We have a GNC this week going out to Miley Larson. On the recess playground, Miley went out of her way to assist Mrs. Knecht with a student who was running away instead of lining up. She encouraged him to line up, in a kind manner & even offered to race him & it worked.

Our GNC goes to Holdyn Gallagher. Holdyn has been assisting the cooks in the lunchroom, specifically Cindi with carrying the silverware tub. He has taken it upon himself to have the job of silverware tub carrier. Holdyn, your help meant more than you could possibly know to Cindi.

Just a note this afternoon to let you know that tonight's basketball games will be starting at 3:00 pm. Parking around our building will most likely be affected by these games. We will be outside assisting students with walking across the streets and with finding their parents.

Also presenting on February 13 will be Special Agent Kendra Russell with the SD DCI. Kendra specializes in digital evidence & is a member of the SD Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Agent Russell will be presenting information on Internet Safety and Cyberbullying.

The PG School District invites all K-12 parents to an assembly to be held in the Armory gym on Thursday, February, 13th at 6 pm. SD Highway Parol Troopers Shane Johnson & Deanna Johnson will provide information on drug trends, names, and how to recognize drug use.

Youth Basketball Camp will be held this week on Friday, Feb 14th at 9am due to the high school boys having a game in Mitchell on Saturday morning. Our last class will be on Saturday, Feb. 22nd at 9am. Please e-mail or call Mr. Kemnitz with questions about Youth Basketball Camp.

On Friday, February 7 we CELEBRATED our 100th Day of School. Our Kindergarten Classrooms had 100 (or more maybe....) pancakes, read books about the 100th day, and celebrated all kinds of 100's. Congratulations to our students and staff members for 100 AWESOME Days of School!!

The PG Elementary Book Fair is going on today through Thursday! Please stop in today until 5:30 or Wednesday and Thursday after school until 5:00. We look forward to seeing you there!

It is time for our 4th and 5th grade boys to register for the Let Me Run program. This is a great program that focuses on boys being physically, mentally and emotionally healthy.If you have any questions, please text or call Karen Lang at 207-0126.

Congratulations to Dixsea Voetberg & Jacob Wermers for getting to make a "Good News Call" today. Dixsea & Jacob took time out of their school day & assisted Mrs. Oolman by "secretly" tidying up the classroom. Thank for modeling service to others, kindness, & organization.

The Parkston Classic basketball games that were scheduled for Saturday, January 18 have been canceled.

Due to potential winter storm, Platte-Geddes Schools will be closed on Friday, January 17.

The high school basketball teams will be hosting a basketball camp for girls and boys in grades 2-5. The camp will be held Saturday mornings beginning at 9 am tomorrow, January 4, 2020. The cost is $20 and includes a t-shirt.If you have questions please contact Mr. Kemnitz.

The Parkston Classic basketball games scheduled for today, December 30, have been postponed.

The Parkston Classic which was scheduled for tomorrow has been postponed: Girls game Monday, December 30 at 1:00 Boys game Tuesday, December 31 at 1:30

We offer a very sincere THANK YOU to our very own second grader Beckham Houdeshell and to our local Dollar General store for their "toy drive" boxes. Thanks to the generosity of these people and our local communities, we were able to provide Christmas toys to over 50 children.

The 6th grade band played Christmas carols for our elementary students on Friday morning. This is a favorite tradition for many of our students and staff members. Great work 6th grade band!! Thank you for sharing your musical talents with our elementary students.

5th science fair.....

5th science fair

5th science fair presentations.....

More from the 5th grade science fair.....

The 5th graders presented their science fair projects on Friday. Enjoy the photos of some of their projects.

Karina Taylor showed KINDNESS to friends. She had the ball & a chance to get a runner out in recess kickball. Instead, she let him get to base. Her teammates said, Karina, you should have gotten him out. She replied, "He always gets out, I wanted him to run the bases this time.”

Here they are...grades K-4 hard at work at Operetta Practice. Dress rehearsal is today & our two Christmas Operetta Performances will be tomorrow at 2 and 7. Seating will be FULL. Following the 2:00 performance, parents may pick up their children in their elementary classrooms.

5th and Kindergarten reading buddies built gingerbread houses today. Enjoy the photos of their work......

PAL Christmas party photos.....

More photos from the PAL Christmas party.

