The Mission of Custer School District is to Educate Every Student to His/Her Potential.

All South Dakota students in kindergarten through 12th grade are invited to participate in the South Dakota Governor’s Student Art Competition. Submissions should be sent in by art teachers, classroom teachers, home-school teachers, or legal guardians. The submission deadline is Nov. 4.

The competition is coordinated by the South Dakota Arts Council.

Selected submissions will be exhibited in the State Capitol in Pierre from January through September 2025. For rules and submission instructions, visit the competition webpage.

A heartfelt THANK YOU to these extraordinary area ranchers for investing in our students' well-being! Their generous donations of beef and bison, to our school meal program through “Ranch to Schools”, are truly appreciated! We extend our gratitude also to Lunchtime Solutions Inc. for their partnership in this program, and for crafting delicious meals with the donated beef and bison!

Hello Wildcat Fans!

• Fall Activities are winding down with football and cross country concluding their seasons last week. Congratulations to the boys Cross Country team for placing 2nd at the state meet last Saturday!
• CHS is sending 2 quartets to All State Choir along with 2 individuals that were selected for All State Orchestra. We wish them well as they travel and perform in Sioux Falls this weekend.
• Volleyball wraps up their regular season games this week and will head to the post-season playoffs next week.
• Middle school girls basketball started practice last week and middle school wrestling starts practice this week.

Mrs. Joint is not a stranger to CSD, as she was hired back in 2007 as a paraprofessional. She left to obtain a teaching degree, and has returned this year to teach Special Education classes at Custer Jr/Sr HS.

Where are you from?

I moved here in 2007 from a small town near Youngstown, Ohio. I was about an hour and a half from both Cleveland and Pittsburgh.

Why did you want to teach here?

I have always applauded Custer School District as a wonderful school. All three of my children attended Custer with both of my daughters graduating from Custer High School. As my children grew, I worked toward getting my teaching degree so that I may one day teach in this district.

What are you most looking forward to?

I am looking forward to the days when students will reflect on their educational careers and realize why teachers may have pushed them so much and cared for them so deeply.

Fun Facts about you...

My husband and I share six children and 7 grandchildren. We have three dogs, two cats, and 9 rabbits. I enjoy spending my time with family, friends, and animals. Each day I am thankful for all of the gifts I have been blessed with and the opportunity to be employed by the district.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the Custer School District 16-1 Career and Technical Education facility has officially taken place!

This exciting new building east of the existing Custer High School will be approximately 18,000 square feet and feature spaces for wood and welding shops, classrooms, an art room, and a Family and Consumer Science room. Additionally, the existing high school will undergo updates to modernize a few classrooms.

The project is expected to be completed in about 14 months.

Sports:

• Congratulations to our Boys Cross Country Team for being runner-up at State!

• If you are interested in high school baseball, please see or email Mrs. Kortemeyer for a link to a survey. It is open to boys and girls.

• Those interested in Boys Basketball, grades 8-11, meet in Mr. Kelley’s room tomorrow morning during WC time.

• Please plan to bring all items needed for your school day inside with you in the morning, i.e. hoodies, gym clothes, deodorant, lunch, etc.
• Current Juniors & Seniors - Dual credit courses for the Spring 2025 semester will open for registration on November 1st! If you have any questions - please speak with Mrs. French
• From now to November 30th, you can apply to all SD schools for free

Organizations:

• All grades 7-12, please check your email for a survey regarding future AG electives, sent by Mrs. Moore.

• Jr. High Student Council is hosting a costume Contest for each grade level 7-12 on Thursday, October 31. There will be one winner picked for each class. The winner will receive a Festive Gift Basket! We encourage your participation! Please, no gory or inappropriate costumes.
• There will be an FCCLA mtg this Thursday, Oct. 31st, at 7:20 a.m. in Ms. Frederick’s room.
• NHS is hosting a fall formal for HS students only, on Friday, November 15th from 7-10 p.m. in the high school commons.
• There will be a HOSA mtg 10/31 at 7:15 a.m. in Mrs. Dooley’s room.

Seniors:

• We are collecting orders for caps/gowns! They will be $29 each. This includes cap/gown/tassel. Extra Bling tassels are $17. Please see Mrs. Moore in the office to order.
• Seniors – only about half have answered the survey for graduation choices. Please check your email for a link from Mrs. Moore.

• Miranda Jaure Memorial Volleyball Tournament on Sunday, Nov. 10th. You can register 4 per team, registration fee is $40 per team. Forms are in the CHS office. 650-673-4473

This awesome opportunity is available for kids from 4-6 grade and will allow them to learn a few fun pieces, make new friends, and put on an afternoon concert! If your child is interested in this great musical opportunity, reach out via the contact info below!

