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We’re now just over a month into the school year, and our community came alive during Homecoming Week. The participation of the students and community throughout the week and the large turnout for the parade and games was spot-on! With energy still high, we’re launching into the year-long work of bringing our new five-year Strategic Plan to life. Over this year, our focus will include district culture, improved student outcomes, master facility planning and communication.

Award-Winning Staff in Meade 46-1 Honored in September

Katie Bland – South Dakota American Legion Teacher of the Year

Katie Bland, a teacher at Stagebarn Middle School, was honored as the 2025 South Dakota Educator of the Year by the American Legion Department of South Dakota at a ceremony held before students, staff, and community members at her school’s gym.

Dr. David Olson – South Dakota Middle School Principal of the Year

Dr. David Olson, principal at Stagebarn Middle School, has been named the 2026 State Middle School Principal of the Year, a recognition celebrated by colleagues and community members across the district.

Chad Hedderman – Region VII Middle School Principal of the Year

Chad Hedderman, principal at Sturgis Williams Middle School, was selected as the 2025–26 Region VII Middle School Principal of the Year and was honored during the SD Association of Secondary School Principals’ Joint Convention in Deadwood.

Student Enrollment and Budget Effects

Our student enrollment this fall is 2,970 and is 58 students below our projections. This contributes to the district having a 4% shortfall or roughly $1,078,000. We plan to cover this current year’s deficit with our reserves, but it sets the stage for difficult decisions for next year's (2026-27) budget.

On Tuesday, October 14, the school board will review recommendations in the regular board meeting, followed by a Special Board Meeting on Monday, October 27 to gather community feedback.

Budget and Enrollment

Budget Reduction Timeline

Kind Regards,

Wayne Wormstadt, Superintendent

Due to the holiday on Monday, October 13, the regularly scheduled School Board Meeting has been re-scheduled to Tuesday, October 14, 2025.

Some items that are on the agenda for approval and discussion include:

• Third/Final Policy Readings
• Approval of SBHS Purple Star Designation
• Early Retirement Incentive MOU
• Fall Student Enrollment Numbers
• Budget Deficit Corrections

Congratulations to Stagebarn Middle School teacher, Kattie Bland, on being named the 2025 South Dakota Educator of the Year by the American Legion Department of South Dakota! 👏

Special guests included South Dakota First Lady Sandra Rhoden, who joined in celebrating this outstanding accomplishment.

Mrs. Bland was recognized not only for her dedication to her students and school community but also for her commitment to education and leadership that exemplifies the values of the American Legion. This prestigious honor shines a spotlight on the incredible work happening at Stagebarn Middle School and throughout the Meade School District. 📸Photo Credit: Tim Potts, BH Pioneer

Sturgis Williams Middle School Principal Honored as Region VII Middle School Principal of the Year

Sturgis Williams Middle School Principal, Chad Hedderman, has been recognized as the Region VII Middle School Principal of the Year for the 2025–26 school year. The award was presented during the South Dakota Association of Secondary School Principals Joint Convention held in Deadwood on June 10, 2025.

This prestigious recognition celebrates Principal Hedderman’s leadership, dedication, and commitment to fostering student success and supporting staff at Sturgis Williams Middle School.

The South Dakota Association of Secondary School Principals (SDASSP) is proud to announce that David Olson, Stagebarn Middle School Principal, has been named the 2026 State Middle School Principal of the Year!

This prestigious recognition honors principals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, foster academic excellence, and make a lasting difference in the lives of students, staff, and their communities.

Olson has distinguished himself as a visionary leader dedicated to creating a supportive and engaging school environment. His commitment to student achievement, collaborative spirit, and innovative practices have left a meaningful impact on both his school and the broader educational community.

As the 2026 State Middle School Principal of the Year, Olson will be considered for national recognition through the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) Principal of the Year program.

On Friday, September 19, during Homecoming festivities, First Interstate Bank organized a community food drive to support local students and families. The generous donations collected were divided among Sturgis Brown High School, Stagebarn Middle School, and Sturgis Williams Middle School.

This effort not only helped stock school food pantries but also highlighted the strong community partnership between First Interstate Bank and the Meade School District. The contributions will go a long way in supporting students’ needs and ensuring that resources are available to those who may benefit most. The district extends its gratitude to First Interstate Bank and to all community members who participated in the drive.

📢 Reminder: There will be no school on Friday, October 10, 2025, due to teacher in-service.

This includes the schools of Sturgis Brown High School, Sturgis Williams Middle School, Sturgis Elementary, Piedmont Valley Elementary, Stagebarn Middle School, Whitewood Elementary, and the rural schools of Atall, Elm Springs, Hereford, Opal and Central Meade Co. School.

