Superintendent highlights steady student activity participation, outdoor-learning grant and planned AI training

Vermillion School District 13-1 officials on Dec. 8 highlighted steady student engagement in extracurriculars, new outdoor-learning investments and several operational items families should note for the winter term.

Mister Heska, who presented participation figures for athletics and fine arts, said participation remains "very steady," estimating "we're probably in that anywhere from 78 to 81 of the kids at the high school are involved in some activity." Board members questioned some missing spring-sport entries in the packet; Heska said those question marks were an oversight and that the district has the numbers.

Superintendent Doctor Elvie thanked school counselors and community volunteers who organized a "Tanager Takeout" food-and-hygiene distribution during the recent federal government shutdown and credited Gina Marzola, Tiffany Jones and other staff for the effort. Elvie also described an outdoor-learning project funded by the Vermillion Public Schools Foundation that bought play and learning equipment, shade structures and seating across elementary, middle and high schools.

Elvie announced that bus passes for the second semester will be available at $50 during the Christmas break and will rise to $75 after the break; she also said the Jan. 5 staff in-service day will focus on AI "and its use ethical use and, practical uses for from kids and staff members," with a partner called Compass from Rapid City providing trainers. On inclement weather, the district will notify families first via Parent Square and then via local TV; the district's practice is to hold outdoor recess when temperatures are 0°F or above and keep students indoors below 0°F, and the district asked for donations of snow pants, boots and gloves for students who lack appropriate gear.

The superintendent noted national concerns about chronic absenteeism reported at a recent Education Commission of the States conference and said the district will review strategies and partnerships to address attendance.

The reports drew questions from board members and will inform future discussions about recess policies, staff training and student supports.