On Friday, July 31st, the 2nd Annual Gauntlet Games were a success, despite having to move it indoors due to the weather.
Due to schedule conflicts, not all participants were able to attend the final day, but those who did competed as teams in kickball, 250lb Tire Flipping Race, the dreaded Weighted Sprint Relay, and the finale, 'The Gauntlet' relay to take home the top prize! A huge shout out to Canistota Total Stop for donating gift cards to our Gauntlet Game winners!
High School Session- The Green Machine
Junior High Session- The Purple People Eaters
Each session voted on an MVP:
-High School session was Caleb Schroeder.
-Junior High Session was Carsynn DeHaan
It was a fun morning and way to wrap up a great summer!
We had great numbers this summer, doubling last summer’s participants, resulting in two separate sessions , a high school(21 athletes) and junior high(15 athletes) sessions. Every. Single. Athlete. got better, faster, and stronger and we are so grateful to have the opportunity to work with the student athletes of Canistota. Each student received a stat sheet showing their progress and improvements since the beginning of the summer. Some athletes improved their verticals by 1-3 inches, some athletes took 1.5 seconds off their 40yd dash time, added 5-20lbs to their bench, 20-40+lbs to their squat, and 15-60+lbs to their deadlift, among many other impressive improvements in speed ladder and agility.
We are already looking forward to the summer for 2027.
Go Hawks!
Activities & Athletics Informational Meeting
We are excited for the upcoming school year and look forward to getting our activities and athletics off to a great start!
All students in grades 6–12 who plan to participate in any activity or athletic program during the 2026–2027 school year—and their parents or guardians—are invited to attend an informational meeting in the Barn.
📅 Tuesday, August 11
⏰ 6:00 p.m.
We encourage all interested students and families to attend. We look forward to seeing you and kicking off another great year for the Hawks!
We are excited for the upcoming school year and look forward to getting our activities and athletics off to a great start!
All students in grades 6–12 who plan to participate in any activity or athletic program during the 2026–2027 school year—and their parents or guardians—are invited to attend an informational meeting in the Barn.
📅 Tuesday, August 11
⏰ 6:00 p.m.
We encourage all interested students and families to attend. We look forward to seeing you and kicking off another great year for the Hawks!
Activities & Athletics Informational Meeting
We are excited for the upcoming school year and look forward to getting our activities and athletics off to a great start!
All students in grades 6–12 who plan to participate in any activity or athletic program during the 2026–2027 school year—and their parents or guardians—are invited to attend an informational meeting in the Barn.
📅 Tuesday, August 11
⏰ 6:00 p.m.
We encourage all interested students and families to attend. We look forward to seeing you and kicking off another great year for the Hawks!
We are excited for the upcoming school year and look forward to getting our activities and athletics off to a great start!
All students in grades 6–12 who plan to participate in any activity or athletic program during the 2026–2027 school year—and their parents or guardians—are invited to attend an informational meeting in the Barn.
📅 Tuesday, August 11
⏰ 6:00 p.m.
We encourage all interested students and families to attend. We look forward to seeing you and kicking off another great year for the Hawks!
Support Canistota Hawks Football!
It's time to gear up for the 2026 football season!
Show your Hawks pride while supporting our football program by purchasing your official Canistota Hawks Football apparel. There are options for players, parents, grandparents, alumni, and fans of all ages!
Every purchase helps support our football team and is a great way to represent the Hawks all season long.
Shop the 2026 Hawks Football Store here:
https://personallyyoursembroidery.com/category_18/Hawks-Football-2026.htm
Orders need to be placed by August 13, 2026, at 5:00pm in order to have your apparel done before the first game on August 21st.
It's time to gear up for the 2026 football season!
Show your Hawks pride while supporting our football program by purchasing your official Canistota Hawks Football apparel. There are options for players, parents, grandparents, alumni, and fans of all ages!
Every purchase helps support our football team and is a great way to represent the Hawks all season long.
Shop the 2026 Hawks Football Store here:
https://personallyyoursembroidery.com/category_18/Hawks-Football-2026.htm
Orders need to be placed by August 13, 2026, at 5:00pm in order to have your apparel done before the first game on August 21st.
