By Robert Lukens
Once again, I am excited to write to you today about the beautiful things happening at the Kadoka Area School. Each day I walk the halls; it never fails me that I will see a teacher or staff member going to great lengths to make a child’s day better. Moments like these fuel my passion for education, we are producing tomorrow’s workforce, and every child matters as America maps out its future.
This week we are excited to see the middle school start their winter sports season with the girl’s basketball team having their first tournament at Philip. The girls just finished their volleyball season and are getting ready to roll right into a new activity. The grind of sports so close together can be exhausting for some, especially parents, and we dearly appreciate the sacrifice parents make to allow their students to participate in an activity. An excellent education is not complete without a collaborative learning component, and activities provide this. Thank you to all who make that possible.
The volleyball team will have a parents’ night on Tuesday this week, and we want to recognize all the work they have put in this season. Currently, we have a record of 18-11 and sit fifth in the region standings. While I have written quite extensively about the great work of our football coach over the past two weeks, I want to make sure I heap just as much praise on our volleyball coaches. Our girls are attempting to reach the SoDak 16 again this year. Still, more importantly, they will hope to continue the streak of volleyball teams to be recognized for their academic performance while participating in the season. The team looks forward to the playoffs starting next week and making another run into the final 16.
The choir program will celebrate their all-state concert this coming Saturday at the Monument in Rapid City. My praise and the importance of the arts in a well-rounded education is not unheard of in this column. Still, in emphasis, we must recognize that mathematics and music seem so far apart as subjects. Consistently, we see nationwide that those involved in the arts score better on the math portions of standardized exams. We thank all of our staff involved in making this program possible and feel honored to send students to the all-state choir on the 30th.
In summary, many things happen in the school daily, and I hope some of these events that I write about interest you and help you understand what a wonderful place Kadoka Area School is. Sometimes, a small community takes the value of the institution they have right in their town for granted. However, I am proud to work here and send my children to school here, and we appreciate your support.
Thank you,
Robert Lukens
MS/HS Principal