Weston County School District #7

The South Dakota Stock Market Game By Mrs. Karla Ludemann The South Dakota Stock Market Game announces Fall 2025 session winning teams. The Fall 2025 session of the Stock Market Game (SMG) concluded its 10-week trading period on December 12, in which 22 schools, colleges, and universities across South Dakota and Wyoming formed 194 teams of stock market investors. The program provides students with a hypothetical $100,000 to perform real-time online investing in stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. The program’s carefully integrated curriculum lets students experience the financial markets in the classroom as they learn about business, math, economics, personal finance, and the importance of saving and investing for the long term. Students compete for prizes in the Elementary/Junior High, High School, and College divisions. Teacher Karla Ludemann used the program in her Personal Finance class. In the high school division five Upton High School students earned a cash prize. Emily McMaster finished in ninth place for a cash prize of $40.00. Peyton Wilson finished in sixth place for a cash prize of $50.00. Landon Hawk finished in fifth place for a cash prize of $60.00. Rylee Donner finished in third place for a cash prize of $80.00. Chase Juliono finished in first place for a cash prize of $110.00. The SMG program provides teachers with online support during each trading session and free online training prior to and during each session. During the 10-week session, teachers receive weekly newsletters on economic, business, and personal finance topics to integrate the program into a variety of grade levels and subjects. The SMG program has been delivered by Black Hills State University through the Center for Economic Education since 1994. The Black Hills State University Center for Economic Education has an exclusive license to operate the SMG program under the oversight of the Securities Industry Financial Markets Association (SIFMA). The Stock Market Game is widely identified as the leader in youth financial education and the only program proven in rigorous, independent studies year-after-year to raise math and financial literacy test scores and to change financial behavior for the better for students and teachers. Over 600,000 students from all 50 states participate each year. Pictured Sitting: Chase Juliano, Landon Hawk, Rylee Donner, Emily McMaster and Peyton Wilson Standing: Tristan McNutt, Alexis Savage, Janel Charlson, Lindsay Charlson, Nic Schiller, Lilly Jackson, Nathan Sanderson, Aksel Rickert and Destiny Gipson

Congrats to the Upton Lady Cat and Bobcat Wrestlers as they both placed 3rd at the Tiger Invite in Lusk today!

Upton FBLA Holds November Meeting, Honors Members of the Month By Reporter Paige Mills The Upton High School Future Business Leaders of America chapter met on November 25 at 1:01 p.m., with President Reece Riehemann calling the meeting to order. Members recited the FBLA pledge and completed roll call, with 20 members present and two absent. Reporter Paige Mills read the minutes from the previous meeting, which were approved. The chapter reviewed recent activities, including Trick-or-Treat for the Food Bank, the Veterans and First Responders Appreciation Supper, and progress on the Champion Chapter program. Members were also reminded to choose their competitive events for the 2025 State Leadership Conference, where top competitors will qualify for nationals in San Antonio this June. During new business, members signed thank-you cards to community supporters, including BraeLee Williamson’s family, Joes Food Center, City Hall, and the school lunch staff. The chapter took photos of the October Members of the Month: Front row: Charley Knapp, Rylee Donner, Paige Mills and Jilly Jean Jackson. Back row: Colt Jackson, Will Bowen, Keanu Duarte, Penny Neubauer, Kate Gustaf and Joslyn Pischke. Not Pictured: Abby Stroud FBLA will run concessions at the Bobcat Invitational to help raise funds for travel. Members were also reminded to return their codes of conduct, continue choosing state events, and prepare for the Christmas Party on December 16. Students may bring a $5–$10 gift for the optional exchange. With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 1:15 p.m.

High school student council is putting on a Snowcoming Week as we roll into the holiday season!

FBLA Hosts First Responder and Veterans Appreciation Supper The Upton High School Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter hosted its annual First Responder and Veterans Appreciation Supper on November 11th at 6:00 PM in the community center. The event was a heartfelt tribute to the local heroes who serve and protect the community. As attendees arrived, FBLA members warmly greeted and thanked the First Responders and Veterans at the door. Veterans were invited to sign stars on a flag handcrafted by the FBLA chapter to honor their service and dedication. The personalized flag served as a meaningful centerpiece for the evening. Guests enjoyed a delicious meal of chili and cinnamon rolls, generously served by the FBLA members. The event also featured engaging activities, including three spirited games of bingo. One game consisted of ambulance pictures. The second game had a Veterans theme. The third game had a firefighter theme. Attendees watched thank-you videos created by FBLA students, expressing gratitude and admiration for the sacrifices and contributions of the honorees. One video included pictures of the firefighters and ambulance crew. The other video included pictures of the Veterans. Adding to the evening's significance, Veterans and First Responders shared stories and insights about their service. These personal accounts provided a deeper understanding of the challenges and rewards of their roles, fostering a sense of connection and appreciation among the attendees. The First Responder and Veterans Appreciation Supper exemplified FBLA's commitment to community service and leadership. By organizing this event, the Upton High School chapter demonstrated the importance of honoring those who have given so much to their country and community.

The Upton High School Personal Finance class enjoyed lessons from two ladies at The First Northern Bank of Wyoming of Newcastle, Wyoming. Abby Kottwitz and Kim Praeuner visited Mrs. Ludemann’s classroom on November 17th and 24th during second period. The ladies covered areas such as getting loans, credit cards, credit scores, certificates of deposits, debit cards, ATM cards, and checking accounts. Mrs. Ludemann and members really appreciated these bank ladies sharing their expertise.

