In Touch A quarterly publication of the Meade School District

August-October 2004 Volume 1, Number 1 School starts Aug. 30; open house, new student About this newsletter ...Page 2 registration are scheduled Monday, Aug. 30, the doors of all will be asked to provide their Social Substitute training set schools in the Meade District will Security number. Official school ...Page 4 swing open for another year. Prior to records from the former school will that date, student registration, open be requested by Meade School Assistant principal hired houses and several orientations will District officials. ...Page 5 be held. Sturgis Elementary All students new to the school Grades K-4, Special Education district are requested to bring to reg- Registration for new students will Inservice to be held istration a report card or transcript of be 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Monday through ...Page 6 grades, proof of immunizations, and Friday, Aug. 16-20, at the elementary TB test from the previous school principal’s office located at Erskine Free/reduced meals attended. New students must also ...Page 7 bring a certified birth certificate and SCHOOL: (See Page 3)

New counselors hired ...Page 8 New school board seated The old board was adjourned on the board, afterwhich re-elected PTO recruiting and the new Meade School Board board members Wanda Blair and ...Page 9 was seated during July’s annual Dennis Chowen and newcomer meeting. Outgoing board member Jeff Kathy Behrens were sworn in. Board adopts budget Manley was presented a school bell in ...Page 10 recognition of his 3 1/2 years of service MEETING: (See Page 2)

Student pictures set ...Page 11

School supplies listed ...Page 12

School calendar ...Page 15

Meade School District Business Manager Ilene Nelson, left, administers the oath of office to new board members, from the left, Kathy Behrens, Dennis Chowen and Wanda Blair.

“To Build Knowledge and Skills for Success Today and Tomorrow” Staying ‘In Touch’ To All Meade School District Residents/Patrons: to be a more supportive public. The board further believes that in this age of "choice," the district must This is the first issue of "In Touch," a quarterly assume a proactive role in promoting the programs and newsletter published by Meade School District 46-1 for services it offers. This will help retain and hopefully all residents/patrons of the school district. build upon our student population. Based upon these Meade School District provides education services beliefs and the research, the board has decided to to approximately 2,700 students located in Sturgis, expand and improve upon our communications pro- Whitewood, Piedmont, Stagebarn, and the vast rural gram. One of the first steps in that process is the publi- community as well. As the school board was examining cation of this newsletter. For those of you who prefer its communications program over the past year, it an electronic version, this newsletter is also available became obvious that there is no single news medium on our website at www.meade.k12.sd.us. that serves all of our school district residents/patrons, Our improved communications program will also and in that sense we are somewhat unique. As a expand upon our use of local newspapers and broad- result, the good news of education does not cast media in an effort to make sure that important necessarily reach all of our stakeholders. school news is provided in a more timely fashion. Public schools typically represent one of the largest We hope you enjoy our publications and that you public investments in any community. Therefore, it is find the content to be of interest and value. We important that our public receive complete, accurate, welcome your comments and suggestions. This will and timely information regarding the school district and help to ensure that we are providing you with the type its programs and operations. Research tells us the of school news that you desire. public wants to be informed about its schools. Research also reveals the public considers the school to be an important and credible source of that information. The board believes that an informed public is likely James Heinert, superintendent of schools

MEETING Continued from Page 1 Blair is beginning her second term in which the students can learn. Blair board, Behrens said there are a num- on the school board. During her first and her husband Edward have two ber of issues impacting the district such three years she served on the employ- children. as the No Child Left Behind Act, the ee retirement/recognition dinner com- Chowen, who is also beginning his facility master plan, and communica- mittee, administrative negotiations, second three-year term on the board, tions, but before offering any opinions and transportation committee. has served on the support staff negoti- she wants to research them further. Blair, who has lived on a ranch ations committee, administrative salary Behrens was a teacher and admin- north of Sturgis for the past 30 years, is committee, transportation committee istrator for 33 years, 15 of those with a seamstress, humorist and home- and employee recognition committee. the Meade District. The Sturgis resi- maker. She is a member of the Sturgis The retired Army officer and former dent is a 28-year member of Delta Community Health Care Center educator has lived in Sturgis since Kappa Gamma which is an honorary Advisory Board, and District 5 State 2000, but is a native of Vale. He feels educational organization, and member Farm Bureau Board. She is an active the most important issue facing the dis- of SD Business and Office Educators. member of the First Presbyterian trict is declining enrollment because Her community involvement includes Church and has been a 4-H leader for fewer students means less money for membership in First United Methodist more than 25 years. She has served the district. Church, PEO, Fort Meade Museum, as secretary for the Meade County Fair Chowen is an elder in the and Sturgis Area Chamber of for 16 years, and also a volunteer with Presbyterian Church, and a member of Commerce. the Western Jr. 4-H Livestock Show. the American Legion, Veterans Club, She is a former board member of Of concern to her is keeping the Northern Hills Bird Club, and Stone the Sturgis Area United Way where she district fiscally responsible, increasing Masons. He and his wife Roxie have served as co-chairman of Day of student enrollment, and making the three grown children. Caring. She and her husband Bob educational environment a better place As the newest member of the have three adult children. 2 In Touch August-October 2004 Leaning Tower of...computers? Todd Knutson, left, computer network administrator for the Meade School District, unpacks the recently delivered laptops which will be used in the rural computer lab, for a portable lab at the high school, and elsewhere throughout the district. Knutson, together with two other full-time employees and one part-time employee, is charged with pur- chasing, installing, and repairing the district’s 1,200 computers.

