The message that follows was written by the School Administrators of South Dakota, Executive Director, Rob Monson. The message is profound. We need the parents and the community to send the message to the SD legislator to do what is "Right" by the law. We all get to exercise our right to come next November. I encourage you to vote wisely.
Education is our greatest investment!
Horace Mann once said, Education is the great balance-wheel of social machinery. He reminded us that nothing shapes opportunity, strengthens democracy, or fuels progress more than a strong public education system.
Here in South Dakota, we often talk about investing in the future pipelines, data centers, power infrastructure, and other important projects. But our real future is sitting in classrooms across this state. Our children deserve the same commitment, the same focus, and the same belief in their potential.
Last week, the Governor released his proposed budget, and it offered no increase for K-12 education, actually a decrease of $12.8 million compared to last year. With inflation pushing school costs higher, flat funding amounts to a cut. However, unlike many other priorities, education funding is required by law to keep up with inflation. Here is the statute that requires increased funding for education: https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/13-13-10.1. What that section says is this: "Index factor" is the annual percentage change in the consumer price index for urban wage earners and clerical workers as computed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the United States Department of Labor for the year before the year immediately preceding the year of adjustment, or three percent, whichever is less. The Governor's proposed budget does not comply with the law!
But here's the good news: the Governor's budget is only the starting point. We have the opportunity and the responsibility to speak up for our kids and ensure our schools receive the support they need. South Dakota's children are our greatest asset. Let's invest in them.
A few ways we can make progress:
-Restore the sales tax from 4.2% to 4.5% (estimated $105 million)
-Honor the education funding formula in state law
-Recognize that flat funding is not enough when costs keep rising
For those who say public schools must show results, we welcome accountability, as long as it reflects the standards we are charged with teaching. This is a moment to come together. A moment to choose kids over cuts. A moment to believe, as Horace Mann did, that education truly is the great equalizer.
Please let your district legislative delegation know you support public education. Let's lift up our schools. Let's lift up our students. Let's invest in a brighter South Dakota.
It is time for every community in this great state to take back public education. Take the time to visit with your local school board, administrators, teachers, and, of course, your senators and representatives.
Find out how you can help! Let's do what's right for South Dakota and put our money in a real investment: our children!
Rob Monson
Education is our greatest investment!
Horace Mann once said, Education is the great balance-wheel of social machinery. He reminded us that nothing shapes opportunity, strengthens democracy, or fuels progress more than a strong public education system.
Here in South Dakota, we often talk about investing in the future pipelines, data centers, power infrastructure, and other important projects. But our real future is sitting in classrooms across this state. Our children deserve the same commitment, the same focus, and the same belief in their potential.
Last week, the Governor released his proposed budget, and it offered no increase for K-12 education, actually a decrease of $12.8 million compared to last year. With inflation pushing school costs higher, flat funding amounts to a cut. However, unlike many other priorities, education funding is required by law to keep up with inflation. Here is the statute that requires increased funding for education: https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/13-13-10.1. What that section says is this: "Index factor" is the annual percentage change in the consumer price index for urban wage earners and clerical workers as computed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the United States Department of Labor for the year before the year immediately preceding the year of adjustment, or three percent, whichever is less. The Governor's proposed budget does not comply with the law!
But here's the good news: the Governor's budget is only the starting point. We have the opportunity and the responsibility to speak up for our kids and ensure our schools receive the support they need. South Dakota's children are our greatest asset. Let's invest in them.
A few ways we can make progress:
-Restore the sales tax from 4.2% to 4.5% (estimated $105 million)
-Honor the education funding formula in state law
-Recognize that flat funding is not enough when costs keep rising
For those who say public schools must show results, we welcome accountability, as long as it reflects the standards we are charged with teaching. This is a moment to come together. A moment to choose kids over cuts. A moment to believe, as Horace Mann did, that education truly is the great equalizer.
Please let your district legislative delegation know you support public education. Let's lift up our schools. Let's lift up our students. Let's invest in a brighter South Dakota.
It is time for every community in this great state to take back public education. Take the time to visit with your local school board, administrators, teachers, and, of course, your senators and representatives.
Find out how you can help! Let's do what's right for South Dakota and put our money in a real investment: our children!
Rob Monson
last coffee truck day for the year! weather lending! get your hot shots coffee and give back to the trojan den!
Just a reminder if you are planning on participating in the PTO Gifting opportunity, forms and payment are due tomorrow. Make checks payable to Parkston PTO or Venmo Parkston PTO @parkstonpto . Boxes are in each office to drop off!
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE READERS THEATER TEAM! They received a SUPERIOR at State!! This has been a phenomenal year for the Oral Interp students.
Congratulations to Jody Scott on being selected as the 2026 VFW South Dakota Elementary Teacher of the Year!
Thank you for all you do for our school and community. We are so grateful for all of your contributions to the district and your students. We are lucky to have you!
Thank you for all you do for our school and community. We are so grateful for all of your contributions to the district and your students. We are lucky to have you!
Final reminder! 🎄✨
Parkston PTO Holiday Gift Giving forms are due Monday, December 8th!
This tradition started last year, and it has quickly become such a meaningful way to show appreciation to the incredible teachers and staff who support our kids every day. Participation is completely optional, but even a small gift adds up fast when many families join in — truly, no gift is too small. These are turned into gift cards that teachers can use for classroom needs, or even for a little self care!
