Celebrations & Notifications

Miller School

  MHS Celebrations
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As a wrap-up to the reading unit on animals, Cory Flor and Chris Ray from the SD Game, Fish, and Parks gave a presentation to the kindergarten and KinderStart classes about beavers and their habitats.  ​


​Mrs. Stevens' second grade students built beaver dams as part of their science curriculum.

They brainstormed ideas as to what materials they should use in the construction of their the dams.

Then, they brainstormed ideas as to how they should construct the dam.

Last, the students put their plans into action!

​Thank you to Mrs. Kim Roeber for her assistance!

On Sunday, March 19th, the jazz ensembles of Miller High School and the junior high band gathered in the Armory gymnasium for the annual Pops Concert. The 6th Period Junior High ensemble opened the concert, followed by the 7th Period Junior High ensemble. After intermission, the High School Vocal Jazz performed and the High School Jazz Band finished the show. 

Next on the calendar for the junior high groups is the "5th through 8th Grade Instrumental Contest" on April 29th. This will be the first time in four years that the music department has been able to host the usually annual contest. All junior high participate in the contest in both the large group bands and their own individual solos. 

The High School Vocal Jazz and Jazz Band will travel to Norfolk, Nebraska on Monday, March 27th for the "Northeast Community College Jazz Festival". ​


Representative Dusty Johnson stopped at the school and visited with the sixth graders and seniors answering questions about his job and government.​


Ms. Gross' students made homemade lava lamps!


Thank you to all the donors who came out to the blood drive!


​Mrs. Bertsch's students had a busy February making monkeys, hot air balloons, and the Lorax!



​Laura Evans, MHS junior, singing the National Anthem at the Girls State A Basketball Tournament in Watertown.

​Laura was chosen to sing Thursday March 9
th for the 12:00 and 6:00 games. 
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Here is the link to the track apparel store. Orders are due by midnight, Wednesday March 22nd. Items will be available approximately March 31st.


Wondering why we put salt on ice in the winter? 

​Mrs. VanZee's science students explored the effects of salt on ice balloons.



Aerogels and Diaper Chemistry in Mrs. VanZee's fifth grade Science:
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Students explored the mystery white powder inside a diaper and found a small amount can  absorb 300x its amount in liquid.


The students in Mrs. VanZee's fifth grade class enjoyed celebrating Dr. Seuss by reading his books!



​Recess is for relaxing!
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Mrs. Cudmore Kremer's older students are working on making their cards to "thank it forward".

The younger students learned about Mr. Spot who reminds them to be thankful.


​Ms. Rick's first grade class is learning about sound in science.

They created their own instruments (wind, string and percussion) and played them in front of the class!

Here is the revised testing schedule for the upcoming Smarter Balanced testing.

The SoDak-16 match up between the Rustlers boys basketball team and Dakota Valley can be viewed at this link.

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Mrs. Cudmore Kremer's students have been working on practicing gratitude by writing thank you cards to someone who has made a difference in their lives.

The students are asking each of you to please "thank it forward" to someone - family, friend, or co-worker - that you are thankful for!

Let's start an attitude of gratitude in our community and beyond!

​"Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it." - William Arthur Ward



​"Oh, the Places You'll Go!"

Mrs. Gibson's third grade class enjoyed dressing up as someone in their future career, in honor of Dr. Seuss's birthday this week!
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Elementary families - click here to check out the March newsletter from Mrs. B.K.!


Mrs. Palmer's, Mrs. Baumberger's, Ms. Rick's, and Mrs. Engle's classes had some special visitors!

​The high school girls basketball team took time out of their day to read some stories to the students to celebrate National Read Across America Day!


Ms. Gross' students learned about molecules by creating their own models.
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Mrs. Palmer's kinderstart class had fun celebrating Dr. Seuss' Birthday!

On Friday and Saturday, February 24th and 25th, MHS Senior trombone player Eric Ames traveled to Brookings, South Dakota for the 2023 South Dakota State University Honor Band Festival.
Eric was seated in the "Honors Wind Ensemble" comprising of top auditioning high school students from South Dakota, North Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota and Iowa.
Throughout the two-day event, Eric and the rest of the band rehearsed a challenging repertoire of music under the direction of Dr. Jacob Wallace - director of concert bands and professor of conducting and music theory from SDSU. 
As a grand finale to Saturday's concert, the "Honors Wind Ensemble" combined with SDSU's top auditioned collegiate ensemble, the "Wind Symphony",  to perform two additional selections where Eric reconnected with two MHS graduates who perform in SDSU's Wind Symphony - Sydney Jessen on French horn and Kaden Sivertsen on Tuba.
The last time Eric, Sydney and Kaden performed together was at the 2020 SDSU Honor Band Festival prior to the closure of schools due to the Covid-19 pandemic. ​


In celebration of Dr. Suess Week, the students in Mrs. VanZee's 5th grade class discovered the properties of OOBLECK  from the story Bartholomew and the Oobleck .






​Students in Mrs. VanZee's fifth grade s
cience class studied the surface tension of water and experimented to find how many drops of water a penny would hold.


Winners of the fifth grade Valentine Box categories:  Wildest, Most Creative, Most Resourceful, Cutest, & Funniest.


As a follow up to making butter, Mrs. VanZee's students used the buttermilk to make pancakes.

​A delicious treat!
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Pizza certificate winners for February in Mrs. VanZee's 5th grade class. 

These students completed the Reading Plus requirements for the month and earned a free pizza from Cenex in Wessington.



Sargent Noah Schafers with the National Guard visited Miss Knox's Foods classes to teach them about MREs (meals ready-to-eat). Yummy! 


Miller Music Department is kicking off their Butter Braid sales. This fundraiser runs from 02/27/2023 to 03/20/2023.

​To order, please contact any member of Miller Music Department, or you can place an order online by clicking this link!

Thank you for supporting Miller Music Department!
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We are putting together a student fan bus, grades 7-12, for the Girls SoDak 16 game in Philip on Thursday March 2nd.  We need a minimum of 30 students.  Please have your student sign up in the High School office by noon tomorrow, March 1st  if interested.

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There will be a blood drive on March 14, 2023 in the armory from 12:30 - 5:45 p.m.

Please consider making an appointment to donate!
Click here for the link.

Mrs. Rogers' fifth graders wrapped up their study of the Revolutionary War with projects.

Some students did news broadcasts where they "interviewed" important figures from the war.  Others made trading cards with historical figures, battle maps, and recreated flags from the era! 

Some of the projects involved sewing or woodworking!

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Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!


​Celebrate reading this week and every week!
  • Monday, February 27 - wear something red or blue!
  • Tuesday, February 28 - wear something with an animal on it or an animal print!
  • Wednesday, March 1 - wear something green!
  • Thursday, March 2 - wear your favorite hat!
  • Friday, March 3 - dress for the career you want to pursue!

​The Miller Music Department will be hosting a 5th through 8th grade Vocal Contest on Saturday March 4th.
Miller students, along with students from area schools, will be performing their large group songs in the theatre. Solos and small ensembles will be performed in the high school band and chorus rooms.

​All 5th through 8th grade students are involved in this event and schedules have been sent home.

This is the first year for this event but hopefully it will become an annual tradition.
All are welcome to watch the performances.
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​In celebration of FFA Week, David Sivertsen will be honored for his many years of service during half-time of the boys varsity game on Friday, February 24 at approximately 4:00 p.m.


Mrs. Stevens' second grade students celebrated President's Day with George & Abe masks!
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​Mrs. Baumberger's class showed our appreciation to the custodial staff as part of Random Acts of Kindness day!


Mrs. Canham's second grade students studying with a fun game of jeopardy!
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FCCLA is sponsoring an aluminum can drive!

​School appropriate cans only please! 



​Recess fun!
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​The fourth grade students celebrated Valentine’s Day by using Conversation Hearts in their math class.

They used fractions, made bar graphs, estimated and solved story problems with the help of the conversation hearts.

The students also created Valentine bags. 



​Mrs. Gesinger’s class celebrated the 100th Day of School.

They raced to put 100 piece puzzles together, made 100 words, brought 100 things to eat, and wrote their own 100th day story.

​They also wrote what it would be like to be 100 years old. Several students decided they would be very tired. It was a fun day! 
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Ms. Gross' students enjoyed a Valentine's Day celebration complete with hearts and treats!

Happy Valentine's Day from Mrs. Bertsch's students!
Valentine flamingos and some cheesy heart pizzas!

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The Miller FFA officers are looking forward to CTE Awareness night during the double header basketball game on Monday v. Potter County and are excited to give away some prizes during halftime of the boys varsity game.

Blue Jackets, Gold Standards!



Mrs. Van Zee's fifth grade science classes investigated surface tension. Breaking surface tension of milk with dish soap allows the fat molecules to move freely and create works of art.

Some students even gave names to their creations!




Students  in Mrs. VanZee's class searched grocery ads to plan a meal for their class including all food groups.  

Then they calculated the cost, including tax.

Mrs. Engle's kindergarten students celebrated the 100th day of school with Mr. Engle's seniors.

They played a game where they made things from 100 marshmallows, and enjoyed a snack together.

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CTE Awareness Night
Monday, Feb. 13th
Double Header BB game v Potter County

Events that will occur during the evening:
- CTE and CTSO fun facts during the varsity girls and boys games.
- Current and past FFA and FCCLA members recognized during halftime of the girls varsity game.
- Trivia questions in elementary commons during the varsity girls and until halftime of boys varsity game.
- Drawing for prizes during halftime of the boys varsity game.
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The MHS Music Department participated in the Region IV Music Contest held February 8th in Aberdeen. Eighteen students were entered in nine events.

The Vocal Jazz members received a superior:
Back row – Cora Peterson, Aleah Schlechter, Kate Lichty, Laura Evans and Cayper Werdel
Front row – Madeline Nye, Arielle Miner, Haylie Huss, Journey Palmer, Gabby Werdel and Brylee Wallman

The All-State Chorus group received a superior rating:
Back row: Isaiah Gortmaker, Jess Hughes, Ben Wangsness, Adam Turner, Cayper Werdel, Arielle Miner, Aleah Schlechter and Laura Evans.

Soloists who sang vocal solos were:
Isaiah Gortmaker (superior), Ben Wangsness (superior), Adam Turner (superior rating with a perfect score), Laura Evans (superior) and Gage Wik (excellent)

Joanlei Baker received a superior rating with a perfect score on her piano solo. And Eric Ames received a superior rating on his trombone solo.

Kinderstart practiced counting to 100 with a special snack to celebrate the 100th day of school!

The students in Mrs. Gibson's third grade class had fun while practicing their multiplication facts.

They played "Beat the Calculator," a game of speed and skill that challenges the brain versus the calculator.

​Students quickly found out that the brain can solve basic multiplication facts faster than a calculator!



Miller FCCLA is doing their annual "Crush" Valentine's fundraiser.

Order forms were put in Jr high/high school lockers and sent home with elementary students.

​Extra forms can be found in the school offices.
​Please get orders in by Thursday!
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The fifth graders in Mrs. VanZee's class learned about the fourth state of matter - plasma. 

They explored  how a plasma ball operates and were able to light up a fluorescent light bulb by just holding it close to the plasma ball!




​Students in Mrs. VanZee's fifth grade class had a whole lota  shaking going on!

They made butter from jars of cream.  The students were able to watch as the milk went from liquid, to semi solid (whip cream) as the fat globules separated from the liquid portion of the cream.