SCHOOL Continued from Page 1 School, 1119 Third Street, Sturgis. dents, together with their parents, of students participating in fall activ- Students who were enrolled in Sturgis will have an opportunity to meet ities will be held at 5:30 p.m. Elementary last year or kindergarten homeroom teachers. Wednesday, Aug. 25, in the east students who registered last spring Piedmont and Stagebarn high school gymnasium. do not have to re-enroll. Grades K-6 A special orientation meeting for An open house in all buildings of Registration for new students all freshmen and new students, and Sturgis Elementary - Bear Butte, will be 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday their parents, will be 6:30 p.m. Erskine, Francis Case and Primary - and Thursday, Aug. 18-19, at the Wednesday, Aug. 25, in the west will be held from 2:30-4:30 p.m. Stagebarn School. Students who high school gymnasium. Schedules Thursday, Aug. 26. were enrolled at those schools last will be distributed at this time, and The purpose of the open house year do not have to re-enroll. lunch tickets and activity tickets will is to give parents and students an However, if there are changes in also be available for purchase. opportunity to meet the teachers for addresses, phone numbers, etc., Schedules for sophomores, jun- the coming year. Class lists will be those changes may be made at this iors and seniors may be picked up posted on the front door of each time. Food Service personnel will be anytime Monday, Aug. 16 - Tuesday, school building. present to sell meal tickets during Aug. 24, in the counselors’ office. Sturgis Williams Middle School these two days. Whitewood School Grades 5-8 There will be an open house Grades K-6 Registration for new students from 2:30-4:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. Registration and open house will will be 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday 26, at both the Piedmont and be 1-2:30 pm. Thursday, Aug. 26. through Thursday, Aug. 17-19, at Stagebarn schools Class lists will Lunch tickets may also be pur- the middle school office, 1425 be posted on the front door of each chased at this time. Cedar Street, Sturgis. school. Rural Schools A student and parent orientation Sturgis Brown High School Grades K-8 for all students - new and returning - Grades 9-12 Registration and open house will and their parents will be held from 6- New students may register from be held at each rural school from 2- 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 26, in the 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday, Aug. 16, 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 26. south building of Sturgis Williams through Tuesday, Aug. 24, at the Physicals for rural students will be Middle School. Schedules will be high school counselors’ office. offered from 1-3 p.m. Thursday, Aug. distributed at this time, and the stu- A mandatory meeting for parents 26, at the Union Center School.

August-October 2004 In Touch 3 Summer is a busy time for teachers School may be out for students, science; effective but many of the Meade School teacher and class District teachers return to the class- management; pro- room each summer as students fessional develop- themselves. ment in math for Summer workshops and classes high school teach- organized by the district total more ers: statistics and than two dozen and include reading probability, geom- and writing workshops; teaching etry and South vocabulary to elementary and sec- Dakota math stan- ondary students; cognitive guided dards; and CPR instruction; basic and advanced recertification. web page design; life skills training; “In this day and achieving improvement in math and age we are told that the level of human knowledge doubles every five years,” said James Sturgis Brown High School math teachers Vince Schmaltz, Heinert, Meade Darcy Nagel, Sandy Buchholz and Diane Goodhope learn 46-1 School District about web site design in a workshop taught by Meade staff members Linda Hampton and JoAnn Jackley. superintendent. “Therefore it is critically impor- Apart from the programs spon- tant that teachers keep their knowl- sored and organized by the district, edge and skills current, so they, in there are classes and training turn, can provide the best instruction offered by universities and other possible to their students,” he said. entities which Meade staff partici- “As a district, we have been fortu- pate. nate to receive many grants and Educators have to accumulate other opportunities to provide our six hours of college credit each five Meade District staff members Kerry staff with high quality training in the years to keep their teaching certifi- Skinner, left, and Linda Chaplin, met up in Madrid, Spain, while each was lead- latest scientifically based research cate. Each hour of college credit ing a group of students for the People to regarding effective practices in the requires at least 15 hours of actual People Student Ambassador Program. classroom,” he said. time. Substitute teacher training is set for Sept. 3

A training for persons wishing to ers in the Meade School District physical exam certificate and back- serve as substitute teachers in the participate in a conference with one ground fingerprint check is also Meade 46-1 School District will be of the district principals or their required. held at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 3, in designee for the purpose of review- Substitutes are used in all the the north building of Williams Middle ing the Handbook for Substitute schools of the Meade District which School, 1230 Douglas Street, Teachers.” includes Sturgis, Piedmont, Stage- Sturgis. Previously approved substitute barn, Whitewood, and the rural The purpose of the session is to teachers need not attend, however schools of Alkali, Atall, Elm Springs, review the district’s Handbook for any one having questions or sug- Enning, Hereford, Opal, Sulphur Substitute Teachers and to answer gestions is welcome. Creek, and Union Center. questions about local procedures Persons holding a high school For further information contact and policies. diploma, GED, college degree or Claudette Reichert, curriculum District policy states that “all per- South Dakota teacher’s certificate director for the Meade District, at sons employed as substitute teach- are eligible to substitute. A current 347-4454.

4 In Touch August-October 2004 Dschaak Activity tickets is new now available assistant for purchase Sturgis Brown High School activ- ity tickets for the 2004-2005 school principal year are now available for purchase. The student ticket, available to Ethan Dschaak has been hired any Meade District student in kinder- as the assistant principal for Sturgis garten through 12th grade, sells for Elementary and Sturgis Williams $25 and is good for the entire school Middle School. He replaces Mike year. Neubert who is the new principal at The adult activity ticket can be May Overby Elementary School in Ethan Dschaak purchased for $40, while the ticket Aberdeen. education students. He also served for seniors costs $20. Both contain “I am really excited about this as assistant varsity boys basketball 15 punches. The price of a yearly opportunity,” said Dschaak, who coach, and junior varsity boys bas- family pass, which is good for par- began Aug. 1. Dschaak worked in ketball coach. ents and K-12 students, costs $100. the field of special education prior to During the 1998-99 school year Without an activity ticket, admis- assuming this new position, and Dschaak was the sixth grade math sion to high school events is $4 for feels that experience opened his and language arts teacher at adults and $3 for students. eyes to different aspects of educa- Deadwood Middle School. While The activity ticket will also admit tion. “I can bring that experience to employed with the Lead-Deadwood the holder to all high school plays, the table which will benefit the School District, he was assistant musicals, and concerts. The ticket is Meade District,” he said. varsity coach for both boys basket- not valid for any state-sanctioned Dschaak is very passionate ball and football. athletic tournament. about fostering an environment con- For the past five years he has The activity tickets are on sale at ducive to learning. “We, as educa- been a special education teacher at the high school, and during registra- tional leaders, must provide a safe Belle Fourche High School, and tion at the various Meade District and nurturing place of learning. The also that district’s drivers education schools. The tickets will also be sold key to this,” he said, “is developing instructor. His coaching duties during the first couple football and good teacher/student relationships. included head varsity boys basket- volleyball games. But for this to occur there must be ball and head varsity boys baseball. For further information call Mike good leadership from the top down.” Dschaak is married to the former Paris, activities director, at 347- A 1992 graduate of Belle Shanna Monahan of Sturgis. 4487. Fourche High School, he received his bachelor’s degree in special education and physical education Homecoming is set for Oct. 1 from Black Hills State University, “Pirates of the Caribbean” is the theme of this year’s homecoming at Spearfish, in 1997, and his master’s Sturgis Brown High School. degree in educational administra- The weeklong observance, including coronation, parade and football tion from South Dakota State game, will take place Sept. 27-Oct. 1. University, West River Campus, in Coronation is set for 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 30, in the west gym at the 2004. He also received a drivers high school, while the parade is scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 1. The education endorsement from football game, against Sioux Falls Washington, will kick off at 6 p.m. Northern State, Aberdeen, in 2000. Friday, Oct. 1, at Woodle Field. After receiving his bachelor’s Area businesses and organizations are encouraged to participate in degree, the educator worked for one the parade with a float or other entry. Sign-up can be accomplished by year in Gregory where he taught calling the high school at 347-2686. sixth through 12th grade special

