Garretson Blue Dragon Tales
May 2023
Superintendent's News by Mr. Guy Johnson
Snow Days!
One question we’ve heard many times since December is how many snow days do we need to make up? When is the last day of school? Those are definitely valid questions after a winter like this one!
We typically build two “snow days” into our calendar, meaning we do not make up the first two days we take off for inclement weather. Additional days are then added to the end of the school calendar. This year, due to an error on our master schedule, we had three snow days built into the calendar.
Another question we have heard is “why don’t you do e-learning days so we don’t have to make any days up?” The short answer is that we care about the quality of education we provide for our students. We learned during the e-learning phase of the pandemic that this format of learning is just not nearly as effective being in the same place as our students. On top of that, the Department of Education sent all school superintendents in the state a memo in January in which the Department reported that “packet learning” at the elementary level does not count as instructional time. The combination of those two factors led us to the conclusion that e-learning days were not worth the time and effort just to jump through a hoop that would allow us to “not make up” days taken off due to winter weather conditions.
This winter, we had nine snow days, and we will not make up the first three. We are optimistic that we won’t have another situation in which we need to cancel school due to snow, but it has happened in May in the past! Tentatively, our last day of school is currently scheduled for Thursday, May 25th. We do plan on a 1:30 dismissal that day, with Wednesday, May 24th being a regular dismissal (3:25). Teachers will complete the year with their inservice day on Friday, May 26th.
These adjustments will not change our graduation date or have a negative impact on our seniors, as there is an exception built into the regulations from the State for those about to graduate.
Mr. Chris McGregor, MS/HS Principal
How Time Flies
It seems that every year I say the same thing at about this time: “Where did the school year go?” We are down to five weeks of school left in the 2022-2023 school year and it feels like just yesterday we were welcoming students into the building on the first day of school. What makes this job exciting for me is that there are no two days that are alike. There are always different activities happening and always new challenges to face. I’ve been in education for 23 years now, and as it always happens, you look back and wish you could have done more during the year. Even though that is true once again for this year, I think we accomplished some pretty great things at Garretson Middle/High School this year and I’m proud to be a part of this place. We have a few opportunities to celebrate the good things that have happened this year. The Academic Awards Program is Thursday, May 4th at 7:00 pm and is a great night for recognizing the classroom accomplishments of our students. Tuesday, May 16th is the Band and Choir Concert and Award Night starting at 6:30pm and will be a great night of music and celebrating our musicians. Finally, on Saturday, May 20th, we will have our graduation ceremony to say thank you and congratulations to the GHS senior class for all of their accomplishments during their high school careers. Overall, we have had a great year and we have a lot to celebrate and be proud of.
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Teacher Appreciation Week is May 8-12
May 8-12 is National Teacher Appreciation Week, and I would like to extend my thanks and admiration for all of the wonderful teachers we have in Garretson. I’m continually impressed with the teaching staff, educational assistants, custodians, kitchen staff, and admin assistants who have chosen to make the education of Garretson students their life’s work. I hope everyone will join me in thanking our teachers and staff for all that they do for students every day. We are truly blessed with some of the best. Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!
Little Dragon Corner by Mrs. Katie Hoekman, Elementary Principal
Wow! Where has the year gone? As my first year in the Garretson School District and first year as an administrator, I can tell you I have learned and grown so much! The school district has been so welcoming to me and I have come to feel at home. I have appreciated the staff, students, and parents in answering questions and teaching me the ‘why’ about the district. I feel I have had some great conversations with parents this year to build relationships in our community. I am excited to continue to grow and learn more as I continue my administrative career in Garretson. My door is always open and I welcome parents to come and talk with me anytime. Thank you so much for your open arms I have received this year!
As we enter the summer months, it is important for students to take a break. Many parents continue to wonder what they can do to support their child’s education throughout the summer as well. One of the most important things you can do with your child to continue to support their education is to read to them, read with them, and have them read to you! As a former first grade teacher, families always asked what they can do besides reading. I have included a few resources for families below:
23-24 District Calendar
Notes from the School Nurse
Tidbits going into summer….
Dental Care for Kids
The Delta Dental Mobile Program is coming to: First Lutheran Church (327 S. Dakota Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104) on July 17-21, 2023.
Care is provided to children from their 1st tooth through age 21 who haven’t seen an area dentist in two years. There is no cost to the child or family. No insurance is needed. For more information and registration please contact: First Lutheran Church at (605) 336-3434.
School Vaccinations
Summer is a great time to get your child(ren) in for their vaccinations they are due for. Immunizations are required for kindergarten entry and 6th grade entry in South Dakota.
Students who are not up to date on their immunizations, will be not allowed to start school!
IMMUNIZATIONS REQUIRED FOR KINDERGARTEN ENTRY
South Dakota Codified Law 13-28-7.1 requires students entering school or early childhood programs to present certification that they have been adequately immunized, according to the recommendations of the Department of Health. The law applies to all children entering school for the first time, including transfer students. Minimum immunization requirements are defined as:
1. Four or more doses of diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus containing vaccine (DTaP), with at least one dose administered on or after age 4. Children 7 years and older needing the primary series only need three doses. The first dose of the primary series should be Tdap and the second and third doses should be Td, with at least 6 months between dose two and three. Children receiving six doses before age 4 do not require any additional doses for school requirements. The maximum a child should receive is six doses. If a child 7 years and older has an incomplete DTaP primary series, please contact the Department of Health Immunization Program (1-800-592-1861) for assistance.
