October Newsletter

This year we have started a new study skills/skill development class called WIN. WIN stands for “What I Need,” a dedicated time during the school day to help students develop skills that support their success. During the first few weeks, our WIN lessons focused on organization and time management. Students explored how staying organized, planning ahead, and using their time effectively can help them manage the responsibilities of middle school. These skills provide a foundation for becoming more independent, confident learners.

Our WIN time has now shifted to strengthening math skills based on each student’s individual needs. This focused time gives students opportunities to practice skills, build understanding, and grow in confidence. By targeting areas where students need additional support or practice, we can help them move forward in their learning. Ask your student, “What are you working on during WIN?” It is a simple way to stay connected and celebrate their progress!

My name is Ann Anderson and this is my 28th year of teaching. I’ve taught and coached in Spearfish, Belle Fourche, Texas, and North Dakota. I earned my degrees from Jamestown University and Black Hills State University and am a National Board Certified Teacher. I received the 2012 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching and was the 2026 South Dakota Region Teacher of the Year.

Outside of the classroom, I call Spearfish home, where I live with my husband, Clint, our daughter, Elle, our son, Brant, and our dog, Indy. When I’m not teaching, I enjoy the outdoors, sewing, or spending time in the kitchen cooking and baking.

My name is Mike Abell. I have been a teacher for 16 years. I taught 5th and 4th grade for 11 years and transitioned to PE the last 5 years. I coach MS Football, HS Wrestling, and MS Track. I have 2 children that both attend this school. Ethan is an 8th grader and Harper is a 6th grader. My wife is a Junior Kindergarten teacher in Sturgis as well. We spend our winters coaching and chasing our kids around during their sports seasons. When summer rolls around, we leave town and spend our summers at Sheridan Lake. I enjoy hunting in the winter months and anything to do with the water in the summer.

Respect means treating others with kindness, consideration, and understanding.

This month, we are celebrating students who show respect by listening to others, using kind words, appreciating differences, following expectations, and treating classmates and staff with kindness. These students help create a positive school environment where everyone feels valued and included.

Congratulations to our Students of the Month for demonstrating what it means to lead with respect!

5th Grade:

Kade Sanders - Donovan Baumiller - Jackson Pawlowski - Emma Jutting - Brynlee Delaney

6th Grade:

Kenna Van Beek - Riley Shulaw - Blaisely Haugen - Peyton Sand - Winston Bush

7th Grade:

Victoria Pilcher - Jerzee Pickett - Aubrey Joachim - Levi Fitzsimmons - Alexis Stacey - Anna Maria Carroll

8th Grade:

Nadia Smith - Julian Harder - Neal Butterfield - Izabella Fosdyck - Gavin Oliver - Riley Feistner

5th Grade: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kyiFIsdOtgz-tZfPZ9eONKxPzszK7Lo1RZ-0miv4f-E/edit?usp=sharing

6th Grade: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_d44_X3uf0s__PBoVfQf4is0MP7eAcAtOuKWDvYJIqc/edit?usp=sharing

7th Grade: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1F-0FRXYip32hcjxEx30HxUn-yw8mSM475mzdXIv2XkM/edit?usp=sharing

8th Grade: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Gaojw4pBx_WlWTvwbXGsge_9_HpMtQjFAZ0r4-vSBx8/edit?usp=sharing

Meade School District 46-1 invites the public to attend the upcoming presentation as we continue exploring the possibility of a 4-day school week.

The presentations will include:

• An overview of the work completed to date

• Known results from the parent/community surveys

• A sample 4-day school week schedule

• Answers to questions available at that time

We encourage families, staff, and community members to attend, learn more, and share their thoughts.

• View report cards, current grades, and individual assignment scores.
• Check your student's daily attendance, including absences and tardies.
• View your student's daily class schedule and teacher assignments.

Contact the office for login credentials.

Download the Campus Parent App

5th Grade Students: The location for late drop-off or early pick-up varies depending on the time. At certain times, 5th-grade students should be dropped off or picked up at the Special Services Office in the 5th Grade/Administrative Building. Please contact the school office if you are unsure where to go.

6th–8th Grade Students: All late arrivals and early pick-ups for 6th–8th grade students are handled through the SWMS Main Office, where students must be signed in or out.

The SWMS After School Program is offered on Tuesdays from 3:20–5:15 PM. It gives students an opportunity to catch up on assignments, work with a teacher for extra help, and get back on track with their schoolwork.

There are 25 spots available each Tuesday. A call needs to be made each week to reserve a spot. Please call the SWMS office or reach out to your child’s Homeroom or WIN Time teacher to reserve a spot.

Chad Hedderman, Principal

Katy Jutting, Assistant Principal

Website: https://www.meade.k12.sd.us/o/swms

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SturgisWilliamsMS461official/

Location: 1425 Cedar Street, Sturgis, SD, USA
Phone: 605-347-5232