CSD is accepting nominations for their annual awards. Nominations are accepted from staff members, students, parents, and the community.

• Educators of the Year for Custer Elementary, Custer Jr/Sr HS, and Hermosa.
• Paras of the Year
• Support Staff Members of the Year
• Wildcat Award
• Golden Apple Award
• Little Red School House Award
• Community Circle of Education Award
• Helping Hands Award

Nominations are being sought for:

• Outstanding Superintendent of the Year;
• Innovator of the Year;
• Community Leader of the Year;
• Rookie of the Year; and
• Distinguished Service Award.
• Download the instruction and nomination form here.
  

All nominations must be submitted by Monday, March 25 to SDSSA Secretary Jennifer Lowery – Tea Area Superintendent of Schools via email at jennifer.lowery@k12.sd.us

The Hermosa Hornets 1st Grade Class, under the leadership of Hermosa Teacher Sandy Crown, has been crowned South Dakota State Reading Champions in the Primary Conference (K-2). This championship came as a result of reading the most minutes per team over four weeks during READBowl 2024: The World Championship of Reading, a global reading competition put on by Read With Malcolm, the Youth Literacy Initiative of NFL Super Bowl Champion and children's book author Malcolm Mitchell.

The seventh annual competition was held from January 8 (the day of the College Football National Championship Game) through Super Bowl Sunday. "Winning a state championship is always prestigious," said Mitchell. "However this year is especially notable, as there were more than 280,000 students, from all 50 states and 14 countries on the reading field for the big game this year. I am so proud of every student who competed and congratulate our state and national champions. Training for READBowl 2025 begins now."

Overall, students from across the globe read for more than 180 million minutes during READBowl 2024. Mitchell, who struggled to read through school and into college, has made it his mission to reach kids and help them read to a better future.

"Your 1st Grade Hornets were on the National Leaderboard during three weeks of the conference. They were 25th in the nation one week, 32nd another week, and ended the Reading Bowl at 17th in the Nation! Their class will win a classroom library set for their victory. Congratulations to Mrs. Crown and her 1st Grade Readers."

👋👋Congrats to our wrestling teams! The Custer Wildcats finished 3rd overall, with 2 state champs, a 2nd place, two 3rd place finisher, a 4th place, a 6th place, and one 8th place! Great job to all 15 who qualified, and to the coaches and managers! Fantastic season!!

All families are encouraged to complete school meal applications at the beginning of each school year by submitting an application directly to the school or district office. Applications can be submitted electronically within the Infinite Campus Parent Portal (select “more” then “meal benefits”). Applications are reviewed by district officials before granting free or reduced price benefits. Families who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, or participate in other federal assistance programs, including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) are automatically eligible. Families earning at or below current Income Eligibility Guidelines, could be eligible for free or reduced-priced meals.

Start Your Online Application Now

SECONDARY SCIENCE TEACHER WITH/WITHOUT COACHING -needed full-time at Custer Jr/Sr High School, starting mid-August 2024. Strong math background preferred; will teach general Science primarily. SD Teacher Certification required and must be "Highly Qualified." Coaching opportunities available. Salary based on teacher salary structure. 4-day school week. Open until filled. Must complete CSD Application online, and submit resume, copies of transcripts, certificate, and credential file (or 3 current letters or recommendation). Custer School District, 527 Montgomery St., Custer, SD 57730 (605)673.3154. Open until filled. EOE

HS SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER - open immediately - Custer School District
Start Your Online Application Now

Date of Availability: immediately

Date Closing: when filled

Custer Jr HS SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER - starting August 2024 - Custer School District
Start Your Online Application Now

Date of Availability: August 2024

Date Closing: when filled

SPECIAL ED PARAPROFESSIONAL – full-time special ed paraprofessional needed to assist teachers and students at the Custer Elementary School. Will work a total of 7.75 hrs/day, according to school calendar starting immediately. Starting $16.60/hr. Locations of the assignments are subject to change. Apply Online. Contact Custer School District, 527 Montgomery St., Custer, SD 57730, 605.673.3154. Open until filled. EOE.

Current employees send letter/email of interest to Supt. Mark Naugle mark.naugle@k12.sd.us all others must complete an application.

