George McGovern Middle School

Principal Mr. Tim Koehler

Assistant Principal Mr. Richie Hutchinson

Dean of Students Mrs. Sarah Muller

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/gerogemcgoverneagles/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/gmmseagles/?hl=en

George McGovern Middle School

6221 W. Maple Street

Sioux Falls , SD 57104

P: (605) 367-4440

F: (605) 367-4434

Tim Koehler

Principal

https://www.dgsurveys.com/r/SFSDCommSurvey2026

November 11- No School -Veteran's Day

November 12- Family Game Night

November 25,26,27- No School- Thanksgiving Break

• Every day offers something new! Students can explore activities based on their interests, including: Arts, sports, STEM, music, cooking, and more. Led by Community Learning Center(CLC) staff, teachers, and community partners, students can choose how they spend their time, whether joining activities, getting homework help, or relaxing with friends.

• A Place to Belong

  CLC is a safe, supportive space where students can learn, grow, and have fun, while building friendships and new skills.

  
  

• TO LEARN MORE & APPLY: MIDDLE SCHOOL AFTERSCHOOL CARE!

• Button link URL:
  https://www.sf.k12.sd.us/o/clc/page/middle-school-program

As the weather starts to change and the days get colder, November is a great time to take a moment to reset and get back into good routines. With shorter days, colder mornings, and the excitement of the upcoming holidays, it can be easy to let our schedules slip a little.

This is a good reminder that showing up matters! Getting enough rest, preparing for the next school day, setting alarms, and making attendance a priority can make a big difference. A consistent routine helps students feel prepared, stay on track, and make the most of each school day.

As always, please remember that I am here to help! If your family is experiencing challenges that are making it difficult for your student to get to school regularly, please reach out. Whether you need help problem-solving, connecting with resources, or just someone to check in with, I'm happy to help. My goal is to support our students and families, not add another thing to worry about.

Let's keep building good habits, encouraging one another, and making every school day count!

Here's to a great November, Eagles!

📞 Need Support?

Kristal Shoffeitt
School Attendance Liaison
605-906-3555
Kristal.shoffeitt@k12.sd.us

If attendance is becoming a challenge, please reach out. I’m here to help!

Please report any absence to the office at 605-401-8857 before 8:45 am.

We ask that parents/guardians come to the front office door when picking up a student. If an emergency contact is designated to pick up a student for any reason, the parent/guardian must notify the office of the emergency contact taking their student early from school.

You may also enter a full day absence through the Parent Portal by following this link

Log into Parent Portal: https://siouxfallssd.infinitecampus.org/campus/portal/siouxfalls.jsp

On the Home Page, select “Absence Requests” from the right hand side of the screen.

Select Student(s) you wish to request an absence for

Select Excuse Code

• If all students have the same excuse code, you may submit one request for all students

• If students do not have the same excuse for being absent, please submit individual requests based on each student’s excuse

Select Absence Type

• Full Day Absence (for one day absences, the start and end date should match)

Comments are required and should provide information as to why student(s) are going to be absent.

Submit once all information has been entered

Once Submitted, the screen Current Requests will open

Here you can see each request including student name, start date, end date and status of the request. You may add a New request from here as well if needed.

To Delete a Request

Click on the request you want to delete

This will open Request Details

At the bottom of the page is an option to Delete Request

*Please Note: Only Pending Requests may be deleted. Once a request has been processed by school staff, you must call the school for any changes/updates to the request.

Other Helpful Information:

• Requests can only be made for the current day forward. Requests cannot be made for days that have already passed.

• Once a request has been processed by the school, it can no longer be updated or changed through the Parent Portal.

• Contact the school your child attends with any questions.

Log into Parent Portal: https://siouxfallssd.infinitecampus.org/campus/portal/siouxfalls.jsp

On the Home Page, select “Absence Requests” from the right hand side of the screen.

Select Student(s) you wish to request an absence for

Select Excuse Code

• If all students have the same excuse code, you may submit one request for all students

• If students do not have the same excuse for being absent, please submit individual requests based on each student’s excuse

Select Absence Type

• Full Day Absence (for one day absences, the start and end date should match)

Comments are required and should provide information as to why student(s) are going to be absent.

