Elementary News
May 18th, 2023
In this week's Elementary eLedger
From the Desk of Steve Kelnhofer - Elementary School Principal
Dear Parents/Guardians
I would like to thank Mrs. Lewis and Mr. Scudella for leading our musical talented students in grades 5-8 through a fantastic performance Monday evening. Mr. Scudella, we deeply appreciate you stepping into a not so easy transition, due to a transition in faculty, during the midst of a school year.
The students did themselves, their families and SMSA proud as they shined throughout the program by performing various musical pieces. We are blessed to have both Mrs. Lewis and Mr. Scudella at SMSA as they demonstrated the Ledger Way core values in numerous ways to grow our musicians throughout the school year. I appreciate their professional demeanor, skill, and accountability to their craft, and to each other as a music department, to get the greatest possible outcomes: learning, growth and many smiles of joy.
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, and volunteering for field days are 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.
As a reminder, eighth grade will be enjoying their last day of school on May 26th after their morning graduation ceremony and K-8 Mass at Holy Family. Other grades will be in session until May 31st as full day of school. 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,
Elementary Principal, SMSA
Important Dates
Monday, May 15th – Friday, May 19th: SMSA's Scholastic Book Fair
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.
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 15th
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 Heather Reilley - Director of Pupil Services
This week's Principal Pen award winners are:
Easton S. (Grade 6) - Easton has shown great improvement in the areas of learning and responsibility as the year has progressed. These core values will lead him to success in the future.
Jameson S. (Grade 6) – Jameson has really focused on the core value of learning in both of my classes. He definitely could be a child depicted with a lightbulb above his head that recently got turned on. His faith is evident as he answers questions at a higher level in my religion class.
Drake H. (Grade 6) – Drake has shown to be respectful and responsible in the classroom. When others have not always made the best decisions and been a distraction to others, Drake has made the respectful and responsible choice to one, ignore the behaviors and continue on with his work, and two demonstrated leadership by acting respectfully and responsibly and also calling out others for their behaviors and asking them to stop. He has definitely been a great leader in 6th grade!
Hunter S. (Grade 6) – Hunter is a hard worker that is determined to do his best. He is a great Ledger Leader when it comes to demonstrating his strong faith in the Lord and can be found offering to help others and serve the Lord whenever the opportunity presents itself.
Eli M. (Grade 6) - 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.
Sophia M. (Grade 7) – Sophia has a very positive attitude, always willing to help out. Willing to listen and part of discussion, respectful and always has a great sense of humor. She has wonderful values that she follows, which follow the core values of SMSA.
Netta Y. (Grade 7 ) – Netta is very respectful and always comes to class ready to learn. Her positive attitude shows through each day. She is respectful and has a wonderful sense of humor.
Tyler K. (Grade 7) – Tyler is a very kind and polite student who is always doing what he can for others. He is helpful and includes/engages his peers in classroom activities and investigations. He is always following our core values and is a role model for other students.
Isabella T. (Grade 7) – Isabella is a mature young lady who can be counted on to do the right thing. She is very respectful, demonstrates leadership skills, and participates well in classroom activities.
Simone B. (Grade 8) – Simone, though quiet in class, is a great example of what it means to be a student of values at St. Mary's Springs. She's kind to others, knows how to have appropriate fun, and is always looking out for her peers. It is wonderful to have her in class for the past two years.
Carter B. (Grade 8) - He always tries his hardest in my classroom and respects everyone around him.
Alex C. (Grade 8) - He always tries his hardest in my classroom and respects everyone around him.
Swing Fore Springs 2023!
Join us for Swing Fore Springs on Friday, July 28!
There's still time to:
There are many ways to give: your time, a basket or gift card (increments of $25 please), or an experience (such as an outing we can raffle off).
Also remember you can sign up a student in grades 9-12 to volunteer. They will receive service hours for the event!
Thank you for your willingness to make this year's Swing Fore Springs Event one to remember.
If you would like more information or have questions about donating an item or package, please contact Ashley Lane, Donor and Alumni Assistant Director, at 920-322-8001 or alane@smsacademy.org.
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.
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!
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.
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:
Mitch Redig
474 Maona Dr.
Fond du Lac, WI 54935
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: