What is Elders' Wisdom Children's Song? Click here to read more about it and see past elders who've been honored. From the EWCS website: "Elders’ Wisdom, Children’s Song™ incorporates the tools of community organization, education, and celebration to help us honor the richness of our community through story telling in song and spoken word. Children listen to the stories of Custer and Hermosa community elders and develop songs and narrations from the words of the elders with the help of their teachers and songwriters from our region.

Through owning each other’s story, bridges are built, understanding is found, respect is developed and reconciliation occurs. Barriers of age, complexion, religion, gender and class are diminished. Elders’ Wisdom, Children’s Song™ was developed by Larry Long, a songwriter and community activist who works with children to help break down the barriers that exist in communities. "

Monday, February 5, 2024

6:30 pm at Custer High School Theatre

Custer Elementary’s 4th grade students present a celebration honoring two members of our community.

Honorees:

Diane Dennis

Jim Kelley

Free Admission

Reception following program

All families are encouraged to complete school meal applications at the beginning of each school year by submitting an application directly to the school or district office. Applications can be submitted electronically within the Infinite Campus Parent Portal (select “more” then “meal benefits”). Applications are reviewed by district officials before granting free or reduced price benefits. Families who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, or participate in other federal assistance programs, including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) are automatically eligible. Families earning at or below current Income Eligibility Guidelines, could be eligible for free or reduced-priced meals.

• Fri., Feb. 23 - scheduled snow make-up day, if needed
  
• March 12 - Parent-Teacher Conferences - 4-7:30 p.m.
• Fri., March 22 - scheduled snow make-up day, if needed
• March 28-April 1 - Spring Break
• Fri., April 5 - scheduled snow make-up day, if needed
• Fri., April 19 - scheduled snow make-up day, if needed
• Fri., May 3 - scheduled snow make-up day, if needed
• May 18 - 2024 CHS Graduation - 2 p.m.
• May 23 - last day of school

1. High School Math Teacher – This is my 33rd year at Custer High School.

2. Why did you choose to work for CSD? I was teaching math at Hot Springs and living in Custer. I was so excited about the opportunity to teach Pre-Calculus/Senior Math.

3. What is the biggest change you have seen in your position specifically during your tenure here?
The new school was a big change and very few staff members who I started teaching with are still here. 😊

4. What was something that happened during your years here that was a positive change for the district/students/community, etc. I think the four-day week was a positive change. I believe that students do not have to miss school days, whether that be for school activities or personal reasons.

5. What piece of advice would you share with students? Academics are important (especially math) but it is equally important that you are have good attendance, are not tardy, that you are responsible, try your best, have a good attitude, and that you treat others respectfully.

Seniors:

• Have you checked out Mrs. French's CHS Scholarship Page? There are many scholarships listed but here are some great local scholarships for CHS Class of 2024:
  
• Custer Class of 1995 Alumni Scholarship for CHS Class of 2024
• Custer Youth and Alumni Foundation Academic Scholarship
  
• Custer Youth and Alumni Foundation Community Service Scholarship
• Mitchell Woods Fox Corporation Scholarship
• Golden West Student Scholarships
• Hagen-Harvey Scholarship Applications Now Open
• For 2nd year students or 2nd semester -
  • Custer American Legion Scholarship - deadline April 10

• Friday school this Friday, Feb. 2nd from 8-11 am for missing assignments
  
• Custer High School will be offering the ACT on Saturday, April 13th for any students that are interested. The deadline to register is Friday, March 8th. Please stop by Mrs. French or Mr. Petz’s office if you need any help signing up. The cost to take the test is $68.00 with no writing or $93.00 with writing. Don’t wait until the last minute to get signed up.

• ACT Prep is on Fridays from 8-10 am in the library. We will practice our English skills on passages from previous ACT tests and begin reviewing our Math Facts and Formulas.
• Ensuring students are ready for college: https://doe.sd.gov/teachsd/emails/120623/Story-2.html
  
• Students interested in a career in the plumbing, heating, and cooling industry are invited to attend the state's annual convention in Deadwood in Feb. to learn more about the industry, watch apprentice competition, and visit with local contractors. Click here for more inf

Clubs & Organizations:

• JH Student Council will host a JH Western Valentine Dance on Feb. 23rd, from 7-10 p.m. Cost is $3/person or $5/couple.
• Gaming Club will meet today, Jan. 30th, after school in Mrs. Winkler’s room.
• Dakota Players will be here the week of Feb. 12th! Calling any 7th and 8th graders to audition for ‘On the Road to Bremen Town’ on Monday, Feb. 12 from 4-6 pm. It is wonderful to have older JH students to shine in leadership roles! Waivers are in the office.
• FCA will meet on Wednesday during WC time.
  

