Hello Meade School District Community,

As we approach the end of the year, we would like to extend warm wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our students, families, and staff members. We hope you take this well-deserved break to relax, recharge, and spend quality time with loved ones.

The winter break is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to unwind and enjoy some leisure time. Whether you're planning a cozy night in with family or embarking on a winter adventure, make the most of this holiday season.

As the snow blankets (or does not blanket) our beautiful community, we encourage you to explore the various winter activities available. From sledding and skiing to winter hikes and building snowmen (doubtful), there are countless ways to embrace the magic of the season. Don't forget to share your winter adventures with us on social media using the hashtag #MeadeWinterFun.

We are thankful for the continued support of our Meade School District community and excited about the possibilities the future holds for our students.

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season filled with joy, laughter, and memorable moments.

Please note schools will be closed December 21 - January 2 and reopening on January 3, 2024.

Warm regards,

Wayne Wormstadt

Superintendent

The Legislative Round Table & Dinner was held at SWMS - Library with discussion at 4:00 pm and dinner at 5:00 pm. The scheduled school board meeting began at 6:00 pm at the Williams Administrative Building - Board Room.

The gathering is held as a way for the school board members, administrators, and staff to ask questions of the legislators and to inform the lawmakers of their concerns regarding education, and for the legislators to share their perspectives on education issues.

Thank you to our State Representatives for attending another Meade School District Legislative Round Table!

The 2023-24 Annual Report was approved at the December 11, 2023 school board meeting. Our goal is to provide information on how YOUR school district is performing for the benefit of our students and our communities.

The school board officially approved the SBHS trimester schedule change beginning the 2024-25 school year. Principal, Mr. Wilson and his team are working diligently to make sure that they cover everything for a smooth transition. Below are the next steps:

• We are currently putting together the 2024-25 Registration Handbook. We are also talking about the classes we will be offering as every year we look at some additional classes to offer for the students.
• We will have an Elective Fair to showcase the classes we offer - January.
• We will meet with the students, and they will put their class requests in - February.
• From those requests, we will create the schedule and put the students into that schedule from their requests. - March and April
• Release the schedule to the teachers and students - May

The Kenadi Jean Weis Foundation are community champions for inclusive play and today Whitewood Elementary School Principal Brittan Porterfield accepted our donation of $25,000 toward an inclusive playground rebuild project.

Inclusive design makes play spaces better for all children and our partnership with GameTime product engineers will ensure an environment that goes beyond accessibility. This will allow children, adults and families of all abilities to experience play…together!

The open enrollment and in-district transfer requests for the 2024-25 school year will be opening February 1 - March 31 and again April 15 - Summer 2024. All new students entering the Meade School District must have the following:

• copy of birth certificate
• immunization records

Open enrollment for the remainder of the 2023-24 school year is currently open.

A school board meeting took place Monday, December 11, 2023 at 6:00 pm . Some important topics that were approved and discussed included:

• Approval of SBHS Parking Lot Improvements
• Approval of SBHS CTE Addition
• Approval of SBHS East Gym Renovation
• Approval of SBHS Trimester Schedule Change
• Scheduled the Date and Time for the 2024 School Board Election
• Revised Back to School Plan
• plus more...
  

Take a moment to read the unofficial minutes or review the agenda for more details.

This week, we are pleased to announce Scooper Wrestler Joseph Nadig is Athlete of the Week. Joseph was the 150 pound champion at the Sept 8 dual vs West Central.

KWIK MART/STURGIS SUBS and KBHB Radio will be giving a $10 Conoco gift card and FREE sub or macaroni and cheese.

Athletic Director, Mike Schultz has provided the district and community with a summary of the Fall Activities Report for the 2023-24 school year.

• Fall Narrative Report

The latest update on the progress of the SBHS Cafeteria Project:

Interior Block Walls: All interior block walls have been successfully completed, providing a solid foundation for the structure.

Metal Roof Installation: The installation of the metal roof tin is currently underway in the commons section, marking a crucial step towards completing the roofing phase.

Electrical and Plumbing Work: Contractors have initiated the installation of both electrical and plumbing systems to the interior ceiling, enhancing the functionality and efficiency of the facility.

Colored Metal Delivery: The colored metal, a key element in the project, has been delivered and is ready for installation. This will not only contribute to the aesthetics but also play a crucial role in the building's overall durability.

Brick Veneer Progress: The brick veneer has been applied to almost the entire facility, adding a distinctive and appealing exterior to the structure.

The hope is to have the storefronts installed next and to begin enclosing the building shortly after the new year.

We have support staff and extra-curricular activity positions available for 2023-24 school year.

• Special Education Paraprofessional (part-time)
• Assistant Maintenance Foreman
• Day Custodian
• Night Custodian
• Paraprofessional - Rural
• Food Service Worker
• Plus more!!
  

Did you know that you can volunteer to work in schools throughout the district? Fill out the volunteer form now!

Educating youth takes a community effort, and because of that the Meade School Board is encouraging parents, guardians and other interested patrons to volunteer their time, knowledge and talents.

Members of the community bring new energies and resources into the schools and expand the walls of the classrooms. School volunteers enrich the educational program and strengthen the schools’ relationships with homes, businesses, public agencies and private institutions. All volunteers in the Meade School District do so without pay or employee benefits, except for workers’ compensation. For those interested in volunteering.

