Elementary News

May 4th, 2023

From the Desk of Steve Kelnhofer - Elementary School Principal

Dear Parents and Guardians,

During this first week of May we get to remember Mary, the Mother of our Lord in a special way. We get to crown Mary at our May Crowning. This Friday, May 5th we will be crowning the Mary statue located in our beautiful grotto area outside the South Hall entrance. Grades P3 through 8 will participate in the ceremony on Friday, led by Father Justin. Mary will be crowned for the entire month of May in this special way for us to express our love for her.

This week we have begun our Spring MAP testing session for Grades 2 through 8. We will be testing in the content areas of math, reading and language usage. SMSA uses this data to support students in goal setting and being reflective in their learning journey. SMSA uses the data to track progress, look for patterns and to support strategic action plans. As we continue to be a learning institution to create an environment filled with learning opportunities for all in our Ledger community.

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

Friday, May 5th: May Crowning ceremony at SMSA for Grades K-8 beginning at 10:10 A.M. in the South Hall parking lot
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 1st

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 Heather Reilley - Director of Pupil Services

This week's Principal Pen award winners are:

Emersyn H. (3K) - Emersyn is respectful to her peers and teachers, loves coming to school and participating in all activities. And is kind to all.
Harper L. (4K) – Harper comes in each day with a smile on her face! She is loving and kind to everyone! She also has excellent manners! We love having her part of our classroom family!
Cohen C. (4K) – Cohen is a great example of the Ledger Way! He loves to participate, works hard, and is a kind friend to all. It has been a joy to watch Cohen grow this year!
Aryanna R. (5K) – Aryanna is a wonderful little girl. She works hard every day to learn as much as she can. She has been successful at working with others and solving problems with others. She is always respectful and loves to build her faith in and out of the classroom. I am so proud of all she has learned and accomplished this year!
Hudson M. (5K) - Hudson is a hardworking and positive student. He is extremely motivated to learn each and every day. Hudson is a great friend that makes everyone laugh and he puts a smile on his teacher's faces too!
Jack S. (5K) – Jack comes to school every day with a big smile on his face and greets his friends and teachers. He's a great leader and helper in and out of the classroom.
Preston C. (1st Grade) – Preston Carlson is respectful to peers and adults. He shows community by working well in groups and including others. He shows his faith by participating in prayer each day. He loves to learn and is always a great leader.
Marie F. (1st Grade) – Marie demonstrates the core value of learning. She has made wonderful progress throughout this school year and has worked so hard, especially in reading. She enjoys reading with a partner, in a small group, and also with the whole class. Marie strives for success when goals are set for her to achieve. Great job and keep up the great work, Marie!
Levy G. (1st Grade) – Levy Galindo for being kind to others and making sure that they are okay. He is always smiling and has a positive attitude!
Danya S. (2nd Grade) – Danya shows the learning core value everyday in all her effort and hard work she puts into each assignment. She is an active participant in class conversations and shares great ideas!
Zach W. (2nd Grade) – 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. (Missing from Photo)
Alayna R. (2nd Grade) – Alayna starts everyday with a positive mindset. She is respectful to peers and adults. Alayna is always ready to help.

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!

Lemonade & Bake Sale After School!

7th grade students Ana N., Leah A., and Zosia G. have organized a Lemonade & Bake Sale for Thursday, May 4th and Friday, May 5th after school from 3:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M. outside the North and South Hall entrances. All the money raised will support the Woodrow Family, who recently lost their home and belongings in a fire.

All items cost $1...stop by and grab a tasty snack for an awesome cause!

5th-8th Grade Spring Concert

We are gearing up for our final concert of the year! Here is some important information:

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).

Staff Appreciation Week is Coming!

Staff Appreciation Week is May 8th – 12th (next week!) and many fun activities are planned for our amazing staff!

Our theme is all around games, “We’re not playing any 'games' when we say we appreciate you to pieces!” We need your help to make this week extra special for our SMSA Staff! Check out the links below to learn more about the various ways you can help:

Staff Appreciation Week Donations: Due on Friday, May 5th
Staff Appreciation Luncheon Donations: Due on Thursday Morning, May 11th
Lunch/Recess Coverage for Thursday, May 11th: SEE Training is required to help with these duties. You are welcome to sign up for one or multiple spots. Please arrive 5-10 minutes prior to your scheduled time. More information will be set to you after you sign up.

Reminder E-mails will be sent out when the dates get close.

Thank you so much to all the families who have contributed towards the catered Staff Luncheon! We greatly appreciate your contributions to make this week extra special! Our Staff Appreciation Committee greatly appreciates you!

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

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).

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

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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