Mellette Elementary

Heather DeBoer, Principal
Heather.DeBoer@k12.sd.us

Mellette School was built in 1908 and was named after Arthur C. Mellette. He was the last Governor of Dakota Territory and the first Governor of South Dakota. His leadership brought order and integrity to our state schools. He was instrumental in creating a sound, permanent school fund program and was considered the first authority in the country on school law.

Our staff values a positive attitude, collective efficacy, and a growth mindset, and teach with those values in mind. We tell our students every day at the end of announcements, "You are loved, you matter, and you belong here" and we do our best to ensure they feel this.

We have a positive school climate and caring staff members that hold students to high scholastic expectations. The Watertown School District's mission statement is "Enabling all students to succeed in an ever-changing world." At Mellette, we believe in teaching the whole child, including social-emotional development and empathy as well as the academic subjects. Each child is unique in their own special gifts and talents. Teachers differentiate instruction to meet all the needs of their learners.

The Mellette staff created a shared vision statement together that we keep at the forefront of our decisions and interactions every day:

"Mellette Elementary strives to create a positive, welcoming, and safe environment by creating a culture of efficacy and belonging, while holding students to high behavioral and academic expectations, instilling a love of learning, and demonstrating respect for all to empower our students to become creative thinkers and successful problem solvers."

The success of our school has relied upon parent involvement. The educational process is a partnership between parents and the school. Parental involvement influences the child's academic success and develops positive attitudes towards school. I encourage you to become involved. Please feel free to call or stop by the office anytime if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Heather DeBoer, Principal

Heather.DeBoer@k12.sd.us
619 2nd St NW
Watertown, SD 57201
605-882-6385
Fax: 605-882-6382