• Custer Jr/Sr HS Facebook
• Custer Jr/Sr HS Counselor's Corner Website
• Custer Jr/Sr HS Student Council Facebook
• Custer Jr/Sr HS Choirs Facebook
• Custer Wildcat Booster Club Facebook
• Custer FFA Facebook
• Custer Youth and Alumni Foundation Facebook

Assistant Principal/Activities Director: Joey Kortemeyer - joey.kortemeyer@k12.sd.us

Custer Jr High Assistant Principal, AD & Counselor: Dusty Petz - dustin.petz@k12.sd.us

Administrative Assistant: Kelli Moore - kelli.moore@k12.sd.us

Location: 1645 Wildcat Lane, Custer, SD, USA
Phone: (605) 673-4473
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CusterJrSrHigh/

The Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems (ECCS) Collaborative is looking for parenting adults with young children to join the Family Leadership Group. The insight and feedback Family Leaders provide is extremely important to ECCS’s mission of improving child health outcomes in South Dakota. Family Leaders receive a $60 Amazon gift card for each meeting they attend. Click here for the application and additional information. Please contact Darbi Hunt with any questions at dhunt@bhssc.org or 605-641-6382. Please consider sharing our Facebook Post and/or Flyer!

Note: Miss Neugebauer not new to Custer as she is a 2019 CHS graduate. This is her second year of teaching but first year with CSD. She is teaching Grade 3 at CES.

Where are you from?

I am from Hermosa, SD, but I spent the past five years in Laramie, WY.

Why did you want to teach here?

I loved going to school in Custer School District, so when I decided to move back home, I knew I wanted to teach here.

What are you most looking forward to?

When I started, I was looking forward to being a part of this community and teaching with two of my aunts! The start of the school year has been amazing!

Susan returns to CSD now wearing the staff title instead of the student title she wore last time she walked the halls of our school buildings! Mrs. Ostenson is teaching Grade 2 at CES.
Where are you from?

I grew up west of Hermosa and graduated from Custer High School before going to college at Chadron State, living (teaching & coaching) in eastern Colorado for 6 years, Edgemont for 20 years, and back to the family farm west of Hermosa last year.

Why did you want to teach here? Custer School District is home for me--both because of where I am living now and because of where I grew up. Custer Elementary is also such a positive place, with great administrative support, collaborative teachers and support staff, and a family atmosphere to help kids grow and everyone to feel welcome.

What are you most looking forward to?

I am most looking forward to teaching in the same school as my sister and niece and being here to watch my nephews as well.

Fun Facts about you: My husband (who I met at CHS) and I have two daughters who are both living in Virginia currently. Jenna is in the US Navy, serving as a nurse at Portsmith Hospital and living in Virginia Beach. Peyton is a sophomore at Richard Bland College, south of Richmond, where she plays both court and beach volleyball. (Her team was the runner up at the NJCAA National tournament last spring, and she earned the recognition of All-American!)

Click here for the latest CES Newsletter

Click here for the CES Facebook Page - follow for more school information & announcements!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Halloween reminder: Costumes that are too gory, frightening, or that exhibit violence will not be allowed. Also, district policy does not allow weapons or play weapons (toy swords, toy guns, toy knives, etc.) to be brought to school.

• Oct 29th: Maturity Visit
• Oct 31st: Costume Parade at 2:10 am
• Oct 31st: Fall Harvest Classroom parties following the parade, 2:30
• Nov 2nd: Elementary Honor Choir in Sioux Falls at 3:30 pm
• Nov 7th: End of First Trimester
• Nov 11th: Veterans Day Program in the armory at 2:00 – 3:30 pm
• Nov 12th: Student Council meeting at 7:35 am in Mrs. Webster’s room
• Nov 14th: Pajama Day – you can wear your pajamas for $.50. Sponsored by the Student Council.
• Nov 18th: Chronicle coloring contest due in office by noon.
• Nov 18th – 21st: Stuff A Truck
• Nov 21st: Mike Donahue Value-Up presentations
• Nov 25th: Student of the Month Assembly – Respect
• Nov 26th: Student Council meeting at 7:35 am in Mrs. Webster’s room
• Nov 27th & 28th: Thanksgiving Break

Custer School District is proud to announce its first-ever, all-day early education option, specifically designed for children ages 3, 4, and 5, who miss the kindergarten cut-off. This innovative program marks a significant step forward in our approach to early childhood education, emphasizing an all-together approach, and ensuring every child has a sense of belonging from the very start of their educational journey.

The new program caters to both typically developing children and those with diagnosed disabilities, fostering an environment where all students can thrive together. We are committed to providing a supportive atmosphere that embraces diversity in developmental needs.

One of the key aspects of this initiative is affordability. Families of typically developing children, based on income qualifications, can access this program at an affordable rate. This ensures that financial constraints do not hinder any child from benefiting from high-quality early education.

