South Dakota

Does North Dakota support mental health days for students?

Published

2 years ago

July 14, 2024

Does North Dakota support mental health days for students?

BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) — In recent times, the education system has experienced crises on many different ends — ranging from, according to the American Enterprise Institute, 26% of all public school attendees in the US were labeled “chronically absent” (missing at least 10% of the school year, or roughly 18 days of classes) in the last school year, a tremendous jump from the pre-pandemic rate of 15%. This leads some to wonder: what can be done to keep students in class?

In a comprehensive study by Test Prep Insight, 3,000 parents (including representatives from ND), parents were polled on whether or not they believe parents of absentee children should be fined, citing money as a major motivator for many. According to the results, 25% of North Dakotans support the idea of using financial penalties as a way to deter student absences, with an average suggested fine of $22 per day. The 44% who oppose this idea, meanwhile, say that it has the potential to be extremely unfair to parents from poorer backgrounds. The survey respondents continued to note that steps could be taken to help aid students outside of forcing another burden on their parents. 70% say that schools or authorities should provide extra support for those who may be struggling in classes, 20% suggest offering financial incentives for good attendance, and 10% say that additional communication with parents would be helpful.

It should be noted, however, that multiple causes can contribute to chronic absences among students, with mental health struggles serving as one of the most prevalent and frequently discussed. While exploring the issue of truancy, Test Prep Insight also asked their sample population about their feelings towards mental health absences.

Out of the surveyed parents, a fairly large percentage (73%) agree that children should be able to take mental health days. Unfortunately, despite interest in these programs, several obstacles make properly implementing them fairly difficult — the most common of which are unsupportive school policies (47%), social stigma (27%), and the fear of falling behind academically (26%). Luckily for those concerned about the last hurdle, the respondents also shared how they believe schools can support students who may need to take time to collect themselves: most notably through catch-up sessions (33%), regular check-ins from counselors (30%), flexible deadlines (25%), and providing assignments in advance (12%).

When asked about the changes they would like to see in handling childhood mental health issues, 39% of all surveyed parents called for better teacher training, 3% approved implementing mental health education in the school curriculum, 21% expressed an interest in improved communication between schools and parents, and 17% stated more on-site mental health professionals on-site.

Most also agreed these days should not be thrown around lightly, and that higher officials should be able to determine when mental health breaks are appropriate. 66% of parents say they should have the final say on whether or not a student can take one. An additional 17% believe the child’s therapist or physician is responsible for doing so, and 3% suggest that the school should decide.

To view the full study — including a detailed infographic showcasing how parents across the United States view the topic of being fined for absences — visit this page on TestPrepInsight.com.

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South Dakota

SD Lottery Mega Millions, Millionaire for Life winning numbers for Feb. 27, 2026

Published

2 hours ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

The South Dakota Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at Feb. 27, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Mega Millions numbers from Feb. 27 drawing

11-18-39-43-67, Mega Ball: 23

Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from Feb. 27 drawing

03-04-13-28-42, Bonus: 02

Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your prize

Prizes of $100 or less: Can be claimed at any South Dakota Lottery retailer.
Prizes of $101 or more: Must be claimed from the Lottery. By mail, send a claim form and a signed winning ticket to the Lottery at 711 E. Wells Avenue, Pierre, SD 57501.
Any jackpot-winning ticket for Dakota Cash or Lotto America, top prize-winning ticket for Lucky for Life, or for the second prizes for Powerball and Mega Millions must be presented in person at a Lottery office. A jackpot-winning Powerball or Mega Millions ticket must be presented in person at the Lottery office in Pierre.

When are the South Dakota Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 10 p.m. CT on Tuesday and Friday.
Lucky for Life: 9:38 p.m. CT daily.
Lotto America: 9:15 p.m. CT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Dakota Cash: 9 p.m. CT on Wednesday and Saturday.
Millionaire for Life: 10:15 p.m. CT daily.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a South Dakota editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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South Dakota

Feeding South Dakota

Published

14 hours ago

February 27, 2026

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South Dakota

SD Lottery Millionaire for Life winning numbers for Feb. 26, 2026

Published

1 day ago

February 27, 2026

Press Room

The South Dakota Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at Feb. 26, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from Feb. 26 drawing

03-14-22-50-57, Bonus: 04

Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your prize

Prizes of $100 or less: Can be claimed at any South Dakota Lottery retailer.
Prizes of $101 or more: Must be claimed from the Lottery. By mail, send a claim form and a signed winning ticket to the Lottery at 711 E. Wells Avenue, Pierre, SD 57501.
Any jackpot-winning ticket for Dakota Cash or Lotto America, top prize-winning ticket for Lucky for Life, or for the second prizes for Powerball and Mega Millions must be presented in person at a Lottery office. A jackpot-winning Powerball or Mega Millions ticket must be presented in person at the Lottery office in Pierre.

When are the South Dakota Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 10 p.m. CT on Tuesday and Friday.
Lucky for Life: 9:38 p.m. CT daily.
Lotto America: 9:15 p.m. CT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Dakota Cash: 9 p.m. CT on Wednesday and Saturday.
Millionaire for Life: 10:15 p.m. CT daily.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a South Dakota editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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