Greetings Longfellow Families~

It doesn’t seem possible that we are once again approaching another summer. Hopefully your summer will be filled with numerous activities and family time! Our Longfellow Staff want to thank you for all your support and partnerships in education. Teamwork is truly the best approach to help our children succeed, and we couldn’t do it without you!

Just a reminder that you will receive a letter from your 2025-2026 teacher sometime in the first two weeks of August. Our Longfellow Open House will be held on August 13, from 5:00-6:00 pm, with our first school day on August 20, 2025. If you have not registered your child/ren for the 2025-2026 school year, please do so immediately. Please remember, as mentioned in last month’s newsletter, that your child’s den will remain the same for grades 2-5, so if you haven’t turned in your fall input form and wish to do so, please do so before the office closes. Late requests may be considered but not guaranteed. The office will be open through June 6, and will reopen Tuesday, August 6th.

Have an awesome summer break!

Mrs. Heckenlaible

Boy did the staff of Longfellow feel special during Teacher Appreciation Week! We had fun with a walk of fame, treats and meals and a week of pampering. Thank you to all of the amazing families that share your children with us. Being a part of their growth is such a gift and we are so very blessed!

We understand that families need to make doctor appointments and have family vacations. As you are scheduling those for the next school year, these dates might help guide you.

9/1 Mon-NO SCHOOL - Labor Day

10/13 Mon-NO SCHOOL - Staff Development

11/7 Fri-NO SCHOOL - McGovern Debate

11/11 Tue-NO SCHOOL - Veteran's Day

11/26-28 Wed-Fri-NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving Break

12/22-1/2 Mon-Fri-NO SCHOOL - Christmas Break

1/19 Mon-NO SCHOOL - MLK Jr. Day/Staff Development

2/13-16 Fri-Mon-NO SCHOOL & President's Day

3/19-23 Fri-Mon-NO SCHOOL - Spring Break/Staff Development

4/3-6 Fri-Mon-NO SCHOOL - Easter Break

We do the bulk of our statewide testing in April as well (3rd-5th graders). When a student

misses the scheduled testing time, we are required to reschedule for that student. Learners do

better when testing with the rest of their peers. We appreciate you doing your best to avoid

absences or leaving for appointments during those dates.

Reading isn’t just for school; it’s for adventure, imagination, and family fun all summer long! Whether you’re diving into a good book outside, setting up a reading challenge, or visiting the library for fresh stories, there are endless ways to keep the pages turning.

Why Read This Summer?

✅ Prevents the "summer slide" and keeps kids learning.

✅ Builds vocabulary and reading fluency.

✅ Sparks imagination and creativity.

✅ Provides quiet time for relaxation and focus.

✅ Makes reading a habit for lifelong learning!

✅ Offers screen-free moments that let kids unplug and unwind.

Den A (2S, 3G, 4O & 5C), along with the Kindergareten and 1st grade classes, joined forces to complete a terrific service project. They made tie blankets for the Mitchell Area Sleep in Heavenly Peace Chapter. What a wonderful way to give to others and learn to be grateful for all that you have. Way to go, Lions!

• Net Games

• Jump Roping

• Relay Races

• Climbing Wall

• Scooters

• FIELD DAY!!!

Jace Stemper completed every Longfellow Family Fitness Challenge for every month of every year we have had this program!!! Way to go Jace and the entire Stemper family!

Seeing the parachute brings back memories of PE for many adults. Seeing the climbing rope brings back nightmares for some of us. However, the best days were when we got to play with the parachute!

Mrs. Schoenfelder's 2nd grade class in Den A, has been anxiously awaiting the arrival of her little one. They were tasked with predicting the baby's arrival and vitals. They were also asked to give the baby advice and Mr. and Mrs. Schoenfelder advice as this is their first child. They had some excellent words of wisdom! The students have turned the tables and become the teacher.

One highlight of the year is when the entire student body along with the students from GBR, LBW and JPII goes the PAC to watch the FDC performance. We get to see their competition set, along with some fun specials. Our students learn a little about the fun of being in FDC and are encouraged to try multiple things in Middle School and High School.

While we were at the SPECTACULAR FDC performance, we also got to see Max Hart play drums. He didn't just play normal drums though. The trap set was put together in front of him as he was playing! It was so awesome! You can "see" the students excitement as they use sign language to clap.

Here are the current FDC members who are Longfellow Alum!

For the final day of school, our 4-5 graders participate in a kickball tournament. They play the bracket all day, culminating in the Championship game.

Before we can play, we need to reveal the teams. The teachers always do this in a fun assembly. This year was no exception.

August

6th-Office Staff Present

13th-Open House

20th-First Day of School

September

1st-NO SCHOOL

October

13th-NO SCHOOL

23rd-Parent/Teacher Conferences

November

7th-NO SCHOOL

11th-NO SCHOOL

26-28th-NO SCHOOL

December

22nd-Jan 2 NO SCHOOL

January

5th-CLASS RESUMES

19th-NO SCHOOL

February

5th-Parent/Teacher Conferences

13th-NO SCHOOL

16th-NO SCHOOL

March

19-23rd-NO SCHOOL

April

3-6th-NO SCHOOL

May

22nd-Last Day of School

We wish the following staff the best of luck as they move on to another chapter of life. Thank you for all you have done for the Lions of Longfellow! We will miss you!

Kaley Withers - Kindergarten teacher

Samantha Hieb - Behavior Specialist

Deb Flynn - Speech Language Therapist

We would like to thank all of the businesses who welcomed our Lions for field trips. In some cases, plans had to change on very short notice due to weather and everyone was so helpful. Our Lions had a lot of fun and rolled with all of the changes.

Village Bowl

Reclamation Ranch

Odyssey Theatre-Mitchell

Washington Pavilion

Butterfly House & Aquarium

South Dakota Aerial & Arts

Great Plains Zoo

Foreman Bus & Sales Service