📣 Join Our Substitute Team! 🧡🖤
Canistota School District is looking for dependable and caring individuals to serve as substitutes:
🍎 Teachers
📚 Paraprofessionals
🍽️ Food Service Staff
Great substitutes are flexible, reliable, positive, patient, and ready to help students and staff have a successful day. Whether you’re available occasionally or on a regular basis, we’d love to have you join our team!
💵 Substitute Pay:
• $120 per day
• $145 per day after working 10 days—days do not need to be consecutive!
Interested? Apply online today:
🔗 https://www.canistota.k12.sd.us/o/canistotasd/page/classified-staff-application
Please help us spread the word by sharing this post! 🦅
Canistota School District is looking for dependable and caring individuals to serve as substitutes:
🍎 Teachers
📚 Paraprofessionals
🍽️ Food Service Staff
Great substitutes are flexible, reliable, positive, patient, and ready to help students and staff have a successful day. Whether you’re available occasionally or on a regular basis, we’d love to have you join our team!
💵 Substitute Pay:
• $120 per day
• $145 per day after working 10 days—days do not need to be consecutive!
Interested? Apply online today:
🔗 https://www.canistota.k12.sd.us/o/canistotasd/page/classified-staff-application
Please help us spread the word by sharing this post! 🦅
🏀🏐📣 Great News, Hawk Fans! 🦅
At the July 13, 2026 School Board meeting, the Canistota School Board approved FREE admission to all regular season home athletic events for all Hawk fans!
We hope this encourages even more community members to come out, cheer on our student-athletes, and help create an incredible home-court and home-field advantage. Your support makes a difference!
Please note: This does not apply to any SDHSAA postseason events hosted in Canistota, as admission prices for those events are established by the SDHSAA.
Thank you for supporting Canistota Hawks Athletics—we can't wait to see the stands full of orange and black this year! 🖤🧡
Go Hawks! 🦅
At the July 13, 2026 School Board meeting, the Canistota School Board approved FREE admission to all regular season home athletic events for all Hawk fans!
We hope this encourages even more community members to come out, cheer on our student-athletes, and help create an incredible home-court and home-field advantage. Your support makes a difference!
Please note: This does not apply to any SDHSAA postseason events hosted in Canistota, as admission prices for those events are established by the SDHSAA.
Thank you for supporting Canistota Hawks Athletics—we can't wait to see the stands full of orange and black this year! 🖤🧡
Go Hawks! 🦅
🍎 2026-2027 School Lunch Prices Approved 🍎
At the July 13, 2026, Canistota School Board meeting, lunch prices for the 2026-2027 school year were officially approved.
As families prepare for the new school year, we encourage everyone to review the updated meal prices and determine if your household may qualify for free or reduced-price meals.
The Free & Reduced Meal Application, along with additional Food Service information, can be found here:
https://www.canistota.k12.sd.us/page/food-service
Applications for free and reduced-price meals may be submitted at any time during the school year. If your family's financial situation changes, we encourage you to apply—even if you did not qualify previously. Submitting an application is quick, confidential, and may provide valuable assistance for your family.
We look forward to serving our students healthy, nutritious meals throughout the 2026-2027 school year! 🧡
At the July 13, 2026, Canistota School Board meeting, lunch prices for the 2026-2027 school year were officially approved.
As families prepare for the new school year, we encourage everyone to review the updated meal prices and determine if your household may qualify for free or reduced-price meals.
The Free & Reduced Meal Application, along with additional Food Service information, can be found here:
https://www.canistota.k12.sd.us/page/food-service
Applications for free and reduced-price meals may be submitted at any time during the school year. If your family's financial situation changes, we encourage you to apply—even if you did not qualify previously. Submitting an application is quick, confidential, and may provide valuable assistance for your family.
We look forward to serving our students healthy, nutritious meals throughout the 2026-2027 school year! 🧡
🍎 Join the Canistota Hawks Team! 🖤🧡
We're Hiring: Special Education Paraprofessionals
Do you enjoy working with students and making a difference every day? The Canistota School District is looking for caring, dependable individuals to join our team as Paraprofessionals.
As a paraprofessional, you'll play an important role in supporting students, assisting teachers, and helping create a positive learning environment where every child can succeed.
✨ Why Join Our Team?
• Make a meaningful impact on students' lives
• Work in a supportive and welcoming school community
• Follow the school calendar with holidays and summers off
• Be part of a team that is dedicated to helping every student thrive
Whether you're looking for a new career, a rewarding part-time opportunity, or a way to give back to your community, we'd love to hear from you!
