Dreamcatcher A publication of the Todd County School District, Mission, SD 57555

VOLUME 30 - ISSUE 7 - MARCH 2021

Gordy...... See Page 3... Todd County School District Dreamcatcher, MARCH 2021 - Page 2

Todd County School District Staff Directory...

BOARD OF EDUCATION... Debra Boyd, President...... 828-2366 Shelley Means, Vice President...... 319-0808 Michelle Allen, Member...... 319-0532 FAMILY SERVICE WORKERS... Tim Cournoyer Sr., Member...... 840-1215 Nancy Kornely, Resource Center...... 856-3505, ext. 2425 Sage Fast Dog, Member...... 828-6466 Beckey Eddie Moosman, Middle School...... 856-3504, ext. 2313

SUPERINTENDENT’S OFFICE/BUSINESS OFFICE... HE DOG SCHOOL... Carol Galbraith, Superintendent Desi Taggart-Luedke, Interim Principal Chad Blotsky, Business Manager Emily Barnett, Secretary...... 747-2438 Kendra Fernen, Receptionist...... 856-3501 KLEIN SCHOOL... Rosie Bizardie, Secretary...... ext. 2106 Teana Guerue, Principal CURRICULUM CENTER... Tess Canet, Head Teacher...... 378-3854 Jane Shelbourn, Federal Programs Director LAKEVIEW SCHOOL... Krista Morrison, Dir. of Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment. ext. 2118 Roberta Bizardie, Principal Bryan Burnette, Dean of Students Kayla Walkling, Head Teacher...... 429-3339 Wanda Prue, Secretary...... 856-3502, ext. 2113 LITTLEBURG SCHOOL... PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT... Teana Guerue, Principal...... 856-3506 Richard Medema, Human Resource Director...... 856-3501, ext. 2105 Cindy Bachelor, Head Teacher...... 378-3881 PAYROLL DEPARTMENT... OKREEK SCHOOL... Barb Seidschlaw, Clerk...... ext. 2109 Teana Guerue, Principal...... 856-3507 ACCOUNTS PAYABLE... ROSEBUD ELEMENTARY... Judy Medearis...... 856-3501, ext. 2107 Marlys Walkling, Principal Beth Hogan, Secretary...... 747-2411 EXCEPTIONAL EDUCATION... SPRING CREEK SCHOOL... Anna LaDeaux, Director Roberta Bizardie, Principal Timolin Murray-Young, Secretary...... 856-3513, ext. 2411 Betty Sokol, Secretary...... 747-2541

TRANSPORTATION & MAINTENANCE... TODD COUNTY ELEMENTARY... Brad Bartling, Director Bobbie Cox, Principal Gwenda Jackson, Secretary...... 856-3509, ext. 2801 Jody Jackson, Assistant Principal Cheryl Whirlwind Soldier, Assistant Principal HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL’S OFFICE... Danielle Valandra, Secretary...... 856-3506 Randy Pirner, Principal Mike Hammer, Assistant Principal WANBLI WICONI TIPI... Connie Browning, Secretary...... 856-3503, ext. 2202 Teana Guerue, Principal Shelly New, Receptionist...... ext. 2201 Marie Reagle, Secretary...... 856-3544 ATHLETICS/ACTIVITIES... Chuck Wilson, Director...... 856-3503, ext. 2210 DISTRICT-WIDE HEALTH... ACHIEVEMENT SCHOOL... Roxanne Redday, TC Elementary LPN...... 856-3506 Teana Heinert, Principal Bobbie Leneaugh, Disrict Nurse LPN...... 856-3503 Marie Reagle, Secretary...... 856-3544, ext. 2402 Chesney Leiferman, District Nurse RN...... 856-3504 MIDDLE SCHOOL... Dana Haukaas, Principal FOOD SERVICE... Chris Mosner, Assistant Principal Thetis McCloskey, Director...... 856-3514, ext. 2705 Sandy Assman, Secretary...... 856-3504, ext. 2303 PUBLIC RELATIONS & DREAMCATCHER EDITOR... GUIDANCE & COUNSELING... Phyllis Littau...... 856-3530 Valerie Larvie, Guidance Secretary...... 856-3503, ext. 2204 Barry Bailey, High School...... 856-3503 Carrie Reinders, Rosebud...... 747-2411 Mary Nylander, Spring Creek...... 747-2541 Beth Burnette, Middle School...... 856-3504, ext. 2314 Jennifer Kornely, Middle School...... ext. 2315 Rosebud Brushbreaker, Elementary Schools...... ext. 2504 Sunni Busch, Transitional Counselor...... ext. 2225 Gwen Wenig, High School...... ext. 2213 Todd County School District Dreamcatcher - MARCH 2021 - Page 3 From the and publish in the Dream- just a reminder that we Ex Ed Referral Screening... Superintendent... catcher, to help parents/ are all in this together, guardians and the com- that we will get through Screenings will be held at Exceptional Education munities know we are con- this together, and that we in Mission on Thursday, April 1, 2021, from 10 a.m. to 2 tinuing to do our very best do appreciate each other. p.m. for our students. We can anticipate a great Family will need to call/text to contact Nancy Ko- The end of this school reunion in the Fall, when rnely to get background and referral information, and year is in sight, and it has our students are once to make an appointment time for informal screen/ob- been one of challenges for again excitedly boarding servation. all of us, to say the least. It the busses and pouring After the child’s appointment, the team will ad- is hard to stay positive dur- into the classrooms, full of vise me about recommended next steps. I will be in ing the COVID pandemic, smiles and hugs. touch with the family to review the recommendations the lack of routine in our I hope we can all real- and help set up any further screens, testing or agency jobs, the constant changes ize that we do have em- referrals necessary. is our lives. ployment, we do have an - Anna LaDeaux, Exceptional Education Director Usually, as spring arrives employer that cares for us, and the summer vacation and that we do still live in TCSD Social Workers vital for students… is on the horizon, students the most wonderful coun- The School Social Workers Association sponsors the and teachers are looking try in the world – the Unit- National School Social Worker Week each year in March. forward to that time. ed States of America! “Beacon of Hope: School Social Workers – Leading the This year, it is just dif- We also need to always Way,” is the theme this year. If you see Albert “Bob- ferent, with no students in remember to, “Be kind.” It The Todd County School District is privileged to ber” Her Many Horses our classrooms, and teach- comes back 100-fold. have two of the School Social Workers in our employ- somewhere, congratulate ers giving lessons on com- Respectfully, ment. Shelby Schmit and Mary Van Winkle play a vital him. He is the Todd County puters. Teachers miss that Carol Galbraith role for staff, parents and community. School District’s “ Teacher in-person contact and they Superintendent of Schools Social Workers do light the way by emphasizing of the Year,” representing miss the routine. This can the whole child, collaborating with other professionals, Middle School. He goes on sometimes make them feel and linking students and families with needed services. now to Regional competi- maybe less valued in their We thank you, Ms. Shelby and Ms. Mary! tion. student’s lives, maybe just Congratulations to the wanting it to be over for Food Service Staff and this year. School Social Workers. But we have to continue National Kitchen Worker’s with some semblance of Day and School Social normalcy, some routine Worker’s Week were ob- and purpose. We have to served recently. know that our students Published by Some think other de- need us for their educa- the Todd County School District partments may not be do- tion, their future. P.O. Box 87, Mission, SD 57555 ing their jobs, but that just Sometimes, the current 605-856-3501 isn’t true. I am so proud circumstances can get a Board of Education: of all our TCSD employ- bit overwhelming, and we ees for pitching in and do- wonder when it will really Debra Boyd - President ing anything we ask, for end. But then something Gordy... Shelley Means - Vice President changing their usual types positive happens, and we (from front cover) Michelle Allen - Member Gordy, the beloved of work, for sticking with realize it will get better. shih tzu of Rosebud Ele- Tim Cournoyer - Member us through these trying I was at my desk a cou- mentary Teacher Patricia Sage Fast Dog - Member times. ple of weeks ago, mull- Naylor-Knox, has been a Superintendent - Carol Galbraith I especially appreciate ing over our school year, support dog and a great Business Manager - Chad Blotsky the bus/maintenance crew feeling a sense of frustra- comfort for the students at Dreamcatcher Editor: Phyllis Littau as well as our custodians, tion for not being able to the school for five years. email: [email protected] for the additional work “fix” everything for our Students and staff love him added because of the ex- The Dreamcatcher is a monthly publication for patrons of the students and staff, and in dearly, and the kids even Todd County School District. We welcome your comments and treme cold and abundance walks a gentlemen deliver- read to him. suggestions. Inquiries concerning the application of Title VI, Title of snow. ing a bouquet of roses for IX or Section 504, Affirmative Action and the Americans With Thank you, Administra- me from TCHS! The photo on the cover is Disabilities Act, should be referred to Richard Medema, Human tors, for the news items a family group with Gordy. Resources Director, P.O. Box 87, Mission, SD 57555, 605-856-3501, What a thoughtful ges- or to the Regional Director, Dept. of Education, Office of Civil we send to the Tribune ture from the High School, Rights, 1244 Spear Blvd., Suite 310, Denver, CO 80202-3582. Todd County School District Dreamcatcher, MARCH 2021 - Page 4 He Dog Happenings... New Counselor at He Dog... Jean Harter-Shutt was born in Kadoka, the oldest of three chil- dren. The family moved to Texas for a few years, then came back to South Dakota. Jean attended school at Jor- dan Corner School, “which is now a big State Department gravel pile,” she said. The family moved to Witten in 1934 to farm and ranch, and her parents are still there. Jean went to school at Witten and then to Wood High School un- til it closed. She graduated from Winner High School, and went on to post secondary schools, eventu- ally graduating with a BA in Busi- ness Administration, a Cosem- dents, families and communities tology license, and a Master of in schools. Ms. Carm Shouldis’s He Dog Kindergarten Class working hard online! Social Work Degree. Jean and her husband have She has lived in Washington five “very spoiled” fur babies - State and California. She says she three dogs and two cats. misses the ocean and redwood “We have 14 nieces and neph- trees very much, however, her ews and 10 great-neices and neph- heart was always with her family ews, whom we love immensely and so she moved back to South spend as much time with them as Dakota in 2006. we can,” she said. Jean has worked for the State “I look forward to meeting the of South Dakota and a mental community and the people in He health facility, but says she found Dog,” she added. her passion in working with stu- Todd County School District Dreamcatcher, MARCH 2021 - Page 5 ...presenting: Klein Students with Pefect Attendance...

