The Ateyapi Middle School Keep It Real Mentor Program Rapid City, S.D.

06/18/2026

🥲 Good luck Ms. Erica, we love you.

💜 Thank You, Erica! 💜

The Ateyapi Mentor Program would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Erica Yellowhawk for her dedicated service to our community, Ateyapi students, families, and RAI staff these past four years.

Erica has made a lasting impact through her compassion, leadership, and commitment to helping others. As she moves on to complete her college education, we wish her success and happiness in all that lies ahead.

You will be greatly missed 😢 and hard to replace. Thank you for everything you have done for Ateyapi and Rural America Initiatives. We are proud of you and look forward to seeing all that you accomplish.

Tókša akhé waŋčíyaŋkiŋ kte — We will see you again. 🌟🎓💜

06/18/2026

Good luck Mr. Bryer 😃

📣 Thank You, Bryer! 📣

The Ateyapi Mentor Program would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Bryer Cottier for his dedication and mentorship of Ateyapi students since February 2021.

Through his commitment, guidance, and positive influence, Bryer has made a lasting impact on the lives of many young people. We are excited to congratulate him on his promotion to the Rural America Initiatives Administrative Team.

Pilamaya ye, Bryer, for your service to our students and community. We wish you continued success in your new role! 🎉💙

Tókša akhé waŋčíyaŋkiŋ kte — We will see you again.

06/03/2026

Community announcement 📢

Healing through tradition

Join us for Traditional Community Lacrosse Nights every Monday evening! 🌟 Together, we’re creating a safe space for healing, connection, and cultural celebration. Let’s support youth, families, and everyone in need through this powerful tradition. 🏹

Mark your calendars: Opening night is June 8th, 2026, at the Oyate Center, Lakota Homes. All ages welcome – let’s play, heal, and grow as a community.

06/02/2026

taŋyáŋ yahí 🙂

Rapid City Area Schools is excited to welcome Gina Curran as the new Director of Indian Education and School Improvement. Gina officially began her new role today! 🎉✨

This position was created to elevate the district’s Title VI Indian Education leadership to a director-level role while also aligning Title VI efforts with Title I school improvement work. This change places a stronger emphasis on improving outcomes for Native American students, supporting school-level improvement efforts, and reducing achievement gaps for students and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The Title VI Parent Advisory Council has been very supportive of this important step forward.

Gina brings a strong background in education and leadership to RCAS. She holds a master’s degree in Elementary Administration, a minor in Lakota Leadership and Management, and a Specialist degree in School District Superintendent. Her experience includes serving as a high school principal at St. Francis Indian School, an elementary principal/superintendent at Marty Indian School, and teaching elementary and middle school at Crazy Horse School and Wounded Knee School.

RCAS also extends its sincere appreciation to Kit Veit for temporarily supporting Title VI duties and to Jen Roberts for temporarily supporting Title I duties until Gina’s arrival. Their professionalism, flexibility, and dedication during this transition have been greatly appreciated.

Kit, Jen, and Dr. Conroy have been working together on a transition plan to support Gina as she begins her first few months with RCAS.

Please join us in welcoming Gina Curran to RCAS!

05/26/2026

📢 Ateyapi Summer Program Update ☀️

North Middle School, East Middle School, and West/Southwest Middle School are currently on a waitlist. We are still accepting applications, and students will be added to the waitlist.
We currently have four openings remaining for South Middle School students — apply soon before spots fill!

05/22/2026

Ateyapi families, how exciting! Free outdoor family movies at Main Street Square. See post for schedule. 🙂

05/20/2026

For families who have a high school graduate participating in the Feathering Ceremony 🙂

We are honored to celebrate 168 RCAS Native American seniors tomorrow at the Senior Honoring Ceremony — our largest group of honorees yet! 🎉🦅

📍 The Monument
🕕 Tomorrow at 6:00 PM

For guests attending:
• Public seating will be located on the upper deck.
• ADA access will be easiest through Entrance D (located near the stop sign).
• For this event, only Entrances C and D will be open.

We look forward to recognizing and celebrating the accomplishments of these outstanding students and their families!