1. Jr HS Football Coaches (2) - $1,811 - starting fall 2024
2. Custer MS Volleyball Coach - $1,811 - starting fall 2024
3. HS Student Council Advisor - $2,898 - starting fall 2024
4. HOSA Advisor - $2,535 - starting summer or fall 2024
5. Special Olympics Advisor - $471 starting immediately

SUBSTITUTE CLEANERS - needed at all schools to fill-in for staff when needed. Must complete CSD classified application packet and complete a criminal background check. $16/hr DOE.

SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS - needed at all schools. Must complete CSD substitute application packet, submit proof of highest level of education, and complete a criminal background check prior to starting. Contact the CSD Admin. Office for a packet, or apply online at CSD.k12.sd.us, which will include the fingerprint/background check materials. Minimum requirement, HS graduate. Pay range $110/day-$135/day. Retired CSD Teachers start at $135/day.

CONTACT INFORMATION
Custer School District, 527 Montgomery St., Custer, SD 57730. PH: 605.673.3154 FAX: 605.673.5607, Mon.-Thurs., 7:30-4:30 p.m. and Fridays 8-1 p.m. Current CSD employees interested in a position must submit a letter of interest to Mr. Mark Naugle, Supt. of Schools. All other interested applicants must complete a CSD Job Application available at the address above or at www.csd.k12.sd.us. EOE.

NON-DISCRIMINATION
The Custer School District 16-1 does not discriminate on the basis of race or color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy), disability, sexual orientation, age, religion and creed, military/veteran status, or marital status, in admission or access to or treatment or employment in its programs and activities: and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. For inquiries concerning the District’s compliance with Title VI or the Age Discrimination Act please contact the Superintendent of Schools, 527 Montgomery St., Custer, SD, 57730, (605) 673-3154; for Title IX please contact the Activities Director, 1645 Wildcat Lane, Custer, SD, 57730, (605)673-4473; or for Section 504 of the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) act please contact the Special Education Director, 527 Montgomery St., Custer, SD, 57730, (605) 673-3154. For further inquiries contact the South Dakota Regional Office for Civil Rights, Kansas City Office, U.S. Dept. of Education, One Petticoat Lane, 1010 Walnut Street, Suite 320, Kansas City, MO, 64106, phone (816) 268-0550, TDD (800) 877-0599, Fax (816) 268-0559, e-mail: OCR.KansasCity@ed.gov

• March 12 - Parent-Teacher Conferences - 4-7:30 p.m.
  
• Fri., March 22 - scheduled snow make-up day, if needed
• March 28-April 1 - Spring Break
• Fri., April 5 - scheduled snow make-up day, if needed
• Fri., April 19 - scheduled snow make-up day, if needed
• Fri., May 3 - scheduled snow make-up day, if needed
• May 18 - 2024 CHS Graduation - 2 p.m.
• May 23 - last day of school

• Juniors – Plan to attend a prom meeting in Ms. Bowen’s room on Tuesday, Mar. 5th, at 8am.
  
• Next Wednesday, March 6, we will host international group LADAMA for an assembly. Junior High and High School students will attend the assembly from 1:00 – 1:45 in the theater. Students should report to 5th hour for attendance first.
• Seniors that are in Ms. Frederick's internship class will have a meeting tomorrow morning at 8am in her room. This is a mandatory meeting and worth part of your grade.
• The high school library Book Club will be meeting every Tuesday morning during Wildcat time. All are welcome! Snacks and a great book chat guaranteed!

• Wildcat Spirit is hosting hat week this week, Feb. 26-29.

• Senior portraits for the CHS yearbook are due to Ms. Halliday by Thursday, March 28th. If you would like to submit different photos for the yearbook & senior slideshow, please specify which picture is designated for yearbook and which is for slideshow.
• When sharing these photos, please make sure you are sending the original photo file (.jpg, .png etc.) and that it is high resolution. No screenshots or photos taken on phones, please!
  
• Join us for the fourth Career Café of the semester next Wednesday, February 28th at 8:00am in the library. Bradley Block currently works as the Recreation Program Manager with the Black Hills National Forest. He coordinates activities and projects at developed recreation sites in the Forest, such as campgrounds, day-use areas, picnic areas, and trailheads. He also administers multiple permits, including two marina permits, one organizational group camp, and a campground concessionaire. And he coordinates the budget for recreational activities in the Forest, working with four different Ranger Districts and various other program areas.
  

• Blood drive on March 6th, from 10:15-2 pm in the Vitalant Mobile blood van in the parking lot of the high school. Scan the QR code on the poster to sign up. If you are under 16 you need parental permission, and permission forms are in the office.
• Dog Show Sr Project. It will be held on March 10th, at 3 pm, at the dog park. $10 entry per dog. Awards will be for Best Groomed, Best Trick, and Best Costume!
  

