As we start November, the school year starts to break up as we see many holidays come and go. We have been fortunate to have such fantastic weather for our kids at recess and open campus time in our middle school and high school. Still, we hope to an end to the drought that our area is experiencing. Hopefully, the land can recover over the winter with some snow and moisture for our local economy to flourish.
I want a couple of fantastic students/athletes this week whom I missed in past columns. Hudson Taylor and River Solon placed at the regional cross country meet and had an excellent showing for the Kougars. Cross Country is such a mentally demanding sport, and these kids do it well. It is suitable for us to be part of a sport where we can’t blame anyone else for our failure but ourselves. The natural accountability of sports allows students to understand that there is no one else to blame in the classroom and on the field. We have to solve the problem ourselves.
Concerning solving problems, I would like to thank the cross-country coaches for their time and effort for our children. Due to some extenuating circumstances, the coaches went the extra mile to make this year a success for everyone in the program. On behalf of our kids, we thank those for their outstanding efforts during the year.
Volleyball will start playoffs with a game at Jones County on Tuesday. The game will be the start of the season’s final leg for girls as they once again try to advance in the playoffs. Good luck, Kougars! We are proud of you!
There was an increase in submissions of Box Tops for the Kadoka Area Parents and Community to use to support our schools this week. Thank you to those who have scanned their receipts and taken the extra steps to help our teachers through the Box Top program. Funding in school is pivotal for the ability to educate. Typically, anything the community, if that is by volunteering or donation, can do to support the school will have a tremendous impact on the education of many. Therefore, as the box tops dollars add up for our supportive community group, we thank the people who make this possible. Your impact radiates here at Kadoka Area School.
Finally, we recognize those students who are in good standing and entering rodeo season. While not an officially sanctioned sport by the SDHSAA, we understand the commitment of resources to partake in rodeo is substantial, and keeping academics in line is another commitment in itself. We recognize the effort of the students and parents who bring great color to the experiences of our student body. The enjoyable diversity you bring is noticed.
We are now reaching the end of another entry of the Kougar Column; thank you for your time and energy in supporting the Kadoka Area Schools.
As always,
Robert Lukens
MS/HS Principal
Kadoka Area School