April-May 2013 - Meade School District

In TouchA quarterly publication of Meade School DistrictApril - May 2013Volume 9, Issue 4www.meade.k12.sd.usDakota STEP...Pages 2-3This Old School House...Page 4Thank you, retirees,for 165 years of serviceThe six staff members pictured below have worked in educationa total of 165 years. Of that number, 161 years have been withMeade School District. During their tenure here, these women havebeen a mentor to many and an inspiration to all. Because of theirfairness and understanding, they have developed friendships withpeers and students that will continue long after they leave MeadeSchool District. (Continued on Page 7)SBHS graduation...Page 5Staff retirement reception...Page 6Supreme Court ruling...Page 7Diane Bilbrey Kristi Friedel Margaret Heckaman‘Goldilocks’ here in May...Page 12School board candidates...Pages 15-182013-14 school calendar...Page 19Jean KusserBetsy LuptakConnie Mickelson“To Build Knowledge and Skills for Success Today and Tomorrow”

Dakota STEP assesses academicachievement and mastery of standardsIn TouchKristine Hubbard, editorMeade School District 46-11230 Douglas StreetSturgis, S.D. 57785Phone: 605.347.2523x3Toll-free: 1.877.522.6251Questions or comments aboutthe contents of this newslettershould be directed to the editor.Meade School District studentswill be taking the South DakotaState Test of Educational Progress(Dakota STEP), the assessmentsystem for accountability in SouthDakota schools, between April 1-19.Dakota STEP assesses basiccurricular objectives in reading andmath for students in grades threethrough eight and grade 11, andscience for those in grades five andeight and grade 11, as required bythe No Child Left Behind Act.The test is a battery of untimed,multiple-choice subtests with thequestions based on national andstate content standards and isdesigned to gauge studentachievement in relation to otherchildren the same age in schoolsacross the state and the nation.Juniors at Sturgis Brown HighSchool will take the test on April 3and April 10, and to help preparethem and their parents for the test,several events will be held. Bothtesting days will begin with breakfastat 8 a.m. in the west gym. Thebreakfast, provided by the SouthDakota National Guard, parentsand staff, will be followed by ademonstration of relaxation andstress breaker techniques as wellas Zumba and yoga activities.Stephanie Sherman from Curveswill lead the Zumba classes whilehigh school staff members AlissaAdams and Chris Koletsky willteach yoga. Water and healthysnacks will be available to the studentsthroughout the testing period.In addition, letters were sent toall parents of the juniors regardingthe testing schedule, the importanceof adequate rest and nutritionprior to testing, test-takingstrategies and other helpful hints. Ameeting was also held duringParent Teacher Conferences forthe parents of those taking the test.Sturgis Williams Middle Schooleighth grade students will take thescience test April 3-5. The mathand reading tests will be taken bythe sixth, seventh and eighth gradestudents April 9-11. All test-takingwill be done during the regular science,math and reading classes.Specific testing dates aren'tscheduled at Sturgis Elementary.Instead, times and days within thetesting window are selected basedon what is best for the students intheir current schedule. "We talk tothe students about test-takingstrategies, getting a good night'srest and the importance of eatingbreakfast," said Principal ChantalLigtenberg. Information is alsosent to the parents about the test.Testing at Whitewood ElementarySchool will take place fromApril 5-12. An assembly was heldat the school at which time theyounger students encouraged thetest-takers to do their best.Principal Bev Rosenboom handedout "Do Your Best on the Test" pencilsto the test-takers. In addition tothe fresh fruits regularly availableat the Whitewood School, the PTOis providing snacks. Each ruralschool sets its own schedule, butmost testing will occur from April 2-12. All rural students have alsoreceived encouragement and specialpencils from Rosenboom.The majority of the testing atPiedmont Valley Elementary willtake place April 2-5 and April 9-11.The students at that school willalso receive pencils as encouragement.The Piedmont StudentCouncil used some of its moneyfrom the fall cookie dough sales topurchase snacks and other foodsand liquids for the test-takers sothey can stay hydrated and full ofenergy throughout the testing.Although Dakota STEPresults are only one measure ofstudent achievement, the assessmentprovides critical feedback toeducators, students and parentsregarding students' academicachievement and mastery of contentstandards.2 In Touch April-May 2013

Studentshonored fortest scoresAs a way of encouragingSturgis Brown High School juniorsto be more serious about theupcoming Dakota STEP exam,this year's seniors, who took theDakota STEP last year as juniors,were recognized for their testscores at an assembly held justfor the junior and senior students.SBHS Principal Jeff Simmonsillustrated how individuals findsuccess in life. "Luck," he said, "isnot something we can control. Norcan we control genetics." Headded that students also have littlecontrol over the difficulty of thetasks they encounter; however, hesaid, they can control effort. “Youreffort on these tests is important.”Simmons encouraged juniorsand seniors to continually challengethemselves to rememberthey are Scoopers, and ScooperDuring a school assembly at Whitewood, kindergartners Ireland Nacey,Leah Johnson, Riley Fish, Cason Sabers and Logan Katsmedas displayedhandmade posters to encourage everyone to do their best on the big test.Pride means doing their best inall areas of life.Seniors recognized forDakota STEP achievement werechosen based on qualifyingscores and improvement ofscores. Murray LaHood Burnswas recognized for highest combinedscore in math, reading andscience. Also recognized wereseniors Kristofer Baker, StevenBales, Devon BeVier, CourtneyCassen, Brendon Cerveny,Tonisha Hlavka, Molly Hermann,Alyssa Hoffman, Katie Johnston,Sawyer Mathiesen, Lia Meirose,David Owen, Kaitlin Peterson,Casey Papenfuss, Brianna Pratt,Tailer Reimer, Cole Sawyer, TylerSchone, Cassiday Spelbring,Derek Seymour, Karly Simmons,Richard White and Kerry Wilson.The lucky SBHS recipients of money gifts in a random drawing to recognize test scores, are from the left, TonishaHlavka, Sawyer Mathiesen and Devan BeVier. Murray LaHood-Burns, far right, was honored for having the highestcombined test score. The money gifts are the result of a donation to the school from Sturgis ShopkoHometown Store to enhance educational opportunities. Representing Shopko is store manager Gary Callies.April-May 2013 In Touch 3

