In May 2021, Mark Kreie was named a state finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAMEST) for the 2021 cycle.
Earlier this month, the White House announced the award winners for the 2021, 2022, and 2023 cycles. Awardees will be honored at a ceremony in Washington, DC in the future.
About PAMEST
The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) is the highest recognition that a kindergarten through 12th grade science, technology, engineering, or mathematics teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States. Up to 110 teachers are recognized each year.
Presidential Awardees receive a certificate signed by the President of the United States, a trip to Washington D.C. to attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities, and a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation.
Awardees also join an active network of outstanding educators from throughout the nation. Since 1983, more than 5,500 teachers have been recognized for their contributions in the classroom and to their profession. Awardees reflect the expertise and dedication of the Nation’s teaching corps, and they demonstrate the positive impact of excellent teachers on student achievement.
Mr. Kreie truly emodies the values of Bobcat P.R.I.D.E.—Participation, Respect, Integrity, Determination, and Excellence—and is a true educator of character. Please join us in congratulating Mark Kreie on this outstanding achievement!
We are thrilled to announce that one of our exceptional teachers has been recognized for their dedication and excellence in science education. This year, the South Dakota Science Teaching Association has honored Lisa Bahe with the Outstanding Biology Teacher Award. This prestigious award celebrates educators who excel in teaching Life Sciences, Biology, Anatomy/Physiology, and Health Science to students in grades 6-12.
Lisa is in her 27th year of teaching. She started teaching in Brookings in 1996, teaching at both the high school and middle school until 2004. In 2018, she returned to Brookings High School, where they taught Biology and Principles of Biomedical Science, making a significant impact on our students' learning experiences.
In the spring of 2023, Lisa led a group of students to the state Envirothon competition. Under her guidance, the team secured 1st place and advanced to the National/International competition. Competing against over 50 schools from the U.S., Canada, and China, the team placed 25th.
In the fall of 2024, Lisa transitioned to teaching 6th-grade science, bringing her passion for educating younger learners and inspiring a love for science.
We are incredibly proud for her contributions to our school and the well-deserved recognition. Her commitment to embodying the values of Bobcat P.R.I.D.E.—Participation, Respect, Integrity, Determination, and Excellence—sets a shining example for our students and staff alike.
Please join us in congratulating Lisa Bahe on this outstanding achievement!
Let's show our appreciation!
During the week of February 3rd-7th, we will celebrate National School Counseling Week, a time to recognize the incredible work our school counselors do every day to support the success and well-being of our Bobcat students.
School counselors are here to help us in so many ways. They guide us through academic decisions, help us explore future careers and colleges, and are always there to listen when we need someone to talk to. Whether they’re organizing events, solving problems, or encouraging us to believe in ourselves, they make a big difference in our school and our lives.
Here are a few ways you can show your appreciation:
- Write Them a Note: A quick thank-you note or card telling them how they’ve helped you.
- Share a Compliment: Stop by their office to thank them in person or share a kind word during the week.
- Bring a Small Gift: If you know their favorite snack, drink, or candy, surprise them with a little gift to brighten their day.
Let’s take this opportunity to show our counselors how much we appreciate their dedication to helping us succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.
Thank you to our school counselors for always being there for us!
Thank You for Supporting Education Scholarships!
We are excited to share the incredible generosity of our community! As of December 31st, customers at the two Brookings Corner Pantry locations have donated an impressive $4,754.00 through the Roundup for Education program, benefiting scholarships for the Brookings School District.
If projections hold, these donations may fund three $2,000 scholarships.
We would like to take a moment to thank the customers who contributed to this initiative—your generosity is making a lasting impact on the future of our students! On your next visit, please consider donating.
Jan. 21-Feb. 7
BHS will have students in grades 9-12 take the NWEA MAP assessment between January 21st and February 7th, for the Winter testing period. We are using a longer testing window to give you some flexibility on when the test can be administered. Students will complete the assessment in their respective English and Math courses during these dates, with the goal being to have all students complete the testing by February 7th. Students should use Bobcat Time to complete the testing, if needed.
I wanted to take a moment to highlight the importance of this assessment and its impact on our students:
-NWEA assessments provide us with insights into our student's academic progress
-address specific learning gaps
- identify areas where intervention might be beneficial to ensure academic growth
- data guides our decisions regarding students entrance into Math and ELA courses
- sharing assessment results with students can be a tool used to celebrate with them
Regular attendance is crucial for academic success and personal growth. Missing just two days per month, or 18 days a year, is considered chronic absenteeism, which can lead to lower grades, reduced graduation rates, and fewer future opportunities. For example, students with frequent absences in ninth grade are 25% less likely to graduate on time. Attendance also develops essential life skills like responsibility and perseverance, building a strong foundation for success.
At Brookings High School, we encourage students to show Bobcat P.R.I.D.E. by demonstrating Determination and Participation through consistent attendance. We understand that illnesses and unavoidable circumstances happen, so please communicate with our office when needed so we can support your student.
Thank you for prioritizing attendance and partnering with us to help our students succeed!
As we reach the midpoint of the school year, I want to take a moment to remind our school community about our expectations regarding cell phone use during instructional time. While most of our students are doing an excellent job adhering to these guidelines, we have noticed that some are choosing to use their phones instead of focusing on their academic tasks. To our students, I ask that you continue to respect our expectations and prioritize your learning by keeping phones put away during class. To parents and guardians, we kindly request your support in reinforcing this expectation, as it plays a vital role in maintaining a focused and productive learning environment. Together, we can ensure that instructional time remains a space for growth and achievement.
Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to the success of our students.