• Issue #14 of the school newspaper is out! Pick yours up by the office window.

• Scrubs Camp 2024 will be Saturday, March 2nd. click link for more info. Lunch will be served. The camp is open to all 9-12th graders. From 9am to 230pm; Registration 8am to 9am; Colleges and other vendors. Lunch served. Learn about Chiropractic, Acupuncture, dentistry, medical doctoring and ultrasound, nursing, craniosacral and massage and mor
  
• Custer High School will be offering the ACT on Saturday, April 13th for any students that are interested. The deadline to register is Friday, March 8th. Please stop by Mrs. French or Mr. Petz’s office if you need any help signing up. The cost to take the test is $68.00 with no writing or $93.00 with writing. Don’t wait until the last minute to get signed up.
• ACT Prep is on Fridays from 8-10 am in the library. At this Friday’s ACT Prep, we will review Advanced Math Concepts and continue to practice on Math questions from previous ACT tests.
• Gold Discovery Days Royalty applications should be post-marked or turned in by tomorrow, February 27th! Applications are in the office.
  

• Come out and support our Wildcats at the playoff game Friday v. Hot Springs @ Hot Springs! It starts at 6 p.m. No passes will be accepted, $4 per student; $6 adults.
  

• MS track will have a meeting in the theater this Thursday during wild cat time. The first practice will be Monday, March 4th.

Thank you to Custer Area Arts Council for bringing this group to our students!

Prepare yourselves for an extraordinary Arts Midwest / World Fest performance coming your way in the Southern Black Hills!

LADAMA will perform at schools in Hot Springs, Custer, Edgemont, and Oelrichs from March 5th to 8th.
Don't miss the Free Community Concert at the Mueller Center in Hot Springs on March 10th at 2 pm.
LADAMA is a captivating quartet comprising Lara Klaus, Daniela Serna, Maria “Mafer Bandola,” and Sara Lucas. Hailing from Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, and the United States, these four remarkable women bring together a fusion of musical styles and cultural influences that transcend borders.

The Library will offer ACT Prep classes for all interested students on most Friday mornings, beginning now through April 12th. Any high school student may attend the sessions. Juniors are highly encouraged to attend the sessions and take the ACT test on April 13th. The April test is one of the three tests per year that ACT offers an option to purchase test results for an additional $32. If students wish to take the test again in their Senior year to improve their scores, they can have their actual test, answers, and answer key to identify their strengths and weaknesses. Any seniors who plan to take the ACT in December can arrange with Mrs. Mertz to prepare for the sections in which they wish to improve their scores. Students may sign up for ACT Prep in the Library.

Hello! My name is Sara Whipple. I am the elementary music teacher in Newcastle and I also serve as the International Exchange Coordinator through EF High School Exchange Year for the surrounding area (Newcastle, Upton, Moorcroft and Custer are my current areas). EF High School Exchange Year is a non-profit educational organization that brings foreign exchange students to the United States every year. Our students are between the ages of 15-18, come from over 13 countries, are well screened to participate in our program, speak English and have shown they have the maturity, and academic ability to be successful in a host family and American high school setting. Our mission is to break down cultural boundaries and unite people from around the world. The program is very rewarding and offers a unique experience for families to learn about another culture, bring cultural awareness into our community and schools and to create lifelong friendships with a student and their family. I have been an exchange coordinator with EF since 2019. Over the last 5 years, I have placed and supervised 8 students in Newcastle from various countries. Two of these students my own family hosted ourselves. Having exchange students enrolled in our high school has provided such a positive and rewarding experience for our students, staff and community! Exchange students get excited about everyday things we take for granted, such as choosing classes at school, pep assemblies, prom, school sports and American holidays. Even riding a yellow school bus or eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich are things they have never experienced!