📍 Apply Online: https://www.canistota.k12.sd.us/page/employment
Help us spread the word by sharing this post! Together, we can find the next great member of the Hawks family! 🖤🧡
We're Hiring: Special Education Paraprofessionals
Do you enjoy working with students and making a difference every day? The Canistota School District is looking for caring, dependable individuals to join our team as Paraprofessionals.
As a paraprofessional, you'll play an important role in supporting students, assisting teachers, and helping create a positive learning environment where every child can succeed.
✨ Why Join Our Team?
• Make a meaningful impact on students' lives
• Work in a supportive and welcoming school community
• Follow the school calendar with holidays and summers off
• Be part of a team that is dedicated to helping every student thrive
Whether you're looking for a new career, a rewarding part-time opportunity, or a way to give back to your community, we'd love to hear from you!
📍 Apply Online: https://www.canistota.k12.sd.us/page/employment
Help us spread the word by sharing this post! Together, we can find the next great member of the Hawks family! 🖤🧡
🖤🧡 After Prom Silent Auction – Join Us During Sport Days! 🧡🖤
Make plans to stop by the After Prom Silent Auction on Friday, July 10, during the Sport Days Car Show! 🚗✨
Browse and bid on a variety of great items donated by generous local businesses and supporters. Every bid helps provide a safe, fun, and memorable After Prom celebration for our students.
📅 Friday, July 10
🚗 During the Sport Days Car Show
Come enjoy the amazing cars, find a great deal, and support a wonderful cause. We appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you there!
Thank you for helping make After Prom a success! 🖤🧡
Make plans to stop by the After Prom Silent Auction on Friday, July 10, during the Sport Days Car Show! 🚗✨
Browse and bid on a variety of great items donated by generous local businesses and supporters. Every bid helps provide a safe, fun, and memorable After Prom celebration for our students.
📅 Friday, July 10
🚗 During the Sport Days Car Show
Come enjoy the amazing cars, find a great deal, and support a wonderful cause. We appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you there!
Thank you for helping make After Prom a success! 🖤🧡
This is a reminder that, according to the South Dakota High School Activities Association, July 1-7 is known as the Summer Moratorium.
"This restriction on activity includes any team contact, individual contact, private lesson, open gym or other situation wherein coaches will interact with student-athletes in an activity setting for any SDHSAA-Sanctioned Activity wherein coaching, guidance or supervision is provided."
During this time, the gym, weight room, and other school facilities will be off-limits to students. We hope students take these days to spend time with family and enjoy their summer break. The school facilities will be reopened on the morning of July 8.
"This restriction on activity includes any team contact, individual contact, private lesson, open gym or other situation wherein coaches will interact with student-athletes in an activity setting for any SDHSAA-Sanctioned Activity wherein coaching, guidance or supervision is provided."
During this time, the gym, weight room, and other school facilities will be off-limits to students. We hope students take these days to spend time with family and enjoy their summer break. The school facilities will be reopened on the morning of July 8.
📚🎨✏️ Calling All Future Preschoolers! ✏️🎨📚
It's time to secure your child's spot in Canistota Preschool for the 2026-2027 school year! 🌟
Our preschool program provides a fun, engaging, and nurturing environment where young learners can grow, explore, and build the skills they need for future success.
✅ To reserve your child's spot, the Preschool Tuition Agreement and the Enrollment Card must be submitted to the Business Office.
https://www.canistota.k12.sd.us/o/canistotasd/page/preschool
Spaces are limited, so don't wait! Return your completed paperwork as soon as possible to ensure your child is enrolled for the upcoming school year.
🧡🖤 We can't wait to welcome our newest Hawks! 🖤🧡
It's time to secure your child's spot in Canistota Preschool for the 2026-2027 school year! 🌟
Our preschool program provides a fun, engaging, and nurturing environment where young learners can grow, explore, and build the skills they need for future success.
✅ To reserve your child's spot, the Preschool Tuition Agreement and the Enrollment Card must be submitted to the Business Office.
https://www.canistota.k12.sd.us/o/canistotasd/page/preschool
Spaces are limited, so don't wait! Return your completed paperwork as soon as possible to ensure your child is enrolled for the upcoming school year.
