New Staff / Staff Transfers

Districtwide

• Kevin Metzger – Head of Bldgs. & Grounds (transfer)
• Deidra Gunnell – SpEd Behavior Coor. (transfer)
• Katherine Jensen – School Psychologist Intern (transfer)

Custer Jr/Sr HS

• Megan Hanis - Math Teacher
• Michele Joint – Special Ed Teacher
• Elizabeth Mertz – English Language Arts (ELA) Teacher
• Catherine Murphy – Special Ed Teacher
• Michele Clevenger – Science/Math Teacher (transfer)
• Julie Cartwright – CHS Special Ed Para (transfer)

Custer Elementary

• Kara Bradeen – Temp. 2nd Grade Teacher (transfer)
• Jamie Neugebauer – 3rd Grade Teacher & Asst. Volleyball Coach
• Susan Ostenson – 2nd Grade Teacher
• Kristin Seidler – 4th Grade Teacher
• Bertina Gooding - Special Ed Paraprofessional
• Harmony Kloos - Special Ed Paraprofessional
• Vachel Rice - Preschool Paraprofessional
• Lydia Traxler - Special Ed Paraprofessional
• Madalyn Hattervig - Early Education (EC) SpEd Paraprofessional
• Lesane Hernandez – Custodian
• Jessica Haug – Reading Interventionist (transfer)
• Caitlin Wilbur – Early Childhood Preschool Instructor (transfer)

Hermosa School

• Taylor Henwood – 5-8 Gr Social Studies Teacher (transfer)
• Kayden Kursave – 4th Grade Teacher
• Gabby Lewis – JrKdg/Kdg Teacher (transfer)
• Cynthia Row – 1st Gr Teacher (transfer)
• Erica Venhuizen – 4th/5th Gr Teacher (transfer)
• Brandi Cook – HES Preschool Instructor – full-time (transfer)
• Leith Schmidtlein – SpEd Paraprofessional
• Vicki Alexander – SpEd Para / Preschool Para

New Coaches

• Russ Evans – Head Football Coach
• Brandon Hubler – Asst. Football Coach
• Peter Johncour – Asst. Football Coach
• Solomon Petz - Asst. Football Coach
• Kristy Reindl – Asst. Jr HS Volleyball Coach
• Clayton Sander – Asst Girls Wrestling Coach
• Dave Williams – Jr HS Football Coach
• Gage Winker – Jr HS Cross Co. Coach

• Students need to dress appropriately for the weather and activities in school. Clothes that do not fit or create a distraction from the education of our students will not be allowed.
• Examples of inappropriate dress or grooming include: undergarments that are visible, see-through clothing, spaghetti straps, strapless, bandanas, visors, halter tops and half shirts that expose skin on the stomach, extremely short skirts or shorts, bare feet, chains, pants that don’t fit and are not worn at the waist, and clothes that display drug, alcohol, tobacco, or gang affiliation/symbols, are inappropriate.
• Hats are not to be worn in the building except on approved days.
• Any questionable clothing that is identified by school staff will be reported to the principal and handled at the principal’s discretion.
• We live in an area that typically has cold weather and weather conditions that can change quickly. Students are expected to be outside before school and during recess. Students need to dress for the weather.

Please remember there is a 5 minute window before and after the time the bus can come. So if the stop time is 7:18 am, students need to be at the stop no later than 7:13 am.

The (Pass Creek) bus will be stopping on Montgomery Street in the mornings before school at 7:20am. Remember there is a 5 minute window - students need to be there by 7:15 a.m. And no change to the afternoon bus run/stop. The bus stops directly in front of the stairs going up to the Armory from Montgomery.

This year, CSD will not be providing free breakfast for all students. Meal prices, however, have been reduced to what they were in the 2022-23 school year. CSD encourages families to look into the free & reduced meal program. Info for food service is available at https://www.csd.k12.sd.us/o/csd/page/csd-meal-program. Contact your school for more info.

Coaching Openings - Apply Online

Current employees send letter/email of interest to AD Joey Kortemeyer joey.kortemeyer@k12.sd.us all others must complete an application.