Dec. 26, 1925,meeting of theBoard of Educationof SturgisIndependentDistrict No. 12:Moved and carried that anygirl coming to school with lipspainted or cheeks rouged shallbe dismissed from school indefinitely.Moved and carried that anyboy or girl caught writing notesduring school hours shall be dismissedfrom school indefinitely.Aug. 12, 1935, meeting:It was moved by [John] Sisk andseconded by [H.T.] Snyder that thisSchool District enter into contractwith the American Legion for theuse of their hall for the school yearcommencing Sept. 3, 1935, at thestipulated rental of $30 per monthfor nine months with the understandingthat the lessors shall putsaid building in suitable shape bylowering the ceiling, cleaning theinterior, arrange the heating, lightingand cabinet requirements for schoolpurposes. Motion carried.This Old School HouseJuly 9, 1979, meeting of theMeade School District 46-1:Tuition rate: Motion by [Mel]Voorhees, seconded by[Shirley] Massa, and carriedthat daily legal tuition rate asdetermined by Division ofElementary and SecondaryEducation for 1979-80 schoolyear be $6.60 and $9.30 fornon-resident elementary andsecondary students, respectively,and charged for days in sessionand days of legal discontinuance.Sept. 25, 1979, meeting:Teacher duty hours, Policy4116: Motion by [Mel] Voorhees,seconded by [Joe] Isaacs, andcarried that that portion of BoardPolicy #4116 dealing with workinghours be amended to read:The school day shall be consideredto be from 8 a.m. to 4:30p.m. and teachers shall be subjectto assignments within thisperiod without extra compensation.Normally, if the teacher ispresent between 30 minutesbefore and after school, this willbe satisfactory with the administration.Remember, that at alltimes when pupils are in thebuilding or about the grounds,they are to be under the supervisionof the teacher or a designatedresponsible adult.Jan. 20, 1981, meeting:Administrator Reports, BobDaane: Because of rising costs ofthe Driver Education program, itwill be necessary to review theprogram and possibly consideran increase in the student fee.Students now pay $50 for 30hours classroom instruction and6 hours behind-the-wheel driving.Approximately 80 students completedthe course last year and84 have signed up for the programthis year. Data will be presentedat the next regular meetingrecommending the increase.May 17, 1983, meeting:The Keith Smit familythrough donations, memorialsand community involvementwould like to donate an allweathertrack at Woodle Field toMeade School District in memoryof their son Jeff who waskilled in an automobile accidentlast summer. The Board is beingasked to provide 1,100 tonsbase gravel for the project.Motion by [Ross] Lamphereseconded by [David] Hersrudand carried that the board enterinto agreement with the KeithSmit family for the donation andthat said track to be referred toas Jeff Smit Memorial Track.District to provide maintenanceof said track.May 15, 1984, meeting:Proposal, four-day schoolweek: Motion by [Ross] Lamphere,seconded by [Carl] Wahlthat 4-day school week beauthorized in the PiedmontStagebarn School for 1984-85school year on a trial basis. Saidprogram to be evaluated at theend of the first semester.Following a lengthy discussionconcerning the advantages anddisadvantages of the proposal,[Darrel] Forrester called for thequestion. Roll call vote on originalmotion: [Marguerite] Kleven,[Carl] Wahl, [David] Hersrud,[Ross] Lamphere, voting yes;[Mimi] Shewey, [Curt] Nupen,[Linda] Matkins, [Joe] Isaacs andForrester, voting no. Motion fails.4 In Touch April-May 2013

Registration and screening of kindergartenand preschool children set for April and MaySchool registration for kindergarten and screeningsfor birth to five-year-olds and kindergartenagedchildren will be held in April and May at fourlocations throughout Meade School District.The kindergarten registration has been combinedwith the screening to save parents time. Thispre-registration for the 2013-14 school year is opento children who will be five years of age by Sept. 1,2013, and who plan on attending school in the fall.Parents registering a child for kindergarten willneed the child’s immunization records and a certifiedcopy of the child’s birth certificate or affidavit inlieu of the birth certificate as issued by theDepartment of Health if the original is deemed unattainable;these documents are required by law forevery child entering school in South Dakota.Parents are also asked to provide their child’s SocialSecurity number. Click here for the enrollment form.The screenings are for children planning toattend kindergarten in the fall of 2013 as well as forthose children up to five years of age about whomparents have concerns regarding their development.Children attending the screening will be evaluatedin the areas of vision, hearing, speech, language,gross and fine motor skills, and cognitiveskills. The evaluations performed during the screeningare provided free of charge and take approximatelyone hour.The locations, dates and times for the screeningsand registration are as follows:Sturgis ElementaryMonday, April 15: 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m.Tuesday, April 16: 7 a.m.-2:30 p.m.Wednesday, April 17: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.At Sturgis Elementary School, 1121 Ball Park Road,Sturgis. Call Sharon Rank in the school nurses’office at 347-2610 to schedule an appointment.Piedmont Valley ElementaryThursday, April 25: 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m.Friday, April 26: 7 a.m.-2:30 p.m.At Piedmont Valley Elementary School, 16159Second Street, Piedmont. Call Cara Wise in theschool office at 787-5295 to schedule an appointment.Whitewood ElementaryTuesday, April 30: 2:30-6 p.m.Wednesday, May 1: 7:30-11 a.m.At Whitewood Elementary School, 603 GarfieldStreet, Whitewood. Call Karen Speed in the schooloffice at 269-2264 to schedule an appointment.Rural AreaThursday, May 2: 9 a.m.-NoonAt the Central Meade County Community Center inUnion Center. Appointments are not required.Sturgis High School graduation is May 19The graduation ceremony for Sturgis BrownHigh School Class of 2013 will be 2 p.m. Sunday,May 19, in the west gym at SBHS. There are noreserved seats, and tickets are not needed foradmission to graduation.Class motto, from Dr. Seuss, is as follows: “Youhave brains in your head. You have feet in yourshoes. You can steer yourself in any direction youchoose. You’re on you own. And you know whatyou know. You are the guy who’ll decide whereyou’ll go.” The class flower is the orange Asiatic lilyand class colors are red, white and black.Baccalaureate set for May 12Baccalaureate for all graduating seniors fromthroughout Meade County will be 4 p.m. Sunday, May12, at the Sturgis Community Center Theatre.Organizers are the Sturgis Center for the Arts and theSturgis Area Alliance of Churches.April-May 2013 In Touch 5

