Art Contest
On December 19th, the entire SWMS student body gathered in the commons before school for a festive holiday concert featuring our Choir and Band. Holiday cheer filled the halls as students enjoyed music on their final day before winter break. The band and choir took turns performing seasonal favorites, and the choir even added some jazzy choreography to their set. It was a joyful way to kick off the holiday break!
Mrs. Hill and her 7th and 8th grade choir students helped spread holiday cheer with a visit to the local Senior Center. One group of students assisted by serving food, while another group brought joy to residents through song. The students delivered a wonderful performance that was truly appreciated by everyone in attendance. Thank you to the Senior Center for welcoming us, and thank you to Mrs. Hill for leading yet another meaningful and memorable performance.
The Noetic Learning Math Contest is a national contest. Fall 2025 participant numbers in grade 5 and 6 were:
Grade 5 participants throughout the US = 7, 118
Grade 6 participants throughout the US = 4, 447
43 of 50 states were represented.
Recognition awards were given for:
National Honor Roll—top 10% of the grade; earning medals
National Honorable Mention—top 50% of the grade; earning ribbons
Of note: All SWMS TAG students in grades 5 and 6 earned either a medal or ribbon
GRADE 5
Top 10% (medals) earned by Kyle White and Leo Pyle
Top 50% (ribbons) earned by Knox Clement, James Hollearn, Everytte Lentz, Bridger Wingen, Brantley Richter, Sawyer Sigman, Kirra Barbee, Espyn Droppers, and Blaisely Haugen (absent for picture)
GRADE 6
Top 10% (medal) and top team member score (also a medal) earned by Lincoln Sigman
Top 50% (ribbons) earned by Brennen Aldren, Bryson Potter, Levi Shulaw, Matt Baird, Isabella Pawlowski, Breann Cichosz, Ava Williams, Kenton Grass, Camden Whelchel, and Sadie Red Owl (absent for picture)
Grade 5 participants throughout the US = 7, 118
Grade 6 participants throughout the US = 4, 447
43 of 50 states were represented.
Recognition awards were given for:
National Honor Roll—top 10% of the grade; earning medals
National Honorable Mention—top 50% of the grade; earning ribbons
Of note: All SWMS TAG students in grades 5 and 6 earned either a medal or ribbon
GRADE 5
Top 10% (medals) earned by Kyle White and Leo Pyle
Top 50% (ribbons) earned by Knox Clement, James Hollearn, Everytte Lentz, Bridger Wingen, Brantley Richter, Sawyer Sigman, Kirra Barbee, Espyn Droppers, and Blaisely Haugen (absent for picture)
GRADE 6
Top 10% (medal) and top team member score (also a medal) earned by Lincoln Sigman
Top 50% (ribbons) earned by Brennen Aldren, Bryson Potter, Levi Shulaw, Matt Baird, Isabella Pawlowski, Breann Cichosz, Ava Williams, Kenton Grass, Camden Whelchel, and Sadie Red Owl (absent for picture)
SWMS student council members purchased gifts for 43 SWMS angel tree students. Through a Penny War fundraiser and various concession stand sales student were able to spend just over $3400 to make Christmas a little brighter for these students.
SWMS would like to thank the Sturgis Monument Health nursing department for their generous donation to our SMWS nurse's office. SWMS received blankets, hygiene items, snacks, and food from the Monument nursing department.
SWMS 6th, 7th, and 8th grade FLEX Art students made ornaments for the Sturgis Chamber Christmas tree to promote local businesses. Freakshow Customs wants to make a t-shirt design from their ornament design. This is the 2nd year the art club has taken on this project.
No School
Meade School District 46-1 will have a 2-hour late start today, Friday, Dec 12, 2025. This includes Sturgis Elementary, Sturgis Williams MS, Sturgis Brown HS, Piedmont Valley Elementary, Stagebarn MS, Whitewood Elementary, and the rural schools.
Busses will be running 2 hours later than normal.
Through the Fresh Fruits and Vegetables grant SWMS students had the opportunity to try Pomelos.
SWMS will be rewarding students who have Perfect Attendance each month. In order to be eligible, students must be in school every day and not have a single tardy for that month. Tracking for Perfect Attendance will start over at the beginning of each month, making EVERY student eligible every month. School activities do NOT count against the student.
