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Joe Schwan, MS/HS Principal
• The first quarter of school has come and gone in a big hurry and I hope that this newsletter finds you all enjoying your school year and learning a lot.  We recently learned how our schools scored on the state's new accountability model which is being partially implemented for the first time as South Dakota moves away from the former No Child Left Behind requirements.  Our School Performance Index Rating, or SPI, is the score our state assigns based on multiple indicators, currently student achievement, high school completion, and college and career readiness for the high schools and student achievement and attendance for the elementary and middle schools.  Additional measures will be put into effect over the next few years and will impact our schools' ratings moving forward.
• I'm proud to inform you that each of our schools scored very well in this inaugural report.  Groton Area Middle School (grades 6-8) scored 87.87 out of a possible 100 and Groton Area High School scored 83.08 out of a possible 100.  Congratulations to the students, teachers, parents, and community for creating and supporting a strong academic environment for all our students.  A report of all the schools' results will be made available by the South Dakota Department of Education and posted on their website. 
• Our fall activities and athletics are winding down as well, and I need to congratulate all of our student-athletes and activity participants on their decision to participate in these valuable and important activities.  Each of our soccer teams represented our school and community in the first SDHSAA sanctioned state tournament and we have qualifiers for the state cross country meet in Huron.  Our football and volleyball teams are constantly improving and working toward their teams' goals as well.  Finally, our marching band has performed well at Gypsy Day and the Waubay Band Festival and ought to be proud of their efforts.
• The coming month will bring the start of a new quarter of school, our first scheduled session for Parent-Teacher Conferences on November 8, the Veteran's Day Program on November 12, and many other opportunities for students and parents.  I hope you take the opportunity to participate in what your school has to offer.
• As always, if you have questions or concerns that need to be addressed, please do not hesitate to contact me.
• Sincerely,
• Joe Schwan

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