Staff retirement and employeerecognition reception is May 15A reception will be held Wednesday, May 15, inhonor of the Meade School District employees whoare retiring, those who have worked 15, 20 or 30years, and those who have been selected as teachersand employees of the year. The buffet receptionand program will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the west gymat Sturgis Brown High School.This event, sponsored by the Meade SchoolBoard, is open to the public. Guest tickets are $5each and must be purchased in advance at the districtoffice or at any administrative office. Deadline topurchase tickets is Monday, May 6. Tickets will notbe available at the door.Honorees include the following, all of whom willbe retiring at the end of the current school year:Diane Bilbrey, librarian, Sturgis Williams MiddleSchool; Kristi Friedel, teacher, Sturgis ElementarySchool; Margaret Heckaman, teacher, PiedmontValley Elementary School; Jean Kusser, teacher,Sturgis Brown High School; Betsy Luptak, teacher,Sturgis Williams Middle School; and ConnieMickelson, teacher, Elm Springs School.Employees honored for 15 years of service areJulie Carpenter, teacher, Piedmont ValleyElementary School; Juanita Delbridge, paraprofessional,rural schools; June Guy, administrative assistant,Buildings and Grounds; Vicki Huck, teacher,Sturgis Brown High School; Cheri Isaacson,teacher, Sturgis Elementary; Cary Johnston,teacher, rural schools; Don Lyon, assistant principal,SBHS; Chrissy Peterson, director, SpecialServices; Jenny Seals, teacher, Piedmont ValleyElementary; John Septka, custodian, SWMS; SueSmalley, administrative assistant, SWMS; andRoxona Thompson, custodian, Hereford School.Twenty-year honorees include DuaneCunningham, teacher, SBHS; Kim Hartwig, teacher,SWMS; Karen Johnson, behavioral specialist atPiedmont Valley and district TAT coordinator; RobertKaiser, district maintenance technician; and JeffWard, curriculum and technology director.Staff members with 30 years of service includeGuyla Ness, district reading/assessment coordinator.Other honorees include the Meade teachers ofthe year and employees of the year. Those honoreeshave not yet been selected.Judges needed for senior presentationsThe senior English teachersat Sturgis Brown High School arein need of people willing to judgestudents' oral presentations fortheir senior cumulative projects.The presentations will take placeApril 15-19.All senior English studentsmust complete a cumulative project,the purpose of which is todemonstrate their knowledge andmaturity gained during the courseof their education.The project is a four-partprocess, the last step of which isthe oral presentation. The othersteps include an annotated bibliography,a research paper, andproject or product that is anextension of the research.Each student will speak aboutthe research paper, productapplication, lessons learned andany challenges encounteredwhile doing the project.Upon completion of the 8-9minute speech, the judges willask questions about the differentphases of the project. To serve asa judge, call the high school at347-2686.Senior Experience FairPublic viewing of the SBHSsenior experience projectswill be held at5:30 p.m.Thursday, April 11,at theSturgis City Armory6 In Touch April-May 2013

S.D. Supreme Courtupholds action ofMeade School BoardThe South Dakota Supreme Court has ruledthat the Meade School Board properly denied arequest for a minor boundary change.In the spring of 2011, landowners in easternMeade County filed three petitions requesting thattheir land be transferred from the Meade SchoolDistrict to the Faith School District.After holding a 2 1/2-hour public hearing on thematter, the Meade School Board granted one petition,denied one petition on technical grounds, anddenied the third petition on the merits.The landowners then appealed the board’s decisionto Circuit Court. Judge Jerome Eckrich ruledthat the board was justified in denying the petition.The landowners then appealed Judge Eckrich’sruling to the South Dakota Supreme Court. After consideringthe matter on the legal briefs presented bythe parties, the Court, without issuing a written opinion,issued a letter which upheld Judge Eckrich’sdecision and that of the Meade School Board.Attorneys Bruce Hubbard and Lester Nies representedthe school board. The petitioners wererepresented by Craig Smith.Meade School District attorney Bruce Hubbardaddressed the school board during its minor boundarychange hearing for the purpose of reviewing statutesand case law.RETIREES: Continued from Page 1Diane Bilbrey has been ineducation for 24 years, and hasworked the entire time as thelibrarian at Sturgis Williams MiddleSchool. One of her favorite eventswas when she met Sonja Codyand commissioned her to paint themural in the school library."Helping the students learn and todevelop a love reading and to getthem to realize that in reading theycan travel the world and know allkinds of people and cultures hasbeen very rewarding," she said. Inthe short term, Diane plans ontraveling during retirement. Heryoungest child lives in Alaska soshe plans on spending time there.Kristi Friedel has been ateacher for 32 years, all withMeade School District. She hastaught special education, kindergarten,second grade, third gradeand fourth grade, which she currentlyteaches at SturgisElementary. She has also taught atPrimary, Erskine and Badger ClarkSchools. Upon retirement, Kristiplans on spending more timeenjoying her favorite hobbies of ridinghorses, gardening, skiing andspending time with family. "Some ofmy fondest memories of teaching,"said Kristi, "are the letters I havereceived from former studentstelling me why I was their favoriteteacher."RETIREES: See Page 9April-May 2013 In Touch 7

Theme is ‘Welcome to Pandora’Sturgis High School prom is April 20The Sturgis Brown High School prom, thetheme of which is “Welcome to Pandora,” is set forSaturday, April 20, in the west gym at SBHS. Doorswill open at 6:30 p.m. for attendees and 7 p.m. forobservers. Grand March will begin at 8 p.m.Tickets for prom are $20 each. Junior and seniorstudents who sold five magazines during theschool’s magazine drive receive free admission.A sophomore will be allowed to attend prom ifhe or she has a date with a junior or senior. A nonstudentmay attend prom only if he or she has adate with a junior or senior and is not older than 20years of age.Prom concludes at midnight.Post-prom organizers asking for helpMembers of the Post-Prom Committee are askingfor help in hosting this year’s party following theSturgis Brown High School prom Saturday, April 20.Post-prom will be held from midnight to 3 a.m.in the east gym at the high school and is free to thestudents.Volunteers are needed to help set up and decoratethe gym, donate food, work in the kitchen,monitor games, and work at the front door checkingidentification and handing out tickets. Donations ofmoney, merchandise or gift certificates are alsoneeded. The parents of each junior student arebeing asked for a donation to cover expenses ofpost-prom.According Trayce Fowler, one of the post-promorganizers, the event is being held to provide asafe, fun and memorable night for those attendingprom and also for those who wish to attend justpost-prom. Students will be able to participate in avariety of games and activities including entertainmentby a comedic hypnotist. Students will alsohave an opportunity to win door prizes.Several grand prizes will be awarded at the conclusionof the event but students must be present towin. Those prizes include I-Pods, I-Pads, videocameras, laptops and a senior college packageconsisting of microwave, refrigerator, laundry basketsand bags.A variety of food and beverages will be availablethroughout the three-hour party.For more information or to help, call TrayceFowler at 490-3371 or Elaine Shuck at 490-5027.Nominations sought for SBHS Hall of FameNominations for the fourthclass of inductees into theSturgis Brown High SchoolAthletic Hall of Fame are beingaccepted until April 30.The categories of nomineesare athlete; coach, adviser oradministrator; and communitymember or contributor. Athletesbecome eligible for considerationon the fifth anniversary oftheir graduation from SBHS.Those nominated as a coach,adviser or administrator must beretired or no longer employedwith Meade School District for aminimum of three years. There isno time restriction for communitymembers or contributors.The Hall of Fame was formedin 2011 as a way of paying tributeto the many individuals whohave been a part of the rich traditionof the Sturgis Brown HighSchool athletic programs. A permanentHall of Fame display islocated in the lobby of the westgym at Sturgis Brown HighSchool.The nominations of those notselected this year will be kept onfile and active for the next fiveyears.The nomination form and criteriaare available at the SBHSactivity director's office and mainoffice and on the Meade SchoolDistrict website as follows:www.meade.k12.sd.us.8 In Touch April-May 2013

