🐾 October Hometown Legacy | Once a Bobcat, always a Bobcat!
For our October Hometown Legacy feature, we're highlighting two more BSD staff members who graduated Brookings High School and have returned to work in the district!
Courtney Honkomp, BHS Class of 2018, is an Instructional Assistant at Mickelson Middle School.
Jennifer Lacher-Starace, BHS Class of 1992, is an 8th Grade Reading Teacher at Mickelson Middle School.
From favorite school memories and influential educators to working alongside former teachers and inspiring today's students, Courtney and Jen share what makes returning to their alma mater so meaningful.
Check out their October Hometown Legacy features to learn more about their experiences and what it means to come full circle.
There will be no school Friday, October 9, due to all-day Parent/Teacher Conferences and no school Monday, October 12, in observance of Native American Day. Enjoy the long weekend, Bobcats!
National School Custodian Appreciation Day
Today, we recognize the 25 dedicated custodial staff members who care for our schools across the Brookings School District!
Their hard work happens every day, often behind the scenes, to keep our buildings clean, safe, welcoming, and ready for students and staff.
Please join us in thanking our incredible custodial team for everything they do for our schools and our Bobcat community. We appreciate you!
October is National Principals Month!
We're kicking off the month by recognizing the principals and assistant principals who lead our schools and support our learners, staff, and families each day.
Thank you for all you do for the Brookings School District! 🐾
Homecoming Throwback: Day 5
We're wrapping up our Homecoming Throwbacks with a look back at Friday Night Lights through the years!
Tonight, the Bobcats take on the Spearfish Spartans at 7:00 PM at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium. See you under the lights, Bobcats!
For families who utilize the Boys & Girls Club, please also note that the Club will be closed Friday, September 25 for staff training.
Homecoming Throwback: Day 4
Today we're looking back at Bobcat pep rallies and spirit assemblies through the years!
Do you recognize anyone in these throwback photos?
Homecoming Throwback: Day 3
Today we're throwing it back to Homecoming dress-up days in 1987, 1998, and 2008!
Some things change over the years, but Bobcats going all-in for Homecoming dress-up days apparently isn't one of them!
Take a look at today's throwback and see if you recognize any familiar faces!
Homecoming Throwback: Day 2
Today's Homecoming Throwback takes us back to Homecoming Olympics!
With photos dating from 1971 to 2007, these throwbacks show that a little friendly competition has been part of Bobcat Homecoming for decades. And judging by some of these pictures, the events have definitely evolved over the years!
Check back tomorrow for another look back at Bobcat Homecoming history!
Homecoming Throwback
There's nothing quite like Bobcat Homecoming traditions! In honor of Homecoming Week and tonight's BHS Coronation and Burning of the B, we're taking a look back at a few Bobcat Homecomings from years past.
Some traditions just stand the test of time! 🐾
We'll be sharing a Homecoming throwback each day this week, so check back tomorrow for another look back at Bobcat Homecoming history!
Medary Families,
September is flying by! Take a moment to view our Medary message, a monthly newsletter that includes upcoming dates/events, updates, and highlights. Information about upcoming conferences is included.
Click to view the newsletter here: https://app.smore.com/n/jpahe-medary-families
Thank you,
Mrs. Bolstad
Homecoming Week starts tomorrow!
Don't forget to show your Bobcat spirit during our Homecoming Dress-Up Days this week!
Reminder: School will dismiss at 12:00 PM on Friday, September 25 for the Bobcat Homecoming Parade, beginning at 2:00 PM downtown.
Interested in participating in the parade? Parade Entry Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfw5INT4k1HDRIPxvjV3X3C8OCZtaiBdDHR3yVXK7u_s7K7zw/viewform
Go Bobcats! ❤️🖤
This month, we're highlighting two Brookings High School graduates who have returned to BSD to help make a difference for the next generation.
Lynsey Magnus, BHS Class of 2009, serves as an Instructional Assistant at Dakota Prairie Elementary and Assistant Girls' Soccer Coach.
Zach Thomas, BHS Class of 2010, serves as Principal at Brookings High School.
Both share a special connection to the district they grew up in and the educators who helped shape their experiences. Now, they're continuing that legacy as members of the BSD team.
Take a look at their September Hometown Legacy features to learn more about their Bobcat roots and what brought them full circle.
Today is National IT Professionals Day!
We're celebrating the Brookings School District IT Department and the work they do each day to keep technology running across our schools!
Our four-person IT team manages more than 4,900 devices, supports approximately 3,400 students and nearly 500 staff members, and closed 1,435 technology support tickets last year. Together, they have an incredible 58 years of service with the Brookings School District!
Thank you, Grant Sunne, Travis Vlaminck, Jason Smidt, and Adam Vaux, for everything you do to keep our schools connected! ❤️🖤
Pictured left to right: Grant Sunne, Travis Vlaminck, Jason Smidt, and Adam Vaux.
It's Homecoming time, Bobcats!
The 2026 Bobcat Homecoming Parade is Friday, September 25, at 2:00 PM in downtown Brookings!
Want to be part of the parade? School groups, organizations, businesses, and community groups are invited to enter. Last year we had more than 70 entries—let's make this year's parade even bigger!
Parade entries are due by 4:00 PM on Tuesday, September 22.
👉 Learn more and register for the 2026 Bobcat Homecoming Parade!
GO BOBCATS! ❤️🖤
Notice: South Playground Closed This Late Afternoon/Evening
Our south playground area will be sprayed for wasps/yellow jackets around 4:00 PM today. Please avoid this area tonight and use the preschool or east playgrounds instead. GAP has been notified and will be using an alternate playground as well.
Thank you for your flexibility!
REMINDER: No School Monday, September 7
Brookings School District schools and administration office will be closed on Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day. Classes will resume on Tuesday, September 8.
Tuesday, September 8th we're excited to launch our UPDATED School-to-School transfer service! Please visit the BSD Transportation Page on the Brookings School District Website for more information.
https://www.brookings.k12.sd.us/page/transportation
In response to the accident that happened on the corner of 5th street and Medary yesterday, our school’s crisis response plan was implemented to respond to the situation and help our students and families. A script about the accident and the well being of our student was read to 1st-3rd grade classrooms to prevent the spread of false information. It is important to share accurate information with students that may be aware of the accident and to normalize feelings associated with these events. We will continue to monitor the needs of all of our students and provide additional supports.
Additional counselors have been in our building to support students and staff.
Please observe your child closely over the next several days and weeks to watch for signs of distress that may indicate a need for additional support and guidance. Please call if you have questions or concerns regarding your child, and please communicate with the school if there is information for us to know to help support your learner.
Thank you for your support of our school system as we work together to cope and process this event.
Mrs. Bolstad