Greetings, It is hard to believe but we are quickly approaching the end of the 2025-26 school year. There are many things going on in our schools. In all of our schools we are doing the Smarter Balanced testing that is required by the South Dakota Department of Education. This testing is for students in grades 3-8. At the elementary school there are many students involved in soccer. On May 7 at 8:30 am they will have AR Awards for elementary students. Also for the elementary there will be a field day on May 11 for the students. The elementary spring concert will be May 4. At the Hebron and Spring Valley colonies they are also testing and will have graduation ceremonies coming up.
Many things are going on with students at the MS/HS. Earlier this month the students put on an excellent play for the community. It was a great performance and kudos to all the cast and directors. Last week the FFA was at their state convention and this week FCCLA will be at state convention. Land and range teams will be going to Oklahoma the first week of May for national competition. The MS/HS concert will be April 30. On May 13 we will be having our MS/HS awards night. Along with this event will be baccalaureate for the Seniors. Graduation is Saturday, May 16 at 3:00 pm.
As we get close to the end of the school year the administration and staff are also busy working on plans for the 202627 school year. We are putting together orders for necessary materials and supplies, planning summer maintenance, working on staffing, looking at curriculum and deciding on what professional development is needed.
Administration is always concerned with staffing. In this week’s publication you will see advertisements for certain positions. We are hopeful we can fill those positions for next year. Some positions we have filled and in my next column I will highlight those new hires.
I do want to take this opportunity to thank our community for all the support. There are many different businesses, groups and individuals who support the school in many different ways. It is all much appreciated.
I would like to encourage anyone that has questions or would like more information about something involving the school to please contact me. I would be happy to answer questions or give information. My email is jason.kolousek@k12.sd.us and my cell phone is 605461-8584.