Studentsmakebarn quiltsAs part of Whitewood's125th birthday celebrationthis summer, kindergartenstudents at WhitewoodSchool including AidenErlandson and Alex Holler,pictured to the right, havebeen making barn quilts.The students' quilt, whichconsists of painted squareson plywood, will be mountedat the school. Others inthe community are alsomaking barn quilts to bedisplayed throughout Whitewood. According to Mary Gallup-Livingston, above left, who is spearheadingthe project, the barn quilts are being made in honor of the pioneer women who helped settle Whitewood.RETIREES: Continued from Page 7Margaret Heckaman hasbeen a teacher for 33 years, 32with Meade School District. Herfirst six years were at WhitewoodElementary and then she taughteight years at the rural schools ofUnited, Wetz, Lakeside and Alkali.She then began her 18-yeartenure at Piedmont and Stagebarnschools. For the past four yearsshe has taught sixth grade atPiedmont. One of her most lifechanging experiences occurredwhile teaching at Whitewood whena student, Tige Cooper, was accidentallyshot and killed. She knewhim very well because he hadbeen her student in three differentgrades. "After his death, I struggledto finish that school year," she said."The next year I went out into thecountry and taught which is justwhat I needed to mend my heartand mind, and I was able to continueas a teacher until now. Becauseof his death I am even more soreminded that life is too short andwe have a very special job thatenables us to work with youth, ourfuture."In retirement, Margaret intendsto become a therapeutic ridinginstructor so she can still be withchildren and her horses.Jean Kusser has beenemployed by Meade School Districtfor 19 years, 16 as a teacher andthree years as a paraprofessional.She has taught at Sturgis WilliamsMiddle School and Sturgis BrownHigh School. She primarily workedin special education but was also aneighth grade math teacher for twoor three years.Prior to becoming a publicschool teacher, Jean was a militaryinstructor in the South DakotaArmy National Guard. Her retirementplans include relaxing,spending time walleye fishing atthe river, and helping out with hergrandson Zach. "A favorite eventfor me," she said, "is when formerstudents come see me, update meon their activities and thank me."RETIREES: See Page 13April-May 2013 In Touch 9

Students map outtheir futures atSBHS career fairMore than 100 people representing 60 businessand 80 career fields were in attendance atthe sixth annual Sturgis Brown High SchoolCareer Fair to answer questions from studentsand share information about their professions.Approximately 650 students, which includedstudents from Spearfish and Lead DeadwoodHigh Schools, had an opportunity to explorecareer opportunities from more than 13 careerclusters.The Career Fair was organized by ColeenKeffeler, career and technical education coordinatorat the high school, a host of high schoolstaff members, and the Career Fair AdvisoryCommittee.Businesses interested in participating in theCareer Fair next year should contact Keffeler at347-2686.In the photo above, juniorsFrances Baustian and JasmineFlakus talk to Forest ServiceLaw Enforcement OfficerTJ Friend about careers withthe U.S. Forest ServiceIn the photo at the left,Assistant Professor KurtKatzenstein talks to juniorTyler Covell about geologyand geological engineering atSouth Dakota School of Minesand Technology. Also picturedis engineering student KeyoHalbmaier, a 2010 graduateof SBHS.10 In Touch April-May 2013

Students and community members canlearn about the ‘land down under’ whenAustralia Kaleidoscope comes to townMeade School District students and communitymembers will have an opportunity to learn aboutthe continent of Australia when Martin and NellieBeggs of Sydney, New South Wales, present"Australian Kaleidoscope."The one-hour assembly, set for 8:45 a.m. and12:20 p.m. Friday, April 26, will be held at the SturgisCommunity Center Theater. The program, which isfree and open to the public, will have everyone saying"G'day" to their "mates" and understanding themeaning of "billabong."The couple will introduce the audience to boththe young nation of Australia that was federated in1901 and the ancient land of the indigenousAboriginal people who have lived there for at least40,000 years. Audiences will have the opportunity toparticipate in forming a "bush band," to join in a simplefolk song and learn an Aboriginal dance.The program will intertwine songs and storieswith a multi-media presentation to give a look at theland down under through the eyes of the originalaboriginal inhabitants, the convicts sent to thecolony of New South Wales and the very firstEuropean settlers who arrived in the 1700's. Theseearly explorers, farmers, shearers, cattlemen andminers brought their pioneering vigor to this fascinatingland of the kangaroo, platypus and emu.Aboriginal artwork artifacts, maps, posters, pictures,flags and other Australiana will be a part ofthe workshops offered to Meade School District studentsafter the assemblies.Since childhood, Martin Beggs has beeninvolved in playing musical instruments, performingprofessionally and songwriting. He has performedwith and written music for some of the best-knownmusical groups in Australia. He has been nominatedfor many awards and in 1999 and 2000 he andhis brother won the Australian Entertainment MOaward for Variety Duo of the Year.Nellie Beggs is thoroughly versed in the historyof Australia and has a first-hand understandingabout the challenges faced by early women settlersand modern-day Australian women.This is the third program brought to MeadeSchool District by The Cultural Kaleidoscope fromKansas City, and funded by the Sturgis Area ArtsCouncil and the South Dakota Arts Council in conjunctionwith the National Endowment for the Arts.Woodle Field cleanup setA cleanup day at Woodle Field will be held at 5p.m. Thursday, April 18.Those interested in helping are asked to bringtheir own rakes. Track team members will be assistingwith the cleanup.End-of-year music eventsMusic events for the remainder of the 2012-13school year are as follows:Thursday, April 11: SBHS big band concert, 7p.m., Sturgis City Armory.Monday, April 22: Sturgis Elementary fourthand fifth grades spring choir concert, 6 p.m., SturgisElementary School gym.Tuesday, April 30: Sturgis Elementary kindergartenprogram by kindergarten Group A, 5:30p.m., and kindergarten Group B, 6:30 p.m., SturgisCommunity Center Theatre.Monday, May 6: Middle school choir concert, 7p.m., Grunwald Auditorium, Sturgis.Thursday, May 9: SBHS band concert, 7 p.m.,west gym, SBHS.Monday, May 13: SBHS choir concert, 7 p.m.,Sturgis Community Center Theatre.Tuesday, May 14: Middle school band concert,7 p.m., Grunwald Auditorium, Sturgis.April-May 2013 In Touch 11

