My name is Charis Blanchette. I graduated from Stevens High School in 1996. After graduation, I attended the University of Nebraska- Kearney from '96-'99. I transferred to SD and attended the University of South Dakota from '99-'02. In 2001, I graduated from USD with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. Then, in 2002, graduated again with a master's degree in Curriculum & Instruction. I have been teaching since 2000. Prior to coming to Pierre, I taught at Beresford High School and the Rapid City Academy. I started teaching in the Pierre School District in 2003, which means this is my 23rd year of teaching in Pierre! I spent nine years at GMMS, and this is my 10th year at Riggs High School! 

In addition to teaching, I have three extracurricular duties. I coach 9th grade girls basketball, advise the student council, and advise the yearbook staff.  

My wonderful husband Sean and I have been married for nineteen years, and we have three amazing sons- Ivan, Steven, and Marty Joe. Sean works for South Dakota Game Fish & Park and is a part-time funeral director at Isburg Funeral Chapel. Our family also includes two pets- Nelly (dog), Sparrow (cat). I absolutely love spending time with Sean and our boys; we enjoy camping, grilling, boating, traveling, hanging out with family and friends, gardening, and watching lots of sports, especially soccer!