They enjoyed the fruits of their labor by spreading the butter on crackers and bread as they learned about the history of butter.



​Mrs. Bertsch's students created ice castles and snow people during January!

Elementary families, click here for the February newsletter from Mrs. B.K.


​These readers in Mrs. Van Zee's class completed the requirements for the January Reading Plus program and were awarded a certificate for a free pizza from the Wessington Cenex Station.

Thank you Wessington Cenex for promoting reading in our school!
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Laura Evans has been selected to perform the National Anthem at the Girls Class A State Basketball Tournament in the Watertown Civic Arena.

Laura will perform on Thursday March 9th at the 12:00pm and 6:00pm sessions.

​Congratulations!




Miller Elementary School Yearbooks are on sale! 


These are 20 pages/softcover for $12.  Online ordering is preferred. Go to this link 
and enter the code 73489F. Online ordering ends on Feb. 14, 2023. 

Or Cash/Check accepted with the completed form sent home with your student. Make checks payable to:  Miller Elementary School.  
Return envelopes to your student’s classroom teacher by Feb. 14, 2023. 
 

If you have questions email Carrie.Schumacher@k12.sd.us or call the elementary school office (605) 853-2711.  

No extra yearbooks are ordered! 
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Miss Knox's Foods Class had a board day!

Each group was challenged to make the best charcuterie board.


2023 Miller Rustler Cheer Camp
Be a cheerleader for a day!
February 24, 2023 from 8:00 a.m. to noon
Elementary Gym
Cost is $30 (checks payable to Miller Cheer)
Performance Information: Halftime of the varsity Miller v. Highmore boys basketball game on February 24, 2023
Click Here to download the registration form
Registration & payment due to the
Elementary Office by February 16, 2023
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Mrs. Rick's first grade class is learning all about goods and services in social studies.

They had the pleasure of listening to parent volunteers explain their jobs and then were able to ask questions about the jobs. The students did a great job asking high level questions!

​They were able to hear from a variety of careers; farmer (crops and animals), nurse, water supply, insurance, mechanic, the airport, physical therapist, national guard, soybean plant, and a journalist all the way from Colorado! 


Mrs. Haigh's third grade students had fun while learning their math!
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They practiced math facts by learning a card game that made them find the missing factor to an equation. 

The Miller High School Pep Band are taking their crowd rousing pregame set to Sioux Falls on Sunday, February 5th for a Sioux Falls Skyforce basketball game.
This is the second year that the band has been invited to a perform at a Skyforce game - their first performance being November of 2021.
The game takes place at the Sanford Pentagon at 3:00pm with the band will start playing around 2:15 - under the direction of drum major Tanner Wallman. 


The Skyforce are excited to have the band back and are offering discounted tickets to anyone who wishes to watch the band performance and the game if they visit this link: https://offer.fevo.com/skyforce-vs-squadron-j9xikwh-f9e35d6?fevoUri=skyforce-vs-squadron-j9xikwh-f9e35d6%2F     
​Miller students have free admission with promo code: Skyforce23. (Band students already have their tickets). 


The students in Mrs. VanZee's science classes had to use their deductive reasoning as they did an investigation to discover the properties of several unknown substances!


​While learning about other cultures from around the world, the students in Mrs. VanZee's classes were able to enjoy some new foods while they learned how to eat with chopsticks!

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Our noses are running more than the cross country team!

The HS/JH office is requesting donations of tissues to help stem the flow of the sniffling, sneezing, and running brought on by cold and flu season.

Any donations can be dropped off at the high school office - Thank You! 


As a reward for having the highest average for goods brought during the food drive the elementary student council sponsored before Christmas break, Mrs. Ketelhut's class got to enjoy a Pizza Party! Yum!

The kids had a great time!

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​Congratulations to the junior high and high school Rustler PRIDE winners for the second quarter and first semester!

Brooke Dunlap (JH) and William Resel (HS) hoodie winners from the second quarter, and Brody Grupe won $100 in Miller Community Cash as the first semester drawing winner!


Mrs. Bertsch's K-2 winter art projects for the first weeks of January were to make a blizzard, and some hot cocoa to enjoy afterward to warm themselves up!

ACT STUDY SESSION OPPORTUNITY
 Miller High School is offering a unique opportunity for students to complete an
ACT study course over 4 weeks right here in Miller!
 
A minimum of 10 students MUST be enrolled for the class to be held. 
Payment is due by February 1st to hold your spot.
 
The course may be open to students from surrounding schools as well as Miller High School students depending on enrollment.  The cost of the course is $45 per student, an excellent value for 8 hours of instruction in the areas of Math, English, Reading and Science in preparation for the ACT.   All study materials will be provided.
 
The next ACT exam in Miller is March 7, 2023 (MHS students only for exam)
 
Classes would run from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on the following dates:
·         Sunday, February 12
·         Sunday, February 19
·         Sunday, February 26
·         Sunday, March 5
 
Interested parties need to sign up and pay NO LATER than February 1st so we can order materials.
Please sign up in the Miller High School Office and send checks payable to
Miller High School, PO Box 257, Miller, SD 5736



​Abby Haiar, an x-ray technician at Avera Hand County Memorial Hospital, was a special guest speaker in Mrs. Ketelhut's fourth grade science classes, who are learning about the skeletal system.

She had great facts, answered questions, and showed the students many x-rays of various bones. 

​Thank you!
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Parents/guardians of students in special education,
Please read this document that the South Dakota Department of Education sent to all schools, and complete the form and nomination process if you would like to.  Thank you.


Do you want to build a snowman?  

Mrs. Palmer's Kinderstart class raced to match upper and lowercase letters to build a snowman.  

​They had "snow" much fun!!

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​State Wrestling Tournament tickets are now available through the high school office.

​Order form and payment are due by 4:00 p.m. January 26, 2023

Contact Sara Gates at the school for more information.


​Order a 2023-24 HS/JH Yearbook!

Order forms are available in the high school office to pay with cash or check, or go to this link and enter code 72966D to pay with a credit card.

All orders due by April 14, 2023.
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​Mrs. Baumberger's kindergarten students have been learning the concept of base ten by creating colored paper chains for math.

Miller-Highmore/Harrold Wrestling Invitational (newly named Bob Lager Memorial Wrestling Invitational) team champions THE MILLER-HIGHMORE/HARROLD BANDITS!
​Individual placings were:
-Chase Hurd - 5th
-Kia McCauley - 8th
-Jordan Shafer - 6th
-Kellan Hurd - 1st
-Teagan Foreman - 2nd
-Colby Kolda - 3rd
-Logan Peterson - 7th
-Ryder Rowland - 5th
-Gunner Brueggeman - 3rd
-Tate Hoffman - 1st
-Tucker McCauley - 5th
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During the January 7th Bandit Wrestling Invitational, time was taken to honor the late Bob Lager, a huge supporter of all Miller athletics, especially the wrestling program.
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​Bob's wife Barb joined the team and coaches during a moment of commemorating, and it was announced that the annual Miller-Highmore/Harrold wrestling tournament will from here on be known as the Bob Lager Memorial Wrestling Invitational.

Mrs. VanZee's fifth grade students learned how to cut a 5 point star with just a few folds of the paper and one snip of the scissors!

Elementary families, click here for the January newsletter from Mrs. B.K.

Fourth grade students in Mrs. Ketelhut's science class did experiments to test which shape of bones was the strongest.

Students used construction paper to make two different models of bones (rectangular and circular).

​Then the students tested each shape to find out which one held the most books before it collapsed. 


Before Christmas break, the fifth grade students in Mrs. VanZee's class made bread in a bag, which was then baked in the lunchroom ovens.
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Skills involved were measuring, mixing, kneading, and of course eating the delicious fresh bread!

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​There will be a Miller community blood drive on Tuesday, January 10th from 12:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at St. Ann's Catholic Church.

​To schedule an appointment, contact DeAnn Becket at (605) 853-2207 or use this link https://donor.lifeservebloodcenter.org/.../drive.../177932

Thank you to Dylan Deuter and Cooper Bebo for their generous donations of homegrown beef to the Miller School District!
If anyone is interested in donating beef or making a monetary donation toward the beef program please contact Tara Yost.


Merry Christmas from Mrs. Gibson's third grade class!

​The students enjoyed a classroom gift exchange along with other holiday activities!
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Mrs. Stevens' second graders had some Christmas fun with a few special guests.

The Hopkins family shared about Swedish Christmas traditions and St. Lucia, and 
Jordan  Thornberg entertained the students with a Dr. Seuss story and some fun Christmas songs!

Thank you for coming to our classroom!


​First grade had an AMAZING guest!
He read "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" (with a great Grinch impression) and sang "You're a Mean One, Mister Grinch" plus a few extra Christmas songs.
Ms. Rick's students sang along and danced!
They were so excited! Extra big thanks to our special guest!




The fourth grade students in Mrs. Gesinger's and Mrs. Ketelhut's classes donated money to buy gifts for the nursing home residents.

Then they wrapped, delivered the gifts and sang Christmas carols to the residents. 
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​Mrs. VanZee's fifth grade students changed their folk tale reading stories into plays, which they then presented to the class.  

THE RUSTLER ANGEL FUND
 
The Rustler Angel Fund has been set up to allow community members to give monetarily to support some of the various financial needs that our students and their families face with the start of the school year and also for on-going costs that may arise throughout the school year.  We believe in the importance of the chance for all students to participate fully in educational opportunities.  
 
Examples of these costs may include school supplies, clothing needs, medical needs, music programs, and extracurricular sports/activities.  Angel Funds may also be used to help families with outstanding food service balances.  Donors are able to specify how they would like their donation distributed (example: for school supplies).  All donors will have the option to remain anonymous.  
 
Donations may be sent to:
 
Miller School District 29-4
Attn:  Rustler Angel Fund
PO Box 257
Miller, SD 57362
 
Please contact Courtney Van Zee or Sara Gates with any questions.

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These students in Mrs. Van Zee's fifth grade class completed the Reading Plus requirements earning themselves a free pizza from Cenex in Wessington.
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Thank you Cenex for the fun incentive!

​The basketball double headers from last week have been rescheduled for the following dates and times:
-Thursday December 29th - Miller vs MT Vernon/Plankinton (2:00pm)
-Monday February 13th - Miller vs Potter County (4:00pm)
This will mean a change of Spring Kick-Off meeting. New date TBD.

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​Attention Class of 2022!
Stop in to Mrs. Wetz's room while you are in town over Christmas break and pick up your 2021-2022 yearbook!

The elementary student council collected nearly 1,500 food items during their food drive last week!!
Thank you to the Lions Club for picking up and distributing the items to help make several families' Christmas a great one!
The winners of the Pizza Party with the Principal, Mrs. Ketelhut's fourth grade class, brought an average of 11 items per student!
Thank you so much to all of the families for your generosity!

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As a part of the social studies chapter on "Life in the Past", Mrs. Stevens' second graders interviewed a grandparent.

The students asked questions such as - What did you do for fun when you were a second grader? What was clothing like when you were a second grader?

Coming full circle, shown is Mrs. Barb Jones who was interviewed by her second grader grandson Rowdy.  Mrs. Barb Jones started this project when she taught second grade.

Click this link to go to the Miller-Highmore/Harrold Bandits apparel store!