Children’s play ‘Goldilocks’will be presented in MayThe drama students at Sturgis Brown HighSchool will be presenting "Goldilocks" for theirannual spring children's show. Director is seniorCole Sawyer. Assistant director is Tess Jones, alsoa senior at SBHS.PERFORMANCES FOR MEADE SchoolDistrict children will take place during the morningand afternoon of Tuesday, May 7, and Friday, May10. The public performance is set for 7 p.m. Friday,May 10, at the Sturgis Community Center Theatre.There is no admission but donations are accepted.In this comic spin on the classic fairy tale,Goldilocks is once again confronted by the ThreeBears...and Joe, the Bears' species exchange student.From Goldilocks' house to the Bears' homeand back again, a slew of fairy tale characters crossGoldilocks' path to give advice and tell their tales.This fresh adaptation by Matt Casarino teachesyoung audiences the meaning of responsibilitythrough its clever, upbeat dialogue and audienceparticipation.Cast members include Tess Jones, Storyteller;Sam Colvin, Goldilocks; Katie Meirose, Goldilocks’Mother; Jordan Smith, Father Bear; Lisa Stanley,Mother Bear; Drew Concha, Baby Bear; MarshalSmith, Joe the Deer; Kyle Jones, Granny Wolf;Mark Heintz, Jack Sprat; Seth Gerberding,Cinderella; and Erika Cerveny, Witch.Cast members also include Tiffany Concha,Hard chair 2/Scientist 3; Devon BeVier, Soft chair1/Strange Man; Mikkayla Johnson, Soft chair2/Scientist 2; Katie Johnston, Baby chair 1; JordanReichert, Baby chair 2; John Gasper, Scientist1/Out-of-Breath Wolf; Leah Pappas, Pig 1;Amanda Barrows, Pig 2/Door 1; Hannah Beauvais,Door 2; Willow Cowherd Door 3/Old Woman; DerekSeymour, Jack; and Jessica Schepers, Red RidingHood.IN CHARGE OF the set and props are ColeSawyer, Tonisha Williams, Sadie Kinslow. The costumecommittee consists of Tess Jones, JessicaSchepers and Jordan Reichert. Members of thepublicity committee are Willow Cowherd and JohnGasper. Jacque Stielow and Mariah Kayser are incharge of lights.Adviser is June Dill.Save cash register receiptsThe public is being asked to help the SturgisBrown High School S-Club by saving Lynn’sDakotamart cash register receipts.For every $10,000 collected in receipts, the storewill give $100 through its We Care Program.Subscribe to ‘In Touch’Collection boxes for the cash register receiptsare located at Sturgis Brown High School, and in theoffices at Sturgis Williams Middle School andSturgis Elementary School. Money received benefitsall student activities.The Meade School District newsletter In Touch is now an electronic edition only. This quarterlynewsletter will continue to be posted on the district website athttp://www.meade.k12.sd.us/parent/intouch.htm.To have it automatically sent to your inbox, a subscription page has been created athttp://www.k12.sd.us/Listserv/MeadeInTouchNewsletter.htm.Fill out the form on that subscription page, or send an email to listserve@k12.sd.us with thefollowing in the message body: subscribe MeadeInTouchNewsletter12 In Touch April-May 2013

SBHS studentcustomized bikewins first placeWorking on four holidays,eight weekends and every dayafter school for two weeks for atotal of more than 377 man-hourshas paid off for students atSturgis Brown High School.The students recently broughthome the first place prize for theirStudent Built Challenge BuffaloChip Legends Ride Bike in the fullcustom bagger classification inthe open class at the 26th AnnualDonnie Smith Bike Show heldrecently in Minneapolis. The studentsalso took top honors foroverall best display.Though this is the first year ofparticipating in the bike show, it isthe second year that the Sturgisstudents, and their teachers ChadHedderman and Bill Johnson,The students who rebuilt the bike and others are pictured with the awardwinningRoad King Harley Davidson, from the left, Wyatt Harwood, teacherChad Hedderman, Casey Packer, Hannah Beauvias, Caden Packer, RandyCramer from Dakota V-Twin, Richard White, Keith Terry from TerryComponents, David Owen, Rod Woodruf from Sturgis Buffalo Chip, NickCramer from Dakota V-Twin, Steven Remington and teacher Bill Johnson.(Photo courtesy of the Buffalo Chip)have been selected by the BuffaloChip to participate in their bikebuild mentorship program.“Winning multiple awards atthe Donnie Smith Show is anaccomplishment of which thesestudents can truly take greatpride,” said Rod Woodruff, ownerof Buffalo Chip Campground.The bike will be auctioned offat the conclusion of the BuffaloChip Legends Ride Aug. 5 duringthe Sturgis Motorcycle Rally atthe Buffalo Chip Campground.Proceeds from the auction will bedonated to Black Hills SpecialOlympics and the Sturgis MotorcycleMuseum.RETIREES: Continued from Page 9Betsy Luptak has been a teacher for 27 years, 25with Meade School District and all at Sturgis WilliamsMiddle School (a junior high school when she firstbegan). Twenty-two of her years were spent teachingsixth grade reading. Betsy has also taught seventhand eighth grades and the subjects of English andsocial studies.Retirement will allow her to visit family and friendsmore often. "I also plan to volunteer more in the community,"she said. "I have truly enjoyed my years in theclassroom, and will miss getting to know the studentsevery year. A highlight for me through the years," sheoffered, "is when former students visit about their livesbeyond middle school."Connie Mickelson has been a teacher for 30years, 29 with Meade School District. She has taughtat the rural schools of Union Center, Hope, Hereford,Opal, Stoneville and Enning. She currently teaches atthe Elm Springs School where she is the only teacherfor eight students in kindergarten, first, fourth andeighth grades. Over the years, Connie has taught allsubjects except music and computers and all gradelevels. Once retired she will be helping her husbandDarrel care for his mother who has Alzheimers.Connie also plans to do more Harriet Tubman presentationsin the schools.Connie says the best thing that has happened toher was when she was named the South DakotaElementary Social Studies Teacher of the Year in2007. "It was a thrill of a lifetime," she said. Conniewas quick to add, "But you know, as I have said morethan once, for me it has always been about the kids."April-May 2013 In Touch 13

