Sturgis Elementary Newsletter

April 2025

A Note From Principal Chantal Ligtenberg

Hawaiian Reading Challenge:

Sturgis Elementary had their reading challenge schoolwide during the month of March. Top readers took part in a parade throughout the building and had a McDonald’s kids meal with the principals. Additionally, all grade levels reach their weekly checkpoints and received special dress up days and prizes. Thank you for all the support you provided students in reaching their reading goals at home!

Reviewing Online Safety with Children:

Technology and social media is very popular even with the elementary aged students. Online safety is a topic broached by our computer teacher, Adam Fitzpatrick. You are encouraged to have an intentional conversation with your children about what they encounter online. Below are some bulleted suggestions when visiting with your children.

Reminding children to never contact strangers online, on any platform
Encouraging children to share any worries or concerns with you
Ensuring children understand the importance of not giving personal information to anyone they do not know.

Families may want to consider the following:

Setting privacy settings for all social media and gaming applications
Keeping video games and YouTube watching in shared family spaces
Setting up video game restrictions to friends only
Setting up “restricted” mode on the YouTube for your child’s account so inappropriate content is not available to them to watch
Reminding students to talk to a trusted adult if they ever question something that they see on technology.

Spring Weather Is On It’s Way!: We are super excited for the nicer weather to be heading our way! Just a reminder to have your students dress in layers as it is colder in the mornings. Also, please remind students to be responsible with their belongings when they do take them off. Our lost and found grows heaps and bounds during this time of the year!

State Assessment Time: All third and fourth grade students will be completing the South Dakota Assessment in the areas of English/Language Arts and Math. We ask to please make appointment around the testing schedule to minimize students having to make up their tests during instruction time. Fourth grade will be testing 4/1-4/11 and third grade will be testing 4/15-4/25. They will be testing in the mornings on these days with any makeups being covered in the afternoons.

Animals at dismissal: For the overall safety of students during the busy time at dismissal from school, we ask that you do not bring your animals on school grounds during dismissal.

Important Dates & School District Calendar

Meade School District Calendar

Yearbook Orders - Online Only

There will not be any yearbooks available for purchase in the office.

All orders are made and paid for online.

Scholars of the Month

2nd Grade Spotlight

Dear Families,
Spring is in full bloom, and we are excited for all the learning and fun that April brings!

Here’s what’s happening in our classroom this month:

School Activities & FUN

First Interstate Bank visits 1st Grade

Teach Children to Save lessons are designed to meet educational standards in personal finance while reinforcing math concepts, language arts, and other academic disciplines. First Interstate Bank employees visited the 1st students to deliver a grade-appropriate savings education lesson on a date and time that works best with educator and student schedules.

First Interstate Bank is committed to our community and appreciates your consideration of this request. We hope you agree this is a great opportunity to help young people develop skills for financial success.

Use the link below to print a Piggy Bank Contest Form.

pdf

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Piggy Bank Building Contest Entry Form

Download

1.2 MB

Physical Education

Parent & Teacher Association

Community Activities

Sturgis Public Library April Events

Tuesdays @ 10 am

Baby & Toddler Storytime Baby & Toddler Storytime for ages 0-3.

Rhymes, lapbounce, sensory play, and stories with Miss Cindy.

Wednesdays @ 11 am
PreK Storytime for ages 3-6. Celebrate literacy with movement, stories and crafts every Wednesday with Miss Sierra.

Tuesdays, April 1st & 15th, 3:30pm

Wonder Math Join Richard Moeller at the Sturgis Public Library on Tuesdays, April 1st & 15th at 3:30pm, for science-based discoveries, activities, and more. All ages are welcome.

Thurs, April 3, 4-6pm

Level UP! Gaming ClubCome to the Sturgis Public Library for Level UP! Gaming Club on Thursday, April 3rd, from 4-6pm. Ages 8+ are welcome to hang out and play Nintendo, board games, snap circuits, and more with friends. Held every first Thursday each month.

Sat. April 5, 1-3pm

Genealogy Work Group The Sturgis Public Library and the Sturgis & Meade County Historical Society will be hosting their monthly genealogy work group on Saturday, April 5th at 1pm at the Sturgis Public Library. This month bring your Family History brick walls, and we will all group source solutions! The public is welcome!

Mon. April 7, 3pmLEGO Club

All ages are welcome to come together to build and explore with bricks at the Sturgis Public Library on Monday, April 7th from 3-5pm.

Tuesdays, April 8th & 22nd, 3:30pm

Jr. Librarian Camp
Celebrate National Library Week by earning your Mini Masters of Library Science! Future librarians will practice skills like sorting items, program planning, and recommending books to earn their diplomas. Recommended for children in Kindergarten-4th grade. Attend one or both sessions for extra practice.

Tues. April 8, 6pm

History Talks Join the Sturgis Public Library on Tuesday, April 8th, at 6pm for History Talks, a Zoom watch party, sponsored by the South Dakota Historical Society Foundation. Award-winning illustrator S.D. Nelson will share insights into his latest work, "Wings of an Eagle: The Gold Medal Dreams of Billy Mills," written by Donna Janell Bowman and published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. He will discuss his artistic process and reflect on his childhood connections to the Dakotas and the Standing Rock Reservation.

Thursdays, April 10th & 24th, 3:30pm

Code Critters Introducing young learners to the basics of programming through fun and interactive activities. Ages 6-10

Thurs. April 10, 5:30pm MusicSpeaks

MusicSpeaks at the Sturgis Public Library will be on Thursday, April 10th, at 5:30pm. This month we discuss Wozzeck: Alban Berg's Expressionist opera. In the shadow of WWI, Berg develops a new musical language to tell a story about a soldier driven to madness by the “hopelessness, absurdity, and cruelty” of society. Premiering in 1925, the piece was a huge success until 1933, when the Nazis classified Wozzeck as subversive and “degenerate” art.

Mon. April 14, 4pm Movie night

Join us for a family-friendly showing of Mufasa: The Lion King (Rated PG), an unforgettable adventure for all ages. Drinks and popcorn will be served.

Fri. April 18 &
Sat. April 19
CLOSED
Good Friday

Mon. April 21, 4pm Mega Monday

Join us at the Sturgis Public Library on Monday, April 21st, at 4 PM for a S.T.E.A.M.-inspired activity: Kites! Exploring gravity and wind. Perfect for curious minds, this hands-on challenge is a fun way to learn about engineering and energy while having a blast inside and outdoors! This program is designed for ages 6–10.

Thurs. April 24, 6pm Books On Tap

Location: Knuckle Saloon. Book Theme: "Humor Me", where laughter is the main course! This theme is all about celebrating the lighter side of literature. All readers 21+ are invited to join.

Friday, April 25, 10am - 12pmTiny Tot Social

Join us for our last Tot Social of the season! Babies and toddlers can enjoy sensory play, snacks, and fun with their friends.

Mon., April 28th
CLOSED
Librarians will be attending the Black Hills Mini-Conference in Rapid.