Sturgis Elementary Newsletter
May 2023
A Note from Principal Chantal Ligtenberg
End of Year Activities:
We have many activities planned in the month of May. Students are excited to participate in grade level field trips, attend the high school play, and participate in our schoolwide Field Day at the baseball fields. Field Day is planned for May 18 with May 23 being our back up date.
Teacher Appreciation Week:
May 8- May 12. We are very fortunate to have the best educators at Sturgis Elementary. If you run in to one of our staff members, please thank them for the job they are doing with our children!
US Borne $5 Book Fair: May 22
Last Day of School:
May 24th is the last day of school and we will be having a two hour early dismissal on this day (1:05 p.m.)We will be having a two hour early dismissal on the last day of school (1:05 p.m.)
Lost and Found:
Any items left at the end of the year will be donated. If you would like to peruse our lost and found before the end of the year please do so.
Dressing for the weather:
Our South Dakota weather can leave us baffled with how quick it changes. Please ensure your students are dressed in layers and ready for the varying weather. Whenever possible, students go outside for recess. If they are not dressed appropriately, it can become a long recess for students.
Report Cards:
Report cards will go home on the last day of school. This will have your child’s TENTATIVE teacher for the 23-24 school year. Much effort and time has been put into creating these rosters. Parent input was requested prior to March 15 via the school newsletter. Parent requests for changes of their students’ placement will NOT be an option. Just as every child is unique, every teacher offers an experience that will mold your child into the person they become. All educators at Sturgis Elementary are highly qualified and committed to serving all students.
2023-2024 School Opportunity
For parents that are interested in their students attending a smaller elementary school within our district, there is a new opportunity in the upcoming year. Whitewood Elementary will be opening enrollment to Sturgis residents starting in the 23-24 school year.
A bus will run from Sturgis to Whitewood and then back when the school day ends.
Class sizes are limited.
Please call 605-269-2264 for more information
Applications and additional forms must be submitted to the building secretaries of the school that is being requested or to the district office.
*The deadline for early consideration is May 1st.
Nurse News
Sun Safety: Information for Parents About Sunburn & Sunscreen
​Warm, sunny days are wonderful. It's good for children to spend time playing and exercising outdoors, and it's important they enjoy it safely. Here are some tips on how to help keep your family safe from too much exposure to the sun's harmful rays.
Simple rules to protect your family from sunburns
Keep babies younger than 6 months out of direct sunlight. Find shade under a tree, an umbrella, or the stroller canopy.
When possible, dress yourself and your children in cool, comfortable clothing that covers the body, such as lightweight cotton pants, long-sleeved shirts, and hats.
Select clothes made with a tight weave; they protect better than clothes with a looser weave. If you're not sure how tight a fabric's weave is, hold it up to see how much light shines through. The less light, the better. Or you can look for protective clothing labeled with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF).
Wear a hat with an all-around 3-inch brim to shield the face, ears, and back of the neck.
Limit your sun exposure between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm when UV rays are strongest.
Wear sunglasses with at least 99% UV protection. Look for youth-sized sunglasses with UV protection for your child.
Use sunscreen.
Make sure everyone in your family knows how to protect his or her skin and eyes. Remember to set a good example by practicing sun safety yourself.
American Academy of Pediatrics July, 2021
Scholars of the Month
Teacher & Staff Spotlight
Katy Jutting
- What is your position at Sturgis Elementary?
Assistant Principal at Sturgis Elementary & Sturgis Williams Middle School
- Where are you from?
I was born and raised in Montana! I now call Sturgis my home.
- What are your hobbies and interests?
In my free time I like to read, bake, and go on adventures with my family.
- What made you want to be a teacher?
I started my work with kids at an after school program in high school. It was during this time I enjoyed getting to know all of the students and their personalities. I quickly realized that I enjoyed guiding kids to help them learn who they are and wanted to be a resource for each of them as they learn and grow up
- What would your perfect day of relaxation look like?
My perfect day includes a new adventure with my family with good food, laughs, and no laundry chores :).
- What was something you saw recently that made you laugh?
Earlier this month when the weather changed from cold to almost hot, I had a good laugh when I saw kids running through the sprinkler not too far from the big snow pile stacked in their yard.
- Who has inspired you in your life and why?
I have had a great group of mentors over the years that I am grateful to have had the pleasure to get to know. I especially am inspired by my Mom. She always has a positive outlook on the ups and downs of life, she is always there when anyone needs advice, and she has shown me that if I want something, I need to work for it.
- If there was a book written about you, what would it be titled?
One Thing at a Time...Stories from this Crazy Life of Mine!
- If you could visit one place in the world, where would it be and why?