StaffandStudentsIn the SpotlightSelected: Bridger Gordon, a seventh-grader atSturgis Williams Middle School, has been selectedas South Dakota’s top middle level youth volunteerin the 2013 Prudential Spirit of Community Awardsprogram. Bridger will receive a $1,000 award, anengraved silver medallion, and an all-expenses paidtrip to Washington, D.C., on May 4-7 for a series ofnational recognition events.Bridger has also qualified for the President’sVolunteer Service Award, which recognizesAmericans who have volunteered significant amountsof their time to serve their communities and country.During the past four years he has spearheadedseveral environmental initiatives including communitycleanup events with his 4-H Club. He hasorganized a community rummage sale to encouragethe reuse of belongs so they’re not sent to landfillsand hosted a drive that collected nearly 500pairs of worn-out tennis shoes that were thenground up to make other products. Bridger also initiateda can-recycling program at the county fair andhelped launch a recycling program at SWMS.Won: Sturgis Brown High School wrestlingteam placed eighth at this year’s SDHSAA State “A”Wrestling Tournament. Team members includeZane Joens, state runner-up; Brody Jorensen,fourth; Tanner Brengle, seventh; Ryan Wiley, statequalifier; Jesse Skidmore, fifth; Caleb Karrels, statequalifier; Till Olson, state qualifier; Cole Hemmah,state qualifier; Tate McVay, sixth; Payson Dirk, statequalifier; John Wilcox, fifth; and John Wilson, seventh.Coaches are Steve Keszler, JasonSchlichtemeier and David Olson. Student managersare Andrea Collins, Taylar Applegate, Kerry Wilsonand Whitney Werdel.Won: Sturgis Brown High School girls basketballteam placed eighth at this year’s SDHSAAState “AA” Girls Basketball Tournament. Team membersinclude Brooke Ireland, Illianna Shuck, LaurenFowler, Baillie Mutchler, Jenny Bruch, Callie Gabriel,Kenzie Skovlund, Errin Short, Lynsey Prosser, TarynUrbaniak,l Jenna Odle, Lia Meirose, AmadaHeidrich, Kahlie Peterson and Jocelyn Keszler. Headcoach is Mike Friedel. Assistant coaches are ColinMcCampbell and Roxy Murphy. Student managersare Kim O’Conner and Jan Nichols.This year’s legislative funding for K-12 educationWith the 2013 South DakotaLegislative Session completed,Superintendent Don Kirkegaardsummarized the legislative impacton funding of K-12 education. "Thegovernor and legislators have theresponsibility to wisely use the limitedresources in the state, prioritizecertain programs and end up with abalanced budget," he said. "Wealways ask for a little more moneythan we get, but I believe this year'slegislature treated us fairly."The per-student funding allocationwill increase by 3 percent or$135 a student plus there will be anadditional $45 per student in onetime money. According to theSuperintendent, this will be thelargest increase the school districtshave received for several years, butstill does not bring the schools backto the pre-budget cut numbers."When we look at the per-studentallocation or funding increases,we need to remember that thelegislature sets the dollar amountand then the dollars are raisedfrom either local or state taxes,"said Kirkegaard. "With the 3 percentincrease in the per studentallocation, half of the increase willbe raised through local propertytaxes and the other half will bestate dollars."In addition to an increase inthe general fund allocation, specialeducation funding willincrease by 3 percent. An additional$1 million was allocatedstatewide for innovation and technologygrants.The approximate amount ofadditional money to be receivedby Meade School District as aresult of legislative action is$440,000, which includes someone-time money.14 In Touch April-May 2013

Election is June 4Five running for three board positionsFive people are running forthe three available seats in theMeade School Board election onJune 4.Vying for the three threeyearterms are Amy Conoverand Bryce Richter, both ofSturgis, Ezra Hays and CurtisNupen, both of Piedmont, andRobert Burns, the incumbent,from Black Hawk. The other twoincumbents, Wanda Blair of Valeand Nancy Richter of Enning,are not running for re-election.The deadline for voter registrationis May 20. For informationabout absentee voting, callthe school district businessoffice at 347-2523.Amy (Hallock) Conovergraduatedfrom SturgisBrown HighSchool in1997. Sheholds a bachelor'sdegreein cross categoricalspecialeducationfrom ArizonaAmy Conover State University,a graduate certificate inassistive technology, and a master'sdegree in early childhoodeducation from Northern ArizonaUniversity. She is a landscapeadministrative assistant atRockingtree Landscape, Sturgis.The 33-year-old and her familyrelocated to Sturgis from thePhoenix area in 2012 becauseshe and her husband want toraise their children in a smallcommunity where they could beactive in both the education oftheir children and the community."My primary reason for runningfor the school board is toset an example for my childrenthat being involved is not onlyindividually rewarding but has alasting positive impact on thecommunity," Amy said. "I haveover 10 years of experience inthe educational field - fromclassroom teaching to educationalmanagement - and trulyvalue what education has tooffer a community."She feels the school districthas done an excellent job ofmeeting the needs of the largegeographical area that itencompasses. She also feels ithas created and demonstratedthe value of the communitywhich is reflected in the successof its students."In my few experiences withthe staff, it is clear that theirdedication to what they do isexemplary. It makes me proudto say my children attend schoolin this district."Since she has just movedback to the school district, shefeels it is difficult to say whatexactly the district couldimprove upon, however, shesaid there is always room forimprovement when building theschool-to-home connection."Parents are a student's firstteachers and there is alwaysimprovement to be made onthat front," she said."I attended a recent boardmeeting,” she explained, “wherenew curriculum was being adoptedand I am proud to say that theschool board seemed to havedone their due diligence inregards to new curriculum andwere willing to hear both sides ofthe argument prior to makingtheir decision.""I do look forward to theopportunity to meet the challengesthe school district facesby being a voice in the communityheard on the board," thecandidate said. "I look forwardto the opportunity to reviewchanges and improvementssuggested by those residing inthe school district for the bettermentof all students."While a teacher in Arizona,she served on the school districtSuperintendent's AdvisoryCouncil. "Information that wasdiscussed and synthesized atthe Advisory Council was thenpresented to the school boardfor decision making that directlyimpacted the students in theschool district," she explained.During her last three yearsof teaching, she served as aELECTION: See Page 16April-May 2013 In Touch 15

