BACK TO SCHOOL 2023-2024
NOTICE: Jefferson and Kennedy Elementary Schools will hold their Open Houses on Monday, August 14th. Buchanan Elementary School will postpone their Open House to a later date due to construction.
School Start Dates & Calendars
Welcome to the 2023-2024 school year! All schools in the Pierre School District start classes on August 17th.
Online Student Registration
Parents and guardian of students currently enrolled in the Pierre School District must complete Student Registration for each of their children through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. Reviewing your contact information is an easy process that takes just a few minutes to complete! We appreciate your prompt attention to completing Student Registration.
Student Registration opens July 1st, 2023.
Please complete Student Registration by logging into Parent Portal OR click the “New Student Registration” link below. Please review the information closely and make any necessary changes.
Instructions - Current/Returning Students
Log into Parent Portal. Click MORE > Student Registration to start the application.
Use a tablet, laptop, or desktop computer. Schools will have computers available after August 1st to complete student registration, if necessary.
Select “Returning Student Registration” to review information for all children. Add any new students to the same application.
Instructions - New Students
Select the following link to start an application for a new student: New Student Registration
Use a tablet, laptop, or desktop computer. Schools will have computers available after August 1st to complete student registration, if necessary.
Select "Start New Registration" to provide information for all children. All students can be added to the same appliation.
Can’t remember Parent Portal account OR need account created? Please reach out to Jeff Hegge our Infinite Campus Specialist to request account information and/or create new account.
Infinite Campus Specialist
Jeff Hegge | Infinite Campus Specialist
Jeff.Hegge@k12.sd.us
Phone: (605) 773-7307
Middle School & High School Athletics
Athletic Department Contact Information
Brian Moser | Athletic Director
Brian.Moser@k12.sd.usNichole Bowman | Athletic Coordinator
Nichole.Bowman@k12.sd.usJillian Minihan | Administrative Assistant
Jillian.Minihan@k12.sd.us
Phone: (605) 773-7361
Athletic Parent/Athlete Meeting
Date: Thursday, July 20th, 2023
Time: 6:00PM
Location: T.F. Riggs High School - Main Gym
The Athletic Parent/Athlete Meeting is for the parents of all Geogia Morse Middle School, and T.F. Riggs High School, student athletes who plan to participate in an athletic activity for the 2023-2024 school year. During this time, coaches for all fall sports will have short meetings with parents and athletes to discuss the start of the fall athletic season. All athletic paperwork (Physical & Interim/Athletic Packet) needs to be turned in to the Riggs Athletic Office by this time.
Annual Interim/Athletic Packet, Physical Exam Form, & Concussion Testing
The Annual Interim/Athletic Packet must be completed and submitted annually to the Riggs Athletic Office for all middle school and high school student athletes. All GMMS and Riggs students planning to participate in school athletics must have a current physical form on file with the Pierre School District. The Pierre School District does now offer student athletes the option for "Triennial" physical exams. Parents can log into Infinite Campus Parent Portal to view when their student athlete's current Physical Exam expires. Instructions on accessing this information are below. All in-coming 6th Grade student athletes will need to have a Physical Exam completed. Please print off the Exam Form and schedule an appointment with your family physician to get this completed prior to the July 20th Athletic Parent/Athlete Meeting.
Please select, print, and complete this form if you do not need to complete a Physical Exam for the 2023-2024 school year. You may also stop by the the Riggs Main Office over the summer to pick up a paper copy of this packet.
Please select, print, and complete this form if you do need to complete a Physical Exam for the 2023-2024 school year. You may also stop by the Riggs Main Office over the summer to pick up a paper copy of this packet.
All GMMS and Riggs student athletes are required to complete the concussion testing prior to practice starting. ImPact Baseline Concussion Tests are valid for 2 years. Parents can log into Infinite Campus Parent Portal to view when their student athlete's current ImPact Baseline Concussion Test expires. Instructions on accessing this information is below.
Instructions on Accessing Athletic Information in Infinite Campus Parent Portal
To know if your student athlete needs an updated Physical Exam and/or ImPact Baseline Concussion Test, or to see if their Annual Interim/Athletic Packet has been submitted, parents simply need to log into Infinite Campus Parent Portal, select their child from the upper Right dropdown menu, select More from the Left menu, and then Activities.
Available Sports for Student Participation & Start Dates
Below is a list of sports available for your student athlete to participate in for the 2023-2024 school year. Also included is the practice start date of each fall sport.
