STURGIS BROWN HIGH SCHOOL

Monday 3/23/2026

SBHS Girls Soccer: Team Parent Meeting; SBHS Room 100 @ 6:00 PM

Tuesday 3/24/2026

SBHS Girls Basketball: Awards Banquet; SBHS Cafeteria @ 6:00 PM

SBHS Spanish Club: Meeting in SBHS Library; 6:00 PM

Wednesday 3/25/2026

SBHS FFA: Districts @ SBHS West Gym; 7:30 AM

Thursday 3/26/2026

All State Band: Rapid City; 9:00 AM

Friday 3/27/2026

All State Band: Rapid City; 9:00 AM

SBHS Track: West River Track AA Preview @ Sioux Park, RC; 9:00 AM

Saturday 3/28/2026

All State Band: Rapid City; 9:00 AM

March 24: There will be no After School Program due to state testing.

Tuesdays ONLY:

FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes). Meets Tuesday mornings 7:15 AM in Room 124, Mrs. Keffeler’s Room.
Chess Club will meet on Tuesdays after school in Room 151, Mrs. Stevens’ room.

Parents and Guardians,

We would like to inform you that Tuesday, March 24, 2026, will be a state testing day. All students except seniors will participate in required state and school-based assessments.

The assessments administered at each grade level are as follows:

Juniors will take the ACT.
Sophomores will take the PreACT.
Freshmen will complete a Pear Assessment designed to help prepare them for the ACT in future years.
Seniors will not have school on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.

Students are expected to attend for the full school day, which begins at 8:05 a.m. Juniors will be dismissed at 2:40 p.m. during Scooper Time. All students in attendance will be provided a FREE breakfast that morning.

As these assessments are state-required, attendance is essential, and any student who is absent will need to complete a make-up session. All assessments are administered online; therefore, students must bring their fully charged school-issued computer.

Thank you for your support in helping our students be prepared and successful. Have a great day.

As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, the Meade School District 46-1 is conducting a survey in partnership with Studer Education to monitor our progress in creating a positive school experience for you and your child(ren). Your feedback is crucial in helping the Meade School District identify areas for recognition and improvement.

The survey will ask you to select the school your child(ren) attends. Once you complete the survey for 1 school, you will have the option to provide feedback on another school, if you have a child at another school in the district.

Providing feedback to each school should take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete. We encourage you to complete it in one sitting, as your responses will be saved once you click submit.

The Parent/Caregiver Experience Survey can be accessed here:

Meade School District 46-1 - Parent/Caregiver Experience Survey
QR Code link
The survey is scheduled for 3/16/2026 through 3/25/2026.

To maintain confidentiality of the Parent/Caregiver Survey, our partners at Studer Education will be administering the survey, managing the data collection, and aggregating the data to provide results reports to leaders.

Thank you for taking the time to complete the survey.

Wayne Wormstadt, Superintendent
Meade School District 46-1

Sturgis Brown High School math teacher, Debbie Cano, has been nominated for the 2025-26 Meade School District Teacher of the Year, recognizing more than two decades of dedication, leadership, and impact on students, colleagues, and the community.

Cano, who teaches grades 9 through 12, has spent 23 years at Sturgis Brown High School building a reputation as a compassionate and innovative educator. Known for her willingness to go above and beyond, she consistently supports both students and fellow staff members. Whether working one-on-one with students or helping colleagues with lesson planning and technology, Cano is seen as a reliable and knowledgeable leader. “Teaching is more than a job for Deb—it’s a commitment to her students and her school community,” one nominator shared.

Her contributions to the school and district are extensive. Cano has served on the PASS team, supported staff development, and held leadership roles as both the SBHS math department chair and the district math department chair. She has helped guide curriculum, instruction, and collaboration across the district and played a key role in implementing the Small Learning Communities model for freshmen. She has also mentored new teachers through both formal programs and informal support within the school.

Beyond the classroom, Cano has been deeply involved in extracurricular activities and community service. She coached volleyball for many years and served as coordinator for Black Hills Junior Volleyball, expanding opportunities for young athletes. She continues to support SBHS athletics by volunteering with the boys’ basketball program, organizing fundraisers, and managing social media. In the broader community, she volunteers with the Black Hills Shootists Association, helping raise funds for student scholarships.