🧡🖤 We can't wait to welcome our newest Hawks! 🖤🧡
The Summer Athletic Enhancement Program finished up its second week of workouts. Despite busy summer schedules, over 35 student athletes across two sessions, are choosing to show up and get better, faster, stronger.
This week kicked off the Iron Hawk Award. Two athletes each week from each session will be chosen based on the criteria below:
Iron Hawk
-Must be present all 3 workouts of the week.
-Athlete brings high effort and intensity to every workout.
-Encourages and uplifts others.
-Displays enthusiasm and competitiveness.
-Is highly coachable and eager to improve.
-Listens to and applies coaching instruction.
-Sets a high standard and pursuit of excellence through attitude, discipline, and work ethic.
This week's Iron Hawk awards went to:
Miles Heinzmann and Katelyn Tieszen in the high school session.
Brody Weber and Ilyli Wahlmeier in the junior high session.
Congratulations to these four athletes and their pursuit of excellence.
STATE TRACK MEET DAY 1 RECAP
Allison Leber wrapped up an outstanding long jump career with a jump of 15-10.75” and an 8th-place finish, earning a spot on the podium!
The girls 4x100 relay team of Abbi Janzen, Ellie Becker, Ellia Hjermstad, and Allison Leber placed 11th today, but made history in the process by breaking the school record with a time of 51.87! The previous record of 51.95 was set just last year by Ellie Becker, Adrian DeHaan, Emma Sandman, and Ellia Hjermstad. Congratulations, girls!
On the boys’ side, Caleb Schroeder finished 10th in the 110-meter hurdles, narrowly missing a berth in the finals by just 0.10 seconds. A great effort from him!
Looking forward to another fun day tomorrow. Go Hawks!
IT'S STATE TRACK MEET TIME!!! One of the most fun weekends of the year is finally here! We are excited to cheer on these athletes as they represent Canistota at the State Track & Field Meet this weekend in Sioux Falls. 🔸 Allison Leber – Long Jump, 4x100 Relay, 4x200 Relay, 4x400 Relay 🔸 Ellie Becker – 200 Meter Dash, 4x100 Relay, 4x200 Relay, 4x400 Relay 🔸 Ellia Hjermstad – 4x100 Relay, 4x200 Relay 🔸 Katelyn Bond – 4x400 Relay 🔸 Abbi Janzen – 4x100 Relay, 4x200 Relay, 4x400 Relay 🔸 Emma Sandman – Relay Alternate 🔸 Adam Kleinsasser – Shot Put 🔸 Caleb Schroeder – 110 Meter Hurdles, 300 Meter Hurdles, 400 Meter Dash 🔸 Dayne Krinke – Javelin A special shoutout to Adam, who made his season debut just two weeks ago after tearing multiple ligaments in his knee during football season. We are incredibly proud of the work he put in to make it back and compete at the state level! Good luck to all of our athletes this weekend. Enjoy every moment! Go Hawks!!
HAWKS STATE TRACK SENDOFF!
Let’s pack Main Street Thursday at 9:00 AM and send our Hawks Track Team to State with the support they deserve!
Come cheer, wave, honk, and show these athletes how proud our community is of their hard work this season. Let’s give them an unforgettable sendoff before they compete at State Track!
Go Hawks! #StrongerTogether
Attention those taking a Dual Credit course in the Fall of 2026:
SDBOR would like to update high schools on changes to the HSDC tuition rate. At its meeting this week, the South Dakota Board of Regents approved a 2.4% tuition increase beginning with the Fall 2026 semester. Under the new tuition rate for HSDC, students will be responsible for $80.37 per credit hour. Again, this change will not go into effect until the Fall 2026 semester, meaning summer courses are being billed using the current tuition rate.
Due to the nature of when the Board of Regents approves their Tuition & Fees each year, the final rate will usually not be known until after HSDC registration has started for the Fall semesters. Of course, this timeline isn’t optimal for HSDC students who have already completed their applications. Knowing this, we’re getting this information out to you all as soon as possible for students and parents now that we have a firm number.
SDBOR would like to update high schools on changes to the HSDC tuition rate. At its meeting this week, the South Dakota Board of Regents approved a 2.4% tuition increase beginning with the Fall 2026 semester. Under the new tuition rate for HSDC, students will be responsible for $80.37 per credit hour. Again, this change will not go into effect until the Fall 2026 semester, meaning summer courses are being billed using the current tuition rate.