"This new all-day early education option represents our dedication to supporting families in our community," said Nicole Wells, a collaborative member of developing the all-day option within the Custer School District. "We believe that early education should be accessible to all children, regardless of their developmental differences or financial circumstances. By creating this all-together and nurturing environment, we aim to empower every child and support their families in achieving their goals."

Custer School District is excited to launch this program and looks forward to welcoming children and families into this supportive educational environment. For more information about enrollment and program details, please contact Nicole Wells at nicole.wells@k12.sd.us for the Custer area and Forrest Paris at forrest.paris@k12.sd.us for Hermosa.

Administrative Assistant Cindy Heyne - cindy.heyne@k12.sd.us

Location: 1415 Wildcat Lane, Custer, SD, USA
Phone: 605-673-4483
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CusterElementarySchool/

Hermosa Family Newsletter - LOTS of Important information included in newsletter!

Hermosa Facebook Page - please follow for updated daily announcements

Hermosa Spirt Wear Store

WELCOME NEW STAFF:

• Holly Ellis ~ HES Special Ed Paraprofessional
• Glenda Frank ~ HES Special Ed Paraprofessional
  
  

October Schedule

• Oct. 28 Red Ribbon Week
• Oct. 31 Trunk or Treat 2:45-3:15

Upcoming Hornet Activities

Administrative Assistant: Jennifer Conley - jennifer.conley@k12.sd.us

Website: https://www.csd.k12.sd.us/Domain/11
Location: 11 4th Street, Hermosa, SD, USA
Phone: 605-255-4345
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HermosaSchool/

Maintenance Worker Apply Online

Coaching Openings - Apply Online

Current employees send letter/email of interest to AD Joey Kortemeyer joey.kortemeyer@k12.sd.us all others must complete an application.

1. HOSA Advisor - $2,745 - starting fall 2024
2. HES Boys Basketball Coach - $1,961 – starting winter 2024
3. HES Track Coach - $1,961 – starting spring 2025
4. Prom Advisor - $510 – starting spring 2025

SUBSTITUTE CLEANERS - needed at all schools to fill-in for staff when needed. Must complete CSD classified application packet and complete a criminal background check. $17/hr DOE.

SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS - needed at all schools. Must complete CSD substitute application packet, submit proof of highest level of education, and complete a criminal background check prior to starting. Contact the CSD Admin. Office for a packet, or apply online at CSD.k12.sd.us, which will include the fingerprint/background check materials. Minimum requirement, HS graduate. Pay range $110/day-$135/day. Retired CSD Teachers start at $135/day. **Paraprofessional substitute pay is $15/hr.

CONTACT INFORMATION
Custer School District, 527 Montgomery St., Custer, SD 57730. PH: 605.673.3154 FAX: 605.673.5607, Mon.-Thurs., 8-3 p.m. and Fridays closed.

NON-DISCRIMINATION
The Custer School District 16-1 does not discriminate on the basis of race or color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy), disability, sexual orientation, age, religion and creed, military/veteran status, or marital status, in admission or access to or treatment or employment in its programs and activities: and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. For inquiries concerning the District’s compliance with Title VI or the Age Discrimination Act please contact the Superintendent of Schools, 527 Montgomery St., Custer, SD, 57730, (605) 673-3154; for Title IX please contact the Activities Director, 1645 Wildcat Lane, Custer, SD, 57730, (605)673-4473; or for Section 504 of the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) act please contact the Special Education Director, 527 Montgomery St., Custer, SD, 57730, (605) 673-3154. For further inquiries contact the South Dakota Regional Office for Civil Rights, Kansas City Office, U.S. Dept. of Education, One Petticoat Lane, 1010 Walnut Street, Suite 320, Kansas City, MO, 64106, phone (816) 268-0550, TDD (800) 877-0599, Fax (816) 268-0559, e-mail: OCR.KansasCity@ed.gov

🟪Make sure your child is in school on time every day, and make it clear to your child that school attendance is not optional.

🟨Show interest in your child's education by asking what they are learning in school. By your words and actions, show that their education is very important.

⬛Encourage your child to complete their homework and in-class assignments to the best of their ability. Let them know that you are always available to help.

🟪Be informed. Attend open houses, parent programs, and parent-teacher conference. Read school newsletters and regularly visit the school's website.

Superintendent Mark Naugle - mark.naugle@k12.sd.us

Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent Jennie Anderson - jennie.anderson@k12.sd.us

Click here for all staff listing

Administration Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs. ~ 8-3 p.m. & Fridays ~ closed

Website: www.csd.k12.sd.us
Location: 527 Montgomery Street, Custer, SD, USA
Phone: 605-673-3154
Facebook: www.facebook.com/custerschooldistrict