The students in Mrs. VanZee's 5th grade class wrote letters to a national park of their choice requesting information for a research project. 
They are excited to be receiving mail back! Some packets have included hand-written or typewritten, personal responses to the student's letters.
Thank you to the National Park Service and the rangers who went the extra mile in their response!


These students in Mrs. Gibson's third grade class and Mrs. VanZee's fifth grade class earned a free personal pizza at Cenex in Wessington through the "Readers Are Leaders" program. 

Congratulations!

And Thank You to the Wessington Cenex for donating the prizes!​



The Kinderstart class showing just a few of the hats and gloves donated from Wessington's Heartland State Bank hat and glove drive.
​
Thank you so much for your generosity!
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Students in Mrs. VanZee's fifth grade science classes are learning about the phenomenon of rainbows by bending light from the visible light spectrum through the use of prisms and spectroscopes.



​The elementary student council members are busy counting up all the food donations so far!

Mrs. Ketelhut's fourth grade class ​learned about GMOs (genetically modified organisms) from Lindsey Berg, a CropLife Ambassador.
This presentation ties in nicely with a reading story that they will be reading about Bt corn.
Thank you Lindsey!
The students learned a lot about what a GMO is and why it is beneficial.


​Congratulations
 to Sophia Hargens-Flores and Cassadee Deuter for winning the coloring contest sponsored by the Miller Chamber of Commerce!
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The Miller FCCLA chapter recently traveled to Pierre to attend the region meeting.
There were four professional pres
entations, two quiz bowl teams, and a region officer candidate that competed.
The teams that received gold awards qualified for the state meeting.
​Fun was had by all! 


Thank you to the 6th grade elementary student council members for decorating the tree in the elementary hallway that was donated by Mrs. Kudmore-Cremer!
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​A big Thank You to ​Tel Jr. and Tresa Preszler from California for their generous donation of books to our first grade students!!

​Mobile device users who have been having trouble accessing the online school calendar on the school website:
There is now a link posted above the calendar that will enable you to open the calendar in a new browser window.


Fifteen of our freshmen FFA members won new FFA jackets from local or state sponsors.  Thank you!

Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve.
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Click here to read the December edition of the Elementary Newsletter from Mrs. B.K.

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​Congratulations
 to Tyra Gates, Ally Mullaney, Jolie Palmer, & Jaden Werdel who have all been selected to the All Big Dakota Conference volleyball team!


The sixth grade student council members were creative and made posters to advertise for our food drive next week.

Thank you in advance for your donations!

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Ms. Gross' classes are ready to mail out postcards as part of a nationwide postcard exchange with other schools!




​Construction has begun on the new ag shop!
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Congratulations to Brystal Wallman, Fox Palmer, Julia Bode, Nolan Caffee, and Dylan Otto for winning the Shop Local poster contest! They received Miller Bucks as their prize!


​Every quarter students that have exhibited Rustler PRIDE through promptness, respect, integrity, dependability, or engagement are entered in a drawing for Miller Rustler sweatshirts.

First quarter winners are Mohrgan Werdel and Jesse Hughes!
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Everyone is welcome to attend the Oral Interp Public Performance and Potluck, Tuesday November 29th at 6:00 p.m. in the High School Commons!

The student performances will start at about 6:30 p.m.
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Stop up to the courthouse to check out the Miller FCCLA Chapter's Christmas tree!

​See if you can find your favorite member on the tree! 



Mrs. Haigh's 3rd grade class enjoyed a Thanksgiving activity before the break.

Groups of students worked hard to solve riddles, follow clues, and complete math problems in order to save turkeys.

All four groups worked together to save the turkeys! 



Before Thanksgiving break Mrs. Baumberger's Kindergarten class did a readers theater production of "Five Little Turkeys" for Mrs. Palmer's Kinderstart class.



​Mrs. Bertsch and Ms. Gross say, "No turkeys getting eaten at Millerdale this year!"


Miss Knox's Nutrition and Wellness classes came together to make and share a meal in the second annual Friendsgiving celebration in the FACS room!


Mrs. Palmer's Kinderstart class made donut turkeys for a snack before Thanksgiving break!

Mrs. Rogers' 5th graders did a "Balloons Over Broadway" STEM project where they learned the history of The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and how the giant balloons are constructed.

The students brought in materials from home, designed and constructed a balloon "float". 

Mrs. Engle's and Mrs. Baumberger's kindergarten classes then were treated to the parade! ​


The Miller Rustlers boy’s basketball team is raffling off a handmade bean bag board and bags set.

Each raffle ticket is $20. Individuals may buy as many raffle tickets as he/she wishes.

Once a minimum of 150 tickets have been sold, a winner will be drawn.

All proceeds of this raffle go towards the Miller boy’s basketball program for travel expenses, team camps, team apparel, youth camp, and other program necessities.

​Contact Coach Haaland at josh.haaland@k12.sd.us with any questions.
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The 4th graders were studying explorers in their SD History class.
​They did research on their explorer and created a drawing of the person.



Thank you to the business leaders who gave a presentation to the elementary students about shopping local!

The Kinderstart through 6th graders learned about the many things Miller has to offer consumers! 
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If you watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday, keep an eye out for the Pride of the Dakotas - SDSU's Marching Band, and our four MHS alumni that perform with that group!

Meghan Poindexter - trombone, Elise Propst - alto sax, Kaden Sivertsen - Tuba, and Sydney Jessen - mellophone.

And check out the SDPB special "Pride of the Dakotas".  Our own Mr. Otteson is an alumni of the Pride and was part of the group that performed at the Rose Bowl Parade in 2008!



There was just enough snow last week for a few of the elementary students to make the first snow angels of the season!

Angel tree applications for children ages newborn through high school who might need a little extra sparkle this holiday season, are now available at the entry of the Methodist Church, at Quoin Bank, and in the school business office.  The application process is simple and strictly confidential.  Applications must be returned by Friday, December 9.

The Great Plains Food Truck will be in Miller on November 29th at the Methodist Church.  If you know of families that are in need but cannot get to the Food Truck due to their work schedules, they may contact the Methodist church, complete a form, and have someone else pick up the items for them.  

Also, remember that Helping Hands has a food pantry available if anyone is in need for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, or for any day.

​Seven Miller High School band members were selected to perform at the 65th Annual Augustana University Honor Band Festival on November 11th and 12th in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

A total of 250 student-musicians, out of a pool of over 350,  were selected to perform in one of four bands at the festival. 


The student-musicians participating in the Augustana Band Festival spent approximately 12 hours in rehearsals and sectionals with world class music directors culminating in a grand concert performance at the prestigious Mary W. Sommervold concert hall at the Washington Pavilion. 
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Welcome Home Mrs. Smith
from Mrs. Stevens' second grade class!



​November is turkey month in Mrs. Bertsch's classroom.

All exercises, stories, and songs are about turkeys!

Preschool Survey:
The South Dakota Departments of Education and Social Services are conducting a survey to assist the state in understanding the current landscape of preschool education (for children ages 3-5) in South Dakota.
This is the first step in a statewide
 study to capture valuable information about the preschool opportunities currently available to families across the state.
The survey is targeted to families, teachers, and administrators. It will close December 16.


​Mrs. VanZee's 5
th Grade class encountered some Phonemic Awareness using their spelling words and centimeter cube counters.

Students counted the number of letters, vowels, consonants, and isolated each sound in the word. 

Good luck to the girls volleyball team as they make their way to Sioux Falls for the State "A" Tournament! Their first game is Thursday evening at 5:00pm. Hope to see you down there making some noise! Good Luck Rustlers!

The SDHSAA is encouraging anyone planning to attend the State Volleyball Tournament to purchase tickets today at the box office from 10am-5pm or on
Ticketmaster.com to avoid the lines tomorrow!


The elementary students showed their appreciation to our veterans with some patriotic artwork!

Thank You!

On October 14th the Oral Interp team competed in Florence. Both Duets, made up of Eric Ames and Isaiah Gortmaker and Madeline Nye and Gabby Werdel earned Superiors. Eric Ames earned a Superior for his Non-Original Oratory, and Dylan Schnathorst earned an Excellent Plus for her humorous piece.

After local run-offs, the following students competed at the 2A Region competition in Chamberlain:
- Eric Ames: Non-Original Oratory
- Madeline Nye and Gabby Werdel: Duet
- Dylan Schnathorst: Humorous.

All three pieces will be advancing to the State competition December 2nd and 3rd in Mitchell!

There will be a local performance open to the public on November 29th at 6 pm. ​


It's Turkey Time! Mrs. Stevens' second graders decorated turkeys at home with their family.

They could use items of their choice to decorate the turkey, they just had to be creative and have fun!


The fourth grade science classes worked on learning the engineering design process by making models of an exoskeleton that would be both durable and sturdy.

Then they tested each design to see which satisfied the criteria the best.


Mrs. Ketelhut's class combined some seasonal fun with math and music.

They weighed pumpkins, counted seeds, and measured circumference and rind thickness.

This activity matched a pumpkin song they sang about learning about pumpkins!



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School Lunch Menu Change:

On Tuesday, November 15, the menu will be Cheese Bread and Broccoli Cheese Soup or a Ham deli sandwich.




​Congratulations to Blaten Werdel, Brystal Wallman, Hadleigh Asmus, and Cooper Werdel for winning the fire safety poster contest held by the Miller Fire Department.

​Dave Blachford presented them with their monetary awards.
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Anyone planning to attend the state volleyball tournament in Sioux Falls, please see the information below for online ticketing and clear bag entries into the Premiere Center:
INFORMATION FROM THE DENNY SANFORD PREMIER CENTER:
Ticket Links: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/06005D5AE5B6D993
Individual Session Ticket Links:
  • Session I- Thursday, November 17th 11:30am https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/06005D5CD65A69ED
  • Session II- Thursday, November 17th 5:00pm https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/06005D5CD65C69F2
  • Session III- Friday, November 18th 11:30am https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/06005D5CD65F69FB
  • Session IV- Friday, November 18th 5:00pm https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/06005D5CD6616A01
  • Session V- Saturday, November 19th 11:30am https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/06005D5CD6646A04
  • Session VI- Saturday, November 19th 5:00pm https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/06005D5CD6676A0A
We want to encourage all patrons to purchase tickets via Ticketmaster.com.
The Denny has a Clear Bag Policy, No Re-Entry Policy within the session, and concessions are cashless.
The Box Office accepts cash and cards and will open at 10:00 a.m. each day of the tournament.
  • Purchase your State Volleyball Tournament Tickets Here - https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/06005D5AE5B6D993

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School will be dismissed at 11:45 a.m. on Thursday, November 17th.

​Lunch will be served.


The girls volleyball team has advanced to the State "A" Tournament November 17th-19th in Sioux Falls at the Denny Sanford Premiere Center.

Their first round matchup will be against Platte/Geddes on Thursday the 17th at 5:00pm! 

​Congratulations 
Rustler Volleyball!
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Due to the impending weather, the Veteran's Day program that was scheduled for Thursday, November 10th has been cancelled. It will not be rescheduled.
The lunch to be held at the Legion is also cancelled.

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Jaden Anderberg, Trevor Werdel, Briggs Runge and Dylan Hass represented South Dakota and participated in the National FFA Ag Mechanics Career Development Event (CDE) at the National FFA Convention, October 26th-28th in Indianapolis, Indiana. The team earned this opportunity by winning the State Ag Mechanics CDE in Brookings, last April.

