Reminder that the RCAS School Food Pantry will be open today, from 3:30–5:00 PM.
📍 Location:
Rapid City Alternative Academy
601 Columbus Street – Building #625 (back side off South Street)
✅ Open to all RCAS families
✅ Please bring an ID to verify district enrollment (any ID works)
⚠️ A quick note: Please do not park in the box office parking spots.
We look forward to serving you and your family!
We had an amazing night at the Board of Education meeting, where we had the opportunity to share some incredible news about our Advanced Placement program. Our students are truly excelling and pushing themselves to new heights.
Looking at the numbers from the May 2025 AP Exams, our students took a total of 807 exams, and a fantastic 649 of those received a passing score of 3, 4, or 5. That's an impressive 80% passing rate!
Enrollment is also soaring for the 2025-26 school year, with a total of 1,609 students enrolled in AP courses across our high schools. This represents a significant 42% increase since last year.
We're so proud of our dedicated students, teachers, and staff who are making all of this happen. We're committed to offering more opportunities for academic success and helping all of our students reach their full potential.
Looking at the numbers from the May 2025 AP Exams, our students took a total of 807 exams, and a fantastic 649 of those received a passing score of 3, 4, or 5. That's an impressive 80% passing rate!
Enrollment is also soaring for the 2025-26 school year, with a total of 1,609 students enrolled in AP courses across our high schools. This represents a significant 42% increase since last year.
We're so proud of our dedicated students, teachers, and staff who are making all of this happen. We're committed to offering more opportunities for academic success and helping all of our students reach their full potential.
Did you know?
✅ Elementary students with good attendance are more likely to read well by the end of 3rd grade.
✅ Middle schoolers who attend regularly pass more classes and stay on track.
✅ High school students with strong attendance are more likely to graduate on time.
✅ College students earn their degrees—and workers succeed in their jobs—when good attendance habits continue.
Every day in school matters! Let’s work together to develop strong attendance habits, because being here today means being prepared for tomorrow. 🙌 #heretodayreadyfortomorrow #attendanceworks
✅ Elementary students with good attendance are more likely to read well by the end of 3rd grade.
✅ Middle schoolers who attend regularly pass more classes and stay on track.
✅ High school students with strong attendance are more likely to graduate on time.
✅ College students earn their degrees—and workers succeed in their jobs—when good attendance habits continue.
Every day in school matters! Let’s work together to develop strong attendance habits, because being here today means being prepared for tomorrow. 🙌 #heretodayreadyfortomorrow #attendanceworks
The results are in—see what our community had to say in the latest survey! Use the link to view the full newsletter!
https://rcas.edurooms.com/engage/rapid-city-area-schools/newsletters/rcas-community-update-community-survey-results
https://rcas.edurooms.com/engage/rapid-city-area-schools/newsletters/rcas-community-update-community-survey-results
Students, we want your voice at the table!
Applications are now open for the RCAS Student School Board. This is a great opportunity to learn about school governance, enhance your resume, develop leadership skills, and work alongside RCAS decision-makers.
The term runs September through May, with monthly meetings on the 4th Monday at 5:30 p.m. The application deadline is September 8.
Apply today by scanning the QR code on the flyer or by clicking this link: https://forms.office.com/r/c6vfsjBsu5
If you would like more information, you can contact Kristin at 605-310-4400.
Applications are now open for the RCAS Student School Board. This is a great opportunity to learn about school governance, enhance your resume, develop leadership skills, and work alongside RCAS decision-makers.
The term runs September through May, with monthly meetings on the 4th Monday at 5:30 p.m. The application deadline is September 8.
Apply today by scanning the QR code on the flyer or by clicking this link: https://forms.office.com/r/c6vfsjBsu5
If you would like more information, you can contact Kristin at 605-310-4400.
REMINDER: The RCAS School Food Pantry is open tomorrow!