The PAL program had their Christmas party tonight!!

Congratulations to our two State Oral Interpretation Superior Winners, Abby VandenBerge and Leah DeHaan at the 2019 State OI Competition this last weekend in Yankton. The team of Abby and Leah also won the Team Excellence Award. They are pictured with their coach, Mrs. Teresa Nelson.

The Platte-Geddes JH and HS students and staff competed in a penny war collecting close to $500. The money collected allowed the students to send 21 boxes full of christmas cards and goodies to a SD National Guard Unit stationed overseas, to thank them for their service.

Mrs. Mills nominated Rylan Burket for the GNC for showing kindness in the STEAM room. Rylan volunteered to wash the paint brushes and pallets for Mrs. Mills so she could help the other students with their projects. Thanks for modeling service to others and kindness, Rylan!

Berklee Veurink received the GNC for always being willing to help her friends, even if it means stopping an activity that she herself enjoys, according to her teacher, Mrs. Sandy DuFrain. Thanks for modeling kindness and service to others, Berklee.

5th Grade Science Fair The 5th graders are busy working on their science fair projects. You are invited to attend their annual science fair which will be held on Friday, December 20, 2019 in the PG Elementary Multi Purpose Room from 1:00-2:00.

We have some "Elfing" going on at Platte Geddes Elementary. Check out the photos of Mrs. DuFrain's second grade class enjoying the "Elf Ornaments" they were given by Mrs. Frandsen's second grade class. Each child decorated and personalized their ornament.

Shay Petersen & Jameson Leader were nominated for the GNC by our custodian, Mike Anderson. Mike had a lot of shoveling to do around the school building. After school on Monday, Jameson & Shay each grabbed a shovel and helped Mike clear snow from our sidewalks for over an hour.

Congratulations to the following TEN PG Elementary students chosen for SD Elementary Honors Choir: Cassie Groon, Charly Veurink, Dulcie Veurink, Claire Maydew, Kala Maxon, Ava Olson, McKenzie DeHaan, Leah Schuman, Abigail Meyerink, and Brynn Meyerink. We are PROUD of you!

Platte-Geddes Schools will have a 10 am start on Monday, December 2. There is no half-day Kindergarten class. The Geddes bus leaves at 9:15. No morning basketball practices. Thank You!

Platte-Geddes Schools will dismiss at 12:22 on Tuesday, November 26 and there will be no school on Wednesday, November 27.

Platte-Geddes School District has an opening for a paraprofessional at Cedar Grove Colony School. If you are interested in the position, contact Joel Bailey at 605-337-3391 or vial email at joel.bailey@k12.sd.us

Tomorrow's High School Musical Festival in Gregory has been postponed to Monday, December 2. Aside from the change in date, everything else remains the same. Thank You!

On World KINDNESS Day, yesterday, it was only appropriate that we had a KINDNESS GNC. Jace Vigoren received the GNC for showing exceptional kindness to another small child at recess. She was asking for a push on a swing, and before a teacher arrived Jace began pushing her.

Siena Settles earned the GNC this week. Mrs. K stated this, "EVERY time I see Siena she shares a smile & a kind word" Siena is often heard giving students & teachers compliments & is always willing to help others.Thank you Sienna for showing such sincere kindness to others.

PGHS Staff got into the Halloween spirit last week.

Cambree Foxley earned a GNC this week. Cambree was nominated by her sub Katy Duffy, stating, "Cambree has been so helpful to me. She models to her classmates how to work quietly & listen, and is respectful to everyone. She has a positive attitude and is willing to help everyone."

The teachers and paraprofessionals at Platte Geddes Elementary dressed as Emojis. We had a Black Panther and Cookie Monster in the mix as well! The kids of course looked fabulous! Halloween was a success!!

In the first round of Region 6B volleyball action, the Lady Black Panthers will host Marty Indian on Monday, November 4. Game time is set for 7 p.m.

More pumpkin photos for the Elementary Student Council Fundraiser.....

The Platte Geddes Elementary Student Council Members are hosting a "Pumpkin" Fundraiser. You can "vote" by putting money in the envelope of your favorite decorated pumpkin. The pumpkins were decorated by each class during STEAM.

On Friday, our 1/2 Day Kindergarten Students visited the Platte Volunteer Fire Department. October is Fire Prevention Month. Enjoy the photos of the kids learning about fire prevention.

