November 2026

We understand that families need to make doctor appointments and have family vacations. As you are scheduling those for the next school year, these dates might help guide you.

11/6 Fri-NO SCHOOL - McGovern Debate

11/11 Wed-NO SCHOOL - Veteran's Day

11/25-27 Wed-Fri-NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving Break

12/23-1/4 Wed-Mon-NO SCHOOL - Christmas Break

1/18 Mon-NO SCHOOL - MLK Jr. Day/Staff Development

2/12-15 Fri-Mon-NO SCHOOL & President's Day

3/11-16 Thur-Mon-NO SCHOOL - Spring Break/Staff Development

3/26-29 Fri-Mon-NO SCHOOL - Easter Break

4/16 Fri-NO SCHOOL

We do the bulk of our statewide testing in April as well (3rd-5th graders). When a student

misses the scheduled testing time, we are required to reschedule for that student. Learners do

better when testing with the rest of their peers. We appreciate you doing your best to avoid

absences or leaving for appointments during those dates.

Just a friendly reminder that our school doors open at 7:30 a.m., and student supervision begins at that time. For the safety of all students, please plan for your child to arrive at or after 7:30 a.m., as students arriving earlier will need to wait outside.

Thank you for helping us keep morning arrival safe and smooth for everyone!

Help make great things happen at Longfellow by getting involved in PTO! Whether you can volunteer at an event, share ideas, or lend a hand occasionally, your time makes a difference. You don’t have to attend every meeting to be part of the fun. Together, we can create wonderful experiences for our Lions!

In late November, our fourth-grade boys and girls will participate in “Always Changing,” a talk with our school nurse about growing up and the changes that come with it. Please watch for a letter from the nurse with more information about the presentation and instructions for opting your child out if you choose.

Have you ever had to walk into a meeting late? You know the feeling. You’re sheepishly juggling your coffee, coat, and bag while it feels like everyone is watching. You missed the important beginning, and now you’re trying to figure out what’s going on.

For our students, arriving late to school can feel much the same way. Morning routines, directions, announcements, and learning have already begun, and it can be tough to jump in once everyone else is settled.

Being on time helps our students start their day feeling confident, connected, and ready to learn.

Thank you for helping our Lions start their school day off right!

You are encouraged to complete a Free and Reduced Meal Application at any time throughout the school year. When in doubt, fill it out! A new application must be completed each school year.

If you have already completed a 2026–27 application, you should have received notification of your eligibility status. However, if your household has experienced a financial change, such as a change in income, employment, or household size, you are encouraged to apply again at any time.

Click the ⏫ LUNCH PROGRAM LINK ⏫ above to access the Free and Reduced Meal Application. Paper applications are also available in the school office.

You can also create an online account to monitor your child(ren)’s meal account, check balances, and add money to their account. Click the ⏫ LUNCH PROGRAM LINK ⏫ above for more information about the MealTime app.

Longfellow Elementary takes great pride in our strong attendance rates, and with your help, we intend to keep it that way!

A few important reminders about absences: If your child will be absent, parents/guardians are required to call the school and let us know. When a student doesn’t arrive and we haven’t heard from you, we worry! Our first concern is always making sure your child is safe and accounted for. Until an absence is reported by a parent or guardian, it will be recorded as unexcused.

Of course, we want sick kiddos to stay home and get better! If your child has had a fever or has vomited within the past 24 hours, please keep them home. And no, we certainly don’t expect you to rush to the clinic for every sniffle or minor illness!

There is, however, an important distinction: an absence reported by a parent/guardian may be considered excused, but an absence can only be exempted with documentation from a medical provider.

Thank you for helping us keep accurate attendance records, for keeping us informed, and most importantly, for helping us know that all of our Lions are safe, healthy, and accounted for.

Our students are always watching and learning from the adults around them, so please help us model safe choices by having your child use the crosswalk when crossing the street.

