History
The Aberdeen Catholic School System (ACSS--often referred to as Roncalli Schools) is a private K-12
Catholic school system and is officially accredited according to the rule and standards of the Division of
Education as established by the South Dakota State Board of Education.
St. Mary's and Sacred Heart Parishes each established an elementary school, grades
1 through 8, in 1912 and 1913 respectively. Roncalli High School was established in 1964 with
students enrolled, freshmen and sophomores. Roncalli Junior High, grades 7 and 8, was established in
1969. From 1971 until 1988, all Junior High students attended classes at Sacred Heart. They then
moved to the high school which became the Roncalli Junior-Senior High School.
In 1980, the Aberdeen Catholic School System was consolidated and Kindergarten was added to the
educational program. In 1988-89 school year, the Roncalli Sonshine Patch-DayCare Program for
children between the ages of 4 and 10, was added at the Roncalli Elementary School. Roncalli Middle
School became the attendance center for grades 3 through 6. In 2002-2004, ACSS  demolished its elementary buildings and built new schools.
Roncalli is the family name of Pope John XXIII who captured the imagination of the entire world, and
changed the hearts of millions in a short space of time. Born of peasant parents, Blessed John XXIII began his life at Sotto il Monte, Italy, on November 25, 1881. He was named a Cardinal by
Pius XII, and was elected Pope on October 28, 1958.
He was expected to be only an "interim" pope, but he changed the course of modern Christianity by
summoning the Second Vatican Council to deal specifically with the question of Christian unity. Under
his leadership, many sweeping changes were made to help the church meet the challenges of modern
times. In 1964, the name selection committee felt that the new high school, Roncalli, should be
dedicated to the same objective as that of Pope John XXIII, by assisting the Catholic students of
Aberdeen to meet the challenge of the modern times. . .educationally, socially and spiritually.
Statement of Mission
Sioux Falls Catholic Diocese
The Bishop's Pastoral, To Teach as Jesus Did, largely sets the tone for Catholic education
today. The pastoral reminds us that Catholic schools offer the greatest opportunity to teach
the message of Jesus Christ, to foster a community of believers who grow in the faith, and to
provide for Christian service to the community.
Catholic education is an expression of the mission entrusted by Jesus to the Church He
founded. Through education the Church seeks to prepare its members to proclaim the Good
News and to translate this proclamation into action.
The educational mission endorsed by the Sioux Falls Catholic Diocese is an integrated
ministry embracing three interlocking dimensions: the "message" revealed by Jesus which the
Church proclaims; "community" in the life of the Holy Spirit; and "service" to the entire human
community. All who share in the responsibility for educational ministry must support programs
which give promise of realizing this threefold purpose, which is the guide and inspiration of all
the Church's educational efforts.
Aberdeen Catholic School System
Until the 2000 - 2001 school year, the ACSS held, "To Teach As Jesus Did," as its primary mission
statement. During the 2001-2002 school year, the ACSS began a process of discernment and school
improvement which included an in depth analysis of 'who we are' and 'what we believe'. Pastors,
Teachers, auxiliary staff, students, parents and community members were involved in this process. From
this introspective study, a new mission emerged:
“Instilling Catholic values and promoting academic excellence by
nurturing mind, body and soul.”
This mission complements the previous mission, which is still a part of our charisma. To Teach as Jesus Did is a call to our staff, parents and community as to how we are to teach. The goal of our teaching is
expressed in the ‘new’mission statement. Thus, as we strive To Teach as Jesus Did, our goal is Instilling Catholic values and promoting academic excellence by
nurturing mind, body and soul.
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Aberdeen, South Dakota 57401