Today, our staff and students showed up in a BIG way by wearing purple to support our amazing military-connected students! 💪✨
Purple represents all branches of the military, and today was all about honoring the strength, resilience, and sacrifices of military kids and their families.
We’re especially proud to recognize our military-connected students and celebrate the important role they play in our school community. 💜
Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make today so special!
The proposed $107 million bond focuses on improving school safety, addressing aging building systems, supporting responsible growth, and creating long-term cost savings across the district.
The plan prioritizes upgrades to existing schools while also addressing areas of community growth. Key components of the proposal include:
• $32 million in HVAC and building system upgrades to replace aging heating, cooling, and ventilation systems, improve air quality, and reduce long-term energy costs
• $3 million in safety and security improvements across schools, including secure entrances, updated locking systems, and expanded camera coverage
• A $12 million addition and renovation at South Park Elementary to eliminate portable classrooms, improve accessibility, and modernize learning spaces
• Construction of a new $40 million elementary school in South Rapid City to address enrollment shifts and reduce overcrowding
• $20 million in safety and functional improvements at Stevens High School to create a more secure and connected campus
“We’re excited to bring this forward after a thoughtful and thorough community process,” said Superintendent of RCAS, Dr. Jami Jo Thompson. “This proposal reflects the priorities we heard and our shared commitment to supporting students and staff.”
District leaders emphasize that the bond reflects input from the community and focuses on addressing the district’s most urgent facility needs in a fiscally responsible way.
“We took community feedback seriously and made important adjustments—lowering the overall investment while expanding the reach of this plan to more schools,” said Coy Sasse, CFOO of RCAS. “It’s a responsible approach that maximizes impact for our students and taxpayers.”
The district identified several key reasons for acting now, including aging infrastructure nearing the end of its lifespan, evolving school safety expectations, shifting student population patterns, and rising energy costs. Addressing these needs proactively is expected to reduce long-term expenses and avoid more costly emergency repairs.
Community members are encouraged to attend the April 7 meeting, tune in online via the livestream at https://youtube.com/live/HAnm_iV3Uh0, or follow district social media for updates and additional information.
Reminder: Spring Break 🌸
Spring Break will run from March 30th through April 6th. We hope everyone enjoys a safe and relaxing break!
We look forward to welcoming students back on April 7th. See you then! 😊
This is a great opportunity for incoming kindergarten families to explore resources, meet staff, and learn how to support your child’s successful start to school across the RCAS district. We can’t wait to welcome you!
Our College, Career & Life Readiness Manager, Bobbi Jo, joined students to talk about how high school Career & Technical Education classes are helping prepare them for life after RCAS. From hands-on skills to real-world experiences, these classes are giving students a head start on college, careers, and whatever path they choose next.
And honestly… showing up for a morning show the day after daylight saving time might be the most impressive life skill of all.
We’re proud of the students who shared their stories and the programs that help make these opportunities possible. The future is bright! 💡🎓
This month’s edition highlights our Teacher of the Year, Bus Driver of the Year, and important facilities updates, along with other district news and celebrations.
https://rcas.edurooms.com/engage/rapid-city-area-schools/newsletters/february-news
Dear Parents/Guardians,
The personal transfer window for the 2026–2027 school year will open on March 1, 2026, at 7:30 a.m.
If you would like to request a transfer for your student to attend a school outside of your designated attendance area, please follow the instructions below.
How to Submit a Personal Transfer Request On March 1
✔ Use a computer, tablet, or smartphone (Google Chrome is recommended).
✔ Visit the appropriate link based on your student’s grade level for the 2026–2027 school year:
Elementary (K–5): 2026–27 Elementary School Transfer Request
Middle School (6–8): 2026–27 Middle School Transfer Request
High School (9–12): 2026–27 High School Transfer Request
OR
✔ Visit the RCAS website at https://www.rcas.org/page/personal-transfers
Important Information
📩 You will receive a confirmation email after successfully submitting your request. If you do not receive a confirmation message, please resubmit your application.
📅 Transfer decisions will be communicated approximately one week prior to the start of school in the fall.
⏳ Personal transfers are processed on a first-come, first-served basis and are subject to space availability at the requested school.
A personal transfer is required when a student advances to a new grade level that results in a building change (elementary → middle or middle → high school) and the family is requesting attendance at a school other than the one assigned based on the student’s residential address.
If your student is accepted for a personal transfer you only need to apply again if they are changing buildings for middle or high school like stated above.
If you have questions, please contact Educational Services at:
cara.bento@k12.sd.us
sharon.ryan@k12.sd.us
Sincerely,
Bobbi Schaefbauer
Community Relations Manager
Rapid City Area Schools
A Well-Kept Secret, A Well-Deserved Honor!
This morning, staff and students at Robbinsdale School pulled off a top-secret surprise assembly to celebrate Alyssa Downey for an incredible honor!
Alyssa was recognized as the 2026 South Dakota School Nurse of Excellence — a statewide award recognizing the very best school nurse in South Dakota. 🏆
From caring for students to supporting staff and families, Alyssa’s compassion, dedication, and leadership make a difference every single day. In addition to serving students at Robbinsdale, Alyssa is also the school nurse at Grandview Elementary School. We are so proud to celebrate her and this well-deserved recognition.
Congratulations, Alyssa!
Rapid Valley families, students, and community members are invited to a Community Open House to get a first look at the exciting expansion and remodel planned for Rapid Valley School.
