Six students. Two teachers.
One small school ‘family.’
A sign hanging prominently in Marti Sudbeck’s classroom at Midland Elementary School reads “Lucky to be part of this family.” Together Marti and Nicki Nelson provide one-on-one instruction to six students between their two classrooms. Midland sits 35 miles northeast of Kadoka, and the school belongs to the Kadoka Area School District.
“We have three families here and they treat the other kids just like brothers and sisters. The sign I have explains the school,” says Marti. “It feels good to have the number of students I have, because I know exactly where they are at in their lessons and can help them effectively.”
Benefits of a small school
Teaching at a small school like Midland Elementary provides many unique learning opportunities, Marti says. For example, she and Nicki can be hands-on with all their students from the moment their light-up sneakers dash through the doors in the morning until their lockers with nametags shut at the end of the day.
Kadoka Area School Superintendent
Jamie Hermann says the education the kids receive sets them up for success. He says the teachers can challenge students where they need it and help them with subjects they struggle in, creating a great foundation
for their future.
Internet closes the distance
According to school staff, Golden West internet services are a necessity for faculty and every student. Without it, their educational resources such as textbooks, modern teaching tools, and administrative functions would not be possible. “We have really fast, reliable internet service and the students can achieve whatever they want to,” says Jamie. “They have access to the world at their fingertips and have a heck of a lot of opportunities.”
Jeff Nemecek, principal of all the district’s elementary schools, says students supplement some of their schoolwork with an online connection. Even with wide distances between schools, they all stay connected within
and between each school.
At the end of each school day, Marti drives back home to Kadoka but explains she wouldn’t have it any other way. “It’s unique to be able to teach and learn in a small school like Midland. You don’t see the same level of care in every school,” says Marti. “We are lucky to be part of this family.”