Submit once all information has been entered

Once Submitted, the screen Current Requests will open

Here you can see each request including student name, start date, end date and status of the request. You may add a New request from here as well if needed.

To Delete a Request

Click on the request you want to delete

This will open Request Details

At the bottom of the page is an option to Delete Request

*Please Note: Only Pending Requests may be deleted. Once a request has been processed by school staff, you must call the school for any changes/updates to the request.

Other Helpful Information:

• Requests can only be made for the current day forward. Requests cannot be made for days that have already passed.

• Once a request has been processed by the school, it can no longer be updated or changed through the Parent Portal.

• Contact the school your child attends with any questions.

Updated 2026-27 Bus Brochures attached.

These brochures are also on the District website, under this link.

https://www.sf.k12.sd.us/page/busing-boundary-information

Science- Mrs. Schluttner, Mrs. Hackworth and Ms Kruid-

Language Arts-Mr. Spann, Ms. Van Maanen, Mrs. Sindelar and Mrs. Berger

ELA +- Ms. Adney

Social Studies- Mr. Fitzsimmons, Ms. Medina and Mr. Cook

Math- Ms. Penney, Mr. Schalde and Mrs. Schwarting-

Math+-Ms. Holtz-

In Math+, we are working on productive teamwork, fact fluency in all areas, and fraction strategies.

Math - Mr. Henry, Mr. Miller, Mr. Schalde and Mrs. Hieronimus

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7th General Science - Mrs. Kruse & Mrs. Schluttner

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7th Accelerated Science - Mrs. Kruse

7th grade ELA - Mrs. Huwe, Mrs. Dossett, Mrs. Vandrovec, Mr. Spann and Mrs. Berger

Social Studies - Mr. Mader , Mr. Flock and Ms Steen

Greetings from the Coyotes/Jackrabbits Eighth Grade Teams

Here is the news from the core classes:

English Language Arts— Mr. Carmany and Mrs. Freese

Science—Mrs. Bates and Ms. Cota

Math—Ms. Boer and Ms. Stene

Social Studies—Mr. Maier and Ms. Walquist

6th Grade Spanish Language Arts: Sra. Martínez

Esta

7th Grade Spanish Language Arts: Sra. Martínez

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MUSIC STAFF

Band – Jason Rygg - jason.rygg@k12.sd.us

Band – Marian Beck - marian.beck@k12.sd.us

Chorus – Erin McFarland - erin.mcfarland@k12.sd.us

Chorus – Kelsey Baade - kelsey.baade@k12.sd.us

Orchestra – MJ Borchart - michael.borchart@k12.sd.us

Choir:

8th graders are singing at Jefferson High School's fall concert on Tuesday, November 5th at 7:00 pm. Rehearsal starts the same night at 6:00 pm. 8th graders should wear McGovern or Jefferson gear. It's a great opportunity to be able to sing on the Jefferson stage and with their future Cavalier directors!

Band:

GMMS Band placed 6 students in the Sioux Falls Middle School All City Honor Band! This band is comprised of middle school students from all 6 public middle schools, as well as SF Christian, SF Lutheran, O'Gorman JH and Brandon Valley. They will perform a concert together at the Tea Performing Arts Center on Thursday, November 12 at 7:30 pm, in conjunction with the Augustana University Wind Ensemble. Go Band!