August-October 2004 In Touch 5 Meade staff to meet Aug. 25-27 Inservice heralds school year beginning The fall staff inservice, or fall address entitled “A Plan for fall professional development takes professional development as it is Success” by John Mooy. The loca- place at Sturgis Williams Middle now called, which heralds the begin- tion of this keynote talk is the School and includes departmental ning of the new school year, will be Spearfish High School Auditorium. meetings and various breakout ses- held Wednesday through Friday, The remainder of the day consists of sions covering such topics as test Aug. 25-27. administrative site-based planning, taking, increasing math achieve- The first day kicksoff at the classroom preparation, open hous- ment, reading strategies, and work- Sturgis Community Center with a es and new student registration. ing with students with behavioral staff wellness screening from 6:30- All activities of the final day of needs. 7:30 a.m. Refreshments will be available and exhibits set up from 7:15 a.m. until the grand opening at Boys Town training ongoing 8 a.m. Opening ceremonies include For the past year, Meade District all staff to become more effective in the presentation of the colors by the staff have been receiving instruction the school setting through the imple- Marine Corps JROTC, Pledge of and training in the Boys Town mentation of various discipline pro- Allegiance and National Anthem. Education Model “The Well- cedures and practices. The opening ceremonies will be Managed Classroom” where partici- Once all staff have been trained, followed by greetings from Sturgis pants learn interactions for promot- Boys Town consultants will observe Mayor Mark Zeigler, Meade ing positive behavior change in the and help staff apply and adapt what Education Association representa- classroom. they have learned. Sometime in tive Carol Halter, Meade School Two days of this training are also December the district’s implementa- Board President Terry Koontz, and being offered teachers during the tion of the Education Model will be United Way Executive Director fall staff inservice. An abbreviated evaluated through further consulta- Renee Parker. Personnel new to the version is also being presented to tions and assessments as a way of district will be introduced after which district bus drivers, lunchroom and providing an objective measure of Superintendent James Heinert will playground aids, custodians and the changes that have occurred in speak. Following Heinert’s address, paraprofessionals. the district since the program’s each administrator will meet with his The purpose of the training is for implementation. or her own staff. A lunch break is planned from 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. and then staff Life saving equipment in place meetings will be held until 4:30 p.m. A mandatory meeting for parents of students participating in fall activ- in two Meade District gyms ities will be held that evening at 5:30 Two automatic external defibril- those trained in cardiopulmonary in the east gym, Sturgis Brown High lators are now in place in the Meade resuscitation and automatic external School, followed at 6:30 p.m. by the School District - at Grunwald defibrillators. Meade staff so trained ninth grade and new student orien- Auditorium and the west gym of include all the coaches, students tation in the west gym. Sturgis Brown High School. enrolled in Twyla Barden’s lifesav- For staff not already trained in More than a year ago, represen- ing classes and Darla DeKraai’s Boys Town classroom model, train- tatives of the Sturgis Hospital child development classes, and ing will be offered from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Advisory Board approached the most of the special education teach- Thursday and Friday, Aug. 26-27, in school board for support of its cam- ers. rooms 102 and 103 of Sturgis paign to purchase the defibrillators According to school nurse Randi Williams Middle School. For staff for placement in the gyms, and at Oviatt, she and her staff offer CPR already trained in the Boys Town the Sturgis Community Center. and AED at all staff in-services. “Our model, the second day of in-service The defibrillators are available goal,” she said, “is to have as many opens at 8:30 a.m. with a keynote for use in emergency situations by staff trained as possible.”

