Stallion News

Congratulations to our incredible Students of the Month! We are so proud to celebrate these outstanding students who perfectly embody what it means to be a Stallion. At our school, Stallion Pride is at the heart of everything we do, and these individuals have gone above and beyond by filling the buckets of others with kindness, investigating new ideas with curiosity, spreading daily Stallion Positivity, showing grit through tough challenges, and practicing excellent sportsmanship. Please join us in celebrating the hard work and amazing character of this month's honorees!

Pictured Left to Right: Dusty LeFebre (Bucket), Ruah Behnke (Sportsmanship), Uriah Bell (Grit), Ryker Rowlan (Investigator), Mara Jade Plunkett (Pledge)

Pictured Left to Right: Sophia Gebhard (Pledge), Aisha Booze (Grit), Henry Hartung (Sportsmanship), Nolan Brennan (Investigator), Carter Interlicchia (Bucket)

Pictured Left to Right: Eddie Sylva (Bucket), Abby Cross (Investigator), Jaina Plunkett (Stallion Positivity), Jackson Merwin (Grit), Gage West (Sportsmanship)

Pictured Left to Right: Joslyn Hager (Grit), Owen Shull (Investigator), Lucas Krenn (Scooper)

Not Pictured: Paxton Thompson (Stallion), Cienna Sheldon (Sportsmanship)

Congratulations, Mr. Doerges, and thank you for boosting our school's morale through your dedicated advocacy, constant helpfulness, and uplifting staff shout-outs!

Mr. Doerges is highly supportive and proactive team player who actively recognizes others, having submitted 17 staff shout-outs this month. He advocates for students and staff across both general and special education, consistently offers organizational support, and brings a positive, generous energy to the team—along with treats and garden fresh vegetables.

Congratulations, Mr. Carpenter! Thank you for making such a positive impact on our students, staff, and school community.

Mr. Carpenter is a positive, student-centered leader who has seamlessly transitioned into a new curriculum and grade level with enthusiasm. He keeps his team connected and laughing, actively seeks feedback to improve, and consistently steps in to help wherever he is needed.

The South Dakota Division of Behavioral Health, part of the Department of Social Services, is launching an opportunity of which anyone may sign up to receive weekly affirmations via SMS text. These affirmations are geared for a wide variety of audiences and provide reminders and positive notes to self. Once 100 individuals are signed up, weekly texts will begin. Sign up here.

At Stagebarn Middle School, we believe that regular attendance sets our students up for success both in the classroom and in their future adult lives. To keep our community informed and aligned, we have updated our attendance policy (Policy JED).

How to Notify the School of an Absence

If your student is going to be absent, please notify the school office by 8:45 AM. You must contact the school within 24 hours of the absence, or it will automatically be marked as unexcused.

If the office has not received a notification, our new automated system will send you a phone call and text message to check in.

Ways to contact us:

• Phone: (605) 787-4172
• Email: meadeSMSoffice@k12.sd.us
• Written Note: Turned into the main office

What to include in your notification:

• Student’s first and last name
• Date and hours of the absence
• Reason for the absence
• A daytime phone number where you can be reached
• Parent/guardian signature (for written notes only)

Attendance Tracking & Milestones

We want to keep communication open and prevent any surprises. Under the updated policy, notifications are sent based on a student's total absences. Students who miss more than 17 days in a school year are considered chronically absent.

• At 5, 10, and 15 absences: You will receive an official notification from the school to help track attendance.
• At 17 absences: A letter will be sent, and truancy will be filed with the State’s Attorney.

Absences Eligible for Special Consideration

The principal or a designee can review and approve certain absences when accompanied by a parent note or phone call. These include:

• Illness or quarantine (please submit a doctor’s note whenever applicable)
• Serious illness or bereavement in the family
• Major religious holidays
• Extreme weather that endangers student safety
• State or nationally recognized youth programs of educational value (up to 5 days per school term, with prior approval and proper documentation)

Other exceptional circumstances may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that the school reserves the final right to determine whether an absence qualifies for consideration, regardless of parental consent.

Thank you for your continued partnership in keeping our students present, engaged, and learning! If you have any questions about these adjustments, please feel free to reach out to the school office.

If your student misses school, this is a great place to check on work that they have missed.

5th Grade Click Here

6th Grade Click Here

7th Grade Click Here

8th Grade Click here

Encore Classes Click here

Stay up to date with your student's grades, missing assignments, attendance, etc.

If you already have an account with another student, you do NOT need to create another login.

If you have forgotten your login, please call the office and we will help you get logged in.

(605) 787-4172

Dakota Bus Company

631 S. 32nd Street • Spearfish, SD 57783

(605)347-1946

Amanda Christensen, Principal

Melissa Thienes, Vice Principal

Attendance Email: MeadeSMSOffice@k12.sd.us

Website: www.meade.k12.sd.us/

Location: 12500 Sturgis Rd, Summerset, SD 57769

Phone: 605-787-4172