It is hard to believe with the incredibly warm Fall Season we are experiencing, but “Weather” we like it or not, it is on the way. As we all know, winter in South Dakota means cold, snow, and ice. Please take the time to make certain your contact information in Skyward is updated to ensure you receive weather related announcements by completing the Skyward Family Access Update. In addition to updating your contact information, it is also important to review the following winter weather safety guidelines with your child. Whether riding the bus, driving, or walking to school, dressing appropriately is extremely important for all students during the upcoming winter season.

• Winter Weather Safety Guidelines:
  • Dress in layers
  • Wear appropriate winter clothing (Coats, Hats & Gloves)
  • Winter Driving – Ice & Snow, take it slow
  • Defrost car windshields and windows completely

In addition to discussing winter driving with our teens, all vehicles in South Dakota should contain a winter survival kit. As outlined on their website, the National Weather Service advises a winter weather safety readiness kit be placed in your vehicle to prepare for the winter season.

Talking with your child about weather safety will help with their winter weather preparedness. In the unlikely event school is in session and your child is unable to attend due to travel issues, contact your respective school, and the absence will be excused. Together, we can promote winter weather safety for our children.

Go Lynx!

We want to thank all our parents and guardians for attending Fall Parent-Teacher Conferences!

Overall, we had an excellent turnout. This is great news because kids need an adult that values their education. Research demonstrates an engaged adult is important for a student’s success

Engaging in a child’s education and encouraging the importance of learning is powerful. The active participation of an adult in a child's education leads to improved academic outcomes, improved school behavior, and reduced absenteeism. Communication with your child’s teachers is not and should not be limited to conferences. In the event you have questions, please contact your child’s teacher(s). Together, we promote student success.

The South Dakota Department of Education will publicly release school report cards in late October. In November an overview of the Brandon Valley School District’s student achievement data will be provided at a Board of Education Meeting. Report card information can be found at the South Dakota Department of Education website, once publicly available.

In the end, the absolute most critical factor as an educational system is that we utilize the information and data available to best meet the needs of our students in the areas of curriculum and instruction. We should be very proud of our students and staff for their levels of achievement, but continually strive for improvement and excellence in education. Be proud – not satisfied.

Go Lynx!

Digital Citizenship is an extremely important topic as technology and social media have become mainstays within our society. Over the last decade, we have seen the explosion of technology use. Things have changed and continually change in our digital world. The evolving social media applications create an environment where it is critical for our children to have an adult continually engaged in conversation about the importance of digital citizenship.

Monitoring children’s technology usage is important. Cyberwise.org and Connectsafely.org provide a variety of resources and tips for adults in their efforts to keep their children's on-line activity safe and digital footprint appropriate.

As online dangers to kids continually change, it is near impossible to develop specific safety messages for all the inappropriate apps and games our children may be exposed to. However, the resources listed above support digital citizenship, on-line safety, and the on-going efforts of parents to keep their children safe. As a school district, we utilize a wide variety of approaches to teach our students about appropriate technology usage and digital citizenship. Together, we can promote student safety, quality digital citizenship and appropriate technology use.

Go Lynx!

• Adult engagement and involvement in a child’s education is critical for their success. Research demonstrates that students with an engaged adult in their education perform better academically, have fewer behavioral issues at school, and have much higher graduation rates. Parent Teacher Conferences in the Brandon Valley School District will be held on the following dates:
  • Monday, October 6 - Elementary Buildings / Brandon Valley High School
  • Tuesday, October 7 – Brandon Valley Intermediate School / Middle School

We strongly encourage all parents and guardians to participate in conferences and be actively engaged in your child’s education. We would like to challenge you to: Connect - Engage - Discuss. Connect with your child’s teacher(s) at Parent Teacher Conferences. Engage with your child in conversation about what they are learning in class. Discuss what was shared in the conference with your child.

