November 2–6 is National School Psychology Week! This week, we're recognizing the important role school psychologists play in supporting the academic, social, emotional, and behavioral needs of our students.
The Brookings School District is fortunate to have three dedicated school psychologists: Nicole Anderson, Lauren Gruenhagen, and Kelli Olson. They work closely with students, families, teachers, and staff to help ensure every student has the support and resources they need to succeed.
Thank you, Nicole, Lauren, and Kelli, for your dedication and commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of our students!
Congratulations to Mickelson Middle School's 6th Grade Red Team Students of the Quarter!
These students were recognized for consistently demonstrating academic growth, quality work, strong effort, and meaningful participation in the classroom. They exemplify respect, honesty, kindness, responsibility, and positive character while serving as role models for their peers.
Congratulations to Adelynn Minett, Chloe Cooley, Lucy Diercks, Michael Makonko, and Luke Koch on this well-deserved recognition!
As we continue celebrating National School Principals Month, we're recognizing Chris Gruenhagen, Assistant Principal at Mickelson Middle School!
Chris values the opportunity to support students and staff, build relationships, and experience the many great things happening throughout the school each day.
Thank you, Mr. Gruenhagen, for your leadership and commitment to making Mickelson Middle School a great place to learn and grow!
Spooky Movie Night & Costume Contest at MMS!
Mickelson Middle School's Educators Rising chapter is hosting a Spooky Movie Night and Costume Contest on Friday, October 30, from 6–8 p.m. in the MMS Cats' Café!
Students in grades 6–8 are invited to enjoy a showing of Hocus Pocus, participate in a costume contest, and purchase Halloween treats and concessions!
Admission is $5 or two nonperishable food items for the Brookings County Food Pantry. Tickets must be purchased in advance during breakfast or lunch, October 26–30. Only 250 tickets are available, and tickets will not be sold at the door.
For additional details, including costume contest rules and prizes, visit: https://app.smore.com/n/kq6zj-spooky-movie-night-costume-contest
October is National Principals Month!
Today, we're recognizing Matt Christie, Principal of Mickelson Middle School! Matt enjoys seeing firsthand the amazing things students and staff accomplish each day and values the relationships he builds throughout the school. Thank you, Mr. Christie, for your leadership and dedication to Mickelson Middle School and the Brookings School District! 🐾
Join Our Child Nutrition Team!
We're looking for caring, dependable individuals to help prepare and serve nutritious meals to our students in a welcoming school environment.
Our Child Nutrition staff does more than prepare meals—they greet students with a smile, help create a positive cafeteria experience, and play an important role in each student's school day.
We offer:
Competitive pay starting at $17.90 per hour
Full-time and part-time opportunities
School-day hours that follow the school calendar
Excellent benefits for eligible full-time employees
A supportive team and great work-life balance
If you're looking for a rewarding position where you can make a difference in the lives of students, we'd love to have you join our team!
Apply online today: brookings.k12.sd.us/employment
Brookings Board of Education Receives ALL Award!
Congratulations to the Brookings Board of Education on earning the ALL Award from the Associated School Boards of South Dakota (ASBSD) for the 2025-2026 school year! This recognition highlights the Board's commitment to professional development and ongoing training to better serve our students, staff, and community.
Pictured from left to right: Kelsey Bowman, Cassie Juba, Teri Johnson, Debra DeBates, and Wesley Tschetter.
🐾 October Hometown Legacy | Once a Bobcat, always a Bobcat!
For our October Hometown Legacy feature, we're highlighting two more BSD staff members who graduated Brookings High School and have returned to work in the district!
Courtney Honkomp, BHS Class of 2018, is an Instructional Assistant at Mickelson Middle School.
Jennifer Lacher-Starace, BHS Class of 1992, is an 8th Grade Reading Teacher at Mickelson Middle School.
From favorite school memories and influential educators to working alongside former teachers and inspiring today's students, Courtney and Jen share what makes returning to their alma mater so meaningful.
Check out their October Hometown Legacy features to learn more about their experiences and what it means to come full circle.
There will be no school Friday, October 9, due to all-day Parent/Teacher Conferences and no school Monday, October 12, in observance of Native American Day. Enjoy the long weekend, Bobcats!
http://scherling.preorderphotos.com/?AccessCode=M43AK7
National School Custodian Appreciation Day
Today, we recognize the 25 dedicated custodial staff members who care for our schools across the Brookings School District!
Their hard work happens every day, often behind the scenes, to keep our buildings clean, safe, welcoming, and ready for students and staff.
Please join us in thanking our incredible custodial team for everything they do for our schools and our Bobcat community. We appreciate you!
A group of our 7th grade students recently took their learning outside the classroom with a field trip to McCrory Gardens!
Students spent time exploring the gardens, observing different plants and trees, and putting what they’ve been learning into practice along the way.
Thank you to McCrory Gardens for welcoming our students and giving them the opportunity to learn and explore in such a beautiful setting!
October is National Principals Month!
We're kicking off the month by recognizing the principals and assistant principals who lead our schools and support our learners, staff, and families each day.
Thank you for all you do for the Brookings School District! 🐾
Homecoming Throwback: Day 5
We're wrapping up our Homecoming Throwbacks with a look back at Friday Night Lights through the years!
Tonight, the Bobcats take on the Spearfish Spartans at 7:00 PM at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium. See you under the lights, Bobcats!
For families who utilize the Boys & Girls Club, please also note that the Club will be closed Friday, September 25 for staff training.
Homecoming Throwback: Day 4
Today we're looking back at Bobcat pep rallies and spirit assemblies through the years!
Do you recognize anyone in these throwback photos?
