Belle Fourche School District

National Honor Society's Christmas gifting project: Set up at each of our schools (South Park, Middle School and High School). Grab a bell with a local wish item request from the tree, and please return your gift to the school, unwrapped, with the bell attached by December 17th!

Next week, 6 high school band students will be participating in the annual Northern Hills Honor Band Festival at BHSU. You can come support them at their free concert on November 26th in the Spearfish High School theatre starting at 6:30pm!

5th grade students at Friday intersessions "Junk Drawer Inventions!" Students have been learning about the Industrial Revolution in Mrs. Wright's class. During intersession last week they came up with their own inventions using items from around the house. They received patents for their inventions!

Belle Fourche PTO Presents: Family Picture Night and dinner on Thursday, November 21st from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm at South Park Elementary. Santa will be available for pictures! Open to all grades. JOIN IN ON THE FUN!

This Internet Safety for Kids presentation will take place for HS students on Thursday, November 14, at 7:50 am and for MS students at 9:30 am. There is also a session for parents from 6-8 pm that evening in the Rec Center Auditorium. This is a powerful message that is valuable for all students and parents to hear.

The High School Wildlife and Fisheries class (Mr. Bishop's class) had the opportunity to visit the D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery in Spearfish under the guidance of Matthew Wipf, Lead Fish Biologist. Looks like the students are having FUN and LEARNING!

Mr. Bishop's Ag Structures Class received a tour at The Monument Hospital's construction site in Spearfish with Scull Construction Service  This experience was made possible by Steven Uttecht, Senior Site Superintendent for Scull Construction. What an awesome experience!

Our District-wide phone systems are currently down due to maintenance issues.  The issue has been identified and is currently being worked on. Thank you for your understanding and patience!

Belle Fourche School District is hosting Lights On Afterschool family night for Kindergarten through High School families.  It will be held Monday, October 28, 2024, from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M at the High School.  Activities will include drones, an escape room, and a digital scavenger hunt with prizes available for students and parents.  Dinner will be served.  Please use the main entrance to the high school.  A staff member will be present to greet you and direct you to the right location.  Please support us by your attendance. 

Dear Parents, Guardians, and Students: At the Belle Fourche School District, we are committed to fostering an environment where every student feels safe, respected, and valued. Recently, there have been incidents that remind us of the importance of addressing racism directly. We want to be clear: racism in any form will not be tolerated in our District. Our goal is to create a culture of inclusivity, where diversity is celebrated, and everyone – regardless of race, ethnicity, or background – can learn and grow without fear of discrimination. We are taking these matters seriously, and any incidents of racism will be dealt with swiftly and appropriately. We also encourage open communication between students, parents, and staff to ensure that any concerns are addressed immediately. We are dedicated to making the Belle Fourche School District a place where everyone feels safe and respected, and we ask for your continued support in this effort. Let’s work together to ensure that our school is a place of learning, kindness, and respect for all. Sincerely, Belle Fourche School District

REMINDER OF EARLY Dismissal Times for all Belle Fourche School buildings on Friday, October 11, 2024 for homecoming . North Park Elementary 12:00 (Noon), South Park Elementary 12:20 pm, Middle School 12:40 pm, High School 12:50 pm, Lunches will be served and buses will run. No afterschool programs tomorrow. Homecoming parade starts at 2:30 pm Thank you!

Dear Belle Fourche School District Taxpayers, Parents, and Community Members, I hope this letter finds you well. As we begin another exciting school year, I wanted to take a moment to express my deep appreciation for your continued support of our public schools. Public education plays a vital role in shaping the future of our community, and I am proud to share the remarkable work being done every day to provide opportunities for all our students. Public Schools as the Heart of the Community Our public schools are more than just places of learning. They serve as the foundation of our community, where children from all walks of life come together to grow, learn, and develop into responsible citizens. Public schools offer a welcoming environment for every child, regardless of background or financial means, and it is this diversity that strengthens the fabric of our community. As a one of the communities largest employers, our school district is proud to offer over 150+ careers to employees of our great community. Academic Excellence and Innovation In our schools, academic achievement is always a top priority. We have dedicated teachers, counselors, and staff working tirelessly to ensure that each student receives a high-quality education. Our schools offer a wide range of academic programs designed to meet the unique needs of all students. From STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) programs to advanced placement courses, we are preparing our students for success in college, careers, and beyond. We also embrace innovation in our classrooms. Technology plays a significant role in today’s education, and we are proud to offer cutting-edge tools and resources to enhance student learning. Digital learning platforms, interactive lessons, and access to advanced technology ensure that our students are prepared for the demands of the modern world. Extracurricular Opportunities Beyond the classroom, our public schools offer a wealth of extracurricular activities that contribute to the development of well-rounded individuals. Whether it’s athletics, music, theater, art, or clubs, there are opportunities for every student to explore their interests and passions. These activities help build teamwork, leadership skills, and a strong sense of community, providing students with experiences they will carry with them throughout their lives. A Safe and Inclusive Learning Environment Creating a safe and welcoming environment for all students is at the core of our mission. We take great pride in fostering an inclusive atmosphere where students can feel confident and supported. Our schools actively promote values of respect, responsibility, and kindness, ensuring that every child feels valued and encouraged to reach their full potential. Support for Every Student Public schools are committed to supporting the unique needs of all students, whether they require special education services, counseling, or academic interventions. Our schools work tirelessly to provide personalized support, ensuring that every student, regardless of ability or background, has the opportunity to succeed. Building Future Leaders Perhaps the most inspiring part of public education is the role it plays in shaping the leaders of tomorrow. From fostering a love of learning to encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving, our public schools are preparing students to tackle the challenges of the future. Our graduates leave us not only with the skills to succeed in their chosen careers but also with the empathy and character to contribute positively to society. Your Support Makes It Possible All of these achievements are made possible thanks to the unwavering support of our taxpayers, parents, and community members. Whether you have children in the school system or are a lifelong supporter of education, your investment in public schools is an investment in the future of our community. We are proud of the work being done in our public schools, and we want you to know that your support is crucial to maintaining the excellence and opportunities we provide. Public education is the backbone of our society, and together, we can continue to ensure that our schools remain vibrant, innovative, and inclusive places for every child. Thank you for your ongoing dedication to our public school system. With your support, we will continue to grow and thrive, ensuring that future generations have access to the best education possible. Warmest regards, Orion Thompson, Ed.S Superintendent of Schools Belle Fourche School District 9-1