Every 3rd Thursday, 3:30–5:00 PM
📍 Rapid City Alternative Academy – 601 Columbus Street (Building #625, back side off South Street)
✅ Open to ALL RCAS families
✅ Bring an ID to verify enrollment (any ID works)
Every 3rd Thursday, 3:30–5:00 PM
📍 Rapid City Alternative Academy – 601 Columbus Street (Building #625, back side off South Street)
✅ Open to ALL RCAS families
✅ Bring an ID to verify enrollment (any ID works)
Tomorrow is the big day! ✨🌟
We are so excited to welcome our students back for the first day of school! The halls are ready, classrooms are shining, and our staff can’t wait to see your smiling faces. Let’s kick off an incredible year of learning, growth, and fun!
We are so excited to welcome our students back for the first day of school! The halls are ready, classrooms are shining, and our staff can’t wait to see your smiling faces. Let’s kick off an incredible year of learning, growth, and fun!
Dear RCAS Families,
Due to high temperatures and ongoing heat conditions in some of our buildings, Rapid City Area Schools will be implementing an early release for Tuesday, August 19th, and Wednesday, August 20th, at the following schools:
• Grandview
• Horace Mann
• Meadowbrook
• Rapid Valley
• Robbinsdale
• South Canyon
• Pinedale
• South Park
• Wilson
• North
Students will be dismissed at 1:00 pm. Buses will run at the adjusted time, and families who pick up their children should plan accordingly.
After-school activities at these locations are also canceled for today.
We understand this change may cause inconvenience, but student safety and well-being remain our top priority. Thank you for your understanding and flexibility as we work to ensure the safety and comfort of our students. We will monitor the weather for the rest of the week and let you know as soon as possible if we need to release any other days early this week.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact your school office.
Due to high temperatures and ongoing heat conditions in some of our buildings, Rapid City Area Schools will be implementing an early release for Tuesday, August 19th, and Wednesday, August 20th, at the following schools:
• Grandview
• Horace Mann
• Meadowbrook
• Rapid Valley
• Robbinsdale
• South Canyon
• Pinedale
• South Park
• Wilson
• North
Students will be dismissed at 1:00 pm. Buses will run at the adjusted time, and families who pick up their children should plan accordingly.
After-school activities at these locations are also canceled for today.
We understand this change may cause inconvenience, but student safety and well-being remain our top priority. Thank you for your understanding and flexibility as we work to ensure the safety and comfort of our students. We will monitor the weather for the rest of the week and let you know as soon as possible if we need to release any other days early this week.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact your school office.
Once a Cobbler, Always a Cobbler!
Central High School, with the help of the Rapid City Public School Foundation, is proud to launch the Always a Cobbler Fund—and thanks to their amazing staff, it’s already permanently endowed!
They announced the fund at their all-staff meeting; the room was filled with Cobbler pride. And in just minutes, teachers, administrators, and staff raised over $10,000 on the spot to kick it off. 🙌
This fund will directly support our students, fueling programs, activities, and traditions that make being a Cobbler unforgettable. Our big goal? Raise $1 million to keep the Cobbler spirit strong for generations to come.
📬 Give by Check:
BHACF – “Always a Cobbler Fund”
243 Founders Park Drive, Ste. 102
Rapid City, SD 57701
💻 Give Online: https://bit.ly/alwaysacobbler
Cobbler pride doesn’t fade—it grows stronger. Let’s make history together! 💪
Central High School, with the help of the Rapid City Public School Foundation, is proud to launch the Always a Cobbler Fund—and thanks to their amazing staff, it’s already permanently endowed!
They announced the fund at their all-staff meeting; the room was filled with Cobbler pride. And in just minutes, teachers, administrators, and staff raised over $10,000 on the spot to kick it off. 🙌
This fund will directly support our students, fueling programs, activities, and traditions that make being a Cobbler unforgettable. Our big goal? Raise $1 million to keep the Cobbler spirit strong for generations to come.
