Gertie Belle Rogers Elementary

Hello, April!

We are stepping into a new month, and it brings another chance to grow, connect, and spread kindness. Spring is right around the corner, and just like everything outside starts to bloom, our relationships can too.

Last month, we focused on creating a bully free environment, and it was so great to see students and families showing kindness, inclusion, and respect. You are helping make our community stronger every day.

This month, our focus is Love Your Passengers. This is a reminder to be kind, patient, and supportive of the people around us. Whether you are on the bus, in the classroom, or at home, even small acts of kindness can make a big difference.

Here are a few simple ways to show kindness to others:

💙 Be a good listener and take time to really hear others
💙 Use kind words like thank you or great job
💙 Help when you can, even a smile or checking in on a friend matters

Thank you for helping create a place where kindness leads the way. Let’s make April full of friendship, care, and positivity.

Warm Regards,

Mrs. Pierson

• April 3 - 6 • No School - Easter Break

• April 8 • PTA Meeting @ 3:45 in the KGL Classroom

• April 13 • PTA Culver's Night! from 5-7 PM

• April 20 • 5th - 12th Band Concert @ the Corn Palace - 7:00

• April 23 • Kindergarten Concert in GBR Commons @ 6:30 PM
• April 27 • GBR Fine Arts Night in GBR Commons from 6-7 PM
• April 28 • 1st Grade Reader’s Cafe in the GBR Gym from 12:25 - 12:55 PM

**Throughout the month of April, the PTA will also be having a raffle! Student ticket selling information will be coming home with your student(s).

• May 11• EL End of the Year Celebration in the MHS Commons @ 6:30 PM
• May 12 • 5th Grade District Band Concert @ the PAC 7:00 PM
• May 18 • 5th Grade Recognition at the PAC @ 6:30 PM
• May 22 • Last Day of School! End of 4th Quarter

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 March 2026 student recipients are:

• K: Ireleigh
• 1: Beau
• 2: Roslyn
• 3: Connor
• 4: Keiry
• 5: Ella

Thank you to the Kiwanis Club of Mitchell for sponsoring this honor!

The Attendance Award is given to the class with the BEST attendance each and every month. The March 2026 recipient is 3M. They won dinner and a movie from Mrs. Kapfer!

With spring weather approaching (and hopefully staying!), please make sure your child comes to school dressed appropriately for the day. The temperatures can fluctuate each day. Please make sure your child comes to school with a spring jacket or a warm sweatshirt, as they will still be required to go outside for recess.

Getting students to and from school safely is a top priority for us. Please take a moment to review the reminders below. We are all here for the same reason, our kids. When everyone follows the drop off and pick up guidelines, it helps create a safe, positive start and end to the day for all students and families. Thank you for doing your part to support this process.

Please remember:

• Be cautious while driving on Kimball during drop off and pick up times, and watch for our crossing guard.
• Do not drop off or pick up students in the bus loading zone on the north side of the school.
• Handicap parking spots are reserved for vehicles with a valid permit only.

Please understand that all requests will be considered, but are NOT guaranteed. Limitations such as class size restrictions and other special considerations may impact placement.

Spring testing for our 3rd-5th grade students will be conducted through the month of April. These tests are mandatory for all students in grades 3 through 5 and are taken yearly. Here are some tips for your family if you have a student taking tests this year:

1. PERSPECTIVE

While these tests are important to assist in gauging the growth of learners, putting too much emphasis on your child's test scores can make them feel pressure that could negatively affect the outcome. No single test provides a clear picture of a learner.

2. SUPPORT HEALTHY HABITS

Sleep and nutrition can have a huge impact on your learner! One of the most helpful things you can do as a family is support these healthy habits to set learners up for success. Well-rounded meals and a healthy sleep routine will help to maximize your learner's potential!

3. TALK TO YOUR CHILD ABOUT TEST TAKING

Ask your child about taking tests. How do they feel about taking them? Help them to realize that this is a challenge to step up to, and not a contest. Talk to your child about the importance of doing their very best and representing themselves in the best possible way!

Did you know that Earth Day is on April 22nd? Find some fun activities to do on this day by clicking the link below!

In April we also celebrate Arbor Day! Often, Earth Day and Arbor Day are celebrated interchangeably. Below is an image that shows the differences between the two days.

If you are interested in ordering, please order online no later than April 9, 2026.

Toward the end of the year, students will have the opportunity to attend a field trip with their classmates. This is a privilege for each student and must be earned by being a positive and respectful leader at GBR. To determine which students are allowed to attend the field trip, we will review the individual student discipline referral, academic progress, and behavior actions. Certainly, we want all students to represent our school in a positive manner if they earn the privilege to attend the field trip.

The following field trip dates have been scheduled:

Begindergarten - Tuesday, May 19, 2026 - Dodd Farm

Kindergarten - Tuesday, May 19, 2026 - SF Washington Pavilion

1st Grade - Tuesday, May 12, 2026 - Farm Life Creamery

2nd Grade - Wednesday, May 20, 2026 - Laura Ingalls Wilder in DeSmet

3rd Grade -Tuesday, May 12, 2026 - Great Plains Zoo

4th Grade -Wednesday, May 20, 2026 - MEGA, Sungold, & more!

5th Grade - Friday, May 8, 2026 - Jacobson Plaza in Sioux Falls

As the dates of the field trip get closer, your child's teacher(s) will send information home.

PLEASE review folders/backpacks/communication apps for this! 🎒

Trade Screens for Discovery.
A summer of deep learning, outdoor exploration, and hands-on experiences.

An exciting opportunity for children to learn, grow, and have fun all summer long! Summer Scholars is a summer program offering flexible scheduling, strong academic support, and unforgettable learning adventures for students who have completed Begindergarten/Kindergarten-4th grade.

We intentionally build academic confidence through 90 minutes of personalized tutoring, small-group ratios ranging from 1:1 to 1:3, and traditional school behavior standards that support focus and respect. Our structured, productive learning environment ensures that every student receives attention while developing confidence.

Tuition for Summer Scholars is $1300 per session. Families may earn a $650 tuition reduction through our Success Incentive Program with 80% attendance. Financial hardship scholarships are also available to ensure access for families who qualify.