CLICK HERE for a listing of coaching assignments for this year.
6th Grade
Cross Country (Aug. 17th)
Gymnastics
Wrestling
7th & 8th Grade
Girls Tennis (Jul. 31st)
Cross County (Aug. 17th)
Football (Aug. 17th)
Boys Golf (Aug. 7th)
Volleyball (Aug. 17th)
Basketball
Wrestling
Gymnastics
Girls Golf
Boys Tennis
Track
9th-12th Grades
Competitive Cheer (Jul. 31st)
Competitive Dance (Jul. 31st)
Girls Tennis (Jul. 31st)
Soccer (Jul. 31st)
Football (Aug. 7th)
Boys Golf (Aug. 7th)
Cross Country (Aug. 10th)
Volleyball (Aug. 10th)
Basketball
Wrestling
Gymnastics
Girls Golf
Softball
Boys Tennis
Track
Student Accident Insurance
The Pierre School District is not responsible for any accidental injuries that occur to students while under the school’s supervision or participating in interscholastic sports.
Our School District has partnered with Student Assurance Services to give families the opportunity to purchase accident insurance for their student(s). When enrolled, this coverage provides financial assistance with your out-of-pocket medical expenses should your student sustain an accidental bodily injury.
Student Assurance Services Flyer (ENG)
Student Assurance Services Flyer (SPAN)
Reasons to consider coverage for your student:
Your primary health insurance has a high deductible – copay – coinsurance.
No other insurance on your student.
Your student participates in a sport where unexpected injuries commonly occur.
To enroll you student and review medical benefits visit www.sas-mn.com.
CLICK HERE for additional information. If you have any questions regarding this voluntary student accident insurance program, please contact Student Assurance Services at (800) 328-2739. You will speak with a live person who can assist you with your questions.
School Pictures
School pictures will be taken on check-in day at each building. Schools, dates, and codes are listed below. Interstate Publishing pictures will need to be ordered online, or payment needs to be sent with your child on check-in day.
T.F. Riggs High School
August 3rd | Seniors | 8AM-1PM | Code: 78525C
August 4th | Sophomores & Juniors | 8AM-1PM | Code: 78525C
August 11th | Freshman & New Students | 8AM-1PM | Code: 78525C
September 8th | Retakes | 11AM-1PM | Code: 78525F
October 4th | Retakes | 11AM-1PM | Code: 78525J
Georgia Morse Middle School
August 7th | 8th Graders | 8AM-1PM | Code: 78524J
August 8th | 7th Graders | 8AM-1PM | Code: 78524J
August 9th | 6th Graders | 8AM-1PM | Code: 78524J
September 7th | Retakes | 8AM-10AM | Code: 78524V
October 3rd | Retakes | 8AM-10AM | Code: 78524Y
Buchanan Elementary School
August 8th | 8AM-3PM | Code: 78714N
September 8th | Retakes | 8AM-10AM | Code: 78522N
October 4th | Retakes | 8AM-10AM | Code: 78522R
Jefferson Elementary School
August 9th | 8AM-3PM | Code: 78522V
September 7th | Retakes | 8AM-10AM | Code: 78522Y
October 3rd | Retakes | 8AM-10AM | Code: 78523C
Kennedy Elementary School
August 7th | 8AM-3PM | Code: 78523Y
September 7th | Retakes | 11AM-1PM | Code: 78524C
October 3rd | Retakes | 11AM-1PM | Code: 78524F
Immunization Requirements for School Attendance
South Dakota Codified Law 13-28-7.1 (Rev. 2016) requires that any pupil entering school or an early childhood program in this state shall, prior to admission, be required to present to school authorities certification from a licensed physician that the child has received, or is in the process of receiving, adequate immunization against poliomyelitis, diphtheria, pertussis, rubeola (measles), rubella, mumps, tetanus, meningitis and varicella (chickenpox), according to the recommendations of the State Department of Health.
This law applies to ALL children entering a South Dakota school district for the first time. This would include children in early intervention programs, preschool, as well as kindergarten through twelfth grade. Children under 4 need to be age-appropriately immunized.
For more information, or questions, on minimum immunization requirements for kindergarten through twelth grade students, please visist the South Dakota Department of Health's website.
