Lots to be proud of

I would personally like to thank all of the businesses that participated in the merchant trick or treat after school last week. As superintendent, my heart swelled  with community pride as I saw our business leaders handing out candy and making memories for our students. As a father of five, I can vouch for the joy and excitement of kids getting to run up and down main street collecting candy. What a cool community we live in!

I am proud to announce that we completed last week without a single active case in our school and we have had only two cases in the past month. I am proud of our students, staff, and community for helping us be successful. Please continue to wash your hands, wear a mask if you can’t maintain social distance, and stay home if you are even minimally ill.

Congratulations to our girl’s cross-country team on a state championship! I love sports and have always felt they are a reflection of our school and community. Our student/athletes represent our community in a positive way and increase school morale/school spirit. These girls gave our community notoriety around the state. Also, our girls volleyball team (23-2 and number two in South Dakota) will host a game Thursday night. We are very proud of our athletes and coaches.

Regarding academics, I have observed amazing student growth and achievement this year. We will have 49 advanced placement exams that will be administered this spring (that is a new record for us!). Our teachers are engaging our students and it has been a blessing that we continue to attend in person school five days a week!

Thank you for your support this year as we continue to use a common-sense approach to the school year. We are balancing COVID with the academic, emotional and social needs of our students. I sincerely believe that school is the best place for our kids. Let’s continue to work together as we are all on the same team with the same goal: the best education for our kids!