📬 Give by Check:
BHACF – “Always a Cobbler Fund”
243 Founders Park Drive, Ste. 102
Rapid City, SD 57701
💻 Give Online: https://bit.ly/alwaysacobbler
Cobbler pride doesn’t fade—it grows stronger. Let’s make history together! 💪
District Opener – Building Closure Notice
On Monday, August 18, all Rapid City Area Schools buildings will be closed from 7:30 a.m. to approximately 10:30 a.m. for our annual District Opener event. This is a special tradition where all RCAS staff gather to celebrate the start of the new school year and align for success. We appreciate your understanding as we take this time to connect, inspire, and ring in the new year together.
On Monday, August 18, all Rapid City Area Schools buildings will be closed from 7:30 a.m. to approximately 10:30 a.m. for our annual District Opener event. This is a special tradition where all RCAS staff gather to celebrate the start of the new school year and align for success. We appreciate your understanding as we take this time to connect, inspire, and ring in the new year together.
The countdown is on! ✨
The first day of school for Rapid City Area Schools is Tuesday, August 19th! We can’t wait to welcome our students back for another year of learning, growth, and new adventures.
Let’s make this year one to remember—pack those backpacks, set those alarms, and get ready to see familiar faces and make new friends.
Here’s to an amazing 2025–2026 school year! 🎉
The first day of school for Rapid City Area Schools is Tuesday, August 19th! We can’t wait to welcome our students back for another year of learning, growth, and new adventures.
Let’s make this year one to remember—pack those backpacks, set those alarms, and get ready to see familiar faces and make new friends.
Here’s to an amazing 2025–2026 school year! 🎉
Board of Education Professional Development & Retreat
Last week, our Board of Education participated in professional development at the Associated School Boards of South Dakota (ASBSD) conference. Today, they continued their work with a Board Retreat alongside our District Leadership Team.
These opportunities allow our board and leadership to collaborate, learn, and plan together — all with the goal of serving our students, staff, and community even better.
Last week, our Board of Education participated in professional development at the Associated School Boards of South Dakota (ASBSD) conference. Today, they continued their work with a Board Retreat alongside our District Leadership Team.
These opportunities allow our board and leadership to collaborate, learn, and plan together — all with the goal of serving our students, staff, and community even better.
Sneak Peek Alert!
We’re excited to share an exclusive first look at the rendering for the upcoming update to Central High School’s library! This fresh new space is designed to inspire learning, creativity, and collaboration for Central students.
While the renovation won’t be complete by the first day of school, accommodations have been made to provide a temporary library space for students to use until the project is finished.
Stay tuned as we bring this vision to life!
We’re excited to share an exclusive first look at the rendering for the upcoming update to Central High School’s library! This fresh new space is designed to inspire learning, creativity, and collaboration for Central students.
While the renovation won’t be complete by the first day of school, accommodations have been made to provide a temporary library space for students to use until the project is finished.
Stay tuned as we bring this vision to life!
🌟 A Shout-Out to Our Behind-the-Scenes Heroes 🌟
This morning, at 7:30 AM, our incredible RCAS custodial team was hard at work, moving the Learning Center at Pinedale Elementary one piece at a time.
“One printer at a time, one oddly-shaped kidney table at a time, one large room divider at a time—they were working together seamlessly from room to room,” Principal Kamarainen said. “What had been a room packed full of boxes at 4:30 PM yesterday was completely emptied by 8:00 AM. I was in awe.”
Principal Kamarainen went on to say how much they appreciated the team’s quiet, humble attitude and incredible efficiency.
We couldn’t agree more. Thank you to our RCAS custodians for your dedication, hard work, and the countless ways you prepare our schools to welcome students back into their classrooms. Your efforts make a difference every single day—and today, you’re in the spotlight!
This morning, at 7:30 AM, our incredible RCAS custodial team was hard at work, moving the Learning Center at Pinedale Elementary one piece at a time.
“One printer at a time, one oddly-shaped kidney table at a time, one large room divider at a time—they were working together seamlessly from room to room,” Principal Kamarainen said. “What had been a room packed full of boxes at 4:30 PM yesterday was completely emptied by 8:00 AM. I was in awe.”
Principal Kamarainen went on to say how much they appreciated the team’s quiet, humble attitude and incredible efficiency.