1. HOSA Advisor - $2,745 - starting fall 2024
2. Custer Jr HS Boys Basketball Coach - $1,961 - starting winter 2024
   
3. HES Boys Basketball Coach - $1,961 – starting winter 2024
4. Prom Advisor - $510 – starting spring 2025
5. HES Track Coach - $1961 – starting spring 2025

SUBSTITUTE CLEANERS - needed at all schools to fill-in for staff when needed. Must complete CSD classified application packet and complete a criminal background check. $17/hr DOE.

SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS - needed at all schools. Must complete CSD substitute application packet, submit proof of highest level of education, and complete a criminal background check prior to starting. Contact the CSD Admin. Office for a packet, or apply online at CSD.k12.sd.us, which will include the fingerprint/background check materials. Minimum requirement, HS graduate. Pay range $110/day-$135/day. Retired CSD Teachers start at $135/day. **Paraprofessional substitute pay is $15/hr.

CONTACT INFORMATION
Custer School District, 527 Montgomery St., Custer, SD 57730. PH: 605.673.3154 FAX: 605.673.5607, Mon.-Thurs., 8-3 p.m. and Fridays closed.

NON-DISCRIMINATION
The Custer School District 16-1 does not discriminate on the basis of race or color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy), disability, sexual orientation, age, religion and creed, military/veteran status, or marital status, in admission or access to or treatment or employment in its programs and activities: and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. For inquiries concerning the District’s compliance with Title VI or the Age Discrimination Act please contact the Superintendent of Schools, 527 Montgomery St., Custer, SD, 57730, (605) 673-3154; for Title IX please contact the Activities Director, 1645 Wildcat Lane, Custer, SD, 57730, (605)673-4473; or for Section 504 of the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) act please contact the Special Education Director, 527 Montgomery St., Custer, SD, 57730, (605) 673-3154. For further inquiries contact the South Dakota Regional Office for Civil Rights, Kansas City Office, U.S. Dept. of Education, One Petticoat Lane, 1010 Walnut Street, Suite 320, Kansas City, MO, 64106, phone (816) 268-0550, TDD (800) 877-0599, Fax (816) 268-0559, e-mail: OCR.KansasCity@ed.gov

Activity Schedules can be accessed through the new CSD website: https://jrsr.csd.k12.sd.us/o/jrsr/page/wildcat-activities

Hermosa activity bus. Pick up at the Hermosa School at 3:00 and will leave from Custer at 6:30 pm.

The bus will run Monday – Thursday. It will pick up the Hermosa MS football players at the school at 2:45 (because the driver needs to be back in Custer for an after-school run). For the return trip, the bus will leave from Custer at 6:00 pm sharp. It will pick up at the high school (5:40pm), then the armory (5:50), then the football field (6:00pm).

Activity passes (tickets) are available at the HS & the admin. offices. Activity passes are accepted at all regular home season games, in addition, to regularly scheduled CSD plays and concerts.

Passes will be sold during the first few home games of volleyball and football.

Prices remain the same as in the past several years:

*Family Passes: $80 maximum – for parents & all K-12 students in the same household.

Purchased individually the prices are as follows:

*Adults (including college-age students) - $40 per pass

*High School 9-12: - $30 per pass

*Middle School 6-8: - $20

*Elementary K-5: - $20

(grandparents, adult children, or college-age students are not eligible for the family pass.)

* Complimentary senior citizen passes for Custer County Residents who are age 60+.
These are also available at all school offices.

Classroom Happenings:

• If you are interested in taking the ACT on Saturday, October 26th, the deadline to register is Friday, September 20th. Please stop in and see Mr. Petz or Mrs. French if you need any help signing up.
• Picture Day is Monday, Sept. 9th. You should get a packet in your wildcat classroom today.

Organizations:

• Auditions for the Fall Play will be next Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 4-5, after school. See Mrs. Naef (formerly Ms. Bowen 😊 ) for audition packets in room 160. The play will be ‘Anne of Green Gables.’
• Students/Staff - If you would like to plan a meeting for your group in the library, please check with Mrs. Teasley or Mrs. Mertz to make sure their schedule is open.

