School starts next Monday

Just like that the summer is almost over and the Custer School District (CSD) is gearing up for the 2025-26 school year. 
District open houses are Aug. 20 from 3-5 p.m. at Custer Elementary School (CES) and Hermosa School (HS). The Custer Jr/Sr High School (CHS) open house is from 4-6 p.m. Aug. 20.
This year, the CSD Board of Education opted to start the school year Monday, Aug. 25. Homecoming week is Sept. 15-19. The last day of the fall semester is Dec. 18. After winter break, the spring semester begins Jan. 5. Graduation is scheduled for May 16, and the last day of school is May 21. 
Parent teacher conferences for all three schools will be Oct. 24 from 8-11:30 a.m. and March 17 from 4-7:30 p.m. Also, CES and HS will have parent teacher conferences Oct. 20 from 4-7:30 p.m., and CHS will have parent teacher conferences Oct. 27 from 4-7:30 p.m.
The board of education voted not to increase school meal prices. Board vice president Travis Hartshorn wanted to remind the community that individuals or businesses can donate to the Beef-to-Schools Program even if they do not have a ranch. Donations can offset processing costs. 
School supply lists are available on the school website, listed under each building’s menu at csd.k12.sd.us. The district will supply some basic items such as loose-leaf paper, notebook paper, glue bottles, eight-color paints, Expo markers and highlighters. 
For Custer and Hermosa students in junior kindergarten through eighth grade, supply lists will specify what items need to be purchased. Sending boxes of tissues throughout the year is appreciated at all three school buildings.
CES is also collecting Lynn’s Dakotamart receipts to submit for cash back. Pop tabs or tabs from cans are being collected as well for children undergoing medical treatment. The pop tab collection drive is taking place for Ronald McDonald House. Receipts and pop tabs can be dropped off at any school or the administrative office.
As school sports get into full swing, residents may want to grab an activity pass for the year. Activity passes are available at the CHS and the Custer Administration Building and are accepted at all home games in addition to regularly scheduled CSD plays and concerts.