• Join us on Wednesday, January 31st at 8:00am in the Library for the 2nd "Career Cafe" of the semester! Carrie Moore is the second owner of Jenny’s Floral, which has been in Custer for nearly 37 years. In addition to creating flowers for day-to-day orders and all of life’s celebrations, Jenny’s Floral has a medium-size gift shop filled with plants and accessories, home décor and gift items. Carrie is also very active and involved in her industry, as well as the Custer community. Students interested in flowers, plants, or horticulture – and the various careers available in the field, this may be a conversation for you!
  
• The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is offering a Fentanyl Awareness Youth Challenge. In this Challenge, they are seeking the best ideas from U.S. youth, aged 14-18, on a community strategy to increase youth awareness, education, and prevention around the dangers of fentanyl, especially the hidden dangers of fake pills and other contaminants that can lead to drug overdose deaths. What is the best way to make your friends aware of these risks and keep them safe? You have the answers. You are a trusted resource with your friends and in your community. You are an important part of the solution. Your idea could include any innovative ways to reach your peers on this topic like social media posts, vlogs, podcasts, video journals, etc. Deadline for idea submission is February 26. The top 6 ideas will be awarded a $5,000 prize each, and up to 25 youth will receive a $2,000 honorable mention prize. See your Lifeways Counselor, Ms. Meyer, for more information!

• The Custer VFW Auxiliary is inviting students to come to the basement of the VFW on Feb. 3 at 10 a.m. to make Valentines cards for veterans and senior citizens.
  

• Basketball Free-Throw Contest

  sponsored by Knights of Columbus

  February 4th - 1:00 pm at the Jr./Sr. high School gym

  Doors will be open at noon to practice

  Contest is open to all girls or boys ages 9-14. There is no cost to participate. Winners receive trophies and advance to the district level.

The Library will offer ACT Prep classes for all interested students on most Friday mornings, beginning January 26th through April 12th. Any high school student may attend the sessions. Juniors are highly encouraged to attend the sessions and take the ACT test on April 13th. The April test is one of the three tests per year that ACT offers an option to purchase test results for an additional $32. If students wish to take the test again in their Senior year to improve their scores, they can have their actual test, answers, and answer key to identify their strengths and weaknesses. Any seniors who plan to take the ACT in December can arrange with Mrs. Mertz to prepare for the sections in which they wish to improve their scores. Students may sign up for ACT Prep in the Library.

• Custer Jr/Sr HS Newsletter
• Custer Jr/Sr HS 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

Assistant Principal/Activities Director: Joey Kortemeyer - joey.kortemeyer@k12.sd.us

Custer Jr High Assistant Principal, AD & Counselor: Dusty Petz - dustin.petz@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/

Hello, Wildcat Fans,

• Click HERE for Custer Jr/Sr High School Activities Schedules.
  

• Live Streaming -- As always, if you are unable to attend in person, varsity games can be found on You Tube. Just search Custer Wildcats Live and it should take you to the game links.

• We appreciate Mr. Trandem as our new play-by-play announcer on the live stream.
  

• Congratulations to The One-Act cast, crew, and director, Ms. Bowen on their first-place finish at Regions last week. They will compete at the state competition this weekend. Break a leg!!

• Best wishes to the Wrestlers as they compete at the Black Hills Conference tournament this week. This event was rescheduled from Jan 13.
• The boys and girls basketball teams have been playing really well and the game atmosphere has been incredible! The fans along with the CHS Pep Band have been fantastic! If you haven’t had a chance to attend a game in person, we host doubleheaders on Tuesday and Thursday this week. Get out and cheer the Wildcats on to victory!! Be loud and proud – show your Wildcat Pride!!

