Henry School District: Embracing Growth and Community Spirit
- Steve Jurrens
- 8 hours ago
- 3 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Henry, SD - In an informative interview on Northeast Radio SD, representatives from the Henry School District shared exciting updates and upcoming events, highlighting the unique advantages of their small-town educational environment.
Principal Landon Hammer, along with Preschool instructor Dakota Nerison and Kindergarten teacher Abbi Bloom, discussed everything from specialized learning programs to community-wide celebrations.
A Focus on Early Childhood Education
One of the primary topics of discussion was the upcoming Preschool and Kindergarten Roundup, scheduled for Friday, March 27, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. This event aims to introduce new students and their families to the school’s welcoming atmosphere and diverse activities.
Dakota Nerison detailed several engaging stations planned for the roundup, including an “art corral” and a “math gulch.” She emphasized the district’s unique offering of a four-day, all-day preschool program, which has been recognized with the Preschool of Excellence award for several years.
“I think it’s the four-day and all-day preschool that draws people in,” said Nerison. “We offer school from 8:10 AM to 3:30 PM, which is very attractive for parents compared to other programs that may only be half-day or every other day.”
The Small School Advantage
Abbi Bloom spoke passionately about the benefits of small class sizes in the Henry School District. With classes typically ranging from 12 to 15 students, teachers can provide highly individualized attention, particularly in critical areas such as literacy.
“Having a smaller class, I have the time in my day where I can give each individual child at least a small chunk of time where it’s just me and them,” Bloom explained. “As an educator, I think that’s really important because I’m not only getting to know them on a personal level and building that relationship, but I can also meet their needs and give them individualized attention.”
Principal Landon Hammer echoed these sentiments, noting that despite being a small school, Henry offers robust resources, including iPads for all elementary students and a recent South Dakota Literature Grant to enhance reading skills across all grade levels.
Upcoming Community Events
The interview also highlighted several upcoming events that showcase the district’s vibrant community life:
· Two One-Act Plays: On Thursday at 7:00 PM in the high school gym, students will perform two plays, including “Life’s a Witch,” a comedy co-written by three seniors: Natasha Heppler, Dylan Jensen, and Alyssa Anderson. Admission is free.
· Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? Trivia Night: Following the Friday roundup, this fundraiser will start at 5:00 PM. Proceeds will support the 5th-grade class’s trip to the Black Hills, where they will visit sites like Mount Rushmore and the Mammoth Site. The entry fee is $10 per player.
· Prom and Grand March: This Saturday night at 7:00 PM, the community is invited to watch the Prom Grand March.
· Family Engagement Night: Scheduled for April 30, the ELA grant funds this event and aims to bring parents and grandparents into the school for various activities.
The interview concluded with a sense of pride in the district’s “big family” atmosphere, where students of all ages interact and support one another, creating a nurturing environment that prepares them for their future academic journeys.
For more information on these events and other district news, visit the Henry School District website or follow their Facebook page.
