Hot Springs School District 23-2

Scholarship opportunity for JUNIORS: Horatio Alger Association is offering scholarships for juniors. The requirements are: - Be enrolled full-time as a high school junior, progressing normally toward graduation in spring/summer 2026 with plans to enter a college in the U.S. no later than the fall following graduation. - Exhibit a strong commitment to pursue and complete a bachelor’s degree at an accredited institution in the U.S. (students may start their studies at a two-year institution and then transfer to a four-year institution). - Demonstrate financial need ($65,000 or lower adjusted gross family income is required). - Be involved in co-curricular and community service activities. - Display integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity. - Maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.0. - Be a U.S. citizen. You must apply online at horatioalger.org/scholarships. The scholarships are given to deserving students each year and range in award value from $10,000 to $25,000, with more than 600 scholarships available. The deadline to apply is March 1, 2025.

Middle and High Schoolers: We will have a kick off event during all lunch periods on January 28th for our Educator Rising Chapter. We will start meeting in February. This is a great organization for anyone even slightly interested in the teaching profession or for those that want to build leadership skills.

January is School Board Appreciation Month. We take time to celebrate the hard work and dedication that our seven board members give to the school district. They have a vital role in shaping the future of our district by maintaining and creating systems that assist in meeting district goals. They selflessly volunteer their time to ensure that all students have access to resources. There is a term used in the education world of being a "champion of students." "Champions of students" want every student in our district to not only reach their academic goals, but all goals that will help them reach their full potential. We appreciate the following seven "champions of students" and "champions of public education." Throughout January, take the time to show your appreciation for our community's school board members for their effort and leadership. Bob Preuss Ryan Walz Brian Jarding Katie Burchfield Colleen Venner Dave Hoskins Jason Mazzocchio

It is so good to have students back. It looks like our students (and staff) are rested and ready to "attack" this second semester with a great attitude and lots of effort. Go Bison!!!!!

Hot Springs Flash Sale Ends Tomorrow! Save $5 on all tees, $10 on hoodies and $15 on jackets. Sale ends 1/3! Shop at https://1stplace.sale/114508

Lunch and breakfast menus for January: Elem breakfast https://5il.co/338v8 Elem lunch https://5il.co/338v9 MS and HS lunch https://5il.co/338va

Save the date: January 27th 7:00-8:00pm The Hot Springs School District is sponsoring a community event at the Wesleyan Church on January 17th from 7:00pm to 8:00pm. Mary Beth Holzworth is the Human Trafficking Coordinator for South Dakota DCI and Doris Cardwell is the Executive Director of Phoenix Rising Education Program. In an age where we want to provide our children with everything, including a cell phone, make sure that you are informed on what that responsibility includes. Mary Beth and Doris provide personal information and expertise from their professional roles to inform parents on the many positives, yet significant concerns that come with cell phones and social media. The conversation will be a comfortable presentation with time for parent questions.

Information for juniors and seniors about Tech Schools in SD: https://5il.co/340n1

The Hot Springs School District has partnered with Student Assurance Services to provide families with the opportunity to purchase student accident insurance. This option is beneficial if your current insurance has a high deductible, your child does not have health insurance, your child participates in a sport/activity where injuries may occur, or it seems that your child tends to get injured frequently. https://www.sas-mn.com/sas/k12.php This information will also be posted on our website. Please reach out to Student Assurance Services with any questions that you might have. 800.328.2739

Opportunity for seniors interested in a trade school: https://canmanfund.com/can-man-scholarships

Hot Springs Flash Sale! Save $5 on all tees, $10 on hoodies and $15 on jackets. Sale ends 1/3! Shop at https://1stplace.sale/114508

So much great news from the Elementary: Cora-Lee (3rd Grade) – Black Hills Reads Writing Contest – 2nd Place in Poetry (See Below) This year, Black Hills Reads received 386 entries as part of the Young Writers 3rd Grade Contest. Third graders submitted either a short story or poetry sample with the theme ‘What does home mean to you?’ and entries were judged by Rush Hockey mascot, Nugget, and Black Hills Reads/United Way volunteers. Black Hills Reads is thrilled to announce that this year's winners are: SHORT STORY: • 1st Place - “Home" by Kaycee at General Beadle Elementary • 2nd Place - “What does home mean to me?" " by Olin at Newell Elementary • 3rd Place - “What does home mean to me?" by Sofia at Newell Elementary • Honorable Mention - "What Home Means to Me” by Arlo at Wilson Elementary POETRY: • 1st Place - “Home” by Jackson at South Park Elementary, Belle Fourche • 2nd Place - “What Home Means to Me” by Cora-Lee at Hot Springs Elementary • 3rd Place - “My Home is Mine" by Keyonna at South Park Elementary, Belle Fourche • Honorable Mention - “Home Means” by Ellie at Meadowbrook 1st place winners will receive a $100 gift card, personalized family passes to a Rush game, and a future school visit from Nugget! 2nd place winners will receive a $75 gift card. 3rd place winners will receive a $50 gift card. Honorable Mention winners will receive a $25 gift card. Plus, all students who submitted entries will receive a voucher for free entry to a Rush hockey game! Alina (2nd Grade) –Alina was the winner of the 1st Annual Fall River Ranger District with Christmas Coloring Contest. As the winner she enjoyed a Certificate, Smokey the Bear, and other goodies PTA Reflections Art Program Solveig 1st Place Visual Arts Emerson 1st Place Intermediate Visual Arts Macee 2nd Place Intermediate Visual Arts Andie 1st Place Literacy Their pieces will be displayed at Chautauqua Artisans Market until Christmas and will then be submitted for the state competition.

Everyone is welcome to attend this event.

Students in the Agriculture Natural Resources class were able to complete three certifications led by the US Forest Service over the course of the semester. These certifications will allow the students to meet the basic requirements for several entry level emergency management positions. Students completed basic firefighter training throughout the semester and finished with the field test yesterday. Congratulations to these students and thank you to the US Forest Service employees for your time spent with our students.

Students who may be interested in a career in human services/behavioral health but do not want to go the 4-year degree route., here are a couple options: Lake Area’s Human Services Technician Degree: https://www.lakeareatech.edu/academics/on-campus-programs/human-services-technician/ Southeast Tech’s Behavioral and Mental Health Technician Degree: (more information below) https://www.southeasttech.edu/programs/healthcare/behavioral-mental-health-technician/index.php Link to program information: https://5il.co/33uv8

7th and 8th grade sculptures.

Look at what our sixth graders were up to before break. Pretty impressive!

CONGRATULATIONS to Mr. Klinkhammer for being named the Region 7 Principal of the Year. This is voted upon by his administrative colleagues from the area. We know that we have a wonderful principal in Mr. Klinkhammer and appreciate that he is being recognized for his dedication to this school and the students.

The Hot Springs School District Central Office will be closed next week, December 23 through the 27th. We will be open starting Monday, December 30th gearing up for 2025.

To our Bison families: It is hard to believe that today is the last day of second quarter/first semester. The staff here at the Hot Springs School District wish all of our families the most wonderful Christmas vacation. We love that we get to spend today with our students and look forward to seeing them in 2025.