Starting a school year brings a sense of anticipation, filled with the promise of fresh opportunities and new experiences.
As a trusted adviser, TSP, Inc. is thrilled to be part of the journey by helping schools meet their space needs.
Since 1930, TSP has partnered with more than 70 school districts and 40 academic campuses on projects ranging from initial studies and planning to renovations and new facilities.
This impressive legacy encompasses a diverse portfolio featuring a wide range of facilities, from elementary schools and universities to libraries and technical community colleges in towns and cities throughout South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, and Wyoming.
Understanding that the ultimate vision comes directly from the administrators, teachers, and staff who use these facilities is the cornerstone of TSP’s success, and engaging with stakeholders ensures that designs are not only functional but also supportive of the educational experience.
This collaborative approach is crucial for creating spaces that meet the unique needs of each school community, enhancing learning and teaching environments.
In Vermillion, the 2024-25 school year recently began with an exciting milestone as a new elementary school opened to students.
Linked to the existing middle school, the new Vermillion Elementary School includes five sections of pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. It includes two classrooms each for junior kindergarten, Head Start, and preschool, along with six special education rooms, flex rooms, and open student commons areas.
The TSP design promotes flexibility in every possible space to allow for growth in single grade levels or the overall student body.
The new elementary school, which replaced two school buildings that were both 67 years old, also looks to enhance student engagement with nontraditional learning spaces.
“Our entire community is excited to welcome students to our new elementary school,” said Dr. Damon Alvey, Vermillion School District superintendent.
“Our project went as predicted, and our partners served us well. TSP designed an excellent facility for our needs and future growth. We couldn’t be happier with our final product.”
In the spirit of the new school year and with gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with school leaders, a handful of TSP team members took a moment to share school memories.
Team TSP clockwise from upper left: McKenna Shallberg, Austin DeJong, Jenna Harrison, Alex Kalmbach, and Carla Stein.
Interior designer McKenna Shallberg
Did you go to a small or large school?
For middle school, I started at the only private school in my hometown of Fremont, Nebraska, and by the time I graduated, our class size was down to 26. Not only did that number include my twin brother, but there were three pairs of twins in our graduating class.
Do you remember what you wanted to be when you were in elementary school?
In elementary school, I really wanted to be an elementary school teacher, which if you knew me now is incredibly laughable. I commend individuals who are driven to teach; it is something that I absolutely could not do.
Structural engineer Austin DeJong
What was your favorite school lunch?
Chili with cinnamon roll.
Favorite subject?
Math – any and all subjects within.
And your favorite K-12 school memory?
Winning the nine-man football state championship.
Mechanical engineer-in-training Jenna Harrison
Did you take part in sports or arts?
I enjoyed participating in all the instrumental music ensembles that Rapid City Stevens High School had to offer: concert band, marching band, pep band, orchestra, and jazz band. I had a lot of great opportunities in these groups and made a number of lifelong friends.
Do you have a homecoming memory?
My most memorable homecoming experience was playing in the marching band during my freshman year homecoming. My school made it so that the homecoming game would be an easy win against a school less than half our size. Our football team lost that game by a significant margin, but the marching band sounded great.
Mechanical engineer-in-training Alex Kalmbach
Who is one of your favorite teachers?
A teacher who left a big impression on me was my high school AP chemistry teacher, Dr. Beth Farrar. She was very methodical in her approach to teaching and had high expectations for every one of her students, and we sometimes had extra classes on Sunday! I was well prepared for college after her class and even tested out of general chemistry because of it. Her desire to see students succeed, along with a passion for education, made her one of the best teachers I had.
Design technician Carla Stein
In what school activities did you take part?
I was a kid who couldn’t make up my mind. I participated in the knitting club and yearbook crew in middle school. Then in high school, I was on the cheerleading and robotics teams. My parents didn’t let my shyness hold me back from trying anything I wanted to.
Here is a look at TSP education projects from around the region.