Klein Students with Perfect Attendance for all three quarters so far! This means they have attended live online lessons EVERY day since school started. Top row, from left - Amit Bhinder, Sophia Sully, Tre’ Colombe Bottom row - Trayson Roubideaux, Nestor Vega Okreek Attendance Winners... Each Okreek Student who had an 85% or higher Attendance and Just a few more 90% of Work Completion for the Month of January received a months! $10 Subway Gift Card: _3-5 Alayah Deleon K-2 Alibionna Blue Bird Aurora Fast Horse Casius Spidle Florine Fast Horse Demi Fast Horse Trinity Fast Horse Hayden Iyotte Jesse James Roubideaux Jemal Boneshirt Brittany Bordeaux Parianna Bordeaux Thailee Roubideaux Joy Wooden Knife Briella Bordeaux Farrah Iyotte Aaron Spidle Janiyah Flying Hawk Jaelyn Prue Desirae Fast Horse _6-8 Dionae Fast Horse Todd County School District Dreamcatcher, MARCH 2021 - Page 6

Rosebud Elementary was quite honored recently,

when former Rosebud

Panther and now Todd

County High School Senior

Sydney Burnette came to

visit.

Sydney brought with her a messge of “Following

Your Dream” to Rosebud

Fifth Graders.

She is ranked as one of the Top Three Students in

her Senior Class and is in

the running for

Valedictorian!

PROUD moment for

Rosebud Elementary.

Thank You Sydney! Todd County School District Dreamcatcher, MARCH 2021 - Page 7 Dreamy Tees...

Rosebud Super Star Second Grader Alert!... Ninja worked super hard and completed all of the math and Rosebud Elementary Students with 80-100% attendance for the first semester, science on Waterford learning! She got a certificate and extra prizes! received a new “Everything starts with a DREAM t-shirt. Way to go! Rosebud Elementary Community Library hits the trail...

On March 5, Rosebud Ele- mentary delivered our first Community Library to the Boys and Girls Club at Rose- bud. Read On dear students! Above, from left - Rose- bud Elementary Coun- selor Carrie Reinders, Elementary Music Instruc- tor Heidi Olson, Boys & Girls Club Employee Beth Elk Looks Back, and Rosebud El- ementary Principal Marlys Walkling. TOGETHER WE CAN! Todd County School District Dreamcatcher, MARCH 2021 - Page 8 Rock Your Mocs...

Rosebud Elementary Staff had the privilege of learning about the Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings through the project based presenta- tion of Steve Tamayo - “Rock Your Mocs.” Todd County School District Dreamcatcher, MARCH 2021 - Page 9 Todd County School District Dreamcatcher, MARCH 2021 - Page 10 Todd County High School Students of the Week...

Students selected by staff for Student of the Week for the week of February 22-26 are: Top Row: Jacob McCloskey (10th), Mike Ham- mer (Asst. Principal) Bottom Row: Aaron Iron Heart Jr., Not Pictured: Lane Hunger (9th) and Charles Brave IV (11th).

These students have demonstrated over the course of the school year how to be successful with online learning. They access Schoology daily to find their courses, stay current with their assignments, attend zoom sessions and ask questions via chat, email, live zoom or text.

From the staff at TCHS... CONGRATULATIONS! You can find this interview on Falcon News lo- cated on TCSD App, Todd County High School Face Book page or on Todd County High School YouTube page.

