Get the Scoop Community Newsletter
February 2026
Our Sturgis Scoopers have once again made us proud with outstanding achievements at the state level!
Congratulations to our State Wrestling Team Dual Champions for earning the title for the third year in a row. Their dedication, teamwork, and sportsmanship continue to inspire students and families across our district. We are so proud of our wrestlers and coaches for this remarkable accomplishment for three consecutive state titles is a testament to the hard work put in every day in the practice room and on the mat.
We are also thrilled to celebrate our One Act Play cast and crew, who performed Schoolhouse Rock and received Superior ratings at the state competition. A Superior is the highest honor awarded at state, and our students earned it through countless hours of rehearsal, creativity, and commitment to their craft. Congratulations to the cast, crew, and directors on this incredible achievement!
As we near spring, we're reminded of new beginnings and opportunities for growth. A committee will be formed with parents, board members, staff, and administrators to review the possibility of moving to a four-day school week. We will share more details soon about how community members can stay informed and offer feedback during this review process.
Student testing will begin in March, and we encourage families to support their students with good rest, healthy meals, and encouragement during this important time.
Finally, if you find yourself behind on lunch payments, we're pleased to share that matching funds are available to help bring accounts current. Please contact the district office or your school's food service department for details.
Thank you for your continued support of our students, staff, and schools. Together, we make our district a place where every student can succeed.
Kind Regards,
Wayne Wormstadt, Superintendent
Monday, March 9, 2026
- Sturgis Elementary Playground Contract
- SWMS and Administrative Building Electrical Systems Upgrade Proposal
- Elementary ELA Curriculum Approval
- 2026-27 Staff Reductions
- 2026-27 Bus Route Change Requests
(*Not all agenda items are listed, the full agenda will be posted to the public March 4. )
Petitions for school board vacancies for the 2026-27 school year are being circulated for the June 2, 2026 election. The deadline to submit your petition is March 24, 2026 by 5:00 pm to the Business Office.
Available Vacancies:
4-year term
4-year term
2-year term
The terms of two Board members, Megan Snyder and Brian Voight, currently serving three-year terms, and one Board member, Thomas Schneller, currently serving a two-year term, are expiring. The two seats previously designated as three-year terms will be elected to four-year terms, as approved by the Board at its December meeting.
The Meade School District is accepting nominations for the 2026–27 Teacher of the Year and Support Staff of the Year.
We encourage staff, parents, students, and community members to take this opportunity to recognize those who go above and beyond in service to the district.
All completed nomination forms must be submitted to the nominee’s building principal no later than Friday, February 27, 2026.
All requests for Meade School District 46-1 bus route change requests for the 2026-27 school year must be submitted to the office of the superintendent by April 1, 2026.
Forms can be mailed or emailed to:
Meade School District 46-1
1230 Douglas Street
Sturgis SD 57785
PVE Student, Emily Rogers Places At State Spelling Bee
PVE 4th grader Emily Rogers competed against 26 top 4th graders from across South Dakota in Mitchell and earned 7th place out of 27!
SWMS Perfect Attendance
Positive Student and Staff Referrals
January’s Positive Referrals recognized students and staff for acts of kindness and initiative, such as helping others, cleaning up, assisting staff, and volunteering. Twenty-five recipients earned a “Scoopers Making a Difference” T-shirt and a free pop and popcorn coupon, with t-shirt costs supported by the Sturgis Optimist Club.
January 2026 Honorees
Back Row: Jerek Dufner, Steven Loring, Cyler Joyce, Wyatt Jensen, Easton Sabers, Ruby Lawrence, Layla Clement, Trinity Plunkett, McKayla Walker, Cyle Miller Middle Row: Christ Koletzky, Holly Kopplin, Trinity Limpy, Rayberta Miller, Ian Weyer Front Row: Isacc Hoesing, Brooke LaMont, Ashlyn Larson, Kaydence Aldren, Maelee Schaeffer, Ayla Swanson
Gavin Werlinger Takes First Place
Gavin Werlinger earned first place at the Western Dakota Tech Welding Competition held on February 4. Werlinger’s top finish earned him over $500 in professional welding equipment, as well as a $30,000 Build Dakota Scholarship.
