Black Panther Beat 🐾
PGES Winter 2025 Newsletter
Dear Families,
As we reach the 100th day of the school year, I would like to take a moment to thank you for your continued partnership and support. It has been a productive and positive year so far, and we are proud of the growth we are seeing in our students—academically, socially, and emotionally.
The middle of the school year is also a valuable time to reflect on progress and set goals for the months ahead. Regular attendance, consistent routines, and open communication between home and school continue to play an important role in student success. We encourage families to stay engaged by reviewing school communications, supporting learning at home, and reaching out with any questions or concerns.
Thank you for being an essential part of our school community. We look forward to a strong and successful second half of the school year.
With Panther Pride,
Ms. Amanda Goodrich
Elementary Principal
Mrs. Amy Rolland - 1st Grade Teacher
- Where did you grow up? I grew up in Bonesteel and graduated from Bonesteel-Fairfax.
- Who was your favorite teacher? Why? Jody Lewis because she was so animated and cared for her students.
- How long have you been teaching? I began teaching in 2002 in Geddes.
- Why did you become a teacher? I love kiddos and it never really feels like work coming to school everyday.
- If you could take your students on a field trip to anywhere in the world, where would you take them? Washington D.C.
- What song do you know all the lyrics to? "Take Me Home, Country Roads" by John Denver
Mrs. Nicki Nelson - Fifth Grade Teacher
- Where did you grow up? I grew up here in Platte, SD.
- Who was your favorite teacher? Why? My favorite teacher was Mrs. Blunck in 6th grade. She was my favorite because she let me read my books whenever I wanted - even while she was teaching. :)
- How long have you been teaching? This is my 24th year teaching.
- Why did you become a teacher? I have always liked working with kids starting with being a lifeguard and teaching swimming lessons to coaching basketball, softball, and swim team.
- What song do you know all the lyrics to? Too many to name, but for sure any song by Ed Sheeran or Chris Stapleton.
Mrs. Regan Holleman - Reading Interventionist
- Where did you grow up?I grew up in Platte.
- Who was your favorite teacher? Why?My favorite elementary teacher was Mrs. Connie Peterson. She always did extra little things to make you feel special. She valued every learner in her classroom and did things to include everyone. She made our days enjoyable.
- How long have you been teaching? I have been teaching for 18 years.
- Why did you become a teacher? always enjoyed working with kids and have always been a kid at heart. It’s a great way to be silly, have fun, sing and dance around without the kids thinking I’m crazy. Ok, maybe sometimes they think I’m crazy, but we have a great time together. :)
- If you could take your students on a field trip to anywhere in the world, where would you take them? I would take them to Africa to experience a different culture and see the beauty of the wildlife there.
- What song do you know all the lyrics to? “Good Day” by Forrest Frank
Mrs. Nicole DeVries - Kindergarten Teacher
- Where did you grow up? Chamberlain, SD
- Who was your favorite teacher? Why? I actually have 2-My preschool teacher, who was my grandma, Rosalie Aas, and my first-grade teacher, Mrs. Judy Swanson.
- How long have you been teaching? 24½ years, although I left teaching for a year when I was in Iraq.
- Why did you become a teacher? A lot of people in my family are teachers. I didn't start off by wanting to be a teacher, but I am so glad I chose this path.
- If you could take your students on a field trip to anywhere in the world, where would you take them? A large zoo and an aquarium. I love to see young children's reactions to animals.
- What song do you know all the lyrics to? The Rose. It was my grandma's favorite song.
Parents are welcome to come and have lunch with their children!
If you plan on eating the school lunch, please contact the office to let us know!
K-2nd Grade = 10:50-11:25am
3rd-5th Grade = 11:25-11:50pm
401 S Iowa Ave.
Platte, SD 57369
605-337-2468
Amanda Goodrich, Principal
Kristen Konechne, Guidance Counselor
Teri Griesse, Secretary