During Teacher Appreciation Week, we celebrate the incredible staff at Avon School—the real MVPs who somehow manage to teach, motivate, redirect, encourage, and still smile before their coffee kicks in. Whether they’re answering the same question five times, tracking down missing assignments, or performing daily miracles before lunch, our teachers do it all. We’re lucky to have such a dedicated (and patient!) group leading the way. Avon wouldn’t be the same without you—thanks for everything you do!
A quick reminder about the Open House for prospective students the Avon School is having on May 7th. If you can't make it, please contact Mr. Kuhlman or Mrs. Fathke to set up another day. We would love to give you a tour anytime. Come see what being a Pirate is all about!
PS: Feel free to share this post!
The 3rd graders enjoyed their pizza party on Friday for winning the pop tab competition. 🍕
The elementary enjoyed their Gold Coin party today by wearing their PJs, eating a snack and watching a movie!
Regular Meeting of the Avon Board of Education
Wednesday, May 13th, 2026—6:30 p.m.
Board Room
Join Zoom Meeting
https://sdk12.zoom.us/j/9883059751?pwd=dlJMZGRsb1NPcVMvd1cwakxUaGdzZz09
Meeting ID: 988 305 9751
Passcode: 3291
Agenda:
1. Call to order
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Student/Staff “Shout Outs!”
4. Approve the agenda. (m)
5. Disclose any new conflicts of interest of public-school officers per SDCL 3-23-6 and determine if these conflicts of interest are fair, reasonable, and not contrary to the public interest.
6. Principal’s Report.
7. Superintendent’s Report.
8. Public Input: According to Policy BDDH, which is available at https://www.avon.k12.sd.us/page/avon-school-policies
9. Approve the minutes from the April 15th Board Meeting.(m)
10. Approve Financial Report. (m)
11. Approve May claims/payment of bills. (m)
12. Cast official election ballots for SDHSAA Board of directors (m)
13. Cast official election ballots for SDHSAA constitutional amendments. (m)
14. Approve state rate mileage reimbursement at $0.70/mile. (m)
15. Approve Multi-tiered System of Support (MTSS) stipends to staff. (m)
16. Approve phase money request (m)
17. Approve board vice president on bank signature cards
18. Approve co-curricular, work agreements, and extra duty assignments and contracts for the 2026-27 school year. (m)
19. Approve Avon School District’s partnership with the South Dakota Virtual School for e-learning and online courses for the 2026-27 school year and authorize K-12 principal Mrs. Fathke to sign the agreement and enroll students in courses. (m)
20. Approve the terms and conditions of Avon School District’s Acceptable Use Policy, in compliance with Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). (m)
21. Approve mentoring stipend for Ashley Cihak for special education.
22. Discuss purchase of serving machine for volleyball (m)
23. Consider date and time for the June board meeting (m)
24. Declare surplus property to be disposed of in accordance with state law. (m)
25. Committee Reports
a.) Budget: Sees, Muller
b.) Curriculum Committee: Sees, Thury.
c.) Building/Grounds Committee: Tolsma, Ratzlaff. Input from Mr. Voigt
d.) Policy: Muller, Sees.
e.) Co-op Center Board: Muller
23.Other business
24. Executive session if needed.
25. Adjournment
Wednesday, May 13th, 2026—6:30 p.m.
Board Room
Join Zoom Meeting
https://sdk12.zoom.us/j/9883059751?pwd=dlJMZGRsb1NPcVMvd1cwakxUaGdzZz09
Meeting ID: 988 305 9751
Passcode: 3291
Agenda:
1. Call to order
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Student/Staff “Shout Outs!”
4. Approve the agenda. (m)
5. Disclose any new conflicts of interest of public-school officers per SDCL 3-23-6 and determine if these conflicts of interest are fair, reasonable, and not contrary to the public interest.