Students at Platte Geddes Elementary heard the message of Kansas and Kyal Middletent today during an assembly. The assembly was held in honor of Native American Day and National Bullying Prevention Month. Students learned the importance of the Golden Rule and Kindness to others.

Tate was nominated for the GNC by his teacher, Mrs. Sandy DuFrain. Tate noticed that one of his classmates was having a tough time, so Tate kindly offered to assist her. Then, Mrs. DuFrain forgot something and Tate told her, "That's ok, you have a lot to do!" How very KIND.

Greetings, We are in the process of completing a school improvement plan and comprehensive needs assessment. Stakeholder surveys are a key component to our school improvement plan. Please take a couple of minutes to complete the survey and provide us with feedback for growth. The link below will take you to the survey. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LQBQKHV Thank You, Joel Bailey

Norris Maydew, was nominated for the "GNC" by his teacher, Mrs. Daum. Norris often asks his classmates if he can assist them in finishing up problems they are stuck on. Norris is often observed showing great kindness to his classmates and others throughout his school day.

Platte-Geddes Schools are dismissing at 12:45 today, Thursday, October 10.

The Influenza Clinic will be held at PG Schools on Tuesday, October 15. If you would like your child to receive their flu shot at school, the form must be signed and returned to school by 10-15-19. Forms have been e-mailed or can be picked up in the district offices.

Our Messenger notification center was recently updated. With the potential for a fall storm (eye roll emoji) we are going to send out a test message on 10-9-19 at noon to ensure we have our notification list updated. If you do not receive the call, contact joel.bailey@k12.sd.us

GNC...Allison was nominated by her teacher, Mrs. Frandsen. On Thursday of last week, Allison earned a “Pop” from her teacher for a perfect score on her spelling test. Instead of keeping the pop for herself, she gave it to a friend to enjoy. Way to model THE Golden Rule, Allison!

Congratulations to Boady Smit, our GNC. Boady was nominated by his teacher, Mrs. Nelson, for being kind and patient with his Kindergarten Buddy! Thanks Boady for showing kindness to our "Littles", for being patient with their learning, and for modeling to them The Panther Way!

Monte Perry has earned a "Good News Call of the Week". Monte let a friend use his own shoes for PE when he didn’t have any to wear. Instead of not being able to participate, his friend got to was able to because of Monte’s kindness. Monte's teacher noticed his kind deed.

More from 5th grade science class....

In science class today, our 5th graders were challenged to discover how to get an object to launch 5 feet at a target. See photos showing them hard at work.....

Dominick Schoenrock is the Good News Call of the Week. Mrs. Neuman nominated Dominick for being so helpful in the first grade classroom. When Mrs. Neuman dropped something on the floor, Dom jumped right up and out of his seat to assist her with the cleanup. Awesome work, Dom!

PLATTE-GEDDES 2019 HOMECOMING PARADE RESULTS HIGH SCHOOL DIVISION BEST HIGH SCHOOL FLOAT: BEAUTY: 1 Seniors 2. PG Cheer/Pom Squad 3. Sophomores ORIGINALITY: 1. Juniors 2. Seniors 3. FFA HUMOR: 1. Juniors 2. Sophomores 3. Freshmen JR. HIGH ENTRY BEAUTY: 1. 7th Grade ORIGINALITY 1. 6th Grade HUMOR: 1. 8th Grade ELEMENTARY DIVISION BEST ELEMENTARY ENTRY: 1. Dance Co. 2. 3rd Grade 3. 5th Grade COMMUNITY/BUSINESS DIVISION BEST BUSINESS/COMMUNITY ENTRY: 1. Houdeshell Chiropactic/Platte Creek Store 2. Bank of the West 3. Remember the Time Antiques BEST IN HUMOR: 1. Platte Livestock/Josh’s ATV 2. Bank of the West 3. DeGroot Racing HONORABLE MENTION: Platte Health Center

September 17th the juniors and seniors attended a college fair held at Dakota Wesleyan University. The students also attend a career fair hosted by Mitchell Technical Institute. The day concluded with tours of Mitchell Technical Institute or Dakota Wesleyan University.

Platte-Geddes staff held a tailgate supper for the Burke School District after a tornado had devastating effects on their school facilities. Thanks to our communities, we were able to raise $3160, and present a check to the Burke School District at last night's volleyball game.