Kindergarten Vaccination Requirements (PDF) | Spanish (PDF)
6th Grade Vaccination Requirements (PDF) | Spanish (PDF)
Pierre School District Nurses
Buchanan Elementary School Nurse
Carmen Wexler
605-773-7310
Carmen.Wexler@k12.sd.usJefferson Elementary School Nurse
Dacey Neely
605-773-7320
Dacey.Neely@k12.sd.usKennedy Elementary School Nurse
Lana Martin
605-773-7370
Lana.Martin@k12.sd.usGeorgia Morse Middle School Nurse
Shannon Bieber
605-773-7330
Shannon.Bieber@k12.sd.usT.F. Riggs High School Nurse
Jeri Wiebe
605-773-7350
Jeri.Wiebe@k12.sd.us
Birth Certificate Records
All students entering into the Pierre School District are required by South Dakota Law to submit a copy of an official birth certificate at the time of school registration, or as soon thereafter as possible. Families entering into the district can drop off a copy of their child's birth certificate with their Building Registrar.
Please visit the South Dakota Department of Health's Certificates & Records webpage for more information on obtaining certified birth certificate records.
T.F. Riggs High School | Check-In Days, Big Green Welcome, & Freshman/New Student Orientation
Check-In Days
Seniors: Thursday, August 3rd | 8:00AM to 1:00PM
Sophomores & Juniors: Friday, August 4th | 8:00AM to 1:00PM
Freshman & New Students: Friday, August 11st | 8:00AM to 1:00PM
Any Sophomores, Juniors, or Seniors unable to attend their scheduled check-in day may come in on Friday, August 11th from 8am to 1pm.
During this time students will have an opportunity for the following:
Receive class schedules.
Take school pictures.
Pay class fees for elective classes.
Check out school issued computer.
Check out a locker.
Purchase activity tickets.
Add money to lunch accounts.
Big Green Welcome
Freshman & New Students: Thursday, August 10th | 4:30PM to 6:30PM | Riggs Main Gym
Parents of Freshman & New Students Orientation: Thursday, August 10th | 5:30PM to 6:30PM | Riggs Theater
Parents of Freshman & New Students Orientation: Thursday, August 10th | 5:30PM to 6:30PM | Riggs Theater
The Gov-to-Gov mentor program will host the "Big Green Welcome" for all freshman and new students starting in the Main Gym at Riggs High School. There will be a variety of activities to help familiarize students with Riggs High School. Tours will be given, and students will have an opportunity to interact with upper-classman and ask questions about Riggs. Pizza will be provided!
Riggs High School Principals, Counselors, and the Director of Native American Student Programs will host an orientation for parents of incoming freshman and new students in the theater. Parents will get an overview and introduction of T.F. Riggs High School, as well as optional tours of the building.
Georgia Morse Middle School | Check-In Days, Course Registration, Orientations, & Open House
Check-In Days
8th Grade: Monday, August 7th | 8:00AM to 1:00PM
7th Grade: Tuesday, August 8th | 8:00AM to 1:00PM
6th Grade: Wednesday, August 9th | 8:00AM to 1:00PM
During this time students will have an opportunity for the following:
Receive class schedules.
Take school pictures.
Check out school issues computer (7th & 8th grade students, 6th grade students will get their computer after the start of school)
Check out a locker.
Purchase activity tickets.
Add money to lunch accounts.
New Student Class Registration
Wednesday, August 2nd & Thursday, August 3rd | 9:00AM to 3:00PM
Students that are new to the Pierre School District can come in on these days to register for classes, drop off Birth Certificates and immunization records, and complete any additional paperwork/forms. Parents will want to have completed Online Student Registration prior to coming in.
6th Grade WEB Orientation
Thursday, August 10th | 1:00PM to 3:00PM
The GMMS 7/8th Grade WEB (Where Everybody Belongs) Leaders will host this event for all incoming 6th Grade students starting in the Main Gym at Georgia Morse Middle School. There will be a variety of activities to help familiarize students with Georgia Morse Middle School.
6th Grade Parent Meeting
Monday, August 7th | 5:45PM
Parents of 6th Grade Students entering Georgia Morse Middle School are welcome to attend our 6th Grade Parent Meeting in our Main Gym. The GMMS Principals and Guidance Counselors will provide parents with an introduction to Georgia Morse Middle School, as well as provide a self-guided tour of the building.
GMMS Open House
Monday, August 21st | 6:00PM to 7:00PM
All GMMS families are welcome to come in to our Open House to meet our staff and tour Georgia Morse Middle School!
