Platte-Geddes School District

🐾💛 Celebrating Our First Staff Member of the Month for 2026–2027! 💛🐾 Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Kristen Konechne, our August/September Staff Member of the Month! Affectionately known as "Mrs. K," Kristen serves as our K–5 school counselor and is someone who makes a difference in the lives of our students and staff every single day! Kristen's colleagues describe her as someone who goes above and beyond, always makes time for others, and has a special gift for making people feel welcomed, valued, and supported. Whether helping a student through a difficult moment, offering encouragement to a colleague, or finding thoughtful ways to bring our school family together, she approaches everything with kindness, patience, and grace. One nomination captured her impact beautifully: "She is sunshine in our school, and our school simply wouldn't be the same without her." ☀️ Kristen's caring heart, steady presence, and unwavering dedication to doing what is best for students make Platte-Geddes a better place for everyone. 📸 Mrs. K celebrated her recognition with Mrs. Petersen's 4th grade class! Congratulations, Mrs. K! Thank you for being such an important part of our Panther family! 💛🐾

FLU SHOTS will be given at the school on Friday, October 16th. Students will need to bring the completed form with them that day. There are forms available in the OFFICE or are available to print by clicking the following link. (Student and Adult forms are available)

https://aptg.co/dlk0q2

🐾 Celebrating This Week’s Prowl Award Recipients! 🐾 One of the best parts of the Prowl Awards is getting to recognize the people who make Platte-Geddes a special place in ways both big and small. Sometimes it is the attitude someone brings through the doors every morning. Sometimes it is the way a teacher builds a classroom where kids can thrive. And sometimes it is what someone quietly does behind the scenes simply because our kids need it. This week, we are proud to recognize four people who demonstrate exactly what Panther Pride looks like. 🐾 Pride of the Prowl – Cade Mikuska Cade comes to school every day with a smile and an attitude that makes you believe every day really is the best day. He is positive, enthusiastic, and always willing to help someone else. That kind of spirit is contagious, and Cade shares it freely with the people around him. We are lucky to have students like Cade representing Platte-Geddes! ❤️ Heart of the Prowl – Karlie Cameron Karlie is simply crushing it! She brings a wonderful sense of humor to her work, has amazing classroom management, and knows how to create an environment where students can learn and be successful. She brings energy, consistency, and genuine care to her classroom—and her students benefit from it every single day. ❤️ Heart of the Prowl – Caitlyn DeGroot Caitlyn is intentional about making sure people feel connected, informed, and included. She works hard to build relationships, puts tremendous thought into her lessons, and continually strives to make sure everyone is on the same page. Caitlyn understands that great teaching is about more than what happens during a lesson—it is also about relationships, belonging, and making sure people know they matter. 🐾 Champions of the Prowl – Jared Meyerink There are people in a school community who see a need and simply find a way to help. Jared is one of those people. He has used his own personal resources to make sure Platte-Geddes students have what they need—not only at school, but outside of school as well. Much of that kind of support happens quietly and without any expectation of recognition. It makes a very real difference in the lives of kids, and we are grateful to have Jared in their corner. Congratulations to Cade, Karlie, Caitlyn, and Jared! Each of you contributes to Platte-Geddes in a different way, and each of those contributions matters. Thank you for showing us what Panther Pride looks like. ❤️🐾

Come join the Panther team! 🐾 We have several opportunities currently available. Interested- please reach out. Know someone who would be a great fit? Please share! Make a difference. Be a Panther.

The HS Student Council is sponsoring a blood drive next Monday, Oct. 5, at the Platte Community Building, use the QR code below or contact stacey.larson@k12.sd.us. Thanks!

FREE fluoride varnish for PG students on Tuesday, October 13 at the schools.

Fluoride varnish is a quick dental treatment that can help prevent tooth decay and strengthen tooth enamel.

Parent consent is required for your child to receive the fluoride varnish. Complete the online registration and consent at https://my.primary.health/l/fluoride-varnish

🐾 We’re hiring! Come join the Platte-Geddes Panther team. Check out our current openings below and help us spread the word!

🐾 Celebrating This Week’s Prowl Award Recipients! 🐾 This week, we’re recognizing four members of the Platte-Geddes community who demonstrate Panther Pride in very different ways. Parents of the Prowl — Michelle Rabenberg Michelle is always willing to step up and help whenever she has time. Whether there is a need to fill or simply an extra set of hands needed, Michelle is willing to jump in. Her support and willingness to help make a difference for our students, staff, and schools. Thank you, Michelle! Heart of the Prowl — Sadie Hanson Calvin described Sadie best when he called her our “Swiss Amry knife" (she does everything). 😊 As our secondary counselor, Sadie also leads our School Safety Team, serves as our WIDA coordinator, coordinates online classes, leads Hope Squad, serves as testing coordinator—and somehow continues finding ways to support students and staff along the way. Sadie wears an incredible number of hats & is always willing to step in and help. Sadie’s versatility, dependability, and willingness to take on whatever needs to be done make her an incredible asset to Platte-Geddes. Pride of the Prowl — Grady Nelson Grady is helpful, kind, a good friend, follows directions, and brings a positive attitude to school. He demonstrates that Panther Pride can be found in the everyday choices we make and in the way we treat the people around us. Grady rocks it! Pride of the Prowl — Landen Wright Landen is a great leader who follows directions, sets a positive example, and demonstrates our Panther values through his actions. He shows that leadership isn’t about a title—it’s about how you carry yourself and the example you set for others. Congratulations to Michelle, Sadie, Grady, and Landen! Thank you for making Platte-Geddes stronger through the ways you show up, help others, lead, and care. 🐾

Football Fans: There will be a tailgate this Friday, September 25th. If you have time, please come out and enjoy the even before our Homecoming matchup vs. Gregory.

