Herd It Here

Within the Ben Reifel family circle, we foster growth of academic, social, and emotional skills to positively impact our lives and the community beyond our walls.

https://www.facebook.com/brmsbison/

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Relay Services for Hearing Impaired: Dial 711, then the desired number

Email: SFSDBRMSOffice@k12.sd.us
Website: https://www.sf.k12.sd.us/ben-reifel/home
Location: 6700 East 41st Street, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
Phone: 605-371-4155

Sept 10 - MAP Testing

Sept 17 - Bison Community Outreach Parent Event - Navigating District Tools

Sept 18 - Picture Retake Day

Oct 5 - Bison Community Outreach ParentEvent - Digital Footprint

Oct 22/27 - Conferences

Dear Ben Reifel Families,

Denise Witmer once said, “A new school year means new beginnings, new adventures, new

friendships, and new challenges. The slate is clean, and anything can happen.”

We are off to an amazing start! We proudly welcomed 903 students to the 2026–2027

school year. Since the first day of school, students and teachers have been building

connections, strengthening relationships, and adjusting to new schedules and routines.

Together, they are already working to make this year one year to remember!

The theme throughout our district this year is “Our Kids. Our Future.” Our staff and students

live out our core values each day, helping make our Ben Reifel family a strong and unified

team. We are blessed to be on this journey with you as we inspire our students to do great

things and continue to make our district and Sioux Falls a great place to live, learn, and

grow. We are ready to Charge the Storm in 2026–2027 for Our Kids and Our Future!

On Thursday, September 10, during core classes, students will take their MAP Growth

assessments in reading and math. These assessments help teachers and administrators

measure both student achievement and growth. The data will be used to guide instruction

and inform discussions within our Professional Learning Communities.

Students will also use their results to set growth and stretch goals throughout the year.

Families can expect to receive MAP Growth results in October. If you have questions about

the assessment or your student’s results, please contact your student’s PROtime teacher.

We also invite you to join us for our first Bison Family Outreach Night on Thursday,

September 17, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the library. We will be helping parents navigate key

district tools and resources. Be sure to check our school calendar regularly for updates and

upcoming events—we have many exciting things ahead!

We look forward to seeing the amazing stories our students and staff will write throughout

the 2026–2027 school year. Thank you for your continued partnership, support, and trust.

Together, we can make this a year to remember!

Sincerely,

Mrs. VanDrongelen Assistant Principal Ben Reifel Middle School

If your student did not have their picture taken at Bison Roundup Day, we will have a picture make-up day on Friday, September 18, 2026, during the school day.

Ordering Pictures for Make-Up Day

If you would like to pre-order pictures for the September 18 make-up day, please use access code E47TJ9.

Order Pictures Online

The online ordering code and form will be available through September 18 at 11:59 p.m. If you would like to order pictures after September 18, 2026, you will need to use a paper order packet. You can view and print the picture order packet or stop by the school office to pick up a copy.

Ordering Pictures from Bison Roundup Day

If your student had their picture taken at Bison Roundup Day and you would like to order those pictures, please use the paper picture order packet instead of the online access code. Students can pick up a packet from the office or their PRO Time teacher. You can also view and print the picture order packet.

If you have questions, please contact the school office at 605-371-4155 or SFSDBRMSOffice@k12.sd.us.

Parents/Guardians of students currently enrolled in the Sioux Falls School District should complete the Annual Information Update (Online Registration) for each of their students through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal.

Infinite Campus Parent Portal Information

Infinite Campus Portal

The steps are:

Step 1: Login (If you have forgotten your password, please call the Ben Reifel Office, and we can reset it.

Step 2: Select "More"

Step 3: Select "Annual Student Information Update"

Click "Add New Student" on the student tab to add a new student. Otherwise, all information included in the annual student information update should be updated.

Step 4: Submit

If you have changed your physical address over the summer, please submit proof of residency to the office. You may also take a screenshot of your document and email it to the office (sfsdBRMSoffice@k12.sd.us) or to me (shane.hieronimus@k12.sd.us). Lease agreements, mortgage documents, utility bills, property tax payments/receipts, or homeowners' or rental insurance policies are acceptable for proof of residency within the current month or the previous month before registration.

Updates must be made through parent/guardian Infinite Campus account only. Household information for ALL students must be updated before August 24th for Bison Roundup. Only the parents or guardians of Household A (the address on which your student's enrollment is based) can complete the annual update through the Parent Portal. If Household B has updates to their contact information, the district will send Household B's parents/guardians a link to a Google Doc in July to submit changes.

OLR Flyer

As we settle into the school year, we want to take a moment to remind everyone of our cell phone and wireless earbud/headphone policy. Cell phones and wireless earbuds/headphones should be stored in a zipped pocket of their backpack or in their locker during the school day (8:40 am – 3:48 pm). On mornings when students arrive early due to inclement weather, this expectation takes effect at 8:00 am. The policy is designed to help students stay focused and engaged in learning throughout the day.