6 In Touch August-October 2004 Free and reduced priced meals are available to Meade school students Children from families whose are eligible for free school meals. tion provided on the application is income is at or below the levels These families should not complete confidential and will only be used for shown on the chart on the next page an application for free meals but the purpose of determining eligibility may be eligible for free or reduced rather should take that letter or a status for school meals and Title I price meals - both breakfast and copy of the letter to the school food programs. lunch - with the Meade School service office located in the Primary If a household that receives food District. School at Third and Howard Streets, stamps, TANF, or FDPIR (commodi- Households that are currently on Sturgis. ties) does not receive the letter from food stamps or Temporary Assis- In certain cases, foster children Social Services or the Interagency tance to Needy Families will receive are eligible for free or reduced price Notice of Action or chooses not to letters indicating that their children meals regardless of the income of bring it to school, the household the household in which they reside. should complete an application. Households with a foster child Households that receive free or Meal tickets go on sale should contact the school for more reduced price meals for children are Breakfast and lunch tickets information on how to apply for the required to report to the school are available through the Meade benefits. increases in household income of School District Food Service office To apply for free or reduced more than $50 per month or $600 located in the Primary School price breakfast and lunch, house- per year and/or any decreases in Building, Sturgis, from 8 a.m.-3 holds of all other enrolled students household size, or if a child's or the p.m. beginning Monday, Aug. 16. should fill out the application and Applications for meal assistance return it to the school. The informa- MEALS: (See Page 8) and tickets will also be available during registration at all schools. Ticket prices are as follows: Food service changes planned Research shows that one of the short distance from the building that Milk Tickets keys to academic success is good houses them. “This move will not 20 milk ticket: $5 nutrition, something the Meade only allow us to better prepare and Food Service strives to offer those serve the food, but the new location Breakfast Tickets attending school in the Meade offers an improved atmosphere,” 20 meal ticket: K-12, $18; adult, $23 10 meal ticket: K-12, $9; adult, $11.50 District. said Schaffer. 5 meal ticket: K-12, $4.50; adult, $5.75 But trying to keep up with cur- The second change is taking rent food trends while also providing place at the high school where the Lunch Tickets nutritious and tasty meals is a chal- kitchen is being remodeled. (Includes ½ pint milk) lenge. Just ask Meade Food The five-foot serving window 20 meal ticket: K-12, $45; adult, $55 Service Director Joe Schaffer. has been enlarged to 14-feet and 10 meal ticket: K-12, $22.50; adult, $27.50 But Schaffer and his 26 employ- several walls have been removed to 5 meal ticket: K-12, $11.25; adult, $13.75 ees are meeting that challenge expand the kitchen - both changes head-on by instituting several will speed up serving, thereby Single meals are also avail- changes, primarily in the delivery of improving food quality. able for purchase. The cost of a the food. The kitchen expansion, accord- single breakfast meal is 90 cents The first change concerns the ing to Schaffer, gives his staff more for students kindergarten through eating location for the Sturgis preparation area and also allows senior in high school, and $1.15 Williams Middle School fifth and space for a dishwasher. Previously, for adults. A single lunch meal sixth grade students. Instead of any washing of dishes was done by costs $2.25 for students and lunch on the stage of the gym, the hand. With the addition of a dish- $2.75 for adults. A half-pint of milk students will eat at the cafeteria in can be purchased for 25 cents. the south building of SWMS - just a CHANGES: (See Page 8)

August-October 2004 In Touch 7 Counselors and social worker join Meade staff The Meade School District has always been in the forefront of providing guidance and counseling to its students. Long before mandates, the Meade Ginger Johnson Al Lloyd Kristi Ortiz District had licensed staff in place to help students of all ages - elementary through high school - counselor at Sturgis Williams Middle School, replaces Eldon including those considered to be at risk and those Clifford who has returned to college. with special needs. For the past five years Ortiz was the K-6 school counselor New to the district this school year are Kristi and K-12 gifted education coordinator for the Hill City School Ortiz, counselor at Sturgis Elementary, and Ginger District. Johnson has been with the Department of Social Johnson, social worker. Ortiz takes the place of Services child protection division for 18 years, the last five as Lori Draper who is on leave of absence, supervisor for Sturgis, Belle Fourche and Deadwood. Lloyd while Johnson replaces Al Lloyd. Lloyd, now a begins his eighth year with the Meade School District.

CHANGES Continued from Page 7 washer, the use of Styrofoam on the students eat is determined by responsibility of food service. which to serve the food is a thing of what is being served, so Schaffer is Only two other South Dakota the past. “We used to pay $16 a day hoping the expanded menu will help school districts have their conces- for Styrofoam,” said Schaffer. “That to increase participation. sions run by food service, but that savings will now go toward the pur- Another change taking place this doesn’t deter Schaffer. “This will cer- chase of plastic trays.” coming school year concerns the tainly be something new for us, but Several more a la carte items operation of the concessions. In the we are ready for it,” he said. One have been added to the high school past, a school staff member received immediate change will be longer menu including Scooper Sam’s extra-duty pay to take charge of the hours of operation for the conces- hotwing nuggets. All too often when concessions, but now that will be the sion stands. MEALS Guidelines for free/reduced meals Continued from Page 7 Yearly Monthly Weekly Household Free Reduced Free Reduced Free Reduced household's Temporary Assistance Size to Needy Families, food stamp, or 1 $12,103 $17,224 $1,009 $1,436 $233 $332 commodity benefits are rescinded. Applications may be submitted 2 $16,237 $23,107 $1,354 $1,926 $313 $445 at any time during the year. If a par- ent or guardian becomes unem- 3 $20,371 $28,990 $1,698 $2,416 $392 $558 ployed, the children from that house- 4 $24,505 $34,873 $2,043 $2,907 $472 $671 hold may be eligible for free or reduced price meals during the time 5 $28,639 $40,756 $2,387 $3,397 $551 $784 of unemployment if the household's income falls within the income eligi- 6 $32,773 $46,639 $2,732 $3,887 $631 $897 bility guidelines. 7 $36,907 $52,522 $3,076 $4,377 $710 $1,011 For an application, or for further information call Joe Schaffer, food 8 $41,041 $58,405 $3,421 $4,868 $790 $1,124 service director, at 347-3601.

8 In Touch August-October 2004 Parent groups A bright future Visitors to the north building of Sturgis looking for a Middle School will immediately notice the brightness of the hallways. Not only were few good men, new lights installed, but the ceilings were dropped 1 1/2 feet. Installing the new ceil- and women ing and tiles was Hampton Construction including Dan Hampton, below. The parents’ groups at Whitewood, Sturgis, and Piedmont Stagebarn schools are all recruiting new members. All three organiza- tions sponsor fundraisers and other events that enhance activities and experiences for the children attend- ing those schools. The Whitewood PTO, for exam- ple, holds two major fundraisers a year – a cookie dough, cheese cake and pie sale, and a potato feed. The money from both benefit end-of-the- year field trips and other activities such as dances, carnivals, Easter egg hunt, and roller skating parties. The next meeting of the

