and partnership as we transition to May at SMSA. Together we create a path for tomorrow’s children to achieve amazing dreams.

God Bless,

Steven Kelnhofer

Elementary Principal, SMSA

Important Dates

Monday, May 15th: 5th Grade/Middle School Music Concert – Hutter Gym
Monday, May 15th – Friday, May 19th: SMSA's Scholastic Book Fair
Wednesday, May 17th: SMSA Grades P3-8 Student Showcase (Open House event)
Friday, May 26th: 8th Grade Graduation at Holy Family Church, 9:00 A.M. Grades K-8 Mass (Last day of school for the 8th Grade class)
Tuesday, May 30th & Wednesday, May 31st: Field Days
Wednesday, May 31st: Last day of school. It is a full day of school for SMSA.

Parents of Performing Arts Meeting Dates

Parents of Performing Arts meeting dates for the 2022-2023 school year are:

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.)

Principal's Pen: Week of May 9th

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 weeks Special Guest was Allisen Willis - Director of Health Services

This week's Principal Pen award winners are:

Lauren B. (Grade 3) - Lauren demonstrates our core values everyday! She's always ready for learning by asking questions and being responsible with her materials. Lauren gets started right away, is willing to work and get along with any of her classmates. Lauren has a way to lead our class in the right direction with following directions, having her supplies ready to go, listening to the teacher and showing others what is expected as a 3rd grade learner. She is dedicated to her faith in Jesus and is getting ready to make her first communion.
Lauren K. (Grade 3) – Lauren is a kind and caring student. She comes in everyday with a smile on her face! Lauren is also a very selfless student. She looks out for her classmates and helps anyone who needs it.
Aiden M. (Grade 3) – Aiden is very respectful to his teachers and peers. As soon as he hears directions being given, he makes sure to put his full attention on his teacher. He takes responsibility for his own learning and always wants to know more. He is always willing to share his supplies with his peers around him. His love for reading does not go unnoticed! He always comes to school ready to learn.
Annie S. (Grade 4) – Annie is a wonderful member of our classroom community! She is always sure to include others with a positive attitude and a smile on her face!
Eli M. (Grade 4) - Eli always has a positive attitude towards his learning, and gives his best effort in his work. Eli is a great role model and always helps his classmates. He is also kind to everyone. (Missing from photo)
Bryce E. (Grade 4) – Bryce has show great learning and responsibility this year. He puts his best effort into all his work to complete his assignments on time.
Lily Mae L. (Grade 5) – Lily Mae is kind and considerate to all students. She lives the Ledger Way daily through her words and actions. She often takes on the role of leader and role model for her peers. This is always done with respect and kindness.
Natalia K. (Grade 5) – Natalia is respectful and gentle leader in the classroom. She shows responsibility in the focus and effort in all that she does. Finally, she shows community by being a friend to all.
Clara F. (Grade 5) – Clara has grown so much as a 5th grader. Despite challenges, she always works hard and has a smile on her face. Clara is a sweet friend to everyone!
Zach W. (Grade 6) – Zach is a leader in the classroom. He works hard, always wants to do his best, and cares for his classmates. He always brings a smile to everyone's face with his jokes, dance moves, and bright personality.
Keira C. (Grade 6) - Keira continues to do a great job of living the Ledger Way by taking responsibility for her learning, being respectful to her peers, and being a great member of our Ledger community.

SMSA Uniform Exchange

Have your students outgrown their school uniforms? Are you looking to swap with other SMSA families? Well here is your chance! SMSA is gearing up the the annual uniform exchange giving families the opportunity to exchange gently used uniform items that comply with the SMSA dress code.

The greatest needs for the exchange at this time are: Uniform shirts and polos, skirts, jumpers and fleece.

If you have uniforms that you would like to donate, they can be dropped off at the North or South Hall office during school hours. Please help by making sure all uniforms are clean and free of holes, stains and torn seams.

If you have any questions or would like to help sort, set up, or volunteer at the exchange, please contact Kelly Mueller. Thank you!

Tennis Lesson Opportunities

FONDYTENNIS, run by tennis pro and enthusiast John Frausto is running group tennis lessons throughout the summer and fall! This is a fantastic boost for kids looking to play on the girls (fall) and boys (spring) SMSA high school teams, taught by a fun and energetic instructor!

