Last night marked the final middle school concert directed by Gary Nelson after an incredible 37 years in the Meade School District. 🎶👏
Throughout his career, Mr. Nelson has inspired generations of students through his passion for music, dedication to his craft, and commitment to helping students grow both on and off the stage. His impact on Meade School District will be felt for years to come.
The evening ended with a very special surprise. Emily Young, high school band instructor and former student of Mr. Nelson, invited more than 50 former students to join the current 6-8 band members in performing the final song, “Remember Me.” It was a touching tribute that perfectly reflected the lasting influence Mr. Nelson has had on so many lives through music.
Thank you, Mr. Nelson, for 37 amazing years of memories, leadership, and music. Wishing you all the best in your retirement and next chapter! 🎵
Throughout his career, Mr. Nelson has inspired generations of students through his passion for music, dedication to his craft, and commitment to helping students grow both on and off the stage. His impact on Meade School District will be felt for years to come.
The evening ended with a very special surprise. Emily Young, high school band instructor and former student of Mr. Nelson, invited more than 50 former students to join the current 6-8 band members in performing the final song, “Remember Me.” It was a touching tribute that perfectly reflected the lasting influence Mr. Nelson has had on so many lives through music.
Thank you, Mr. Nelson, for 37 amazing years of memories, leadership, and music. Wishing you all the best in your retirement and next chapter! 🎵










The Meade County Equalization Department sponsored an art contest about things you like to do outside in Meade County. SWMS is pleased to announce the following fifth graders won awards: 1st place Sophie Thompson, 2nd place Emma Neely, 3rd place Jayma Burke, 5th place Ava Alexander, and honorable mention to Stella Harper and Rylinn Bergstrom.

Our 5th grade students had a fantastic time celebrating the end of the school year with a fun-filled field trip! From enjoying the sunshine at the park to striking up some fun at the bowling alley, it was a great day full of laughter, friendship, and memories to last a lifetime. 🎳🌳 What a wonderful way to wind up the year!


Congratulations to the Student of the Month winners for the month of April. The following students were nominated by their teachers and will be receiving the award: Taylor Vaughn and Remington Ross (5th Grade), Brennan Weiss and Kennadee Delaney (6th Grade), Nadia Smith and Jack Blair (7th Grade), Brewer Simon and Aurora Luckman (8th Grade).


We proudly recognized our amazing cafeteria ladies in celebration of School Lunch Hero Day on Friday, May 1! 🍎🥪
Thank you for the care, kindness, and hard work you show each and every day. From preparing delicious meals to greeting students with a smile, you play such an important role in making our school a welcoming place.
We appreciate all you do to keep our students nourished and ready to learn. You truly are our everyday heroes! 💜
Thank you for the care, kindness, and hard work you show each and every day. From preparing delicious meals to greeting students with a smile, you play such an important role in making our school a welcoming place.
We appreciate all you do to keep our students nourished and ready to learn. You truly are our everyday heroes! 💜

Sturgis Williams Middle School’s annual talent show was a huge success! 🎤✨
Our students truly shined as they showcased their incredible talents. Acts ranged from energetic dance routines and impressive musical performances to beautiful singing and even a little bit of magic!
We are so proud of the courage, creativity, and hard work each participant brought to the stage. Thank you to everyone who helped make this event such a memorable celebration of our students’ talents
Our students truly shined as they showcased their incredible talents. Acts ranged from energetic dance routines and impressive musical performances to beautiful singing and even a little bit of magic!
We are so proud of the courage, creativity, and hard work each participant brought to the stage. Thank you to everyone who helped make this event such a memorable celebration of our students’ talents









SWMS recognized seventy-seven 5th - 8th grade students with perfect attendance for the month of April. These seventy-seven students had no absences and no tardies for the month of March. Great job.




Sturgis Williams Middle School would like to thank Black Hills Dentistry for their generous donation to our Scooper Closet. The trapper keeper, sweats, and snacks, and various other items will come in very handy.