SBHS 18th Annual Career Fair
SBHS hosted its 18th Annual Career Fair on Wednesday, February 18. The event brought together more than 100 businesses, post-secondary institutions, and military representatives to provide students with valuable insight into future career and education opportunities.
SBHS Scoopmates Mentoring Program
The Scoopmates Mentoring Program is a new community initiative that connects youth with supportive adult mentors to build confidence, relationships, and a sense of belonging. Mentors provide guidance and encouragement—not discipline—and help students grow academically, socially, and emotionally in a safe, positive environment.
The program also benefits mentors by offering meaningful connections, personal growth, and a stronger sense of purpose. Community members can apply to become a Scoopmate through the program’s QR code.
2026 Driver's Education
Registration Window: Wednesday, February 25, beginning at 10:00 AM. No registrations taken before registration window.
Registration Fee: $300.00 paid at registration.
How to Register: Call the High School at (605) 347-2686, Option 1 OR Option 2.
Class Location: Sturgis Brown High School. Room TBD.
Complete Forms: Please use the link below, 2026 DE Registration Form, and send with payment.
Class Limits: All classes will have a minimum of 20 students before we run the class. There is a maximum of 26 students per class.
STUDENTS MUST BE 14 YEARS OF AGE AT THE TIME OF DRIVING PORTION OF THE CLASS.
Registration forms are available at the main office at Sturgis Brown High School, or use the link Driver's Education Registration Form . Please call (605) 347-2686 or drop your form off, after registration opens at Sturgis Brown High School to reserve your spot.
Driver Education Class Expectations – Students attendance is mandatory and students must attend every class time that is on the schedule (30 hours of classroom instruction is the law).
Driving Portion of Class - During class, students will sign up for an additional 12 hours of driving/riding that is outside of the classroom schedule. Students will drive for 6 hours and ride for 6 hours at a minimum. Driving begins when the class time starts. Driving takes time, expect to have driving times within a month following the class times and possibly during the summer.
Scooper Thespian Society Earns Top Honors at State One Act Festival
The Scooper Thespian Society performed Schoolhouse Rock at the State One Act Festival on February 6. The Scooper Thespian Society was awarded a Superior Award for Technical Theater. Students receiving this honor were Kate Bestgen, Kaitlyn Brown, Grace Schiferl, Aydyn Key, Frederick Weishaar, Anastie Allen, Masea Overweg, Isabella Bialota, and Elizabeth Hamman.
Additionally, ten performers were recognized for their excellence onstage, each earning a Superior Medal for Outstanding Acting. These honors were awarded to Eric Schneller, Jody Loomis, Lukus Harms, Vivian Anderson, Destiny Plunkett, Abby Dodson, Abby Smith, Elise Henrichsen, Hannah Johnson, and Addie Hill.
SBHS to Celebrate Student-Athletes on College Signing
SBHS recognized several outstanding student-athletes who will continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level during a SBHS College Signing Day celebration on Wednesday, February 18.
The following SBHS athletes honored and not pictured below:
Kelson Dirk – Wrestling
Brooklynn Baird – Wrestling
Jaxon Cano
Signs his Letter of intent to continue his football career with the Mount Marty Lancers.
Sully Jost
Signs his Letter of Intent to continue his football career with the Dakota State Trojans.
Quinn Bruch
Signs his Letter of Intent to continue his cross-country & track career at Black Hills State University.
Hunter Johnson
Signs his Letter of intent to continue his Division I swimming career with the Wagner Seahawks.
Iris Zylstra
Signs her Letter of Intent to continue her soccer career with Gillette College.
