Superintendent Monthly Newsletter

It is with sincere appreciation that I begin another year serving as your superintendent. Thank you for joining us as we embark on a new academic journey with the Brookings School District. Our district offers students multiple pathways to success, and our dedicated staff is committed to helping each child embrace their potential, discover their strengths, and pursue their interests to make the most of their time with us.

This year, we will continue to focus on aligning literacy practices to the Science of Reading, ensuring that all students learn to read. Equally important, we remain committed to fostering safe and supportive learning environments where instructional practices promote both academic growth and social-emotional well-being. Together, these efforts reflect our mission to provide a comprehensive education that prepares students for success in an ever-changing world.

We've worked to develop a communication plan that offers multiple ways for families to stay connected, and the District Newsletter is one more way to keep you informed. I encourage you to take a moment this fall to explore all of the communication options available.

I believe good things are in store for our district, and I am grateful for the privilege of serving your children and our community. On behalf of the Board of Education, administration, faculty, and staff, I wish you and your children a successful 2025–2026 school year in the Brookings School District.

Dr. Summer Schultz

Brookings High School has launched a bell-to-bell, device-free learning environment (excluding lunch) using the Yondr pouch system. To say I’m proud of our staff and students for taking this step is an understatement.

We know eliminating cell phones during the school day will:

• Reduce distractions

• Promote focus

• Strengthen peer connections

• Support student well-being
  
  

At Brookings School District, we often say, “Once we know better, we do better.” While many districts say cell phones are not allowed, successfully enforcing that expectation is another challenge altogether. With the Yondr system, we’re building classrooms where teachers can focus on teaching without device-related disruptions, and students can stay fully engaged in their learning. A sincere thank you to our parents and community members for supporting this initiative. Together, we are making a positive difference in the lives of our students.

Additional information on why this initiative is so important can be found at the link below.

Brookings High School Newsletter - Launching Device Pouches 8.15.25

We’re excited to announce a new partnership with SmartSocial for the 2025–2026 school year! This trusted platform helps families, students, and educators stay informed about trending digital topics like AI, TikTok, Snapchat, online challenges, and more.

Through this partnership, all BSD parents, students, and staff will have free access to:

• 54+ Live Parent Events with online safety experts

• 450+ On-Demand Resources (videos, guides, conversation starters)

• Student-Created Videos that spark real conversations at home and in class
  
  

Brookings High School has already taken steps to reduce cell phone distractions, and this resource will educate staff and parents on how to help kids be safe when utilizing social media. There are even Back-to-School resources ready to explore, including upcoming live sessions on AI and student success!

Let’s work together to support our students in becoming smart, safe digital citizens. Get started today by creating your free district account: [Register now]

Stay connected with everything Brookings School District--right from your pocket!

With the app, you can:

• Stay updated on events and news
• Access important documents
• Receive emergency notifications
  
  

Reminder: You are able to select the schools you want to receive notifications from in the settings section of the app. I would encourage families to follow the District as well. If you signed up last year, and your child changed buildings, you may need to do this update.

Download now:

• Download for Android: https://bit.ly/3NE5Vdg
• Download for iPhone: https://apple.co/3NG9AHi

Looking to stay informed about what’s happening in our school district? It’s easy to follow along with school board activity—from live meetings to district policies—with just a click.

Watch Live or Catch the Replay
You can watch school board meetings live as they happen or view recordings later at your convenience.
👉 Click [HERE] to watch live meetings and access past recordings.

View Agendas, Minutes & Policies
Looking for upcoming or past meeting agendas, approved minutes, or school board policies? All of these resources are organized in one convenient location.
👉 Click [HERE] to access agendas, minutes, and board policies.

We encourage families, staff, and community members to stay engaged and informed. Thank you for being an active part of our school community!

If you know a family who still has questions about enrollment, applications, or school services, encourage them to:

• Visit the district website for updated, translatable info
• Contact the appropriate office by phone or email before visiting in person:

District Contacts:

• Admin Office: (605) 696-4700
• District Registrar: (605) 696-4724
• Brookings High School: (605) 696-4100
• Mickelson Middle School: (605) 696-4500
• Camelot Intermediate: (605) 696-4400
• Dakota Prairie Elementary: (605) 696-4900
• Hillcrest Elementary: (605) 696-4600
• Medary Elementary: (605) 696-4300

Your help goes a long way in making sure every family feels supported and welcomed---thank you!

*Early Release on Wednesdays - School Improvement Planning: Dismissal at 2:22 PM

• September 1 - Labor Day (NO SCHOOL)
• October 7 & 9 - Evening Parent/Teacher Conferences (conclude at 7:30 pm)
• October 10 - All Day Parent/Teacher Conferences (NO SCHOOL)
• October 13 - Native American Day (NO SCHOOL)
• October 17 - End of 1st Quarter
• November 26 - Comp Day for October Evening Conferences (NO SCHOOL)
• November 27 & 28 - Thanksgiving Break (NO SCHOOL)
• December 19 - End of 2nd Quarter/1st Semester -- NOON DISMISSAL (Hosting Bell Debate)
• December 22-January 5 - Winter Break (NO SCHOOL)