ATTENTION: PHS Parents & Community Members - We invite parents and community members to share their thoughts by completing a short CTE survey. This survey gathers feedback on awareness and understanding of the Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs offered to our middle and high school students. If your child has taken a FACS course from Mrs. Kafka, a business/computer course from Mr. Hockett, ag course from Ms. Ackerman, or a media course from Mr. Kinnenberg they have taken a CTE course!
Please take a few minutes to complete this survey by clicking the link below. This data helps determine federal funding to our state’s CTE programs. We appreciate your time and input!
https://forms.gle/RgyP3ARcVRytzBuQA
The PEH Gymnastics dual vs. Madison has been rescheduled for 12/15 in Madison. Start time is set for 6:00pm.
https://www.gcndesign.com/parkston-boys-bb.html
Education is our greatest investment!
Horace Mann once said, Education is the great balance-wheel of social machinery. He reminded us that nothing shapes opportunity, strengthens democracy, or fuels progress more than a strong public education system.
Here in South Dakota, we often talk about investing in the future pipelines, data centers, power infrastructure, and other important projects. But our real future is sitting in classrooms across this state. Our children deserve the same commitment, the same focus, and the same belief in their potential.
Last week, the Governor released his proposed budget, and it offered no increase for K-12 education, actually a decrease of $12.8 million compared to last year. With inflation pushing school costs higher, flat funding amounts to a cut. However, unlike many other priorities, education funding is required by law to keep up with inflation. Here is the statute that requires increased funding for education: https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/13-13-10.1. What that section says is this: "Index factor" is the annual percentage change in the consumer price index for urban wage earners and clerical workers as computed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the United States Department of Labor for the year before the year immediately preceding the year of adjustment, or three percent, whichever is less. The Governor's proposed budget does not comply with the law!
But here's the good news: the Governor's budget is only the starting point. We have the opportunity and the responsibility to speak up for our kids and ensure our schools receive the support they need. South Dakota's children are our greatest asset. Let's invest in them.
A few ways we can make progress:
-Restore the sales tax from 4.2% to 4.5% (estimated $105 million)
-Honor the education funding formula in state law
-Recognize that flat funding is not enough when costs keep rising
For those who say public schools must show results, we welcome accountability, as long as it reflects the standards we are charged with teaching. This is a moment to come together. A moment to choose kids over cuts. A moment to believe, as Horace Mann did, that education truly is the great equalizer.
Please let your district legislative delegation know you support public education. Let's lift up our schools. Let's lift up our students. Let's invest in a brighter South Dakota.
It is time for every community in this great state to take back public education. Take the time to visit with your local school board, administrators, teachers, and, of course, your senators and representatives.
Find out how you can help! Let's do what's right for South Dakota and put our money in a real investment: our children!
Rob Monson
Thank you for all you do for our school and community. We are so grateful for all of your contributions to the district and your students. We are lucky to have you!
Final reminder! 🎄✨
Parkston PTO Holiday Gift Giving forms are due Monday, December 8th!
This tradition started last year, and it has quickly become such a meaningful way to show appreciation to the incredible teachers and staff who support our kids every day. Participation is completely optional, but even a small gift adds up fast when many families join in — truly, no gift is too small. These are turned into gift cards that teachers can use for classroom needs, or even for a little self care!
Please return your completed forms to the elementary or high school office gift boxes by Monday so the PTO can get everything organized in time for the holidays.
PTO would like to thank you for helping spread a little extra joy this season! 🎁❤️