• If you would like to join JH Student Council, please see Mrs. Patty Evans in the office.

• CHS will be offering FFA this year. More information will soon be available from Advisor, Becky Treloar.
• All middle school and high school students interested in Knowledge Bowl should attend a meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 3rd, in the office conference room during Wildcat Time.

• There will be an FCCLA meeting during all lunches on Thursday, September 5th. If you are interested in joining FCCLA please grab your lunch and come to Ms. Frederick's room.
• Senior Projects:
• Volleyball setting and hitting camp for girls in grades 7-9. These camps are taking place October 11th , from 12-2, at the Custer Armory. For girls interested in attending either of these camps, Kylee and JoJo will be in hold a meeting Thursday, September 12th in Mrs. Hohn’s room during Wildcat Time!

Sports:

• Media Day for cross country seniors will be on Tuesday, Sept. 3rd during 7th hour.
• REMINDER: No School Monday for Labor Day!

HOMECOMING:

Theme: Home Sweet Home!

• 9/23 – “Homerun!” – wear your favorite team/sports jersey
• 9/24 – “Me and My Homies” – best duo’s and trios
• 9/25 – “Home Away from Home” – tourist day
• 9/26 – “There’s No Place Like Home” - Purple & Gold - (Parade and Pep Rally)

Custer was awarded a Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) grant for grades 7-8 for the 2024-25 school year. This is the same grant that Custer Elementary & Hermosa schools have had for several years. Staff with Lunchtime Solutions Inc. (LSI), our food service provider, will deliver a serving of fresh fruits or vegetables to every 7th and 8th grade student every day in the classroom. The grant stipulates that one snack is provided for every student every day, and will start Sept. 3! Click here to learn more about the FFVP: https://www.fns.usda.gov/ffvp/factsheet

• Custer Jr/Sr HS Newsletter
• Custer Jr/Sr HS Facebook
• Custer Jr/Sr HS Counselor's Corner Website
• Custer Jr/Sr HS Student Council Facebook
• Custer Jr/Sr HS Choirs Facebook
• Custer Wildcat Booster Club Facebook
• Custer FFA Facebook
• Custer Youth and Alumni Foundation Facebook

Assistant Principal/Activities Director: Joey Kortemeyer - joey.kortemeyer@k12.sd.us

Custer Jr High Assistant Principal, AD & Counselor: Dusty Petz - dustin.petz@k12.sd.us

Administrative Assistant: Kelli Moore - kelli.moore@k12.sd.us

Location: 1645 Wildcat Lane, Custer, SD, USA
Phone: (605) 673-4473
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CusterJrSrHigh/

Need a Unique Gift Idea?

Custer Area Arts Council - CHS Theatre Seats Project

Sponsor a seat for $100 and get an engraved plaque on the back of the seat:

• BUY A SEAT PLAQUE TO HONOR YOUR FAVORITE THESPIAN, MUSICIAN, DANCER, LOVED ONE, CHS GRADUATE OR CLASS, OR ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS!

• The funds are then used for theatre improvements.
  

Donor plaques are $500 and are on not on the back of the seats, but on a large donor board.

501c3 Tax Deductible Contribution.

Make checks payable to Custer Area Arts Council.
Mail to: Custer Area Arts Council

25088 Shamrock Rd – Custer, SD 57730

Click here for the latest CES Newsletter

Click here for the CES Facebook Page - follow for more school information & announcements!

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Only school paddle locks can be on lockers. Locks can be purchased in the office for $5.

• Aug. 27 - Early Childhood (Preschool) Screening - 9-noon - Admin./Armory Bldg.
• Sept 4: Lifetouch Pictures
• Sept 6: School in Session
• Sept 23 – 26: Homecoming; Pep Rally & Parade on 9/26.

Custer School District is proud to announce its first-ever, all-day early education option, specifically designed for children ages 3, 4, and 5, who miss the kindergarten cut-off. This innovative program marks a significant step forward in our approach to early childhood education, emphasizing an all-together approach, and ensuring every child has a sense of belonging from the very start of their educational journey.