We also want to encourage students who aren't feeling well during the school day to visit the nurse's office before calling or texting a parent/guardian. Our nurse will assess their needs, contact families directly if necessary, and ensure students are ready for pickup should they need to go home. This process keeps everyone informed and working together to support students.

We appreciate your support in reinforcing these expectations at home. By working together, we can create a focused and safe learning environment for all students. Thank you for partnering with us. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

If a parent/guardian has concerns regarding their student's attendance, medical documentation, or attendance letters they have received, please contact the front office. The front office can be reached at 605-371-4155 and sfsdbrmsoffice@k12.sd.us

Students not utilizing district busing can be dropped off beginning at 8:00am with supervision beginning at 8:15am. These students will remain outside until the first bell at 8:40am unless there is inclement weather or the temperature with wind chill is below 0°F. Under these conditions, the cafeteria will be open at 8am with supervision.

Students must be off school grounds by 4:15pm, unless participating in an after-school activity or program.

We ask that parents/guardians ring the front office intercom button when picking up a student and state the reason for their visit into the intercom.

If a parent/guardian needs a student's emergency contact to pick up a student for any reason, the parent/guardian must notify the office of the emergency contact taking their student from school PRIOR TO THE PICKUP TIME.

We ask that parents/guardians communicate with their students prior to leaving school, so the student is aware of when they will be picked up. Students are given passes in their chromebooks for early dismissals, and their names are listed daily in the morning announcements. Please partner with us by having your student check their chromebook on days they are leaving early.

Please note that there are two lanes in the drop-off lane by the building. The inside lane closest to the building should only be used for drop-off/pick-up and the outside lane is a drive-through lane. Parking in the drop-off/pick-up lane congests the traffic flow and creates an unsafe situation for our students. We also have parents parking in locations that congest the flow of traffic.

Please use the parking lot and designated parking spots to park. Please do not park in the bus loading zones on the east end of the building (West side of Faith Ave.) and the north side of the building.

We want to make sure we have space for our buses to get students to school and home in a timely manner.

Please encourage students to use caution when crossing the street and walking in the parking lot. Everyone will need to practice patience and understanding to ensure that everyone is safe. We want to ensure that all students are safe during this very busy time. We all need to do our part to ensure that our students are safe.

By making simple changes in your daily routine, you can reduce the dangers that students face as they arrive and depart from school each day.

• Consider carpooling with neighbors or friends to reduce congestion.
• Don’t use cell phones or drive distracted.
• Do not speed into the school parking lot attempting to cut in front of another parent.
• Do not impede traffic flow by double parking or waiting at a stop sign forcing other traffic to drive into oncoming lanes just to get around you.
• Do not double-park waiting for your student. This condition exposes students to being struck by other vehicles leaving the curb.
• Explain to your student why it’s important to exit from the safe side of the vehicle (right side).

Please review the district's healthy foods guide in the photo below. We thank you for your cooperation throughout the school year!

We understand that communication between students and home is important. In an effort to reduce classroom disruptions, we ask that you call the front office at 605-371-4155 or email at sfsdBRMSoffice@k12.sd.us if you need to relay a message to your student.

Counselors

6th Grade - Anna Eidem Anna.Eidem@k12.sd.us

7th Grade - Tanielle Sylvester Tanielle.Sylvester@k12.sd.us

8th Grade - Lindsey Carmon Lindsey.Carmon@k12.sd.us

Counseling Secretary/Registrar

Tanya Carlson Tanya.Carlson@k12.sd.us

Counseling Center phone:

(605) 371-4153

Activity Registration Update for 2026–2027

As we prepare for the 2026-2027 school year, please note an important update to the activities registration process:

Activity Registration is now separate from Online Registration (OLR).

• Families will no longer register for activities through OLR

• Activity Registration must be completed through the parent or guardian Infinite Campus portal

• A current physical must also be uploaded in Infinite Campus for participation clearance

📢 Activities Registration is Now Open

All registrations will be completed through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal.

Once the Activity Registration is completed in the Parent/Guardian Portal, either the parent/guardian or the student can upload the preparticipation physical evaluation and sign up for their sport(s) of choice.

Please note: We will no longer be using Bound for activity registration.

• Infinite Campus Parent Portal – CLICK HERE
• Step-by-Step Activity Registration Instructions – CLICK HERE
• Video Instructions for PC – CLICK HERE
• Video Instructions for Phone - CLICK HERE

📋 What You Need to Get Started

Please review the following important resources which include information regarding Preparticipation Athletic Physicals:

✅ Participation Forms Needed for Participation in High School Athletics

✅ Participation Forms Needed for Participation in Middle School Athletics

👥 Who Should Register?

All current 6th through 11th grade students planning to participate in activities during the 2026–2027 school year.

📞 Questions? We’re Here to Help

For questions or support, please contact your school’s Activities Principal (high school) or Athletic Coordinator (middle school). MIDDLE SCHOOL ATHLETIC COORDINATORS

Ben Reifel Middle School - Pete Egstad

Additional Information:

More information can be found in the Activity Registration document or on our website at www.sfsdathletics.com.