In her classroom, Cano creates a supportive environment where students feel valued, respected, and capable of success. She balances strong relationships with high expectations, encouraging students to take risks and view mistakes as part of the learning process. She takes time to understand each student’s needs, celebrates their progress, and makes herself available outside of class through Scooper Time, her planning period, and after school. At the same time, she holds students accountable, helping them develop responsibility and confidence.

Cano is also known for building strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues. Her approachable, no-nonsense style fosters trust while maintaining high expectations. She communicates clearly with parents to support student success and is widely respected by colleagues for her consistency, fairness, and collaborative approach. “Go ask Deb” is a common phrase among staff.

Her dedication to education goes far beyond daily instruction. Cano is deeply committed to every student’s success, celebrating growth and encouraging confidence both academically and personally. She extends that same support to colleagues, helping create a strong and connected school community.

As the Meade School District considers its Teacher of the Year, Debbie Cano stands out as an educator who not only teaches mathematics, but also inspires, leads, and leaves a lasting impact on everyone she serves.

Sturgis Brown High School has recognized Judy Weisz as its Support Staff of the Year, honoring her outstanding professionalism, dedication, and lasting impact on students, staff, and the broader school community.

Weisz, a longtime member of the high school office team, has earned a reputation as a highly capable multitasker and a dependable cornerstone of daily operations. Colleagues describe her as a consummate professional whose attention to detail and calm presence help keep the school running smoothly—even in high-pressure situations.

Her responsibilities span a wide range of critical functions. Weisz manages grade entry and transcript processing with accuracy and timeliness, oversees student enrollment, coordinates scholarship documentation, and tracks dual-enrollment registrations and testing scores. In addition, she organizes college visits and works closely with recruiters, ensuring students have access to valuable post-secondary opportunities.

“These tasks require precision, organization, and follow-through, and Judy delivers on all fronts,” a colleague noted. “Her ability to juggle multiple responsibilities under tight deadlines makes her indispensable to our office.”

Beyond her technical expertise, Weisz is recognized for her strong communication skills and collaborative approach. She works effectively with students, parents, staff, and representatives from other schools and colleges. Whether guiding a family through enrollment, resolving transcript issues, or coordinating with admissions offices, she approaches each interaction with clarity, professionalism, and care.

Her organizational strengths and steady demeanor are especially valuable during busy or stressful times. Coworkers say she has a unique ability to bring focus and positivity to even the most hectic days, helping maintain a productive and supportive work environment.

On a personal level, Weisz is also appreciated for her kindness, empathy, and sense of humor. “She not only makes the office function better, but she makes it a better place to be,” a colleague shared. “She’s someone you can always rely on—both professionally and personally.”

The Support Staff of the Year award highlights individuals who go above and beyond in service to their school community. For Sturgis Brown High School, Judy Weisz exemplifies that commitment through her daily work and unwavering dedication to student success.

Two Pre-Tryout Open Gyms will be held on April 2 and April 9, 2026, from 5:30–7:00 PM in the West Gym (upstairs). These sessions offer athletes a great opportunity to prepare and learn more about expectations ahead of tryouts.

The Mandatory Parent/Athlete Meeting is scheduled for April 13, 2026, at 5:00 PM in the SBHS West Gym. Tryouts will begin later that evening at 6:30 PM, with additional sessions on April 14 (5:00–6:30 PM) and April 15 (4:30–6:00 PM). Tryouts are open to all Meade School District students entering grades 7–12 for the 2026–2027 school year.

For more information, families may contact Coach Brooke at 605-490-1892. Be sure to scan the QR code on the flyer to pre-register and receive important updates. Don’t miss the opportunity to join the SBHS cheer program this fall!

The Sturgis Brown High School Art Club is inviting the community to an evening of art, food, and fundraising at its upcoming Live Auction on April 9 at the Sturgis Vets Club.

The event, which begins at 6 p.m., will feature ceiling tiles painted by SBHS Art Club students. The unique, student-created pieces showcase a variety of artistic styles and historical inspirations, making each tile a one-of-a-kind work of art. Proceeds from the auction will directly support Art Club students by helping fund a trip to Japan, purchase art supplies, and provide scholarships.

In addition to the auction, attendees can enjoy an all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner starting at 5 p.m. The meal is priced at $12 per person, offering community members an opportunity to support local students while enjoying a hearty dinner before the bidding begins.