​The team placed 20th overall, which was in the Silver category and Trevor Werdel placed 32 individually, Gold category, and Briggs, Jaden and Dylan all placed in the Silver category. With each of the above-mentioned areas the top three individuals and top three teams are also recognized. In the Compact Equipment area Jaden placed 2nd in the nation and the Miller team placed as the 3rd best in the nation, in that area.




​There will be a Veteran’s Day Program on Thursday November 10th at 10:00 a.m. in the armory. 

There will also be a lunch served at the American Legion following the program. Everyone is invited to attend.
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​In honor of Election Day, Mrs. Baumberger's kindergarten class mixed social studies and math by voting for their favorite food.


Six Miller students attend Northern State University's Band Instrument Day on Wednesday, November 2nd.

​Eric Ames (trombone), Adam Turner (horn), Ben Wangsness (clarinet), Jake Gibson (trombone), Isabelle Poindexter (trombone), and Faith Baumberger (percussion) spent the day on NSU's campus in sectional rehearsals, instrument masterclasses, and faculty/student recitals.
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​The day culminated in a short presentation by each instrument section showcasing what they had learned.
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The MHS and junior high marching season has come to a close, but here are some highlights:
  • During Homecoming, the bands marched in the parade and entertained us both before and during the game with a half time show.
  • Drum Major this year is Tanner Wallman.  He is assisted in leading the band by the banner carriers, dance line, and color guard.
  • The MHS Rustler Regiment participated in the Gypsy Day parade in Aberdeen on Saturday, October 8th, earning a silver medal for their performance.
  • Both the high school and junior high bands presented the 7th Annual Indoor Marching Showcase on Tuesday, October 18th.
  • The MHS band completed their marching season with an appearance at the Hobo Day parade in Brookings on October 29th. The band received the Grand Pooba award which is given to the band that is the most exciting and showcases the most spirit. This is the 2nd year in a row for Miller to receive it.



Mrs. VanZee's 5th grade math class constructed coordinate grid quadrants for their Walk The Line activity.

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Eight students in Mrs. Gesinger's 4th Grade classroom earned a pizza certificate from Cenex in Wessington for completing their October Reading requirements!


The girl's volleyball team have advanced to the SoDak 16.

They will play on Tuesday November 8th at 5:30pm against the Groton Tigers at James Valley Christian school in Huron.


The game will be broadcast on the James Valley Christian school page beginning at 5:25 p.m.

​Directions to find the link are:
Go to: jvcs.org, click on the Live button
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The winter concerts will be held on the following dates:
* 5th -8th grade: December 2nd - Armory - 7pm
* K - 4th grade: December 9th - Armory - 7pm
* 9th -12th grade: December 19th - Armory - 7pm


​MHS Graduate Tate Ketelhut, Ag Engineer with Vermeer Engineering and Brooklynne Ketelhut, RN in Iowa, visited with interested Miller High School students in a round table discussion about these growing career fields.

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Congratulations to MHS senior Trisha Lammers! She has been named the Miller High School Heisman Scholarship winner.

​From an applicant pool of thousands of high school scholar-athletes graduating with the class of 2023, more than 5,700 have been named School Winners in the Heisman High School Scholarship competition awarded by The Heisman Trophy Trust.

School Winners will continue on for the chance to become State Winners, National Finalists or National Winners. State Winners receive a $1,000 college scholarship, National Finalists receive a $2,000 college scholarship and the male and female National Winners 
will each receive a $10,000 college scholarship.
 
A complete list of School Winners can be found at https://www.heismanscholarship.com/results/.


Ms. Rick's first grade class tried a new way to review for their Unit 3 Math Test with a little game of Jeopardy.

​They are ready! 

Click here to check out the boys and girls basketball apparel store!
Open now through November 15!


Mrs. Edwards' seventh grade science classes created a Science Museum that they shared with the Kindergarten classes on October 31st.

There were different projects based on the Structure & Function of Cells, Cell Division, Photosynthesis & Cellular Respiration. 





The fourth graders in Mrs. Gesinger's classroom did a little Halloween math. They weighed, measured, and counted the seeds from pumpkins.

Before long, they will be tasting the roasted pumpkin seeds!



Mrs. Gesinger's fourth graders wrote monster stories for Halloween and shared them with Mrs. Engel's kindergarten class.



Mrs. Engle's Kindergarten class used candy corn to make math circles more fun!

Mrs. VanZee's fifth graders did an experiment to find out which liquid dissolved candy corn the fastest!

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​Several of Mrs. VanZee's 5th Grade students earned a pizza certificate from Cenex in Wessington for completing the October Reading requirements!


Mrs. DeBoer's seventh grade language arts classes read stories they had written to the third and fourth graders.

The fourth graders returned the favor by reading their stories to the seventh graders!

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​FCCLA would like to say Thank You to everyone who bought Boo-Grams! 

Laura Evans, Arielle Miner, Isaiah Gortmaker and Adam Turner represented Miller High School at the 70th Annual All-State Chorus & Orchestra Concert on October 29th at the Denny Sanford Premier Center.
The SD Music Educators Association (SDMEA) was established in Aberdeen in 1948. During the 1950-1951 school year, the SDMEA discussed the possibility of forming an All-State Chorus and an All-State Orchestra.
Eventually the decision was made to sponsor an All-State- Chorus & Orchestra in Huron in 1953. Following the success of this first All-State concert, the decision was made to sponsor an annual All-State Chorus and Orchestra concert.
The South Dakota All-State Chorus members are selected locally by the choral directors in each high school. Each school is allowed to bring a pre-determined number of quartets based on each school’s enrollment. This year the chorus was comprised of 920 singers representing 140 high schools.
The members of the South Dakota All-State Orchestra are selected each fall by competitive auditions at three sites around the state. A full symphony orchestra is then selected from among the best musicians in South Dakota. This year’s orchestra had 157 musicians representing 27 schools.
Together the All-State Chorus & Orchestra represent the best singers and the best musicians in the state.
The weekend was spent in intense rehearsals with choral conductor Dr. Sarah Catt of Elmhurst University and orchestral director Dr. Alexander Fokkens of the Alabama School of Fine Arts. The grand finale concert was presented on Saturday evening and was broadcast on SDPB.
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​Mrs. Stevens' 2nd graders got into the Halloween spirit by painting pumpkins!

A special thanks to Kris Stevens for growing us the pumpkins, her time volunteering to help us paint them, and the yummy cookies!! 
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Thank you, Dave Blachford and the Miller Fire Department!

​Thanks for coming to the elementary to present information about fire safety and letting the students tour your newest truck!

The 7th - 12th grade Winter Sports meeting will be on Monday, November 7th at 6:30 p.m. in the Armory.

This is for all parents, athletes, and statistician/managers planning to participate in Basketball or Wrestling.  

For anyone who did not participate in a FALL sport, be sure to complete the concussion test and have physicals completed before the start of the season.



​The MHS Marching Band will be performing in the Hobo Day parade in Brookings on Saturday, October 29.

The parade will be livestreamed beginning at 9:15 a.m.
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Miller High School senior Eric Ames has been chosen as the Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week.

His story will be shown on Dakota News Now on Monday, October 31st during the 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. news broadcast and on Tuesday, November 1 during the 6 a.m. show.

​Congratulations Eric!

MHS Vocalists Laura Evans, Arielle Miner, Isaiah Gortmaker, and Adam Turner will be performing with the All-State Chorus in Sioux Falls on Saturday, October 29th.

The concert begins at 7:00 p.m. and will be televised on South Dakota Public Broadcasting.

The Federal Communications Commission has a program available to assist households with the expense of an internet connection.  
​Click here for more information.
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​The Miller FFA Officers will be leaving this evening to begin their journey to attend the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, IN.

MHS juniors Paton Coyle, Teagan Foreman, Hagen Fritzsche, Maya Howard, Sabrah Morris, and Tanner Wallman will be traveling with chaperone Chris Howard on a bus with students from Mitchell, Ethan, and Platte/Geddes schools.



The Elementary Library was the recipient of a generous donation all the way from California from Mrs. Beilke's cousin!

​Thank You!
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On their way to Indianapolis, IN to compete in the National FFA Ag Mechanics contest, the team stopped at Butler/CAT in Sioux Falls to do some training on a mini-excavator.

​Miller alumni Max Werdel provided the training for the team consisting of Trevor Werdel, Jaden Anderberg, Dylan Hass, and Briggs Runge. 



Mrs. Bertsch's students at Millerdale Colony have been learning about warm colors that look like fire.

They made mosaic flowers and each piece is different!


It's soup season in the FACS room!



​Mrs. Gibson and Mrs. Haigh's 3rd grade students are super excited about the free books they received from the South Dakota Humanities Council.

They are looking forward to reading "Smashie McPerter and the Mystery of Room 11" by N. Griffen! Thank you, SD Humanities Council!
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Miss Rick's first grade students made scarecrows for a fall art project.

​Scary!


Mrs. Stevens' second grade students got into the Halloween spirit with a Jack 'O Lantern art project.

​Spooky!

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​The elementary student council held a hat and pajama day on Friday in memory of Kayden Hammond and raised funds for his family. What a great group of young people!




​The whole school turned out to wish the boys and girls cross country teams good luck as they traveled to the State A Cross Country Meet held on October 22.

Congratulations to all our athletes for a great race!

Click Here for the results!
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​The 2022-2023 MHS Vocal Jazz members have been chosen. Returning members in row 1: Arielle Miner, Cassi VanDerWerff and Madeline Nye.
Returning members in row 2: Journey Palmer, Laura Evans and Aleah Schlechter.
New members in the back row: Gabby Werdel, Cayper Werdel, Haylie Huss, Cora Peterson, Madison Kopecky, Kate Lichty and Brylee Wallman.
Their first performance will be at the annual Snow Queen Festival on Saturday November 26th. 


Drawing up football plays on a beautiful fall day!

Miller School Families
I am writing to encourage any family that feels they may qualify for free and reduced lunches to contact the school to receive the forms. You may ask for an application and apply for school meals any time during the school year by submitting the application directly to the school. If you're earning at or below current Income Eligibility Guidelines, you are encouraged to contact the school to fill out a school meal application. Applications are reviewed by local school district officials before granting free or reduced price benefits. If you receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, all of your children who attend school automatically qualify for free school meals. Participation in other federal assistance programs, including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) also provides automatic eligibility. If you are eligible for unemployment compensation or The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), you may also be eligible for free or reduced price school meals. Please contact your school to determine if you need to fill out an application.

As a school we are acutely aware of the importance of a good meal for students to perform at their best throughout the day. If you qualify for free or reduced lunches this will allow your student the ability to receive a healthy meal throughout the week at reduced or no cost. This program is run by the USDA and is there to help families. This program is also completely anonymous.

Another reason to fill out the forms is to help the school district. There are many funds, grants and loans that the school can apply for that are dependent upon the number of students that qualify for free and reduced lunches.

I encourage anyone that feels they may qualify and has not turned in forms, to please contact the school and we will send a form home for you. If you need help in filling out the forms, we will be happy to help.

​The Miller School District thanks all parents and guardians in their efforts for all the children of the district. Together we can build a stronger future for our children and grandchildren.
Sincerely,
Miller School District

Best wishes to the girls and boys cross country teams as they travel to the State Meet in Huron on Saturday, October 22! There will be a send-off for the team on Friday at 1:30 pm in the Armory.

The girls will run at noon and the boys are scheduled for 1:30 p.m. at the Broadland Creek Golf Course in Huron.  Click here for the meet program and course map.