Jan. 29 - Feb . 3

Tuesday

• GBB 4:30/3:00/6:00 v. Douglas - 3pm JV @ Armory/4:30 C @ CHS /6pm V @ Armory
• BBB 3:00/4:30/7:30 v. Douglas - 3pm C at CHS/4:30pm JV @ armory/7:30pm V @ armory

Wednesday

• FCCLA - Region Meeting @ Wall

Thursday

• GBB 4:30/3:00/6:00 v. Hot Springs - 3pm JV @ Armory/4:30pm C @ CHS/6pm V @ armory
• BBB 3:00/4:30/7:30 v. Hot Springs - 3pm C at CHS/4:30pm JV @ armory/7:30 V @ armory

Friday

• Friday Morning School 8-11am for Missing Assignments
• One-Acts 4:30 - State A Competition @ Brandon Valley
• Wrestling 10:00 and 1:00 BHC @ Hot Springs
• MS Band and Choir 10:00 am - Solo and Ensemble Contest @ CHS

Saturday

• MS BBB 9:00 am @ Hot Springs
• JV WR 9:00 @ Hill City
• GBB 11:00/12:30/2:00 @ Belle Fourche
• BBB 11:0012:30/3:30 @ Belle Fourche

-- One item to note, we are modifying the order and location of the C and JV games for our home double header basketball games. When we host double headers, the game order will be as follows:

HIGH SCHOOL

TUESDAY, JANUARY 30TH:

• BOYS BASKETBALL HOME VS DOUGLAS: 3:30/5:00/8:00 PM
• GIRLS BASKETBALL HOME VS DOUGLAS: 3:30/5:00/6:30 PM

MIDDLE SCHOOL EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: JANUARY 2024

FEB.13

• BOYS BASKETBALL HOME VS LEAD/DEADWOOD: 4:30/5:30 PM

Click here for the latest CES Newsletter

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

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Students:

• Wednesday is National Hot Chocolate Day. Students will get hot chocolate with the school lunch. Students bringing lunch from home can purchase a hot chocolate for $1.75.
• The Custer VFW Auxiliary is inviting students to come to the basement of the VFW on Feb. 3 at 10 a.m. to make Valentines cards for veterans and senior citizens.
• There is information about the Canyon Lake Little League in the office and posted in the commons for those who are interested.

• Basketball Free-Throw Contest

  sponsored by Knights of Columbus

  February 4th - 1:00 pm at the Jr./Sr. high School gym

  Doors will be open at noon to practice

  Contest is open to all girls or boys ages 9-14. There is no cost to participate. Winners receive trophies and advance to the district level.

• Dates:
  

• January 31st: Happy Valley Soup Fundraiser begins

  February: Trustworthiness

  Feb 5th: Edler’s Wisdom, Children’s Song at 6:30 pm in the Jr/Sr High theatre

  Feb 6th: Student Council at 7:35 am

  Feb 12: 5TH & 6TH Gr Safety Talk 7:55 – 8:30 in the JR/Sr high theater

  Feb 13th: Vision Screening

  Feb 14th: Happy Valley Soup Fundraiser ends

  Feb 14th: Valentine’s Class Parties at 2:3o pm

  Feb 12th-17th: Dakota Players Residency in the Jr/Sr High theatre

  Feb 26th: D.A.R.E. Graduation

  Feb 27th: 4th Grade NAEP Testing

Elementary Fine Arts Schedule 2024

• February 5 - 6:30pm - Elders' Wisdom, Children's Song (CHS Theatre)
• February 12-17 - 4:00pm-8:00pm ~ Dakota Players Residency (CHS Theatre)
• March 4 - 3:30pm - Festival Choir (Sturgis Community Center)
• April 29 - 7:00pm - 5th & 6th Band and Choir Concert (CHS Theatre)
• May 16 - 7:00pm - Kindergarten Program (CHS Theatre)

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 Family Newsletter - LOTS of Important information included in newsletter!

Hermosa Facebook Page - please follow for updated daily announcements

Hermosa Spirt Wear Store

March 14 @ 1:30 and 6:00 - Middle School Musical

May 16 @ 1:30 and 6:00 - Spring Pops Concert and Band Concert

Upcoming Dates to Remember

• February 5th - School Counselor Appreciation Day
  
• February 12th - School Board Meeting (Hermosa) 6:00
• February 14th - 8th Grade Ski Trip
• February 15th - Elder's Wisdom 6:00
• February 16th - 5th Grade & Middle School Friday Opportunity Field Trip
• February 22nd - End of 2nd Trimester