🏈 Looking for a Practice or Game Schedule?

All practice and game schedules can be found on Bound.

Please follow these steps:

1. Go to the Ben Reifel Athletics Website.
2. Click on Bound.
3. Select Activities.
4. Click on the sport your student is participating in.
5. Select your student’s grade.
6. Select their team (A, B, C, or D).
7. Click on Schedule or Practice to view the current schedule.

📅 Please check Bound regularly, as practice times and game schedules may change.

Attached is the presentation shared during the activity meeting last April.

Within the presentation, you will find:

• Expectations for student-athletes at Ben Reifel Middle School

• Registration instructions and required paperwork links for participation (Website)

• Basic information about each activity and sport offered at Ben Reifel

Pete Egstad

Coordinator of Athletics

📧 Peter.Egstad@k12.sd.us

🌐 Visit the Bison Athletics Website

Facebook Page

BRMS Choirs are on Facebook! Stay up to date with information by liking and following our page. Click this link: https://www.facebook.com/Ben-Reifel-Middle-School-Choirs-102400049050456/

or search for Ben Reifel Middle School Choirs.

As always, if there are any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Spencer at Jennifer.Spencer@k12.sd.us or Ms. Green at Pamela.Green@k12.sd.us.

Band Reminders

Please make sure if your student uses a school instrument that the Instrument Usage Form is filled out ASAP!

What Do I Need For Band?

• A ½ inch binder (black is preferred, but any color will do)
• 20 page protectors
• A pencil that lives in my band binder
• 2.5 strength reeds (if I play the clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, or oboe)
• Valve oil/slide cream (if I play the trumpet, trombone, baritone, or tuba)
• My instrument (school instruments will be checked out during the week of August 25th- 28th)
• Percussionists only - a stick bag with snare drum sticks, marimba mallets, and xylophone mallets. Please click here for an in-depth stick bag letter.
• Tradition of Excellence band book- Book 1 (red book) for 6th graders, Book 2 (blue book) for 7th and 8th graders. These books are instrument specific, so please double check you have the right instrument before you purchase. Both Poppler’s and Schmitt here in Sioux Falls sell them, or an online retailer like Sweetwater or Amazon.

If you have questions or concerns please contact Benjamin Harder or Anna Klocke

Benjamin.Harder@k12.sd.us

Anna.Klocke@k12.sd.us

Greetings from BRMS Orchestra!

This month we are getting our string playing music skills back into shape and tuning our instruments and minds towards music making. It is a wonderful time to be a young person making music with such excellent colleagues. Making music with others is one of the best feelings in the world!

If your musician has a personal instrument that you are renting or that you own, please remember to expect that instrument to go home on off days from orchestra class. If your musician has a school instrument assigned to them, please return the instrument check out form by Friday September 11 (available in the orchestra room and on Canvas) so that we can begin sending that instrument home for practice soon!

*VERY IMPORTANT: Please check with me first before purchasing from any other source or vendor, especially online. Most Instruments sold online are not acceptable and of very poor quality- not even as a toy. Check with me before purchasing! Andrew.Travers@k12.sd.us

The string instrument family is played in such a way that fingernails of the left hand especially should be trimmed short (the free edge of the nail has no white edge). Please help your musician have the best chance of playing well on their violin, viola, cello or bass, and insist on short nails, at least in the left hand.

Our Orchestra Expressions Book 2 should be part of your musician’s kit. These are available to borrow from BRMS but I do not have enough to give one to every student. Shoulder rests for violins and violas will also be checked out. We are fortunate to have available a set of over 250 Kun and Foam shaped shoulder rests. Like instruments, shoulder rests and books will be returned at the end of the school year in May 2027.

Every musician needs a musical hero to look up to! Here are some examples of musicians that illustrate excellent playing technique and musicianship:

Violin: Midori, Sarah Chang, Joshua Bell, Itzak Pearlman

Viola: William Primrose, Nobuko Imai, Timothy Ridout, Yuri Bashmet

Cello: Yo-Yo Ma, Sol Gabetta, Sara Sant-Ambrogio, Sheku Kanneh-Mason

Bass: Gary Karr, Chi-Chi Nwanoku, Edgar Meyer, Francois Rabbath, Esperanza Spalding

Musically,

Andrew Travers

Andrew.Travers@k12.sd.us

605-299-5223 (text only)

Enrollment is open for Ben Reifel's CLC After School program! Join fellow students for tons of fun activities every day, led by your own teachers, community partners and Boys & Girls Club staff!

Brand new activities this year: Girls Flag Football and a Drone Soccer team! Plus, many art, STEM, games, sports, archery, sewing, theater and community groups will be returning!

Everyone who wants to do any after-school activities (other than school-sanctioned sports) needs to register through the CLC.

Watch for exciting updates coming soon about:

* Free Targeted tutoring

* Daily Homework Help, and

* A new 5:45 BUS option!