Lessons are open to girls and boys ages elementary through high school. All levels of experience are welcome! Players will learn/work on developing strokes, play strategy, mental toughness, and conditioning. Often music is incorporated to elevate the fun factor!

Lessons are held at the Fond du Lac High school tennis courts on Saturday mornings and Tuesday evenings. The first day of the spring session was scheduled for Saturday May 6th, but was cancelled due to wet courts, therefore the first day of the session will be Saturday May 13th. The make-up date will be Saturday, June 10th.

Visit the FONDYTENNIS website for registration form brochures with dates and times. Venmo is accepted for easy, fast fee payment. Late registration is allowed with fees prorated.

Contact John Frausto with any questions about this exciting summer opportunity!

Lost and Found

Please head to the South Office Lobby to claim any lost items that have been found! Lost and found will be cleaned out for the school year on Friday, May 19th!

5th-8th Grade Spring Concert

Here is some important information regarding next week's Spring Concert:

Monday, May 15th

During the school day:

All students will wear their school uniforms
1:00 P.M. performance in Hutter Gym - parents and families invited

Evening concert:

Students that are in band will report to the band room at 6:10 P.M.
Students who are only in choir will report to Hutter Gym at 6:10 P.M.
Please be prompt and allow travel time so students are at their appointed places on time.
Concert begins at 6:30 P.M.

Dress code (for evening only) is as follows:

5th/6th Grade Band and Choir students-wear your “Sunday Best” or fancy attire (NO jeans or sweats).
7th/8th Grade Band students - Concert black (boys: black long sleeve button-up, black pants, black shoes. girls: black dress of appropriate length and coverage, or black shirt and pants, or black shirt and skirt of appropriate length, black shoes).
7th/8th Grade Choir students--wear your “Sunday Best” or fancy attire (NO jeans or sweats).

Dance Team Tryouts

The high school dance team will be having tryouts for the 2023-24 season on Sunday, May 21st from 5:30-7:30 P.M. All students trying out should meet in the Lobby by the S couch. The team has a Google Classroom with more information. The Classroom code is wehsbwe

This is open to all high school students and 8th graders who are registered for SMSA in the fall semester. Dance season is a winter season, but the team will have meetings in summer and fall to learn choreography and attend a summer camp.

Anyone interested in trying out with questions can E-mail Coach Brusky at sbrusky@smsacademy.org.

Kids Art Camp 2023

Pankratz Arts Exchange is ecstatic to be offering its third annual youth arts camp held for ages 5-14 years!

For 4 full days your kid/s will explore many art forms, such as music/movement/yoga/meditation/somatics/drama/poetry/journaling/painting/mixed-media, and more! All led by our highly experienced artistic team and with the helping hands of our “youth buddies” (our highly energetic PAE performers) assigned per age group.

At the end of our final day (Thursday) @ 2:00 P.M. the kids will be able to share their art work/demonstrations with family and friends. Our camp theme this year is Going Green! as we individually and holistically take care of our eARTh, because EARTH without A-R-T is just "EH!." Our goal is to facilitate all forms of self expression through creativity in a most welcoming and safe environment; an environment where we are compassionate about our world and all the beauty nature has to offer.

WHEN?! M-Th, July 25-28th/9:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M.. Please arrive with parent/guardian by 8:30 A.M. on the first day for check in. On days 2-4 days have child/ren dropped off by 8:45 A.M. for our daily CHEER so we can start our first group sessions by 9 A.M. sharp!

*Early drop-off and late-stay offered as needed. CALL 920-960-9357 or E-mail paeincorg@gmail.com to reserve your child's spot for early drop off and/or late stay.

ENROLLMENT/FEES?! Register here NOW, or call 920-960-9357! Enrollment fee per participant includes a camp t-shirt, snacks throughout the day, water for replenishment, all arts supplies your child/ren will use throughout each day, and one ticket voucher to a future 2022/23 PAE show (general admission rate value). PACK YOUR CHILD/REN'S LUNCH AND BRING OWN LABELED WATER BOTTLE for each day.

Early bird enrollment= $199-enroll by June 4th! $249 after June 4th. Maximum participants per age category are as follows: ages 5-6=max 15 participants, ages 7-9=max 20, ages 10-12=max 20, 13/14 ages=max 20. MAXIMUM TOTAL ENROLLMENT=75 participants.

