Parkston School District 33-3

Congratulations to Educators Rising Members! Members have returned from National Competition. Hilary and Icis received a red ribbon rating for their Teacher Created Materials. Anna and Aaelhya received a white ribbon for their Interactive Bulletin Board. For Educators Rising Contests, students are awarded ribbons based on their scores, Blue: Scores 98-100
Red: Scores 94-97, White: Scores 90-93. Well done, PHS is proud of you!

What: Open House Recognition of Service

For Whom: Craig Bruening

When: TODAY Monday, June 30, 4-6 PM

Where: Elementary Conference/Work Room

The district will be hosting an appreciation open house for Craig Bruening in recognition of his 20+ years of service in the Parkston School District. Mr. Bruening will be leaving employment with the Parkston School District to further his career as a business manager for the Mitchell School District.

Mr. Bruening started working in the Parkston School District in 2004 as the business teacher and head boys basketball coach. In 2008, he transitioned into the business manager role and has served in that capacity ever since. Craig has provided the school district with critical financial leadership and stability, along with building a consistent, competitive boys' basketball program during his tenure at Parkston. Many projects and financial practices have been a result of Craig’s vision not only for the school district but the community as well.

Help us celebrate and say thank you to Mr. Bruening for his time of service in the Parkston School District by joining us for treats, refreshments, and fellowship.

Before jetting off to Orlando for National Competition, Educators Rising members drew winners from their calendar date raffle. Thank you to all who sponsored calendar days. Winners will be contacted soon for prizes. Thank you for supporting PHS Educators Rising!

RAFFLE WINNERS! Tickets have been drawn for the three raffle baskets sold by Rory Juhnke and Aida Mikkonen. Winning tickets are Numbers: 3163596, 3163633, 3163654. IF you are the lucky winner, please contact Rory, Aida, or Carrie Kafka (carrie.kafka@k12.sd.us) to claim your prize, if prizes are not claimed in ONE week, tickets will be re-drawn. Thanks to all who purchased tickets! 

Safe Travels and Well Wishes to the PHS Educators Rising members headed to Orlando, FL for National Competition! Go make PHS proud!

Today is the Day! Come out and support FCCLA members as they work to fund their way to Nationals in Orlando, FL. Join us for a fun 5K Run/3K Walk TONIGHT at 6:30 pm. Registration begins at 6pm at the PHS Greenhouse. Hope to see you there!

The Parkston School District is seeking applications for the following positions Special Education Paraprofessional: This position is a support role that consists of supporting the Special and General Education teachers to deliver instruction, lessons, and other assigned duties. The ability to take direction, work independently when needed, work with students of all ages and abilities, and be a great team member. This is a full-time position. The salary is $16.75 per hour and comes with health insurance benefits. The hours are 7:50 to 3:20. The position will start on August 20th. All applicants are encouraged to send a formal letter of application, resume to include past work history, and references that are work-based, along with the district work application. An application can be obtained at the business office or sent upon request, or accessed via the district’s website via the menu tab, then Employment Opportunity link. Please send all applications by either mail or email to: pat.mikkonen@k12.sd.us. The position closes July 7th, 2025. Mailing address: Patrick Mikkonen – Superintendent Pat.mikkonen@k12.sd.us 102 C S Chapman Drive Parkston, SD 57366

The Parkston School phone system hardware has been repaired and the phones are active again.

🏈💙 SHOW YOUR TROJAN PRIDE—RIGHT FROM YOUR DRIVEWAY! 🧡🏈 The Parkston Junior Class is bringing the "P" back to the pavement! For just $30, the juniors will be painting bold blue & orange P’s around town—just in time to fire up the spirit before Homecoming! 🎨 This happens only once every 2 years, so don’t miss out! Whether your old "P" needs a refresh or you want to show off your Trojan pride for the first time—we’ve got you covered. 📍 We’ll be painting about 2 weeks before sign up now to make sure you’re on the list! ✅ HOW TO ORDER: ✔️ Fill out an order form (available from any junior, the high school office, or by contacting Colleen Mette) ✔️ Pay by cash or check when you submit your form ✔️ Choose your spot—or we’ll place it at the end of your driveway! 📧 Questions or ready to sign up? Email: colleen.mette@k12.sd.us Let’s turn Parkston streets into a sea of Trojan blue and orange!

On Day 3 in Nashville, there are still four HOSA girls who are racing for the top. Mya Wickersham is currently at South College competing in Round 2 of Nursing Assisting which requires her to perform nursing skills in a clinical setting. Chantal Wuertzer will head to Belmont University soon to compete in Round 2 of Pharmacy Science which requires her to perform skills in a pharmacy lab setting. The pool of competitors in both of those events have been narrowed down from well over 100 competitors to just 34 each today! Good luck, girls! Lexi Schoenfelder and Finley Bogenreif put their posters on display yesterday for a public viewing and then the public could ask them questions. After that, they presented to a judging team. Now they are patiently waiting to see if they placed! Good luck, ladies! **Note: At HOSA ILC, there is only one first place, one second place, and one third place in each event. "To be the best, you must beat the best." Thank you to all of our sponsors who generously contributed to this incredible opportunity! We'll keep you posted!

