• Category 3

    Selected in 2022

  • Grades: pre k - 12
    School Setting: rural
    Town Population: 600
    Student Enrollment: 200
    Student Demographics:

    Black/African American: 0%
    White/Caucasian: 84%
    Hispanic: 4%
    Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0%
    Asian: 0%
    Native American: 2%
    Other: 10%

    Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:10.2
    % Reduced Lunch: 40.3%
    % ELL Learners: 2%
    Founded: 1882
  • PRINCIPAL:
    Dana Felderman
  • CONTACT:
    300 1st ST NE
    Lake Preston, SD 57249
    605-530-0070
    dana.felderman@k12.sd.us
Lake Preston Elementary School
Lake Preston, SD
"Every Child, Every Day."
1. Tell us about your school’s success.
Our small, rural school district has taken our motto of Every Child, Every Day and put that motto into action. I believe the success starts when you are welcomed on the school bus to start the day, or you walk into the main entrance. We have a great team to take care of our students and it has been a fun culture to observe and see the progression of our students, staff, and our district.
2. Talk about the greatest contributing factor(s) that promoted positive change in your school.
I feel the Lake Preston School District teachers and staff members have promoted positivity throughout adversity in recent years and our students and parents have rolled up their sleeves from following their lead to establish a positive change within the school. It truly takes everyone to educate students and I am proud of the entire Lake Preston family.
3. How has ESEA funding supported the school's success?
The availability of funds for professional development and offering content areas which we may not have funds for has allowed the school to move forward in areas we feel we need to enhance our student’s education and give them opportunities that other schools may be able to offer or afford. Working close with our Department of Education has allowed us to generate ideas and see what is working for other districts when taking care of students.
4. What professional development activities were used to improve teaching and learning?
We asked for feedback from all our teachers and staff members to see what areas they felt would benefit them and our students. By using themes for professional development and creating an agenda, I feel we have maximized our limited time together to ensure we are covering our needs and creating a line of transparency to keep relevance in our training and school day.
5. Talk about the cultural shift leading up to your school's success.
I believe our success comes from generating a family atmosphere from the top to bottom. We may not have the answers nor get it all right but everyone continues to work hard for our students. It has been a great experience watching our teachers educate our students and work closely with our parents and our community. I feel everyone has bought in to our expectations and our beliefs within the district.
6. How has community involvement strengthened your success?
In our small school, district, and community, the school district relies heavily on area businesses and parent involvement. On the other side, the community relies on the school district to offer activities, the promotion of community events, and works hand in hand to offer the best education for students. I could not ask for better partnership within the community to educate our students in Lake Preston.
Stats
  • Category 3

    Selected in 2022

  • Grades: pre k - 12
    School Setting: rural
    Town Population: 600
    Student Enrollment: 200
    Student Demographics:

    Black/African American: 0%
    White/Caucasian: 84%
    Hispanic: 4%
    Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0%
    Asian: 0%
    Native American: 2%
    Other: 10%

    Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:10.2
    % Reduced Lunch: 40.3%
    % ELL Learners: 2%
    Founded: 1882
  • PRINCIPAL:
    Dana Felderman
  • CONTACT:
    300 1st ST NE
    Lake Preston, SD 57249
    605-530-0070
    dana.felderman@k12.sd.us