"Running teaches us that we are capable of so much more than we ever imagined." ~ Plumer


​Mrs. VanZee's 5th Science modeled the size of the Earth compared to the Moon, and the distance between the Earth and the Moon. The moon phases were recreated using a flashlight and a styrofoam ball. The hallway provided more room to do the demonstration.



​Mrs. Palmer's Kinderstart class hops the alphabet to practice letter naming and get their wiggles out!

5-7th Grade Parents,
Join us Mon, Oct 24th - 6pm for the 2024 DC/NYC trip meeting.
If you haven't already, please RSVP now via this link: https://schooltrip.us/MillerSD24
Join meeting here: https://portal.worldclassrooms.com/signup/MillerSD24
Don't miss out!

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​Brett Garland, Director of the South Dakota State School Safety Program came and spoke with 7-12 students yesterday to introduce the Safe2Say South Dakota program, which encourages you to come forward as soon as you think there is a threat to you, someone you know, your school, or hometown.

When you see something, say something, with an anonymous tip that can bring much-needed help, any time, any day.

Our goal is to create a climate where students feel comfortable sharing sensitive information about a potentially dangerous or threatening situation, with a focus on early intervention and prevention.

For more information visit https://safe2say.sd.gov/


Congratulations to Ally, Tyra, and Jolie who were named to the All-Tourney team at the Redfield Pheasant Volleyball Tournament held on October 1!
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Mrs. Schumacher's 6th graders have been learning about Mesopotamia in social studies.   

​They tried writing in cuneiform and found it wasn't as easy as it looked!



​The varsity volleyball team won first place at the Miller Rustlers Invitational Volleyball Tournament!
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The elementary flag football team took on the varsity team for a spirited scrimmage!

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Both the boys and girls cross country teams are head back to the STATE CROSS COUNTRY MEET!!! The boys are Region Champs for the 2nd straight year, and the girls finished 3rd in the region, both to qualify for the state meet.

The State Cross Country Meet will be Saturday, October 22 in Huron.  To order State Meet t-shirts, click here.

​There is currently a trend on TikTok where individuals are calling police with fake school shooting scenarios, sometimes naming specific rooms or other places within a school.
We are sharing this information so you may help us in educating the public and expressing to your child the dangers of such a stunt. We hope this is another trend that will quickly disappear. Our greatest concern is always the safety and protection of our students. We thank you for all you do and hope you have a wonderful fall season.
Sincerely
Eric Norden
Superintendent
Miller Schools

Please wear orange to school and the football game on Friday, October 14 to honor the memory of Kayden Hammond.



​The Junior Class is hosting a Halloween Carnival on Sunday, October 30th from noon to 3:00 p.m. in the Armory!
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Summer 2024 Washington DC Trip!
5-7th Grade Parents:
On Monday, October 24th at 6pm there will be a 25-min digital meeting on the 2024 trip to Washington DC.
Each traveler is eligible for an Early Bird Scholarship of $500!
Click to RSVP: https://bit.ly/3LCOZRA
Click to join: https://schooltrip.us/MillerSD24


Mrs. Haigh's 3rd grade class learned amazing bat facts as part of their October art project.

Students had fun choosing an interesting fact about bats.

They are "batty" about bats!
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Mrs. Gesinger's class enjoys Flashlight Friday. Every Friday the students read with flashlights.

​The students love the flexible seating options. Under the desks and tables seem to be a favorite!


Mrs. Rogers' 5th grade social studies students recently made clay maps of North America.

"A maps says to you. Read me carefully, follow me closely, doubt me not... I am the earth in the palm of your hand." - Beryl Markham

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Eleven MHS students attended the SCRUBS Health Career Exploration for High School Students Camp in Huron on October 5th.
 
Scrubs Camps are designed to increase awareness of education, skills and understanding of health careers available in South Dakota through interactive activities taught by professionals in the Health Care Field
 
Back:  Landon Wagner, Skylar Frueh, Breanna Phinney, Cora Peterson, Haylie Huss
Front:  Alicen Koeck, Ellie Gates, Jami Propst, Aleah Schlechter, Olivia Resel, Abby Boomsma



​Raining outside? No problem! The lower elementary students had a great time during inside recess!!

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​At the Milbank Oral Interp Invitational on Monday, October 3rd the Oral Interp team received the following ratings:

Dylan Schnathorst (Humorous)- Excellent
Braeden Naber (Humorous)-Excellent Plus
Eric Ames (Non-Original Oratory)- Superior
Eric Ames and Isaiah Gortmaker (Duet)- Excellent Plus
Madeline Nye and Gabby Werdel (Duet)- Excellent Plus

All members received an award and had a great time!


If your K–12 student needs help with homework or a problem subject, free online tutoring is now available through the Dakota Dreams Online Tutoring Program.
To learn more and register, click the link:
https://bit.ly/3q4EfkW
#DakotaDreams #FreeOnlineTutoring #CollegeAndBeyond
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​The MHS All-State Chorus members and alternates have been chosen for this school year. Students who will be participating in All-State Chorus this year are Laura Evans, Arielle Miner, Dawson Hubbard and Adam Turner. Alternates are Aleah Schlechter, Cayper Werdel, Isaiah Gortmaker and Ben Wangness.
The members and the alternates will be attending an All-State Chorus prep day at SDSU on October 13th. Students will spend the day in rehearsals and sectionals with college professors learning the music.
The All-State Chorus members will be traveling to Sioux Falls October 28th-30th for two days of rehearsals followed by a grand finale concert with the All-State Orchestra at the Denny Sanford Premiere Center
Pictured are back row: Adam Turner, Ben Wangsness, Dawson Hubbard and Isaiah Gortmaker.
Front row: Laura Evans, Aleah Schlechter, Arielle Miner and Cayper Werdel


​Mrs. Engle's Kindergarten students incorporated the exploration of the inside of a pumpkin with a writing and sensory activity!

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There will be a flu shot clinic in the elementary gym on Thursday, September 29th during parent/teacher conferences from 12:30-7:30.

​Only the regular dose is available at this time. Please bring your insurance card.


​Picture day is coming up on Tuesday, October 4.

Retake day will be on Tuesday, October 18.
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More scenes from the homecoming parade & pep rally -

Homecoming fun at the Elementary!

Third Grade says "Go Rustlers!"
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​Happy Homecoming from Mrs. Baumberger's Kindergarten Class!

​It's Rustler Day!
1:00 Homecoming Parade
Pep Rally @ the Armory following the Parade
5:00 - 7:00 Tailgate Supper at the football field - sponsored by the Booster Club
6:30 Hall of Fame Induction
7:00 Kick-off! The Miller Rustlers take on the Hill City Rangers
Go Rustlers!
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The elementary students got into the spirit Thursday with their creativity on Anything But a Backpack and Kayden Strong day!

​Book Fair!!

The Elementary is holding a book fair on Wednesday, September 28 from 1:00-6:00 p.m., and Thursday, September 29 from 1:00-8:00 p.m.

Students will have a chance to browse through the book fair on Wednesday afternoon and can set things back for purchase on Thursday (or parents can pick things up during conferences)

A flyer will be sent home soon.

Help us rebuild our library!
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​Many of the junior high and high school students wore Orange for Kayden Thursday!




The junior high and high school students got creative on Thursday as they came to school for "Anything But a Backpack" day!

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​Mrs. Ketelhut's fourth grade class had a reading story this week that talked about how kids are creating business ideas to raise money to help other people in need.

They invited MHS freshmen, Jaycee Pugh to come to their class to talk about the business she started to raise funds for the Make a Wish Foundation, which grants wishes for other kids with medical needs. 
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​Check out some of the fun from "Adam Sandler" day at the Elementary!


Mrs. Van Zee's fifth grade students making shadow puppets!

​The fifth grade students built solar ovens in science and then got to enjoy a tasty treat!


Millerdale Colony students are getting into the spirit of Homecoming Week by having "Crazy Sock" day!

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​On Thursday, September 22 during "Anything but a Backpack" day, please wear orange to show support for Kayden Hammond, Faulkton student who is battling leukemia.



​The Elementary students and staff had a lot of fun on Tuesday with "Biker v. Surfer" day!




Congratulations to our 2022 Homecoming Royalty,
Queen Jaden Werdel and King Trevor Werdel crowned at coronation Monday evening.

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Homecoming fun on Monday at the Elementary -
​Soccer Moms and BBQ Dads!


Homecoming Parade Information - 
  • The homecoming parade will be on Friday,       September 23 @ 1:00 p.m.
  • The theme this year is "cartoons"
  • The route is the same as last year, lining up at the Armory, finishing at the Armory.
  • After the parade, there will be a pep rally in the Armory.

​Thank you to the SD Department of Transportation, the City of Miller Police Department, and the Hand County Sheriff's office for their help with logistics.
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Homecoming Week Activities:
  • Monday
    • JH/JV Football @ home v. Chamberlain 4:00 p.m.
    • Coronation @ the Armory 7:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday
    • JH and HS Volleyball @ Redfield 4:15 p.m.
  • Wednesday
    • Cross Country @ Faulkton 1:00 p.m.
  • Friday
    • Parade 1:00 p.m.
    • Pep Rally @ the Armory following the parade
    • Football @ home v. the Hill City Rangers 7:00 p.m.
  • Saturday
    • HS Volleyball @ Wolsey 10:00 a.m.
    • JH Football Jamboree @ Chamberlain 10:30 a.m.

2022 Miller High School Homecoming Court:
  • Spencer Fernholz
  • Dylan Hass
  • Briggs Runge
  • Trevor Werdel
  • Abby Blake
  • Tyra Gates
  • Ally Mullaney
  • Jaden Werdel
Coronation is Monday, September 19th at 7:00 p.m. in the Armory
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Homecoming Week Dress Up Days:
  • Monday - BBQ Dad and Soccer Mom
  • Tuesday - Biker or Surfer
  • Wednesday - Adam Sandler (baggy clothes)
  • Thursday - Anything but a Backpack
  • Friday - Rustler Day



​Congratulations to the varsity volleyball team who were crowned champions of the Big Dakota Conference Tournament in Fort Pierre on Saturday.

Congratulations
 to the all-tournament selections of Ally Mullaney, Tyra Gates, & Jolie Palmer!
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Introducing your Wessington Springs Junior High Volleyball Tournament Champions....THE MILLER RUSTLERS!

​The 8th grade team took home the championship and the 7th grade team took home 4th place! Way to go ladies!

Thank You to the Thrivent Action Team Grant for fully covering Mrs. Bertsch's book fund.
Each year her goal is to give her students a variety of books to read. Thrivent Action Team made it possible for her to give each child in her classroom a book each month during the school year with a few to her personal library.
The kids will love them and all will enjoy reading them together as a class!
What a great program to give back to your community! #ThriventActionTeam #thriventlivegenerously

K-2 Millerdale School

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​Miss Knox's interior design class went to Builder Solutions to see the Tiny Homes!



​Ms. Knox's Nutrition class visited Ms. Rick's first grade class to share the fairy tale stories they created that were based off of the "My Food Plate". 


​A quiet hallway at the elementary school has a new Sensory Path!

A sensory pathway, or sensory hall, is a colorful, creative, and playful way for kids to build connections in the brain that are responsible for sight, touch, sound, etc., which enable kids to complete complex, multi-stage tasks. 

Sensory paths give students an outlet to channel some of their excess energy by directing them down a set route (or path).