Angela Wetz
- What is your position at Sturgis Elementary?
Administrative Assistant
- Where are you from?
Piedmont, SD
- What are your hobbies and interests?
Horses, cows, cats, dogs, all animals, ranching & spending time with my family
- What made you want to work with kids?
When my oldest went to preschool, I was a parent helper and found I loved working with the kids! I enjoy their smiles, hugs, and stories :)
- What would your perfect day of relaxation look like?
Sleeping in, drinking coffee while reading a book, riding horses w/ my family, then a good movie with popcorn :)
- What was something you saw recently that made you laugh?
A student whispering his request to us ladies in the office ;)
- Who has inspired you in your life and why?
My mom, who is the kindest giving person I know!
- If there was a book written about you, what would it be titled?
- If you could visit one place in the world, where would it be and why?
Visit parts of Europe one day
Sarah Linn
- What is your position at Sturgis Elementary?
Administrative Assistant
- Where are you from?
Chadron, Nebraska
- What are your hobbies and interests?
Traveling, camping, paddle boarding, plants/gardens, spending time with family, watching my kids grow & experience new things
- What made you want to work with kids?
I taught preschool for 5 years before this position...I enjoy their personalities, excitement and watching them learn.
- What would your perfect day of relaxation look like?
Sitting on a warm beach, listening to the ocean and reading a book while my kids play in the surf and sand.
- What was something you saw recently that made you laugh?
My kids crack me up every day!
- Who has inspired you in your life and why?
Definitely my Mom - she has unending patience and kindness for everyone. She taught me how to love and care for others, the Truth, persistence, determination, honesty, integrity and so much more that has shaped the woman and Mom I am today.
- If there was a book written about you, what would it be titled?
"I'm probably late for something...what day is it?"
- If you could visit one place in the world, where would it be and why?
Well, I love to travel internationally and domestically, but Iceland is next on my list of countries to visit because it looks beautiful!
Celena Sjomeling
- What is your position at Sturgis Elementary?
Refocus/Para
- Where are you from?
Lake Charles, Louisiana
- What are your hobbies and interests?
Sewing, Anything outside and Crafting
- What made you want to work with kids?
I enjoy seeing children succeed and being there to assist them when they are struggling or needing a little extra support!
- What would your perfect day of relaxation look like?
A hammock, a book and a hike, with lots of snacks!!
- What was something you saw recently that made you laugh?
Watching our kids play "baseball" in our yard and chase each other, completely unstructured!!!
- Who has inspired you in your life and why?
My grandfather; he never gave up on anything and always gave it his all. He encouraged us to always be our best and was the most honest person (even when we didn't want to hear it)!
- If there was a book written about you, what would it be titled?
Love and Chaos
- If you could visit one place in the world, where would it be and why?
I do not have any one specific place, I enjoy venturing but love being home!!
~ All Habitat Awards ~
Physical Education Spotlight
Field Day - Thursday, May 18th
Activities will run from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm
Parents & visitors are welcome to come watch!
Please check in at the office & we can direct you to where your student will be participating.
Lunch & Recess Schedule
2nd grade : 10:45 am - 11:30 am
1st grade : 11:15 am - 12:00 pm
Kindergarten : 11:45 am - 12:30 pm
3rd grade : 12:15 pm - 1:00 pm
4th grade : 12:45 pm - 1:30 pm
Food Service is very happy to make additional sack lunches for adults/siblings for rally day, however, they need to be pre-paid before 10 a.m. on the 18th. Anyone that wishes to have a sack lunch needs to come down to the cafeteria to pay and get a ticket. We will NOT have change, so the correct amount must be given, or the change can be placed on a student's account. Orders will be taken only in the cafeteria and not the office.
Non-Student meals can be charged to the students account ONLY if they
have money in the account. A meal is $4.85.
The lunch will consist of a Ham & Cheese Sandwich, Chips, Frozen Cherry Cup, Baby Carrots, Juice Box, Cookie and Milk
Student Council decorates Easter eggs for the school wide hunt!
Our Golden Egg Winners!
Cereal Effect
SES students and staff donated cereal boxes to "Cereal Effect" to be donated to the local food pantry. Before being donated, an assembly was held, and a large domino chain was made with the boxes and the winner of the "Design Your Own Cereal Box" was our domino starter!
Talent Show
Summer Camp Opportunities
Sturgis Elementary School
Katy Jutting, Assistant Principal
Email: MeadeSESOffice@k12.sd.us
Website: https://www.meade.k12.sd.us/sturgis-elementary/
Location: 1121 Ballpark Road, Sturgis, SD, USA
Phone: 605-347-2386