This event is your chance to explore architectural mockups, learn how the expansion will enhance learning spaces, and see how the project is shaping the future of our school. District and school staff will be available to review the plans and answer questions.
We’re excited to welcome the entire Rapid Valley community to be part of this important moment. Join us to learn more, share your thoughts, and help shape the next chapter of Rapid Valley School.
The Healthcare Pathway enables students to explore high-demand, high-impact careers while still in high school. Through a sequence of hands-on, career-focused courses, students build foundational knowledge, technical skills, and professional habits needed for success in healthcare fields. We offer courses at both Central & Stevens High Schools.
From patient care to diagnostic services and beyond, students in the Healthcare Pathway are developing the skills and confidence to serve others and make a difference in their communities.
Students have the opportunity to take the Introduction to Health Services, Gateway to Certified Nursing Assistant, Introduction to Pharmacy Technician, and Principles of Biomedical Sciences CTE courses within this Pathway.
Students also have the opportunity to join HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America).
Industry-recognized credential opportunities within this pathway include CPR, First Aid, Stop the Bleed, CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant), and Pharmacy Technician.
#CTEMonth #RCASCTE #HealthcarePathway #CareerReady #CollegeReady #LifeReady #FutureHealthcareProfessionals
February is CTE month! CTE - short for Career & Technical Education is an educational approach focusing on providing secondary students with academic, technical and employability skills for high-demand, specialized careers.
RCAS offers CTE courses in the areas of Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources, Business, Entrepreneurship & Hospitality, Construction & Technical Trades, Engineering, Health Services, Human Services & Education, Information Technology and Visual Arts & Design.
Last week, the Introduction to Health Services students from Central & Stevens attended Scrubs Camp. The camp was held at WDT. Students had the opportunity to engage in hands-on activities and hear from industry professionals in Athletic Training, Dentistry, Nursing, EMT/Paramedic, Surgical Technology, and Wound Care. Students also participated in Healthcare Jeopardy and heard from a panel of post-secondary representatives from WDT, SD Mines, and SDSU about post-secondary options in healthcare at their institutions.
A special thanks to WDTC for providing the space, lunch, and extra support for the sessions. Thanks to Black Hills Surgical Hospital, Delta Dental of SD, the USD School of Nursing, the West River Area Health Education Center, SD Mines, and SDSU for providing additional breakout sessions for students.
Special thanks to SD Mines for sponsoring and hosting this event for our students and for providing lunch and door prizes.
On Thursday, January 22, the intro to construction and technical traits classes from Central and Stevens High Schools participated in a trades experience day. Students participated in hands-on activities with various local businesses that are part of the Black Hills Construction Trades Workforce Connection group here in western South Dakota.
Students were able to learn more about residential plumbing, general contracting, setting up concrete forms, metal fabrication, fire suppression, servicing plumbing and HVAC systems, and electrical and HVAC fabrication.
A special thanks to the Black Hills Construction Trades Workforce Connection for their time and dedication to our students.
Basketball Schedule Change:
The games against Central High School, originally scheduled for Friday, January 30, and Saturday, January 31, have been rescheduled to Saturday, January 24, and will be played at Carold Heier Gym.
Game Times
Sub-Varsity: 3:30 p.m.
Girls Varsity: 6:00 p.m.
Boys Varsity: 7:30 p.m.
We appreciate the flexibility and understanding of our students, families, and staff as we continue to prioritize safety while supporting extracurricular opportunities.
Join us for a student-led event celebrating creativity while supporting an important cause in our schools.
Date: March 7
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Dahl Arts Center, 713 7th Street
This event benefits RCAS student lunch debt, helping ensure students are ready to learn without barriers.
• Live music from the Central & Stevens Jazz Bands
• Food and drinks available
• Hosted by the Youth City Council and Student School Board
Come bid on incredible student artwork, support our students, and enjoy a great community event for a great cause.
For more information, contact Kristin Kiner at (605) 310-4400 or Kristin.Kiner@k12.sd.us
Rapid City Area Schools, through our McKinney-Vento Program, is excited to partner with Subaru Loves to Help to provide free winter coats for kids in our community.
📏 Sizes available: Youth 4 – Junior XXL
📍 Location: Rapid City Alternative Academy
625 Columbus Street, Rapid City, SD
📅 Date: January 15
⏰ Time: 3:30–6:00 PM
Thanks to the generosity of Courtesy Subaru, families are invited to stop by and pick up a warm coat for their child while supplies last.
Help us spread the word—no child should go without a warm coat this winter!
On the Spring 2025 South Dakota Science Assessment, Breken Neff earned a perfect score—a rare and commendable accomplishment that places him among an elite group. Breken is one of only 51 students statewide to achieve this distinction.
On the Spring 2025 South Dakota Math Assessment, Sophia Li (not pictured), John Davies, and Wilson Maung each earned a perfect score. This outstanding achievement places them at the very top in the state, with only 16 students statewide reaching this level of excellence.
We are proud to recognize and celebrate these students for their remarkable achievements, which exemplify the high standards our district strives to uphold every day.
👏 Congratulations to Breken Neff, Sophia Li, John Davies, and Wilson Maung on this incredible accomplishment!
Due to continued power outages at Corral Drive Elementary, Meadowbrook Elementary, Southwest Middle School, and North Middle School, school will be cancelled at these buildings today, December 19th.
At this time, power has not been restored, and these buildings cannot operate safely.
We appreciate your patience and understanding.