PTO: (See Page 11) Attendance policy undergoes changes As a result of changes last couraged and rewarded while tardi- “A student’s contribution and semester to the school district’s ness and absenteeism are subject achievement in class are directly attendance policy, students are now to disciplinary action. related to attendance...students expected to treat school as prepara- Excessive absenteeism, pur- miss a vital portion of their education tion for future life. suant to the policy, is defined as when they are absent from class.” Under the revised policy, habits exceeding 10 days per semester for The policy changes were driven of regular attendance are en- any reason. Quoting from the policy, by the fact that improved attendance is one of the district’s school Attendance in 1916 improvement goals. “In attempting to address this goal we determined The more things change the more they remain the same. From the that it would be helpful to make March 31, 1916, minutes of the Board of Education of the Independent some changes in our attendance School District of the City of Sturgis: policy,” explained Superintendent "Prof. Wagner spoke of the absence from school of some of the James Heinert. students in the graduating class and that they were out so much that Last year the Meade District they could not keep up their grades to the standard that they ought to attendance rate was 94.6 percent, have them and that they were getting further behind all of the while. and it is the school board’s goal to “A motion was moved and carried that the Superintendent notify the reach a 96 percent rate. The state- parents of these students with a written notice that the Board would wide attendance rate for 2002-2003, insist upon their children attending more regular or they would be the most recent figures available, denied graduation upon the grounds of poor attendance." was 95.6 percent.

August-October 2004 In Touch 9 Library, tennis Graham honored requests now Sturgis Elementary Principal Norm Graham has been selected Administrator of the Year by the South in the budget Dakota Association of Educational Office Professionals. Graham, who The recently approved Meade has been an administrator for School District capital outlay budget 14 of his 22 years with the Meade of $1,762,606 for 2004-05 includes School District, was recently honored funding for library construction and at the state conference of that tennis court construction, both proj- association. The award is given ects of the city of Sturgis. annually to a currently employed The school board OK’d the dis- educational administrator based on trict’s participation in the library proj- nominations submitted by ect at a level of $25,000 per year for members of the organization. the next two years, for a total contri- bution of $50,000. This allocation is contingent upon the city waiving the Registration now underway for library user fee for all residents of the Meade 46-1 School District. Capable Kids after-school program The school will also give $20,000 to the city to help fund the The Capable Kids after-school completed in advance before a child construction of new tennis courts. program begins Monday Aug. 30 at can attend. Prepayment is also The courts will be built on city prop- the Stagebarn School. required before a child can begin. erty and owned by the city. The city Open to students kindergarten Enrollment forms are available will also be responsible for the main- through sixth grade, the program at the Stagebarn and Piedmont tenance and upkeep of the courts. runs from 2:30 to 6 p.m. and costs Schools, curriculum community ed- The school has not made any $99.50 per month, or $5.25 per day. ucation office, and Meade School previous capital or facility invest- Each day students will be District business office. ments in support of the tennis pro- served a snack, participate in physi- Questions concerning the trans- gram. In fact, the school has been cal activities, enrichment activities, portation of Piedmont students to allowed free access by the city to and quiet time. Time will also be pro- the Stagebarn site should be direct- the tennis courts since tennis vided for classroom assignments. ed to the Sturgis Bus Company, became a school sanctioned co-cur- Enrollment forms need to be 347-5066. ricular activity in 1991. In addition to the capital outlay Community ed classes for fall are budget, the school board also approved a general fund budget of being organized; instructors needed $13,946,965, and a special educa- tion budget of $2,222,009. The fall class offerings for the *China Plate Craft: 7-8:30 p.m., Meade District community educa- Sept. 21; $12, plus supply fee of $8 tion program are still in the process *Stress Management: 6:30-8:30 World Book online of being organized, however sever- p.m., Oct. 7; $10 Meade School District patrons al classes are finalized, including *Basic Genealogy: 1-3 p.m., can now access World Book online, the following. Nov. 6 & 13; $20 a service for which the district *Personal Digital Assistant: 7 Registration may be accom- already pays a yearly fee for stu- a.m.-noon, Aug. 16-17; $25 plished by calling the community dent use. *First Aid and CPR: 8:30 a.m.- education office at 347-4454. Once at the web site 4:30 p.m., Sept. 18; $20, plus sup- Anyone interested in teaching a www.worldbookonline.com, input ply fee of $15 class should call Claudette the user name: MEADEWBO and *Attention Deficit Disorder: 7 Reichert, community education password: meade. p.m., Sept. 20 director, also at 347-4454.

10 In Touch August-October 2004 Math curriculum adopted; Picture this new textbooks purchased Meade School District is again making available to all Commencing with this Seymour and Jan Steffes, students the opportunity to school year, a series of new community member Kathy have their pictures taken. math textbooks will be in Behrens, and Reichert. Mark the calendar for your place for kindergarten The new curriculum is in child’s school picture day: through 12th grade. alignment with state stan- Piedmont: Oct. 13-14 This capital outlay fund dards, and will provide Rural Schools: Sept. 27 purchase of $200,000 was Meade students with a Stagebarn: Oct. 14 needed in order to support strong mathematics foun- Sturgis Brown High School: Sept. 8 the implementation of the dation essential to leading Sturgis Elementary: Sept. 28-29 curriculum. productive, fulfilling and Sturgis Williams Middle School: Sept. 28 According to Meade successful lives. Whitewood: Oct. 1 School District Curriculum Publishers of the new Seniors are reminded that two photos must be Director Claudette Reichert, math textbooks include turned into the high school office by Dec. 1 to be the math curriculum has Scott Foresman, junior first; included in the yearbook. been in the process of Harcourt Brace, K-5; review and development for Glencoe McGraw Hill, 6-8 the past two years. The pre-algebra, algebra I and Red Ribbon Week set review committee consisted II; Prentice Hall, geometry; of district math teachers Houghton Mifflin, pre-calcu- The end of October order to be eligible for the Marilyn Baker, Cindy lus; and Holt, Reinhart and brings more than just fall contest, each poster Ferguson, Jill Fossum, Winston, business math colors and Halloween. must incorporate this Susan Kessel, Lynette computations. Oct. 22-31 is Red Ribbon year’s theme of “Building Kvanvig, Darcy Nagel, The science curriculum Week, a time when the A Safe and Healthy Virginia Schmunk, Kathy is currently under review. students and staff of Community Together.” Meade School District cel- During the weeklong ebrate a healthy, drug free observation, a wide range School hours lifestyle, and join the fight of activities will be held against drug use by wear- promoting drug and vio- Beginning with the first day of school, Monday, Aug. ing red ribbons, T-shirts, lence awareness and 30, the regular hours for the schools in the Meade 46-1 stickers – anything red. prevention. For further School District are as follows: The district is spon- information call Vonnie soring a poster contest, Ackerman, Drug-Free *Alkali 8 a.m.-2:45 p.m. with the winning poster Schools coordinator, at *Atall 8:15 a.m.-3 p.m. turned into a billboard. In 347-4454. *Bear Butte 8:10 a.m.-3:05 p.m. *Elm Springs 8:30 a.m.-3:15 p.m. *Enning 8:15 a.m.-3 p.m. PTO Continued from Page 9 *Erskine 8:15 a.m.-3:10 p.m. *Francis Case 8:05 a.m.-3 p.m. Whitewood group will be tion call Bill Summers at *Hereford 8 a.m.-2:45 p.m. 7 p.m. Monday Sept. 27 269-9228. *Opal 8:15 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Whitewood School To become a mem- *Piedmont 7:45 a.m.-2:05 p.m. Library. ber of the Sturgis group *Primary 8:15 a.m.-3:10 p.m. Dues are $1 per year, or for more information *Stagebarn 7:40 a.m.-2:15 p.m. but for parents of kinder- call Tim Reilly, 341-3950. *Sturgis Brown High School 8:05 a.m.-3:08 p.m. gartners who join, the Linda Mulvehill can *Sturgis Williams Middle School 8:10 a.m.-3:15 p.m. dues will be waived. A be contacted at 787- *Sulphur Creek 8:30 a.m.-3:15 p.m. membership drive will 6328 for membership *Union Center 8:30 a.m.-3:15 p.m. also be held during information about the *Whitewood 8 a.m.-2:45 p.m. school registration. Piedmont and Stagebarn For further informa- PTO.

