By Robbi Longbrake
BELLE FOURCHE—Plans for the start of the new school year were discussed at the regular monthly meeting of the Belle Fourche School Board on August 12, 2024, starting with the approval of 24-25 budget. The new school year began August 19.
Superintendent, Orion Thompson has been on the job for 45 days. He has spent his time getting to know the area and the community. Thompson developed four goals to move forward. First, Building Assessments—tour each building, discuss status of current projects, and evaluate plans; second, meet with board member and administration individually—learn visions, outlook and concerns; third, develop working knowledge of Belle Fourche policies—work with central office group and Business Manager, make sure all are on same page; and fourth, community involvement—join community groups, be at school activities, participate on Economic Development Board and be open to participate when asked. Thompson seeks to provide leadership and stability for students and staff, and shared his ultimate goal is to “just make sure that that we’re providing leadership for the kids and providing a stable backdrop for our administration,” he said.
Mathew Raba, High School Principal shared that enrollment numbers are very fluid this time of the year and won’t be stable until around Labor Day as new students and transfer students may enter based on different school start dates around the area. With a goal of increasing teacher retention, the high school held a new teacher induction program. New staff met with building principals and central office personnel and went on a district tour. All new staff members were paired with a veteran mentor teacher. A follow-up day is planned for October to make sure all staff is feeling supported.
Middle School Principal Kevin Smidt explained that registration was online for middle school students this year and they had an open house on August 15, so that parents and guardians could come meet teachers and see the building.
Julie Hatling, Elementary School Principal said that student enrollment numbers change daily at the beginning of the year and she will update enrollment numbers in September. There was an open house for parents at both North Park and South Park on August 15. Hatling shared the new teachers for the middle school this year are Lisha Mroczkowski, first grade; Rio Elliot, first grade; and Kaylee Clark, second grade.
Activities Director Adam Nowowiejski shared his joy that this is the first year that all coaches were hired before the start of the new school year. Boys and girls soccer and competitive dance began on August 5. There is a “shortage of officials” for soccer, he said. The booster club will be hosting an annual picnic on August 20. Clay Chournos from Proactive Coaching will give a presentation at the picnic. He will also have individual sessions with coaches the day before. Tommy Coyle, Director of Facilities and Transportation gave an update on the high school gym HVAC project. He said that summer cleaning is just about finished in all buildings. The front of the high school has been updated with the retaining wall, and the steps and sidewalk are all replaced. Four new picnic tables will be placed in the front of the building. The buses have been cleaned and inspected and are ready for the new year.
The City of Belle Fourche Police Department is providing a School Resource Officer to the Belle Fourche School District. The city will pay the salary and benefits while the school district will cover meals to allow the Resource Officer to eat meals with the students. One of the goals of the program is to provide a safe learning environment while improving relationships between law enforcement officers and youth.
Mark Springler with the BFMS Math and Science Club gave a presentation and slide show to the School Board regarding the kid’s adventures at Disney World. 30 students attended the trip. He shared that is was a fun yet educational trip and asked the School Board to approve the trip again for the next year. He shared all of the expectations that the students are required to meet in order to go on the trip. The trip was approved.
The meeting continued as all of the Board Members and Administration present loaded on a bus and ventured around the district to tour all of the updated and renovated areas together.
