South Dearborn Community
School Corporation
Hobbies. Strengths. Goals. Future careers. Mrs. McCune's South Dearborn Middle School students spent part of the week putting all of it down on paper with an attitude and interest inventory.
It's less about getting the "right" answer and more about students learning what makes for better choices. These reflections come in handy the next time they're picking a club, an elective, or a direction for their future.
It's less about getting the "right" answer and more about students learning what makes for better choices. These reflections come in handy the next time they're picking a club, an elective, or a direction for their future.
Today's SDCSC School Board Meeting beginning at 6:30pm has been moved to the South Dearborn Middle School cafeteria.
When your class project matches what's happening outside the window, the lesson gets real fast! That's where Ms. Gabbard's 7th and 8th-grade PLTW students at South Dearborn Middle School found themselves with their Natural Disaster Project, as flooding recently moved through our area.
Seventh-graders in Computer Science mapped the areas affected by flooding, work that feeds directly into the class's next unit on drones — using flight technology to survey disaster areas and help communities respond. Eighth-graders in Medical Detectives studied the gear first responders use during water rescues and how those rescuers stay safe while saving others.
Computer science, drones, medical science, teamwork — all pointed at a problem happening recently right here in South Dearborn!
Seventh-graders in Computer Science mapped the areas affected by flooding, work that feeds directly into the class's next unit on drones — using flight technology to survey disaster areas and help communities respond. Eighth-graders in Medical Detectives studied the gear first responders use during water rescues and how those rescuers stay safe while saving others.
Computer science, drones, medical science, teamwork — all pointed at a problem happening recently right here in South Dearborn!
Mrs. Groves handed Aurora Elementary School students a rubber band, four strings, and a stack of red Solo cups — then told them to build a pyramid without touching a single cup with their hands!
Working in teams inside the library and media center, students pulled the strings in sync to lift, tilt, and stack the cups, no hands allowed. One person pulling too hard and the whole tower came down.
Turns out building a cup pyramid is really a lesson in listening to each other. Nobody wins this one alone.
Working in teams inside the library and media center, students pulled the strings in sync to lift, tilt, and stack the cups, no hands allowed. One person pulling too hard and the whole tower came down.
Turns out building a cup pyramid is really a lesson in listening to each other. Nobody wins this one alone.
Ever tried to get a hallway of kindergartners to walk quietly? Mrs. Pruss and Mrs. Kleindienst's classes at Dillsboro Elementary School found a way: marshmallow walking.
Level zero voices and soft, careful steps — it's one of the first routines DES kindergartners learn, and it's already paying off in calmer hallways.
Some of the best lessons in kindergarten aren't about letters or numbers. They're about how to move through the world.
Level zero voices and soft, careful steps — it's one of the first routines DES kindergartners learn, and it's already paying off in calmer hallways.
Some of the best lessons in kindergarten aren't about letters or numbers. They're about how to move through the world.
What does it take to be ready for the SAT in October? For Mr. Brooks's South Dearborn High School students, it started on day one — going over classroom expectations, grading policies, and what's ahead this year.
No shortcuts, just a clear plan from the start. A strong first day sets the tone for everything that follows.
No shortcuts, just a clear plan from the start. A strong first day sets the tone for everything that follows.
Day one at South Dearborn Middle School included more than finding lockers — Ms. Holt's English class also walked through both a fire drill and a tornado drill.
The timing mattered. With a real tornado warning affecting the area just yesterday, students got a clear, calm walkthrough of exactly where to go and what to do, right before it counted most.
Practicing the plan before you need it is what turns a stressful moment into a manageable one.
The timing mattered. With a real tornado warning affecting the area just yesterday, students got a clear, calm walkthrough of exactly where to go and what to do, right before it counted most.
Practicing the plan before you need it is what turns a stressful moment into a manageable one.
South Dearborn Community Schools will dismiss at 2:30pm this afternoon due to the impending weather threat. Special transportation students will be released at 1:45pm. Campus car riders need to be picked up at 2:15pm. DES car riders should be picked at 2:30pm. All after school activities are canceled today.
Bus service will be provided today as normal.
Parents of preschool students will be contacted by their teachers. After Care will still be provided. If you are unable to get here by the designated time, your student will be placed in After Care until you are able to get here.
We apologize for the late notice.
South Dearborn Community School Corporation will operate on a 2-hour delay tomorrow, Wednesday, August 12th, due to downed power lines, fallen trees, and flooding in the area.
Ever watch a first-grader organize a desk for the first time? Mrs. McNamara's class at Aurora Elementary School gave it their best shot on day one — unpacking supplies, finding a spot for everything, and storing the extras in the classroom cabinets.
It looks simple, but it's the first step toward a year of taking care of their own space.
It looks simple, but it's the first step toward a year of taking care of their own space.
Mrs. Kleindienst's kindergartners at Dillsboro Elementary School kicked off their very first day by learning the classroom rules — then put them straight to use out on the playground.
After recess, they grabbed crayons and drew pictures of their favorite playground moments, capturing day one before it faded.
