Today is SCHOOL LIBRARIAN DAY! We are grateful for Mrs. Wallace.
The day is observed to recognize the professionals who keep school libraries well-stocked and the books in perfect order. Mrs. Wallace spends long hours keeping the library organized. She is also likely to be the first person to help students find the resources they need to learn. Mrs. Wallace also encourages students to pursue reading outside of academic texts. She is also responsible for creating an environment where students are motivated to learn. Her work is truly an accomplishment.
Elementary students: Character of the Month Award was CARING. Congratulations to all those who earned the honor.
Today we salute our Paraprofessionals! We are grateful for their hard work, commitment to, and compassion for the children in our district. So, the next time you see a paraprofessional at school, be sure to say THANK YOU!
What do Paras do?
Some students require supplementary support from a paraprofessional. In a classroom, you may find a para who supports a few students or works one-on-one with a student. The reasons vary, including helping a student stay on task; assisting with in-class work; collecting data for a behavioral plan; providing support with transitions, both emotionally and physically; understanding and using de-escalation methods; and being a watchful eye to keep students safe. The work they do to support their assigned students and help them succeed in a variety of settings is beneficial to everyone.
What do Paras do?
Some students require supplementary support from a paraprofessional. In a classroom, you may find a para who supports a few students or works one-on-one with a student. The reasons vary, including helping a student stay on task; assisting with in-class work; collecting data for a behavioral plan; providing support with transitions, both emotionally and physically; understanding and using de-escalation methods; and being a watchful eye to keep students safe. The work they do to support their assigned students and help them succeed in a variety of settings is beneficial to everyone.
State Fair Literacy Awareness Drawing Contest – May 8 Deadline
The South Dakota Department of Education will be at the SD State Fair to distribute free books and educational resources. Students are encouraged to embrace their creativity to help promote literacy across the state. Download the Drawing Contest Flyer. Questions? Contact Ashley Holm. Ashley.holm@state.sd.us
Click here: https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/56/District/e7a83575-f5fa-4a17-956e-9a42cf06c672/ScienceOfReading-Contest.pdf?disposition=inline
The South Dakota Department of Education will be at the SD State Fair to distribute free books and educational resources. Students are encouraged to embrace their creativity to help promote literacy across the state. Download the Drawing Contest Flyer. Questions? Contact Ashley Holm. Ashley.holm@state.sd.us
Click here: https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/56/District/e7a83575-f5fa-4a17-956e-9a42cf06c672/ScienceOfReading-Contest.pdf?disposition=inline
Today the students gathered for the final reading of books for the March Madness Reading Week. They voted 'Things My Brother Used to Say' as the winner!
Thank you Ms. Patty Karas and Mrs. Heather Kitzan for reading today. Mrs. Wallace, Ms. Kim, Ms. Billie, Ms. Courtney, Mrs. Hansen, Ms. Kim B for reading this week.
About: Things My Brother Used to Say: A Heartfelt Tribute to a Hero, a Sibling, and the Power of Doing the Right Thing—Even When it’s Hard
Travis Manion was a brother, a Marine, and a shining example of what it means to live with character. Told through the voice of his sister, Ryan, this true story celebrates the everyday moments—and big decisions—that shaped his life.
From childhood fun and games, to teenage aspirations, to overseas battlefields, Travis lived by five simple lessons that continue to inspire all who hear them.
Thank you Ms. Patty Karas and Mrs. Heather Kitzan for reading today. Mrs. Wallace, Ms. Kim, Ms. Billie, Ms. Courtney, Mrs. Hansen, Ms. Kim B for reading this week.
About: Things My Brother Used to Say: A Heartfelt Tribute to a Hero, a Sibling, and the Power of Doing the Right Thing—Even When it’s Hard
Travis Manion was a brother, a Marine, and a shining example of what it means to live with character. Told through the voice of his sister, Ryan, this true story celebrates the everyday moments—and big decisions—that shaped his life.
From childhood fun and games, to teenage aspirations, to overseas battlefields, Travis lived by five simple lessons that continue to inspire all who hear them.
SPECIAL APRIL 2026 BOARD MEETING: https://aptg.co/-G97JF
Drive Safe SD is Giving $10,000 to One SD Student – April 17 Deadline
The South Dakota Office of Highway Safety is helping teens build good habits behind the wheel in a big way: by giving away $20,000 for one lucky high schooler to split with their favorite school organization or activity. All they need to do is take a quick quiz on https://drivesafesd.com/lesson-learned/ before April 17th. Spread the word and help your students get signed up today! Learn More about the program and meet previous winners, as well as see how your school is stacking up against others for participation. Students can take the quiz online here: https://digitalteam5.typeform.com/lessonlearned?typeform-source=drivesafesd.com
The South Dakota Office of Highway Safety is helping teens build good habits behind the wheel in a big way: by giving away $20,000 for one lucky high schooler to split with their favorite school organization or activity. All they need to do is take a quick quiz on https://drivesafesd.com/lesson-learned/ before April 17th. Spread the word and help your students get signed up today! Learn More about the program and meet previous winners, as well as see how your school is stacking up against others for participation. Students can take the quiz online here: https://digitalteam5.typeform.com/lessonlearned?typeform-source=drivesafesd.com
Winners! Middle School Boys Basketball Raffle. Congratulations!
This week we celebrated MARCH MADNESS READING with guests reading to our youth. Thank you Mr. Clark, Ms. Neisner, Ms. Angie, and Ms. Kim for taking time to read inspiring books to our youth.
It's SPRING CONCERT week! Thursday March 26th @ 6:30 p.m. in the Austin Auditorium. Parents please have your students in the Austin by 6:15p.m. Thank you. Questions? kimberly.bachman@k12.sd.us LIVE STREAM HERE: https://www.youtube.com/@NEWELLIRRIGATORS
A lot of hard work went into the 2026 Spelling Bee. Thank you students, parents, volunteers, and teachers ! Congratulations to our winners! WE ARE NEWELL!
Mrs. Shaykett's 5th Grade class thanks Newell VFW Post 5807 for the basketball donations.
March 26th @ 6:30 p.m. K-12th SPRING CONCERT. Parents please have your students to the Austin Auditorium at 6:15 p.m. Questions? kimberly.bachman@k12.sd.us
It was a big day on Irrigator campus as we celebrated those who earned high honors. Congratulations to all!
March 2026 Unofficial Minutes: https://aptg.co/8cpjrL