Sturgis Elementary Newsletter
December 2025
Gratitude: “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”, William Arthur Ward. The staff at Sturgis Elementary are grateful for you sharing your children with us! We hope all have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday break!
Student attendance matters: Missing 10% of school days, or about 18 days in a year, negatively affects academic performance, regardless of the reason for absence.
Have you moved or changed phone numbers in the last month?: Please contact the office so we may update your information at school.
Fourth Grade Spelling Bee finalists: All 4th graders participated in a written spelling test. Based on this test, the following students were selected as finalists to compete in the Sturgis Elementary spelling bee on December 8th at 8:15 a.m. Congratulations!
Cooper Wilson ~ Patrick Fitzsimmons ~ Ismael Pineda-Astudillo ~ Axel Heidrich ~ Harry Bruch ~ Kade Sanders ~ Avah DeJean ~ Emma Jutting ~ Ella Karrels ~ Jericho Pierce ~ Brogan Wilson ~ Orion Tyler ~ Sydney Key ~ Tucker Short
Dressing for the weather: Just a reminder that students will be outside for recess unless our windchill dips below zero, there is a high wind warning, or heavy precipitation. Please ensure students come to school with appropriate clothing for the weather. If you are in need of assistance in getting a coat for your students please contact Chantal Ligtenberg (347-2386)
Sturgis Elementary House System: Students were very excited to see the new house posters in the hall that contain pictures of all the house members! Additionally, our 4th grade house leaders have been great assistants in getting our kindergarteners to and from the monthly house meetings!
Important Dates & School District Calendar
Scholars of the Month
This year, Sturgis Elementary has revamped our opportunities for student leadership! The Student Cabinet is a group of ten student leaders selected to help strengthen school culture and provide students with a meaningful voice at Sturgis Elementary. It was formed to replace our traditional Student Council with a more hands-on, service-focused approach.
Our new Sturgis Elementary Student Cabinet is already hard at work! Each morning, two Cabinet members put on their bright vests and welcome everyone at the front gate as our official Morning Greeters.
They’ve also launched a Student Art Board where anyone can showcase their creations—just include your name, teacher, and date! Cabinet members hang the art at lunch and deliver a small thank-you treat during meetings.
Finally, after voting on a Buddy Bench, the Cabinet decided to add a special sign to one of our current benches. They’ll choose the perfect spot at the next meeting!
School Activities & Fun
Library Spotlight
Physical Education
Staff Spotlights
Parent & Teacher Association
Community Activities
Donations can be dropped off at Sturgis Elementary and other local businesses.
Sturgis Public Library
Day of Giving Book Sale!
Tuesday, December 2nd, 8am-7pm.
Celebrate the spirit of giving with us! Enjoy treats and fresh coffee while browsing our all-day book sale. Take advantage of book bag sale specials, discover great reads to gift or keep, and support your library in a meaningful way. All proceeds will benefit library programming.
The sale will continue throughout the week, but your best finds will be available on opening day. Don’t miss out!
Mon. Dec. 1st, 3-5pm LEGOs
All ages are welcome to come together to build and explore with bricks at the Sturgis Public Library on Monday, December 1st from 3-5pm.
Tuesdays, Dec. 2nd-16th, 10am Baby & Toddler Storytime
Come to the Sturgis Public Library on Tuesday, December 2nd, 9th, and 16th at 10am for Baby & Toddler Storytime for ages 0-3. Rhymes, lap bounce, sensory play, and stories with Miss Cindy. **No storytime the week of Christmas or New Year's.
Tues. Dec. 2nd & 16th, 3:30pm Wonder Math
Join Richard Moeller at the Sturgis Public Library on Tuesday, December 2nd at 3:30pm, for science-based discoveries, activities, and more. All ages are welcome.
Wed. Dec. 3rd-17th, 11am PreK Storytime
Come to the Sturgis Public Library on Wednesday, December 3rd, 10th, and 17th at 11am for PreK Storytime for ages 3-6. Celebrate literacy with movement, stories and crafts every Wednesday with Miss Sierra. **No storytime the week of Christmas or New Year's.