This path gives students the opportunity to spin, tiptoe, leap, crawl, hop, squat, stretch, or dance their way from one point to another.

The objectives are to improve focus, prevent disruptive behaviors, develop motor skills, and encourage smiles!
​Whether a student needs to calm down or energize, refocus during a transition, or self-soothe after a stressful challenge, sensory paths are a fun and engaging way for children to take a “brain break” and work through some of their wiggles.



​Mrs. Palmer's kinderstart class taking a few minutes to pause from thinking and classwork to do a little yoga as a movement break.
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​Community Service
On Friday morning, September 23rd several groups of junior high and high school students will be available for community service projects.
This can range from yardwork to small painting projects to moving larger items, etc.
If you are looking for assistance with a project, please contact the high school office (853-2455) for arrangements.

Miller Elementary Families - Click this link for the September Elementary Rustler News.

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​Hands of Hope is taking orders for "Dig Pink" shirts for the Miller vs Hitchcock/Tulare Volleyball Game. $15/shirt If you would like one please message Hands of Hope with your name & size(s). Please get your order in by this Friday, September 2!

$5 of every shirt sold is donated to Hands of Hope! Please show your support for breast cancer awareness by ordering a shirt or donating to this great organization!
These are the top selling #1 favorite Bella Canvas tee, the designs will be screen printed!


​Mrs. VanZee's fifth grade science classes got outside to apply some of the skills they are learning in class!

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These Super Summer Readers each read over 1,000 pages this summer as part of a joint program sponsored by the Hand County Library and school!
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They each received a Free Admission Youth Pass to the South Dakota State Fair, courtesy of the State Fair Read and Win program!
UPDATED: The High School Student Council has chosen the dress up days and theme for the homecoming parade.

Parade Theme: Cartoons
Monday: BBQ Dad vs. Soccer Mom day
Tuesday: BIKER VS. SURFER day
Wednesday: Adam Sandler day
Thursday: ANYTHING BUT A BACKPACK day
Friday: Rustler Day!
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​ACT STUDY SESSION OPPORTUNITY
Ms. Kristina Luczak, Miller High School teacher is offering a unique opportunity for students to complete an ACT study course over four weeks.
The cost of the course is $45 per student, for 8 hours of instruction in the areas of Math, English, Reading and Science in preparation for the ACT.
​All study materials will be provided.
The next ACT exam in Miller is October 18, 2022
Classes are held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on the following dates:
- Sunday, September 25, 2022
- Sunday, October 2, 2022
- Monday, October 10, 2022
- Sunday, October 16, 2022
Interested parties need to sign up NO LATER than September 15th so materials can be ordered.
Please sign up by calling Robin at the Miller High School Office at 605-853-2455. Student cell phone number and email must be provided to register.
Checks should be made payable to Miller School and brought on the first day of class. Cash is accepted, but no change will be available.

Click here to watch Miller's own "More Than a Teacher" Roxanne Stevens!

Miller Rustler Football
​Week 1 Players of the Week
Trevor Werdel- Trevor was dominate on defense and ended the game with 2 sacks and 3 tackles for loss. He also had some big runs on offense
Tate Hoffman- Tate led the team in rushing with 74 yds and on defense had an interception for a TD.
Mason Knox- Mason had a 39 yd catch and a 23 yd TD catch. He also caught a 2 pt conversion and had some great tackles on defense.
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Friday August 26th will be Parent's night for Football & Cross Country players, coaches, cheerleaders, stats, and managers. Parent's night will begin at 6:45pm in front of the bleachers at Bob Schroeder Field.


Miller home athletic competitions will now be broadcast on LiveTicket.

You can find the sport you are looking for at Rustlers.live
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The Miller Rustler football team has been working hard to prepare for the season opener on Friday, August 19 v. the Wagner Red Raiders at 7:00 p.m.
​Click Here to get a quick preview!


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Attention: Incoming 7th Grade Students & Parents!

​On Tuesday, August 16, 2022, 7th grade students are invited to an orientation beginning at 1:00 PM. Students will have the opportunity to review their schedules, tour the school, organize their lockers, and ask any questions they may have.

7th grade parents are invited to a separate orientation session at 5:00 PM in the high school theater on August 16th.

Elementary families, please click here for a newsletter from Elementary Principal Mrs. Boomsma-Kelsey.

Sports Update for Miller Community:
-The online sports website used by the State has updated its URL and is now https://www.gobound.com/sd
If you had the varsity bound app it should automatically update on your phones or electronic devices.


The first day of school is just around the corner!

Click here for a printable PDF of the back to school supply lists for grades K-8.

The first day is Thursday, August 18, 2022.

"A new school year means new beginnings, new adventures, new friendships, and new challenges. The slate is clean and anything can happen." - Denise Witmer
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Miller Basketball Golf Scramble fundraiser is Saturday, July 16.

Come support your Rustler Basketball Teams!

​A free will donation walking taco bar will be available for all (including non-golfers).
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Miller Athletes & Parents:
-The new policy in the Miller Athletic Handbook is student-athletes will now be required to receive YEARLY physicals. With fall sports right around the corner, please stop in and get a physical packet from Robin in the office.
-Carr Chiropractic offers free sport physicals. You can schedule physicals at 605-853-2230
-Avera Medical Group also offers sport physicals, most insurances cover annual physicals for their members (this includes sports physicals), During a visit providers assess patients for medical conditions, review vaccinations, screen for anxiety and depression, and much more. You can schedule sport physicals at the clinic at 605-853-0165.

Miller youth golf camp wrapped up with a wish good luck to Miller's own Jayce Pugh who is on her way to compete at a National Golf Tournament.
She was invited for co-winning the state championship this year.
​Jayce will get to golf at legendary Pinehurst No. 2, the only course to have hosted all 5 USGA's most important events. Good Luck Jayce!



​The MHS Vocal Jazz and All-State Chorus groups performed at Summer Nights in the Park sponsored by the Central Plains Arts Council on Tuesday evening.
Vocal Jazz sang their three pieces they performed at competitions this past year.
All-State Chorus sang their patriotic spiritual called “I Hear America Singing”.
The two groups then combined to perform their 5 Disney pieces they performed at Disney World. Selections were from Lion King, Tangled, Frozen and Moana.
Soloists were Laura Evans, Sara Jessen, Gabi Naber, Elise Propst, Caden Gortmaker and Adam Turner.



​Welcome back to the MHS Band and Chorus students following their week long adventure to Nashville, TN and Florida!
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​The Junior class is selling peaches and lemonade to start fundraising for prom!

Check out the link: https://www.myfruitsale.com/shop
Use code 26HGKT

Or visit with a member of the Junior class!

Delivery will be in mid-July, orders due by June 22nd.


Congratulations to our State Tournament Golfers!

- Jayce Pugh (State Co-Champion)
     *2nd straight title - Jayce is the 9th back to back golf
      champion in the the history of South Dakota
-Derek Brueggeman (21st)
-The girls team earned a 4th place team finish
     *This is the first time a girls golf team from Miller has
      EVER placed at state
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Best wishes to the high school music students, directors, and chaperones as they begin their trip to Nashville, TN and then on to Florida!

​Have fun!

Well done Mrs. Stevens!  Check out this teacher feature from SDEA!


Thank you to these generous donors to our students and school!
- Rodney & Jill Schoen
- SDSCA
- Mark & Pamela Lane
- St John Lutheran Church WELCA Committee
We are thankful for your support! 
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There will be a send-off supper for the State Golf Qualifiers on Saturday June 4th at the Miller Golf Course starting at 6:30pm.

There will be a $5 burgers and brats feed with the proceeds going to the team.


Congratulations to our outstanding track athletes that competed at the State Track & Field Meet. The following placing accomplishments were achieved:
- Ally Mullaney (3rd Place High Jump)
- Pierce Baumberger (7th Place 3200M Run)
- Noah Johnson (3rd Place Shot Put)
- Alex Schumacher (5th Place 1600M Run)
- Tyra Gates, Ally Mullaney, Morgan Kolda, Jaden Werdel (3rd Place 4x100M Relay)
- Tyra Gates, Paige Werdel, Jaden Werdel, Gracen Werdel (6th Place 4x400M Relay)
​- Caden Gortmaker (5th Place High Jump)
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​Fantastic job Sara Jessen! Sara was selected to perform the National Anthem at the State Track Meet at Howard Wood Field in Sioux Falls on Friday, May 27th.




​Congratulations to Sara Jessen! She will be singing the National anthem at the State Track Meet at Howard Wood Field in Sioux Falls.

"Anytime I sing the Anthem, it is an honor and my heart beats out of my chest." - Luke Bryan
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The Miller Golf team completed their region meet on Monday in Pierre.
​
The girls team brought home their second consecutive region championship, and the team is sending 6 players to the state golf meet in Rapid:
Derek Brueggeman (6th @ Regions), Oliver Fritzsche (13th), Jayce Pugh (1st @ Regions), Kaihlyn Anderberg (4th), Cassi VanDerWerff (14th), & Kenzi Kopecky.



Congratulations to our track and field athletes who will be competing at the State Track & Field Meet in Sioux Falls May 27 & 28!
​Girls
Joanlei Baker – Discus
Tyra Gates – 100 Meter Hurdles
Morgan Kolda – 100 Meter Dash, Triple Jump
Trisha Lammers – High Jump, Long Jump
Ally Mullaney – 200 Meter Dash, High Jump
Gracen Werdel – 400 Meter Dash
Jaden Werdel – 400 Meter Dash
Paige Werdel – Long Jump
4x100 & 4x200 - Tyra Gates, Ally Mullaney, Morgan Kolda, & Jaden Werdel
4x400 - Tyra Gates, Paige Werdel, & Gracen Werdel

Boys
Pierce Baumberger – 3200 Meter Run
Caden Gortmaker – High Jump, Triple Jump
Dylan Haas – 100 Meter Dash
Noah Johnson – Shot, Discus
Andrew Knox – 110 Meter Hurdles, 300 Meter Hurdles
Alex Schumacher – 1600 Meter Run
Trevor Werdel – Discus
4x100 - Dylan Haas, Colby Kolda, Andrew Knox, & Trevor Werdel
4x400 - Kellan Hurd, Joseph Baker, Alex Schumacher, & Trevor Werdel
4x800 - Pierce Baumberger, Caden Gortmaker, Kellan Hurd, & Alex Schumacher
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Go to the SDHSAA website for schedule and ticket information:
https://www.sdhsaa.com/activity/track-field-championships/

T-shirts and sweatshirts are available at
​https://store.finedesigns.com/greatplains/sdhsaa-track-field-state-championships.html 

A big thank you to Brad Manning Digging & Septic Service. Pumped the St Lawrence Church 11 times at no charge! 

We continue to be so grateful for the amazing support we have received from the community!
​
"The grass is always greener over the septic tank." - Erma Bombeck

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Miller Cross Country Summer Camp will be June 27-29 from 9:30 a.m. to noon @ the Community Center Meeting Room.
All athletes incoming 6th grade - 12th grade.

Earn a free camp t-shirt by participating both days.
​Contact Coach McGough or Coach Caffee for more information.

