Hillcrest’s Moving Up Day had a little more excitement this year as learners from Dakota Prairie Elementary and Medary Elementary visited Hillcrest Elementary in preparation for upcoming boundary changes! During their visit, students had the opportunity to explore classrooms, meet staff, and get familiar with their new school community. They also heard from a panel of current third graders who shared what they are learning this year and what students can look forward to next year—helping to ease the transition and build excitement for what’s ahead. The day was filled with smiles, curiosity, and meaningful connections as students looked ahead to a new school year and new opportunities. We are excited to support all of our learners through this transition and look forward to welcoming everyone back in the fall!
This accomplishment reflects strong financial knowledge, critical thinking, and dedication. We're proud to see this level of excellence representing our school and community. Keep up the great work, Jackson!
📱 SmartSocial Event: AI for Student Success — HAPPENING TONIGHT!
📅 Wednesday, May 13 | ⏰ 6:00 PM
Join us for this FREE LIVE online event for parents and educators (students welcome!) to explore how AI is transforming learning—and how to help students use it productively and responsibly.
💡Discover how to unlock the power of AI to support your child’s success in school and beyond.
You’ll learn:
✔️ The latest AI tools and prompts to spark learning
✔️ Strategies to enhance your child’s education
✔️ How to keep your child safe and protect their privacy
✔️ How AI can support future success
🎯 Hear practical tips from experts on supporting healthy, responsible AI use at home and in school.
👉 Click the link below to register (sign up to receive the replay if you can’t attend live)
https://streamyard.com/watch/B5ebbY8RKeAa
📱 SmartSocial Event: How Social Media Is Influencing Student Behavior — HAPPENING TONIGHT!
📅 Tuesday, May 12 | ⏰ 6:00 PM
Parents, educators, and students are invited to join this FREE live online event to learn how platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube are shaping student behavior.
You'll walk away with:
✔️ Insight into 6 key risks students face online
✔️ Practical strategies to help kids stay safe, smart, and aware
👉 Click the link below to register. Can’t attend live? Register anyway to receive the replay!
https://streamyard.com/watch/wGpmiu5rbKeV
📱 SmartSocial Event: How Social Media Is Influencing Student Behavior — HAPPENING TONIGHT!
📅 Wednesday, May 6 | ⏰ 6:00 PM
Parents, educators, and students are invited to join this FREE live online event to learn how platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube are shaping student behavior.
You'll walk away with:
✔️ Insight into 6 key risks students face online
✔️ Practical strategies to help kids stay safe, smart, and aware
👉 Click the link below to register. Can’t attend live? Register anyway to receive the replay!
https://streamyard.com/watch/McUQpBWTxWB8
Annual Student Online Registration (OLR) Now Open for 2026–2027
Families are encouraged to complete Annual Student Online Registration (OLR) for the 2026–2027 school year through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal.
👉 CLICK HERE to complete registration
To access OLR, log into the Parent Portal, select “More” from the left menu, then click “Annual Student Online Registration.”
This process ensures student information, including emergency contacts and medical details, is up to date. If you have already completed registration, no further action is needed. You can confirm completion if it shows “COMPLETE” in the Existing Student Registration section.
For login help, use the “Forgot Username?” or “Forgot Password?” links on the Parent Portal login page.
Thank you for your attention to this important update.
Join us this afternoon for our New Families Open House!
🗓 Today – Tuesday, April 28
⏰ 4:30–6:00 PM
This event is for families of incoming 2026–2027 Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten students, as well as any students and families who will be attending a new boundary school next school year.
We’re excited to welcome you and help you get to know your school community—see you there! 🎉
Hillcrest Early Childhood learners are enjoying weekly visits from Brookings High School Child Development students throughout the month of April!
YEARBOOK SALE DEADLINE: April 30 at 4:00 PM - If you have not yet ordered your 2025-26 BHS Yearbook, it's now or never! Please go to this Yearbook Sales Link before April 30 to purchase this past year's book...there will be no on-site sales!
At the Monday, March 23 Board of Education meeting, the Board approved revisions to elementary school attendance boundaries that will take effect beginning with the 2026-2027 school year. The decision was made after careful consideration of enrollment trends, facility capacity, and the goal of maintaining equitable learning environments and balanced class sizes across the district.
A PDF version of the updated boundary map is available to view here: [View PDF Boundary Map]. An updated interactive is also available to help families confirm residence boundaries: SchoolSearch Interactive Map.
As part of the same meeting, the Board made the decision to halt further consideration of the Partner School concept, allowing the district to focus on implementing the newly approved boundary adjustments and supporting families through the transition.
Ready, Set, Kindergarten! 🐾
Join the Class of 2038—or 2039 for Junior Kindergarten! Register today: https://www.brookings.k12.sd.us/page/kindergarten-screening
Reminder: Smart Social Event Tonight @ 6:00 PM
The Impact of Screen Time on Motivation, Health & Academics
Attend this LIVE parent event (students welcome) to learn:
- How screen time impacts a teen's motivation, health, and academics
- The hidden dangers for teens of unmonitored screen time
- Practical strategies for families to set limits, balance screen time, and create healthy connections
Registration allows viewing after the event.
Congratulations to former Bobcat Basketball Coach Lynn Frederick for receiving the John Wooden Legacy Award. This award is given to 2 coaches from each state in the nation. Congrats Coach Fred for making Bobcat Nation proud!
This week, we recognize and thank the Brookings School Board for their leadership, service, and dedication to our students, staff, and community. We appreciate all you do to support learning in Brookings! #GoBobcats
Families are invited to attend a virtual Roblox & Minecraft Safety Night on Wednesday, February 5, hosted by SmartSocial. This session will provide an overview of how Roblox and Minecraft work, highlight potential online safety risks, and share practical tips and settings to support safe, responsible digital citizenship at home. Registration is required: https://streamyard.com/watch/w9B7QPquTnVP
Brookings School District will be CLOSED on Friday, January 23.