Parkston HOSA is representing South Dakota in Nashville, TN! 🪕🎵 🩺 All of these girls will compete in Round 1 of their respective events today! We're crossing our fingers that they will be competing again tomorrow in Round 2!

we want to wish these two GOOD LUCK this weekend as they compete the the HS State Finals Rodeo! Elle Goehring qualified in goat tying Morgan Maxwell qualified in breakaway, barrels, and poles. Good Luck girls!

The Parkston International Travelers going to Australia and New Zealand in 2027 have been selling peaches the last couple of weeks! If you would also like to order please click this link https://www.myfruitsale.com/pages/support-your-organization?code=QUSF-8142 where you can select and pay for your items with a Credit Card. Orders due at midnight tonight! Email Miss Ackerman at morgan.ackerman@k12.sd.us if you have any questions!

🎨 SHOW YOUR TROJAN PRIDE — ONE "P" AT A TIME! 🧡💙 Orders due by July 27th! Need a fresh Parkston “P” on your driveway? Or want to add one for the first time? Now’s your chance! The Parkston Junior Class is bringing back the Painted P Fundraiser — and it only happens every two years! For just $30, your driveway will be proudly marked with Trojan spirit — painted blue and orange by our amazing juniors as they raise funds for Prom and Graduation. Want to give a little extra? Donations above $30 are always welcome! ✅ All P’s will be painted before school starts — just in time for Homecoming hype! 📩 Contact colleen.mette@k12.sd.us or reach out to any junior parent to get on the list today! Let’s paint the town TROJAN STRONG! 🧡💙 *Students will not be available once school starts! Melissa Hitchcock Maxwell please share with other junior parents and students.

There is a hardware issue for the school phone system that will need to be replaced. When you call into the school, the phone will ring but no one will be able to answer the phone. If you need to contact the school, you may need to come out to the school or contact that person through their school email. We will let the public know when the hardware is replaced and everything is back up and running. Thank You

RAFFLE TICKET SALES! Fifteen FCCLA members are headed to Orlando, FL this July to compete at the National Leadership Conference. Thanks to the generous donations of community businesses, members have gathered items for a raffle. The sales of these tickets will go directly to funding members trip. If you wish to purchase tickets contact Carrie Kafka (carrie.kafka@k12.sd.us) and she will send a member your direction. Drawing will be held July 24. The Parkston FCCLA organization thanks the Parkston and surrounding communities for their continuous support of this student organization.

Hey Parkston Marching Trojans! A reminder that your first summer rehearsal is NEXT WEEK, June 16th at 6:30pm in the band room! Bring your amazing attitude, your instruments, and please wear tennis shoes! We will be learning part of our parade show, our school song, and going over the basics to begin our marching and pep band season. See you there! Contact ashlynn.anderson@k12.sd.us or natalie.mccloud@k12.sd.us if needed.

Join the Parkston FCCLA organization for a fun 5K Run/3K Walk on WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24th at 6:30pm. $15 Entry Fee. Lace up your sneakers and support a great cause as we raise funds to help our members attend the FCCLA National Leadership Conference in Orlando, FL this July. Whether you’re in it for the exercise, the community spirit, or just to show your support, every step helps our students reach their goal. Come walk with us and make a difference! No need to sign up ahead of time, just arrive at 6:00pm on 25th and register. Race will begin at the Parkston High School Greenhouse. Questions? Contact Aida Mikkonen or Rory Juhnke.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: Any individuals or groups that are seeking volunteer work this summer are encouraged to contact Tamara Morehouse to see how you can help in the East Park. The needed help is with spreading new mulch, pulling weeds, picking up garbage, and watering plants. This is a great opportunity to add volunteer hours to your resume for future scholarship applications. If you want to see what it’s about, meet us in the park on Thursday mornings at 6:3O AM to prep for the summer AmphiThursday events. Thanks! Tamara Morehouse Call or text: 605-280-5182

Congrats to the following place winners at the State Track Meet today! -James Deckert - 2nd in Long Jump -Lauren Ziebart - 3rd in 200m dash -Lauren Ziebart - 5th in 100m dash -James Deckert - 7th in 200m dash -Boys 4x100m Relay - 7th Relay Members -Kolter Kramer, Burke Nuebel, James Deckert, Parker Sanderson, Mark Deckert -Boys 4x200m Relay - 7th Relay Members- Kolter Kramer, Burke Nuebel, James Deckert, Parker Sanderson, Mark Deckert -Girls 4x400m Relay - 7th Relay Members- Lauren Ziebart, Morgan Maxwell, Marissa Storm, Ella Pollreisz The Girls Team placed 11th overall in Class A! The Boys Team placed 18th overall in Class A!