Rapid City Area Schools District

09/05/2026

🌟EMPLOYEE FEATURE - CONNIE HESTER🌟

Connie is starting her 9th year at Valley View Elementary, where she's part of an incredible team that cooks for nearly 400 elementary students each day.

Besides her coworkers, Connie says what she loves most about her job is interacting with the kids and getting to be an important part of their day.

And if you know Connie, that probably doesn't surprise you. She is truly one of the kindest people you'll meet, and the care she has for the students she serves shows every single day.

We're pretty lucky to have people like her who genuinely love what they do and the kids they do it for.

Join us in showing Connie some appreciation!💛🍏👏

09/03/2026

🐾 We’re kicking off our Attendance Awareness video campaign with the top dog himself, RCAS Board President Bishop Troy Carr! 🎥

President Carr’s message is a good reminder that every day in school matters. Being present means more opportunities to learn, connect, grow, and be part of your school community.

💚 Your Presence Matters.

Throughout September, we’ll be sharing messages from voices across RCAS about why showing up makes a difference.

09/02/2026

🚨Central High School Update🚨

Due to a power outage, school is cancelled today, September 2, at Rapid City Central High School.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work through the situation. Additional information will be shared as it becomes available.

All other RCAS schools are in session today.

09/01/2026

Attendance Awareness Month is officially underway! 🎉

We kicked things off this morning with students joining the GOOD MORNING KOTA show to talk about why showing up matters!

This year’s motto is “Your Presence Matters.” 💙 Because every day in school is an opportunity to learn, connect and grow.

Throughout the month, tune in for videos from community partners who have joined us in spreading the message that attendance matters and your presence makes a difference!

09/01/2026

Due to high temperatures and ongoing heat conditions in some of our buildings, the following RCAS schools will have an early release on Thursday, September 3:

Grandview, Horace Mann, Meadowbrook, Rapid Valley, Robbinsdale, Pinedale, South Canyon, South Park, Wilson, and North Middle School.

Buses will run on the adjusted schedule, and after-school activities at these locations are canceled.

Please also remember that an early release is already scheduled districtwide for Friday, September 4.

Thank you for your flexibility and understanding as we work to keep our students and staff safe and comfortable during the heat.

08/28/2026

YUM!

Today our high school students got to try something new: Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole - a new recipe prepared right in our kitchens.

We’ll admit, some students weren’t too sure about it at first glance. But those who were willing to give it a try? We heard lots of “that’s actually really good!” We will make a few tweaks to the recipe, but add a side salad, fresh peach, baked-in-house dinner roll and milk, and we’d say that makes for a pretty great lunch for $3.75!

We’re working to bring more speed-scratch cooking and new recipes into our kitchens, and trying something for the first time is part of the fun. We hope our students will keep being adventurous, giving new menu items a chance, and letting us know what they think!

A big thank you to our Student Nutrition team for trying new things and bringing more scratch-made flavor to school lunch for our students! 👏

08/24/2026

And just like that… we’re back!

The halls are full, the classrooms are buzzing, and another school year is officially underway! Here’s to new beginnings, big goals, new friendships, and a whole lot of learning.

Welcome back, RCAS!

08/21/2026

What a great way to kick off a new school year! 🎉

Today, we welcomed more than 2,000 RCAS staff members back at our District Opener. We are so excited and ready to welcome students back to our schools on Monday!

Our staff are ready to support, encourage, and help every student excel this school year.

We can’t wait to see our students! Here’s to an amazing 2026–2027 school year! ✨

08/20/2026

Part of Rapid Valley is officially renovated! 🎉

Teachers got their first look at their new classrooms and even cut a little ribbon to celebrate the moment. ✂️

We’re excited to see these updated spaces ready for students and staff. We remain committed to improving our schools and making the most of the funding available to create better learning environments for our students.

08/19/2026

The RCAS School Food Pantry is open tomorrow from 4:00–6:00 PM at Rapid City Alternative Academy, 625 Columbus Street, behind the main building on South Street.

The pantry is open to families with students enrolled in any RCAS school. Please bring an ID to verify district enrollment and family members listed in Skyward.

Families may receive food from only one RCAS pantry per month.