

Sturgis Elementary Newsletter
May 2024
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 16. More specific information can be found within the newsletter.
Teacher Appreciation Week: May 6- May 10
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 20 and May 21st in the STEM room.
Last Day of School:
May 21st is the last day of school and we will be having a two hour early dismissal on this day (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 - it is located in the front lobby.
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 2024-2025 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 and School Messenger email and text. 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.
Calendar & Important Dates
2024-25 School Year
The open enrollment and in-district transfer requests for the 2024-25 school year will be opening February 1 - March 31 and again April 15 - Summer 2024. All new students entering the Meade School District must have the following:
- copy of birth certificate
- immunization records
Open enrollment for the remainder of the 2023-24 school year is currently open.
Scholar of the Month
School Activities and Fun
Reading Challenge
Staff Spotlights
Physical Education Spotlight
The Benefits of Physical Education
Physical education, also known as PE, is an essential part of your education. It helps you stay active, develop your motor skills, and learn about sports and teamwork.
Why is Physical Education Important?
Physical education is important for several reasons. First and foremost, it helps you maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. By participating in PE activities, you get to exercise your body, which is good for your heart, muscles, and bones. Regular exercise can also boost your energy levels and improve your mood.
Another reason physical education is important is that it helps you develop your motor skills. Motor skills are the abilities to move and control your body. These skills include running, jumping, throwing, catching, and balancing. Through PE activities, you get to practice and improve these skills, which can be useful in various sports and everyday life.
Physical education also teaches you about sports and different types of physical activities. You get to learn the rules and techniques of sports like basketball, soccer, volleyball, and more. This knowledge can help you discover new hobbies and interests. Furthermore, PE promotes teamwork and cooperation as you engage in group activities and learn to work together with your classmates.
Benefits of Physical Education
Participating in physical education offers numerous benefits for your overall well-being. Here are some key benefits to consider:
- Physical Fitness: Regular participation in PE helps improve your cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, and endurance.
- Cognitive Development: Physical activity has been linked to better concentration, memory, and academic performance. PE provides a break from regular classroom work and stimulates brain function.
- Social Skills: PE classes often involve teamwork and collaboration, allowing you to build social skills, interact with peers, and develop friendships.
- Emotional Well-being: Exercise has been proven to reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression. Physical education provides a positive outlet for pent-up energy and emotions.
- Healthy Habits: By engaging in physical activities early on, you learn the importance of regular exercise and can develop lifelong habits that promote a healthy lifestyle.
- Motor Skills Development: PE activities help refine your motor skills, coordination, and balance, supporting your physical development.
Physical education plays a crucial role in your education. It not only promotes physical fitness but also enhances cognitive development, social skills, and emotional well-being. Through PE, you can develop a love for physical activity and sports, paving the way for a healthier and happier life. So, lace up those sneakers, get moving, and enjoy the benefits of physical education!
We would like to express our gratitude for your continued partnership and support in your child's education journey. Here are some important updates from our school:
Important Announcements:
We have been actively engaging in various units in physical education classes, including basketball, strider bike, parachute, jump rope and rhythm units.
Celebrations from the Week:
We are thrilled to see high levels of student participation in all the units we have been covering. Your children's enthusiasm and energy in class are truly commendable!
Thank you once again for your ongoing support. Together, we can help your child succeed both academically and personally.
Parent & Teacher Association
Events & Activities
Food Service
Lunch Times:
Kindergarten (Abell, Marcoe, J. Anderson) : 10:50-11:20
Kindergarten (Jones, Woods, T. Anderson) : 11:00-11:30
1st Grade (Snyder, Hoppe, Wilson) : 11:10-11:40
1st Grade (Dillman, Treloar) : 11:20-11:50
2nd Grade (Kleinsasser, Schubauer, Monahan) : 11:50-12:20
2nd Grade (Dahl, Inhofer) : 12:00-12:30
3rd Grade (Stagner, Seyer) : 12:10-12:40
3rd Grade (Russell, Romey, Williams) : 12:20-12:50
4th Grade (All) : 12:45-1:15
If eating school lunch with your student, please bring the exact amount - $4.85
There is not change available in the lunchroom.
Harlow's Bus Company
2237 W. Sherman Street • Sturgis, SD 57785
(605)347-5066
Patrick Reinard, Transportation Manager
Volunteering
Educating youth takes a community effort, and because of that the Meade School Board is encouraging parents, guardians and other interested patrons to volunteer their time, knowledge and talents.
Members of the community bring new energies and resources into the schools and expand the walls of the classrooms. School volunteers enrich the educational program and strengthen the schools’ relationships with homes, businesses, public agencies and private institutions. All volunteers in the Meade School District do so without pay or employee benefits, except for workers’ compensation. For those interested in volunteering.
Mail to Meade School District, 1230 Douglas Street, Sturgis, S.D. 57785.
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