Let’s take time this week to celebrate our Whitewood Elementary staff who go above and beyond for our students every single day!! ❤️
In our small school, staff wear a lot of hats and build strong connections with kids. They make a difference in ways big and small, every single day. 🌟
To show our Whitewood staff how much we appreciate all they do for kids...here are a few ideas! 👏
about 18 hours ago, Whitewood Elementary
3 days ago, Whitewood Elementary School
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.
3 days ago, Meade School District 46-1
Yearbooks are here! 📚 Stop by the office to grab your copy—just $5.00 each!
10 days ago, Whitewood Elementary School
We are so proud to share that our very own Tillie has been named the winner of a statewide billboard contest hosted by SD DOT and RCS Construction! The theme, “Construction Zone Safety Awareness,” inspired so many creative designs, and Tillie’s artwork stood out among 4th graders across South Dakota.
As the winner, she earned a pizza party for the class, and her design will be featured on a billboard between Whitewood and Spearfish at mile marker 22 in the coming weeks. She also received a personal replica of her billboard—what an incredible accomplishment!
Congratulations, Tillie! We are so proud of you and the creativity this class continues to show! Be sure to check out Tillie’s amazing artwork!
10 days ago, Whitewood Elementary School
Behind every school day is someone working tirelessly behind the scenes...and for us, that’s our incredible school secretary, Lexi!!
From juggling a hundred details at once to welcoming everyone with a warm smile, she keeps our school running in ways most people never even see. Her organization, patience, and positivity make a difference every single day.
Thank you for being the steady heartbeat of our school. We appreciate you more than words can say! 🍎
Happy Administrative Assistants Day, Lexi!! 🎉
12 days ago, Whitewood Elementary
The 4th grade class recently competed in a poetry contest hosted by the Sturgis VFW Auxiliary, centered around the theme "America's 250th Birthday".
We are excited to share that Carter earned 1st place and Hannah earned 2nd place at the local level! Parker was the winner of the special needs division and has also been selected to advance to the state level with his poem. Way to go!
A special thank you to Carol Edwards of the Sturgis VFW for her support in organizing and promoting this poetry contest. We appreciate her dedication to providing meaningful opportunities for our students to showcase their talents!
13 days ago, Whitewood Elementary School
Do you know a child who will be 4 years old by September 1, 2026 and is ready for a fun, engaging preschool experience? We’re looking for families who may be interested in a 2-day-a-week preschool program for the upcoming school year in Whitewood.
This is a great opportunity for young learners to build early social skills, explore hands-on activities, and prepare for kindergarten in a supportive, age-appropriate environment.
If this sounds like a good fit for a child you know, or if you’d like more details about enrollment, please reach out or share this post!
15 days ago, Rural Meade Schools
Show your support for military kids and wear purple on Friday, April 10!
27 days ago, Rural Meade Schools
about 1 month ago, Whitewood Elementary School
Hello Whitewood parents and students... I wanted to take a moment to share a little about myself. I grew up in Union Center, attended Union Center School K-8, and graduated from Faith High School. Later, I moved to Belle Fourche, where I earned a double major in Elementary and Special Education at Black Hills State University. I started my teaching career in Belle Fourche, working for 28 years in the elementary school as a reading and math interventionist, special education teacher, and 4th- and 2nd-grade teacher. During this time, I earned a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a reading endorsement, followed by a master's degree in Administration and Educational Leadership. My passion for leadership, literacy, learning, and especially kids inspired me to become a reading interventionist and a principal in the Meade School District. Outside the classroom, I volunteer as an assistant coach for Special Olympics, a youth basketball coach, and a soccer coach, and I am a past member of the soccer board. My husband, Scott, and I live just outside of Belle Fourche and near Union Center, where we help my parents on the family ranch. We have two grown daughters working in the medical field and three young grandchildren who keep us smiling and busy. We love watching them in wrestling, soccer, baseball, and rodeos. As I step into the role of Whitewood principal, I am grateful for the strong foundation already in place. I look forward to supporting the excellent work happening here and working with students, staff, and families to ensure ongoing success for every student. I am excited to partner with all of you to help each student learn, grow, and succeed! Thanks for your time! Shelly Mikkelson
about 1 month ago, Rural Meade Schools
Don’t forget! Family Night is Tuesday the 31st starting at 5:30 PM. The Black Hills Raptor Center will be presenting all about birds of prey—get ready to learn about these amazing creatures up close!
about 1 month ago, Whitewood Elementary School
The 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our amazing PTO, the Terry Peak Ski School staff, and all of the teachers and volunteers who helped make the ski trip such a success. Students had an unforgettable time making memories in the snow (slush)!
about 1 month ago, Whitewood Elementary School
Congratulations Lexi Ridley on being awarded Support Staff of the Year at Whitewood Elementary! 👏🏆
Position: Administrative Assistant
Years With The District: 2
Kind Words From Coworkers: "Lexi is known for creating a welcoming, compassionate environment and supporting students and families with patience and care. She communicates effectively during challenging situations, keeping families informed and reassured, demonstrating her strong dedication to student well-being."
about 1 month ago, Meade School District 46-1
Congratulations to Whitewood Elementary’s very own Mason Allen for earning his way to compete in the State AAU Wrestling Tournament this coming weekend! We are all cheering for you, Mason—good luck!
about 2 months ago, Whitewood Elementary School
Congratulations to our three 4th grade students who were selected to sing with the 17th Annual Festival Choir on Monday! Nearly 100 students from six different schools came together to participate as one incredible choir. We are so proud of our students for representing our school with confidence, talent, and dedication. What a wonderful musical experience and accomplishment—way to go!
about 2 months ago, Whitewood Elementary School
Check out the latest newsletter to stay up to date on all the exciting events coming up at Whitewood Elementary! You won’t want to miss what’s ahead—there are so many fun activities just around the corner!
Click on the link 👉 https://app.smore.com/n/r9yzn
2 months ago, Whitewood Elementary School
Congratulations to Mrs. Hill's 5th grade choir members who competed in the Solo & Ensemble Contest at Stagebarn Middle School! Our talented students earned a SUPERIOR RATING—the highest rating possible! We are incredibly proud of your hard work, dedication, and the courage you showed while performing. Representing Whitewood Elementary with such talent and confidence is truly something to celebrate. Way to go, musicians!
A special thank you to Joanne Baer for accompanying our students—your time and talent do not go unnoticed. We appreciate you!
2 months ago, Whitewood Elementary School
If you haven’t signed up your student yet, now is the time! Early screening helps us make sure your child is ready for a successful start to school. Call the school today to schedule your appointment — we can’t wait to meet our future learners!
2 months ago, Whitewood Elementary School
We would like to send a huge thank you to our very own Sturgis Brown High School Science Club for putting on an exciting science experiment presentation for our 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students!
Our students were amazed by the hands-on experiments, engaging demonstrations, and the enthusiasm the high school students brought with them. It’s always so special to see our older students inspiring the next generation of scientists right here in our own community.
Thank you for sharing your time, knowledge, and love of science with us—we appreciate you!
3 months ago, Whitewood Elementary School