• Meaningful engagement has the power to propel a child to new levels of academic success. Additional participation strategies engaged adults can utilize to create a home environment that encourages learning may include:
  • Inquire daily about your child’s school day
  • Assist your child with homework
  • Discuss books or read together

No matter the strategies utilized, communicating the importance of education to our children is essential. Together, we promote an outstanding educational experience for our kids

Go Lynx!

In a child’s academic life – Every School Day Counts. September is Attendance Awareness Month and to be an “Active Learner” students must have consistent and regular attendance. The benefits of great attendance extend far past a child’s current year of schooling.

Research studies demonstrate the strong relationship between student attendance and student achievement. Chronic absenteeism, defined as 2 school days per month or 18 days for the year, has been directly correlated to deficiency in student reading. Specifically, Kindergarten and 1st grade students who are chronically absent are much less likely to read proficiently by the end of 3rd grade. This finding holds significant value because 3rd grade reading proficiency is a strong indicator of a student being a grade-level reader throughout their entire academic career.

Additional research findings demonstrate a non-proficient 3rd grade reader is four times more likely to drop out of high school. While further examining the importance of attendance, a recent study found that 9th grade attendance was significantly correlated to high school graduation.

To make it as simple as possible, school attendance at every age matters. Every school day counts. Making school attendance a priority today will positively impact your child tomorrow. Thank you for making school attendance a priority

Go Lynx!

Extracurricular activities are an important aspect of our work to provide a well-rounded education. Fine Arts, athletics, and student clubs provide impactful learning opportunities for students. Extracurricular activities have tremendous benefits for kids.

Activities promote and teach students valuable life-lessons such as: commitment, hard-work, discipline, and acceptance of a role. Digging in deeper, research studies have demonstrated that students involved in extracurricular activities have higher rates of academic achievement and are more likely to graduate from high school. In addition to the academic benefits, extracurricular activities teach valuable skills such as communication, teamwork, and leadership. Activities expand learning opportunities outside of the classroom and are a critical component of a well-rounded education.

Supporting students in a positive sportsman-like manner is essential. Appropriate behavior while participating in or attending activities is essential. Regardless of the event, spectator conduct is a crucial factor in creating a positive and appropriate climate for an interscholastic event. Sportsmanship is respecting our team, the opponent, and officials. As adult spectators and role models, we must demonstrate, and model appropriate behavior as little eyes are upon us.

Go Lynx!

Dear Brandon Valley Alumni,

It is with great excitement; I welcome all those attending the Brandon Valley All School Reunion! This special event is a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with classmates, celebrate our Lynx history, and honor the vibrant school district community that makes Brandon Valley such a remarkable place.

Originating in 1962 with the reorganization of Valley Springs School District, Brandon School District and twelve common school districts. The Brandon Valley School District student enrollment has gone from 900 students in 1962 to over 5,200 students for the 2025-26 school year. A tradition of strong academic programming and outstanding extracurricular activities has supported our on-going growth and success.

Whether you graduated last year or several decades ago, all attendees will make this gathering memorable. We look forward to celebrating our past, present, and future together. Your journey and accomplishments have contributed greatly to the legacy of Brandon Valley High School, and we can't wait to see you on August 23 from 5:30-11:30 p.m. at the W. H. Lyon Fairgrounds!

We also want to thank all the individuals that have made the reunion possible. With the proceeds from the event benefiting the Brandon Valley “Angel Fund”, we not only celebrate our shared past but also invest in and support our students and families.

Go Lynx!

Dr. Jarod M. Larson

The first day of school for children in the Brandon Valley School District is August 20. As the start of school is upon us, excitement is in the air, and we are thrilled to have our Lynx back in the classroom! For the most up to date information for school news and activities, patrons should monitor our district’s school websites.

The Brandon Valley School District continues to utilize our district-wide character program “The Lynx Way” to promote positive student behaviors and instill the fundamental traits we want in all students. Creating consistency and common language throughout our schools supports positive behavior intervention systems and promotes easier transitions between school buildings. We encourage all Brandon Valley families and patrons to utilize the common language and engage with our kids on the importance of being respectful, responsible, safe, kind, and active learners.