The new program caters to both typically developing children and those with diagnosed disabilities, fostering an environment where all students can thrive together. We are committed to providing a supportive atmosphere that embraces diversity in developmental needs.

One of the key aspects of this initiative is affordability. Families of typically developing children, based on income qualifications, can access this program at an affordable rate. This ensures that financial constraints do not hinder any child from benefiting from high-quality early education.

"This new all-day early education option represents our dedication to supporting families in our community," said Nicole Wells, a collaborative member of developing the all-day option within the Custer School District. "We believe that early education should be accessible to all children, regardless of their developmental differences or financial circumstances. By creating this all-together and nurturing environment, we aim to empower every child and support their families in achieving their goals."

Custer School District is excited to launch this program and looks forward to welcoming children and families into this supportive educational environment. For more information about enrollment and program details, please contact Nicole Wells at nicole.wells@k12.sd.us for the Custer area and Forrest Paris at forrest.paris@k12.sd.us for Hermosa.

Administrative Assistant Cindy Heyne - cindy.heyne@k12.sd.us

Location: 1415 Wildcat Lane, Custer, SD, USA
Phone: 605-673-4483
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CusterElementarySchool/

The Custer Elementary is collecting Lynn's Dakotamart cash register receipts. We receive cash back after so many receipts are submitted. Please drop them off at any school or the admin. office. Also, please save your pop tabs (also the tabs from cans such as fruit, veggies or soups) for children undergoing medical treatment. A pop tab collection drive is taking place presently for the Ronald McDonald House. You may drop these off items off at the admin. office/Armory or Custer Elementary.

Hermosa Family Newsletter - LOTS of Important information included in newsletter!

Hermosa Facebook Page - please follow for updated daily announcements

Hermosa Spirt Wear Store

I teach PE in Hermosa and am the middle school AD. This will be my 9th year in that position and 20th in the district.

Why did you choose to work for CSD?

I’m from Minnesota but worked summers in Custer while I was in high school. I fell in love with the area and when I met my wife who graduated from Custer; it was a no-brainer.

What was something that happened during your years here that was a positive change for the district/students/community, etc.

The Hermosa addition has been incredible. It’s such a great facility for staff and students.
What advice would you like to share with students?

It’s really hard to do at a young age, but try to see the big picture more. Decisions you make now (studying, taking challenging classes, etc.) will have an impact on your entire life.
What’s a fun fact about you?

I played guitar and sang in Custer State Park for 18 years. I have a collection of Funko Pops in my office that the kids love checking out. 😊

Administrative Assistant: Jennifer Conley - jennifer.conley@k12.sd.us

Website: https://www.csd.k12.sd.us/Domain/11
Location: 11 4th Street, Hermosa, SD, USA
Phone: 605-255-4345
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HermosaSchool/

Click here to see CSD's Library Coordinator, Doris Ann Mertz's, Library Report for 2023-24

The Mission of Custer School District is to Educate Every Student to His/Her Potential.

Superintendent Mark Naugle - mark.naugle@k12.sd.us

Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent Jennie Anderson - jennie.anderson@k12.sd.us

Click here for all staff listing

Administration Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs. ~ 8-3 p.m. & Fridays ~ closed

Website: www.csd.k12.sd.us
Location: 527 Montgomery Street, Custer, SD, USA
Phone: 605-673-3154
Facebook: www.facebook.com/custerschooldistrict

You know the old saying, "It takes a village to raise a child"? Well, we believe it's true, and we are blessed with a generous village in Custer Country that takes care of CSD staff and students. Thank you to the following folks who have assisted in some way or donated, sponsored, or discounted something that helped with our back-to-school staff inservices & open houses: Lunchtime Solutions, Inc., The Custer Beacon, Custer Chamber of Commerce, Crazy Horse Memorial, Lasting Impressions Unlimited (Pat & Cathy Mack), Tennyson Family Trust, DA Davidson, Jerry Spethman, Dean Kurtz Construction, Architecture Incorporated, FMG Engineering, Southern Hills Screening Printing, and Black Hills Sauce & Dough, Co.