10/2025 Superintendent Newsletter

I was fortunate to reconnect recently with Superintendent Dr. Shawn D. Foster, author of Knee Deep and leader of Orangeburg County School District. During his leadership presentation, he shared a reminder that stuck with me: leaders don’t need external validation, the purpose and impact of their work are validation enough. Recognition is appreciated, of course, but our calling is bigger than applause.

I have witnessed this spirit of purpose often in the Brookings School District. We all know people who talk about the idea of work rather than doing the work, but that is not the case with Mr. Ricky Ganci, a member of our BHS English Department. The U.S. Department of Education recently recognized him as a 2025 Presidential Scholars Most Influential Teacher, an honor that reflects consistent, meaningful impact. Whether he’s emceeing coronation and fine arts performances, hosting academic events, hopping into the homecoming parade, or stepping up in a hundred quiet ways, his service is seen and appreciated. Thank you, Mr. Ganci, for helping to make Brookings a great place for students to learn!

This recognition is tied to a rare student achievement. Only two students in South Dakota receive the U.S. Presidential Scholar honor each year. Ernest Ting, a 2025 BHS graduate, earned this distinction and is now attending Caltech, majoring in Information and Data Science and competing in track and field. As part of the Presidential Scholars program, honorees select a staff member who inspired them—hence the recognition for Mr. Ganci. We are proud of both Ernest and Mr. Ganci for representing the very best of Brookings.

As you read this month’s District Newsletter, I encourage you to notice the throughline: purposeful work by dedicated staff who offer our students far more than an education, they offer belonging, opportunities, and a path to realizing potential. I could not be prouder than to be the superintendent of this school district.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support.

Dr. Summer M. Schultz
Superintendent, Brookings School District

Brookings High School teacher Richard Ganci has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars Most Influential Teacher. This national honor is awarded to educators identified by U.S. Presidential Scholars as having made the greatest impact on their academic and personal success.

During the application process, each Presidential Scholar selects one teacher who has inspired them and contributed the most to their achievements. This year, Brookings High School graduate Ernest Ting named Mr. Ganci as his most influential teacher.

Mr. Ganci has been impacting students at Brookings High School since 2004, building a reputation for his dedication, care, and commitment to helping students reach their full potential.

His commitment to his students and his passion for teaching exemplify the values of Brookings High School and the broader education community. The Brookings School District congratulates Mr. Ganci on this well-deserved national recognition.

Brookings High School 2025 graduate Ernest Ting has been named a U.S. Presidential Scholar, one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students.

Ernest graduated in May with a 4.24 GPA and was actively involved in Cross Country, Swim Team, Orchestra, and Track and Field. He also participated in BHS Science Olympiad, Math Counts teams, and the Debate Club. This fall, he began studying Information and Data Sciences at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), where he will also compete in track and field.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, established by executive order of the President in 1964, recognizes the country’s most distinguished graduating seniors for their academic achievement, artistic and technical talent, and community service.

The Brookings School District is proud to celebrate Ernest’s accomplishments and wishes him continued success in his academic and athletic pursuits.

I’m so proud of the incredible work happening in our Educators Rising program at BHS and MMS. Having seen this initiative grow across South Dakota, it’s exciting to watch it expand opportunities and real-world learning experiences for our students right here in Brookings.

This fall, students launched the Bobcat Boost fundraiser, allowing parents and students to purchase thank-you notes with gift cards that members delivered to staff—a thoughtful gesture that was met with an amazing response!

Our students have also been busy learning and leading. Over 30 students attended the Dakota State Learning Expo, 16 BHS students began classroom placements through the Teacher Assistant Program (earning a $500 stipend upon completion), nine members attended Teens as Teachers training at SDSU, and six student leaders participated in the Fall Leadership Event in Sioux Falls.

It’s inspiring to see our future educators gaining hands-on experience and leadership skills—and exciting to think that in a few years, we may be welcoming some of them back as Brookings educators!

Nearly half of U.S. teens say they've experienced online bullying. In this SmartSocial live parent + student event, you'll learn what online bullying looks like, its impact on students, and how to help your child or a friend. Hear insights from students and district leaders, pick up practical strategies to recognize the signs, resolve conflicts, and encourage positive online behavior--and event get a chance to win fun prizes!

Combat Online Bullying Live Sessions:

• Live Session #3: Tuesday, October 23 - 6:00 p.m. (Click HERE to register)
• Live Session #4: Tuesday, October 28 - 8:30 p.m. (Click HERE to register)
• Combatir el Acoso en Linea: Wednesday, October 29 - 6:00 p.m. (¡Regístrate ahora!)
  
  

Enter for a chance to win an Amazon Kindle, 3D Printer, or Bluetooth Speaker--just by attending!
Access all Smart Social resources at: https://www.smartsocial.com/?org=brookingsschooldistrict

More 2025-26 school year SmartSocial live events...coming soon!

Libby Pederson, Vicky Thompson, Brianna Ringling, Lacey DeBerg, Kelly Calegory, Danielle Peterson, and Isabella Laleman of Medary Elementary have been recognized with the Brookings B.E.S.T. (Bobcats Exhibiting Success and Triumphs) Award for their exceptional work in the Autism Specialty Room at Medary Elementary.

This dedicated team has implemented a program that is not only educational but also deeply enriching for their students. In just the first month of school, the growth and progress of the students have been remarkable. The staff’s commitment, compassion, and genuine care are evident in everything they do. They are an outstanding team, and the Brookings School District is incredibly fortunate to have them!

To nominate a staff member or student for the B.E.S.T. Award, click HERE.

The Brookings School District takes pride in its strong tradition of numerous accomplished alumni who excel in diverse fields and actively contribute to their communities. The Alumni Spotlight is a special feature dedicated to highlighting the successes of our graduates.

If you know a BHS graduate who deserves recognition, please complete the form available via the "Nominate an Alumni" button below. Be sure to include contact information if available.

This month, we are featuring Scott Jorgenson, a 2007 BHS graduate and current Counsel for the United States Senate Judiciary Committee in Washington, D.C.! Check out his Alumni Spotlight profile below!

Visit www.brookings.k12.sd.us for everything you need. From School Board Information, to Parent & Guardian Resources, to our District Calendars, the website has what you are looking for.

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Early Release on Wednesdays – School Improvement Planning: Dismissal at 2:22 PM

• November 26 – Comp Day for October Evening Conferences (NO SCHOOL)

• November 27 & 28 – Thanksgiving Break (NO SCHOOL)

• December 19 – End of 2nd Quarter / 1st Semester – NOON DISMISSAL (Hosting Bell Debate)

• December 22 – January 5 – Winter Break (NO SCHOOL)