Students selected by staff for Student of the Week for the week of February 15 - 19 are: Top Row: Kimmi Arvik (11th), Mike Hammer (Asst. Principal), Kenzie Wooden Knife (12th), Bottom Row: Brooke Bad Hand (10th) and Avion Big Crow (9th). These students have demonstrated over the course of the school year how to be successful with online learn- ing. They access Schoology daily to find their courses, stay current with their assignments, attend zoom ses- sions and ask questions via chat, email, live zoom or text. From the staff at TCHS, congratulations! Todd County School District Dreamcatcher, MARCH 2021 - Page 11 Several students were not home when the TCHS Honor Roll Students receive Falcon sweatshirts... sweatshirts were delivered, but those who were Thomas agreed to have their photos taken.. Kaydin Shaw Congratlations students! Waln

Lane Hunger (just excited to get a sweater)

TCHS Students of the Week - March 8-12 Trinity Burning LaShaya Breast LaPointe-Whipple & little sister

Todd County High School students selected by staff for Student of the Week for the week of March 8-12 are Sydnee Traversie (9th), Sage Fast Dog Jr. (10th), Wiconi Uses Arrow (11th)(Pic- tured bottom) and Devon Enos (12th)(Pictured Top). These stu- dents have demonstrated over the course of the school year how to be successful with online learning. They access Schoology daily to find their courses, stay current with their assignments, attend zoom sessions and ask questions via chat, email, live zoom or text. From the staff at TCHS... CONGRATULATIONS Todd County School District Dreamcatcher, MARCH 2021 - Page 12 ...Todd County High School Spirit Week - March style... Another ‘Spirit Week,’ for the High School - this time, some other schools in the District also got in on the fun:

Deana & MaryLu - ready for Twin Day.

Miss Becki - Super Hero Day Amanda - Falcon Friday Deana - St. Pat’s Day Todd County School District Dreamcatcher, MARCH 2021 - Page 13 St. Patrick’s Day...

Clockwise, from left - TCES Teacher Meredith Cournoyer, High School Teachers & Staff: Becki Ritter with Vetal Valandra, Marj Blare, Amanda Bordeaux, Connie Browning, Dani- elle Valandra, Dani and Becki, Kim Valen.

-thanks for the photos Amanda)

(more Spirit Week on next page) Todd County School District Dreamcatcher, MARCH 2021 - Page 14

TCHS Teacher of the Year and Paraprofessional of the LB/KL/OK/TCAS/WWT Principal Teana Guerue for Mary Nylander - He Dog Year - Katie Petry (right) and Jamie Grant - Twin Day. St. Patty’s Day. Applicants needed for Jeff Harms Scholarship,

Dear Mr. Harms, $500 to $1,000 available… I really miss you. I really wish you were here. You were the best Jeff Harms, teacher in the whole wide world. I loved the jokes you told. It’s hard for me teaching a class because, well, it’s my first year here. It’s really hard for the ones who are left at Littleburg down here. We all miss you so much! We all wish you were here the rest of the School. year. It’s going to be hard. We had a lot of things to do. Well, now we can’t do that. You were the one that made math really fun, and science too. I bet your family was so proud of you. You were the one who encouraged us to keep fol- lowing our dream, to be who we are now, and I thank you for that. It’s never going to be the same without you. You told us to keep moving and never give up on our dreams. You taught us math so some people will not trick us. Also, no one can beat you at checkers. “Jeff truly loved the kids he worked with,” Retired TCSD Instructional Coach Christine Rhodes noted . “His time with us was short, but he made a difference.” Jeff’s family chose to dedicate annual scholarships to eligible Todd County seniors each year in his memory by recognizing the dedication of the student(s) dream to continued education. ELIGIBILITY: Applicants to the Jeff Harms Memorial Scholarship Fund must… - Be a graduating senior from Todd County High School; - Have a GPA of 2.0 or higher - Demonstrate plans to attend an institution of higher learning, which may be a two-year or four-year college or vocational technical school. DEADLINE TO APPLY: APRIL 23, 2021, 5 p.m. AMOUNT AVAILABLE: $500 TO $1000 HOW TO APPLY: - on a typed paper… - General Information - Write an essay of up to 900 words explaining your future Todd County Class of 2021 Seniors are invited to apply for this year’s Jeff plans in education, and how this fund will assist you. Harms Scholarship . Mr. Harms was a Littleburg School teacher until his Turn in your application to the Todd County High School Counseling untimely death in 2014. Although Jeff’s teaching experience was limited, his Department. impact on his students was epic. One of his students, Razalia, who was then a third grader, wrote this letter to him: Todd County School District Dreamcatcher, MARCH 2021 - Page 15 Lakeview... For a little holiday fun, the staff and students of Lakeview made Leprechaun Bait! Ingredi- ents were delivered with packets, and students and families were invited to join the magi- cal cooking class on Zoom. The "bait" caught many students, but has yet to trap any tricky leprechauns! Todd County School District Dreamcatcher, MARCH 2021- PAGE 16 Todd County School District Dreamcatcher, MARCH 2021 - Page 17 The Y2K and First Grade explorers continued their virtual field trips this past month. They jumped on their virtual plane and visited the mountains, Dr. Seuss in Whoville, the rainforest, and the Wetlands. While in the habitats they learned about ohóla: Respect and how to respect the environment and the animals. They Todd County Elementary... learned about different animals in the habitats that included pythons, chameleons, frogs, and turtles. We also had Sherry Redowl, a Lakota elder, share about why the turtle is sacred to the Lakota people. The students shared their new knowledge by creating nonfiction posters filled with facts and illustrations. Their adventures aren’t done yet! We can’t wait to see where virtual learning takes them next.

From Ms. Sunset Elliott’s Grades 1 & 2...

February: TCES Second Grader, Zoe Moran, proudly shows her stethoscope and Valentine to her čhačté she made for Lakota, Science, and Wellness. March: TCES 1st grader, Giovanna TCES Goes Live for Mars Rover Landing Beauvais, in her African inspired All TCES students were invited to a whole-school assembly on Thursday, February 18 to celebrate the Mars mask she made when learning Rover, Perseverance, landing after a 127 MILLION mile journey. Almost 200 participants took part. about shapes in Art. Previous art projects proudly on display behind her! Todd County School District Dreamcatcher, MARCH 2021 - Page 18 TCES Second Graders Beautiful Weather brings ice cream learn about different and smiles... ways of communication...

Charles Mancini mails his letter at the Parmel- ee Post Office. Students learned about the five parts of a friendly letter. They wrote to a family member, friend or teacher. They made sure Lacie Rogers they included the parts of a friendly letter. They edited their letter by proofreading for March 4 was a beautiful day! TCES students and punctuation, capitalization and spelling. families were treated to root beer floats at the curb for They wrote a final copy of their letter on a fun drive-thru experience. a piece of stationary we sent them in their Teacher Toby and Mrs. Eddie assignment envelope. We had a lesson on made hundreds of people smile—and they collected a addressing an envelope with the help of a lot of work too! family member. Our unit ended with a vir- tual field trip to the post office. The envelope we sent had a stamp so students could mail their letter. The stu- dents or a family member could mail their letter at the post office and take a picture of the letter getting mailed and send it to the teacher.

