With the calendar flipped to October and the high temperature hitting 90, many in Rapid City were  wondering how many days like yesterday they could expect before snow begins to fall–and they were getting outside to enjoy it. Around Central the question became how many parents would want to spend the afternoon at teacher conferences. The answer: not as many as last year. Numbers for the first set of parent-teacher conferences were down 24% compared to the same session last year, but with 432 students’ parents attending, the numbers are still good. Central hosts round two next Thursday from 4:00 to 7:30, so there is plenty of time for parents to connect with teachers. Through the course of the year there are four sessions of evening conferences.

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There is no school Monday in recognition of Native American Day. South Dakota is the only state in the Union to celebrate Native American Day, and it has been this way since 1989. When then Governor Mickelson declared Native American Day a holiday (replacing Columbus Day), he pronounced 1990 as a year of reconciliation. In that spirit, the Office of Indian Education has set up a program for students on Thursday, October 7th to kick off the celebration of the holiday. Speakers include Tim Giago, the editor of Native Sun News, Michelle Lintz from the Rapid City Visitors Bureau, and Tim Mitchell, the new superintendent of Rapid City Area Schools.

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Of course students are particularly excited about having Tuesday off as well as Monday, though teachers will be at school for a day of professional development.

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Cobbler athletics are doing well. The girls’ softball team recently won the state title, as is well known now, and the boys’ soccer team is currently traveling to the state tournament.

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Students are looking out for others, and wearing a hat on Friday the 8th is one way to take part. Any student who brings in a dollar or a can of food for donation to Feeding America can wear a hat during the day Friday. Perhaps if the Twins fare well against the Yankees, Feeding America will benefit particularly well. Go Twins!

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Lastly, as a point of notice for cross country fans–the state tournament will be charging admission for the first time this year. It’ll cost five bucks to watch runners compete in Huron on October 23rd. Of course, that’s small change after paying for the gas to drive to Huron. But at least now you know.

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