For curriculum, technology and other information, check out their website and newsletters.

Sturgis Brown High School NHS Induction was held Tuesday, December 12 at the West Gym. The National Honor Society (NHS) is a nationwide organization for high school students in the United States and outlying territories, which consists of many chapters in high schools. NHS was founded in 1921. Today, over 1 million students participate in NHS, which has chapters around the world.

NHS emphasizes leadership and service. Members meet standards for character and draw on their leadership experience to contribute to the society.

Selection is based on four criteria: academic achievement, leadership , service , and character. Students must, at a minimum, have a cumulative GPA of a B, 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or equivalent standard of excellence.

There is still an opportunity to get your ticket!

Winners names will be drawn Saturday, December 16 during half-time. You do not need to be present to win.

Help support our community. Meade County 4-H and staff are asking for donations of hats, gloves and socks!

Please add them to the tree in the Erkine Building. (click on flyer for more details)

Any closure of district schools, altering of bus routes or early dismissals due to hazardous weather or other emergencies that threaten the health or safety of students and district staff will be decided by Superintendent, Wayne Wormstadt.

Cancellation and closure information will be posted on the Meade School District website, Meade School District Facebook/Instagram pages and Meade School District Twitter page. Notification closure information will be submitted to radio stations and website postings:

• KBHB Radio
• KAT/FOX/KIMM/KKMK
• KSQY/KIQK
• KEVN/KOTA/Black Hills Fox
• KELOLAND
• KNBN-TV

If parents wish to keep a child home or to have a child dismissed early, it is within their right to do so. Under those circumstances, the absence would be excused. Please make sure your building secretary is aware of any absence.

Whitewood Elementary offers a FREE after-school program to our district students and families. The after-school program runs from 3 pm to 6 pm Monday - Friday and hosts sports camps, science clubs, robotics group, a video-game design team, and so much more. This year alone, 90% of our students participated in our after-school program.

*Class sizes are limited, please call (605) 269-2264 for more information.

Any child in KG - Fourth grade is eligible to participate on a first come first serve basis. Capable Kids runs from 2:35 pm - 6 pm. Monday - Friday. Please call (605) 787-5295 to check on availability. All necessary forms required will need to be COMPLETED IN ADVANCE before your child can attend.

The After-School Program is available in the library from 3:15 pm - 5:15 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Three teachers will be available to help students with homework. Students should arrive by 3:30 p.m. but can leave whenever they complete their work if they have their own ride. Students who need a late bus pass are required to stay until 5:15 p.m. Any questions, contact Mrs. Buchholz at sandra.buchholz@k12.sd.us.

Seeking nominations: 2024 SPED Staff of the Year Award

The department’s Office of Special Education Programs is accepting nominations for the 2024 SPED Staff of the Year Award. Parents/guardians can nominate a special education staff member who made an outstanding contribution to the education of their child. Nominees may include SPED teachers, speech/language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, school psychologist, or paraprofessional who have served in their profession for three or more years.

Parents/guardians can submit nomination forms via this link: https://forms.gle/ZoKazNoWj3AUqGe3A. Entries are due Jan. 19, 2024. The top five nominees will be invited to the 2024 South Dakota Special Education Conference luncheon in Sioux Falls on March 6, 2024, where the award recipient will be announced.

The Special Services office has been extremely busy gathering needed information for the mandated “Child Count.” The state requires all types of information on students who have disabilities. As of December 1, the total number of students that are in special education and on active Individual Education Plans has continued to increase from last year. This year, that number exceeds 500 students. For each student on an IEP as of December 1, money is allocated per their disability.

The Food Service Department is currently dealing with several negative balance lunch accounts. Please log in to your account and deposit money if necessary. Take advantage of the Free and Reduced Meals Application! All information is confidential!

Titan Family Portal is now LINQ Connect! Parents can deposit money directly into their child's meal account and can receive emails by clicking on the link "LINQConnect Family Portal" website and setting up an account.

December 21 - January 2: Christmas Break

January 8: School Board Meeting

January 15: No School (MLK Day)

January 15: Teacher In-Service

Sturgis Elementary Newsletters

Sturgis Williams Middle School Announcements

Sturgis Brown High School Scooper Newsletters

Piedmont Valley Elementary Weekly Newsletters

Stagebarn Middle School Stallion Newsletters

Whitewood Elementary School Newsletters

Rural Schools

Sturgis Chamber of Commerce Events & Facebook

Sturgis Community Center Newsletter & Facebook

Foothills Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook

Whitewood Chamber of Commerce & Facebook

Excitement is building as a groundbreaking new website prepares to make its debut, promising to revolutionize the online experience. Anticipated to launch soon, the new platform, Apptegy/Thrillshare is set to redefine user engagement with its innovative features and user-friendly interface. From sleek design to cutting-edge functionalities, the new Meade School District 46-1 website will aim to cater to diverse interests and needs, offering a seamless blend of creativity and functionality.

Stay tuned for the unveiling of this eagerly awaited platform! The debut is potentially scheduled for February 2024.

Don't forget to LIKE us on Facebook, TWEET us on Twitter and FOLLOW Us on Instagram! It's a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest school events, cancellations, staff and student spotlights plus so much more! Our website is also full of informative information.