August-October 2004 In Touch 11 School supplies: What kind and how many are needed The following are the supply lists 10 No. 2 pencils Fourth Grade for the various administrative units 1 eraser 2 red pens of the Meade School District. Rural 1 pointed scissor 10 No. 2 pencils and high school students should 1 8-ounce Elmer’s School Glue 1 eraser check with their teachers for (no stick or gel) 1 8-ounce Elmer’s School Glue required supplies. 1 box standard colored pencils, 1 ruler with centimeters/inches narrow tip 5 folders with pockets STURGIS ELEMENTARY 4 spiral notebooks 6 spiral single subject notebooks Kindergarten 4 pocket folders, 2 with center 2 dry erase markers 1 8-ounce school glue (no gel) prongs 1 box crayons, any size 1 Fiskars scissors for kids 1 small school box 1 pair pointed scissors 1 24-count box Crayola Crayons 1 large box Kleenex 1 package wide-lined paper 1 package basic colors Wide Backpack 1 hand sanitizer Crayola Washable Markers 1 large box tissues 6 No. 2 pencils, sharpened Second Grade 4 folders with pockets 2 whiteboard markers PE shoes are required of all stu- 1 wide-lined spiral notebook 1 pair pointed scissors dents. In addition, other items may Pencil top erasers 1 8-ounce Elmer’s school glue be required by individual teachers. Backpack (labeled with child’s 1 ruler with centimeters/inches Parents are asked to label all items. name) 10 No. 2 pencils Large box of tissues 1 16-count box crayons PIEDMONT/STAGEBARN Milk ticket** 3 folders with pockets and clips Kindergarten Resting rug (braided rug or 1 box Crayola Washable Markers 1 8-count box crayons red/blue mat) for all-day 3 notebooks 1 glue, Elmer’s School Glue pre- classes, only 1 eraser ferred 1 small school box 1 glue stick **Milk tickets are purchased through 1 large box Kleenex 1 Fiskars metal pointed scissor Meade School District Food Service Backpack 2 thin pencils with erasers 1 eraser, large pink or green Junior First Grade Third Grade 2 pocket folders 10 No. 2 pencils 1 pair pointed scissors School bag 1 eraser 1 16-count box crayons Large box tissues 1 Fiskars pointed scissors 1 ruler with centimeters/inches School box, average size 1 Elmer’s School Glue (no stick 1 big eraser One pair of athletic shoes to be or gel) 5 wide-lined (one subject) note- used for PE, music or inside 2 folders books the building. 1 box washable markers, narrow tip 4 folders with 3 hole tabs 1 hand-held, covered pencil 1 8-ounce Elmer’s Glue (no stick First Grade sharpener or gel) 1 16-count box crayons 1 24-count box crayons 1 box colored pencils 1 box colored pencils (for 1B 1 box tissues 10 No. 2 pencils and 1C) Backpack 1 notebook (5”x8.5”) 2 glue sticks 1 dry erase marker First Grade 1 red pen 1 box crayons 1 large box Kleenex SUPPLIES: (See page 13)

