Custer Middle School Track starts next week. Parent meeting on March 9. Get your t-shirts ordered! Reminder: MS athletes must get a sports physical.
See what is happening in the Custer School District ~ Check out the March 2026 CSD Tidbits https://app.smore.com/n/t3sn2
**PRESS RELEASE** ~ From Dr. Tim Frederick, CSD Supt. of Schools ~ It is my pleasure to share outstanding news: we recognize three exceptional educators whose dedication, professionalism, and commitment to our students exemplify the very best of the Custer School District.
2026 CSD Educators of the Year
**Custer Jr./Sr. Educator of the Year - Jared Webster
**Custer Elementary Educator of the Year - Jessica Haug
**Hermosa School Educator of the Year - Molly Wonnenberg
Each of these individuals demonstrates a passion for their discipline, unwavering commitment to student success, strong instructional leadership, and a sincere, deep care for students, families, and their colleagues. Jared, Jessica, and Molly embody the commitment and excellence that make our schools special.
Please take a moment to personally congratulate Jessica, Molly, and Jared on this well-deserved recognition. We are all proud of the work they do and are grateful for the positive impact they make across the school district and communities.
Thank you all for the amazing work you do in supporting our students and community. You truly are the best.
The Custer School District Teacher of the Year will be announced on March 27, 2026, at the staff dinner at Crazy Horse.
✅ No concern is too small—and even if you have no concerns at all, come by to see how they're doing!
✅ Free Vision/Hearing screening available upon request.
✅ Snacks provided for the kiddos!
This screening is a relaxed, friendly way to check in on their:
Speech & Language 🗣️
Motor Skills 🏃♂️
Social Growth 🤝
Appointments are required! Call Monday through Thursday to save a spot. 📞 Custer: 605-673-2171 | Hermosa: 605-255-4345
Questions: don't hesitate to get in touch with CSD Special Services Director, Dr. Rhonda Frederick, rhonda.frederick@k12.sd.us
To Parents/Guardians of Students who were previously enrolled in the Custer School District Special Education Program, and to Former Students over 18 once enrolled in the Special Education Program:
This is to inform you that some outdated Special Education personal information, which was collected, maintained, or used as part of individual files at Custer School District, will be destroyed on February 23, 2026. Such records are no longer needed to provide educational services in the Custer School District.
Records in the Special Education file may have included, but were not limited to annual IEP’s, achievement testing, psychological testing, occupational or physical therapy evaluations, and speech evaluations. Unless we hear from you before February 15, 2026, we have your permission to destroy these records. According to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), 34CFR300.573, school districts must notify parents when the information contained in their child’s special education records is no longer needed. Under the Code of Federal Regulations (34CFR Ch.III.300.573), it is a citizen’s right to examine or obtain his/her personal information before it is destroyed. Destruction of records is the best protection against improper and unauthorized disclosure; however, such records may be needed for social security benefits or other purposes.
Custer School District maintains Special Education Records for a period of six (6) years. A copy of permanent records, however, including grades, attendance record, classes attended, and grade level completed, will be permanently maintained by the school district.
If you wish to examine or obtain a copy of your personal Special Education records, please contact the Special Education Department at 527 Montgomery Street, Custer, SD, telephone 605-673-2171, before February 15, 2026
Due to the missed school day on Dec. 18 caused by the weather, Custer School District will have a make-up day on Friday, Feb. 13.
This will be a regular school day; all Custer and Hermosa students are expected to attend. Thank you!
Please call your child's school if you have any questions:
📞 Hermosa School: 605.255.4345
📞 Custer Elem School: 605.673.4483
📞 Custer Jr/Sr High School: 605.673.4473
Please join the Custer School District as we begin our strategic planning process. We want your input to help us "Educate Every Student to His/Her Potential". https://bit.ly/SharingSession25-26
📅 Date: Jan. 7, 2026
⏰ Time: 6:30 p.m.
📍 Location: Hermosa School Commons Area
and
📅 Date: Jan. 14, 2026
⏰ Time: 6:30 p.m.
📍 Location: Custer CTE Bldg.
Custer School District Parents and Patrons,
We want to invite you to attend the Sharing Session meetings, held in Custer and Hermosa, over the next few months. Our first meeting will be held on Monday, December 22, 2025, at the Custer Armory in the Board Room. The meeting will start at 6:30 pm.
Please go to the link below to learn more about these important meetings. We look forward to sharing, gathering input, and a thought exchange process as we work towards "Shaping Our Future Together" in education.
https://bit.ly/SharingSession25-26
Best regards,
Dr. Tim Frederick
Superintendent
Custer School District
NEW CSD Library WEBPAGE
ATTENTION: Parents of college-bound Juniors and Seniors: The Library has a new webpage with resources you and your student may find useful in the ACT section. One page is full of “ACT Prep Resources” for the students. The “Why Does It Matter” page highlights scholarship opportunities offered through the Board of Regents and South Dakota universities, along with information on the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) for students interested in attending one of the 160 colleges across the 16 Western states. Christmas Break may be a good time to start preparing for the ACT and refining post-graduation plans.
New Library Webpage
CTE-STUDENT BUILD SHED was unfortunately destroyed in the wind storm of 12.18.25.
The bid process will not take place due to the damage.
🦃 Friendly Reminder: Thanksgiving Break
Custer School District will be closed Nov. 26–28, and classes will resume on Monday, Dec. 1, 2025.
Have a wonderful holiday break! We are thankful for our students, staff, and families of Custer School District! 🍁💛
NEW CTE Building Dedication Ceremony
November 24, 2025 • 10:30 a.m.
We are honored to have U.S. Senator John Thune as a featured speaker, with additional guests to be announced soon!
Public Welcome! Please join us in celebrating this new building!
Celebrate the difference-makers in Custer School District! If a Special Education staff member has positively impacted your child, please nominate them for special recognition by the SD Dept. of Education’s Office of Special Ed Programs: https://tinyurl.com/SpEdNominations
Every school day matters. When students attend school regularly, they build strong learning habits, develop meaningful friendships, and gain confidence that comes from participation and progress. Each day provides new opportunities to grow academically, socially, and personally.
The partnership established between parents and school, where we encourage all students to be their best each day, makes a difference. Helping students arrive at school on time and ready to learn shows them that education is a priority.
Together, let's make each day count. Let's build a bright future by staying engaged in learning one day at a time.
Administration
Custer School District
The Custer Volleyball Team and Custer FCCLA are teaming up to host Pink Out Night on Monday, October 21st, during the game against Hill City!
💖 They are selling special Pink Out shirts (preorder only by October 6th at noon) for just $12 each. Shirts can be picked up at the door the night of the game.
🍪 Delicious baked goods will also be available for purchase, and you won’t want to miss the chance to enter our raffle for a beautiful PINK Rag Time Quilt!
By purchasing a shirt, grabbing a treat, or buying a raffle ticket, you’ll not only show your support in the stands, but you’ll also be helping us raise funds for the Black Hills Road Trip of Hope. Together, we can “Serve Up Hope for a Cure.”
👉 Click to order your shirt and join us in filling the gym with pink, support, and hope!
https://custerpo25.itemorder.com/shop/home/
Administration
See the October 2025 "CSD Tidbits" for Custer School District Information & Announcements: https://secure.smore.com/n/nkb20
Check back throughout the month for updates.