Sweet little Eden Kramp is pictured making our GNC to her Dad. Eden was nominated for showing kindness to students in her classroom and for always being willing to help other children. She is a very kind little girl and is especially kind to those needing a little extra help.

More First Graders decorating the banner for the football team.

Our First Graders decorated a banner for the HS Football team to run through on Friday evening for their game. They also decorated the sidewalks for the Homecoming festivities. Thank you First Graders for getting into the Platte Geddes Black Panther Homecoming Spirit!

Kolton Dykshorn is our first "GNC of the Week". Kolton was playing a game with friends, when a disagreement between a couple of students took place. Kolton separated the students and helped them come to a friendly and appropriate resolution. "Way to be a great problem solver!"

Merrick Kimball is our "Good News Call of the Week". Merrick noticed that one of his classmates was having a difficult morning, so he gave the child his own dress up day (tourist) items in an effort to cheer him up. Thank you Merrick, for modeling kindness and the Golden Rule.

We had the pleasure of presenting a new book to every first grader in our school district today! Sean Covel, author and movie producer from Edgemont, SD, along with the South Dakota Statewide Family Engagement Center, have donated a free book to all first graders.

A few more tourists......

Spotted a few tourists today at Platte Geddes Elementary

Platte Geddes Elementary Teachers are into the spirit of "tourist day" with their Tacky Tourist Day outfits!

The cooks in the lunchroom have nominated Bryce Kahler, for our first Good News call this week. The cooks stated. "Bryce is so kind and so polite as he comes through the lunch line each day. He says please and thank you and ALWAYS remembers to use his good manners."

Tonight's volleyball game at Bon Homme has been postponed (date yet to be determined). There will be an optional open gym for the high school volleyball team today at four o'clock. Middle school football and volleyball practice are canceled.

Platte-Geddes Schools will be closed on Thursday, September 12. The volleyball game at Bon Homme is scheduled as planned. After school activities will continue, but are optional. Please, contact your respective coach to inform them of our decision.

Jimmy Foxley is our "GNC". Jimmy was nominated by Mrs. Patzlaff for helping a child after school. The child was crying because he thought his sister had forgotten him at school. Jimmy took the child showed him that his sister was still in class and had not left him at school.

Lillian Norden is pictured with her Good News phone call to her Mother. Lillian was nominated by her STEAM teacher, Mrs. Mills, for assisting her in cleaning up the classroom and even noticing that Mrs. Mills needed some assistance with another classroom’s items.

Gunner Frederick called his Dad with the Good News that he solved a problem in the lunchroom by showing great kindness to another child. The child needed help and Gunner helped and solved the problem. That's exactly what we are looking for Gunner, kind problem solvers!

Carsynn DeHaan had Good News to share with her Dad today! She helped another child in her classroom with making up school work when the child returned to school following an illness. Carsynn was so kind and helpful! Thanks for being so AWESOME and so KIND, Carsynn!!

Our first grade classrooms had a special visitor on Friday, August 30. They certainly enjoyed having Mrs. Neuman's hamster for a classroom guest.

Kori VanDerWerff called her Mom with the Good News that she had been chosen by teacher, Mr. Kemnitz. In PE, Kori helped another child who was hurt. She comforted her by saying that "she too had been hit by balls and it does really hurt".."This is a typical behavior for Kori."

Danni Schuman was nominated for the "Good News Call of the Week" for challenging herself to complete every single Kindness tag that we have placed in our hallways this year. Danni completed every single deed.....and that is a lot of KINDNESS Dani! Thank you for being so KIND.

How sweet is Monroe, pictured above calling her Mom with her "Good News". Monroe gave up her swing on the playground, for another child because she knew he really wanted to swing. Our focus has been on KINDNESS. Thank you Monroe, for modeling KINDNESS and COMPASSION to others.

Our very FIRST "Good News Call of the Week" winner is Asher Kott. Asher was chosen for special kindness shown to his Kindergarten pal during the first day of school tour. Asher was exceptionally kind and considerate to his little pal. Thanks Asher for being AWESOME!

Box Tops for Ed: https://www.boxtops4education.com/ You will need to download the app on your smart phone or create a log-in on your computer. You must enter Platte Geddes Community School or our zip code, 57369. You will have to scan or take a photo of the store receipt.