12 In Touch August-October 2004 SUPPLIES Continued from Page 12 PIEDMONT/STAGEBARN (continued) Applications available for school supplies 1 medium Elmer’s School Glue 1 eraser, large pink or green Applications for school supplies will be taken at the Hillsview 1 Fiskars metal pointed scissor Highrise/Meade County Housing, 1220 Cedar Street, Sturgis, through (for 1B and 1C) Community Action. 10 No. 2 pencils Vouchers in the amount of $10 per child, or the school supplies, will be issued to families residing in the Meade School District who are School box eligible for block grant commodities. Large box tissues For further information or an application, call Meade County 2 pocket folders Housing at 347-3384. Primary tablet Tote bag, backpack or something in which to carry items 3 or 4 spiral wide-lined notebooks Assignment book (purchased for One pair of athletic shoes to be Yellow highlighter $2.50 in the office) used for PE, music or 20 No. 2 pencils Loose-leaf paper inside the building Red marking pencil or pen 1 3-ring binder, 1-inch wide Note: Class 1A: Any scissors, no 1 set colored pencils No mechanical pencils glue sticks, no colored pencils 1 8-count box wide-tipped water- color markers All items must be labeled with Second Grade 1 large box tissues the child’s name. In addition to the Colored pencils Wet Ones/Handy Wipes supplies listed above, teachers may 1 24-count box crayons No Trapper Keepers have specific requests. Glue, medium size, white (no glue No mechanical pencils sticks or gel) No pencil sharpeners WHITEWOOD SCHOOL 1 eraser, large pink or green Kindergarten Fourth Grade 1 school bag 1 pointed good quality scissor Highlighter 1 school box 10 No. 2 pencils Crayons 1 children’s Fiskars scissor 2 yellow highlighters 2 glue sticks 2 8-count boxes small crayons 2 wide-lined spiral notebooks, Elmer’s School Glue, medium 1 8-ounce Elmer’s School Glue red and blue 1 large eraser 1 package No. 2 pencils 5 pocket folders- red, dark blue, 10 No. 2 pencils 1 eraser purple, green, and one for Red checking pen, medium point 1 large box Kleenex music) Large box tissues 1 painting shirt Box of watercolor paints 1 red 120-page spiral bound 1 beach towel Watercolor markers notebook (non-perforated) 1 set watercolor paints with paint Large box tissues 1 green 120-page spiral bound brush Wet Ones/Handy Wipes notebook (non-perforated) 1 folder with pockets Pencil box 1 blue 120-page spiral bound note 2 glue sticks No Trapper Keepers book (non-perforated) 1 yellow 120-page spiral bound First Grade Third Grade notebook (non-perforated) 2 16-count boxes small crayons 1 24-count box crayons 4 folders, with pockets on bottom 2 wide-lined spiral notebooks Erasers not sides, of the same col- 1 package No. 2 pencils 1 pointed scissor ors as the notebooks 1 good pair scissor 6 pocket folders 1 pointed, good quality scissor 1 school box 5 1/2”x8” in size 1 12-inch ruler with centimeters Zip pencil pouch (no pencil boxes) 1 8-ounce Elmer’s School Glue and inches 1 ruler with metric and standard (white with orange cap) 2 glue sticks measurements Glue, medium size Colored pencils SUPPLIES: (See Page 14)

August-October 2004 In Touch 13 SUPPLIES Continued from Page 13 WHITEWOOD (continued) Fourth Grade Sixth Grade 1 school bag 1 pencil holder/box 1 folder 2 large erasers 1 large eraser 1 spiral, 4x6-inch 1 12-inch ruler 2 packages No. 2 pencils notecards 3 folders with pockets 1 16- or 24-count box crayons 2 erasers 1 folder with 3 prongs 1 8-ounce Elmer’s white school 1 box crayons 2 large boxes Kleenex glue 1 box markers 1 paint shirt 1 package colored pencils 1 package colored pencils 1 package washable markers 1 good scissor 4 folders and/or colored pencils 2 boxes Kleenex 4 single-subject spiral notebooks 1 old sock (used as an eraser) 1 12-inch ruler centimeters/inches 1 good pair scissors 1 package No. 2 pencils Second Grade 1 package loose-leaf paper 2 red correcting pens 1 16- or 24-count box of crayons 1 12-inch ruler (centimeters/inches) 2 highlighters 1 small school box 1 box markers 5 spiral notebooks 1 backpack 2 large boxes Kleenex 1 glue stick 2 packages No. 2 pencils 1 red correcting pen Assignment notebook (purchase in 2 large erasers, pink or green 1 school bag the office during registration; 1 12-inch ruler (centimeters/inches) 1 blue/black pen cost is $3.50) 1 good pair scissor 1 Dry Erase Marker No Trapper Keepers 1 8-ounce school glue (white with 1 old sock/cloth orange cap) 1 box snack crackers All Whitewood students are 2 wide-lined, single subject, spiral Assignment notebook (purchase in required to have non-marking shoes notebook the office during registration; for PE and are encouraged to have 1 package wide-ruled loose-leaf cost is $3.50) a second pair for inside the school paper building. All school items must be No Trapper Keepers 1 large box Kleenex labeled with the child’s name. No mechanical pens 1 paint shirt 2 folders with pockets Fifth Grade STURGIS MIDDLE SCHOOL 1 8 or 12-count box colored pencils 1 package No. 2 pencils Fifth Grade No Trapper Keepers 2 erasers 7 single subject spiral notebooks (1 No markers 1 box crayons blue, 1 red, 1 green, 4 any 2 highlighters other colors) Third Grade 10 No. 2 pencils 1 package colored pencils 1 paint shirt Eraser tops 1 good scissor 1 supply box Large eraser 5 spiral single-subject notebooks, 24 pencils 10 red pens any color 1 Pedigree eraser Colored pencils, sharpened 5 folders with pockets 1 24-count box crayons Scissor 1 bottle Elmer’s glue-all 2 folders with pockets Highlighter pen 1 box watercolor paints 3 wide-rule spiral notebooks 12-inch ruler (metric and standard) 1 package wide-ruled loose-leaf 1 small supply box Glue stick paper 2 red correcting pens 4 plain pocket folders 1 Fiskars scissor 1 12-inch see-through ruler with Large box of tissues 1 8-ounce school glue centimeters/inches Book covers (Brown paper bags 1 box Kleenex 2 large boxes of Kleenex are fine, however book cov- 1 backpack Mechanical pencils, optional ers will be sold at the open 1 set of markers Assignment notebook (purchase in house.) 1 highlighter the office during registration; 1 package colored pencils cost is $3.50) No Trapper Keepers No Trapper Keepers SUPPLIES: (See Page 15)

14 In Touch August-October 2004 Meade District 2004-2005 school calendar The following is the approved district personnel will be decided by Any snow days will be made up calendar for the 2004-2005 school the school superintendent. by adding additional days at the end year for Meade 46-1 School District. These actions will be of the school calendar. In addition, Any closure of district schools, announced on radio stations KBHB, Feb. 21, March 28, and April 22 will altering of bus routes or early dis- KRCS, KTOQ, KIMM, KGGG, be used as make-up days if more missals due to hazardous weather KFXS, KOUT, KKLS, KKMK, KDDX, than three snow days have been or other emergencies that threaten KZZI, KSQY, KDSY, and television used prior to Feb. 1, March 1, or the health or safety of students and stations KOTA, KEVN and KNBN. April 1.

