Gertie Belle Rogers Elementary
October 2025
A Note from the Principal's Office
Dear Families,
Wow—what a fantastic start to the school year! Our students have settled beautifully into their routines, are enjoying time with both familiar and new friends, and are putting forth tremendous effort in their learning. It has been such a joy to see our school community come together and move forward with a shared vision of success. In September, our focus was on fueling our journey with positive energy, which was evident each day through the smiles, enthusiasm, and dedication of our students.
As we move into October, our Energy Bus theme will be: No Bullies Allowed. You can help support this message at home by encouraging your child to reflect on their own experiences and challenges.
Here are a few conversation starters you might try:
-
Responding to Negativity: What are some positive things we can say when we hear others being negative?
-
Staying Strong: How can we remain resilient and not let negativity bring us down?
-
Bullying: Why is bullying wrong, and what should we do if we or someone else is being bullied?
-
Spreading Kindness: What are some ways you can share kindness and positivity at school?
We are excited to continue this journey together and look forward to another amazing month ahead!
Toward the end of October, I will be stepping away from GBR for maternity leave. I am delighted to share that Mrs. Olson will serve as the long-term substitute principal during my absence. She brings a wealth of experience in both education and leadership, and I am confident she will provide excellent support for our students, staff, and families.
I know you will welcome Mrs. Olson with the same kindness and partnership you always extend. Please continue to reach out to the office with any questions or needs—our team is here to ensure a smooth transition and a successful school year.
Thank you for your ongoing support. I look forward to reconnecting with you and our students upon my return in January!
Warmly,
Mrs. Pierson
August's Caring Kernels
The Caring Kernel Award is given monthly to teacher nominated students who have shown to go above and beyond. Students are chosen for showing kindness to other at school or within the community, showing true Kernel spirit, having a positive attitude, demonstrating great sportsmanship at school activities, and overcoming hardships in school or at home.
The August 2025 student recipients are:
- K: Toby
- 1: Jocelyn
- 2: Eva
- 3: Charlie
- 4: Eleanore
- 5: Thorunn
Thank you to the Kiwanis Club of Mitchell for sponsoring this honor!
The September 2025 student recipients are:
- K: Kinsley
- 1: Jack
- 2: Lucy
- 3: Maddie
- 4: Haley
- 5: Vivienne
September Attendance Award
The Attendance Award is given to the class with the BEST attendance each and every month. Both daily attendance and tardies are taken into consideration.
Congratulations to 5N and 3M! They tied!
Meet Your 2025-2026 Student Council Members
Back Row (L-R) Mrs. Kapfer (Advisor), Kylie, Sibyl, Derringer, Max, Malaya, Ainsley
Front Row (L - R) Ella, Vivienne, Hally, Marcus, Lakynn, Berklie
GBR School Store
The GBR school store is now open every Friday morning from 7:30am to 8:10am. Proceeds from all sales support the GBR Student Council!
🏐 Kernel Klub Volleyball 🏐
Practices begin on October 8, and all students must be registered by October 6. More dates and details can be found in the attached image. If you have any questions, please reach out to Mr. Luke Norden, Kernel Klub Coordinator, at luke.norden@k12.sd.us 🏐
Please sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/19LMjr6BeRl0809CDWLUtCHQEbEjEmunLbVY31ZWfXcA/viewform?edit_requested=true
A Chill in the Air
As we go through the month of October, the cool, fall air will begin to creep in! Be sure to send your child to school each day with a light weight jacket or sweatshirt so they can keep warm during morning recess!
Fire Prevention Week
The week of October 6th through October 10th is National Fire Prevention Week. During the week, GBR will have a special visit from the Mitchell Fire Department. During this visit students will learn about fire safety and prevention, with some fun included!
Nurse's Corner
Over the Counter & Prescription Medications
Please note that our school does not keep any over-the-counter medications on hand. If your child needs to take any over-the-counter medication, please bring it in its original bottle or package to the school office. We will have you fill out a form, and the medication will be stored in the Nurse’s office. This includes allergy medications, cold and flu remedies, antacids, inhalers, and all prescription medications.
All medications—whether prescription or over-the-counter—must be administered through the office. Make sure the medication is in its original packaging. If you have any questions, please stop by to see Mrs. Snoozy, our school nurse, or call 605-995-3091 and ask for the nurse.