2. Four or more doses of poliovirus vaccine (IPV), at least one dose on or after age 4. (Although not the recommended schedule - If a child has three doses of polio with the third dose administered on or after the age of 4 and at least 6 months after the second dose, no other doses are required.)
3. Two doses of a measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR) or submit serological evidence of immunity. Minimum age for the first dose is 12 months. Administer the second dose routinely at age 4 through 6 years. The second dose may be administered prior to age 4 provided at least 28 days have elapsed since the first dose.
4. Two doses of varicella vaccine (Chickenpox). The minimum age for the first dose of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine is 12 months. History of disease is acceptable with parent/guardian signature. Administer the second dose routinely at age 4 through 6 years. The second dose may be administered prior to age 4 provided the minimum interval between the two doses is 3 months.
IMMUNIZATIONS REQUIRED FOR 6th GRADE ENTRY
1.One dose of Tdap is required for 6th grade entry IF the child is 11 years old. If the child is 10 years old when entering 6th grade they 45 days after their 11th birthday to receive the Tdap vaccination. If a child has a contraindication to Tdap, Td is acceptable. If a child receives a Tdap at age 7 or older, the dose does not need to be repeated. If a child 7 years and older has an incomplete DTaP primary series, please contact the Department of Health for assistance.
2.One dose of meningococcal vaccine (MCV4) is required for 6th grade entry IF the child is 11 years old. If the child is 10 years old when entering 6th grade they 45 days after their 11th birthday to receive the meningococcal vaccine. If a child receives a dose at age 10 or after, the dose does not need to be repeated.
Haemophilus Influenzae B, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Pneumococcal vaccines are recommended but not required.
SOUTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH - CERTIFICATE OF IMMUNIZATION
Students whose immunizations were administered outside of the state of South Dakota are required to fill out the SD Dept. of Health Certificate of Immunization and return it to the school. Also, if you are claiming exemption to immunizations, this form needs to be downloaded, signed, and returned to school prior to the student's first day of school. The form is available for download from the school website.
Thank you!
Betsy Howe, RN BSN
Chantel Millwood, RN
Tech Tips with Mr. Matt Schrank, PK-12 Tech Coordinator
Coming Soon to the Garretson Web Site!
Monday, May 1st, the Garretson Web Site will have a Senior Spotlight page. In the month of April, seniors have been spotlighted on the bottom of the home page, but starting Monday, they will have their own page with a senior picture and a description of their future plans. To check out this page, go the the Garretson school website > Click, tap, or hover over “Our District” > At the bottom you will see “Class of 2023 Spotlight”. It’s May in the school building and that means the countdown is on for the Senior Class. Check out the spotlight and congratulate our students for all they have accomplished throughout their years as a Blue Dragon!
From the Desk of the Activities Director, Kevin Steckler
Garretson High School will again be offering the OI Performance Enhancement Program. It is designed to give the athlete gains in their power, agility, speed, and strength; four key pillars of athleticism. The program is overseen by Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists from Orthopedic Institute Performance.
• Who: Males and Females going into grades 7-12 (8 Weeks)
• When: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday. Friday will also be offered, but is optional
• July 1 – July 7 NO training (classified as dead week via SDHSAA)
• Session:
o 6:30 – 8:00 AM (may be adjusted depending on number of participants)
• Cost: $200.00 (if a family signs up more than one child each additional child will
receive a 15% reduction from the $200.00.
Online registration:
https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/classic/ws?studioid=533937&stype=-8&sTG=29&sView=day&sLoc=0
After clicking the link, you will be redirected to Mindbody where you can choose the session.
What a strength and conditioning program can do for you:
• Improve Performance – Athletes who participate in a well-designed strength and conditioning program will be faster, stronger, more powerful and more athletic then they would be without it.
• Reduce injuries – strength and conditioning programs have been shown to reduce the likelihood of injuries occurring and reduce the recovery time of those athletes that are injured.
• Improve confidence – Athletes who invest time in strength and conditioning develop confidence through changes in their body composition as well as the knowledge that the development that occurs because of their training will give them an advantage in competition.
Children with Disabilities by Mrs. Kayli Coburn, MS SPED teacher/PK-12 SPED Director
Hello Blue Dragon Families,
As we approach Summer, please remember to ensure your child is continuing to read! We know summer time can result in a loss of skills and having your child read will help to ensure that doesn't happen with their reading skills. Make reading fun and get creative!
High School parents, please see below the importance of self-advocacy for your children.
Garretson Administration and School Board
Mr. Guy Johnson, Superintendent
Mr. Chris McGregor, MS/HS Principal
Mrs. Katie Hoekman, Elem. Principal
Mr. Jacob Schweitzer, Business Manager
Mr. Matt Schrank, Technology Administrator
Mrs. Kayli Coburn, SPED Director
School Board Members
Mr. Shannon Nordstrom, President
Mrs. Kari Flanagan, Vice President
Mrs. Tana Clark
Mrs. Jodi Gloe
Mr. Andy Hulscher
Email: firstname.lastname@k12.sd.us
Website: www.garretson.k12.sd.us
Location: 505 2nd Street, Garretson, SD 57030
Phone: 605-594-3451
Facebook: facebook.com/GarretsonBlueDragons
Twitter: @GHSBlueDragons