The month of November is quickly upon us and before long, we will be to the end of the 1st semester. We had a great deal of happenings during the month of October and will share those in this newsletter.

We had a great turnout for teacher conferences and wanted to thank all those that attended and encourage anyone that wasn't able to make it to reach out and contact your son or daughter's teachers. We believe in open lines of communication and all students and parents are welcome to meet with teachers any time.

Lastly, we would also want to take a moment to express our gratitude for your continued support and involvement in our school community.

IMPORTANT DATES

Veteran's Day Program:

Date: November 11th at 2:00 PM

This program is a wonderful opportunity for our students to honor and show appreciation for the sacrifices made by the brave men and women who have served in the military. We encourage all families to attend this special program, as it not only celebrates our veterans but also fosters a sense of respect and gratitude among our students. It's a chance for our children to learn about the importance of service and sacrifice while connecting with members of our community.

PIE (Parents Involved in Education) Meeting:

Date: November 13th at 5:00 PM

All parents are encouraged to attend our PIE meeting. It’s a great opportunity to get involved, meet other parents, and hear about upcoming projects and initiatives.

Friday Morning Breakfast Club:

Date: Friday, November 15th

We will be having Friday school on Friday, November 15th. This is an opportunity for students to come in and make up any work they have missing. Some students may be assigned to Friday school due to having more than 2 missing assignments, excessive tardies, or other behavior issues.

Thanksgiving Break:

Wednesday, November 27th through Sunday, December 1st

This is a wonderful time for families to gather and reflect on the things we are grateful for. Wishing you and your family a joyful and restful Thanksgiving!

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.
• Weather Changes: Living where we live, we know the weather can change at the drop of a hat. Please encourage your son or daughter to dress for the weather. If riding the bus, it's always good to have an extra layer of clothing, especially on those cold days.
• 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. We look forward to seeing you at parent teacher conferences!!

Check out the latest episode of Wildcat TV!!

Students in Ms. Frederick's class worked on their public speaking and active listening skills.

7th grade students spent the day at Crazy Horse.

High school students in Mr. Swedlund and Mr. Webster's classes worked with a group from Workforce and Trade Connections to learn about numerous different fields available within the construction arena.

Student's in Ms. Frederick's classes had the opportunity to make pasta from scratch, their own sauces from scratch and then enjoy what they made.

Click on the link below to go to the most updated sports and activity calendar for the junior high and high school.

Get the latest in Custer High School Athletic Clothing. The store will close on November 26th and you should be able to receive your orders the sooner you get them in. Take advantage of this great opportunity and thank you for your continued support of Custer Athletics.

If you are a parent of a senior, please use the link below to sign up to receive the different scholarship opportunities that are available. Please don't hesitate to contact Mrs. French with any questions.

https://forms.gle/ajKCkDfweLAJFMz7A

NOVEMBER 19, 2024: ALL JUNIORS WILL BE TAKING THE ASVAB TEST.

Highmark Federal Credit Union has an exciting offer for its members and the best part about it is that it directly benefits CHS Activities!

ATTENTION Custer students, parents, faculty, and fans: Open a free

checking account at Highmark and get a free Wildcats Spirit debit card.

Plus, we'll make a contribution to CHS Activities each time you swipe your

Wildcats debit card.

All three of our checking accounts come with:

• No minimum deposit

• No minimum balance

• The convenience of online & mobile banking

• Free Wildcats debit card

Thank you!!

First Blurb

A special education referral is the process of formally requesting an evaluation to determine if a student has a disability that affects their learning. Referrals can be made by teachers, parents, or other professionals when a student shows signs of academic, behavioral, or developmental challenges.

Eligibility for special education is determined through an evaluation conducted by a multidisciplinary team. The evaluation assesses various areas such as academic performance, cognitive functioning, and behavior. To qualify, the student must meet the criteria for one of the disability categories under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and require special education services to succeed in school.

Second Blurb

Eligibility for Special Education

• An Eligibility Determination Team (EDT), which includes educators, specialists, administrators, and parents, meets to review the evaluation results.
• The team makes a decision on whether the student qualifies for special education services based on:
• The presence of a qualifying disability.
• The need for specially designed instruction.
• Additional information from parents, teachers, and specialists.

Parent Participation and Consent

• Parents play a critical role in the eligibility process. They are provided with a copy of the evaluation and are included in the team discussions.
• If the student is found eligible, parents must provide written consent before special education services can begin.

Development of an IEP

• If the student is determined eligible, the next step is the creation of an Individualized Education Program (IEP), which outlines the student’s educational goals and the services they will receive.
• The IEP must be developed within 30 calendar days of the eligibility determination.

Reevaluation

• Once a student is found eligible, a reevaluation must occur at least every three years to determine if the student continues to qualify for special education services.
• However, a reevaluation can be requested sooner if parents or educators feel that the student's needs have changed.

Third Blurb

South Dakota recognizes the following disability categories for special education under IDEA:

1. Autism – Affects communication and social interaction.
2. Deaf-Blindness – Combined hearing and vision impairments.
3. Deafness – Severe hearing impairment affecting learning.
4. Developmental Delay (DD) – Delays in areas like cognitive or social skills (ages 3-9).
5. Emotional Disability (ED) – Long-term emotional or behavioral issues.
6. Hearing Impairment – Hearing issues that affect learning.
7. Cognitive Disability (CD) – Below-average intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior.
8. Multiple Disabilities – Two or more disabilities with significant needs.
9. Orthopedic Impairment – Physical disabilities affecting learning.
10. Other Health Impairment (OHI) – Health issues like ADHD or epilepsy affecting performance.
11. Specific Learning Disability (SLD) – Difficulties with language-based tasks (e.g., dyslexia).
12. Speech or Language Impairment – Communication disorders.
13. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) – Brain injuries impacting learning.
14. Visual Impairment (including Blindness) – Vision problems that affect education.

These categories help identify students eligible for special education services in South Dakota.

Fourth and Final (wraps it all up)

How the IEP Process Works

1. Referral and Evaluation: A student is referred for evaluation if there are concerns about their educational progress due to a suspected disability. After a comprehensive evaluation, if the student qualifies, the IEP is developed.
2. Development of the IEP: The IEP team meets to create the IEP, tailoring it to the student’s unique needs. Parents are critical members of the team and must give consent for the plan.
3. Implementation: The school is responsible for carrying out the services and supports outlined in the IEP.
4. Annual Review: The IEP must be reviewed at least once a year to monitor progress, update goals, and adjust services if necessary.
5. Reevaluation: Every three years, the student must undergo a reevaluation to determine if they still qualify for special education services and if any changes to the IEP are needed.

Legal Protections

An IEP is a legal document, meaning the school is obligated to provide the services and accommodations written in the IEP. If the school does not comply, parents have the right to request mediation, file complaints, or pursue due process.

An IEP ensures that students with disabilities receive the support they need to succeed academically and thrive in their educational environment.

MISSION STATEMENT: To Educate Every Student to His or Her Potential

VISION STATEMENT: To provide the highest educational program possible through positive leadership, quality academics, and an array of opportunities for social, emotional, physical, and character development, so graduates:

• A) Go on to compete in the marketplace

• B) Understand the importance of community involvement.

• C) Enjoy life-long learning

Email: dustin.petz@k12.sd.us
Website: https://www.csd.k12.sd.us/CusterJrSrHigh
Location: 1645 Wildcat Lane, Custer, SD
Phone: 605-673-4473