Sendrick Sharpfish mails his letter at the Mission Post Office. Nehemiah Beardt Todd County School District Dreamcatcher, MARCH 2021 - Page 19 Todd County Elementary Fourth Grade...

Each Friday the 4th graders have the opportunity to join the grade-wide Zoom Morning Meeting. ______We are learning how to be good relatives and take care of Unci Maka.

Penelope Dillon Todd County School District Dreamcatcher, MARCH 2021 - Page 20 TCES & TCMS “Walk for Tomorrow”

Wednesday, February 24, the TCES staff joined with Middle School staff and went to Mission/Antelope community to join our students and families in a walk. Middle School students had spent the morning in an assembly focused on “Leveling Up”, planting hopes and dreams for their future. TCES fifth graders were invited to attend the assembly also as they prepare for middle school. After the assembly, students met teachers in the community and turned in their goals for the future. All students were given a t-shirt, a drink, and a snack. The Wildcat mascot and the Falcon were also in attendance, along with district-level administration. Watch for us to come again, we had a great time!

TCES Fifth Grade...

One of the parts fifth grade enjoys about morn- ing meetings is meeting all of our student’s furry friends! Morning meetings let us connect with our students and give them a chance to see their friends! It also means that we often have ‘guests’- either pets or siblings often visit our classes this year!

Fifth grade also celebrated the end of their Civil Rights unit with some inspiring quotes from our studies! Todd County School District Dreamcatcher, MARCH 2021 - Page 21 Todd County Middle School...

We held our “Walk for Tomorrow” on February 24. We partnered with TCES and were well received by the neigh- borhoods in which we walked. We had over 200 students and families take Part Two of the walk lo- cations. It was good for our staff to see their students and make connections with the families. Students and families want us to do another walk in the Spring.