Preschool Inservice Aug. 25-27 Christmas Vacation Dec. 22-Jan.2 First Day of School Aug. 30 Martin Luther King Day (no school) Jan. 17 Labor Day (no school) Sept. 6 Presidents’ Day (no school) Feb. 21 Parent-Teacher Conferences: Parent-Teacher Conferences: Elementary Schools: 4-7 p.m. Oct. 4 Middle School: 4-7 p.m. Feb. 22 Middle School: 4-7 p.m. Oct. 4 Elementary Schools: 5-8 p.m. Feb. 24 High School: 5-8 p.m. Oct. 5 High School: 5-8 p.m. Feb. 24 All Schools: 4-7 p.m. Oct. 7 All Schools: 4-7 p.m. Feb. 28 Inservice Day Oct. 8 Inservice Day March 24 Native Americans’ Day (no school) Oct. 11 Good Friday/Easter Break March 25-28 Veterans’ Day (no school) Nov. 11 Inservice Day April 21 Inservice Day Nov. 12 Spring Break April 22 Early Release Day Nov. 24 Graduation May 22 Thanksgiving (no school) Nov. 25-26 Last Day of School May 24

SUPPLIES Continued from Page 14 SWMS (continued) covers will be sold at the Eighth Grade Sixth Grade open house.) Pens (blue or black) and red 7 spiral notebooks Seventh Grade Highlighters 6 matching pocket folders (purple, Pens (blue or black) and red Calculator green, black, blue, red, yellow) Highlighter 5 pocket folders Loose-leaf paper 1 package 3x5-inch lined notecards 5 spiral notebooks Scissor 5 pocket folders Pencils Ruler (metric and standard) 5 spiral notebooks 3 subject notebook for English Glue Pencils 5 book covers (Brown paper bags Crayons Book covers (Brown paper bags are fine, however book Colored pencils are fine, however book covers will be sold at the Large box of tissue covers will be sold at the open house.) Blue, black and red pens open house.) 1 box colored pencils Eraser Loose-leaf college ruled paper Large box tissues No. 2 pencils Thin colored markers Loose-leaf college-ruled paper Highlighters Large box tissues 1 package 3x5-inch white, lined Magic Markers Colored pencils index cards Pencil case Ruler Due to limited storage space, Compass and protractor Scissor the use by fifth- and sixth-graders of Book covers (Brown paper bags Pre-algebra graphing paper Trapper Keepers and large pencil are fine, however book notebook boxes is discouraged.

August-October 2004 In Touch 15 Meade School District 46-1 Nonprofit Organization 1230 Douglas Street U.S. Postage Paid Sturgis, S.D. 57785 Sturgis, S.D. 57785 Permit No. 5

Directory for Meade School District 46-1

Superintendent Stagebarn Elementary Whitewood Elementary 1230 Douglas Street, Sturgis, S.D. 57785 12280 N. Hwy. 79, Piedmont, SD 57769 PO Box 16, Whitewood, S.D. 57793 James Heinert...... 347-2523 Dan Olson, principal...... 787-5295 603 Garfield, Whitewood** Toll-free 1-877-522-6251 Bev Rosenboom, principal...... 269-2264 Business Manager Sturgis Brown High School 1230 Douglas Street, Sturgis, S.D. 57785 12930 E. Highway 34, Sturgis, S.D. 57785 Buildings and Grounds Ilene Nelson...... 347-2523 Tim Drone, principal...... 347-2686 Jim Harris, supervisor...... 347-2649 Toll-free 1-877-522-6251 Toll-free 1-888-568-3514 12940 E. Highway 34, Sturgis, S.D. 57785 Schools Don Lyon, assistant principal...... 347-2686 Piedmont Elementary Mike Paris, activities director...... 347-4487 Curriculum/Community Education/Drug 16159 Second Street, Piedmont** Free Schools/Law-Related Education Dan Olson, principal...... 787-4400 SBHS Academy...... 347-9349 Claudette Reichert, director...... 347-4454 Rural 1807 Williams Street, Sturgis** 1230 Douglas Street, Sturgis, S.D. 57785 Bev Rosenboom, principal...... 269-2264 Alkali...... 347-4910 Sturgis Elementary Food Service 14758 Alkali Road, Sturgis, SD 57785 1119 Third Street, Sturgis, SD 57785 Joe Schaffer, director...... 347-3601 Atall...... 985-5916 Norm Graham, principal...... 347-2386 Third and Howard, Sturgis** 16375 Atall Rd., Union Center, SD 57787 Ethan Dschaak, assistant principal....347-2386 Nurses’ Office Elm Springs...... 798-2492 Bear Butte...... 347-2648 Randi Oviatt...... 347-2610 21309 Elm Springs Rd.,Elm Springs, SD 57736 1121 Ball Park Road, Sturgis** Third and Howard, Sturgis** Enning...... 985-5364 Erskine...... 347-2386 Highway 34 Box 22, Enning, SD 57737 1119 Third Street, Sturgis Special Services/Title I Hereford...... 985-5380 Francis Case...... 347-3704 Chrissy Peterson, director...... 347-4770 15998 Cross S Road, Hereford, SD 57785 1610 Fulton Street, Sturgis** 1119 Third Street, Sturgis, S.D. 57785 Opal...... 748-2426 Primary...... 347-2386 18010 Opal Road, Opal, SD 57765 Third & Howard, Sturgis** Sturgis Bus Company Sulphur Creek...... 748-2441 Einar Mortenson, owner...... 347-5066 15742 Old 212, Mud Butte, SD 57758 Sturgis Williams Middle School 2237 West Sherman, Sturgis, S.D. 57785 Union Center...... 985-5367 1425 Cedar Street, Sturgis, SD 57785 1700 Highway 34, Union Center, SD 57787 Lon Harter, principal...... 347-5232 Woodle Field...... 347-2003 Office...... 985-5532 Toll-free1-888-567-8274 600 Woodland Drive, Sturgis** Box 26, Enning, S.D. 57737 Ethan Dschaak, assistant principal....347-5232 **Not a mailing address