COVID SAFETY PROTOCOL: MASKS ARE OPTIONAL for all campers and instructors/leaders. Majority of camp stations will be OUTDOORS. Hand sanitizing and surface cleaning in between group rotations/classes throughout the day based upon CDC guidelines. Age groups will remain with their group all day for all four sessions. Class sizing has been adjusted for accomodating social distancing as necessary. Campers will bring own lunch and labeled water bottle daily.

WHERE?!...The Shore Club Wisconsin-276 Victorian Village Dr. Elkhart Lake, WI 53020. Check in at OUTDOOR LAWN space west of the front parking lot on Lake Street.

WHY?!... to get your kiddos out of the house to try something new and unique! and of course, to support our mission of providing arts educational opportunities in our community! Exchanging creativity with PAE!

QUESTIONS?!... call 920-960-9357 or E=mail paeincorg@gmail.com.

SMSA's Football Fundamentals Camp

The Football Fundamentals Camp is a non-contact camp with emphasis on skills that make the game of football fun to play.

DATE: Monday July 24 – Thursday July 27 at 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM

St. Mary’s Springs Athletic Fields 255 Cty Road K Fond du Lac.

Report to Hutter Gym on Monday July 24th.

In case of rain, report to Hutter gym as camp will remain on schedule.

COST: $65.00 includes Insurance, Refreshments, and Camp T- shirt. Make checks payable to SMSA Camps.

ELIGIBILITY: Students entering Grades 5-8

CAMP STAFF:

Bob Hyland, SMSA Head Football coach for 52 years. All-American Guard at North Dakota State University. Winningest Coach in Wisconsin with a record of 503-114

Zach Wilderman, Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator at SMSA.

Other SMSA Coaches and former players

CAMP PROGRAM INCLUDES: Basic fundamentals of play such as, passing, backfield play, centering and blocking, line play and formations and basic strategy of offensive and defensive play.

To sign up, please complete the registration form and return it to:

Bob Hyland

Football Fundamentals Camp

620 Whispering Springs Drive

Fond du Lac, WI 54937

Questions? Call 920-517-0710!

SMSA Boy's Basketball Camp

Coach Krueger and his staff will utilize years of coaching experience at the high school level to help each individual improve and to teach them how to continue to improve after camp has concluded. Also, present and former Ledger players will be used to demonstrate skills and share their experiences in basketball at the high school level. Camp will be planned to resemble our high school practices.

Our goal is to provide quality instruction of the fundamentals of basketball for grade school players. The emphasis of our camp will be to help the players improve their skills for next year and future seasons using a small sided games approach.

Please complete and return the registration form by Friday, June 2nd to sign up! Forms can be mailed to:

Kyle Krueger

59 Cumberlynn Dr.

Fond du Lac, WI 54935

or returned to SMSA's North Hall Office

SMSA Girl's Basketball Camp

Coach Redig and his staff will utilize years of coaching experience at the high school level to help each individual improve and to teach them how to continue to improve after camp has concluded. Also, present and former Ledger players will be used to demonstrate skills and share their experiences in basketball at the high school level. Camp will be planned to resemble our high school practices.

Please complete and return the registration form by Friday, June 2nd to sign up! Forms can be mailed to:

Mitch Redig

474 Maona Dr.

Fond du Lac, WI 54935

Yet MORE Summer Opportunities!

The Fond du Lac School District is offering summer enrichment programs to youth Grades 4K - 12.

Registration is being accepted now until May 5th. Check out the various offerings at: https://www.fonddulac.k12.wi.us/SummerSchool.aspx

Volunteers Needed for the Spring Book Fair!

SMSA's annual spring book fair is taking place from Monday, May 15 - Friday, May 19th and we are in need of volunteers!

For information on this year's book fair, including signing up to volunteer, please click here.

Book Fair dates and times: MON 5/15, (3:00 - 4:30 P.M.), TUES, 5/16 (7:30 - 8:30 A.M. and 3:00 - 4:30 P.M.), WED, 5/17 (7:30 - 8:30 A.M. and 3:00 - 6:00 P.M.), THURS, 5/18 (7:30—8:30 A.M. and 3:00 - 4:30 P.M.), FRI, May 19 (7:30 - 8:30 A.M).

SMSA Student Showcase

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

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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