📢 Reminder: There will be no school on Monday, October 13, 2025, in observance of Indigenous Peoples Day.

This day serves as an important time to recognize and honor the history, culture, and contributions of Indigenous peoples. It is an opportunity for our community to reflect, learn, and celebrate the rich traditions that continue to shape our region and our nation.

Classes will resume on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. We hope everyone enjoys the long weekend and takes a moment to acknowledge the significance of this day.

All Meade School District 46-1 schools will have a 2 hour late start on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 due to staff professional development. Buses will be running two hours later than normal.

This includes the schools of Sturgis Brown High School, Sturgis Williams Middle School, Sturgis Elementary, Piedmont Valley Elementary, Stagebarn Middle School, Whitewood Elementary, and the rural schools of Atall, Elm Springs, Hereford, Opal and Central Meade Co. School.

Sturgis Brown High School is proud to announce that it has recently earned the Purple Star Designation, a prestigious recognition awarded to schools that demonstrate a strong and ongoing commitment to supporting students and families affiliated with our nation’s military.

This designation highlights the efforts of SBHS staff and leadership in creating a welcoming and supportive environment for military-connected students, ensuring they have the resources, stability, and encouragement needed for academic and personal success. To achieve this honor, SBHS met all the rigorous qualification criteria, which include providing dedicated staff contacts for military families, offering resources to ease student transitions, and promoting awareness of military culture within the school community.

At the upcoming school board meeting, Mr. Wilson will provide a brief presentation outlining the Purple Star process, what it means for SBHS, and how the school will continue to support military-connected students in the future.

The Meade School District is committed to bringing awareness and raising funds in support of Childhood Cancer Awareness. To show our support, the district is planning special events during the upcoming home activities: the football game vs. Spearfish on October 23rd and the volleyball game on October 28th.

In addition to these events, we would love for our entire district to come together for a district-wide “GO GOLD” Day to show solidarity with children and families affected by cancer. We encourage students, staff, families, and community members to wear gold on this day as a powerful visual reminder of hope, strength, and support.

Together, we can make a difference by not only raising funds but also by raising awareness and showing that the Meade School District community stands united in the fight against childhood cancer.

What’s New: All Meade School District students will receive free admission to home events! Digital tickets and passes can now be purchased online in advance or at the gate. For your convenience, we now accept cash, credit/debit cards at the gate and concessions.

Stagebarn Middle School Master Activities Schedule

Sturgis Williams Middle School Master Activities Schedule

Our Buildings & Grounds team works tirelessly to keep our schools safe, clean, and welcoming for students, staff, and visitors. Here’s a peek at what they’ve been up to lately:

🔧 Recent Projects:

• SBHS Maintenance on HVAC

• SBHS Drainage project along the West Gym

🌳 Landscaping & Outdoor Spaces:

• Prepared playgrounds and athletic fields for fall activities

• Ensured walkways and parking areas are safe and accessible

💡 How You Can Help:

• Please remind students and visitors to respect school property

• Report any maintenance issues to the front offices promptly

Ready to inspire, educate, and make a difference? Meade School District 46-1 is seeking passionate individuals to join our team!

• Cafeteria/Lunchroom Supervisor (part-time) - Piedmont Valley Elementary

Whether you want to volunteer in the classroom, help with extracurricular activities, or substitute teach, there’s a place for you to make a meaningful impact.

Why Join Us?

• Support Student Learning: Help students stay engaged and succeed academically.

• Share Your Skills: Bring your experience, creativity, and knowledge into the classroom.

• Flexible Opportunities: Volunteer or substitute on your schedule—anytime from a single day to a full semester.

• Be Part of the Community: Connect with teachers, staff, students, and families while making a lasting difference.

Maranda McGillivray
Human Resources Director
1230 Douglas Street

Sturgis, SD 57785

(605) 347-2523
maranda.mcgillivray@k12.sd.us

Parents/guardians and staff members now have access to review and request changes to contact and demographic information. If you have had an address change, phone number change or email change, log in to your parent portal through Infinite Campus and request a change now. If you do not have a parent portal account, contact your building secretary and they will create one for you.

*This will be especially important for student transportation with Harlow's, inclement weather days and school notifications.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law designed to protect the privacy of students’ educational records. The Meade School District for the 2025–26 school year reminds families of these protections and outlines that if parents or guardians do not respond to certain questions, their answers will be assumed as “YES.” To update your information from last year, scan the QR code or click the link.

Regular school attendance is a key factor in student success. When students are present and engaged in class, they build stronger academic skills, develop positive relationships, and form habits that lead to lifelong learning. Consistent attendance helps prevent gaps in learning, ensures students stay on track with their peers, and prepares them for future college and career opportunities. Every day in school matters—attendance is not just about being present, but about giving students the best chance to succeed.