We couldn’t agree more. Thank you to our RCAS custodians for your dedication, hard work, and the countless ways you prepare our schools to welcome students back into their classrooms. Your efforts make a difference every single day—and today, you’re in the spotlight!
We’re making important improvements to accessibility at Stevens High School! The ADA ramp located near the gym and theatre is currently undergoing renovation to ensure safer and smoother access for all students, staff, and visitors.
This project is part of our continued commitment to creating inclusive spaces for everyone.
This project is part of our continued commitment to creating inclusive spaces for everyone.
Color Change at Central!
A quick update on the Central High School Remodel Project: the blue ductwork has been painted red! This update not only brings a fresh new look to the space—it now matches Central’s school colors!
A quick update on the Central High School Remodel Project: the blue ductwork has been painted red! This update not only brings a fresh new look to the space—it now matches Central’s school colors!
Do you know an RCAS staff member who goes above and beyond? Whether it’s a teacher who inspires, a bus driver who brightens mornings, or a custodian who keeps things running smoothly—we want to hear about them!
Help us recognize the incredible people who make our schools great by submitting a shout-out through our Staff Celebration Form.
Let’s lift the everyday heroes across our district!
Fill out the form here: www.rcas.org/forms/lets-celebrate
RCAS will conduct a recount of its Area 6 Board of Education seat. The recount will take place at the Pennington County Auditor's Office today, July 17th, at 1:00 PM. The recount process is open to the public.
📣 Please join us in welcoming our new Director of Human Resources, Nicole "Nikki" Wojcik!
With nearly 30 years of HR experience in both the public and private sectors — including 19 years with the U.S. Forest Service — Nikki brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to Rapid City Area Schools. She holds both PHR and SPHR certifications from SHRM and has expertise in everything from employee relations to talent development and mediation.
Outside of work, Nikki loves spending time with her husband Mike, their two children, and their beloved dogs. She's also an avid horseback rider and nature enthusiast.
We are thrilled to welcome Nikki to the RCAS, where she will help strengthen our schools and support our mission of strengthening the community through education, communication, appreciation, and celebration.
With nearly 30 years of HR experience in both the public and private sectors — including 19 years with the U.S. Forest Service — Nikki brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to Rapid City Area Schools. She holds both PHR and SPHR certifications from SHRM and has expertise in everything from employee relations to talent development and mediation.
Outside of work, Nikki loves spending time with her husband Mike, their two children, and their beloved dogs. She's also an avid horseback rider and nature enthusiast.
We are thrilled to welcome Nikki to the RCAS, where she will help strengthen our schools and support our mission of strengthening the community through education, communication, appreciation, and celebration.
We're Hiring: Special Education Registered Nurse🩺
Join the Rapid City Area Schools team and make a meaningful impact on student health and learning! We’re looking for a dedicated, compassionate, and qualified School Nurse who is passionate about supporting the well-being of students so they can thrive in the classroom. As a school nurse, you’ll play a vital role in preventing illness, promoting health, and removing barriers to learning through screenings, education, and individualized care plans.
Apply here: https://www.rcas.org/o/rcas/page/careers
Questions? Email Sateera Thompsen at Sateera.Thompsen@k12.sd.us
💡 What You’ll Do:
-Provide direct health services and emergency care
-Collaborate with educators and families to create Individual Health Plans (IHPs) and Emergency Action Plans (EAPs)
-Conduct health screenings and promote wellness across the district
-Help students succeed by addressing health-related challenges that affect learning
💼 Position Benefits Include:
✔️ Medical & Dental Insurance (Wellmark BCBS & Delta Dental)
✔️ Life Insurance provided at no cost
✔️ Retirement Contributions through SDRS — 6% employer match
✔️ Wellness Incentives including screenings and flu shots
✔️ Employee Assistance Program for counseling, legal, and financial services
✔️ Optional coverages: short-term disability, critical illness, accident insurance, and more
✔️ Discounts to local gyms and wellness programs
If you're a licensed nurse looking to make a difference in the lives of students while enjoying a supportive and rewarding work environment, this is your opportunity! 🌟
