CUSTER WILDCATS JR/SR HIGH SCHOOL

On January 21, eight Custer High School students and their advisor Jenna Frederick attended the Region 1 FCCLA meeting, where they represented Custer with pride and professionalism. Students in attendance included Holly Nielsen, Region 1 President; Iszabella Petersen; Molly Frederick-Medlen; River Bailey; Bret Zapp; Evelyn Garcia; Lexi Wilkins; and Makenzi Ham.

Throughout the day, students participated in leadership workshops, networked with peers from across the region, and competed in a Knowledge Bowl competition where Custer received third place. The keynote speaker, Linda Fennell from Custer, spoke about the importance of involvement and using one’s voice to make a positive impact on the community that can last for years to come.

Several Custer students were also recognized for their success in the 2025 Individual Online STAR Events testing, qualifying them to advance to the national level. Holly Nielsen earned a silver ranking in Culinary Math Skills, and Molly Frederick-Medlen received a silver ranking in Working with Youth. Lexi Wilkins, Makenzi Ham, and Evelyn Garcia earned bronze rankings in the Early Childhood Development category.

All Custer students represented their school exceptionally well. The team will continue their FCCLA journey at the State Competition in Sioux Falls, April 26–28.

Captions:

Picture 1- Holly Nielsen, Region 1 President; Iszabella Petersen; Molly Frederick-Medlen; River Bailey; Bret Zapp; Evelyn Garcia; Lexi Wilkins; and Makenzi Ham.

Picture 2- Linda Fennell & Holly Nielsen

Picture 3- Lexi Wilkins, Makenzi Ham, and Evelyn Garcia

Picture 4- Holly Nielsen & Molly Frederick-Medlen

Picture 5- Molly Frederick-Medlen, River Bailey, Bret Zapp, Holly Nielsen, & Iszabella Petersen

Friday Morning Breakfast Club

Date: Friday, February 6 & 27 , 2026

We will be having Friday school this Friday. This is an opportunity for students to come in and make up and work they have missing. Some students may be assigned to Friday school due to having more than 2 missing assignments, excessive tardies, or other behavior issues.

PIE (Parents Involved in Education) Meeting:

Date: February 18, 2026 at 5:00PM

All parents are encouraged to attend our monthly PIE meetings. It’s a great opportunity to get involved, meet other parents, and hear about upcoming projects and initiatives. This month a tour of the new CTE building will be the only thing on the agenda-see you there.

Reminders

• Health & Safety: As we enter cold and flu season, please remember to keep your child at home if they are feeling unwell. Your cooperation helps us keep our school community healthy.
• Attendance: Regular attendance is crucial for your child’s success. Please ensure that they arrive on time and are ready to learn.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school community.

ATTENTION: Parents of college-bound Juniors and Seniors: The Library has a new webpage with resources you and your student may find useful in the ACT section. One page is full of “ACT Prep Resources” for the students. The “Why Does It Matter” page highlights scholarship opportunities offered through the Board of Regents and South Dakota universities, along with information on the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) for students interested in attending one of the 160 colleges across the 16 Western states. Christmas Break may be a good time to start preparing for the ACT and refining post-graduation plans.

https://www.csd.k12.sd.us/page/csd-library

Access much information and for our students taking the ACT-released items and study information.

Activity passes (tickets) are available at all school offices. Activity passes are accepted at all regular home season games, in addition, to regularly scheduled CSD plays and concerts.
Passes will be sold during the first few home games of volleyball and football.

*Family Passes: $85 maximum – for parents & all K-12 students in the same household.

Purchased individually the prices are as follows:

*Adults (including college-age students) - $45 per pass

*High School 9-12: - $35 per pass

*Middle School 6-8: - $25 per pass

*Elementary K-5: - $25 per pass

(grandparents, adult children, or college-age students are not eligible for the family pass.)

* Complimentary senior citizen passes for Custer County Residents who are age 60+.

These are also available at all school offices.

Parents Involved in Education at Custer Jr/Sr High School will meet on the following dates at 5:00PM in the Custer Jr/Sr High School library:

September 17, 2025

October 15, 2025

November 12, 2025

January 21, 2026

February 18, 2026

March 18, 2026

April 15, 2026

ACT and Smarter Balanced Testing is scheduled for March/April 2026

Highmark Federal Credit Union has an exciting offer for its members and the best part about it is that it directly benefits CHS Activities!

ATTENTION Custer students, parents, faculty, and fans: Open a free

checking account at Highmark and get a free Wildcats Spirit debit card.

Plus, we'll make a contribution to CHS Activities each time you swipe your

Wildcats debit card.

All three of our checking accounts come with:

• No minimum deposit

• No minimum balance

• The convenience of online & mobile banking

• Free Wildcats debit card

Thank you!!

MISSION STATEMENT: To Educate Every Student to His or Her Potential

VISION STATEMENT: To provide the highest educational program possible through positive leadership, quality academics, and an array of opportunities for social, emotional, physical, and character development, so graduates:

• A) Go on to compete in the marketplace

• B) Understand the importance of community involvement.

• C) Enjoy life-long learning

Email: tobey.cass@k12.sd.us
Website: https://www.csd.k12.sd.us/CusterJrSrHigh
Location: 1645 Wildcat Lane, Custer, SD
Phone: 605-673-4473