Mark your calendars! You’re invited to the Third Annual Student Art Auction!
Join us for a student-led event celebrating creativity while supporting an important cause in our schools.
Date: March 7
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Dahl Arts Center, 713 7th Street
This event benefits RCAS student lunch debt, helping ensure students are ready to learn without barriers.
• Live music from the Central & Stevens Jazz Bands
• Food and drinks available
• Hosted by the Youth City Council and Student School Board
Come bid on incredible student artwork, support our students, and enjoy a great community event for a great cause.
For more information, contact Kristin Kiner at (605) 310-4400 or Kristin.Kiner@k12.sd.us
Join us for a student-led event celebrating creativity while supporting an important cause in our schools.
Date: March 7
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Dahl Arts Center, 713 7th Street
This event benefits RCAS student lunch debt, helping ensure students are ready to learn without barriers.
• Live music from the Central & Stevens Jazz Bands
• Food and drinks available
• Hosted by the Youth City Council and Student School Board
Come bid on incredible student artwork, support our students, and enjoy a great community event for a great cause.
For more information, contact Kristin Kiner at (605) 310-4400 or Kristin.Kiner@k12.sd.us
FREE Coats for Kids
Rapid City Area Schools, through our McKinney-Vento Program, is excited to partner with Subaru Loves to Help to provide free winter coats for kids in our community.
📏 Sizes available: Youth 4 – Junior XXL
📍 Location: Rapid City Alternative Academy
625 Columbus Street, Rapid City, SD
📅 Date: January 15
⏰ Time: 3:30–6:00 PM
Thanks to the generosity of Courtesy Subaru, families are invited to stop by and pick up a warm coat for their child while supplies last.
Help us spread the word—no child should go without a warm coat this winter!
Rapid City Area Schools, through our McKinney-Vento Program, is excited to partner with Subaru Loves to Help to provide free winter coats for kids in our community.
📏 Sizes available: Youth 4 – Junior XXL
📍 Location: Rapid City Alternative Academy
625 Columbus Street, Rapid City, SD
📅 Date: January 15
⏰ Time: 3:30–6:00 PM
Thanks to the generosity of Courtesy Subaru, families are invited to stop by and pick up a warm coat for their child while supplies last.
Help us spread the word—no child should go without a warm coat this winter!
🎉 Student Achievement Spotlight 🎉
On the Spring 2025 South Dakota Science Assessment, Breken Neff earned a perfect score—a rare and commendable accomplishment that places him among an elite group. Breken is one of only 51 students statewide to achieve this distinction.
On the Spring 2025 South Dakota Math Assessment, Sophia Li (not pictured), John Davies, and Wilson Maung each earned a perfect score. This outstanding achievement places them at the very top in the state, with only 16 students statewide reaching this level of excellence.
We are proud to recognize and celebrate these students for their remarkable achievements, which exemplify the high standards our district strives to uphold every day.
👏 Congratulations to Breken Neff, Sophia Li, John Davies, and Wilson Maung on this incredible accomplishment!
On the Spring 2025 South Dakota Science Assessment, Breken Neff earned a perfect score—a rare and commendable accomplishment that places him among an elite group. Breken is one of only 51 students statewide to achieve this distinction.
On the Spring 2025 South Dakota Math Assessment, Sophia Li (not pictured), John Davies, and Wilson Maung each earned a perfect score. This outstanding achievement places them at the very top in the state, with only 16 students statewide reaching this level of excellence.
We are proud to recognize and celebrate these students for their remarkable achievements, which exemplify the high standards our district strives to uphold every day.
👏 Congratulations to Breken Neff, Sophia Li, John Davies, and Wilson Maung on this incredible accomplishment!
Due to continued power outages at Corral Drive Elementary, Meadowbrook Elementary, Southwest Middle School, and North Middle School, school will be cancelled at these buildings today, December 19th.
At this time, power has not been restored, and these buildings cannot operate safely.
We appreciate your patience and understanding.
Corral Drive Elementary, Meadowbrook Elementary, Southwest Middle School, and North Middle School will have a late start tomorrow morning due to a power outage.
We will provide an update early tomorrow morning if any of these schools are unable to hold classes because power has not been restored. If power is restored, classes will begin at their late start time and buses will run on their late start schedule.
Parents of students at schools that are in session may use their discretion when deciding whether their child will attend, including student needed to help with supervision of younger siblings or students. Please just call you student school to excuse them if needed.
We will provide an update early tomorrow morning if any of these schools are unable to hold classes because power has not been restored. If power is restored, classes will begin at their late start time and buses will run on their late start schedule.
Parents of students at schools that are in session may use their discretion when deciding whether their child will attend, including student needed to help with supervision of younger siblings or students. Please just call you student school to excuse them if needed.
Due to high winds resulting in power outages, downed power lines, and fallen trees, school for RCAS is canceled today, December 18. This decision was made with the safety of our students, families, and staff as our top priority.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
📣 Title VI PAC Meeting Update
Due to a lack of quorum, the PAC meeting scheduled for tomorrow night has been cancelled.