Bronc Homecoming Week Information October 7th – 11th, 2024 MONDAY: Golf State @ Hartford JV Football vs RC Stevens 5:30 pm TUESDAY: Golf State @ Hartford 7th / 8th Volleyball vs Lead-Deadwood 4:30 pm Volleyball C/JV/V @ Faith 5:00 pm Soccer G/B ¼ Finals @ TBD WED: CORONATION @ High School Armory 7:30 pm THURSDAY: Cross Country HS/MS BHC Invite @ Sturgis 11:00 am 7th/8th Volleyball @ Spearfish 4:00 pm 7th/8th Football vs Sturgis 5:00 pm Volleyball C/JV/V @ Douglas 5:00 pm Cheer / Dance Invite @ Sturgis 6:00 pm FRIDAY: Bronc Day — Purple & White Community Pep Rally @ BFHS Gym 12:10 pm Parade 2:30 pm Tailgate Sponsored by 1st Interstate Bank 5:00 pm Varsity Football Game vs. Custer Wildcats 6:00 pm Cheer, Dance and Marching Band half-time performances. Introduction of Royalty, Sophomore Class – Lighting of the “B”. Parade Theme: “Disney” The line-up and parade route will begin at the Belle Fourche Middle School and proceed down 13th Avenue to the High School Parking Lot. Entries will line up by 2:00 pm at the Middle School starting on the south end working around to the east side. No entry numbers are needed prior to lineup – simply show up – and follow the order of lineup below. Order of Lineup: Color Guard (West End of MS) HS Band (West End of MS) Parade Marshalls (West End of MS) Royalty (West End of MS) HS Floats (West Side of Central Office) Hall of Fame Float (MS Parking Lot) MS Band (South Side of Central Office) MS Floats (South Side of Central Office) Walkers (South Side of Central Office) Private Floats (Behind MS / East Side) Judging will begin at 2:15 pm No hoofed animals will be allowed in the parade. Motorcycles, bicycles, roller blades, skateboards, etc. are also prohibited. The only motorized vehicles allowed will be those decorated as or used to pull floats. These vehicles must be driven by an approved licensed driver. All water guns, balloons, etc. are prohibited. There will be no candy thrown from floats.

SUBSTITUTES NEEDED! Our District is in need of substitutes in all areas. If interested or have questions, please contract our Central Office at (605) 723-3355.

Due to schedule conflicts, the date of our High School Prom is changed from April 5 to Saturday, April 12, 2025. Please mark your calendars to reflect the change in the date. Thank you

EARLY Dismissal Times for all Belle Fourche School buildings on October 3, 2024 (PTC), October 11, 2024 (Homecoming) and March 13, 2025 (PTC): North Park Elementary 12:00 (Noon), South Park Elementary 12:20 pm, Middle School 12:40 pm, High School 12:50 pm, Lunches will be served and buses will run. No afterschool programs on these dates.

Just a reminder, all Belle Fourche Schools have school tomorrow, Friday, September 20th. Reminder that there is school on Friday. Thank you.

Belle Fourche Police Department are working with the family of a Belle Fourche student believed to be the source of another social media threat. There is no current threat. School is in session and running as normal. Thank you, Superintendent Thompson

Dear Parents and Guardians, This afternoon, our school experienced a lockdown following a report that later turned out to appear non-credible. While we understand that such events can cause concern, we want to assure you that the safety and well-being of our students is our top priority, and all necessary safety protocols were followed to ensure everyone’s protection. After a thorough investigation by local law enforcement, it was determined that there was no credible threat to our school. All students and staff are safe, and regular school activities resumed once the situation was fully resolved. We understand that these kinds of situations can be unsettling for both students and parents. To support our students, we will have school counselors available to talk with any child who may feel anxious or concerned about today’s event. If you feel that your child needs additional support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us or encourage your child to visit the counselor's office. We also encourage parents to take some time this evening to talk with your child about what happened today. Open and honest communication can help children process their feelings and reduce any anxiety they might be experiencing. Reassuring them about the safety measures we have in place can also go a long way in helping them feel secure at school. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the school office. We are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all our students. Thank you for your understanding and continued support. Sincerely, Mr. Thompson, Superintendent

Press release from Belle Fourche Police Department - There was a threat made to the Belle Fourche Middle School made through an anonymous social media account using Snapchat. The Belle Fourche School district followed proper protocol and notified law enforcement and went into a lockdown. Belle Fourche Police Officers responded and went through each school building. After completing security sweeps of all the school buildings, it has been determined that there does not appear to be a credible threat to the students or staff. This event appears to be associated with a nationwide trend of social media threats taking place across the country. At this time, we are investigating and taking this matter very seriously. There will be an increased police presence around the schools throughout the week. We'll continue to monitor the situation closely alongside our partners at the Belle Fourche Public School. We encourage students, teachers, and families to remain vigilant and to report suspicious behavior. Thank you, Ryan Cherveny Chief of Police Belle Fourche Police Department