The event will be held at the Sturgis Vets Club, located at 868 Main Street in Sturgis. The fundraiser is organized under the guidance of Art Club advisor Mrs. Kim Somervold.

SBHS Prom is almost here! Get ready for a night of Classic Hollywood glam that’s perfectly fit for the star you are. Juniors & Seniors Keep an eye on your Google Classroom for ticket sale details coming soon. It’s going to be a red-carpet-worthy evening you won’t want to miss! Tickets will be on sale March 23, 9:15 AM through 3:30 PM in the main office.

Come hang out after prom for a night of food, entertainment, and prizes! Post Prom will be held in the Cafeteria from 10:30pm-2am and will have food, drinks, music, a comedy hypnotist, and AWESOME PRIZES! Here's just a small sampling of the prizes that you'll have the opportunity to win:

Electric scooter
iPad, computer
3 LOADED dorm bundles
Standup paddle board
Nintendo Switch
Gift cards and SO MUCH MORE!

Use the QRcode or Sign up HERE!

*You don't have to attend Prom to come to Post Prom. One sign-up per couple, please.

April is Month of the Military Child (MoMC), recognizing and paying tribute to military families and their children for the daily sacrifices made, their commitment, courage, and unconditional support of our Armed Forces! The Department of the Air Force School Liaison Program theme for 2026 is “Stronger Together – The Power of Community.”

SENIOR NEWS | Class of 2026

September 2025

Senior Class Advisors:

Kari Van Zee (kari.vanzee@k12.sd.us)
Jenece Holzbauer (jenece.holzbauer@k12.sd.us)
Stephanie Kaufman (stephanie.kaufman@k12.sd.us)

Information below is subject to change. Please watch the SBHS Announcements and the Class of 2026 Google Classroom for updates.

Preparing for Your Senior Year

The Class of 2026 is entering an exciting and busy year filled with important deadlines and memorable moments leading up to graduation. Below are key dates and reminders to help seniors and their families stay on track.

Fall Deadlines

October 2 – Deadline to order Cap & Gown and graduation merchandise. (Instructions available on the Class of 2026 Google Classroom.)
October 17 – Deadline to submit class poem, song, motto, and flower color nominations via Google Classroom.
- Songs must include printed lyrics, a YouTube link, and be school-appropriate.
- Poems must be original, appropriate, and will be read at graduation by the author if selected.
- Motto submissions must be cited appropriately.
November 3–7 – Online voting for poem, song, motto, and flower color.
November 7 – Baby picture due for the senior slideshow.
December 15 – Senior yearbook picture due (uploaded through Google Classroom; see Mrs. Craig with questions).

Spring Deadlines

February 1 – Many local scholarship applications open (check Student Services website).
April 1 – Most scholarship applications due (verify deadlines individually). Questions can be directed to Registrar Judy Weisz.
Week of April 13 – Make class awards in Room 303 during Scooper Times.
April 17 – Deadline to sign up for Graduation Speaker try-outs (via Google Classroom). Note: If your poem is chosen, you cannot audition.
April 23 – Graduation Speaker try-outs, Room 113.
April 27–May 1 – Online voting for Class Awards.
May 11 – Pick up Senior Checkout Sheet and complete Exit Survey.
May 13 – Senior Walk, last day of class, turn in checkout sheet and computer (during 5th period).
May 15 – Awards, graduation practice, and Senior BBQ (details TBA).

Graduation Day – Sunday, May 17, 2026

12:30 PM – Doors open
1:15 PM – Seniors line up
2:00 PM – Graduation Ceremony begins promptly

Dress Expectations:

Ladies: Dress, skirt and blouse, or dress pants and blouse. Shoes must have a back strap (no flip-flops or tennis shoes).
Gentlemen: Dress slacks or black jeans with a dress shirt. Shoes must have a back strap (no flip-flops or tennis shoes).

Adornments Allowed:

Honor cords, honor tassels, NHS and military stoles, military uniform (if basic training completed), eagle feather/plume, tribal beading, or star quilt on chair (SDCL 13-1-66).
No other hat decorations or gown adornments permitted.
See Mr. Wilson by May 15 with dress code questions.

This year is full of opportunities to celebrate your hard work and create lasting memories. Stay connected through the Class of 2026 Google Classroom and SBHS announcements to ensure you don’t miss important deadlines. Congratulations, Seniors—it’s your year!