8 - Ali Sorensen, clarinet

8 - Luz Retana Cardona, clarinet

8 - Emmett Hansen, baritone saxophone

8 - Alondra Melendez, trumpet

7 - Adem Hamzic, alto saxophone

7 - Phoebe Olsen, trumpet

George McGovern Middle School Music Events: 2026-2027

November

5 Th JHS Chorus Concert with 8th grade, 7:00 PM @ JHS Auditorium

10 T JHS Orchestra Concert with 8th grade, 7:00 PM @ JHS Auditorium

15 S Deadline for SDMS All-State Orchestra audition recordings

17 T JHS Band Concert with 8th grade, 7:00 PM @ JHS Auditorium

December

3 Th 6th Grade Band & 7th Grade Band, 6:30 PM Auditorium

3 Th 8th Grade Band & Jazz Band, 7:30 PM Auditorium

4 F Deadline for SDMS All-State Band audition recordings

5 S Expressions Choreography Rehearsal, 10 AM- 4 PM

10 Th 6th Grade Choir Concert, 6:00 PM Auditorium

10 Th 7th Grade Soprano/Alto Choir, 6:45 PM Auditorium

10 Th 8th Grade Choir & 7th Grade Tenor Concert, 7:30 PM Auditorium

10 Th Middle School All-State Jazz Band Auditions Due

12 S Jazz, Pans, & Pastries Concert (Jazz Band only), Saturday morning @ JHS Commons

17 Th 6th, 7th, & 8th Grade Orchestra & Gryphon Ensemble Concert, 6:30 PM Auditorium

19 S Expressions Choreography Rehearsal, 10 AM- 4 PM

January

9 S Show Choir Rehearsal, Friends & Family Performance 3:30PM, Auditorium

15 F Cavalier Classic Show Choir Competition, Jefferson High School

22-23 F-S South Dakota Junior Honor Choir in Rapid City, SD

29 F Executive Showcase Show Choir Competition, Roosevelt High School

29-30 F-S Middle School All-State Jazz Band in Mitchell, SD

February

19-20 F-S Mitchell Show Choir Classic Competition, Mitchell High School

19-20 F-S Middle School All-State Orchestra in Sioux Falls, Lincoln High School

March

5-6 F-S Middle School All-State Band in Brookings, SD

19-21 F-S GMMS Musical- The Little Mermaid

April

6 Th 5th Grade Area Orchestra Festival & Gryphon Concert, 6 PM Auditorium

13 T 6th Grade Band & Jazz Band Concert, 6:30 PM Auditorium

13 T 7th Grade Band & 8th Grade Band Concert, 7:30 PM Auditorium

24 S 4-8 String Solo and Ensemble Contest @ Susan B. Anthony Elementary School

27 T 6th Grade Choir Concert, 6:00 PM Auditorium

27 T 7th Grade Soprano/Alto Choir, 6:45 PM Auditorium

27 T 8th Grade Choir & 7th Grade Tenor Concert, 7:30 PM Auditorium

30 F GMMS Gryphon, Expressions & Jazz Band: Elementary Tour

May

4 T 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Orchestra and Gryphon Ensemble Concert, 6: 30 PM Auditorium

6 Th 5th Grade Area Band Festival & Jazz Band Concert, 6:00 PM, Auditorium

7 F GMMS Ensembles Night (Gryphon, Expressions & Jazz Band), 7:00 PM Auditoriu

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Student Flu Shot Clinic at GMMS

Th

Tiffany Urban RN, BSN, MSP

Tiffany Urban RN, BSN, MSP

Tiffany.Urban@k12.sd.us

605-367-4440

George McGovern MS offers free tutoring after school on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 4-5:30pm for all grades and subject areas, including organizational and study skills and locker assistance. Students are responsible for communicating with their families, getting any needed materials from their teachers, and showing up in the library by 4:00pm. Students can either be picked up at 5:30pm or can register for the Boys and Girls Club and take the activity bus that leaves at 6:30pm (time may change depending on sports). If you have any questions, please contact megan.kittisopikul@k12.sd.us

Important Athletic Requirements

If your student plans to participate in any McGovern athletics during 7th or 8th grade, there are two requirements that must be completed before they can participate in practice:

1. Athletic Physical Evaluation

2. Infinite Campus Activity Registration

1. Physical Evaluation — Required

• The physical must be completed by a doctor and dated after April 1 of your student's 5th-grade year.

• Parents/guardians must upload Page One of the Completed Physical Form to Infinite Campus. Copies of this are available at school or you can click to Access the Physical Evaluation Form

• One physical covers all middle school athletics. If your student completed a physical for 7th grade, they do not need another physical for 8th grade, as long as the physical meets the district requirements.

2. 2026–2027 Activity Registration — Required

• Registration must be completed through the parent/guardian Infinite Campus portal.

• ALL students participating in athletics must complete the activity registration.

• Instructional links and videos for Registration to help guide you through the process

• Video instructions for Athletic Registration on a Personal Computer

• Video instructions for Athletic Registration on a Mobile Device

• PDF step-by-step instructions for Athletic Registration

• Infinite Campus Log-in Page to start Registration process

After the registration process, you can also select the sports your student plans to participate in.