Please return your completed forms to the elementary or high school office gift boxes by Monday so the PTO can get everything organized in time for the holidays.
PTO would like to thank you for helping spread a little extra joy this season! 🎁❤️
The holidays are stressful enough, let our hard-working travelers take something off your plate! Get your giftwrapping taken care of and support educational travel this holiday season! All proceeds go to the students doing an educational trip to Australia and New Zealand in 2027.
Parkston Basketball Gear Order is LIVE. Orders are due by Dec. 7th and will be available for pick up by Dec. 19th (Last day of semester). The link to the team store is here --> https://stores.inksoft.com/parkston_basketball/shop/home
Don't forget your 2025-2025 Yearbook! You can order online or forms are available in the high school and elementary office! There is also a link below. https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/productDetail/1041903/PARKSTON-HIGH-SCHOOL/Yearbook/2025081904291148388/CATALOG_SHOP/Yearbook/2025081904291153788#design/0
The Parkston School District is seeking applications for the following position
Kitchen Worker: This position is a support role that involves food preparation, serving, dishwashing, cleaning, and other assigned duties. The ability to take directions, work independently when needed, work with kitchen staff and students of all ages and abilities, and be a great team member. This is a full-time position with a starting salary of $16.75 per hour and comes with health insurance benefits. The hours are 6:30 AM to 1:30 PM. The position will start as soon as possible.
All applicants are encouraged to send a formal letter of application, a resume that includes past work history, and references that are work-based, along with the district work application. An application can be obtained at the business office or sent upon request, or accessed via the district’s website via the menu tab, then Employment Opportunity link. Please send all applications by either mail or email to: pat.mikkonen@k12.sd.us. The position is open until it is filled.
Mailing address:
Patrick Mikkonen – Superintendent
pat.mikkonen@k12.sd.us
102 C S Chapman Drive
Parkston, SD 57366
Kitchen Worker: This position is a support role that involves food preparation, serving, dishwashing, cleaning, and other assigned duties. The ability to take directions, work independently when needed, work with kitchen staff and students of all ages and abilities, and be a great team member. This is a full-time position with a starting salary of $16.75 per hour and comes with health insurance benefits. The hours are 6:30 AM to 1:30 PM. The position will start as soon as possible.
All applicants are encouraged to send a formal letter of application, a resume that includes past work history, and references that are work-based, along with the district work application. An application can be obtained at the business office or sent upon request, or accessed via the district’s website via the menu tab, then Employment Opportunity link. Please send all applications by either mail or email to: pat.mikkonen@k12.sd.us. The position is open until it is filled.
Mailing address:
Patrick Mikkonen – Superintendent
pat.mikkonen@k12.sd.us
102 C S Chapman Drive
Parkston, SD 57366
All Cast Read Through today after school from 3:15-4:15. This will include a schedule and important notes about expectations for One Acts! Plan to attend!
🏀🔥 PARKSTON JR. NBA STARTS TODAY! 🔥🏀
Here’s why your kids won’t want to miss it:
⭐️ 1. First Practice is TODAY!
Kicking off the season with energy, fun, and a gym full of excited Trojans!
⭐️ 2. Only $25 for the Entire Season!
3rd–5th grade boys and girls — affordable, active, and totally worth it. Don't let fees stop you, if you are having problems with fees or equipment please let the trojan den know!
⭐️ 3. Build Skills + Confidence
Passing, shooting, teamwork, hustle — we’re teaching it all.
⭐️ 4. Girls Practice: 4–5 PM
⭐️ Boys Practice: 5–6 PM
Perfect Sunday schedule for families.
⭐️ 5. Fun, Safe, and Encouraging Environment
This program focuses on:
A – Always Fun
B – Building Skills
C – Cultivating Values
D – Developing Wellness
⭐️ 6. Games Begin in January & February
Travel to area towns + a Parkston tournament. Kids LOVE it.
⭐️ 7. Optional Holiday Break Practices
Extra chances to play, learn, and burn off alllll that Christmas energy.
⭐️ 8. Great Coaches, Great Community
Led by Bill Maxwell — supportive, experienced, and ready to roll.
📞 Questions? 605-999-2556
⭐️ 9. Be Part of Something AWESOME
New friends, new skills, new memories.
This is what Trojan pride is all about!
💙 LET’S GO! WE ARE PARKSTON!
Congratulations to the Readers Theater team! They will be competing at State on December 5th!
Parkston PTO is bringing back their Gift Giving! All studnets should have a sheet with a letter and a spreadsheet that includes staff, custodians, lunch ladies, drivers, etc!
Good Luck at Region Oral Interp today!
There is a Welcome Home for the Trojan Volleyball team today at 4:00 in the armory.
All are welcome!
Didn't end the way we wanted today, but it was a GREAT season!! Congratulations to our Trojans on a 6th place State Finish! Thank you Seniors for your effort and leadership. It was a fun year filled with lots of great memories!
There will be a welcome home event tomorrow at 4:00pm in the armory. All are welcome!
Moving on to the Consolation Championship!! Way to go Ladies!!
We had 21 STUDENTS try out for plays this year which is AMAZING! Here is the cast list for this year's play Breaking Badly!
Day Two-- GO TROJANS!!!
