We are happy to announce a new addition to our Sturgis Community Preschool family! Former teacher in Herford, SD and Stepping Stones, Jessica Kusser will be joining us as our Monday-Thursday classroom teacher.

Our Framework:

Children at Sturgis Community Preschool are exposed to a play-based, active learning approaches to early childhood education. We consider children to be active learners and teachers to be facilitators through dynamic, interactive experiences based on the interests of children.

Our interdisciplinary framework supports children’s needs for both independence and social learning. Not only do we know that children learn best through play, but that children are naturally curious. Through developmentally appropriate practices and projects, students are able to construct their own knowledge through aided- investigations and enhanced discovery.

Balanced and thoughtful planning, as well as ongoing observations and assessments allow our staff to differentiate instruction to meet the diverse needs of all learners based on learning goals defined by South Dakota Early Learning Guidelines.

Our children embark on a journey exploring mathematics, language and literacy, science, health and physical development, social studies, and approaches to learning, as well as social/emotional development.

Limited openings are still available for the 4-Day Kindergarten Readiness class (M-TH 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.). Allow us to nurture curiosity and instill the joy of learning. This class is offered at $185 per month. Check out our early drop off and late pick up options!

Saturday, June 4th, 2016 from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Donate your gently used items to be sold at the Sturgis Community Preschool Summer Yard Sale Fundraiser! Proceeds will benefit the preschool, a non-profit 501 c(3).

Come shop and find some treasures! 🙂

Thank you for your support!

It is with such bittersweet emotions that I say goodbye to my first and last year teaching at Sturgis Community Preschool. This year has been so amazing and filled with such joy and wonder, as I’ve watched all of the kiddos learn and experience life, from learning how to sew to playing store and using their imaginations. It is a year that I will truly treasure. I have truly enjoyed loving on each and every one of my students, watching them grow and learn. What a blessing this year has been! From one great blessing to the next, I have been given the opportunity to stay at home with my four kiddos and also work part-time for my husband’s survey company and property management company. As both my preschoolers and myself start on a new journey I can’t help but quote Dr. Seuss. “Oh the places you’ll go, Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, So…get on your way!” Parents, thank you so much for entrusting your kiddos to me this past year! They all hold a very special place in my heart.

We are excited to announce we will be adding a third classroom for the 2016-2017 school year! We will be welcoming Ginger Smith, Jenn Aldren, and Jessica Kusser to our Sturgis Community Preschool family! Mrs. Smith will be taking the role of the Littles teacher. Mrs. Aldren will be teaching the M/T/Th Kindergarten Readiness class.  Jessica Kusser will be teaching the M-Th Kindergarten Readiness class! We look forward to another great year at SCP with our new additions!

Welcome Mrs. Smith!

My name is Ginger Smith, and my husband, Vaughn Smith, and I live  in Whitewood with our children: Jordan, Ariel, Grace, Gavin, and Stella. I earned a degree in Elementary Education, but have been a stay-at-home-mom since the birth of our first son Jordan. I enjoy watching sporting events, camping, reading, and time with family. I am so excited to have the opportunity to spend time with the littles. I love the energy and curiosity that these children will bring to the classroom. I believe that this is a great opportunity to instill a love of learning, and also a love for the social aspect of school as well. Looking forward to the wonderful adventure that we will begin together next fall!

Welcome Mrs. Aldren!

Hello! My name is Jenn Aldren, and my family includes my husband, Kelly, and our three children: Kaydence, Owen, and Brennen. We call Sturgis our home! I graduated from Black Hills State University in 2012 with a B.S. in Education, majoring in Elementary Education. GO YELLOW JACKETS!  I’ve been enjoying being a stay-at-home-mom since then, as well as substitute teaching for the past 7 years. I also enjoy the outdoors, photography, reading, a good movie, crafting, and spending time with family and friends. I’m delighted to join the Sturgis Community Preschool team! I look forward to getting to know your child and family as we grow together this year. Each day will be filled with exciting new learning to support your child’s academic and social growth, as well as nurture their sense of wonder!

 Welcome Miss Kusser!

My name is Jessica Kusser. Sturgis is my hometown and now I am raising my son Zachary here. I graduated from Black Hills State University in 2006 with an Associates Degree in K-12 Paraprofessional and after a semester break, I returned to finish my B.S. in Elementary Education graduating class of December 2009. I was a paraprofessional at Whitewood Elementary for a year before being offered a teaching job at Hereford, SD. After 2 years, I resigned from that position to be a more active mom for my son who has special needs. For the last two years, I taught preschool at Stepping Stones Daycare. Also since 2012, I have worked the Old Fort Meade Museum during the summer months. I enjoy bowling, golfing, reading, history and bonding with my son. I’m excited for the school year to start. Children are amazing and exciting beings. To be able to help them grow is an exciting adventure. Our school year will be full of adventure and learning.

We are so happy to announce that Midco Foundations, the charitable arm of the Midcontinent family of companies, the Midcontinent®, has donated $1000 to Sturgis Community Preschool for classroom improvements! Thank you Midco Foundations!

Spring Conferences are scheduled for April 28th and 29th. Please be watching for the sign-up sheet posted in the hallway over the next few weeks. In the event you are unable to meet with your child’s teacher either of those days, please contact your classroom teacher to schedule a phone conference in advance. Thanks!