What We Do
Special Services provides a full continuum of services for Rapid City’s more than 14,000 students. We oversee the district’s special education programs, which serve students ages birth through 21 who qualify for special education. We also provide health services including health education, nursing services and ensuring the environmental safety of our facilities. See our website links for additional information on our many programs to support your children and youth with special needs.
“For more information about special education, please visit the SD DOE site by clicking here.”
SPREAD THE WORD
Staff at the Jefferson Building wore purple t-shirts to promote Inclusion. Next year t-shirts will be available to those in the district who want to join in and be part of the movement.
Why are we asking our youth and the general public to Spread the Word >> Inclusion? Because respectful and inclusive words and actions are essential to the dignity and humanity of people with intellectual disabilities. Language affects attitudes. Attitudes impact actions. We’ve made great strides toward a truly inclusive world, but there is still much work to be done. Spread the Word >> Inclusion is an annual event celebrated the first Wednesday in March. This year, 171 South Dakota schools will engage in activities on or around March 3, 2021. Special Olympics South Dakota, in partnership with our sponsors, supplied banners, posters and event merchandise to these schools free of charge. We anticipate 25,000 South Dakota students will take the pledge to work toward a more inclusive world. The general public is also invited to pledge at www.spreadtheword.global Share your pledge on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook by using #(TBD) and invite others to join you. The resolution for inclusion starts with you.
Dr. Lisa Hafer
Director of Special Services
Todd Christensen
Special Education Program Manager
| Name | Title | |
|---|---|---|
| Donna Mitchell | Secretary for the Special Services Program Director | Email Donna |
| Kristine Wagner | Special Services Secretary | Email Kristine |
| Jane Scherr | Medicaid Processor | Email Jane |
| Michele Peterson | Secretary for the Special Services Program Manager | Email Michele |
| Cahra Hartness | Secretary for the Psychology Department | Email Cahra |
| Kristie Taylor | Secretary Level 3 | Email Kristie |
| Jeanne Flack | Secretary Level 2 | Email Jeanne |