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




Today’s shout-out goes to a student in 1S who had a fantastic day being a role model! Not only was she a great listener, but she was a kind and helpful friend, and showed great focus with staying on task.
Her positive attitude and responsible choices are a wonderful example of what it means to Shine Bright each and every day! ✨👏
#ShineBright #ExplorerGoodNewsCall #PAWSitiveRoleModel

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


A huge shout-out goes to a fantastic group of students from 4H and 4S who went above and beyond to make sure our Book Fair ran smoothly! 📚
These girls helped set up, checked out customers, encouraged others to round up their purchases to support our school, and kept the shelves organized and looking amazing. Their teamwork, leadership, and positive attitudes made a big difference. We are so grateful for their hard work and willingness to help our PTO - they truly know how to Shine Bright! ✨👏
If you haven’t yet, be sure to stop by the Book Fair tomorrow during conferences in Room C200!
#ShineBright #ExplorerGoodNewsCall #PAWSitiveRoleModels

A huge shout-out goes to a fantastic group of students from 4H and 4S who went above and beyond to make sure our Book Fair ran smoothly! 📚
These girls helped set up, checked out customers, encouraged others to round up their purchases to support our school, and kept the shelves organized and looking amazing. Their teamwork, leadership, and positive attitudes made a big difference. We are so grateful for their hard work and willingness to help our PTO - they truly know how to Shine Bright! ✨👏
If you haven’t yet, be sure to stop by the Book Fair tomorrow during conferences in Room C200!
#ShineBright #ExplorerGoodNewsCall #PAWSitiveRoleModels

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

Tomorrow (Friday, October 31st) is the last day to RSVP for our Veterans Day Lunch on Tuesday, November 11th!
We’re excited to honor all Veterans and Active Service Members connected to our Explorer families.
Please fill out the RSVP form here: https://bit.ly/vetlunch25
We can’t wait to celebrate together! ❤️💙

🦕 3rd-Grade Fossil Fun! 🦴
Last week, our 3rd-grade classes wrapped up their unit on environmental change with a hands-on fossil dig! Students “dug” for fossils and observed their traits to figure out which habitats the organisms once lived in. Such a fun way to bring science to life! 🌍🔍

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 🐾

It’s time for our annual Veterans Day Lunch! We invite all Veterans and Active Service Members who are family or friends of Explorer students or staff to join us for lunch on Tuesday, November 11th.
🗓 RSVP by Friday, October 31st: https://bit.ly/vetlunch25
We will also be honoring our Veterans and Service Members with a slideshow during lunch. 📸 If you’ve sent in a photo before, we’ll use that one again — but if you’d like to send a new one (or haven’t before), you can upload it here: https://bit.ly/vetphotos25
Please send only one photo per Veteran by Tuesday, November 4th.
We look forward to celebrating and showing our appreciation for our Veterans together! ❤️💙
(Please note: There will not be a separate Veterans Day program this year.)

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

Today’s shout-out goes to a student who has been showing incredible growth and leadership! He’s done an amazing job controlling his impulsivity, staying on task, and getting his work done.
He has been a great leader among his peers, setting the example of what hard work and focus look like in 5F. Way to Shine Bright and show what it means to be a true role model! ✨
#ShineBright #ExplorerGoodNewsCall #PAWSitiveRoleModel

Monday’s shout-out went to a student in 1S who had an amazing day! She worked hard, persisted through her work, listened carefully, and followed directions all day long. Her focus and leadership set a wonderful example for her classmates!
We are so proud of the way she continues to Shine Bright through hard work, perseverance, and kindness. ✨
#ShineBright #ExplorerGoodNewsCall #PAWSitiveRoleModel

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

