Dear Parents and Guardians,

Advent is upon us as we are preparing to celebrate the joy of Christmas. The Third Week of Advent Represents joy and rejoicing. The pink candle is lit this week and is named, the Shepherd's Candle. During the third week of Advent we are filled with joy for the near arrival of Jesus on Christmas day. This Sunday is often called "Gaudete Sunday" as we reflect on the joy the shepherd's felt at the birth of Jesus.

Christmas Concert Information

Thank you for your attendance at the Christmas concerts this past week. The week started off on Wednesday with the fourth through eighth graders sharing their musical talents in a beautiful concert lead by both Mrs. Lewis and Mr. Schmahl. On Thursday morning we were blessed to hear the angelic voices of our little Ledgers in 4K. Thank you Mrs. Baitinger and Mrs. O'Hearn for leading this special program to fill our hearts with Jesus' love. May the joy shared at both of these events be with you through the conclusion of the Advent, and journey with you throughout the Christmas season.

We do have a couple more Ledger programs to go come. On the evening of Thursday, December 15th, Kindergarten through Fourth grade will bring to us "The First Christmas." The P3 Christmas Program will take place on Wednesday, December 21st at 8:00 AM in the SMSA chapel. Please come and let your heart melt as you see our littlest of Ledgers share the meaning of Christmas with you.

Thank you for your continued partnership with SMSA. Together we will create a path for tomorrow’s children to achieve amazing dreams.

Peace Be with You,

Steven Kelnhofer

Elementary Principal, SMSA

SMSA Parking Lot Reminders

Three of our Ledger Way core values are community, respect, and responsibility. All three of these are needed by our drivers picking up students after school.

For pick up to work properly, we need to work together in community and role model the right decisions and actions.

• Please do not park in an area that leads to clogging up the round a bout on campus going north. The Hug and Go lane for MS/HS is not as long as drivers are creating it to be at this time. Please be a conscientious and respectful driver so the round a bout can be used effectively.

• There are many spots to park in parking stalls on campus on one of the five parking lots.

• Please use the round a bout as intended. Going through it backwards is not safe or helpful. Being patient to use the traffic patterns correctly will help your child understand proper decision making for the community.

Let's work together with patience, community, responsibility and respect. The traffic flow will be a positive experience if everyone works together, thinks about each other, and uses the best practices of our traffic pattern.

Let's show our Little Ledgers the value of our core values in everyday life!

2022/2023 SMSA Concession/Admission Help Needed!

Are you the parent of a SMSA middle school or high school athlete? If so, please consider signing up using the links below to help out the ABC (Athletic Booster Club) by volunteering your time and talent working in concessions or admissions at an upcoming sport event.

Booster Club encourages ALL parents of ALL athletes to embrace teamwork and volunteer at an event that suits your schedule. For those that have already signed up and volunteered, ABC sincerely appreciates your help!

Please use the links below to sign up through SignupGenius.

• Girls Hoops

• Boys Hoops

If you have any questions, please contact the SMSA Booster Club. Thank you.

Movie and Popcorn Day to Benefit Clay!

We will be sponsoring a movie, popcorn and pajama afternoon on Thursday, December 22nd. For a $3.00 donation the students in P3-8th grade will get to select which film that they would like to see, enjoy a bag of popcorn, and wear PJs (P3-5th) or sweats (6th-8th).They may bring in their own 20 ounce or less drink from home. All the proceeds from the movie and popcorn afternoon will go to help Clay and his family.

All money needs to be turned in to your child’s homeroom teacher by Friday, December 16th. If your family is unable to contribute at this time, your child will still be able to participate. Please read below to learn more about Clay.

Clay is a sweet boy that’s 11 years old and born with a rare chromosome disorder. He faces many medical challenges including seizures, dependent on oxygen, dystonia, and dysautonomia. Clay is globally delayed and requires full care. All of this is outweighed by the amount of love that Clay gives out. God surely knew that the world needed a bright light and he gave us Clay.

Your support of this project and of Clay is greatly appreciated!