6. Principal’s Report.
7. Superintendent’s Report.
8. Public Input: According to Policy BDDH, which is available at https://www.avon.k12.sd.us/page/avon-school-policies
9. Approve the minutes from the April 15th Board Meeting.(m)
10. Approve Financial Report. (m)
11. Approve May claims/payment of bills. (m)
12. Cast official election ballots for SDHSAA Board of directors (m)
13. Cast official election ballots for SDHSAA constitutional amendments. (m)
14. Approve state rate mileage reimbursement at $0.70/mile. (m)
15. Approve Multi-tiered System of Support (MTSS) stipends to staff. (m)
16. Approve phase money request (m)
17. Approve board vice president on bank signature cards
18. Approve co-curricular, work agreements, and extra duty assignments and contracts for the 2026-27 school year. (m)
19. Approve Avon School District’s partnership with the South Dakota Virtual School for e-learning and online courses for the 2026-27 school year and authorize K-12 principal Mrs. Fathke to sign the agreement and enroll students in courses. (m)
20. Approve the terms and conditions of Avon School District’s Acceptable Use Policy, in compliance with Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). (m)
21. Approve mentoring stipend for Ashley Cihak for special education.
22. Discuss purchase of serving machine for volleyball (m)
23. Consider date and time for the June board meeting (m)
24. Declare surplus property to be disposed of in accordance with state law. (m)
25. Committee Reports
a.) Budget: Sees, Muller
b.) Curriculum Committee: Sees, Thury.
c.) Building/Grounds Committee: Tolsma, Ratzlaff. Input from Mr. Voigt
d.) Policy: Muller, Sees.
e.) Co-op Center Board: Muller
23.Other business
24. Executive session if needed.
25. Adjournment
They wear aprons not capes, but they are our Super Heroes! Today is School Lunch Hero Day. Thanks to Sherri, Angie, and Jennifer for keeping our crew well fed.
It's Schools Principals' Day! Thank you Mrs. Fathke for all you do. Enjoy your special day!
If you are interested in doing the weightlifting program this summer, forms are due next week!
I was extremely honored to accompany this girl to the Academic Excellence Banquet in Pierre! There she received her certificate for ranking in the top 1% of her graduating class. Congratulations Abby on this accomplishment!
The Seniors had another "last" today as they read their letters to their chosen teacher. This is one of our favorite senior traditions. It’s fun to see the impact teachers have had on various students. Connections that last a lifetime. 💛❤️
Student of the Month
HS Positive Pirate: Braylon Fathke
MS Positive Pirate: Lydia Lane
HS Student of Excellence: Atyliese Akridge
MS Student of Excellence: Brynlee Odens
Elementary Positive Pirate: Molly Swier
Elementary Student of Excellence: Tylee Wolf
Congratulations 🏴☠️
The 3rd graders earned the concert etiquette party complete with popcorn, lemonade, and a blacklight party!
The Avon School District life skills class would like to recognize a generous donation from the Mike Durfee State prison in Springfield. Through their efforts, our life skills classroom recently received three rebuilt, three wheeled bicycles, providing our students with an exciting new opportunity to build independence, confidence, and real world skills.
The Circus was in school this morning, and boy was it great! The Preschool class put on a great show! 🎪
Friday is the final day to turn in your Basketball Camp Form. It is for grades 2nd-6th. Grades Fall of 2026.
Today is bus drivers appreciation day. A big thank you to our school bus drivers Lenny, April, David , and Brandon! Thank you for safely navigating our crew to all of their destinations.
A big thank you to the Knights of Columbus for their donation of $300 to the programs for special needs children here at Avon. The money was raised through their annual Tootsie Roll drive. Thanks to everyone who supported the cause.
A few more pictures from the concert last night.
Last night was a great showcase of talent in our school. Great job by all our musicians!
Special recognition was given to four seniors who have been involved in band and/or music for all four years of high school. Thank you for your dedication!
Last night was Mr. Sexe's last concert with us as he will be moving to Nebraska next year. Thank you for all you've done for the band, Mr. Sexe!
Yearbook orders for the 2025-2026 Yearbook are due by Thursday, April 30. Please drop off cash or checks in the business office. Cost is $35.00, payable to Avon School. Yearbooks are delivered in the fall.