The Wildcat Wagon

Our mobile classroom continues to make the rounds to our outlying communities Todd County School District Dreamcatcher, MARCH 2021 - Page 22 Plans for Fall reopening in the works, New Rosebud School in the future, School reports show attendance growth MISSION – Todd County School District students are completing assignments. are not doing work. (TCSD) Superintendent Carol Galbraith noted Littleburg School: An increase in individual plans has that it had been a busy week for everyone. Attendance incentives have started for many staff members on Zoom for longer pe- Meetings are being held about the location of Littleburg students, and 89% of K-1 and 90% riods of time. TCES is working to prepare for the new Rosebud School, and administrative of Grades 2-5 students have completed assign- the physical return of staff and students to groups are hard at work on plans for resum- ments. school next year. ing in-person classes in the Fall, including TC Achievement School: Todd County Middle School: additional staffing needs and assessments to Students are completing individual Reading participation for February help determine student placement. learning paths for graduation. The counselor was 22%, for Math 33%. Plans are in place for Other subjects in her report includ- is providing individual zoom counseling ses- parents/guardians who want their students to ed attendance centers information, which sion with students at Wanbli Waconi Tipi and be tested. Grade reports will continue to par- showed encouraging stats in attendance TC Achievement, as needed. ents/guardians on a weekly basis. The cur- and participation. Schools are doing some Lakeview Elementary: rent attendance rate is 63.93%. really fun, productive activities, like deliver- Grades 2-4 (16 students) average atten- Projections on students possibly being ing books and other items with the Rosebud dance rate was 75%, participation rate 64%. eligible for promotion to the next grade level Panthermobile and the Middle School Wildcat Grades 5-8 (12 students) average attendance if they maintain their current participation: Wagon. The High School is sponsoring anoth- 84%, participation 75%. Family Engagement Sixth Grade – 117 of 148 (79%); Seventh Grade er “Spirit Week,” and has formed a Walking activity for the month was a beaded animal. – 113 of 162 (69%); Eighth Grade – 97 of 140 Club. Grades 5-8 are participating in the Winter (69%). Transition for incoming and outgoing “Last Thursday, you could even get a Count simulation. Lakeview Community Li- Middle School students, with TCES, Rosebud root beer float if you drove through the Todd brary is nearly up and running. Elementary and TCHS is in progress. County Elementary campus,” she said. Rosebud Elementary: Over 200 students and families partici- Also, TCHS Athletic Director Chuck Implementation of Oceti Standards Es- pated in the “Walk for Tomorrow” with T.C. Wilson has asked about the possibility of some sential Understandings (OSEU) is the num- Elementary in part two of the walk locations. students coming in to work with the coaches ber one goal at the school. Each Monday, the It was well received by the neighborhoods. to prepare for the 2021-22 School Year. school week opens with Lakota Prayer and Student and families have asked for another Representatives from most of the Song, Lakota Language Class is at 9:12, OSEU Walk in the Spring. TCSD attendance centers met with South Da- Team at 10:15, and book study of “The Sacred The Wildcat Wagon (mobile classroom) kota Student Family Engagement. The goal Pipe” at 3 p.m. continues to make its rounds in communities. of this organization is to build relationships The Panthermobile visits community Kitchen staff was honored on National Kitchen with rural schools serving predominately Na- centers each Friday. Books, winter apparel Staff Day for keeping students healthy and fed tive American students (Todd County, Chey- and stuffed animals are being distributed. during the pandemic. enne Eagle Butte and St. Joseph’s Indian Alumni Panther and Todd County High Middle School is beginning to prep and School). School Senior Sydney Burnette visited with the plan for the joyous return to in-person learn- Attendance Center Reports fifth graders about “Following Your Dream.” ing in the Fall. All staff will be participating Okreek School: Boys & Girls Club Members are assist- in the planning and it will be the focus of the Attendance incentives for students ing several of our students with online and as- March 19 Inservice. continue. In February, 27 of 36 students qual- signment completion. Eighty-three percent of Todd County High School: ified for the incentives with 90% of higher at- Rosebud students are completing mid-year as- Counselor Barry continues to work tendance and 85% of returning work. Student sessment. In Reading, Tier One – 12% are on closely with Seniors to insure as many as pos- assessments in Math and Reading show slight grade level, in Math 1 to 6%; Tier Two – 39% sible can graduate. Barry handed out caps growth in Grades 3-5 and 100% of students in in Reading, 41% in Math; Tier Three (at risk) and gowns to get them into his office for a Grades K-8 have completed assignments! Reading 49%, Math 51%. face-to-face about what is needed for them Klein School: Todd County Elementary School: to graduate. The event is scheduled for May Attendance is GREAT! Five students A total of 51% of Todd County Elemen- 15, 2021. Special congratulations to four Se- have perfect attendance for the whole school tary Students are participating at some level, niors who unofficially graduated at Semester: year! They have attended every live session, and 30% are meeting expectations. All stu- Devon Spotted War Bonnett, Kathryn Merrill, every day! Students show Math and Reading dents are allowed access to Schoology to reach Vincena Nadeau, Faustina Thunder Hawk. A growth in both subjects and 100% of Klein out to teachers and watch videos, even if they positive sign – staff reports an uptick in stu- Todd County School District Dreamcatcher, MARCH 2021 - Page 23 dent participation. The TCHS Walking Club – for Schoology logins. Monday to Thursday (52 freshmen and 49 sophomores) taking continues to grow in popularity with staff. the teacher will keep a list of students who log Math & Language assessments. Spirit Week is March 15-19: Monday - in each hour of the Day. Friday noon will be Board President Debra Boyd thanked Marvel/DC Super Hero Day; Tuesday – Twin a drawing for the top three who consectively the administrators for their respective reports. Day; Wednesday - St. Patrick’s Day; Thursday logged in. Pizza and pop from Gus Stop. Board Vice President Shelley Means added – Jersey Day (Parent-Teacher Conferences); Activity three: For staff and students that she hopes the schools keep making good Friday – Blue & Gold Day. – the best dressed staff member and student progress, and that the reports are really en- Other activities for Spirit Week: who participates in each of the five themed couraging. Board Member Michelle Allen also Scavenger Hunt! days will be in a drawing on Friday, March 19. thanked the administrators for all they do for Begins Friday, March 19. The list will Pizza and pop, Gus Stop. the students. Member Tim Cournoyer noted consist of five items hopefully each student Students of the Week are featured in that it has been a “terrible year,” but that staff should have in their homes. A Zoom link will Falcon News, on TCSD app, TCHS YouTube has been magnificent in efforts to get every be provided for students. The first three to log page, TCHS Facebook, Todd County Tribune, student educated. into the Zoom link with their five items wins a Dreamcatcher. For details of the meeting, see the legal pizza and two liter pop from Gus Stop. There was a good turnout of students section of the Todd County Tribune. Another activity: Thursday, March 18 He Dog, Spring Creek have positive reports.... Great things are happening at He Dog, “He Dog Staff is tired – mentally, Principal Desiree Luedke reports. physically, emotionally tired, but that has not Student participation has increased stopped us from being excited for the future,” from 50 to 57%. Staff is learning as a team she added. “We are digging deep to finish the how to better lead the He Dog School, commu- year strong and to celebrate the little things, nicate within one school, while honoring all in big ways!” voices and ideas. Spring Principal Roberta Bizardie says Attendance/Participation: Family Engagement activities are improving Tier 1 - 50-100% of work completion. and Spring Creek Staff has planned some ex- 82 students – recommend promotion to citing activities for the rest of the year. next grade. Spring Creek School will be featuring Tier 2 - 1-49% work completion. “Student of the Week” for each grade to in- 65 students – recommend retention un- crease awareness of their students, the hard less participation increases. work and dedication during these trying times. Tier 3 – 49 students dropped from en- “Teacher Spotlight will be featured on rollment on February 26. the Spring Creek Facebook Page, so people Luedke says she promised He Dog fam- can see the amazing things the staff is doing,” ilies transparency and honesty when she came Bizardie said. on board as principal. As of February 26, 95% of Spring Creek “Families appreciate the accountabil- students have completed their mid-year as- ity piece for their student, especially those sessment. This gives the opportunity to plan who are giving their families grief about do- where to take students academically for the ing their work or aren’t telling the whole truth next three months. about how much work they are doing,” she Spring Creek Community Library is said. “This is hard work, but working as s opening for students to check out books by ap- team makes it easier, and in turn, creates stu- pointment and grade level. dent success. That is why we are doing what Attendance/participation is increasing we are doing. with the assistance of student incentives. “We have learned and lived through a Participation/Completion: lot in these historic times, Luedke said. I of- K-2 – Tier 1 – 23 students – 70% atten- ten hear, “the new normal,” as a description of dance, 50% average participation- 40% aver- how to adapt to the world, as we work through age online/packet the COVID-19 pandemic. None of this is or completion rate. was normal. This is not a “new normal.” This 3-5 – Tier 1 – 17 students – 61% aver- is life after trauma, and for some, ‘after’ has age attendance – 30% average participation not started yet. This has and will continue rate – 30 % average online packet completion to deeply impact our social, emotional, men- rate. tal and physical wellbeing for years to come. 6-8 – 21 students - 77% average