Learning the rules first meant more time for the fun part right after. Not a bad way to start kindergarten!
After recess, they grabbed crayons and drew pictures of their favorite playground moments, capturing day one before it faded.
Learning the rules first meant more time for the fun part right after. Not a bad way to start kindergarten!
Before the first experiment, there's the first introduction. Mrs. Hudnall's Biology I students at South Dearborn High School spent day one getting to know their new teacher — background, fun facts, and all — before diving into the syllabus and setting up Google Classroom.
They also covered lab safety basics, because no beaker gets touched until the rules are clear. 🧪
A good year in the lab starts with a good first day in the classroom.
They also covered lab safety basics, because no beaker gets touched until the rules are clear. 🧪
A good year in the lab starts with a good first day in the classroom.
They came from two different elementary schools, but by the end of the day, they were one team!
South Dearborn Middle School's sixth-graders started the year with a message from Mr. Schiering, kicking off his own first day as SDMS principal after several years as assistant principal: make new friends, be kind to one another, and build a positive school community together, starting now. That's what it means to be a Knight.
Welcome to the team, sixth-graders!
South Dearborn Middle School's sixth-graders started the year with a message from Mr. Schiering, kicking off his own first day as SDMS principal after several years as assistant principal: make new friends, be kind to one another, and build a positive school community together, starting now. That's what it means to be a Knight.
Welcome to the team, sixth-graders!
Dear SD Community Stakeholders,
We are excited to introduce a new feature in the next volume of the Knightly News called Alumni Spotlight! Each week, we will recognize and celebrate the accomplishments, careers, and life stories of graduates who are part of the rich history of South Dearborn Community School Corporation, including alumni from Aurora High School, Dillsboro High School, Moores Hill High School, and South Dearborn High School.
As part of this initiative, we are also building a comprehensive alumni database to reconnect with graduates, share district news, celebrate alumni achievements, and invite former students to future events and opportunities.
We encourage all alumni to complete our Alumni Registry form so we can stay connected, preserve our proud traditions, and celebrate the lasting impact our graduates continue to make in their communities and beyond.
Alumni Registry Form: https://forms.gle/9m1FNXpnjemSdTAv9
- Supt. Ross
#WeAreSD
#YouKnighted
#SuccessDRiven
#GrowExcelAchieve
We are excited to introduce a new feature in the next volume of the Knightly News called Alumni Spotlight! Each week, we will recognize and celebrate the accomplishments, careers, and life stories of graduates who are part of the rich history of South Dearborn Community School Corporation, including alumni from Aurora High School, Dillsboro High School, Moores Hill High School, and South Dearborn High School.
As part of this initiative, we are also building a comprehensive alumni database to reconnect with graduates, share district news, celebrate alumni achievements, and invite former students to future events and opportunities.
We encourage all alumni to complete our Alumni Registry form so we can stay connected, preserve our proud traditions, and celebrate the lasting impact our graduates continue to make in their communities and beyond.
Alumni Registry Form: https://forms.gle/9m1FNXpnjemSdTAv9
- Supt. Ross
#WeAreSD
#YouKnighted
#SuccessDRiven
#GrowExcelAchieve
Now Accepting New Preschool Students Throughout the School Year!
South Dearborn Community School Corporation is excited to announce that enrollment for our preschool program is open throughout the school year for children as they become eligible.
Children may enroll as soon as they:
• Turn 3 years old
• Are fully potty-trained
There’s no need to wait until the next school year to begin your child’s educational journey! Once your child meets these requirements, they are welcome to join our preschool program.
Our preschool provides a nurturing, engaging learning environment where young learners develop the academic, social, and emotional skills needed for kindergarten success.
Program Details
• Five full days per week
• Hours: 8:00am to 3:15pm
• Tuition: $30 per day
• Transportation: Parent-provided
For more information or to enroll your child, please contact Mary Bailey:
📞 (812) 954-4621
✉️ mary.bailey@sdcsc.k12.in.us
South Dearborn Community School Corporation is excited to announce that enrollment for our preschool program is open throughout the school year for children as they become eligible.
Children may enroll as soon as they:
• Turn 3 years old
• Are fully potty-trained
There’s no need to wait until the next school year to begin your child’s educational journey! Once your child meets these requirements, they are welcome to join our preschool program.
Our preschool provides a nurturing, engaging learning environment where young learners develop the academic, social, and emotional skills needed for kindergarten success.
Program Details
• Five full days per week
• Hours: 8:00am to 3:15pm
• Tuition: $30 per day
• Transportation: Parent-provided
For more information or to enroll your child, please contact Mary Bailey:
📞 (812) 954-4621
✉️ mary.bailey@sdcsc.k12.in.us
Mark your calendars — Open House is one week away for three South Dearborn schools.
📌 Aurora Elementary School — Monday, August 3rd, 5:30 to 7:00pm
📌 Dillsboro Elementary School — Monday, August 3rd, 5:30 to 6:30pm
📌 South Dearborn Middle School — Tuesday, August 4th, 5:00 to 7:00pm
Stop by to meet your student's teacher, walk their new classroom, and help them feel ready before the first bell rings.