Students are enjoying STEAM Education Class. Our second graders made BOT trails, marble runs, and creative scribble art. They are enjoying STEAM class.

What will we find inside our STEAM Room this school year?

As we prepare for the start of a new school year, please be mindful of our student drop-off/pick-up process. We ask all parents to drop-off and pick-up students either along the elementary playground fence or directly in front of the school on the EAST side of the road only.

Platte Geddes Elementary Open House Event Welcome to the start of a new school year! We are back in the building and excited to begin another year of working together with all of you as parents to educate our youth. Please feel free to stop in at the school anytime between now and the start of the school year if you have questions or concerns or if you would simply like to say Hi. Reminder~ The annual Open House @ Platte Geddes Schools will be held on August 20, 2019 from 3-7 PM. Our buildings will be open to all students and parents during that time. Students in grades 1/2 day Kindergarten- 5th grade will take their school pictures, meet their new teachers, and have the opportunity to unpack school supplies in their desks. Parents may pay their lunch account fees, as well as other fees associated with the start of a new school year. Carol Oberbroekling, Ember Bartles, and Kathy Holter will have a table set up in the main gymnasium to assist parents. I will be available during the entire afternoon and evening to answer questions and assist where needed. Please make sure your e-mail address is on file with Mrs. Knecht at the elementary school so you will receive updates and information prior to the start of school and throughout the school year. We are excited for the school year to begin and are looking forward to a great year!

Platte-Geddes 7-12th grade students Individual student schedules for the 19-20 school year are now available to pick up. Students are encouraged to stop in the high school office in the next several weeks before the Open House date (August 20) to get their schedules and pay any or all school fees. Picture envelopes from Photographic Images are also available in the office.

Thrive Nutrition Services at the Platte-Geddes School District in Platte SD, is looking for team members to work great hours Monday thru Friday. Great wages based upon your level of experience and position qualified to work. No experience, no problem as we will train you! Apply today, pass background check and start immediately! Call (605) 228-9520 or email your information and questions about this great opportunity to trevor.pasch@got-thrive.com

Greetings, Adverse weather conditions are inevitable in South Dakota so I wanted to share our procedures for late starts, early dismissals, and school cancellations. First and foremost, we must remind our young drivers to plan ahead and allow more time when traveling to and from school during the winter months. As a parent/guardian, it’s your right to keep your child/children home from school if you don’t feel it’s safe for them to be traveling. We go to great lengths to avoid putting you in situations like this, but our district covers a large area. Weather conditions can vary greatly from one side of the district to the other. If you do not feel it’s safe to allow your child to drive and school is still in session, it will be considered an excused absence. Road checks begin between 5:00-5:30AM and the School Message regarding a late start will be sent out at approximately 6AM. If you do not receive notification from School Messenger, delays and closings will be broadcast on the following media outlets: TV- KELO, KDLT, KSFY, Radio-KOOL (98.3FM), WNAX (570AM), KPLO (94.5FM), KWYR (93.7FM), KGRD (92.3FM), and KMIT (105.9FM). Weather delays will also be published on the district website at www.platte-geddes.k12.sd.us and the school Facebook page. When school is delayed, the start time will always be 10 AM for all schools. The Geddes bus will leave promptly at 9:15AM. Regardless of a late start or not, the Geddes bus will always leave on time (7:15AM regular leave time). Please, make sure your child/children are on the bus prior to the scheduled leave time. When there’s a late start, there is no class for Half-Day Kindergarten students and no breakfast is served. In the case of an early dismissal, we will follow the same notification procedures. We will strive to have the Geddes bus arrive approximately thirty minutes after school is dismissed. Depending on the dismissal time, we will also try to serve lunch if possible. Late starts, early dismissals, and school cancellations are always a difficult decision. We go through great lengths to make the best decision to keep our students and staff safe. As I previously stated, if there’s ever a time when school is in session and you don’t feel it’s safe for your child to be on the roads, it will be considered an excused absence. If you have not been receiving the School Messenger notifications, please contact Joel Bailey via email at joel.bailey@k12.sd.us to be added to the school contact list. As always, thanks for your support and continuing to make the Platte-Geddes School District a great place to learn, work, and grow. Kind Regards, Joel Bailey