Due to the power outage in the region, Upton Schools will be released at 2:45 pm. Bus routes will be running accordingly. There will be no after school activities or practices. Bobcat Adventures is also cancelled tonight. We were also informed that wrestling in Wright has been cancelled tonight.

The girl's are off to state volleyball! Good luck ladies!

The Upton Schools are forming a Steering Committee to lead a Feasibility Study that will consider the future of a swimming pool in Upton. If you are interested in serving on the committee, please email Superintendent Coberly at ccoberly@weston7.org by November 17 to express your interest. We are looking at a committee size of 6-10 individuals, but if interest is high, we may have 12-15 individuals on the committee. Dates and times of meetings are to be determined later based on the availability of the volunteers. Thank you for considering this opportunity to serve the "Best Town on Earth"!

Upton Staff Earn National Recognition for Personalized Learning Innovation Staff members from Upton Schools have been awarded a prestigious grant recognizing their exceptional work in advancing personalized learning. Their dedication and innovation in tailoring education to meet individual student needs have earned them the opportunity to attend and present at the FullScale Symposium 2025, held October 25–28 at the Hyatt Regency in New Orleans, Louisiana. The FullScale Symposium is the premier international event for education innovators, bringing together teachers, administrators, and thought leaders who are transforming K–12 education. With more than 100 sessions showcasing breakthrough policies and best practices, the symposium equips attendees with fresh strategies and inspiration to enhance learning experiences in their own schools. Upton’s educators will join participants from across the nation and around the globe to share ideas, learn from leading experts, and explore new approaches to personalized learning. The grant provides professional development support and acknowledges the district’s ongoing efforts to empower students through individualized learning pathways. “This recognition is a reflection of the hard work and commitment of our entire staff,” said Joe Samuelson. “Personalized learning has transformed how we teach and how students engage with their education. We’re excited to learn from others at the symposium and bring new ideas back to our classrooms.” Upton Schools continue to stand out as a model of educational innovation in Wyoming, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive through learning experiences designed around their strengths, needs, and interests.

The Sources of Strength, FBLA, FCCLA and FFA went door to door for the Upton Food Bank on a cold November 4th at 6:30 pm. Students were placed into different groups and given a section of town. Cheryl Folkner, Organizer of the Food Bank, was very happy with the students' work and the town’s generosity. The Upton Food Bank received 470 pounds of food. After students brought donated food to the food bank they were served hot chocolate and cookies. Cheryl Folkner said,”We appreciate our students giving their time to help others.”

Here is a link to bracket information for the Loren Jackson Memorial MS Boys Wrestling Tournament on Saturday, November 1st.

Following discussions between the administrations at both schools, after 13 years, Upton and Sundance have decided to end the co-op in football. Both teams will join the 1A 9-man football league starting in August 2026.

Bobcat Adventures is bringing concessions back!
Join us at all middle school home games this season.
Friday, October 31st, will be our first concessions day- Stop by to grab a delicious treat and refreshments.

Last week of regular season for Fall high school sports.

October FBLA Meeting Recognized Upton Chapter First In The State After Chapter Chapter Events Our FBLA chapter held its October meeting with a packed agenda full of exciting announcements, recognition, and upcoming opportunities. We were honored to have Principal Samuelson speak at the meeting, where he shared the many benefits of being involved in FBLA, including leadership development, career readiness, and community service. His support and encouragement set a positive tone as we move into a busy season. Congratulations to Will and Charley, our Members of the Month for September! They were recognized for their outstanding involvement—working concessions and consistently showing up to meetings. Keep up the great work! Looking ahead, we have several important dates: Trunk or Treat will take place Thursday, October 30th after school. We'll be serving hot dogs and hosting bowling at the elementary school. Students come by when you can after football or volleyball practice. Trick or Treat for the Upton Food Bank will be held on Tuesday, November 4th in partnership with FFA and FCCLA. Veterans, Firefighter, and Ambulance Appreciation Supper will be on Monday, November 11th at 6:00 PM at the Community Center. We’ll be serving chili and cinnamon rolls, and hosting entertainment. Members were encouraged to start choosing their state events, which are posted on the office door. Some members have already started working on theirs, so claim yours early! We reviewed the 2024–2025 Competitive Events Guidelines and discussed the opportunity to compete for a spot at Nationals in San Antonio this June, where the top four at state will qualify. A reminder: To attend the state conference, members must meet eligibility—attend at least 3 meetings and participate in 3 community service or fundraising activities. If you have a friend who wants to go, now is the time to get involved! We also handed out information about our annual Pie Sale fundraiser. Each pie sells for $30, and members earn $16 per pie sold. Money is due before November 13th. Karstyn led a quick Dress Code Review, reminding everyone to prepare professional attire for the state conference in March and to coordinate outfits with their event partners. Additional reminders included: Sign up to attend a local Chamber of Commerce meeting if interested. The FBLA Code of Conduct form must be signed and returned. Our chapter has completed the first section of the Champion Chapter program and is in first place in the state and they are already working on the second. Finally, the meeting closed on a high note, with members commenting on how organized and well-run the meeting was. Thank you to everyone who made it a success!

Back to back days on the road, this time in Clearmont.

The Patriots are on the road to Dayton.

The Lady Cats head to Midwest for conference play.