School Year, Education Packet & Meal Update

The Smee School Board decided to end our school year on May 1, instead of May 19, 2020. This decision was based on the recommendation of school administrators and guidance from Governor Noem who stated schools will remain closed for the remainder of the school year. Although the Governor encouraged schools to continue with alternative/flex learning until the end of their original school calendar date, she also acknowledged that local school boards can choose their final end date.

In light of the end date being the choice of local school boards, our school board and administrators thoroughly discussed the pros and cons of ending early or sticking with our original school calendar end date of May 19. The decision to end early on May 1st made more sense based on gathered evidence and the unique circumstances we are facing. SD Department of Education will grant waivers for not meeting minimum number of instructional hours.

All educational packets have been delivered as of Tuesday, April 14th; there will be no further education packets sent home. Please use the remainder the school year, which ends on May 1, to complete any unfinished assignments. Return all completed work and textbooks to the bus driver or staff on Monday, April 20 and Monday, April 27, when meals are delivered.

We will continue to deliver meals to our enrolled students through May 1st. Beginning May 4th, Wakpala Public School will become an Open feeding site. We can supply meals for any child age 0-18, regardless of enrollment at our school. Meals can be picked up at the school each Monday & Wednesday. The Monday pickup will include breakfast & lunch for Monday & Tuesday. Wednesday’s pickup will include breakfast & lunch for Wednesday, Thursday & Friday. In order to prepare the number of meals necessary, please call the Wakpala Public School at 845-3040 each Monday & Wednesday, with the number of meals you will be picking up. You can place your order between 10:30 am and 1:00 pm CST. Meals will be available for pickup between 11:30 am and 1:00 pm CST.