atten- We are weathering a storm of change, not all dance – 70% average participation rate – 70 change is bad. average online/packet completion rate. Todd County School District Dreamcatcher, MARCH 2021 - Page 24 Contratulations ‘Bobber’ - Todd County School District Teacher of the Year... designed personal, animated bit- It is our strong belief that dur- - was conducted with a quiet, de- mojis to represent themselves in ing this pandemic year, a year termined and professional level of the virtual choir performance. in which many teachers gave of excellence. Mr. Her Many Horses then re- themselves above and beyond the (the TCSD Teacher of the Year corded each student singing solo, call of duty, Mr. Her Many Horses becomes eligible for the Regional matched their song performances gave just a little bit more. Teacher of the Year Award, and to their animated bitmojis, then And all he did - whether deliv- possibly the South Dakota and/or synchronized them all together ering his own lessons, designing the National Teacher of the Year into one group performance. This new classes. or assisting others Award.) Holiday performance was a tre- mendous draw to our Facebook Page, and brought accolades from Deborah Birch is Elementary Teacher of the Year... TCMS fans and viewers across the hire a K-2 teacher, Mrs. Birch em- country. braced the Kindergarten students, Mr. Her Many Horses’ feats did and they became part of her class- not stop there! room. Intervention lessons, such “I don’t think any student should as individual ZOOM sessions and pass through our school without the Waterford computer program, learning Lakota,” Bobber said. were a mainstay of the strategies Albert Her Many Horses So, when issues arose early in the Mrs. Birch utilized. TCMS Music Teacher year with the Middle School Lako- Family relationships and the Congratulations to Albert ta Language Teacher’s health, Mr. importance of those connections “Bobber” Her Many Horses Her Many Horses stepped in. He have been a part of Mrs. Birch’s for being chosen Todd County created dozens of engaging Lako- legacy. Many of her parents were School District Teacher of the ta Lessons in Nearpod software. once her students. Year. Thanks to Bobber, every student Her patience and persistence This is a testament to Mr. Her at TCMS had instruction in their in making sure her students and Many Horses’ skill, determina- native language this year. families had the technology skills tion and creativity that he has Yet, his feats did not stop there! were evident daily, while she pro- used and excelled during a year (See a pattern yet???) When it vided lessons to the families on of remote learning as a music became clear that our schedule the phone or in individual teach- teacher! Mr. Her Many Horses would need an additional Explor- Deborah Birch ing sessions. Through this all, Mrs. possesses a tremendous drive atory class for the third quarter, Elementary Teacher of the Year Birch’s laughter and joy persisted for excellence, and the personal Bobber created a brand-new class, Mrs. Birch has dedicated 28 and was an example for us all. skillset necessary to share that “Interactive Listening.” This class years of her life to the students Mrs. Birch is the epitome of drive with his students. is designed to help students focus at Rosebud Elementary. She has what it means to be a dedicated Bobber knew that 2020-21 and become more successful in ev- utilized her leadership skills by teacher even when the pandemic was going to be different, and ery other class while at TCMS. assisting as Head Teacher, par- curve ball and online learning is he had a plan for it. Each year And no, of course Bobber’s ticipating on the Building Leader- thrown at you. he has been at Todd County feats did not stop there either. He ship Team and Oceti Sakowin Es- Middle School (TCMS), the Holi- conducted a Facebook Live event sential Understanding Team, and day Music Program has grown, in the evening to teach parents guiding her colleagues within the and the expectations have been and community members how to weekly Collaborative Work Group. elevated. Mr. Her Many Horses’ log into Schoology and navigate The school year of 2020-21 has choir performances began as its interface. brought about many challenges small audience affairs, and have As Middle School implemented for staff. Mrs. Birch took it upon steadily grown to packed house, a staggered, hybrid schedule to herself to transfer her teaching standing room only events. reduce the human footprint in the expertise of 28 years to an online So, how would he keep that building, Mr. Her Many Horses re- learning platform. She rose up trend going in the year of the ported to the building every single to the challenge of learning the pandemic? A digital concert, of day, teaching classes, meeting Schoology platform and creating course! Across weeks and weeks individually with students, and prerecorded and live teaching of perseverance, willpower, and assisting other teachers utilize sessions to assist her students in his nurturing style of coaching, Nearpod, Scoology, wireless mi- learning the kindergarten stan- Bobber met individually with crophones, and other tools of the dards. each of his music students. They trade. When Lakeview was unable to Todd County School District Dreamcatcher, MARCH 2021 - Page 25 Arlene Gunhammer TCSD Report for ISSD Resource Book- TCSD Paraprofessional of the Year... On March 16, 2020, all Todd County School District At- Birch’s right hand by learning on tendance Centers closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and strategies. She continues to grow remained closed until the end of the 2019-20 School Year. as a professional and has partici- Not only did this disrupt the education of all the TC Students, pated in our online Lakota Lan- but it left this district and many others across the nation with guage courses as well as Respon- sive Classroom and Collaborative the challenge of feeding the children. Classroom Curriculum. The District called on the Rosebud Reservation com- Ms. Arlene’s student, family munities to assist, and the system was put in place to create and community connections have brown bag breakfasts and lunches and have them delivered been a huge asset, not only for to 2,100 children (ages 0-18) most weekdays. Under the guid- Mrs. Birch’s classroom, but for the ance of TCSD Business Manager Chad Blotsky, and manned entire school. Ms. Arlene is the by TC Food Service workers, and other employees who vol- first person willing to go out into the community and assist in mak- unteered. With community personnel delivering the food, the ing those important family con- project succeeded in distributing 219,318 meals by the end of nections. Whenever we are short the school year. At the beginning of the 2020-21 school year, on custodians, bus drivers, kitchen the project resumed, and is continuing until the end of this staff, or need some skilled sum- school year. mer painting, or organization of In September, the Board of Education opted to have the library, Ms. Arlene is willing Arlene Gunhammer virtual classes only for the protection of students, staff and to assist. TCSD Paraprofessional the community to the end of the first semester. Todd Coun- of the Year When it comes to sorting Christ- mas presents from donors, re- ty School busses, which normally would travel thousands of Ms. Arlene Gunhammer has organizing the Panther’s Family miles weekly, sat silent. Attendance Centers were empty, dedicated 26 years of her life to Closet, or setting up the Communi- with the exception of administrators and essential staff, and the students at Rosebud Elemen- ty Libraries, Ms. Arlene is ALWAYS tary. She has worked with Mrs. the problems began of furnishing students with access to in- there to go “above and beyond.” ternet. Birch over 22 years in the Kinder- Ms. Arlene is the epitome of garten classroom. At Rosebud El- what it means to be a dedicated Within a few weeks, most families either were online, ementary, we believe in STRONG instructional team partner, even or able to go to a community center for classes, thanks to Instructional Teams, and Ms. Ar- when the pandemic curve ball and the combined efforts of the State, internet providers and the lene and Mrs. Birch are such ex- online learning is thrown at you. District. As there were to be no in-person classes, there could amples. Ms. Arlene took on this challeng- also be no participation in winter sports. This left many stu- The school year of 20-21 has ing year with zest, and continues brought about many challenges dents with little to do. to be a STRONG VALUABLE In- In December, the Board of Education extended the op- for staff. Ms. Arlene has taken it strutional Team Partner! in stride and continues to be Mrs. tion of Flex Learning to the end of the school, which again eliminated any chance of spring sports for TC students. Some of these virtual school only decisions came from the desire to cooperate with Rosebud Sioux Tribal lockdown mandates, since the District is on the Rosebud Reservation. The SPED Department January report showed 38 stu- dents enrolled, with 23 receiving services virtually, and 15 through take-home activities. Nine families had 100% par- ticipation. In some cases, a few students are now receiving in-person services. On the upside, the District has retained all permanent employees throughout, and each of them received a $1,750 bonus at Christmastime from COVID money. Several staff members were diagnosed with the virus, but all are recovered now. To our knowledge, few, if any, students were affected. IHS (Indian Health Service) at Rosebud offered COVID shots to Todd County employees, and many have accepted. Todd County School District Dreamcatcher, MARCH 2021 - Page 26 tell her what was happening at school. I For Whomever needs to read this right now... hung out with the wrong people my fresh- Look, I know how this feels. I am not which I later burned because I was tired of man year, and I am sure that I would have going to lie to you and say that every emo- feeling like that. been better off without them. If I had just tion and instinct will get easier or auto- My mom was always gone to Montana stopped being stubborn, I would have got- matically go away, because it does not. or some place where a new boyfriend ten help earlier, and I possibly would have Over time, you will learn how to handle was. My aunt was busy with work, and figured out why I was doing this. almost every situation and emotion that my grandma had a babysitting job where As I said, everything happens for comes with growing up. I know, because most of her time was taken by strangers' a reason, so maybe I was meant to go I have experienced the same events that children. I felt alone, like I had no one to through it all for experience, for