Back to school for the Rangers

With the end of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally comes the start of the school year. Hill City and Keystone children have their first day Aug. 24.

Freshman orientation is Aug. 20 from 5-6 p.m. in the boardroom of the high school. 

Grilling on the Green, which is also the elementary school open house, is Aug. 20 from  5-6:30 p.m. 

The sixth grade orientation is also Aug. 20 at 5:30 p.m.

Laptop distribution takes place in the technology office Aug. 20 between 1-3 p.m. and Aug. 21 between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. 

2026-27 school hours are: 

• Elementary 8 a.m. to 3:05 p.m. 

• Middle school 8 a.m. to 3:02 p.m.

• High school 8 a.m. to 2:58 p.m. 

The 2026-27 student and adult meal prices are as follows:

• Paid elementary, middle school and high school breakfast: $2.25

• Adult breakfast: $3.75

• Extra milk: 50¢

• Paid elementary lunch: $3.40

• Paid middle and high school lunch: $3.75

• Adult lunch: $5.55

Parent teacher conferences are Oct. 8 from 4-7 p.m. and Oct. 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Activity passes are on sale now at all school offices. For regular season events, kindergarten through 12th grade students are $4, and adults are $6.

Advanced student K-12 ticket prices are $1.

Season passes for all Hill City students are $25, adults are $50 and family passes are $125. Complimentary senior citizen passes will be issued upon request for residents 62 years of age or older. Playoff event admission prices are according to South Dakota High School Activities Association guidelines. 

New Rangers teachers include Sarah Daniels, who will teach high school science, specializing in chemistry and physical science. Daniels most recently taught in Meade County and holds a masters and PhD.

Alyssa Mitchell will teach high school English, Josh Limmer will teach physical education, Taylin Limmer is teaching fourth grade and Lexi Johnson will teach special education. 

To find our more about back to school, including updated handbooks and supply lists visit hillcity.k12.sd.us/