We know it can be tempting to wave your child across to your vehicle, but with cars coming and going, this can quickly become unsafe. Drivers may be rushed, distracted, or simply not see a child crossing where they aren’t expecting one. No saved minute is worth risking a child’s safety.

We also ask that you please be patient and respectful with the adults managing our crosswalks. These are Longfellow staff members who know, love, and care for your children every day. Their goal is the same as yours, to make sure every child gets where they need to go safely.

A smile, a wave, or a simple “thank you” goes a long way.

Please use the crosswalk, follow the direction of our staff, and help us keep all of our Lions safe!

For the safety of all of our students, all medications must be administered through the school office.

Students may keep cough drops in their lockers or desks, but all other medications including Tylenol, ibuprofen, other over-the-counter medications, and all prescription medications must be kept in the nurse’s office and administered there.

Please also remember that Longfellow does not keep medication on hand for students. Any medication your child may need during the school day must be provided by a parent/guardian and brought to the school according to our medication procedures.

Have questions? We’re happy to help! Stop in and visit Mrs. Snoozy, Longfellow’s nurse, or call 605-995-3092 and ask to speak with the nurse.

Our school uses PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) to help students learn and practice positive behaviors at school. PBIS focuses on teaching clear expectations, recognizing good choices, and helping children learn from mistakes.

In our school, we focus on three simple expectations:

• Be Safe – Make choices that keep yourself and others safe.
• Be Respectful – Use kind words, listen to others, and take care of our classroom.
• Be Responsible – Follow directions, take care of your belongings, and do your best.

Students are taught what these expectations look and sound like throughout the school day. We celebrate students when they demonstrate positive behavior and provide reminders and support when they need help making a better choice.

Students earn Kernel Cards for demonstrating behaviors that meet the expectations of being safe, respectful, and responsible. On Fridays, we draw 20 cards and the students drawn win prizes from our PBIS school store. If your child brings home a Kernel Card and a prize, please ask them to explain why they received the card.

Our goal is to create a safe, positive, and welcoming environment where every child can learn, grow, and feel successful!

School announcements, including weather-related late starts, early dismissals, and cancellations, as well as reminders about Longfellow Elementary events, can be sent directly to you via text.

To stay connected, download the Mitchell School District app by visiting the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and searching for “Mitchell School District.” If you only want information from Longfellow, be sure to select Longfellow Elementary. You may also select multiple schools if you have children attending other buildings in the district.

Please remember: This is how you will be notified when school schedules are affected by weather. The school does NOT call individual parents regarding late starts, early dismissals, or cancellations.

It is also very important to make sure your phone number is correct and stays up to date in Campus and with the school. As long as you have chosen to accept text notifications, you will receive important district messages, particularly those regarding weather-related schedule changes.

We encourage all families to make sure they are connected and receiving notifications before winter weather arrives!

Our Lions have been making the most of the beautiful, warm fall weather! Mrs. Eitemiller has been taking PE classes outside as often as possible, giving students the chance to get moving while enjoying the fresh air and sunshine.

PE is a great opportunity for students to build strength, coordination, and confidence while practicing teamwork and sportsmanship. We love seeing our Lions stay active, encourage one another, and have fun together!

Imagine 20 different stories, videos, lessons, and activities playing at the same time. Even when our learners are working hard to focus, that is a LOT of competing noise for young brains to tune out!

For this reason, we must insist that learners use headphones when they are working on activities with sound. Our goal is to give every learner the best possible opportunity to focus, listen, and learn without competing distractions around them.

Students are certainly welcome to bring their own headphones from home. We also have headphones available for purchase at school for $5.

Parents and guardians have the option to purchase student accident insurance for their child. This optional coverage can help with expenses related to injuries that may occur during the school day or while participating in school activities. While we certainly hope you never need it, accident insurance can provide additional peace of mind for families. Please review the available information to determine if this coverage is right for your family. See the ⏬LINK BELOW ⏬ for more information.