Due to weather, the Powderpuff football has been changed to volleyball in the main gym. Class colors remain the same. Volleyball will start at 6:00pm.

Notice is hereby given, that sealed bids for the purchase of a 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan will be received by the Platte-Geddes School District 11-5, Platte, South Dakota at the office of the Business Manager, 400 Illinois Avenue, PO Box 140, Platte, South Dakota 57369 until 2 p.m., local time on October 5, 2026.

Details: 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan Passenger; Van/Minivan; SXT Minivan 4D; V6, Flex Fuel, 3.6 Liter Engine; Automatic, 6-speed transmission; FWT Drivetrain; VIN: 2C4RDGCG2DR637173; Mileage: 119,256

The vehicle is located and can be inspected at the northwest corner of Platte-Geddes Elementary School parking lot at 421E. 4th Street.

The Platte-Geddes School District reserves the right to reject any or all bids and waive any defects therein.

Dated at Platte-Geddes School District, South Dakota this 17th Day of September 2026.

🐾 Celebrating This Week’s Prowl Award Recipients! 🐾 One of the best parts of our schools is seeing the many ways people make Platte-Geddes a better place. This week, we’re recognizing six members of our Panther community who did just that! Pride of the Prowl – Angeles Salas & Edith Romero Blanco Angeles and Edith noticed a student who was alone at recess and invited them to play. It was a simple act of kindness, but one that made sure another student knew they belonged and had a friend. Thank you, Angeles and Edith, for noticing someone who needed you and choosing to include them! Pride of the Prowl – Ario Garmino Ario saw an opportunity to help and stepped up without being asked. That kind of initiative and willingness to lend a hand is a great example of leadership. Way to go, Ario! Champions of the Prowl – Karen Lang Karen consistently goes above and beyond for Platte-Geddes. Whether she is helping meet a need, sharing her time and talents, or even helping write grants, Karen is always willing to step in and help make good things happen for our students and schools. We are grateful for all the ways she supports our Panther community! Champions of the Prowl – Brooke Meyerink When a few students needed a little extra help getting to school on time, Brooke stepped in without hesitation and made sure they got where they needed to be. Thank you, Brooke, for seeing a need and being willing to help! Heart of the Prowl – Christi Kuiper Christi has stepped into her new role in our high school library and is already making a difference. She connects with students while holding them accountable and maintaining high expectations. She has embraced the role, built relationships, and created a welcoming place for our students. Heart of the Prowl – Phyllis Daum Some people simply make a school better by being part of it, and Phyllis is one of those people. She brings tremendous care, consistency, energy, and dedication to her third-grade classroom. She sets high expectations, cares deeply about her students, supports those around her, and can always be counted on to step up and get things done. Quite simply, Phyllis rocks at what she does! Congratulations to all of this week’s recipients, and thank you for showing us what Panther Pride looks like! 🐾❤️

The Platte-Geddes Board of Education will meet tonight at 6:00 p.m. The meeting is open to the public. Those wishing to attend virtually may join via Zoom: Zoom Meeting: https://sdk12.zoom.us/j/91263587655 The meeting agenda is available on the district website. Thanks!

📣 Elementary Families — PGES Monthly Newsletter is Here! 🍎

Stay in the know about what’s happening at our elementary school! 🏫✨

📰 Click the link below to read our latest Elementary Newsletter for important updates, upcoming events, reminders, and more!

👇 Read it here!
https://app.smore.com/n/fpnx1

❤️ WEAR RED FOR ED! ❤️

This Wednesday, September 16, help us celebrate Attendance Awareness Month by wearing RED! 🔴

Every day at school is an opportunity to learn, grow, connect, and succeed! 📚✨

Let’s fill Platte-Geddes Elementary with RED and show that EVERY SCHOOL DAY MATTERS! ❤️

#AttendanceAwarenessMonth #EveryDayMatters #WearRed #PlatteGeddesElementary

Reminder:
Isabelle Suits' Senior Project
@ the Elementary Gym 6:30 PM
Sunday 9/13
Mental health Speech, cookies & questions.

Attention, volleyball fans! ACDC will be serving walking tacos at Monday’s volleyball game. See flyer for details!

🇺🇸 Patriot’s Day Program – You’re Invited! 🇺🇸

Platte-Geddes Elementary invites families and community members to join us for our Annual Patriot’s Day Program on Friday, September 11th at 8:05 AM at the Memorial Flags.

Together, we will honor and remember those whose lives were impacted by the events of September 11, 2001, and recognize the courage, service, and sacrifice shown on that day and in the years since.

❤️🤍💙 Students, staff, families, and guests are encouraged to wear red, white, and blue in honor of Patriot Day.

We hope you can join us for this special time of remembrance. 🇺🇸