Happy School Principal’s Day! 🎉
Today we celebrate and thank our amazing administrators for everything they do to support our students, staff, and school community each and every day.
Thank you, Mr. Hedderman, for your leadership, dedication, and the positive impact you make as our principal.
Thank you, Mrs. Jutting, for your hard work, support, and commitment as our assistant principal.
We appreciate all the time, care, and effort you both put into making our school a great place to learn and grow. Your leadership truly makes a difference!
#SchoolPrincipalsDay #Grateful #SchoolLeadership
Today we celebrate and thank our amazing administrators for everything they do to support our students, staff, and school community each and every day.
Thank you, Mr. Hedderman, for your leadership, dedication, and the positive impact you make as our principal.
Thank you, Mrs. Jutting, for your hard work, support, and commitment as our assistant principal.
We appreciate all the time, care, and effort you both put into making our school a great place to learn and grow. Your leadership truly makes a difference!
#SchoolPrincipalsDay #Grateful #SchoolLeadership

Last Day of School

The Sturgis Chamber of Commerce invites community members to attend an upcoming School Board Election Forum on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, from 6:00–8:00 PM in the Williams Administrative Building – Board Room located at 1230 Douglas Street, Sturgis, SD.
This forum provides an opportunity to hear directly from school board candidates as they share their perspectives, priorities, and vision for the future of our district. Attendees will gain valuable insight into the individuals seeking to serve our schools and students, as well as the important issues facing public education in our community.
This forum provides an opportunity to hear directly from school board candidates as they share their perspectives, priorities, and vision for the future of our district. Attendees will gain valuable insight into the individuals seeking to serve our schools and students, as well as the important issues facing public education in our community.

The Last Day of School for students is Wednesday, May 20, 2026—and yes, it’s a 2-hour early release (because even the school day knows it can’t compete with summer 😎).
Translation: backpacks will be lighter, attention spans will be very negotiable, and dismissal might just be the fastest part of the entire school year.
Translation: backpacks will be lighter, attention spans will be very negotiable, and dismissal might just be the fastest part of the entire school year.

April is Childhood Abuse Prevention Month, and our 6th grade students had the opportunity to learn from the high school Youth Leadership Team during an important and impactful presentation.
Students explored the warning signs of child abuse and learned about trusted resources and support systems available to them. Through interactive activities and meaningful discussions, they gained valuable knowledge about how to recognize concerns and seek help when needed.
We are grateful to the Youth Leadership Team for helping empower our students with awareness, confidence, and the tools to look out for themselves and others. 💙
Students explored the warning signs of child abuse and learned about trusted resources and support systems available to them. Through interactive activities and meaningful discussions, they gained valuable knowledge about how to recognize concerns and seek help when needed.
We are grateful to the Youth Leadership Team for helping empower our students with awareness, confidence, and the tools to look out for themselves and others. 💙









SWMS students competed in a large group band and choir competition. Choir and band students from Stagebarn and Whitewood joined us.



May 6, 2026 Two hour late start

8th Grade Reception

Last night SWMS fifth graders preformed their spring concert. These fifth graders did an amazing job.


💜 SWMS is proud to be a Purple Up School! 💜
To earn this designation, SWMS met several important criteria to support our military-connected students and families:
✔️ Designated a Military Liaison to serve as a point of contact
✔️ Created a dedicated webpage with resources for military families
✔️ Provided staff training on the unique challenges military students may face
✔️ Established a student-led transition program to help new students feel welcome
To celebrate and share this achievement with our community, SWMS students got creative! 🎨 Over 50 students designed posters representing what it means to be a Purple Up School. These individual pieces were combined into a large collage, forming a powerful banner that showcases our support and appreciation.
We are proud to stand with our military families—today and every day!
To earn this designation, SWMS met several important criteria to support our military-connected students and families:
✔️ Designated a Military Liaison to serve as a point of contact
✔️ Created a dedicated webpage with resources for military families
✔️ Provided staff training on the unique challenges military students may face
✔️ Established a student-led transition program to help new students feel welcome
To celebrate and share this achievement with our community, SWMS students got creative! 🎨 Over 50 students designed posters representing what it means to be a Purple Up School. These individual pieces were combined into a large collage, forming a powerful banner that showcases our support and appreciation.
We are proud to stand with our military families—today and every day!


Congratulations to Tammy Neilan who was accepted into the SD STEM Leadership program.

SWMS students celebrated the end of state testing with a dodgeball tournament.