See you there!
📌 Aurora Elementary School — Monday, August 3rd, 5:30 to 7:00pm
📌 Dillsboro Elementary School — Monday, August 3rd, 5:30 to 6:30pm
📌 South Dearborn Middle School — Tuesday, August 4th, 5:00 to 7:00pm
Stop by to meet your student's teacher, walk their new classroom, and help them feel ready before the first bell rings.
See you there!
Do not forget to register ahead of the new school year beginning next week!
We're asking all South Dearborn families to have registration wrapped up by Friday, July 31st, so classrooms, teacher assignments, and schedules are ready to go when students walk in the following week.
Why it matters: schedules and teacher assignments go out only after registration is complete, so the sooner it's done, the sooner you'll know. You'll need proof of residency on hand as part of the process. If you're stuck, call your school office to set up an appointment — don't let a form hold up your student's first day.
Register here:
Returning Student Registration: https://bit.ly/49vCkNz
New Student Preregistration: https://bit.ly/4tZ4jfV
Kindergarten Student Registration: https://bit.ly/4wSXAXC
Preschool Registration: https://bit.ly/4uzGU5S
We're asking all South Dearborn families to have registration wrapped up by Friday, July 31st, so classrooms, teacher assignments, and schedules are ready to go when students walk in the following week.
Why it matters: schedules and teacher assignments go out only after registration is complete, so the sooner it's done, the sooner you'll know. You'll need proof of residency on hand as part of the process. If you're stuck, call your school office to set up an appointment — don't let a form hold up your student's first day.
Register here:
Returning Student Registration: https://bit.ly/49vCkNz
New Student Preregistration: https://bit.ly/4tZ4jfV
Kindergarten Student Registration: https://bit.ly/4wSXAXC
Preschool Registration: https://bit.ly/4uzGU5S
Find your classroom, meet your teacher, and get ready for an exciting new school year during South Dearborn Middle School's Open House event on Tuesday, August 5th from 5:00 to 7:00pm!
The first day of school is just around the corner—only 9 days away!
Parents and guardians of students attending South Dearborn Community School Corporation for the 2025–2026 school year, please complete online registration as soon as possible through the Skyward Family Access portal:
https://skyward.sdcsc.k12.in.us/scripts/wsisa.dll/WService=wsEAplus/fwemnu01.w
If your student requires bus transportation, don’t forget to also complete the transportation form after registering.
Need help accessing your Skyward account or have questions? Contact your student’s school for assistance. Let’s get ready for a great school year!
Parents and guardians of students attending South Dearborn Community School Corporation for the 2025–2026 school year, please complete online registration as soon as possible through the Skyward Family Access portal:
https://skyward.sdcsc.k12.in.us/scripts/wsisa.dll/WService=wsEAplus/fwemnu01.w
If your student requires bus transportation, don’t forget to also complete the transportation form after registering.
Need help accessing your Skyward account or have questions? Contact your student’s school for assistance. Let’s get ready for a great school year!
South Dearborn Community School Corporation would like to gauge interest in a potential "Before Care" program for our elementary and middle school students that would run from 6:30 to 7:30am on school days. This program would offer a safe and supervised environment for students prior to the start of the school day for a minimal fee. Please note that breakfast will continue to be served beginning at 7:30am, as it has been in the past.
At this time, we are simply collecting information to determine the level of interest in this service. If your family may benefit from the Before Care program, please take a moment to complete the short Google Form through the link below:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf9UnfmlMVMi38mM0FSN6d3DAZWkU9ZIADxsfqwN4O2a4jWpQ/viewform?usp=header
Additionally, the district is exploring the possibility of offering a preschool program for three- and four-year-old children starting in the 2026–2027 school year. We are in the early stages of planning and would like to gather community input to better understand the need and interest in such a program. If your family would be interested in a preschool program, please take a moment to complete this short Google Form through the link below:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSegYgpsCSQrE4zowXlV_CFZpuJm98iiCZh0q0twB2kcRHPDug/viewform?usp=header
We appreciate your time and feedback as we continue to plan programs that support our students and families.
At this time, we are simply collecting information to determine the level of interest in this service. If your family may benefit from the Before Care program, please take a moment to complete the short Google Form through the link below:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf9UnfmlMVMi38mM0FSN6d3DAZWkU9ZIADxsfqwN4O2a4jWpQ/viewform?usp=header
Additionally, the district is exploring the possibility of offering a preschool program for three- and four-year-old children starting in the 2026–2027 school year. We are in the early stages of planning and would like to gather community input to better understand the need and interest in such a program. If your family would be interested in a preschool program, please take a moment to complete this short Google Form through the link below:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSegYgpsCSQrE4zowXlV_CFZpuJm98iiCZh0q0twB2kcRHPDug/viewform?usp=header
We appreciate your time and feedback as we continue to plan programs that support our students and families.