ELECTION: Continued from Page 15mentor to teachers new to theprofession and to the schooldistrict.She is an assistant coachfor the Sturgis Soccer Program-U8 level, and is a volunteer withthe Sturgis Elementary PTA.She is also a student in theSturgis Leadership Academysponsored by the Sturgis AreaChamber of Commerce.Amy and her husband P.J.have two daughters who attendSturgis Elementary: Ryan, afifth-grader, and Rylee, a second-grader.Bryce Richter graduatedfrom SturgisBrown HighSchool in 1997.Followinggraduation, heattendedBlack HillsState Universityand isemployed asan ag andBryce Richtercommerciallender with First National Bankin Newell.He is running for the schoolboard because he is concernedabout the education being providedto the students as well asthe responsible utilization of taxdollars."I would like the opportunityto serve my community by representingparents in MeadeCounty on the school board,and allowing them a voice in thedecision-making process for theschool district," Bryce said.The 33-year-old believes theoverall quality and continuingeducation of the teachers in thedistrict provide a solid basis toensure students the best possibleeducation while meeting thestate's Common Core standards."The increased focus tothe adherence of the securityprocedures in our schools sincethe Sandy Hook tragedy is atestament to the overall natureof the school administrators,"he said.Bryce is concerned, though,that the students have not beenuniformly provided the level ofeducation they will need inorder to succeed in an increasinglycompetitive world. "Thereis an ever-growing reliance ontechnology, math, and sciencein the overall scope of employmentacross our state andnation," he said. "Our currentstudents will not only competewith each other for quality futureemployment but also with peoplefrom around the globe," hesaid."I feel that children need tobe provided a level of educationhigher than their predecessorsin order to compete globally.These higher standards shouldbe provided regardless ofwhere they attend school ortheir economic advantages ordisadvantages."Bryce believes better utilizationof individualized technologiescould give teachers theability to work more directly witheach student."The increased size of ourclassrooms and unique geographicalobstacles in our particularschool district make itvery difficult for our educators toprovide a thorough education,"he said. "Providing studentswith access to their teachersthrough multiple methodsallowed by today's high techequipment improves their abilityto work on a one-to-one basiswith those teachers.""The stewardship of the taxrevenue provided to the schoolby the residents is a responsibilityof the utmost importanceto me as a representative of theMeade School Board," he said."Each dollar spent must bescrutinized and evaluated for itseffectiveness in benefits to ourstudents in their overall growth.The taxpayers need to knowthat their tax dollars are beinginvested in our students in amanner that yields the highestquality standards and bestreturns possible."Bryce is a member of theBoard of Directors of the SturgisSoccer Association, serving astreasurer. He also serves as aboard member of the NorthernHills United Way and is a committeemember of the SturgisArea Chamber of CommerceNorthern Hills Ag Fest.ELECTION: See Page 1716 In Touch April-May 2013

ELECTION: Continued from Page 16Bryce and his wife Kristenhave four children: Ryne, 8months old; Madisyn, 5 years old;Ryleigh, third-grader at SturgisElementary; and Jordyn, firstgraderat Sturgis Elementary.Ezra Hays, who holds a highschool diplomaand aFraternalInsuranceCounselordegree, is afinancial representativewith ModernWoodmen ofAmerica inEzra HaysRapid City.The 28-year-old is runningfor the school board because hewants to be an advocate for thechanging needs of children'seducation. "My goals," he said,"are to make sure our policiesand curriculum are student/parentfriendly by continuallyinvesting in our future."Ezra believes the district hashired some great staff. "I ammost proud of our ability toattract and retain qualified andprofessional individuals," hesaid. "I want to make sure thedistrict's money is spent efficiently.I also want to make surewe are keeping well ahead ofthe minimum standards and thatour students and graduates arein the best position to achievesuccess."He is a volunteer fire fighterwith North Haines VolunteerFire Department. He is a memberof the Habitat for HumanityFaith Relations Committee,advisory board member forFHA, advisor for the Black HillsArea TARS, member of theYoung Sturgis Professionalsand Leadership Sturgis, and isa foster parent.He and his wife Carmenhave three children: Emma,three years old; Flora, kindergartnerat Piedmont ValleyElementary; and Joseph, firstgraderat Piedmont ValleyElementary.Curtis Nupen, a Vietnamveteran, isretired fromthe Air Force.He is a graduateof SouthDakota StateCollege andholds a master'sdegree inguidance andcounseling.Curtis NupenHe has previouslyserved three terms on theMeade School Board and fourterms on the Meade CountyCommission.Curt is running for theschool board because hebelieves he still has somethingto offer. "I believe in public educationand feel that it is the keystoneof our country's strengthand our way of life," he said."Because we have all beengiven the opportunity to learn asmuch as we are capable, we havebeen given a chance to improvethe lives of our families and contributeto future generations."The 74-year-old continues tobelieve a good education isimportant to all youth, especiallybecause the country's futureis at a real turning point."Our education system isalso in transition as the computerage and social media arebecoming more and moreimportant,” he said. “The commoncore requirements aremoving concepts to lowergrades and we will have to followthese changes closely tosee if the results are as expected,"he said."I have always been anadvocate of community schools,even though the tendency hasbeen to move to bigger consolidatedschools," he added.Curt believes the electronicupdates for teachers have helpedin the classroom, but that the districtneeds to continue to keep upwith technology improvements."School security has been in thenews lately, and everything wecan do must be done to keep ourchildren safe. Every child shouldbe able to go to school and havethe opportunity to learn free ofbullying and fear."He is chairman of his churchcouncil, involved in the localPTO and a member of theELECTION: See Page 18April-May 2013 In Touch 17

ELECTION: Continued from Page 17Legion Honor Guard. Hisinvolvement also includes youthsoftball, baseball and soccer.Curt and his wife Darlenehave eight grown children, fiveof whom graduated from SturgisBrown High School and two whoare teachers.Bob Burns is owner ofEarthorizonsInc., a constructionandexcavationcompany.He attendedPiedmontElementarySchool andlater earned abachelor'sBob Burns degree fromRutgers University, New Jersey, inenvironmental science.He has served on the MeadeSchool Board for four years.During that time, he has been amember of the building committee,employee recognition committee,teacher negotiations committeeand transportation committee. Healso serves as board vice president."As a lifelong resident ofMeade County and the father offour children who attendedMeade schools, it's been anhonor to have the opportunity togive back to a community thathas given us so much," he said.The 63-year-old is running forre-election because he wants tocontinue to be part of the teamthat builds the future for the districtand its students. "The state'snew Common Core curriculumand technological requirementsbring change that will challengeour teachers, administrators andschool board. I know our staff isup to the task, and the soundbudget established by the boardover the past two years will allowthe school board to provide thebuilding blocks our educatorsneed to meet that challenge."Even though budget reductionshave caused school closingsand consolidations in other districts,he is proud that MeadeSchool District has kept its commitmentto keeping the ruralschools open."The building improvement atHereford, the realignment of classesat Enning and Union Center,which kept both schools open, andthe continuing plans to build a middleschool in Piedmont Valley attestto the district' s commitment to thelocal school concept," he said.Bob believes the district cando a better job of long-term planningfor growth. "The new elementaryschools in Piedmont andSturgis are almost at capacityand we have limited capital outlayfunds or property at the schoolsfor expansion," he explained."Budgets are always tight andthe cuts of the last few yearshave limited our ability to do anymore than spend on our immediateneeds,” he explained. “Thegood news is that the proposedbudget for next year is starting toreflect the importance of planningfor the future."Bob is concerned that continuedbudget cuts, combined withunfunded mandates, will forcedecisions that are detrimental tothe children's future."Even with the funding cutsneeded to balance the state'sbudget, Meade School districthas, fortunately, managed to balanceits budget without dramaticallyreducing the quality of educationfor our children," he said."This has been a team effort ofthe staff at all levels of forgoingpay raises and finding efficiencieswhich allowed us to do more withless. At the board and administrativelevel, spending that wasn'tabsolutely necessary was postponedand creative ways werefound to move funds from capitaloutlay to support the generalfund. These moves saved morethan 11 teaching positions andallowed us to keep all our schoolsopen and fully staffed."Bob is president and financechairman of the Piedmont ValleyLutheran Church Council, memberof the Black Hills NationalForest Advisory Board, memberof the Citizens Advisory Councilto the Rapid City AreaMetropolitan Planning Organization,and board member/treasurerof the Chapel in the Hills(Stavekirk Church).He and his wife Mary LaHoodhave four children: Murray, asenior at Sturgis Brown HighSchool; Delainey, a sophomore atthe University of Vermont; Ryan,an exercise science major atBlack Hills State University, andKevin, a TV news director.18 In Touch April-May 2013