Elementary Schools | Check-In & Open Houses
Check-In Days
Kennedy Elementary School: Monday, August 7th | 8:00AM to 3:00PM
Buchanan Elementary School: Tuesday, August 8th | 8:00AM to 3:00PM
Jefferson Elementary School: Wednesday, August 9th | 8:00AM to 3:00PM
New students registering to attend the Pierre School District for the first time should check-in on Wednesday, August 2nd at the school in their attendance area, and must bring their birth certificate, immunizations, and report card from the school they previously attended.
During this time students will have an opportunity for the following:
Complete Online Student Registration if not already completed.
Purchase milk tickets.
Purchase activity tickets.
Add money to lunch accounts.
Visit with school PTA members.
Open Houses
Buchanan Elementary School: Postponed due to construction.
Jefferson Elementary School: Monday, August 14th | 5:30PM
Kennedy Elementary School: Monday, August 14th | 5:30PM
Students will get an opportunity to bring their school supplies in to their classroom, meet their teacher, and tour their school building!
School Supply Lists
T.F. Riggs High School does not put out a supply list since every student has a unique class schedule.
Some recommended items are:
Backpack with computer sleeve.
Pens (blue, black, red), pencils, and notebooks.
Organizational tool - this is based on your students preference - some examples include: colored folders OR expandable folder OR binder.
Calculator recommendations:
General Use: Texas Instruments TI-30X-IIS or Texas Instruments TI-30XS Multi-View (what was used in middle school).
Math Classes: Any student who is in Algebra I or higher class is encouraged to get a TI-84 PLUS or TI-84 PLUS CE; however, each math teacher has a classroom set so students will have access to this graphing calculator during class activities. Students may also access a graphing calculator online as well.
Infinite Campus Parent Portal
The Pierre School District offers parents the option to sign up for access to the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. Access allows parents to complete their child's annual school registration online, and monitor their child's school records.
Please reach out to your child's school and work with the School Registrar to gain access to Infinite Campus Parent Portal.
Signing up for SchoolMessenger Notifications
Opt-In Instructions:
To opt-in to SMS text message notifications from SchoolMessenger (which is highly recommended), simply send a "Y" or "YES" to short code 67587.
Parents and guardians must elect to opt-in to receive SMS text message communications from the Pierre School District.
The Pierre School District utilizes SchoolMessenger for phone, SMS, and email notifications to families. Such communications may be for emergency, parental outreach, and student attendance notifications. SchoolMessenger does not replace modes of communication between families and staff. Administrations, teachers, and advisors across the district utilize multiple forms of communication with students and families.
When completing student registration, parents are encouraged to ensure all telephone and email information is up-to-date. If at any time contact information changes, parents are advised to notify the school immediately.
School Meals
The PSD Food Service Team is passionate about fueling our students for success! We serve breakfast and lunch at every level, every day. The meals we serve meet the rigorous USDA nutrition standards and it is our goal to make meals not only nutritious yet tasty.
Please select the following link to view our parent packet with meal price information, and to view income eligibility requirements for free & reduced price meal benefits.
Application for Free & Reduced Price School Meals or Free Milk
We strongly encourage families eligible for free and reduced price meal benefits to simply fill out the Free & Reduced Meal Application, and submit the document to their school. Below are links to the Free & Reduced Meal Application. Families can also pick up a paper copy of the application at their school. Each individual household application is held in strict confidence.
School Lunch EZ Pay Account Setup
The EZ School Pay system is a great way to manage your child's school meal purchases. The Pierre School District encourages all parents and guardians to sign up for the EZ School Pay system. There are options for setting low balance notifications. Families can deposit funds electronically into their child's account for school lunch, or breakfast, without the need to send cash or checks to school. There are no fees for the EZ School Pay service.
Select the following link for step by step instructions for EZ School Pay account setup. You will need to reach out to your child's school to get your child's STUDENT ID # to complete the account setup.
Food Service Contact Information
Steven McClelland | Food Service Director
(605) 773-7337
Steven.Mcclelland@k12.sd.us
School District Boundary Maps
Thank you for visiting the Pierre School District!
The Pierre School District prides itself on the quality of education it provides to children of the Pierre area. The teachers and support staff of the Pierre School District are of the highest caliber. Our students have great opportunities to learn and grow as a result of dedicated educators, directors, coaches, and quality programs and courses. As a district we take pride in our school and community. If you have any questions regarding the Pierre School District, please contact our Administrative Offices. We would like to hear from you!
Contact Us
Phone: (605) 773-7300
Fax: (605) 773-7304
Mailing Address:
Pierre School District
211 South Poplar Ave.
Pierre, SD 57501
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