If your child is riding the school bus, please talk with them about bus riding etiquette and appropriate behavior. When the bus approaches the bus stop, stay back, and wait for the bus to come to a complete stop. Once onboard, students are to always remain seated and conduct themselves in an orderly fashion. Appropriate behavior on the bus is critical to student safety

Thank you for your assistance in promoting fundamental character traits and helping keep our kids safe. Together, we create learning environments that result in success.

Go Lynx!

Effective communications with families of the Brandon Valley School District requires that we maintain accurate and up-to-date household contact information. In addition to contact information, the Skyward Family Access Update also includes the various parent permissions that are required annually. We are asking all parents and guardians to complete the Skyward Family Access Update as soon as possible. We appreciate your timely cooperation and completion of this important task.

There is a tremendous amount of infrastructure construction currently in progress within the Brandon Valley School District. While these types of improvement projects are positive and signs of growth and improvement, they can cause travel delays and traffic congestion during morning and evening commutes. Further, road construction projects and closures are continually changing and may have an impact school bus timing. We greatly appreciate our families understanding and patience as we navigate the road construction season and start of the 2025 school year.

Compounding the challenges associated with road construction, school zones in general are high traffic areas, especially during the a.m. drop-off and p.m. pick-up. For our children’s safety, please slow-down, take your time, and observe all traffic laws and signage.

Thank you for your cooperation and assistance in helping keep our kids safe. Together, we promote student safety.

Go Lynx!

As summer break is coming to an end, I cannot help but be impressed at the quantity and quality of work done by our Custodial, Building & Grounds, and Maintenance Staff. In preparation for the coming school year, these valued individuals have maintained, prepped, and cleaned the over one million square feet of school buildings and grounds within the Brandon Valley School District. Their valuable role makes providing a great education possible. Great work and thank you to all our Custodial, Building & Grounds, and Maintenance Staff!

The bus pass purchase deadline has come and gone. I want to extend a GIANT THANK YOU to all the families that met the cutoff date. Your timely cooperation was critically important to our planning and preparation for the Fall. With bus passes purchased, the start of school is right around the corner, and it is important to engage our kids in conversations about traveling safely to school.

Engaging our children on the topics of stranger danger, distracted driving, crosswalk rules, and bicycle safety is a proactive measure and supports your child’s safe commute to and from school. Kids need to be aware, cautious, and prepared for their school commute. Together, we promote student safety.

Go Lynx!

Last Call For Bus Passes!

The deadline for purchasing a bus pass or notifying the Transportation Department of ridership is Friday, July 25, 2025.

Bus passes and ridership notification will be available until July 25. Arrangements must be made with the Transportation Department for all students using district transportation for the 2025-2026 school year. Bus Passes can be purchased online with a credit card or with check or cash at the Transportation Department.

Brandon Valley Transportation Department
812 E. Redwood BLVD
Brandon, SD 57005
605-582-3514

We greatly appreciate the timely cooperation from our parents and guardians regarding the purchase of bus passes and ridership notification.

Go Lynx!

Bus passes and ridership notification will be available for purchase from July 1-25. Arrangements must be made with the Transportation Department for all students using district transportation for the 2025-2026 school year. Bus Passes can be purchased online with a credit card or with check or cash at the Transportation Department.

The deadline for purchasing a bus pass or notifying the Transportation Department of ridership is Friday, July 25, 2025.

Brandon Valley Transportation Department
812 E. Redwood BLVD
Brandon, SD 57005
605-582-3514

Go Lynx!

Bus passes and ridership notification will be available for purchase from July 1-25. Arrangements must be made with the Transportation Department for all students using district transportation for the 2025-2026 school year. Bus Passes can be purchased online with a credit card or with check or cash at the Transportation Department.

The deadline for purchasing a bus pass or notifying the Transportation Department of ridership is Friday, July 25, 2025.

Brandon Valley Transportation Department
812 E. Redwood BLVD
Brandon, SD 57005
605-582-3514

Go Lynx!