
Big things are happening across HSD! South Middle School’s Business Club shared how they built a schoolwide ROAR Store that rewards students for showing respect, ownership, acceptance, and responsibility. East Middle School earned national recognition as an Apple Distinguished School for its innovative use of technology in learning. And Liberty Elementary presented how creative scheduling enables a more efficient use of time and provides better support for specials, counseling, and technology. We are #TigerProud! 🐾

We’re planning for the future of HSD! 🎯
As part of our new Strategic Plan, we’re gathering input from families, staff, students, and community members to help shape the next chapter for our district.
Your voice matters—share your thoughts on what’s working well and where we can grow together.
📅 Link will be open until November 30th. 🔗 Participate here: https://bit.ly/HSDStrategic

As we enter the holiday season, our community continues to come together to support HSD families in meaningful ways. Whether you’re looking to give or are in need of assistance, there are opportunities for everyone to take part. 🐾 https://harrisburgsd.edurooms.com/engage/harrisburg-school-district/newsletters/neighbors-helping-neighbors




Every family deserves to feel warm this winter. The HSD Clothing Closet offers free, gently used clothing for all ages.
🧤 Open the second Monday of each month at the Heritage Community Building.
🧤 Learn more or schedule an appointment: harrisburgdistrict41-2.org/page/hsd-clothing-closet


Harrisburg School District is seeking sponsors for the Giving Tree, our annual program that helps local students and families during the holidays. Every donation goes directly to Harrisburg students in need. https://bit.ly/HSDGivingTree

🧥 Layers of Love: Winter Coat Drive
Cold days are here, and we’re collecting coats to help HSD families stay warm.
📍 Drop off at Harrisburg High School or Freshman Academy — ᴏʀ ʙʀɪɴɢ ᴅᴏɴᴀᴛɪᴏɴs ᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴇ ɴᴏᴠ. ⁴ ᴠᴏʟʟᴇʏʙᴀʟʟ ɢᴀᴍᴇ ᴀᴛ ʜʜs. 🏐
📅 Nov. 3–14
🧤 New or gently used coats (adult sizes S–XXXL), plus gloves and hats of all sizes

Tonight, the school board heard several inspiring recognitions of HSD staff and students.
Explorer Elementary’s Jayme Wiertzema was honored as the 2025 South Dakota Elementary Teacher of the Year. Jayme’s creativity, calm spirit, and commitment to her students shine through in everything she does.
Fine Arts Director Dr. Amanda Berg received the Youth in Music Outstanding Administrator Award for her leadership and dedication to HHS’s marching band success this season.
North Middle School's Hope Squad members shared how they promote kindness, inclusion, and mental wellness—reminding us all that it’s okay to ask for help and to look out for one another.
We’re proud of our educators and students who continue to inspire through creativity, leadership, and compassion. #TigerProud 🐾

Join us Friday, Nov. 7, at Harrisburg High School to see how students are developing real-world skills through Culinary Arts, Business Education, the ROAR Store, LEAP High, and Band. You’ll also learn how our Counseling and Social Work teams support students’ well-being and success. Hosted by the HSD Education Foundation. 🐾 Learn more and register: https://bit.ly/FoundationFridays

Join us Friday, Nov. 7, at Harrisburg High School to see how students are developing real-world skills through Culinary Arts, Business Education, the ROAR Store, LEAP High, and Band. You’ll also learn how our Counseling and Social Work teams support students’ well-being and success. Hosted by the HSD Education Foundation. 🐾 Learn more and register: https://bit.ly/FoundationFridays

There will be a 2-Hour Early Release on Wednesday, October 22nd.

🎉 Congratulations to HHS staff member Ryan Beier! 🎉 Ryan is a dedicated teacher who also coaches soccer and coordinates unified sports, helping us build inclusive programs for our HSD Tigers. We're proud to share that he received the prestigious Dr. A.O. Larsen Distinguished Alumni Award at USF. Join us in celebrating Ryan's achievements and commitment to our community! #TigerProud 🐾

Unified Sports advisors shared how these programs help students form lifelong friendships, develop leadership skills, and create lasting memories. Students from both general and special education spoke about their roles as athletes, partners, and leaders, describing how Homecoming events—like the Unified flag football game, pep rally, and parade—helped them connect with classmates in new ways. A standout moment came during Coronation, when a Unified Sports athlete and Best Buddies member was crowned Queen, reflecting how inclusion and connection are celebrated throughout the Harrisburg community. We are #TigerProud! 🐾



📌 A reminder there will be NO SCHOOL Friday, October 10 through October 13.

