Second grade had a leaf-tastic time at Art class by practicing their fine motor skills with autumn leaf mosaic art! 🍁🎨
As we approach the upcoming Legislative session, the push for public tax dollars to fund private schooling and alternative instruction (homeschooling) is expected to be at the forefront once again. As a K-12 Public School, we oppose legislative efforts that are targeted at hurting the overall effort of public schools. Please read and review the following editorial endorsed by many of the K-12 Leadership Groups in South Dakota so that you can be more informed on the conversation:
Dear South Dakotans,
We are writing to our friends and neighbors as representatives of education-focused organizations. Our organizations are comprised of South Dakotans who have served South Dakota communities and their children for decades. We express our strong concern and opposition to the introduction of school voucher programs in South Dakota. Voucher programs have many names, such as Education Savings Accounts, Tuition Tax Credits, Vouchers, Grants, Tax Credit Scholarships, or Debit Cards. These programs divert critical funding away from your public schools, which serve as the lifeblood of communities across our great state. Our public schools are the foundation of our community’s future as schools in your community produce your next workforce and serve as the draw for our young people to come home and raise their South Dakota families.
Public schools are the cornerstone and pride of our communities, welcoming all children regardless of background, ability, or socioeconomic status. The divergence of South Dakota taxpayer dollars into private, alternative instruction (home school) or for-profit institutions undermines Article VIII of the South Dakota Constitution. Our communities have been built on our public schools’ ability to provide equitable, high-quality education for all children regardless of their zip code. For generations, South Dakotans have respected individuals' school choices, whether through open enrollment, private schooling, or alternative instruction (homeschooling), while maintaining their communities' foundation through their public schools.
Research indicates that voucher programs consistently fail to improve academic outcomes. Most recently, research from the non-profit Economic Policy Institute reports how “Vouchers undermine efforts to provide an excellent public education for all.” The research notably states, “Public education is worth preserving – it should be seen as one of the most important achievements in our country’s history and crucial for the social and economic welfare of future generations.” It also warns, “Paradoxically, even while they take resources away from public schools, many newly introduced voucher programs could result in more total state spending in coming years.” As educators and South Dakotans, we ask that we not dismantle a system that is the bedrock of our communities as it provides all children with the opportunity to learn, be fed, be safe, and belong.
Instead of dismantling the system that educates the majority of our children, we urge policymakers to focus on strengthening public education. Monies intended to build “another education system” should be invested in our communities and our K12 system. Let us reaffirm our collective commitment to our communities through our pride in public schools, which are an investment in our children and the foundation of our democracy.
Submitted,
School Administrators of South Dakota (SASD)
Associated School Boards of South Dakota (ASBSD)
South Dakota Education Association (SDEA)
South Dakota United Schools Association (SDUSA)
Large School Group
Resource: https://www.epi.org/blog/vouchers-undermine-efforts-to-provide-an-excellent-public-education-for-all/
Reminder to get your nominations for recipients for the NHS Angel Tree turned in before Thanksgiving break. Forms can be found on the ABO District website, or contact Mrs. Cherie Hill at the school.
Parents/Guardians:
Nominations for the 2025 Special Education Staff of the Year are being accepted through January 17, 2025! The top 5 nominees will be invited to the March 19 SPED Conference Awards Luncheon.
This can include sped teachers, speech and language pathologist, occupational therapist, physical therapist, school psychologist, and paraprofessionals.
To nominate one of our very own awesome SPED Staff members, please use this link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfnknk-3R8djpSDSbtrjG57WLdeD4RDRYH09pUm0-N3gSpYKg/viewform
Jaycee taking a shot at the Sudoku!
3rd Grade Art Class Welcomes Frida! 🎄🎅
Our 3rd graders were the first to meet Frida, the elf sent by Santa to keep an eye on Mrs. Tassler’s art students! They had a blast reading Santa’s letter and sharing stories about their own elves’ antics over the years.
Stay tuned to see what kind of mischief Frida will get up to!
A Second Grade favorite project when learning about wheat is making Bread in a Bag!
This week's Second Grade Super Spellers! Great job!
ABO Activities 11/25 thru 12/3
11/26/24 – MS Girls Basketball vs. Potter County
Start Time: 5:30 PM
12/1/24 – FFA State Leadership LDE – Rapid City
12/2/24 - FFA State Leadership LDE – Rapid City
12/3/24 – MS Girls Basketball @ Highmore/Harrold
Start Time: 6:30 PM
FCCLA members created Thanksgiving boxes for local families in need.
Sully Buttes students did an amazing job of helping restock the local food pantry - over 983 items were collected! Great job Charger Nation!
Angel Tree Information
Juniors in the US Government class preparing for their upcoming mock trials. Lawyers working with their witnesses for direct examination!
Newsletters are hot off the 'press' and will be distributed throughout the community very soon!!
The 7th grade Social Studies analyzed an almost 250 year old document, the Declaration of Independence, by completing a scavenger hunt.
Charger Nation Newsletter is here!! 💜
Please see the attached picture for the middle school girls' basketball bracket for the YTC Tournament in Bowdle on December 7th, 2024.
Attention: Gym Closure Notification
The main gym will be closed for floor refinishing from 11:00 AM on Wednesday, November 27th, through 1:00 PM on Thursday, November 28th.
During this time, students may use the multi-purpose room or the City Auditorium for their activities.
ABO Parents and Patrons,
We regret to inform you that tonight's Fine Arts Night will not be broadcast on the Sully Buttes Facebook page or TV channel due to copyright regulations. The performance will begin at 7:00 PM, and we encourage you to join us in person to support and celebrate the hard work and talent of our students.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Thank you for your understanding and continued support.
The Agar-Blunt-Onida School District wants to give a big shout out to our para-professionals on Education Support Professionals Day! Thank you for all that you do Mrs. Bradberry, Mrs. Clark, Mrs. Millage, Mr. Tassler, Ms. Brandt, and Mrs. Marshall!