times like you have. I have made almost the same talk to, but as stubborn as I am, I did not these, when I can share my experience choices, and at this rate, we have basically want help. I thought I was okay. I thought with people who are going through the lived the same life. no one cared. I felt scared and unloved. same as I did. When I was three months old, my birth At age 15, I was diagnosed with severe I am writing this because I can re- parents split up; my birth mother would depression and anxiety. I tried out many late to you, and you can to me. I am writ- come back for me when they would get mood stabilizers and sleep medications ing this because I care, and I know you are back together, but as soon as they broke but the mood stabilizers would give me loved. I know how all of this feels. You you up, I came here to my grandma. horrific nightmares and insomnia. may be the cliché type and say, “No one Eventually, she stopped coming back, Now, imagine all of this going on inside understands,” but you do not even know and my mom stopped everything she was my head, while I was dealing with school, the half of it. I understand all of this and doing at 17 years old to raise me, a baby my birth mother, and losing my other more. that her cousin had left her with. My mom, grandma the summer before freshman Neither of us has bad lives. My birth aunt, and grandparents raised me. I was year. I watched my grandma take her last mom used to say, “At least you have a loved. I had many uncles who helped raise breaths, and I would lay with her until warm bed, clothes, food, and a roof over me, as well. Although they would tell me everyone left the room. I promised her I your head,” and I will be damned if that stories, I was too young to remember. I would make her proud. was not the best advice I have gotten when always find joy in listening to all of their But then, I was doing the opposite. I felt how I used to. stories about me and them. I also had one horrific event happen that There are days when I feel like I can- Throughout the first 15 years of my I do not like to talk about, which is most not talk to anyone. There are days when life, my birth mother would come back likely where the accusations came from, I still have the feelings of hurting myself and make promises to me that she would but I learned to deal with it. There were or feeling so hopeless that I would love to never keep. I had to deal with her for 15 many more details in the middle of each get away from everything. That is not the years. I had to watch her come back, go and every event, but those are practically answer, ever. Trust me, it never was and away, and eventually, watch her wither irrelevant to the feelings I had and the ac- never will be. away in a life of drugs. tions I took. Nothing like this gets better and My grandparents split up when I was I know for a fact that I was loved, cared easier, but you will just have to learn the about 10, and my papa moved away. My for, and I was not alone, but I was 14 when difference between what you can and can- grandma, mom, and aunt raised me from everything had started. I had tried to take not control. Just think about me, I was so there, which was not hard for the first my life seven times. I survived each one bad. I was so lost and so far gone. I had no four years. because I was supposed to live. emotional connections to anything, no at- As soon as I went into high school, Everything happens for a reason, and tachments, no desire to be around family, though, everything went downhill from now that I am here today, I see that rea- but I had the courage and the strength to there. I definitely did not make it easy on son. After each attempt, I regretted doing get up one day and say, “This is enough.” my family, friends, or even myself. I start- it because my grandma would be waiting I did not find any joy in anything I ed to be accused of sleeping with numer- for me outside of that bathroom. I now used to love to do. I gave up writing, draw- ous guys, and I was eventually bullied and hate that bathroom, so I do not ever go in ing, and painting. I disconnected from ev- not liked for those rumors. They were all there. eryone and everything that I loved, and untrue, but that is how my start to high My grandma was in disbelief ev- considering how stubborn I am, you could school went. ery time. She told me I had to stop doing imagine how much motivation I did not I started to self-harm, and I lied what I was doing and just talk to her. I did have. continuously about it. I would make the not know what to say. I did not want to It took my whole family, crying, most cliché excuses for the many cuts on tell her that I just did not want to be here praying, and being hysterical, for me to fi- my arms. I wrote poetry about how I felt, anymore, and I definitely did not want to nally come to my senses. It took my uncles, Todd County School District Dreamcatcher, MARCH 2021 - Page 27 my big brother and sister, and even my ioral health wards, all I could think about in being outside or painting in my room, grandmas, for me to finally take a look was my family and how much I had let cooking, or just being on my bed listening around and see how many people loved them down, how much pain I had caused to thunderstorm sounds. and cared for me. them. I remember getting a call from my It is different for everyone. Maybe Now I want you to take a look at you. grandma, and she had to give the phone painting or something does not work for You have two aunts and unci who love you to someone else. I could hear her crying, you, but you just have to keep trying ev- with all of their hearts. I sat there as each for me. That broke my heart, and I had to erything you can. I know there are not cried thinking about you, and you did the get back to her, so I decided to give every many choices that you could try because same that I did. I sat there feeling like a therapy I could a chance. of the virus, but it does not hurt to try a piece of crap as they cried. I thought about I found my happiness in horses, es- multitude of activities. my family, and how I put them through pecially after the grandma that raised me There are days when I get so angry, all the same situation. I felt like I was the had passed away. I was actually riding my I can do is sit and think about how I could worst person in the world because I had horse out in the pasture when everyone not be wrong. I come to my senses and made my family feel the same emotions, had found out. I was basically the last one paint. I used to skate when I was angry, and I had been so selfish. to know. and the fresh air was always so comfort- Just because everything builds up, It has been two, almost three years, ing to me. and makes everything hurt, does not give since her death. I still get nightmares about You see, there are so many differ- anyone the right to be selfish in that way. the moment I found out. I constantly hear ent self-coping skills you can do to con- I still have those feelings. I still get self- the sound of my uncle crying and scream- trol your emotions and make it easier for ish thoughts, but I learned to toughen up ing at my aunt because he could not come yourself to process these emotions. You and deal with them, because others have home from work. I constantly think of my just need to find yours. I hope that you it rougher than I do. aunt telling me she loved me and holding can see that others have it worse, and you Other people, even children, have my hand as tight as she could. I constant- do not have a bad life. We have basically worse lives than me, and they cannot con- ly, and probably will forever, think about lived the same life, so I should know. trol it. I can. I have complete control of how I ran into my house to see my whole I have not had any parents truly my actions and my life, and I made two family there, and I was the last one to be present while I went through this, but promises to people whom I love with all of in the house. Some of the strongest people you have a household full of people who my heart. I knew were all standing in my house cry- are trying to listen and understand what I promised my grandma on her ing, but no one understood how I was hurt. is going on, so let them help you. I also deathbed that I would make her proud. I The very next day, I called my grandpa hope that you can find yourself a healthy have not yet, but that gives me a reason and said that I would still be at work the coping skill, and stick with that whenever to keep going. My best friend, who never next day, ready to work with the horses. times get tough, because trust me, it gets shares his feelings, had to deal with me Horses are my outlet, and maybe for you, tougher than this. saying I wanted to end my life, while he it could be different. My horse was my best I appreciate you reading this because it was burying his own brother. I felt like I friend. I told him everything, and he lis- brought me back to a life of pain and suf- had made the biggest mistake in the world tened. I got on the saddle sad and hurting, fering that, as a child, I did not need nor because he did not tell me, and I had said but by the time my horse and I were done should have endured. something so selfish. doing our daily runs, I felt an enormous ...from a Todd County High School Student He has had a rough life. He has had weight lifted from my shoulders. to watch his brother be killed in front of He became the place where I felt safe, him. He had to endure the death of his and you are probably wondering how a dad and then his brothers. I still feel like horse could be a place. It is simple, when I have not apologized enough for it. He you get on the horse, you could be higher made me promise him that I would not be than you ever could imagine. For me, it is stupid and leave him, and that is another such an amazing feeling, just being able promise that I cannot break. to breathe and be in sync with your horse. I have been on both sides of this situ- When he starts running, I feel like we run ation, and both sides suck. I was the one away from each problem, and they can who was in mental hospitals for weeks at never catch up to us. a time, and I was the one worrying about It could be different for you, and that you because if you would have talked, I is absolutely okay. You could paint your could have helped. The whole time I was feelings, which is what I do, or you could in those different hospitals and behav- try writing or even reading. I find peace Todd County School District Dreamcatcher, MARCH 2021 - Page 28 Remembering... 2010-11 School Year With no students in TCSD classrooms this school year, due to the COVID pandemic, current photos of our students are very few. Instead, we are sharing some photos from years past. Crystal...

