CUSTER SCHOOL DISTRICT TIDBITS

"It is my pleasure to share outstanding news: we recognize three exceptional educators whose dedication, professionalism, and commitment to our students exemplify the very best of the Custer School District.

2026 CSD Educators of the Year

**Custer Jr./Sr. Educator of the Year - Jared Webster

**Custer Elementary Educator of the Year - Jessica Haug

**Hermosa School Educator of the Year - Molly Wonnenberg

Each of these individuals demonstrates a passion for their discipline, unwavering commitment to student success, strong instructional leadership, and a sincere, deep care for students, families, and their colleagues. Jared, Jessica, and Molly embody the commitment and excellence that make our schools special.

Please take a moment to personally congratulate Jessica, Molly, and Jared on this well-deserved recognition. We are all proud of the work they do and are grateful for the positive impact they make across the school district and communities.

Thank you all for the amazing work you do in supporting our students and community. You truly are the best."

The Custer School District Teacher of the Year will be announced on March 27, 2026, at the staff dinner at Crazy Horse.

Click here for more info. about the detour

Anticipated Work (Jan. 24–Feb. 15, 2026)

Within the two-mile road closure, the contractor will continue placing wall forms, rebar and concrete for the box culvert.

Outside the two-mile closure, work will continue on the 600-foot Wildlife Loop Road realignment. The contractor will complete the second of four gabion walls and begin construction on two box culvert road diversions. Installation of new culverts is also scheduled to begin.

Flaggers will be used during this work, and motorists should expect delays of five minutes or less when flagging operations are in place. The project will continue through the winter, and the two-mile closure will remain in place until early April 2026. Final project completion is October 30, 2026.

Join Our Team: Coaching & Advisor Openings

Custer School District is seeking knowledgeable and dedicated leaders for the 2026-2027 season.

• Athletic & Activity Positions
• CHS Head Volleyball Coach - $4,886
• CHS Competitive Cheer Coach - $4,886
• CHS Assistant Volleyball Coach - $3,258
• Hermosa Volleyball Coach - $2,036
• Hermosa Girls Basketball Coach - $2,036
• Custer Jr HS Volleyball Coach - $2,036
• Destination Imagination (DI) Advisor - $1,018
• Best Buddies Coach - $510

Application Procedures for Coaching/Advisor Positions

Internal Candidates

Current employees should send a letter/email of interest to the appropriate contact:

• Hermosa Positions: Principal Forrest Paris (forrest.paris@k12.sd.us)
• District/CHS Positions: AD Skylair Jaure (Skylair.Jaure@k12.sd.us)

External Candidates

Please complete the formal online application via the link: Apply Online Here

SUBSTITUTE CLEANERS - needed at all schools to fill-in for staff when needed. Must complete CSD application packet and complete a criminal background check. Contact CSD Admin. Offices for an application packet. $17.75/hr DOE.

SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS - needed at all schools. Must complete CSD substitute application packet, payroll documents, submit proof of highest level of education, and complete a criminal background check prior to starting. Note: You must contact the CSD Admin. Office 605.673.3154 for an application packet which will include the fingerprint/background check cards/materials and payroll forms. You may complete the online application at CSD.k12.sd.us All materials must be submitted to the CSD Admin. Office, and all documents complete prior to starting. Minimum requirement, HS graduate. Pay range $115/day-$140/day. Retired CSD Teachers start at $140/day.

CONTACT INFORMATION
Custer School District, 527 Montgomery St., Custer, SD 57730. PH: 605.673.3154 FAX: 605.673.5607, Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 7:30-4:30 p.m. and Fridays, 8-1 p.m.

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

Activity schedules are now available!

CHS: https://tinyurl.com/4u6f47vt

Custer Jr HS: https://tinyurl.com/r98jvnkw

Support the Arts in Custer!

Donation Levels:

**$100 Donation: A custom name plaque on the back of a theatre seat in the Jr/Sr HS Theatre.

**$500 Donation: A plaque placed above the theatre entrance doors.

Monies raised directly benefit our Music, Art, and Theatre teachers district-wide to create incredible arts experiences for our students.

Complete the form and mail a check to the Custer Area Arts Council address on the form: https://tinyurl.com/theatreseatform

This is your chance to honor your favorite student, artist, musician, actor —whether they are a thespian, dancer, or a current/past member of the all-state choir, band, or orchestra; Oral Interp; etc. You can also dedicate a plaque to a specific graduating class, in memory of a loved one, a favorite Wildcat, staff member, or coach. Leave a bit of history in the theatre by honoring a past CHS Homecoming queen/king or a class valedictorian. This could be a great graduation gift idea for a 2026 CHS graduate! These are just examples. Get creative!

Business Sponsorship: Local businesses and organizations can show their community pride by having their name displayed in our theatre.

Thank you for your consideration, and a huge thank you to those who have already supported this project by purchasing a plaque in the past!

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

Senior Project:

• Madysen Bergeron’s Senior Project is a ‘Lunch Buddy” Program. High schoolers, 9-12, can sign up to be a lunch buddy to an elementary school student. This will be every Wednesday, and times will be announced/planned. If you are interested, you may sign up in the office. There will be an approval process for those students who are allowed to go. (missing assignments, grades, behavior, etc.)