And the Winner Is....
Several pieces of artwork from GBR were submitted to the SD State Fair this year!
Here are the results:
1st Place
Breelyn Lather
Emma Ewalt
Haley Haigh
Harper Lee
McKayda Running Horse
Olivia Murray
Sawyer Young
Xinnia Zephier
2nd Place
Becket Norden
Dwane Budna McFarlane
Erica McCormick
Leo Bietz
Lucy Claussen
Madison Schiefen
Olivia Murray
Raylee McKinney
Xinnia Zephier
3rd Place
Alexia Reyes Valenzuela
Dwane Budna McFarlane
Haley Haigh
Irelyn Dikoff
Tobias Drappeau
Zoey Pella
4th Place
Berkeley Norden
Erica McCormick
Lola Butrum
London Ruml
Vivian Arens
Weston Schrank
5th Place
Evie Wieczorek
Julian Rodriguez
Kyron Griffin
Porter Puepke
Rhaena Antoine
Vivian Arens
6th Place
Kinley DeVries
7th Place
Fernando Recinos Escriba
Jeysa Schroth
Lucy Claussen
Sawyer Young
Sophia Carter
8th Place
Alice Peupke
Kody Von Eye
Montana Claymore
Lucy Claussen
Zeke Milk
10th Place
Keyna Irving
Lucy Miller
Mark Your Calendars!
Wednesday, Oct. 1: Picture Retake Day
Oct. 6 - 10: Fire Prevention Week
Monday, Oct. 6: Link & Learn Family Engagement Night, 6-7 PM on the Corn Palace Plaza
Wednesday, Oct. 8: PTA Meeting, 3:45 PM in the KGL Classroom
Monday, Oct. 13: No School due to Columbus Day & Staff Development Day
Friday, Oct. 17: Last Day of Quarter 1
Oct. 20 - 24: Book Fair Week
Monday, Oct. 20: PTA Family Fun Night, 6-7 PM in the GBR Commons
Oct. 27 - 31: Red Ribbon Week
Tuesday, Oct. 28: Hot Shots Espresso Truck @ GBR - 10% of Proceeds Goes to GBR!
Friday, Oct. 31: Fall Party Day
Link & Learn Night
Our next PTA meeting is Oct. 8. All are welcome!
Fall 2025 Book Fair
Please see the below information on the upcoming Fall 2025 Book Fair, organized by GBR librarian, Mrs. Gerlach!
Red Ribbon Week
GBR will be celebrating Red Ribbon Week the week of October 27th through October 31st. There will be dress up days and more - all reflective of this year's theme, "Life is a Puzzle. Solve it Drug Free!"
Hot Shots Truck @ GBR! Tuesday, Oct. 28
School Crosswalk & Parking
Parents, it is very important that you talk with your children about using the crosswalk each and every time they cross the street. The crosswalk is in place for the safety of all students, staff, and drivers.
As a reminder to everyone, there is NO PARKING allowed in the indent on the North side of the school. This area is for bus drop off and pick up of students. Thank you for respecting this safety expectation!
Flu Shots
Cozy Coats for Our Community
Our school is proud to partner with KORN Country 92.1, Q1073, and KORN News Radio for the annual Cozy Coats for Our Community project! We’re collecting gently used coats of all sizes throughout the month of October. Donations can be dropped off in the bin located at school.
Coats that meet needs in our own school community will be shared here, and any extras will be redistributed to other schools or donated to the Salvation Army—where they’ll be available free of charge to anyone in need.
Thank you for helping keep our community warm this winter!
Lunch is Served!
Student Gallery
There's an APP for that!
School announcements—such as weather-related late starts, early dismissals, or cancellations—as well as reminders about Gertie Belle Rogers events, can be sent to you through text notifications. To sign up, download the “Mitchell School District” app from the App Store or Google Play. Once installed, select Gertie Belle Rogers Elementary (and any other schools your children attend).
Please remember, this is the way you’ll be notified when schedules change due to weather—the school does not call individual families.
Also, be sure your phone number is current in both Campus and with the school office. You’ll continue receiving text alerts as long as your contact information is accurate and you’ve accepted notifications.