Spring Creek Kindergarten... Todd County School District Dreamcatcher, MARCH 2021 - Page 29

Todd County High School Class of 2011...

Math Champs... Math Champs... Windsor Barry, Justin Folkers, Camren Folkers Madhav Singh, Maria Flores

2010 Football... Todd County School District Dreamcatcher, MARCH 2021 - Page 30 Maintenance Crew/Bus Shop - We Salute You!!! MISSION - Even without students in classrooms this school - changed sump pump in boiler room year, duties of the Todd County School District Maintenance - repaired classroom outlets Crew continue. Although many of the normal number of busses - installed new furnace in classroom and Suburbans sit idle, some still are needed for various pur- - repaired metal roof damaged by wind. poses. Klein… Of the 13 full-time employees at the Bus/Maintenance Shop, - replaced siding on the front, south side, west side three are full time mechanics, three deliver meals daily, and - replaced trim around the front door - worked on the roof, sealing possible source of leaks transport students whenever necessary. All 13 are also licensed - maintained the chlorine water system bus drivers. - replaced batteries in emergency lights Reports to the Board of Education gave credence to the fact - fixed leaks in girls bathroom sinks. that these employees do not “just sit around.” They have a Okreek… multitude of duties, some not so pleasant, to keep the buildings - filled sinkhole in driveway and the grounds at the seven outlying attendance centers, plus - put dirt around gym for better drainage all buildings in Mission in good condition and safe for students - changed filters twice on air handler and staff. - fixed sink and urinal in gym bathroom JANUARY REPORT: - replaced fan motor and high limit switch on furnace in gym TC Elementary… - removed broken keg from boys bathroom - sealed the flashing on top of walls on roof - showed staff how the door lock works - repaired lift at the unloading area - worked on intercom system (turned off to silence the alarm, - put wood chips and lights around flagpole had it repaired by equipment supplier – under warranty) - sealed windows - reset roof top unit at lease two times a month, some work every - graveled road between Elementary and Middle School day. Electric supply variation causes safety feature to turn unit off. - removed a tree Littleburg… Middle School… - repaired siding damaged by tree - built a cooler over propane vaporizer - trimmed tree and removed branches - replaced pump motors - repaired door frame and replaced door knob on front door of - cleaned condensation lines the apartment - repaired ceiling tower - replaced drain and kitchen faucet - repaired and replaced lights - fixed hot water heater and hot water faced at washing ma- - replaced faucet in science room. chine High School… - covered window with plywood on storage building - installed new stair tread covers - fixed bathroom sink leak. - repaired light ballast outlets He Dog… - replaced faucets - sewer cleaning - Installed new air conditioner in office - fixed furnaces Spring Creek… - repaired windows - replaced toilets in gym - installed hand rail - changed exterior lights in gym - replaced siding and windows on module damaged by hail & - put in new furnace fan vandalism. - cleaned sewer lines in kitchen and serviced lift station There is a lot to do to keep a school district this size in operable - repaired sink in kitchen of trailer houses shape. In addition to these normal needs of the buildings, along comes - replaced batteries in fire alarm system. a snowstorm, and besides having to deliver meals, maintenance/bus shop employees are called in for bobcat and shovel duty to keep the Lakeview… area as free of snow and ice as possible. - replaced faucet at apartment kitchens and bathroom sinks FEBRUARY: - replaced furnace in middle building The Maintenance/Bus Shop Crew continued to provide drivers - replace lights on outside of school. for meal deliveries and transport Exceptional Education students for Rosebud… all three Mission schools and other transportation as needed. - repaired underground and water leaks by modules Rosebud… - built new ramp to classroom - replaced bearings in a heating unit in main building - repaired furnaces in various classrooms - installed new line and new propane heater in the garage used - repaired drain leaks in classroom to store Bobcat loader - fire caulked all pipe lines going out of boiler room - moved storage building from Mission to Rosebud and placed at - installed eyewash faucets in boiler room & maintenance room back of school yard - replaced broken & missing light coolers Todd County School District Dreamcatcher, MARCH 2021 - Page 31

THE CREW... Back, from left - Director of Transportation & Maintenance Brad Bartling, Daniel Razo, Jim Williams, Kenny Hespe, Keith Olson, Walt Hernan- dez. Front - Donnie Farley, Harry DuBray, Gwenda Jackson, Charles Arcoren, Howard Arcoren, Tim Courner Jr. Not present for photo - Josh Wilson, Spencer Bear Heels. - hauled a snowblower back from Huron, serviced it, and deliv- through, located broken pipe. Dug down by hand to locate fiber optic ered to Rosebud School. lines. Will dig up as soon as weather permits. Okreek… Klein School… - made daily trips to reset the roof top air handler, until DDC - tested water for chlorine and supplied samples to Pierre for found a few issues and we fixed the problem. testing. - pushed snow three times, need to level the gravel as weather - pushed snow twice. permits Littleburg… - fixed frozen water line in wall by front door. (this was quite a - moved snow three times challenge for the crew, as the line had burst and made a skating rink Lakeview… out of the whole parking lot.) - replaced batteries and reset thermostat in modular classroom He Dog… Teacher Housing… - repaired water line by the bus barn - With the extreme cold, some houses froze up. One was due to - cleaned sewer line twice the tenant setting the heat to 58 degrees and leaving. Two unoccupied - unplugged sink in classroom houses just had frozen pipes with no damage. All houses are now re- - helped with snow removal paired. - ordered gravel for parking area - replaced bathroom sink sewer lines and repaired outlets - repaired furnace in gym - checked several tenants out of apartments or houses. - fixed door in classroom - replaced a bathroom floor Spring Creek… - worked on sewer, ran snake through twice, ran camera THANK YOU! Todd County School District Dreamcatcher, MARCH 2021 - Page 32 Todd County School District P. O. Box 87 Mission, SD 57555 Dreamcatcher

Todd County Middle School observes R.E.D. Shirt Friday...

In response to a letter from the Department of the Military, Ofice of the Adjutant General, Todd County Middle School staff participated in R.E.D. (Remember Everyone Deployed) Shirt Day one Friday, February 26, by wearing a red shirt to work. “The purpose of the activity is to send a common and unified acknowledgement to our service members and famiilies - letting them know they are not forgotten, and we appreciate their sacrifice to our country. Wearing a red shirt may seem small, but the meaning behind it is significant,” the letter said. SPC Batiste Beauvais, with the 196th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, is a Rosebud Sioux Tribal Member, a Todd County High School Gradu- ate, a veteran, and is employed at Middle School. He also had a daughter at Todd County Elementary. Batiste is currently on deployment in Africa.