I am currently seeking loving families to host exchange students starting in the fall. I would love to reach out to the Custer community and answer any questions you may have. Contact: Sara Whipple, sara.whipple@efexchangeyear.org 406-939-3876

• Custer Jr/Sr HS Newsletter
• Custer Jr/Sr HS Facebook
• Custer Jr/Sr HS Counselor's Corner Website
• Custer Jr/Sr HS Student Council Facebook
• Custer Jr/Sr HS Choirs Facebook
• Custer Wildcat Booster Club Facebook
• Custer FFA Facebook
• Custer Youth and Alumni Foundation Facebook

Assistant Principal/Activities Director: Joey Kortemeyer - joey.kortemeyer@k12.sd.us

Custer Jr High Assistant Principal, AD & Counselor: Dusty Petz - dustin.petz@k12.sd.us

Administrative Assistant: Kelli Moore - kelli.moore@k12.sd.us

Location: 1645 Wildcat Lane, Custer, SD, USA
Phone: (605) 673-4473
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CusterJrSrHigh/

Hello, Wildcat Fans,

• Click HERE for Custer Jr/Sr High School Activities Schedules.
  

• Live Streaming -- As always, if you are unable to attend in person, varsity games can be found on You Tube. Just search Custer Wildcats Live and it should take you to the game links.

The winter sports season is winding down. Congratulations to the Girls Basketball team and coaches for a great season! They were a fun bunch to watch as they played with such heart and determination every game this year. Congratulations to the Wrestling team and coaches for their phenomenal performance at the State B meet last weekend!

Best wishes to the boys' basketball team as they head into the postseason this week.

Spring sports are just around the corner. High school track starts this week. Middle school track will begin soon and girls golf will begin at the end of March.

Friday - Mar 1

• Friday School - 8-11 am for students with missing assignments in the commons.
• Boys BB 6 pm Region 8 A Second Round vs. Hot Springs @ HOT SPRINGS - no passes accepted - $4 students & $6 adults ---- GO CATS!!!
• 'B' MS BB TBA - Cartwright Tournament @ Lead High School

Saturday - Mar 2

• 'A' MS BB TBA - Cartwright Tournament @ Lead High School

Need a Unique Gift Idea?

Custer Area Arts Council - CHS Theatre Seats Project

Sponsor a seat for $100 and get an engraved plaque on the back of the seat:

• BUY A SEAT PLAQUE TO HONOR YOUR FAVORITE THESPIAN, MUSICIAN, DANCER, LOVED ONE, CHS GRADUATE OR CLASS, OR ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS!

• The funds are then used for theatre improvements.
  

Donor plaques are $500 and are on not on the back of the seats, but on a large donor board.

501c3 Tax Deductible Contribution.

Make checks payable to Custer Area Arts Council.
Mail to: Custer Area Arts Council

25088 Shamrock Rd – Custer, SD 57730

Click here for the latest CES Newsletter

Click here for the CES Facebook Page - follow for more school information & announcements!

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• February 29th - Wear Green - Plant the Seeds of Reading
  

MARCH

• March 1st - Nominations for CSD Awards Due
• March 4th - Festival Choir at Sturgis in the Community Center @ 3:30pm
• March 6th - Midwest Arts Program JK-6th @ 9:15am at CHS Theatre
• March 7th - 5th Grade Ski Trip to Terry Peak
• March 9th - Southern Hills Family Resource Fair @ CES 10am-2pm
• March 12th - CES Parent Teacher Conferences - 4pm-7:30pm
  
• March 14th - End of 3rd Quarter
  
• March 19th - Lifetouch Spring Pictures
  
• March 20th & 21st - Kindergarten Roundup - No school for JK/K students
• March 22nd - Snow Make Up Day - if needed
  
• March 26th - 5th Grade Living History - 9:15am-10am & 3:45pm-4:45pm in CES Gym
  
• March 28th- April 1st - No School - spring break
  

April

• April 4th - Staff Dinner & Awards at Crazy Horse
• April 15th - Family Fun Night (Math) - 5pm-6:30pm
  
• April 29th - 5th & 6th Grade Band and Choir Concert at 7pm @ CHS Theatre
  

May

• May 1st - Snow Make Up Day
• May 16th - Kindergarten Program at 7pm @ CHS Theatre
  
• May 18th - Graduation
• May 23rd - Last Day of School
  

Administrative Assistant Cindy Heyne - cindy.heyne@k12.sd.us

Location: 1415 Wildcat Lane, Custer, SD, USA
Phone: 605-673-4483
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CusterElementarySchool/

Hermosa Family Newsletter - LOTS of Important information included in newsletter!