Classroom Happenings:

• If you want to take the National ACT in Custer on Saturday, April 11th, you need to be signed up by Friday, March 6th. The late date sign up is on Tuesday, March 24th (this costs more). Stop in the counselor’s office if you have questions.

Seniors:

• If you would like a senior banner downtown, you need to submit a high-resolution photo to Mrs. Moore in the office, along with $53 cash/check by March 19th.

Sports:

• Boys basketball practice will be at the armory after school today.

• There will be a short preseason track meeting in Coach Bailey’s room right after school TODAY.

Organizations & Activities:

• Auditions for the spring play, ‘Around the World in 80 Days’, will be after school again today. Sign-up sheet is on the theater door and audition packets will be available by the office window.
• Prom Royalty Announcement

Prom Royalty is an honor earned through service, leadership, and positive involvement in our school community. This recognition is open to senior prom attendees only.

Royalty is not based on popularity, it reflects students who consistently give back, support others, and represent our school with integrity.

If you are interested, applications are available in the office with more information. Please see Ms. Lebert if you have any questions.

• Gaming Club will be in the library 3:45-5 TODAY after school. Please see Ms. Meyer if you would like more information.

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.

Thank You for 11 Years of Dedicated Service!

• Custer Jr/Sr HS Newsletter
• Custer Jr/Sr HS Facebook
• Custer High School Media 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

Principal: Tobey Cass - tobey.cass@k12.sd.us

Custer Jr/Sr High Assistant Principal: Clay Cates - clay.cates@k12.sd.us

Dean of Students /Activities Director: Skylair Jaure - Skylair.Jaure@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/

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

March 2nd: Elementary Festival Choir in Sturgis at 3:30 p.m. Students leave at 6:30 a.m.

March 2nd – 31st: Kids Heart Challenge

March 3rd: PTA meeting in the art room at 6:00 p.m.

March 5th: Student Council Meeting at 7:30 a.m. in Mrs. Doyle’s room

March 5th: 4th grade NAEP testing

March 9th: 5th grade Ski Trip, students leave at 6:45 a.m.

March 9th – 12th: Read Across America Week

March 12th: End of third quarter

March 17th: Parent Teacher Conference 4:00 – 7:30 p.m.

March 18th: Lifetouch Spring Pictures

March 19th: Student Council Meeting at 7:30 a.m. in Mrs. Doyle’s room

March 24th 5th grade Living History Fair from 3:45-4:45 p.m.

March 25-26: Jr Kdg and Kdg Round Up - preregistration for students entering Jr Kdg or Kindergarten in August. Child must by 5 yrs old by Sept. 1. Call 605.673.4483 to set up an appointment for you child.

March 30th: Title I Family Fun Night 5:00 – 6:30 pm

Custer is starting a PTA and IT'S EXCITING!

The mission of the PTA is: to make every child's potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children.

The PTA will meet once a month and start out simple, supporting the CES staff with a few events in the 2025-2026 school year to get the group going.

The future is counting on YOU and the children attending CES!

Want to learn more? Contact: custerelementarypta@gmail.com

Follow the CusterPTA on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586005450462

CUSTER, SD — Early Learner Custer is entering the final planning stages for the 3rd Annual Southern Hills Family Resource Fair, held Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Custer Elementary School.

Principal Joey Kortemeyer - joey.kortemeyer@k12.sd.us

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 Facebook Page - please follow for updated daily announcements

Hermosa Spirt Wear Store

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT 🍎 MELINDA THAUT 📚 PARAPROFESSIONAL ~ 11 YEARS

Thank you for your dedicated service!

Principal: Forrest "Frosty" Paris - forrest.paris@k12.sd.us

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/

For more information to become a Teammates Mentor, Contact Custer School District Teammates Coordinator Teri Reynolds teri.reynolds@k12.sd.us or call 605.673.3154.

The School District election to be held on June 2, 2026, for the purpose of electing three (3) members to the Board of Education, for a three-year term each, and representing all of the school district area and residing anywhere within the Custer School District No. 16-1, to fill the following vacancies:

Larry Baker’s chair - Three (3) year term

Sara Barrick’s chair - Three (3) year term

Travis Hartshorn’s chair - Three (3) year term

The said election may be held in conjunction with the Custer County and Pennington County primary elections. The Business Manager is authorized to enter into election agreements with these two entities. Poll workers for the election will be designated by the county auditors, using the county’s usual polling places, which will be publicized later.

To view the agenda & board minutes, please see: https://www.boarddocs.com/sd/custer/Board.nsf/

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

Superintendent Dr. Tim Frederick - tim.frederick@k12.sd.us

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

Click here for all STAFF LISTING (COMING SOON)

Administration Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs. ~ 7:30-4:30 p.m. & Fridays ~ 8-1 p.m.

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

Welcome to CSD Tidbits! Our goal is to keep you updated on all things Custer School District.

Have a school-related announcement? Reach out to Jennie Anderson (jennie.anderson@k12.sd.us). Please note that we exclusively feature school-related announcements to prioritize district information.