Tonight, the school board heard several inspiring recognitions of HSD staff and students.
Explorer Elementary’s Jayme Wiertzema was honored as the 2025 South Dakota Elementary Teacher of the Year. Jayme’s creativity, calm spirit, and commitment to her students shine through in everything she does.
Fine Arts Director Dr. Amanda Berg received the Youth in Music Outstanding Administrator Award for her leadership and dedication to HHS’s marching band success this season.
North Middle School's Hope Squad members shared how they promote kindness, inclusion, and mental wellness—reminding us all that it’s okay to ask for help and to look out for one another.
We’re proud of our educators and students who continue to inspire through creativity, leadership, and compassion. #TigerProud 🐾
It’s time for our annual Veterans Day Lunch! We invite all Veterans and Active Service Members who are family or friends of Explorer students or staff to join us for lunch on Tuesday, November 11th.
🗓 RSVP by Friday, October 31st: https://bit.ly/vetlunch25
We will also be honoring our Veterans and Service Members with a slideshow during lunch. 📸 If you’ve sent in a photo before, we’ll use that one again — but if you’d like to send a new one (or haven’t before), you can upload it here: https://bit.ly/vetphotos25
Please send only one photo per Veteran by Tuesday, November 4th.
We look forward to celebrating and showing our appreciation for our Veterans together! ❤️💙
(Please note: There will not be a separate Veterans Day program this year.)
Join us Friday, Nov. 7, at Harrisburg High School to see how students are developing real-world skills through Culinary Arts, Business Education, the ROAR Store, LEAP High, and Band. You’ll also learn how our Counseling and Social Work teams support students’ well-being and success. Hosted by the HSD Education Foundation. 🐾 Learn more and register: https://bit.ly/FoundationFridays
Join us Friday, Nov. 7, at Harrisburg High School to see how students are developing real-world skills through Culinary Arts, Business Education, the ROAR Store, LEAP High, and Band. You’ll also learn how our Counseling and Social Work teams support students’ well-being and success. Hosted by the HSD Education Foundation. 🐾 Learn more and register: https://bit.ly/FoundationFridays
Today’s shout-out goes to a student who has been showing incredible growth and leadership! He’s done an amazing job controlling his impulsivity, staying on task, and getting his work done.
He has been a great leader among his peers, setting the example of what hard work and focus look like in 5F. Way to Shine Bright and show what it means to be a true role model! ✨
#ShineBright #ExplorerGoodNewsCall #PAWSitiveRoleModel
Monday’s shout-out went to a student in 1S who had an amazing day! She worked hard, persisted through her work, listened carefully, and followed directions all day long. Her focus and leadership set a wonderful example for her classmates!
We are so proud of the way she continues to Shine Bright through hard work, perseverance, and kindness. ✨
#ShineBright #ExplorerGoodNewsCall #PAWSitiveRoleModel
There will be a 2-Hour Early Release on Wednesday, October 22nd.
Today we’re celebrating a student in KB who showed amazing perseverance during writing this morning! She worked hard, never gave up, and kept a big smile on her face the whole time.
She is such a positive role model, works hard, and a kind friend to her classmates - truly showing what it means to Shine Bright every day! ✨👏
#ShineBright #ExplorerGoodNewsCall #PAWSitiveRoleModel #Perseverance
Today’s shout-out goes to a student in 3G who did a fantastic job helping his math partner during Math! He showed great teamwork, patience, and leadership - being a true role model in the classroom.
We are so proud of the way he continues to Shine Bright by supporting others and showing what it means to be a kind and helpful classmate! ✨
#ShineBright #ExplorerGoodNewsCall #PAWSitiveRoleModel
This student in 2H has been absolutely Shining Bright! Yesterday, he did an amazing job following directions, listening carefully, and working hard all day long. His focus and positive attitude truly stood out, setting a wonderful example for everyone around him. ✨
We are so proud of his effort and the way he continues to lead by example!
#ShineBright #ExplorerGoodNewsCall #PAWSitiveRoleModel
Today’s shout-out goes to a student in 1S who showed what true kindness looks like! He was such a thoughtful and patient classmate - helping a friend pick out their favorite Cat in the Hat coloring page and even coming back to help them choose colors to finish it.
Each time he returned with a kind word or compliment, their smile grew even bigger! His kindness and compassion made someone’s day a little brighter - and that’s what it means to Shine Bright! ✨👏
#ShineBright #ExplorerGoodNewsCall #PAWSitiveRoleModel
Today we’re celebrating a student in 1D who showed incredible initiative and kindness during free choice time! During free choice time, she chose to help Ms. Dahl clean up the classroom library.
What an awesome example of responsibility, teamwork, and what it means to Shine Bright through helping others! 👏
#ShineBright #ExplorerGoodNewsCall #PAWSitiveRoleModel
Today’s shout-out goes to a student in 2F who has had a phenomenal day! She has been an amazing listener, showed great persistence, and has been such a wonderful friend to those around her.
Her positive attitude and kind heart remind us what it means to Shine Bright every single day! ✨👏
#ShineBright #ExplorerGoodNewsCall #PAWSitiveRoleModel
📌 A reminder there will be NO SCHOOL Friday, October 10 through October 13.
Today’s nomination comes from 5F for a student who has been on task, working hard, and making great decisions for his learning. We are so proud of the effort and responsibility he’s showing each day. Way to let your light Shine Bright! 👏✨
#ShineBright #ExplorerGoodNewsCall #PAWSitiveRoleModel