🗓 Next Meeting: January 21
📍 Location: Rapid City Alternative Academy
🍽 Meal: 5:30 PM
🕕 Call to Order: 6:00 PM
Thank you for your understanding, and we hope to see you in January!
Due to a lack of quorum, the PAC meeting scheduled for tomorrow night has been cancelled.
🗓 Next Meeting: January 21
📍 Location: Rapid City Alternative Academy
🍽 Meal: 5:30 PM
🕕 Call to Order: 6:00 PM
Thank you for your understanding, and we hope to see you in January!
Check out the Rapid City Area Schools November Newsletter!
https://rcas.edurooms.com/engage/rapid-city-area-schools/newsletters/november-news
https://rcas.edurooms.com/engage/rapid-city-area-schools/newsletters/november-news
🍁 A sure sign of fall at RCAS! 🍁
Ms. Macziewski's Jr. Kindergarten students at Valley View had a blast making their very own scarecrows with the help of their 4th-grade buddies!
From scarecrow dance warm-ups to crumpling newspaper for their creations, these students did great at every part of the activity. 🍂
We love seeing our students learn, create, and build connections across grade levels. Great job, Valley View! ✨
Ms. Macziewski's Jr. Kindergarten students at Valley View had a blast making their very own scarecrows with the help of their 4th-grade buddies!
From scarecrow dance warm-ups to crumpling newspaper for their creations, these students did great at every part of the activity. 🍂
We love seeing our students learn, create, and build connections across grade levels. Great job, Valley View! ✨
Today at South Park, Tara Kingi showed students hoop dancing and led 17 extraordinary young ladies in their beautiful regalia as they danced with pride and confidence! What a wonderful celebration of culture and courage. ✨💖
Next week 8th graders have a unique opportunity to learn more about careers that interest them. Thanks to our Silver Level Sponsors for their time, dedication and donation to the young people in our community.
On Wednesday, November 12th, RCAS College & Career Readiness Department will host its 9th annual 8th Grade Career Fair at The Monument. All 8th grade students from RCAS Middle Schools will have the opportunity to attend this event. With nearly 80 vendors registered, students will have the opportunity to learn about career options as well as post-secondary opportunities. It will be a fun, hands-on experience for the students. Thank you to our Bronze Level Sponsors!
📢Parents of High Schoolers, Mark Your Calendars! 📢
Join us for an incredibly insightful Parents' Night focusing on Responsibility-Centered Discipline™! This is a unique opportunity to learn practical techniques to help your student become a responsible, self-disciplined citizen.
Date: Monday, October 27, 2025
Time: 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Location: Rapid City Alternative Academy Historic Theatre (601 Columbus Street | Rapid City, SD 57701)
We're thrilled to host Joseph Cope, a RCD Certified Master Trainer and international coach, who will guide us through the "Give 'em Five" guided conversation to train educators and parents. Learn about:
Obedience-Based vs. Responsibility-Based
Why Time-Based Consequences Don't Work
Developing Self-Regulation Skills
Exits Off the Road to Responsibility
The Response-Ability Process
This program is being implemented in schools across 50 states and is proven to impact student behavior and morale positively. Don't miss out on these valuable strategies to foster growth and independence in your child!
For questions, don't hesitate to get in touch with Brandi Christoffer at 605-394-4071.
Join us for an incredibly insightful Parents' Night focusing on Responsibility-Centered Discipline™! This is a unique opportunity to learn practical techniques to help your student become a responsible, self-disciplined citizen.
Date: Monday, October 27, 2025
Time: 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Location: Rapid City Alternative Academy Historic Theatre (601 Columbus Street | Rapid City, SD 57701)
We're thrilled to host Joseph Cope, a RCD Certified Master Trainer and international coach, who will guide us through the "Give 'em Five" guided conversation to train educators and parents. Learn about:
Obedience-Based vs. Responsibility-Based
Why Time-Based Consequences Don't Work
Developing Self-Regulation Skills
Exits Off the Road to Responsibility
The Response-Ability Process
This program is being implemented in schools across 50 states and is proven to impact student behavior and morale positively. Don't miss out on these valuable strategies to foster growth and independence in your child!
For questions, don't hesitate to get in touch with Brandi Christoffer at 605-394-4071.
Reminder: ELA Curriculum Review Open House Tomorrow!
Rapid City Area Schools is in the process of reviewing high-quality instructional materials for English Language Arts (ELA). Our K–12 ELA Committees have worked to ensure alignment between South Dakota’s ELA standards, classroom instruction, assessments, and resources.
After a thorough evaluation, two instructional programs have been selected for pilot testing. A final recommendation will go to the RCAS Board of Education in spring 2026, with full implementation planned for fall 2026.
🗓 ELA Pilot Open House Dates:
October 21, 2025 | 4:00–5:15 PM | RCEC, Room 222 (625 9th St.)