Coming up on Monday, May 30th:
  • Band rehearsal 6:00pm @ the Methodist Church
  • Chorus rehearsal 7:00pm outside of armory
- Snacks provided -
If any students attending the upcoming music trip to Florida have not received an updated itinerary or the information for the second app please contact the music department.
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Our school has several job openings - consider joining our team!
  • District Office Secretary
  • ​.50 HS Science Teacher for the 2022-2023 SY
  • JH/HS Math Teacher for the 2022-2023 SY
  • .50 HS Art Teacher for the 2022-2023 SY
  • Paraprofessional positions for the 2022 – 2023 SY
  • Sixth grade elementary teaching position for the 2022-2023 SY
  • Assistant varsity volleyball coach for the 2022-2023 SY
  • Assistant varsity boys’ basketball coach for the 2022-2023 SY
  • Robotics coach for the 2022-2023 SY
  • Assistant robotics coach for the 2022-2023 SY
  • JH basketball coaching positions for the 2022-2023 SY
  • Basketball cheer coach for the 2022-2023 SY
  • EL Coordinator for the 2022-2023 SY
All positions are open until filled.


Miller State Golf t-shirts are available until Tuesday, May 24 at midnight!
https://https-sungoldsports-com.printavo.com/merch/miller-golf-online-store/​

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Graduation is May 21, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at the Armory.

Congratulations & Best Wishes to the Class of 2022!



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The Miller Elementary school had a Fun Track and Field Day on Wednesday. Everyone had a great time!
​Thanks to all of our sponsors for the t-shirts and water! Also thanks to everyone for a wonder school year!



Shirley Gimbel and Mona Hall are retiring this year from the Miller School District! We wish them the best of luck!!

Thank you for being a tireless professional, a helpful coworker, and a good friend.  Now go and relax! 
​Happy Retirement!
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Thank you to these amazing donors to our students and school!
Pipestone Cares
Hitchcock UMC
Henry & Paula Linke
Town N Kountry Kids 4-H Club
"Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgiving, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings." - William Arthur Ward
​Thank you!

Seniors involved in music during their high school career received an engraved medal at the spring awards concert for their 4 years of contributions to the music program.

Aaron Castonguay, Brielee Conkey, Aubrey DeHaai, Emily Gibson, Caden Gortmaker, Alana Howard, Sara Jessen, Luke Johnson, Andrew Knox, Logan Kremer, Cole McKinstry, Gabi Naber, Emily Otto, Taya Pawlowski, Elise Propst, Kael Ruhnke, Shantel Single and Taylor Wetz.
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​Scenes from the FFA Petting Zoo - 

The Music Department presented their annual senior awards at the Spring Concert held on Thursday, May 5th.  Congratulations to all!

front row
Gabi Naber - vocal jazz award & instrumental director's choice award
Alana Howard - John Philip Sousa award
Brielee Conkey - vocal jazz award

back row
Caden Gortmaker - vocal director's choice award & instrumental director's choice award
Elise Propst - vocal jazz award & Louis Armstrong jazz award
Sara Jessen - vocal jazz award, Jim Wilson vocal award, & Woody Herman jazz award
Taya Pawlowski - band spirit award
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"Music in the soul can be heard by the universe." - Lau Tzu


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The MHS FFA Chapter is hosting a Petting Zoo on
Friday, May 5 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the
​Football Field Concessions area.

Everyone is welcome!



There will be a Music Parents meeting on Wednesday, May 11th at 7:00 p.m. at the Methodist Church.

​On the agenda is the election of new officers.
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​On Monday, May 9th at 7:00 p.m. at the Methodist Church there will be an informational parent meeting for all parents with students going on the music trip to Florida this summer.

The high school Earth science class have installed a true to scale in both size and distance model of the solar system. 

If the Sun is three and a half feet in diameter, the inner planets are very small (less than an eighth of an inch in diameter!) and the distances are very long (Neptune is 2.2 miles away!)

You will find the Sun at the Armory parking lot next to the school message board, then head east down the sidewalk.  In the first block you will find Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars.  After that, the distances start to stretch out.  Walking along the bike trail to St. Lawrence, you will find Jupiter near the New Beginnings Church, Saturn near the big culvert before the Midway Drive-In, Uranus is at the St. Lawrence Church, and Neptune is all the way through to the St. Lawrence Park.

Congratulations to the students that participated in the Redfield Area Retired School Personnel Spelling Contest!

First Grade:
Colsen Kolda: 1st place. Winning by spelling the word 'autumn' & Marianne Price

Second Grade:
Lincoln Beranek & Gwen Otteson

Third Grade:

Jake Werdel:1st place. Winning by spelling the word 'automobile' & Hans Otteson

Fourth Grade:

Grace Saienga & Cannon Reimann: 1st place. Winning by spelling the word 'platypus'

Fifth Grade:

Hadleight Asmus & Blaten Werdel: 2nd place

Sixth Grade:

Jack Saienga & Landon Tanner: 1st place. Winning by spelling the word 'theme'

Seventh Grade:

Allyanna Skinner & Autumn Flor: 1st place. Winning by spelling the words 'jubilee and hatred' & Jorryn Heilman: 3rd place

Eighth Grade:

Joe Baker: 2nd place ​
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Pipestone Sow Farm made a generous donation to the Miller School District.

Thank you for the support! 

​Many MHS students attended the State FFA Convention April 24-26 in Brookings, SD.
Congratulations to all the participants! Here are the students who took home honors for their hard work and dedication:
6 Seniors received their State FFA Degree:
Brielee Conkey, Aubrey DeHaai, Alana Howard, Noah Johnson, Cooper Oakley, and Taya Pawlowski
Alana Howard was one of 4 finalists for the State Star Farmer Award - She received a plaque and cash award.
Paton Coyle was recognized as the District 6 Star Greenhand – He received a plaque and cash award.
Four seniors were State Proficiency Finalists. The first place applications will be advanced to Nationals in the fall.
* Aubrey DeHaai – Small Animal Production – 1st place
* Alana Howard – Swine Production – 1st place
* Alana Howard – Diversified Livestock Production – 2nd place
* Sabrah Morris – Veterinary Science – 2nd place
* Noah Johnson – Landscape Management – 3rd place
Alana Howard and Taya Pawlowski each received a $500 State FFA Scholarship
Miller CDE Teams Results:
Ag Mechanics (1st) – Jaden Anderberg (1st), Briggs Runge (11th), Trevor Werdel (15th) This team will go to Nationals in the fall.
Poultry Judging (4th) – Andrew Knox (7th), Noah Johnson (8th), Cole McKinstry, Alex Schumacher
Meats Judging (8th) – Maya Howard, Hagen Fritzsche, Treyton Anson, Teagan Forman (18th)
Veterinary Science (10th) – Alana Howard (18th), Taya Pawlowski, Aubrey DeHaai

Thank you to these amazing donors to our students and school!

We continue to be so grateful for the outpouring of support - Thank you!

​"Sometimes the bad things that happen put us directly on the path to the best things that will ever happen to us." - Nichole Reed

  • New Underwood School
  • Marilyn Hines
  • Annette & Kenneth Alumbaugh
  • White Lake School
  • Riverbottom Militiamen VMC
  • Anne Olson



Many thanks to the Huron Middle School Student Council for holding a fundraiser to benefit our students and school!

We are grateful to the Huron Middle School students for their generous monetary and gift card donation to our students and school!

"Giving is not just about making a donation, it's about making a difference." - Kathy Calvin

​Thank you for making a difference!
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The Foods Class were able to take a tour of Central Processing Plant.

Thank you for the great tour and information!



​Miller FCCLA members attended the State Leadership Conference In Sioux Falls.

Members participated in different STAR events and Taya Pawlowski gave up her state office!

The Miller Golf program hosted their annual Miller Golf Invitational April 21st. There were 80 golfers who attended.

The Miller Girl's team took home 1st place in the girls division.

​Individually Miller had the following:
- Jayce Pugh (1st place)
- Kaihlyn Anderberg (2nd place)
- James Fritzsche (9th place boys)

Twenty three MHS students traveled to Aberdeen for the 67th Annual NSU math contest, where they competed with over 400 students from other area schools. 

Eric Ames earned honorable mention in the Advanced Algebra test! Congratulations to all!

"The difference between good at math and bad it math is hard work. It's trying. It's trying hard." - Matt Waite
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The Miller Music Department announces its spring concerts!

Monday May 2nd will be the Kinderstart through 6th grade concert.
  • 6:00 Kinderstart through 2nd Grade
  • 6:30 Third and Fourth Grades
  • 7:00 5th and 6th Grades

Thursday May 5th will be the Junior High and High School Concert.
  • 6:00 Junior High Chorus
  • 6:30 Junior High Band
  • 7:00 High School Band
  • 7:30 High School Music Awards
  • 7:45 High School Chorus
  • 8:00 Vocal Jazz

All concerts will take place at the Methodist Church. The concerts will be in an “open-house” format. Due to limited seating, audience members are welcome to come and go and listen to the groups they would like to.
All concerts will be live-streamed on the Methodist Church YouTube channel: “Miller United Methodist Church”

There have been some changes to the high school track schedule.  The BDC meet scheduled for Tuesday, April 19 at Crow Creek has been canceled.

There has been an addition of a meet in Sully Buttes on Thursday, April 21, 2022 with the field events beginning at 1:00 p.m. and the running events beginning at 3:00 p.m.




Kindergarten Screening and Registration will be held on April 21 & 22, 2022 at the Community Center.

If you have a child who will be 5 years old on or before September 1, 2022, complete the registration form found in the Miller Press and return it to Miller Elementary, PO Box 257, Miller, SD  57362

The school will contact you with a time and location of your scheduled appointment.
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Pictured is the junior ag class during a tour of Vern's Manufacturing in Wessington.
The Miller HS Ag Classes have been conducting various business and industry tours for the Week of Work.
The purpose of the tours is to expose the students to the various business in our community and the job opportunities that are available in these business and industries.

Thank you to the following businesses!
  • Donlin Buildings
  • Vern's Manufacturing
  • Titan Machinery
  • Miller Vet Clinic
  • ADM
  • SD Soybean Processors
  • Miller Concrete Products
  • Agtegra
  • Builder Solutions
  • Builders Cashway
  • Mid Dakota Rural Water System
  • Dakota Energy Cooperative
  • C & B Operations


Thank you Jonna Grupe for your donation of books and hand sanitizer to our students and school!

"Reading is a conversation. All books talk, but good books listen as well." - Mark Haddon

​Thank you so much!
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The MHS Junior Class invites everyone to come watch the Grand March!


​Thank you to these great donors to our students and school!

Teresa Eschenbaum-Class of 1980
Marvin & Pat Hasart 
Ree Heights Community Church
Alan & Roxanne Nissen-In memory of George Melber
Jenell Feller-In memory of Irene Fanning
Kris Stevens-In memory of George Melber
Stanley County Elementary
Karren Kleinsasser
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Thank you to the Groton Area Music Department.

Their Middle School recently had a Talent Show.

Donations received that evening have been donated to the Miller Music Department.



Here is a sneak peak of what the juniors have prepared for the "Neon Night" Jr./Sr. Prom Grand March that will be held Saturday, April 9, 2022 at the Armory!

​See you there!
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​Congratulations to the MHS Vocal Jazz for receiving 1st place at the SDSU Jazz Festival on April 7th!



​Congratulations to Ally Gibson!

Her piece
 “Trust Poem” has been chosen from hundreds of poetry and prose entries from all across the state as an Honorable Mention in the SDSU Jerome Norgren Poetry Contest, middle school division.  
Well done! 
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​The Miller Elementary School had a Penny War fundraiser and raised $1,378.90 for the St. Lawrence Playground Project. 

