Sioux Falls School District - Educate and prepare each student to succeed in a changing world

‼️How cool is this‼️ This morning, Mayor Paul TenHaken signed an official proclamation declaring today, Dec 1st, as "Rosa Parks Day". What better place to announce this amazing news than.....at Rosa Parks Elementary! The school has been celebrating their historical namesake all week and today that culminated with an assembly full of poetry, skits, and the Mayor himself with proclamation in hand. December 1st, 1955 was the historic day Rosa Parks chose to take a stand, by staying in her seat. She was special, because she was different, and that is the lesson exemplified by the amazing art project on the Rosa Parks Elementary gym wall. Students each wrote down what differences make them special, and all the puzzle pieces fit together to make something beautiful. "Stand for something, or you will fall for anything." - Rosa Parks

As November comes to a close, we look back on the importance of Native American Heritage Month. It's a time to not only celebrate the contributions of our Native American students and community, but to learn from them as well. Like the 4th and 5th grade classes at Hawthorne Elementary! They just wrapped up an immersive lesson about Iktomi the trickster in Oceti Sakowin culture. Students heard and read stories and then created their own representations of Iktomi in spider form. We continue to celebrate our Native American students and community not just in November, but every month!

From The Little House on the Prairie to The Magic School Bus, fictional teachers have inspired generations of educators. This week the guests and host of SDPB's Teacher Talk have delightful conversation about their favorite fictional teachers. Everybody looks to fiction to find characters to relate to (or commiserate with 😅) and teachers are no different! Listen here! https://bit.ly/47xl9bB Or simply search for "Spotlight: Conversations from the Sioux Falls School District" in Spotify or Apple Podcasts!

🚨‼️Attention high school students‼️🚨Now seeking "ideas worth spreading!"🗣️Applications are NOW OPEN for the 2024 TEDx Youth Sioux Falls event! This event is open to any and all high school students who have a story or a passion to share. Last year's event was 💫REMARKABLE💫, and this year we hope to build on that momentum. Take some time over the holiday break to fill out an application here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc6CE6mTOzKyMF4gIa5IlOvxl83MRaBu5E0mSc7yoa-M8DyPA/viewform Or scan the QR code. Applications will be accepted until December 15th, 2023. We look forward to hearing all about your amazing ideas!

A reminder that there will be NO school starting tomorrow, Wednesday, November 22nd through Friday, November 24th in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. We'll see students back in class on Monday, November 27th. Have a wonderful break!

🗣️Attention📢 high school students! There's still ten days left to apply to SD public colleges and universities FOR FREE! November 30th is the last day to get your free application in. Find more information at the QR code or here: https://ourdakotadreams.com/exploring-colleges/free-college-application-period/

On Friday, Lincoln HS students got to hear from mayor Paul TenHaken on how he got to where he is, the challenges he has faced and what it takes to carry on, even when things get tough. His words on leadership and accountability resonate with the SFSD mission statement: "to educate and prepare each student to succeed in a changing world." Thank you, mayor TenHaken, for sharing your message of #OneSiouxFalls

Yesterday students at Joe Foss/Axtell Park had a chance to share their stories with the community through their art. The Vision & Voice Art Show showcased student artwork, and Poetry Out Loud allowed students to express themselves through spoken word. Sharing your story creatively can be an intimidating task, and these brave students did it with grace and tact. Congratulations!

You can't list all of her academic accolades or activities in a single social media post. No video can explain all she has given to JHS & SF already, which doesn't include upcoming plans. Advocate, leader, champ, scholar, friend, inspiration. Angeth. https://youtu.be/LeSWMfq7NQo

Today is National Substitute Educators Day! Substitute educators provide a critical link in the education of students by serving as a bridge to provide continued quality education in the temporary absence of regular classroom educators. They are a vital piece of the framework that helps our students grow and thrive. We extend a massive THANK YOU to all SFSD substitutes today and everyday!

National Native American Heritage Month is celebrated each year in November. It's a time to celebrate the contributions our Native American populations provide to the community. Take the WHS Okichiyapi Club for example! They are holding a children's book drive right now with all collected books going to reservations in South Dakota. Thank you for your leadership both in schools and out in the community!

Today was Education Support Professionals (ESPs) day! ESPs include employees in clerical, custodial, child nutrition, health and security services. Thank you to all SFSD Education Support Professionals for keeping our students safe, healthy and ready to learn! We couldn't do what we do without you! #aew2023

Nominations are now OPEN for the 36th annual Dr. John W. Harris Teacher Of The Year Award! Our partnership with Vern Eide Motorcars allows us to highlight the contributions of outstanding educators across SFSD. See flyer for details, and nominate an amazing teacher here! https://www.sf.k12.sd.us/page/teacher-of-the-year-program

Human nature has us "sizing up" our lives, our jobs, our cars with others. Social media dangerously compounds social comparisons and shaming and can lead to mental and physical health challenges. Is your child at risk? Join us Tues, Nov 21 @ 6pm.

The topic of discussion this week on SDPB's "Teacher Talk" is Teacher Residencies (also referred to as "student teaching"). This opportunity can provide future teachers with many meaningful experiences to prepare them for the classroom. Listen here: https://bit.ly/49B7MZ1

Take a tour of R.F. Pettigrew Elementary and learn about the 7 Mindsets social-emotional curriculum they have implemented building-wide thanks to a grant from the Education Foundation! https://youtu.be/A-odj1RPR8g

Happy American Education Week! This week we honor all public school employees for the role they play in creating spaces where students can flourish everyday. Here's to a week of gratitude, celebration, and a collective commitment to shaping a brighter future through education! #aew2023

Planning Ahead! If your current 5th grader is involved in Gifted Education at their SFSD Elementary, join us tonight from 6-7pm at Patrick Henry Middle School to learn more about the Middle School Honors Program!

Ardis Iverson at George McGovern MS is one of 8 teachers in the nation to be awarded a National Book Foundation Fellowship. Find out how she's using the $2000 in books & the $3000 stipend she won to get students excited about reading: https://youtu.be/51K23Gw7hkM

REMINDER. Friday, November 10th 2023 is Veteran's Day and all SFSD schools and offices will be closed in observance of the important day. Please take time to reflect and thank a special veteran in your life. 🇺🇸