Greetings from the Wessington Springs School District.
At this time at the Wessington Springs Schools, all the students are excited for the Holiday break that will begin soon. On Friday, December 19, school will be dismissed at 12:30 pm for the holiday break. We will resume school on Monday, January 5, 2026.
It has been a very busy time in December. All the schools had their winter holiday concerts. Hebron Colony, Spring Valley Colony, Wessington Springs Elementary, and Wessington Springs Middle/High School all put on excellent programs. There is a lot of talent we are fortunate enough to enjoy.
In the spring of the year, we will have students taking state mandated assessments. These assessments are taken by all students in grades 3rd through 8th grade and Juniors. Students are tested in the areas of English/Language Arts and Math. The 5th grade and 8th grade are also tested in the area of Science. This is the first year of a major change for the Juniors. Instead of Smarter Balanced, all the Juniors will be taking the ACT. In past years we have had many Juniors and Seniors take the ACT on their own. These students did the ACT on their own as it was needed for entrance into a 4 year university. Now, all Juniors will be taking the ACT. Even though ACT testing will be in late February and Smarter Balanced testing in late March/early April, our teachers are working to prepare students for these assessments. Approximately, once a week we gather the Juniors for an hour to do ACT Prep. They can also do this ACT Prep on their own. Specific subject area teachers are also using their instructional time for some ACT Prep. The 3rd-8th grade students will also be doing Interim Smarter Balanced assessments. The 7th-8th grade students have been doing these practice assessments on a weekly basis for a month and the elementary grades will be starting soon. The nice thing about these assessments is that we do get results from them and teachers are using that data to drive their instruction.
I also want to remind the community about memberships to our Fitness Center. Memberships are $40 per month unless you are a veteran or over 65 years of age, then it is $20 per month. If you choose to pay a year in full there is a discount in getting one month free. A membership includes a fob for the Fitness Center and access to the Rec Center Gym (unless being used). The school also offers the Rec Center for rent for events. Just recently we purchased sound equipment for the Rec Center that can be used with rental. The Rec Center has been used for some events and it was very successful. If interested in renting the Rec Center for an event, please contact Jason Kolousek or Janel Hettich at the school (605-5399391). If interested in getting a membership for Fitness Center please see Jill Braun at the Middle School/High School Building.
I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.