RAPID CITY, S.D. – Black Hawk Elementary school was buzzing with activity Monday morning as Rapid City Area Schools welcomed back more than 12,000 students for the first day of school.

“This is always one of my favorite days of the year,” Dr. Jami Jo Thompson, Superintendent of Rapid City Area Schools, said. “It’s full of excitement and anticipation – the students and the teachers and staff are just looking forward to a great year.”

While the first day of school was the end of the summer for students, the school district worked through the summer, readying for the new school year providing professional development on topics including student engagement.

“How do you really hook kids into learning and what are some of the best instructional strategies that teachers can utilize to get kids really motivated and excited about their learning,” Thompson said. 

Lt. Jeff McCoy, Rapid City Police Department, greets students on the first day of school at Black Hawk Elementary.

2026-2027 marks Thompson’s second year as superintendent of RCAS.

“This year I get the opportunity to really build on that knowledge and try to make an impact,” she said. “One of the things we’re working on is focusing our new motto for the year – Engage, Empower, Excel. So really focusing on engaging all of our students in high-quality learning that will prepare them for not only success in school but success in life.”

Thompson said the district has been actively working on the master facilities plan which includes both the bond proposal and capital outlay. Over the summer, she said, several buildings were upgraded for safety and security, HVAC improvements were made, and the Rapid Valley Elementary School addition and renovation final touches were made before the opening day of school.

Students line up after the first bell has rung to start the first day of classes at Black Hawk Elementary on Monday.