On December 1st SWMS recognized 32 - fifth grade students, 27 - sixth grade students, 13 -seventh grade students, and 16 - eight grade students who had perfect attendance. The SWMS PTSA randomly selected one lucky student from each grade to receive a $5 coupon to the SWMS concession stand that was redeemed immediately. Five other students from each grade selected randomly were given the option to choose a gift card from Burger King, McDonalds, Pizza Ranch, the Hotel Sturgis - Coffee Shop, or the Sturgis Community Center. Thank you to Burger King, McDonalds, Pizza Ranch, the Sturgis Community Center, The Hotel Sturgis - Coffee Shop, and the SWMS PTSA for sponsoring this event.
On December 1st SWMS recognized 32 - fifth grade students, 27 - sixth grade students, 13 -seventh grade students, and 16 - eight grade students who had perfect attendance. The SWMS PTSA randomly selected one lucky student from each grade to receive a $5 coupon to the SWMS concession stand that was redeemed immediately. Five other students from each grade selected randomly were given the option to choose a gift card from Burger King, McDonalds, Pizza Ranch, the Hotel Sturgis - Coffee Shop, or the Sturgis Community Center. Thank you to Burger King, McDonalds, Pizza Ranch, the Sturgis Community Center, The Hotel Sturgis - Coffee Shop, and the SWMS PTSA for sponsoring this event.
A huge shout-out to Grocery Mart for sponsoring our Tardy Challenge at SWMS!
For the month of November, our 6th graders took first place with only 40 tardies.
5th Grade: 49
7th Grade: 115
8th Grade: 219
Congratulations to 6th grade, and thank you again to Grocery Mart for your generosity and support!
For the month of November, our 6th graders took first place with only 40 tardies.
5th Grade: 49
7th Grade: 115
8th Grade: 219
Congratulations to 6th grade, and thank you again to Grocery Mart for your generosity and support!
This year SWMS students collected enough food and money to create 50 Thanksgiving baskets for families in need. SWMS fifth grader, Blaisely Haugen, played a major role in this year's success, raising nearly $1,100 on her own.
Pictures are credited to Tim Potts.
Pictures are credited to Tim Potts.
Congratulations to the Student of the Month winners for the month of November. The following students were nominated by their teachers and will be receiving the award: Jackson Millikan & Benson Williams (5th Grade), Carter Bestgen & Alexis Stacy (6th Grade), Landry Wilson & Blakely Spring (7th Grade), Athena Speck & Torin Monahan (8th Grade).
Keep up the great work.
Keep up the great work.
SWMS celebrated fifth grade students who received a 4.0 for the first trimester with popsicles today. Forty-eight students received a 4.0 for the first trimester. Way to work hard!
SWMS celebrated sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students who received a 4.0 for the first trimester with root beer floats today. We had a combined total of 97 students with a 4.0. This is a record number of students with a 4.0 this trimester. Way to go!!!!!
SWMS would like to thank Indian Motorcycle for their generous donation to our Thanksgiving Basket food drive.
Today students at SWMS will be trying Sea Beans as part of the fruit and vegetable program.
On Thursday, November 13th, all SWMS 8th graders had the opportunity to attend the 8th Grade College and Career Fair at The Monument in Rapid City. Students explored diverse career pathways, interacted with local professionals and businesses, gained insight into education and training options for their futures and made meaningful connections that will help inform future goals. As a school district, we aim to prepare all students for success in high school, college, career, and life. Events such as this are essential to helping students make informed choices and ignite their passion for learning and future planning.
November is a month when we pause to recognize the people and moments we are grateful for. Next week, we will be taking time to celebrate our incredible SWMS staff and show them just how thankful we are — and we need your help!
Please take a moment to share a message of gratitude for a teacher or staff member who has positively impacted your child or family. Your message can be anonymous if you prefer (you do not need to complete the name portion). Each note will be shared with the staff member on a special certificate of appreciation.
Thank you for helping us spread a little extra kindness and recognition to the people who make SWMS such a wonderful place for our students!
Please share the link with anyone you think would like to recognize a staff member!
Please submit your message and share the link!
Click this link to submit your gratitude message! https://forms.gle/P92qdB7xCL9pPgye6