Mr. Bachmeier had to wear a chicken suit and Gary Price had to wear a suit and tie because the students raised over $1,000.

Thank you to the First Presbyterian Church of Cumberland, Maryland for your generous donation of books to our students and school!

Pilamaya! Thank you!
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The Thursday, April 7, 2022  junior high track meet in Mount Vernon has been cancelled.

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Thank you to the SDHSAA for donating a variety of boys and girls basketballs and volleyballs leftover from the State Tournaments to the Miller School District!

The juniors have started getting decorations ready for Prom!

​Thank you Foreman Buses for the use of your facilities to prepare!

​Also thank you to Builders Solutions for the donated cardboard!

Due to current track conditions, Miller will NOT be hosting any home track meets this year. An updated schedule with replacement meets will be posted in the near future.

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Thank you to the Mt. Vernon School for your donation of books to our students and school!

We are so grateful!

"Books are the plane, and the train, and the road. Books are the destination and the journey. They are home." - Anna Quindlen

​
2021-2022 Yearbooks!

Miller HS/JH Yearbook orders are due April 15, 2022 - cost is $40, or $42 with a name.

Mrs. Wetz has order forms or orders can be placed online using code 62221Z.
​
https://inter-state.com/order
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Congratulations MHS Vocal Jazz for placing 3rd at the Northeast Jazz Festival in Norfolk, Nebraska!


Thank You to area schools, Sunshine Bible Academy, Highmore/Harrold, and Wolsey/Wessington, for the loan of percussion equipment for Vocal Jazz as they travel to competitions!

​Pictured is Adam Turner, Caden Gortmaker and Tanner Wallman - the rhythm section for this year's Vocal Jazz.

The group is shown practicing at the Methodist Church.

"Life is a lot like jazz. It's best when you improvise." -George Gershwin

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On March 14th, Pi Day, Ms. Zemlicka's junior high math classes colored numbers to make a pi day number chain.
​
Her 7th grade study hall students helped hang them around the room!


The Miller High School anatomy students visited the SDSU cadaver lab last month. The tour gave students a sneak peek of the college lab setting, and students were able to see and hold parts of the body recently studied in class.

They also had the opportunity to visit the South Dakota Art Museum on the SDSU campus. 

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Thank you Britton/Hecla Braves Student Council for your donation to our school!

We appreciate your generosity!

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." - Eleanor Roosevelt

Congratulations to the following students for earning the Pillar of Citizenship award!
  • K-1:Logan Wik
  • 2nd: Jenna Danburg
  • 3rd: Peyton Moss
  • 4th: Kalley Teason
  • 5th: Owen Kahler
  • 6th: Jeremiah Haigh​
​​"Good Character improves every aspect of a person's life." - John C. Maxwell

Thank you so much to these awesome donors to our school!

Be Wise Social Club of Wolsey
Buchanan K/1 Center
Aimee Jost-Class of 1995
April Lovrien-Class of 1995
SD Community Foundation-Class of 1952
Bowdle FFA
Bonnie Throop Valles-In memory of Max Harrell
Mike & Carole Clements-In memory of George Melber ​



Melissa Todd
Brian & Susan Bast
MT Blind & Low Vision Council
Warner School
Britton -Hecla Student Council
Roger & Jane Fritzsche 
Lynn & Ray Werdel

​"Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much."- Helen Keller

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Thank you Kathy Meiers for your generous donation of a subscription to the Junior Library Guild!

What fun it will be to get new books every month!  Thank you!

"Libraries store the energy that fuels the imagination. They open up windows to the world and inspire us to explore and achieve, and contribute to improving our quality of life. Libraries change lives for the better." - Sidney Sheldon


Thank you Peggy Spenser for your donation to our students and school!

We are very grateful for your generosity!

"A #2 pencil and a dream can take you anywhere." - Joyce Meyer​
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Thank you to the Palmer Family for your donation to our students and school!

​"If you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely." - Roald Dahl

Thank you so much!  We are grateful for lovely friends like you!

State mandated testing has been exempted for students at the Miller campus due to the school fire. 
Please see this document for details.

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MHS sophomore Laura Evans donated books from her own collection.  Thank you!

"Reading is a way for me to expand my mind, open my eyes, and fill up my heart." - Oprah Winfrey



​Thank you to the Bruch Family and Jost Family for your donation of books to our students and school!

“A library outranks any other one thing a community can do to benefit its people. It is a never failing spring in the desert." - Andrew Carnegie

Thank you so much, we are grateful!
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​Laura Evans was chosen to the sing the National Anthem at the State B Boys Basketball Tournaments at the Barnett Arena on the campus of NSU in Aberdeen.

​Laura is shown singing at the 12:00 game on Thursday March 17th.

The golf team apparel store is now open! Store closes on March 25, 2022.
"Happiness is a long walk with a putter." - Greg Norman
https://miller-golf-2022.itemorder.com/shop/sale/



Thank you Buchanan K/1 Center School in Huron!

"If you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely." - Roald Dahl

Thank you for your generous donation! We are grateful!
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Thank you Pat Shoemaker for your donation to our students and school!

"When it comes to life, the critical thing is if we take things for granted or take things with gratitude." - G.K. Chesterton

We are grateful!  Thank you!


The elementary students enjoyed a pizza party!

Many thanks to these families for making this happen!
- Wade and Tara Yost
- Luke and Kyrstin Doris
- Jacob and Mallory Knippling
- Kori Blake- Willies

"Anyone who says money can't buy happiness has clearly never spent their money on pizza!" - AWK

Thanks to C & B Operations for donating basketball hoops for both Miller Elementary West and Miller Elementary Saint Lawrence!

Thank you to Mr. Ketelhut's class for putting them together for us! 

Thank you to Vern's Manufacturing for the panels at the court house parking lot to keep us safe!



Thank you Kimball School!  We appreciate your donation to our school and students!

"A good neighbor is a found treasure." - Chinese Proverb

We continue to be blessed by our neighbors from all over the state and beyond - thank you!
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Reminder that the track apparel store will be closing at noon on Friday, March 18. Contact Tom McGough with questions.
We appreciate your support. Thank you!
https://miller-track-2022.itemorder.com/shop/sale/

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A reminder that the elementary is having a Book Fair from March 16 through March 29, 2022.

Click Here to check it out!

Many thanks to Vern's Manufacturing of Wessington for the free standing panels used to put around the basketball hoop used at Elementary-West (Presbyterian Church) during their PE and recess time!

Thank you to the Hand County Highway Department for hauling and setting them up, and thank you to the Hand County Courthouse for the use of the corner of the parking lot!

"The real joy of life is in its play.  Play is anything we do for the joy and love of doing it, apart from any profit, compulsion, or sense of duty.  It is the real joy of living." - Walter Rauschenbusch 
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Many thanks to the Blue Earth Community Library for your donation of library books to our students!  We appreciate your kindness!

"The privilege we have in this country to borrow books from our public libraries is quite wonderful, really.  It empowers all of us to keep on learning and exploring throughout our lives. That's very special, because life is all about growing, changing, and opening ourselves up to new ideas and information." - Elizabeth Taylor




​Congratulations to the following basketball athletes for being selected by the Big Dakota Conference coaches for the      All-Conference Teams:

* Tyra Gates - All-Conference
* Morgan Kolda - All-Conference
* Alex Schumacher - All-Conference Honorable Mention
* Trevor Werdel - All-Conference Honorable Mention
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​Thank you Huron United Methodist Church for the gift of file folders!

"Organizing is what your do before you do something, so that when you do it, it is not all mixed up." - A.A. Milne



Thank you Medary Elementary School of Brookings and alumnus Sydney Jessen!

We appreciate your donation to our school!

“Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.” 
--Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne

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Thank you to the Brookings AR Girls for your donation to our school! We appreciate it!

“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” —G.K. Chesterton
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Thank you for your thoughtfulness! We are grateful!



Caden Gortmaker was chosen to sing the National Anthem at the State B Girls Basketball Tournaments.

​Caden is shown singing at the 12:00 game on Thursday March 10
th at Watertown High School.
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Thank you Hub City Roofing of Aberdeen for your very generous donation of supplies for our students and school!

"How often have I lain beneath rain on a strange roof, thinking of home." - William Faulkner

We will soon be "home" - thank you for making our journey more comfortable!

Thank you to all these amazing donors to our students and school!

Warner School
Citizens in Action
Westside Ranchers 4-H Club
Rieck-Morgan Legion Auxilliary 
Chamberlain School 
Gerald & Roberta Fanning
Chapter AK PEO
Sovell Law Office
Bison School
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Vernon & JoDean Joy​
SD School for the Blind Student Council
White River School
MHS Class of 1997
Robert & Jean Sinkbeil
Brooke & Justin Brunsvig
Sylvia & Colin Johnson 
Richard Nelson
Lemmon School

"Giving is not just about making a donation, it's about making a difference." - Kathy Calvin

Thank you for making a difference! We are so grateful!


Thank you Wolsey-Wessington Warbirds!

We are so thankful for your very generous donation of books, bookbags, winter gear, and other supplies!

"Real strength has to do with helping others." - Fred Rogers

​Thank you for being our neighbor!
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The Elementary is having a Book Fair from March 16 through March 29, 2022.
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You can visit the site now to set up your account.


https://www.scholastic.com/bf/millerelementaryschool27


​Here is the link to the Miller Track Team apparel shop.
Orders must be placed before Wednesday, March 23, 2022.
Thank you!
https://miller-track-2022.itemorder.com/shop/sale/
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Community Counseling Services of South Dakota will be hosting a counseling and debriefment day on Wednesday, March 16th for Miller School Students and Staff affected by our fire and school displacement.


Professionals from across the state will be joining together to lead counseling and educational groups in dealing with stress and trauma.


Group presentations, small group presentations, and individual counseling may be utilized.  Students and staff will also receive information on how to seek out mental health counseling for themselves and those they care about.


Parents are encouraged to contact Courtney Van Zee at 605-204-0976 or courtney.vanzee@k12.sd.us with any questions they may have about the process.


Thank you Bison Public Library for your donation to our students and school!

"I have always imagined that paradise will be a kind of library." - Jorge Luis Borges

​We are so grateful!  Thank you!
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Thank you to the Northwestern School for your donation to our students and school!

We are grateful for the support we have received from other schools all across the state!

"Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings. " - William Arthur Ward



​Thank you Kessler's for your donation to our school!

"Difficulties are opportunities to better things; they are stepping stones to greater experience." - Bryan Adams

Thank you for helping us overcome our difficulties!
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Congratulations to these FFA participants from the Redield CDE.  
  • Ag Mechanics – Jaden Anderberg – 1st place individual and team placed 2nd with team made up of Jaden, Carter Kruml, and Landon Wagner. 
  • Meats Judging and Evaluation – Maya Howard placed 8th individually and the team placed 3rd with team made up of Maya, Teagan Forman, and Treyton Anson. 
  • Poultry Judging – Noah Johnson – 2nd place individual, Andrew Knox – 3rd place individual, Cole McKinstry – 7th place individual and Alex Schumacher – 9th place individual and the team placed 1st. 
The next event will be Tuesday, March 15 at Northwestern.



Thank you Carol Harvey, Nikki Larson, Tara Bierman, and the Oahe Hockey Fans for your generous donations to our students and school!

"When it comes to life the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude.” – G.K. Chesterton
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We are so grateful for all the support!