Drivers education sign up is now underwaySign up is currently underway for driver educationclasses offered this summer through the MeadeSchool District’s Curriculum Office. The session isscheduled for 9 a.m.-noon Monday through Friday,June 3-14, in room 120 at Sturgis Brown High School.Cost is $249, which must be paid in advance.Registration deadline is Friday, May 24. Placementwill be on a first-come, first-served basis.Students must be at least 14 years of age andmust attend the entire 30 hours of classroom instruction.In addition, six hours of driving time is required,which must be individually scheduled with theinstructor and completed by the first week in July.Many insurance companies give discounts tothose who have completed a driver education course.Meade School District calendar for 2013-14The following is the approved Meade School District calendar for the 2013-14 school year. Any snowdays will be made up by adding additional days at the end of the school calendar. Furthermore, Feb. 17,March 14, and April 21 will be used as make-up days if more than three snow days have been used prior toFeb. 1, March 1 or April 17, 2014.Staff Inservice Aug. 20-22, 2013First Day of School Aug. 26, 2013Labor Day (no school) Sept. 2, 2013Parent-Teacher Conferences:High School: 4-7 p.m. Oct. 7, 2013Elementary Schools: 4-7 p.m. Oct. 8, 2013Middle School: 4-7 p.m. Oct. 8, 2013All Schools: 4-7 p.m. Oct. 10, 2013Inservice Day (no school) Oct. 11, 2013Native Americans’ Day (no school) Oct. 14, 2013Inservice Day (no school) Nov. 8, 2013Thanksgiving Vacation (no school) Nov. 27-29, 2013Christmas Vacation (no school) Dec. 23-Jan. 3Completing the course also reduces the time a studentmust hold an Instructional Permit from 180 daysto 90 days before that student can get a RestrictedMinor’s Permit or an Operator’s License.The registration form can be downloaded fromthe school district website:www.meade.k12.sd.us/Curriculum/DriversEd.htmlor is available at the main offices at Sturgis WilliamsMiddle School and Sturgis Brown High School and atthe curriculum and technology office located in theFrancis Case Building, 1610 Fulton Street, Sturgis.The registration form and class fee should bedropped off or mailed to Meade School District, 1230Douglas Street, Sturgis, S.D. 57785. For further informationcall 347-4454.Inservice Day (no school) Jan. 17, 2014Parent-Teacher Conferences:Middle School: 4-7 p.m. Feb. 10, 2014Elementary Schools:4-7 p.m. Feb. 11, 2014High School: 4-7 p.m. Feb. 11, 2014All Schools: 4-7 p.m. Feb. 13, 2014Presidents’ Day (no school) Feb. 17, 2014Inservice Day (no school) Mar. 13, 2014Spring Break (no school) Mar. 14, 2014Good Friday/Easter (no school) April 18- 21, 2014Graduation May 18, 2014Last Day of School May 21, 2014April-May 2013 In Touch 19

Directory for Meade School DistrictSchoolsRural SchoolsBev Rosenboom, principal............................269-2264Atall....................................................985-591616375 Atall Road, Union Center, S.D. 57787Elm Springs.......................................798-249221309 Elm Springs Road, Wasta, S.D. 57791Enning................................................985-5364Highway 34 Box 22, Enning, S.D. 57737Hereford.............................................985-538015998 Cross S Road, Hereford, S.D. 57785Opal....................................................748-242618010 Opal Road, Opal, S.D. 57765Union Center.....................................985-53671700 Highway 34, Union Center, S.D. 57787Office..................................................985-5532Piedmont Valley Elementary School16159 Second Street, Piedmont, S.D. 57769Ethan Dschaak, principal..............................787-5295Sturgis Brown High School12930 E. Highway 34, Sturgis, S.D. 57785Toll-free 1-888-568-3514Jeff Simmons, principal.................................347-2686Don Lyon, assistant principal........................347-2686Mike Paris, activities director.........................347-4487Academy............................................347-9349Sturgis Elementary School1121 Ball Park Road, Sturgis, S.D. 57785Chantal Ligtenberg, principal........................347-2386Ann Nonnast, assistant principal...................347-2386Sturgis Williams Middle School1425 Cedar Street, Sturgis, S.D. 57785Toll-free 1-888-567-8274Lon Harter, principal......................................347-5232Ann Nonnast, assistant principal...................347-5232Whitewood Elementary School603 Garfield, Whitewood, S.D. 57793Bev Rosenboom, principal............................269-2264Superintendent1230 Douglas Street, Sturgis, S.D. 57785Don Kirkegaard........................................347-2523 x2Toll-free 1-877-522-6251Business Manager1230 Douglas Street, Sturgis, S.D. 57785Brett Burditt..............................................347-2523 x1. Toll-free 1-877-522-6251Buildings and Grounds12940 E. Highway 34, Sturgis, S.D. 57785Cody King, maintenance foreman.................347-2649Communications Office1230 Douglas Street, Sturgis, S.D. 57785Kristine Hubbard......................................347-2523 x3Curriculum and Technology1610 Fulton Street, Sturgis**Jeff Ward, director.........................................347-4454Food Service1121 Ball Park Road, Sturgis, S.D. 57785Joe Schaffer, director....................................347-3601Nurses’ Office1121 Ball Park Road, Sturgis, S.D. 57785Randi Oviatt..................................................347-2610School Social Worker1121 Ball Park Road, Sturgis, S.D. 57785Ginger Johnson............................................347-2386Special Services1230 Douglas Street, Sturgis, S.D. 57785Chrissy Peterson, director........................347-2523 x4Deb Kerstiens, assistant director..............347-2523 x4Sturgis Bus Company2237 West Sherman, Sturgis, S.D. 57785Einar Mortenson, owner................................347-5066Woodle Field600 Woodland Dr., Sturgis**.........................347-2003**Not a mailing address