News from the Counseling Office

Who is my school counselor?

Jennifer Atkinson - ALL Grades (last name): A - L / jennifer.atkinson@k12.sd.us

Stephanie Burgeson - ALL Grades (last name): M - Z / stephanie.burgeson@k12.sd.us

Success Counselor & Registrar information

Deb Bergland - Success & 504 Coordinator / deborah.bergland@k12.sd.us

Megan Grilley - Counseling Registrar / megan.grilley@k12.sd.us

Growing Gratitude at Home

Gratitude is more than saying “thank you”—it’s a habit that helps children recognize the good in their lives, even during challenging times. For middle school students, practicing gratitude can encourage a positive outlook, strengthen relationships, and build resilience.

Families can help make gratitude part of everyday life through simple activities. Try having everyone share one thing they’re thankful for at dinner, encouraging your child to recognize someone who made their day better, or creating a family gratitude jar. Write down moments, experiences, or people you appreciate and revisit the notes together when you need a reminder of the good around you.

Small moments of gratitude can make a big difference. By practicing gratitude as a family, you can help your child develop a positive mindset and appreciate the people and experiences that make life meaningful.

A Gratitude Note from Kid President | Life can be tough. It’s important to always take time to remember the things that make life awesome. This is just the start of a list. It’s only 25 things. Obviously, there are more! What else would you add? - Click the link to watch a short video from Kid President.

Conversation Starter of the Month | “What is something someone did recently that made you feel appreciated, included, or supported?”

Middle school students may not always share what is happening in their lives, but small conversations can open the door to meaningful connections. Take time to listen to your child’s response and share your own experiences, too. These conversations help children recognize the importance of kindness, strengthen relationships, and understand how their actions can positively impact others. By creating space for open and supportive conversations at home, you remind your child that their thoughts, feelings, and experiences matter.

November Family Challenge | The 7-Day Gratitude Challenge

This November, challenge your family to practice gratitude for seven days! Each day, take a few minutes to notice something positive, whether it’s thanking someone who helped you, sharing a favorite memory, or doing something kind for someone else. These small, intentional moments can help children develop a positive mindset, strengthen relationships, and appreciate the good in everyday life. Make it a family activity and see how many ways you can find to spread gratitude and kindness! The list below is a great first step and conversation starter!

• Day 1: Name one person you appreciate.

• Day 2: Thank someone who helped you.

• Day 3: Write down one thing you like about yourself.

• Day 4: Notice something beautiful around you.

• Day 5: Do something kind for someone.

• Day 6: Share a favorite family memory.

• Day 7: Reflect on what made you smile this week.

Semester One Counseling Curriculum Update

6TH GRADE - Understanding Learning Styles

Sixth-grade students recently learned more about themselves by exploring their learning styles. Ask your student whether they are an auditory, visual, or kinesthetic learner and what that means. They should also be able to share study strategies that work best for them and help them succeed in the classroom!

7TH GRADE - Building Strong Study Habits

Next month, all seventh-grade students will explore effective study strategies and habits to support their academic success. Through a short video and a fun game of Jeopardy, students will learn practical ways to improve their study skills, build confidence, and achieve their best in the classroom!

8TH GRADE - Exploring Future Career Opportunities

In September, all eighth-grade students completed a career interest survey to explore how their interests connect to potential career fields and pathways. In November, eighth-graders will attend a career fair, learn more about careers that match their interests, and explore postsecondary education and training options to help them reach their future goals!

Friendly Reminder - How to contact the School Counselor

Students interested in meeting with their school counselor can visit the Counseling Canvas course and fill out the Google Form to schedule an appointment. Parents who want to arrange a meeting should contact the school by phone or email the counselor directly.

Students can be dropped off beginning at 8:00 am and must be off school grounds by 4:15 pm, unless participating in a before-school or after-school activity or program.

Students will not be able to enter the building until 8:30 am (unless there is inclement weather or the temperature with wind chill is below 0 degrees). Breakfast is served beginning at 8:40 am.

School begins at 8:55 am and ends at 3:48 pm.