About Our School
South Decatur Elementary School serves students in kindergarten through sixth grade. Our school employs caring, compassionate teachers and support staff who work tirelessly to help every child achieve to the best of his or her ability.
The SDES Mission
At South Decatur Elementary School, we believe students can think critically, creatively, and reflectively and become effective communicators, productive collaborators, and digitally literate. It is the mission of Decatur County Community Schools to create a safe and caring environment where each individual can grow intellectually, socially, and emotionally. The focus of our schools is to encourage students to persevere to meet academic challenges with openness, enthusiasm, and a willingness to solve problems using 21st Century skills. This will be accomplished through an atmosphere of cooperation with respect for individual differences and community value.
Our School’s History
In 1950, the old metal Sandcreek School was built on the same site as our school today because it was halfway between the towns of Westport and Letts. Sandcreek School opened with twelve grades, but it became strictly an elementary school with the opening of South Decatur High School in 1968.
The school's gym, which South Decatur Elementary still uses, dates back to the 1955–56 school year. In 1963, students from Millhousen were enrolled at Sandcreek, and Jackson students began attending Sandcreek in the fall of 1971.
The new South Decatur Elementary School opened in April, 1978. At first, only Sandcreek School students attended, but in the fall of 1978, the children from Burney School also enrolled. At the same time, kindergarten classes became a part of the school program. Community members formally dedicated the new school on December 17, 1978.
A major remodeling project began in 1992, which included four new classrooms, new restrooms, and a new heating and cooling system. The district installed a computer network to improve the use of technology and enclosed classrooms to provide a quieter learning environment.
PTO Information
We encourage all SDES parents and guardians to take an active part in their child’s school life. Some of the ways you can get involved include:
- Help with PTO events.
- Work together to improve the school for your child's sake and for the school's sake.
- Attend scheduled programs. They're held regularly during the school year so you can get acquainted with teachers and discuss any problems.
- Stay in touch. If you have any questions about school, contact the teacher or school principal for help.
Current PTO Officers
President: Rachel Hornberger
Vice President: Emily Baltus
Treasurer: Gabe Nobbe
Secretary: Abby Evans
Harmony 3 Family Access
Decatur County Community Schools uses the Harmony 3 school management software to provide parents and students with online features such as viewing grades, attendance, school fees, and lunch account usage and balances.
Harmony 3 Family Access allows parents to have one log-in for multiple students. Please contact your child’s school for your child’s access code so you can set up an account. You will need a separate access code for each of your children. You will also find instructions for setting up your Harmony 3 Family Access on this page.