🎓 Every Day Counts!

✅ Better Learning

✅ Stronger Relationships

✅ Brighter Futures

Good attendance = student success.

📞 Don’t forget to call your building secretary to excuse your student if they will be absent!

The South Dakota Services for the Deaf (SDSD) will be providing free hearing screenings at:

• Piedmont Valley Elementary (Grades JK, K, 1, 2, & 3)
  📅 Wednesday, October 29, 2025

• Stagebarn Middle School (Grades 5 & 7)
  📅 Thursday, October 30, 2025

If your child does not pass the screening, the school will contact you. Follow-up rescreens or additional testing are available at no cost with a pediatric audiologist at:

South Dakota School for the Deaf – Rapid City Clinic
2138 Jackson Blvd, Rapid City, SD 57702
📞 605-791-7839

👉 Opt-Out Notice
If you do not want your child to participate, please contact your child’s school before the scheduled date. If we do not hear from you, your child will be included in the screenings.

👉 Additional Concerns
If you have hearing concerns about a student in grades not scheduled for screening, please contact the school nurse:

PVE: 605-787-5295

Stagebarn: 605-787-4172

With cold and flu season upon us, please keep your child home from school if:

• They have a fever of 100.0*F or greater
• Students must be fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medicine
• It is recommended that your child stay home with vomiting/diarrhea if it occurs two or more times in 12 hours.

• Christian Kotab, Network Administrator, District-wide
• James Boelter, Systems Administrator, District-wide
• August Bowman, Computer Technician, Stagebarn MS
• Gabe Zerbst, Computer Technician, Sturgis Elementary & Sturgis Williams MS
• Jodie Taylor, Computer Technician, Sturgis Brown HS

1610 Fulton Street
Sturgis, S.D. 57785 (605) 347-4454

Office Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (M-F) Summer Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (M-Th) | 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. (F)

Special Services September Spotlight Winner is Carolyn Jensen, 4th grade special education teacher at Sturgis Elementary!

The Food Service Department recently had the opportunity to cater the Special School Board Meeting held on Thursday, September 25. This meeting was a Gavel Training session for board members, facilitated by Wade Pogany from the Associated School Boards of South Dakota (ASBSD).

To complement the evening’s training, the Food Service team prepared a full meal for attendees. The menu featured a savory pork loin entrée, twice-baked potatoes with a variety of toppings, a crisp iceberg lettuce salad, and a fresh fruit pizza for dessert. The meal was well-received and served as a great example of the department’s commitment to quality and service in supporting (for a minimal fee, of course) district events.

Thanks to Sturgis Liquor for their generous donation to the Sturgis Brown HS Angel Fund! Because of this generosity, 109 Sturgis Brown HS students started their day Thursday, October 2 right with a free breakfast!

Previous Angel Fund balances also provided:

Sturgis Williams MS – 172 students enjoyed a free breakfast on October 3.

Sturgis Elementary – 179 students enjoyed a free breakfast on September 11.

Stagebarn MS – 109 students enjoyed a free breakfast on September 17.

Piedmont Valley Elementary – Scheduled for October 8.

Whitewood Elementary – Scheduled for October 16.

The Angel Fund is here to support students and families in our community! This fund helps:

• Match payments to assist families in catching up on past-due lunch accounts

• Sponsor free meals for students whenever possible

• Ensures that no student goes hungry and that every student has the nutrition they need to focus, learn, and thrive.

💡 How You Can Help: Donations to the Angel Fund are always welcome and make a real difference in the lives of our students.

Are you a local business or community group interested in making a difference? Consider sponsoring a school breakfast or lunch!

Your support helps ensure every student starts their day with a healthy meal and the energy to succeed.

📞 Contact: Rhonda Ramsdell, Food Service Director

📧 rhonda.ramsdell@k12.sd.us or (605) 347-3601

📍 Meade School District 46-1 | Food Service Department

Thank you for supporting our kids and our community! 🖤🤍

October 10: No School (Teacher Inservice)
October 13: No School (Indigenous Peoples Day)

October 14: School Board Meeting

October 22: 2 Hour Late Start (Staff Development)

October 28: Special Board Meeting - Sturgis Community Center

November 5: 2 Hour Early Release (Evacuation & Reunification Drill)

Sturgis Chamber of Commerce Events & Facebook

Sturgis Community Center website & Facebook

Foothills Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook

Whitewood Chamber of Commerce Facebook

Don't forget to LIKE us on Facebook, TWEET us on Twitter and FOLLOW Us on Instagram! It's a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest school events, cancellations, staff and student spotlights plus so much more! Our website is also full of information.

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Meade Rural School

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Piedmont Valley Elementary

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Meade Rural Schools

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