Parker Graveman
Signs his Letter of Intent to continue his wrestling career with the North Central College Cardinals.
SBHS Speech & Debate had Outstanding Performance
SBHS Speech and Debate Team received an outstanding showing at the Rapid City Speech and Debate Tournament. The team earned 2nd place overall.
In Domestic Extemporaneous, Ian Johnson placed 6th and Hunter Scott earned 1st place. International Extemporaneous saw Cade Tallmage finish 5th and Riley Carlson take 1st. In Oratory, Miranda Rude placed 6th and Madisyn Richter earned 1st, while Informative Speaking featured a 1st-place finish from Marcus Roache and a 3rd-place finish from Clara Kruger. In Congressional Debate, Wynter Thomason advanced to the semifinals and also earned 2nd place in Poetry and 3rd place in Program of Oral Interpretation (POI).
SBHS Boys Wrestling Bring Home State Team Dual Title - Again!
Three in a row! SBHS Scooper boys’ wrestling team dominated Friday, February 13 in Pierre, securing their third consecutive SD Class A State Team Dual Championship.
Nine Scoopers finished the state duals undefeated: Sullivan Sigman (106 pounds), Tyce Dunn (113), Tyler Baldwin (120), Josiah Drummer (144), Ben Nadig (157), Gavin Werlinger (175), Kelson Dirk (190), Zhoel Irion (215), and Tyce Uherka (285).
SBHS is excited to announce Sharon Peterson as the new Head Volleyball Coach for the Scoopers, pending Board approval. A Scooper alumna and former standout setter, Peterson brings years of coaching experience and a lifelong passion for volleyball. We can’t wait to see her lead the team!
- 2026-27 MS Principal
- 2026-27 HS Business/FACS or Health Careers Teacher
- 2026-27 MS Science Teacher
- 2026-27 Special Services Teachers
- 2026-27 Special Services Behavior Intervention Teachers
- 2026-27 Rural Music Teacher
- Athletic/Activities Coaches
- Computer Technician
- Cafeteria/Lunchroom Supervisor (part-time)
Is your 5th grader 11? If so, they can get their 6th grade immunizations done now! Just call your provider to schedule an appt & let the school nurse know!
Andrea Christensen
Piedmont Valley Elementary
Julie Carpenter
Piedmont Valley Elementary
Brittni Luikens
Piedmont Valley Elementary
Michele Paulson
Stagebarn Middle School
Sara Audiss
Sturgis Williams Middle School
Samantha Heupel
Sturgis Williams Middle School
For the 13th year, our schools will take part in the SPREAD THE WORD campaign throughout March. The 2026 theme, “Your Words Matter!”, promotes inclusion, respect, and the celebration of all abilities.
The Special Services Office is coordinating the effort, with banners, posters, and pencils displayed in each building. Activities begin Monday, March 2, with the official celebration on Wednesday, March 4—though we’ll continue spreading the message all month long. Students and staff are encouraged to participate and wear their SPREAD THE WORD shirts to show their support.
The Food Service Department continues to expand menu options across the district, giving students more opportunities to explore new flavors while enjoying nutritious meals. SBHS will pilot a new Ramen Bar, offering a fun, customizable option for students. In addition, through the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, students sampled baby red bananas—just one example of the unique produce being introduced to broaden their experiences with fresh, healthy foods.
These efforts are part of an ongoing commitment to provide a wider variety of choices, encourage students to try something new, and make mealtime both engaging and nourishing. 🍜🍌
- February 23 & 26: Parent-Teacher Conferences (Elem, Rural & Whitewood)
- February 27: TOY/EOY Submittals Due
- March 4: 2 Hour Late Start (Staff Professional Development)
- March 9: School Board Meeting
- March 19: Teacher In-Service (No school for students)
- March 20: Spring Break (No school)
- March 24: School Board Election Petitions Deadline
Sturgis Chamber of Commerce Events & Facebook
Sturgis Community Center website & Facebook
Foothills Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook
