RAPID CITY, S.D. — Rapid City Area Schools (RCAS) is excited to welcome more than 2,000 staff members to The Monument on Friday, August 21, for a district-wide celebration marking the start of the 2026–27 school year.

Staff will begin the morning with a light breakfast and an opportunity to reconnect with colleagues from across the district. A district-wide presentation will begin at 8 a.m., bringing employees together as RCAS prepares for another year of learning, growth, and service to students and families.

The event provides an opportunity to celebrate the people who make a difference for students every day — from teachers and administrators to support staff, transportation, nutrition services, facilities teams, and many others.

Dr. Thompson said teachers are at the center of the district’s work and set the tone for the learning, connection, and growth students experience throughout the year.

“Our teachers bring incredible energy, care, and expertise to their classrooms every day,” Dr. Thompson said. “They build relationships, inspire curiosity, and help every student see what is possible. We are grateful for their dedication and excited to welcome them back for another year of making a difference.”

Coy Sasse, who oversees RCAS Support Services, said the district’s support teams have been working throughout the summer to make sure schools are ready to welcome students and staff back.

“Our support services teams are behind so much of what makes a successful school day possible,” Sasse said. “From transportation and nutrition services to facilities and operations, our staff work hard to create safe, welcoming, and well-prepared schools. We are excited to come together as a district and begin another great year serving our students.”

The celebration comes just days before the first day of school on Monday, August 24, when RCAS will welcome approximately 12,000 students back into district buildings.