KNBN NewsCenter1
May 18, 2021
The pilot will be located at Canyon Lake Elementary School.
The Lakota Language Immersion program will be taught entirely in the Lakota language – with the exception of RCAS specials classes, including STEAM, physical education, and music – with an emphasis on Lakota culture, heritage, and values. Parents will be strongly encouraged to take advantage of opportunities to learn the language alongside their child, as language reinforcement at home is an important component to this program.
Space is limited; during the first year of the pilot, 20 students will be able to enroll. If interest exceeds the available capacity, a random lottery will be conducted. If the lottery process is needed, parents will receive more information about that process.
KNBN NewsCenter1
May 13, 2021
RAPID CITY, S.D. The Rapid City Area Schools Board approved unanimously just over $1 million earlier this week to purchase land near Sheridan Lake and Dunsmore Roads, the home of a future elementary school.
According to the district’s facility services manager Kumar Veluswamy, the southwest side of town has continued growth. Corral Drive and Meadowbrook have reached capacity limits and the district has been forced to transfer students out of the area.
The addition of another elementary school is still years away but the district is planning ahead.
“Canyon Lake Elementary School is in dire need of replacement so we will need to close that school and reboundary kids between those areas,” said Veluswamy. “We have Meadowbrook within a block and a half distance so we’ll need to reboundary between Meadowbrook, Corral Drive, Canyon lake, and this new school.”
Since 2007, one Canyon Lake Elementary School alumna has made it a Christmas tradition with her family to give a gift to each child at her alma mater.
Linda Rydstrom said the idea began when she first learned that the demographics of her old school had changed.
âWe heard about the need when we were at Canyon Lake Methodist, they were passing a bucket to add to the backpack program,â Rydstrom said, noting Canyon Lake is one of Rapid City Area Schoolsâ Title 1 schools, meaning 40% or more of its students qualify for free or reduced-price lunches.
Rydstrom and her husband, Don, who own WestJet Air Center at the Rapid City Regional Airport, decided in 2007 that it was time to give back.
KNBN NewsCenter1
December 17, 2020
RAPID CITY, S.D. Every year, the owners of Rapid City’s Westjet Air Center donate a toy to each child at Canyon Lake Elementary School.
Typically, there’s a Christmas party with students and their families, along with first responders and service members on hand to help give out the gifts.
While there won’t be a party this year, Westjet’s owners, Don and Linda Rydstrom, did not want a total break with tradition.
Erin Baur, Dean of Students, said, “Knowing that every kid here is going to have a present for Christmas is something that’s very special, and we’re so so grateful for the Rydstrom family to do this for us. It is such a great Christmas treat for them and we really really appreciate their generous donation.”