Hermosa Facebook Page - please follow for updated daily announcements

Hermosa Spirt Wear Store

March 14 @ 1:30 and 6:00 - Middle School Musical

May 16 @ 1:30 and 6:00 - Spring Pops Concert and Band Concert

• Upcoming Hornet Activities
  

• Feb. 26 - Boys Basketball @ Hot Springs 4:00
  
• Mar. 1 - Boys Basketball Cartwright Tournament @ Lead TBD
• Mar. 2 - Boys Basketball Cartwright Tournament @ Lead TBD
• Mar. 14 - Middle School Musical 1:30/6:00
• Mar. 21 - Soup & Sweets TBD

Administrative Assistant: Jennifer Conley - jennifer.conley@k12.sd.us

Website: https://www.csd.k12.sd.us/Domain/11
Location: 11 4th Street, Hermosa, SD, USA
Phone: 605-255-4345
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HermosaSchool/

1. How long have you served on the CSD Board of Ed? I have been a board member since 2017 (3rd term).
2. Why did you choose to run for the CSD Board of Education? I was asked 3 times about running by a local community member, and finally decided that was the encouraging push to run.

3. What would you say is the biggest thing you have learned since becoming a Board member?

   How to become a better listener and relaying concerns from the community to the board and attention of the school superintendent.

4. What is one achievement you are most proud of since you’ve been a member of the board? Being elected and allowed to run for 3 terms.
5. What is a piece of advice you would like to share with our students? Work hard, have fun, and don't worry about the small things. As long as you try, you will succeed!
6. What is a fun fact about you? I went on my first elk hunt last year and was successful! It was a fun time hiking around the southern hills in December!

1. My name is Travis Hartshorn I'm a rancher/farmer. Live on the east side by Hermosa with my amazing wife and children. I'm a life-long resident of Custer Co. Graduated from Custer High School in 1990.

2. How long have you served on the CSD Board of Ed? I took my oath of office in April of 2017.
3. Why did you choose to run for the CSD Board of Education? I chose to run because I had questions about things and wasn't getting answers so i got involved.

4. What would you say is the biggest thing you have learned since becoming a Board member? Nothing moves fast and how little control you have.

5. What is one achievement you are most proud of since you’ve been a member of the board?

   Giving Hermosa a voice and trying to bring the district together.

   6. What is a piece of advice you would like to share with our students? Seriously get involved. And have fun.

6. What is a fun fact about you? I like to grow corn and pumpkins

Here are the following openings effective July 2024:

* Two seats, each for a 3-year term

Petition circulation starts March 1 and ends March 26.
Petitions WILL BE available at the CSD Admin. Office, 527 Montgomery St., Custer.

Hours: 7:30 a.m. -4:30 p.m. on Mondays-Thursdays,
and 8 a.m.-1 p.m. on Fridays.

The School Board Election will be held in conjunction with the
Custer County and Pennington County primary elections on Tuesday, June 4.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2024 Primary Election - June 4, 2024
Voter Registration Deadline - May 20, 2024
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

How to register to vote in South Dakota:

Print the Voter Registration Form, fill-out the form, sign it and then submit it to your
County Auditor. Your Voter Registration form with an original signature must be received by the auditor 15 days before any election if you wish to vote in that election.
South Dakota law does not allow you to submit your voter registration form via fax or email.
Voter Registration Form: Voter Registration Form PDF Document

Date: January 11, 2024

According to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), 34CFR300.573, school districts must notify parents when the information contained in their child’s special education records is no longer needed to provide public educational services to the child. This is public notification to parents or eligible students (students who are of legal age except where guardianship or conservatorship has been established) of the District’s intent to destroy all special education records, except for archival information such as name, grades, attendance records, classes attended, grades completed and number of years completed for its own records based upon federal law, for those students ages 21 and older.

Parents or eligible students have the right to request your records. Please contact the Special Education office by March 31, 2024, if you wish to your records. If the Special Education Department is not contacted by this date, these records will be destroyed.

Custer School District 16-1

Special Education Department

527 Montgomery Street

Custer, SD 57730

Telephone 605-673-2171

Request for copies must be received by April 4, 2024. These records will be destroyed after April 4, 2024.

The Mission of Custer School District is to Educate Every Student to His/Her Potential.

Superintendent Mark Naugle - mark.naugle@k12.sd.us

Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent Jennie Anderson - jennie.anderson@k12.sd.us

Click here for all staff listing

Administration Office Hours:

Mon.-Thurs. ~ 7:30-4:30 p.m.

Fridays ~ 8 a.m. ~ 1 p.m.

Email: jennie.anderson@k12.sd.us
Website: www.csd.k12.sd.us
Location: 527 Montgomery Street, Custer, SD, USA
Phone: 605-673-3154
Facebook: www.facebook.com/custerschooldistrict