Wed. Dec. 3rd & 17th, 3:30-4:30pmCoding ClubJoin the Sturgis Public Library on Wednesday, December 3rd and 17th at 3:30pm for hands-on coding activities and programs designed for ages 6-10.
Thurs. Dec. 4th, 5pm Crochet Class
Join Chelle at the Sturgis Public Library on Thursday, December 4th at 5pm for a relaxing evening of crochet tips, techniques and creative fun perfect for teens and adults. All supplies are provided free of charge. Please RSVP with the library to guarantee your spot.
Sat. Dec. 6th 1-3pm Genealogy Work Group
The Sturgis Public Library and the Sturgis & Meade County Historical Society will be hosting their monthly genealogy work group on Saturday, December 6th at 1pm at the Sturgis Public Library. This month, we will be looking at AncestryDNA. You have your AncestryDNA results, now what? Learn how to interpret the results. Use them to make discoveries, develop connections, and solve mysteries. Public is welcome!
Mon. Dec. 15th 4-6pm LevelUp! Gaming
Gamers 10 and up are invited to join the Sturgis Public Library on Monday, December 15th at 4pm to play Nintendo, card games, and board games. Snacks will be provided.
Wed. Dec. 17th, 6pmBooks On Tap
The Sturgis Public Library will be host Books On Tap on Wednesday, December 17th at 6pm at Sturgis Brewing Company. Book Theme: "Gift of Reading". Read a holiday-themed book to discuss, and bring a wrapped, well-read book to participate in the book exchange! All readers 21+ are invited to join.
Mon. Dec. 22nd, 4pmS.T.E.A.M. Team
Kids age 6-10 are invited to the S.T.E.A.M. Team at the Sturgis Public Library on Monday, December 22nd at 4pm. This month, we will be featuring a Reindeer Relay! Design reindeer antlers then use them to transport and hand off holiday decorations in a relay race!
Thurs., Dec. 25th Christmas Closed
Sat. Dec. 27th 12-2pmGreat Pie & Puzzle Race
Ready to race, taste, and think fast?
Join us for the Pie & Puzzle Race! Gather a team of 4–6 (space for 9 teams) or join our singles team (up to 6 spots). Each team brings a pie—homemade or store-bought—while singles bring a liter of soda or another non-alcoholic drink. Teams will compete to complete one 300-piece puzzle while enjoying the spoils of pie and hecklers. Call the library to RSVP and claim your spot!
Mon. Dec. 29th 1-3pm Youth Cocoa Social
Youth ages 8-18 are invited to an end-of-year afternoon Cocoa Party! Enjoy games, festive snack stations, and a movie to wrap up the year with friends.
Thurs., Jan. 1st New Year's Day Closed
Lunch Times & Food Service
Kindergarten (Abell, Marcoe, Anderson) : 10:50-11:20
Kindergarten (Schmagel, Smith, Knuppe) : 11:00-11:30
1st Grade (Crago, Kuno, Wilson) : 11:10-11:40
1st Grade (Dillman, Treloar) : 11:20-11:50
4th Grade (Kesl, Fallon, Marolt) : 11:45-12:15
4th Grade (Hyde, Hedderman) : 11:55-12:25
3rd Grade (Stagner, Seyer) : 12:05-12:35
3rd Grade (Woods, Noble, Williams) : 12:15-12:45
2nd Grade (Monahan, Kleinsasser) : 12:40-1:10
2nd Grade (Dahl, Snyder, Odle) : 12:50-1:20
If eating school lunch with your student, please bring the exact amount - $5.50
There is not change available in the lunchroom.
Click on the images and links below for more information!
School Information & Social Media
Harlow's Bus Company
2237 W. Sherman Street • Sturgis, SD 57785
(605)347-5066
Rob Scott, Transportation Manager
Kelli Werlinger, Assistant Transportation Manager
Use the button below to access bus registration and additional information.
Sturgis Elementary School
Katy Jutting, Assistant Principal
Email: MeadeSESOffice@k12.sd.us
Website: https://www.meade.k12.sd.us/sturgis-elementary/
Location: 1121 Ballpark Road, Sturgis, SD, USA
Phone: 605-347-2386