From the desk of Mr. Bolstad:
Welcome back to Sioux Valley! As we begin a new school year, we encourage you to strive for excellence in all aspects of your academic journey, extracurricular involvement, and positive contributions to our school community.
In this newsletter and the accompanying handbooks, we have provided students and parents with important information about our school's expectations and guidelines in order to foster a positive and productive environment at Sioux Valley. It is important for students to familiarize themselves with and adhere to these expectations and guidelines. While the handbook may not cover every specific practice and procedure, it will address most of your inquiries regarding the rules and procedures that ensure a safe learning environment at Sioux Valley.
We have high aspirations for each and every one of you. As a student at Sioux Valley, you become a part of our Cossack legacy—a tradition rooted in success and pride. Our students consistently achieve high feats in academics, athletics, and community service, bringing immense joy to our staff, parents, and the entire community. What will your unique contribution be to the Cossack legacy? Remember, Sioux Valley will be as remarkable as you, the students, make it— let's make it something special!
Mrs. Taylor Ash - MS ELA Teacher
My name is Taylor Ash and I am a recent graduate of South Dakota State University. There, I earned a B.A. in English Education and a minor in Professional Writing. I am originally from Milbank, South Dakota and now live in Volga with my fiancé. When I’m not at school, I love to read, spend time with friends and family, and cheer on the Jackrabbits! I look forward to joining Cossack Nation this year.
Mr. Brandon Berndt - HS Science
Mr. Noah Clair - SPED TA
Ms. Morgan Gosch - HS Spanish and EL Coordinator
My name is Morgan Gosch — next year's Spanish and ESL teacher at Sioux Valley! Originally from Sioux Falls, I am the oldest of three girls and the daughter of the best parents I could ask for! Fun fact — my mom graduated from Sioux Valley in the 90s! In 2022, I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Spanish Education from Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN. This year will be my second year teaching as I recently completed my first in Wildomar, California where I also taught Spanish in SoCal. In my free time, you can catch me rollerblading, traveling, working with ceramics, and shopping. I’m excited to join the Volga community and give back to the community!
(Pictured — Living abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina last summer)
Mrs. Megan Jaquet - MS/HS Family and Consumer Science
I spent seven years as a Culinary teacher at the CTE Academy in Sioux Falls, followed by five years teaching Family Consumer Science at Brookings High School. During my time in Brookings, I also advised FCCLA and Educators Rising.
I am thrilled to return to my roots at Sioux Valley High School, and can't wait to share my passion with the students.
Mr. Tyler Snaza - HS Math Teacher
Mrs. Julie Tangen - Shifting into the role of Elementary Technology / MS Science
My name is Julie Tangen. I graduated from South Dakota State University with a degree in Early Childhood Education and from Black Hills State University with a degree in Elementary Education. I also earned a computer endorsement from Dakota State University. My previous job experience includes working as a teacher assistant in Brookings as well as working at Daktronics for eight years. For the past eleven years, I have been a teaching assistant at the SV Middle School.
I live on a farm, outside of Bruce, with my husband, Wade. We have four children, three of which still attend Sioux Valley School. My children are Delanie - 21 of Watertown, and an SV graduate, Ashlyn a senior, Talissa an 8th grader & Tosten a 6th grader.
In my free time, I love to spend time out on the lake boating, jet skiing, and reading. I also spend a lot of time attending my children’s many activities, which include cheer competitions, baseball, basketball & football games.
I am super excited to start this next phase of my career with the students at Sioux Valley.
Ms. Kali Ulrich - MS ELA Teacher
Tuesday, August 8 – Registration & Back-to-School Day
We are looking forward to reconnecting with you at our registration & back-to-school day at the MS & HS Commons. To streamline the registration process, we have designated specific times for students to register based on the first letter of their last name. However, if the assigned time slot does not work for you, please feel free to come anytime between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm.
Registration Times:
O-S: 8:00-9:30
T-Z: 9:30-11:00
A-F: 11:00-12:30
Lunch Break for Staff: 12:30-1:00
G-K: 1:00-2:30
L-N: 2:30-4:00
Open Slot: 4:00-5:00
During registration, parents will need to update emergency contact information, and students will receive their class schedule, locker assignment, and have their school pictures taken. Activity tickets will be printed with last year’s school picture, so seniors will not be required to take a school picture. Additionally, athletes and fine arts participants will need to purchase a $20 activity ticket. Students will also have the opportunity to deposit money into their lunch accounts and pick up their yearbooks.
High school laptop distribution will take place during registration. Middle school Chromebooks will be distributed the first week of school. I kindly request that you read, sign, and bring the laptop policy and email form along with the $20 user fee.
Parking Lot Changes
- High School Parking Lot - east side will be ENTRANCE ONLY and the west side will be EXIT ONLY.
- PAC Parking Lot - to be designated as the freshmen parking lot during the school day
- Administrative Office Entrance (A4) - students can use this entrance before school in the morning, if they choose to, but must use the commons entrance any other time of the day.
- West Side of School - designated for staff and parent parking. NO STUDENT PARKING
- Bus Loading & Unloading - to be moved along the street north of staff parking area by the elementary school. Middle and high school students should use the west middle school entrance/exit (A3) so they don't have to walk through the elementary to get to the buses.
Science Credit by Exam Opportunity
We are thrilled to announce an exciting opportunity for our high school students!
Starting this semester, we are offering the option for students to earn high school credits in Earth & Space Science and Physical Science by taking a comprehensive test. This initiative aims to provide our motivated and academically inclined students with an additional pathway to showcase their knowledge and skills in these subjects.
If your child is interested in participating, we kindly ask that they reach out to Mr. Bolstad, who will provide further details about the testing process. The deadline for taking the test for science course placement for the 23-24 school year is August 21st. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Sioux Valley Junior Honor Society
We are excited to share the news that our middle school student council program is transitioning into the Sioux Valley Junior Honor Society (SVJHS). This new opportunity will empower our middle school students to strive for excellence and positively impact our school community through scholarship, leadership, service, and character.
The Sioux Valley Junior Honor Society will be a prestigious organization in likeness to our High School National Honor Society that recognizes and celebrates students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievements, exemplary leadership qualities, a heart for service, and exceptional character. It provides a platform for our young leaders to grow, contribute, and leave a lasting mark during their middle school years.
Eligible 7th and 8th-grade students will be invited to apply in the fall to launch the program for the year. In the spring, eligible 6th and 7th-grade students will be invited to apply, which would be the typical timeframe beyond this year.
We are confident that the Sioux Valley Junior Honor Society will provide our students with a unique opportunity to shine and cultivate valuable skills that will benefit them in their academic journey and beyond.
I am enthusiastic about this transformation and the positive impact it will have on our school community. I wholeheartedly support this shift from the student council model to a merit-based, distinguished honor society. Let's work together to nurture the leaders of tomorrow!
Contact Me
Email: tyler.bolstad@k12.sd.us
Phone: (605) 627-5657
Twitter: @tyler_bolstad
Sioux Valley School District
Website: https://www.svs.k12.sd.us/
Location: 200 Hansina Avenue, Volga, SD, USA
Phone: (605) 627-5657
Twitter: @cossackcorner