Upcoming Hornet Activities

• Feb. 1 - Boys Basketball @ Hermosa 4:00
  
• Feb. 6 - Boys Basketball @ Hermosa 4:00
• Feb. 8 - Boys Basketball @ Hermosa 4:00
• Feb. 12 - Boys Basketball @ Hermosa 4:00
• Feb. 13 - Boys Basketball @ Hermosa 4:00
• Feb. 16 - Boys Basketball @ Edgemont 10:00
• Feb. 17 - Boys Basketball Jamboree @ Hermosa 9:00
• Feb. 20 - Boys Basketball @ Lead 4:00
• Feb. 22 - Boys Basketball @ Hill City 4:00
• Feb. 26 - Boys Basketball @ Hot Springs 4:00
• Mar. 1 - Boys Basketball Cartwright Tournament @ Lead TBD
• Mar. 2 - Boys Basketball Cartwright Tournament @ Lead TBD
• Mar. 14 - Middle School Musical 1:30/6:00
• Mar. 21 - Soup & Sweets TBD

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/

1. My name is Sara Barrick, I was born and raised here in Custer and I am an alumni. I have been married for 14 years and have 2 children who attend school in Custer.
2. How long have you served on the CSD Board of Ed? I have been on the board since July 2021.
3. Why did you choose to run for the CSD Board of Education? During that time, there was a board position opening, and we were still dealing with COVID as a district/state and nation. I wanted to make a difference for my kids, their friends, and the students of Custer.
4. What would you say is the biggest thing you have learned since becoming a Board member? It takes much longer to understand the process of how everything works, along with how much we actually have control of as a district.
5. What is one achievement you are most proud of since you’ve been a member of the board? The most recent one is moving forward with our CTE (Career and Technical Education) expansion for the district. Our kids need this expansion and will allow for opportunities for our students.
6. What is a piece of advice you would like to share with our students? Enjoy your time here as a student. Take advantage of all the opportunities that are allowed, and don't be afraid to ask questions. I would also challenge our students to come to a school board meeting. We really do have a great school district.
7. What is a fun fact about you? I hate cotton balls!

Date: January 11, 2024

According to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), 34CFR300.573, school districts must notify parents when the information contained in their child’s special education records is no longer needed to provide public educational services to the child. This is public notification to parents or eligible students (students who are of legal age except where guardianship or conservatorship has been established) of the District’s intent to destroy all special education records, except for archival information such as name, grades, attendance records, classes attended, grades completed and number of years completed for its own records based upon federal law, for those students ages 21 and older.

Parents or eligible students have the right to request your records. Please contact the Special Education office by March 31, 2024, if you wish to your records. If the Special Education Department is not contacted by this date, these records will be destroyed.

Custer School District 16-1

Special Education Department

527 Montgomery Street

Custer, SD 57730

Telephone 605-673-2171

Request for copies must be received by April 4, 2024. These records will be destroyed after April 4, 2024.

HS SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER - open immediately - Custer School District

Start Your Online Application Now
Date of Availability: immediately

Date Closing: when filled

Custer Jr HS SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER - starting August 2024 - Custer School District
Start Your Online Application Now

Date of Availability: August 2024

Date Closing: when filled

Current employees send letter/email of interest to Supt. Mark Naugle mark.naugle@k12.sd.us all others must complete an application.

1. Custer MS Volleyball Coach - $1,811 - starting fall 2024

SUBSTITUTE CLEANERS - needed at all schools to fill-in for staff when needed. Must complete CSD classified application packet and complete a criminal background check. $16/hr DOE.

SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS - needed at all schools. Must complete CSD substitute application packet, submit proof of highest level of education, and complete a criminal background check prior to starting. Contact the CSD Admin. Office for a packet, or apply online at CSD.k12.sd.us, which will include the fingerprint/background check materials. Minimum requirement, HS graduate. Pay range $110/day-$135/day. Retired CSD Teachers start at $135/day.

CONTACT INFORMATION
Custer School District, 527 Montgomery St., Custer, SD 57730. PH: 605.673.3154 FAX: 605.673.5607, Mon.-Thurs., 7:30-4:30 p.m. and Fridays 8-1 p.m. Current CSD employees interested in a position must submit a letter of interest to Mr. Mark Naugle, Supt. of Schools. All other interested applicants must complete a CSD Job Application available at the address above or at www.csd.k12.sd.us. EOE.

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

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

Superintendent Mark Naugle - mark.naugle@k12.sd.us

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

Click here for all staff listing

Administration Office Hours:

Mon.-Thurs. ~ 7:30-4:30 p.m.

Fridays ~ 8 a.m. ~ 1 p.m.

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