Hot Springs School District 23-2

Thank you to both Bethesda Lutheran Church and Wesleyan Church for allowing our secondary students to practice an evacuation drill. Evacuation would be used if we needed to leave any or all of our school buildings and could not return; this would also prompt the reunification process with parents. For about 400 some students, our first attempt at practicing for an evacuation went really well.

7th grade girls participated in women in science today at School of Mines! Photos include careers in chemical engineering, pharmacy, wildlife conservation, nutrition, dentistry, biomechanics, wind tunnel, mechanical engineering!

Another post about how amazing our students are. The LEADS business group met at our CTE building today. They were met with this!!!! Our FACS students provided the charcuterie boards. Our FFA students used this opportunity to practice for state competitions and provided the flowers. And finally our Tech Ed students made the boards that were used. Quite a few local business people wanted to take one of those boards home. Thank you to Mr. Dryden, Mrs. Estep, and Mrs. White for supporting your student groups for hosting this community group.

I was wandering through classrooms and came across this kiddo and this artwork. Holy buckets.... this is amazing. (The smile is because I didn't give him much of a choice to get his picture taken!!)

Thank you to BOTH our Elementary Student Council and High School Student Council for presenting last night at the school board meeting. Our kids are amazing and are making a big difference in all of our buildings.

The Hot Springs School District Spring Sale is underway, featuring all new designs! You'll save 20% with code: SPRING. Shop at https://1stplace.sale/114508

Seniors: Another local scholarship opportunity. https://mammothsite.org/scholarships/

From Mr. Deming to high school juniors and seniors: There’s an opportunity to learn more about Western Dakota Tech on Thursday, March 20, 2025. It begins at 8:45am and goes through 12:30. This FREE camp is focused on career awareness and exploration and is open to high school juniors and seniors. I have a sign-up sheet in the office for those interested in coming. If we have enough interest, the school can transport you there. For more information, visit this link: Career Exploration | Career Exploration Activities | Western Dakota Technical College

Dr. Seuss Week at the Elem

We are so thankful that our students and families have taken note of our message about the Safe2Say anonymous reporting tool. We have already had one report submitted that provided sufficient information for us to investigate. We appreciate the concern that this individual had for a classmate.

This week only, all Hot Springs School District tie-dye short sleeve tees are just $19.99. Don't miss out on this amazing deal! Shop at https://1stplace.sale/114508

Dear high school students, Do you have a talent? In order to have the talent show this year, we still need more contestants. YOU CAN STILL AUDITION!!! If interested, please send me an email and we can set up a time that works for you to audition (preferably this week). Thank you! Tina C. Wynia High School ELA Advisor: Key Club & Builders Club Room 206

Thank you to those parents and community members that attended our Community Discussion last week to talk about bullying, school climate, and discussed how we (the school and community) can partner to ensure that each student in the Hot Springs School District is, and feels, safe. One "action" item that the group discussed was using South Dakota's anonymous reporting program. There is an entire department that is dedicated to School Safety. As of tomorrow, all students in 6-12 will have this icon on their student computer. The following message will be emailed to them too. This provides an opportunity for our students to report any sort of violence or concern that they have. In addition, our SRO has always had a good "ole fashion" comment box outside of his office. This is also a method for our students to report concerns. Creating and sustaining a positive and accepting school culture is a priority at this school. We want to make sure that each student is given the opportunity to report any concern or incident. There may be legitimate reasons for not wanting to report violence, threats, a friend talking about harming themselves, a student that continues to pick on you or others, drug or alcohol use, abuse, etc. However, it is important TO REPORT. Safe2Say is a state program that is monitored 24/7. You now have an icon on your computer's desktop that will take you to this site. Since the site is monitored by individuals at the State's School Safety Department, it is important to provide as much detail as possible. For example, this department will not be able to connect the report to the appropriate personnel if insufficient information is shared. For example, sharing that "I am a student at Hot Springs and there is a mean kid" is not going to help any adult that wants to help the situation. However, if the report included "I am a 9th grader at Hot Springs High School. I have a classmate in my second period class that refuses to leave me alone. He constantly is putting me down and using racial slurs. I have told him to stop on several occasions and so has one of my friends. He does not. " Information from the website: How it Works Safe2Say South Dakota operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Anyone with information about a potentially dangerous situation can call the toll-free number at 1-844-3SD-SAFE/1-844-373-7233, make a web report by clicking the Submit a Tip Online button, or by downloading the mobile app and making a report from a smartphone or digital device. A trained Safe2Say analyst will interact with the person reporting the safety concerns and forward the information to a multi-disciplinary team consisting of school officials, law enforcement, and mental health professionals. Safe2Say South Dakota was created to ensure that South Dakota schools and students remain safe. With Safe2Say South Dakota, our schools and communities are able to anonymously report student safety concerns in a safe and secure fashion. Why Say Something Research on those willing to do harm to themselves or others is startling. We know that in over 80 percent of school shootings, someone other than the attacker knew, but failed to report it. We also know that four out of five teens who have attempted suicide, have given clear warning signals that go unreported, and in the majority of cases, teens with mental health needs do not receive needed care. Safe2Say South Dakota Mission Our goal is to create a climate where students feel comfortable sharing sensitive information about a potentially dangerous or threatening situation, with a focus on early intervention and prevention.

This week is National School Breakfast Week. Did you know that the School Breakfast Program serves nearly 15 million children daily, providing a key source of nutrition for many, with breakfasts often being more nutritious than what kids eat at home; students who eat school breakfast tend to have improved focus, better attendance, and higher academic performance; and eating school breakfast helps build healthy eating habits for life by providing essential nutrients like whole grains and fruits

March breakfast and lunch calendars: Breakfast: https://5il.co/397wx Elem Lunch: https://5il.co/397ww Secondary Lunch: https://5il.co/397wv

PTA Meeting- all parents and guardians are welcome to attend Monday, March 3rd, 2024 4:15 @ Elementary Staff lounge

#WrestlingLadyBison update. After a fast and furious couple of rounds, Sarah and Katie will both wrestle for 3rd, Caydan will wrestle for 5th, and Madi will wrestle for 7th tomorrow starting at 10 AM. Come cheer on these ladies..this atmosphere doesn't disappoint. Team is sitting 9th overall (3rd highest 'class b' school).

#WrestlingLadyBison go 4 for 4 at State! Congrats Caydan and Madi first time state medalist (#4 and 5 in our history respectively) and Sarah who has earned her 3rd career state medal!

Pictures from day one.

Due to arctic temperatures a couple weeks ago, the Region 8 contest was cancelled in Rapid City.  We are fortunate to have Dr. Dave Berberick from BHSU coming down to judge our high school band solos that they have prepared on Wed, March 5.  Coffee & Doughnuts will be available.  Come listen and support our Bison musicians who have worked hard since Christmas in lessons to prepare this solo performance!  Wed, March 5  Between 7:50a-9:45a