November 18, 2025 | 4:00–5:15 PM | RCEC, Room 222 (625 9th St.)
📲 Can’t attend in person? Review the materials online through December 5, 2025: rcas.org/o/rcas/page/community-curriculum-review
Your feedback plays an important role in shaping the future of ELA instruction for our students—thank you for partnering with us!
Welcome Our 2025-26 Student School Board Representatives! 🎉
We are excited to introduce the students who will be representing their schools on the Rapid City Area Schools Board this year:
✨ Marissa Bonsness – Central High School
✨ Elena Braun – Stevens High School
✨ Warren Merrill – Rapid City Alternative Academy
We look forward to working with them and hearing their perspectives as part of our school board.
We are excited to introduce the students who will be representing their schools on the Rapid City Area Schools Board this year:
✨ Marissa Bonsness – Central High School
✨ Elena Braun – Stevens High School
✨ Warren Merrill – Rapid City Alternative Academy
We look forward to working with them and hearing their perspectives as part of our school board.
The Extra Mile Award 🎖✨
Congratulations to Donivan Long, the incredible custodian at North Middle School and Support Staff of the Month for September!
Donivan was nominated by his coworker, who said:
"Donivan has made a tremendous impact in his first year at North. Stepping into the role, he had big shoes to fill as the previous janitor was known for going above and beyond in many areas outside of cleaning. Donivan has not only met those expectations but has also demonstrated his genuine commitment to fulfilling that role fully. He consistently asks where he can help, takes initiative, and shows a willingness to step in wherever needed. His positive attitude, reliability, and strong work ethic have made a noticeable difference in our school environment. Donivan’s dedication has quickly earned him the respect and appreciation of staff and students alike, making him an invaluable part of our community."
A big thank you to Bickett Insurance Agency & Financial Solutions for sponsoring this recognition and celebrating Donivan’s dedication!
Congratulations to Donivan Long, the incredible custodian at North Middle School and Support Staff of the Month for September!
Donivan was nominated by his coworker, who said:
"Donivan has made a tremendous impact in his first year at North. Stepping into the role, he had big shoes to fill as the previous janitor was known for going above and beyond in many areas outside of cleaning. Donivan has not only met those expectations but has also demonstrated his genuine commitment to fulfilling that role fully. He consistently asks where he can help, takes initiative, and shows a willingness to step in wherever needed. His positive attitude, reliability, and strong work ethic have made a noticeable difference in our school environment. Donivan’s dedication has quickly earned him the respect and appreciation of staff and students alike, making him an invaluable part of our community."
A big thank you to Bickett Insurance Agency & Financial Solutions for sponsoring this recognition and celebrating Donivan’s dedication!
🌟 Celebrating Excellence in Education! 🌟
First Interstate Bank honored nine incredible teachers from our district for going above and beyond in their roles. Each teacher was recognized with a certificate, beautiful flowers, and a $500 gift card as a token of appreciation for their dedication, passion, and impact on students every day. 💐🎉
Congratulations to:
Mrs. Campbell & Mrs. Georgas – Pinedale
Mrs. Sara Zimmer – Southwest
Mrs. Hansen – Corral Drive
Mr. Dorsman – Rapid City Alternative Academy
Mr. Pearson & Mrs. Hadorn – Central High School
Mrs. Wesolick – Knollwood
Mrs. Arnold – Rapid Valley
Thank you for inspiring our students and making our schools shine! 🌟✨
First Interstate Bank honored nine incredible teachers from our district for going above and beyond in their roles. Each teacher was recognized with a certificate, beautiful flowers, and a $500 gift card as a token of appreciation for their dedication, passion, and impact on students every day. 💐🎉
Congratulations to:
Mrs. Campbell & Mrs. Georgas – Pinedale
Mrs. Sara Zimmer – Southwest
Mrs. Hansen – Corral Drive
Mr. Dorsman – Rapid City Alternative Academy
Mr. Pearson & Mrs. Hadorn – Central High School
Mrs. Wesolick – Knollwood
Mrs. Arnold – Rapid Valley
Thank you for inspiring our students and making our schools shine! 🌟✨
Nearly 120 Intro to Construction students from Central High School and Stevens High School rolled up their sleeves at the AGC Construction Camp at the Central States Fairgrounds! 🔨⚡️ From concrete and electrical to welding and heavy equipment, students got hands-on experience in a variety of trades and career pathways. A big thanks to AGC for providing this incredible opportunity
Check out our September Newsletter! https://rcas.edurooms.com/engage/rapid-city-area-schools/newsletters/september-news
Congratulations to our Attendance Awareness Poster Contest winners! Your creativity brought the message loud and clear: Here Today, Ready for Tomorrow! 🖌️✨
Thank you to all our students who participated and reminded us how important it is to show up every day—because attendance today builds success tomorrow!
Thank you to all our students who participated and reminded us how important it is to show up every day—because attendance today builds success tomorrow!
