R.F Pettigrew Elementary

Hello Pettigrew Panther Families!

I want to extend a warm welcome to each of you as we begin the 2025–2026 school year! I’m honored to serve as the new principal at Pettigrew Elementary and look forward to an exciting year ahead filled with learning, growth, and connection.

At Pettigrew, we believe every child can succeed, and we are committed to creating a school where all students feel supported, challenged, and celebrated. One of our key goals this year is helping every student grow as a reader—because when students can read confidently, they can learn anything.

As I begin this new journey, I’m excited to get to know the amazing families that make up our school community. If you see me at arrival, dismissal, or events—please don’t hesitate to say hello and introduce yourself! Building strong relationships with families is one of the best parts of this work, and I can’t wait to connect with you.

Tim Wagner

Principal, R.F. Pettigrew Elementary

Hometown

• Garretson, SD

Family

• Rebecca (Wife)
• 4 children: Ben, Luke, Emily, and Lucy (ages 3-9)

Education

• B.S. Elementary Education
• B.S. Special Education
• M.Ed School Leadership/Principal

Experience

• Classroom Teacher (10 years)
• Administrator (Dean of Students/Assistant Principal/Principal: 12 years)
• Previous experience at John Harris, Rosa Parks, and Terry Redlin Elementary Schools

Fun Facts

• Dr. John W. Harris Teacher of the Year Finalist 2012
• Garretson Baseball Hall of Fame 2025

We’re excited to welcome students and families to meet their teacher and explore their new classroom! This open house is the perfect time to:

• Meet your teacher and get acquainted before the school year begins.

• Locate your desk or locker and get a head start on organizing.

• Bring and set up school supplies—get comfy in your new space!

• See your friends! Meet new friends!

• Meet Mr. Wagner! Say hi to your new principal!

Early Childhood will enter through the west side of the building for their open house

Friday, August 15th - Class list available on Infinite Campus for parents/guardians

• Note: You will only be able to see which class your child is in if you completed your annual update!

Monday, August 18th - Early Childhood Open House 5-7pm (Enter on West Side)

Tuesday, August 19th - K-5 Open House and Pictures

• Kindergarten (new families): 4:00-5:00pm
• Kindergarten (returning families): 5:00-6:00pm
• 1st grade-5th grade: 5:00-7:00pm

Thursday, August 21st - First Day of School (K-5)

Tuesday, August 26th - Early Childhood First Day of School

• School Starts at 8:10am (after 8:10am-students must go through door A)
• Breakfast
• Students enter Door A starting at 7:40am
• Arrival
• Students not eating breakfast at school should arrive at 7:50am or after. At 7:50, students walk to the playground and enter their assigned door.
• Dismissal:
• Bus students: 2:50pm
• Students walking or getting picked up and students who attend CLC: 2:55pm
• Daycare Vans: 3:00pm

2025-26 Parent/Guardian and Student Handbook

• Visit the Parent/Guardian and Student Handbook for specific information related to Pettigrew Elementary.

Be Ready!

• K-5 Classroom Teachers will be asking you to provide the following information before or on open house:
• Your child's T-shirt size (for the Fun Run)
• Your after school plans (bus, CLC, parent/guardian pick up, etc.)
• 1st day of school after school plan (bus, CLC, parent/guardian pick up, etc.)

Please be alert and patient when dropping your child off or picking them up at Pettigrew Elementary. Remember, you cannot drop off in the parking lot unless you park and walk your child across the crosswalk! Thank you for following our procedures and keeping everyone safe.

R.F. Pettigrew Elementary school supply lists are now available by clicking the image on the left or going to TeacherLists.

Pettigrew's PTO is recruiting new members to join for the upcoming 2025-26 school year! Now is your chance to make a difference and get involved. Everyone is welcome. No experience needed. Email: rfp.president@yahoo.com

R.F. Pettigrew Families - if you have not completed online registration please use the link below. Families can either register as a new family or log into parent portal. If families need help, please call (605) 362-3560. Families can also visit the school registration page online: https://www.sf.k12.sd.us/page/school-registration