Elementary Principal ~ Dan Dalchow
A big thank you goes out to everyone for being patient with the road work around the elementary school.  They are wrapping things up now, but it has made for inconveniences this past summer and the start of the school year.  It is so nice to see the additional parking, the widened street on our north side that allows for parking AND two-way traffic, and paved streets that will not get muddy after a rain. The new sidewalk and fencing along the east side of the playground is also a nice addition.  The sidewalk is seeing quite a bit of use with bikers and pedestrians.
•  Again this year we have a number of organizations that helped get our school off to a great start.  The Methodist church donated supplies to our teachers as well as students who are in need.  The Chamber of Commerce also contributed school supplies to the middle/high school students for those in need there as well.  The Elementary PAC again donated some of their hard-earned funds to pay for all of the elementary student's field trips as well as stability balls for all of the 1^st graders. As they did in kindergarten, the stability balls will be introduced later this fall.  The Target Corporation also donated nearly 1400 dollars to the elementary school.  This money comes from all of you who signed up our school to be the benefactor of the Take Charge of Education Fund.  Finally, Nick Simon and Plains Commerce bank donated 500 dollars to our needy student fund.  This fund purchases clothes, outerwear, or anything else that is necessary for students who do not have the means to pay for things themselves.  Plains Commerce Bank started similar funds in several other area elementary schools as well.
•  As you may have heard, Groton Area Elementary was the recipient of the National Blue Ribbon Award.  This award recognizes the top schools in the country for their outstanding work.  I have contended all along that this is a great school with great staff, students, and parental/community support.  I said this to the news reporter at KSFY and I truly mean it, a school cannot be highly successful without everyone working together.  To have a top performing school, staff, students, parents, and the community all have to work together, and when they do, great things happen.  It is nice that we are being recognized nationally for it.
•  If there is anything I can help you with, or any questions you have, please contact me during school hours.
•  Mr. Dan Dalchow ~ Principal          Groton Area Elementary School                   Elementary Phone # 397-2317                 E-mail:  dan.dalchow@k12.sd.us

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