Due to the nature of when the Board of Regents approves their Tuition & Fees each year, the final rate will usually not be known until after HSDC registration has started for the Fall semesters. Of course, this timeline isn’t optimal for HSDC students who have already completed their applications. Knowing this, we’re getting this information out to you all as soon as possible for students and parents now that we have a firm number.
Canistota Parents & Guardians,
Great news! Free meals are available for kids all summer long! ☀️🍽️
Click the link below to find a meal site near you — and don’t forget to check back often because new locations are being added all the time!
👉 www.fns.usda.gov/meals4kids
Let’s keep our kids happy, healthy, and full this summer! 💪😄
Great news! Free meals are available for kids all summer long! ☀️🍽️
Click the link below to find a meal site near you — and don’t forget to check back often because new locations are being added all the time!
👉 www.fns.usda.gov/meals4kids
Let’s keep our kids happy, healthy, and full this summer! 💪😄
📣 Revised 2026–2027 School Calendar Approved
At the May 11, 2026 School Board meeting, the Board approved revisions to the 2026–2027 school calendar. Please take a moment to review the updated calendar for important dates, including the start and end of school, holidays, and scheduled breaks.
📅 2026-2027 Academic Calendar
We encourage all students, families, and staff to save the updated version for future planning. Thank you for your continued support of our school district! 🧡🖤
🏀🔥 CANISTOTA BASKETBALL CAMP 🔥🏀
Calling all boys & girls entering grades 4–7 for the 2026-27 school year! Come join us for three fun-filled days of basketball, skill development, competition, and teamwork!
📅 June 17–19
⏰ 9:00–11:00 a.m.
📍 Canistota School Gym
Camp will be led by Coach Schumacher, Canistota coaches, and high school players!
🏀 Build strong fundamentals
🏀 Improve individual skills
🏀 Compete in drills & games
🏀 Gain live-play experience
🏀 Have FUN in a positive environment!
💲 Cost: $50 for all 3 days or $20 per day
👕 Includes a FREE camp t-shirt & possible awards!
📝 Registration Deadline: June 10
Players of all skill levels are encouraged to attend! Come learn, compete, and grow your love for the game! 🧡🖤
Calling all boys & girls entering grades 4–7 for the 2026-27 school year! Come join us for three fun-filled days of basketball, skill development, competition, and teamwork!
📅 June 17–19
⏰ 9:00–11:00 a.m.
📍 Canistota School Gym
Camp will be led by Coach Schumacher, Canistota coaches, and high school players!
🏀 Build strong fundamentals
🏀 Improve individual skills
🏀 Compete in drills & games
🏀 Gain live-play experience
🏀 Have FUN in a positive environment!
💲 Cost: $50 for all 3 days or $20 per day
👕 Includes a FREE camp t-shirt & possible awards!
📝 Registration Deadline: June 10
Players of all skill levels are encouraged to attend! Come learn, compete, and grow your love for the game! 🧡🖤
🎉 Congratulations to our 2026 Teacher of the Year and 2026 Support Staff Member of the Year! 🎉
On Tuesday, May 12th, we honored two incredible individuals who make a lasting impact on our students, staff, and school community every single day. Their dedication, compassion, and commitment help make our schools a place where students can learn, grow, and succeed.
🍎 2026 Teacher of the Year: Kaylee Breitzman
👏 2026 Support Staff Member of the Year: Heath Becker
Thank you for the countless hours, positive influence, and care you bring to our district. We are proud to recognize and celebrate you both for the difference you make in the lives of our students and families.
Please join us in congratulating these outstanding members of our Hawk family! 🖤🧡
On Tuesday, May 12th, we honored two incredible individuals who make a lasting impact on our students, staff, and school community every single day. Their dedication, compassion, and commitment help make our schools a place where students can learn, grow, and succeed.
🍎 2026 Teacher of the Year: Kaylee Breitzman
👏 2026 Support Staff Member of the Year: Heath Becker
Thank you for the countless hours, positive influence, and care you bring to our district. We are proud to recognize and celebrate you both for the difference you make in the lives of our students and families.
Please join us in congratulating these outstanding members of our Hawk family! 🖤🧡
