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

Sioux Falls is a unique place. When people recognize a need, they fill it. Today, employees of Central Bank used their Presidents’ Day to fill the food gap left by a day off from school. Central Bank employees, along with Hy-Vee, prepared sack lunches for children at Anne Sullivan, Garfield, and Hayward, chosen because they are connected to Community Centers. Employees were happy to use a day away from the bank for this community service project. SFSD is blessed with many community partners. Some have provided long-standing support to schools. Others, like Central Bank, recently recognized a need and developed a plan to get food to families when school is not in session. Thank You, Central Bank, for your commitment to Sioux Falls and to our kids!

Our next Teacher of the Year Finalist: George Hawkins from Jefferson HS & the PBL Academy! His students say, "Mr. Hawkins is always trying to get to know his students & pushing them to grow as a person. He exemplifies what it means to be an amazing teacher."

This week, we're proudly recognizing our 6 Teacher of the Year Finalists! Kim Bogart teaches Orchestra at Terry Redlin, Laura B. Anderson and Whittier MS! Her nominators say Kim "is a servant-transformative leader who goes above all expectations." Congrats, Kim!

Parents of teens and preteens won't want to miss this month's featured Family Forum topic. Vaping is on the rise among young people and carries some costly concerns. Join us Tuesday, Feb 21 at 6pm at sf.k12.sd.us, click Students & Families, then Counseling or watch for the link.

Today Roosevelt was recognized as an ESPN Honor Roll School & a Special Olympics Banner School for continued & amazing inclusion & diversity efforts! A huge congrats!

Congratulations, Dawn Reinicke for being this week's All Star! ⭐ Dawn is the Lunchbox Education Assistant at Harvey Dunn Elementary and is known for creating a positive environment in the lunchroom! She was nominated for this All Star award by Harvey Dunn Principal Jennifer Chamberlain, who shared this about her, "Dawn has done an AMAZING job creating a positive, calm, and inviting lunchroom environment. This is true for the students eating as well as the staff working in the lunchroom. While holding students accountable to the school and lunchroom expectations, she maintains a positive attitude. She maintains the dignity of both students and staff when behaviors/work adjustments need to be made. The feedback she gives is specific, and immediate, and coaches for growth. If you observe in the lunchroom, you will see Dawn greeting all with a smile, sharing trivia/jokes with students, and singing/dancing with the kids for an occasional fun time. In addition to creating a positive setting, Dawn is very organized and works to identify the best practices where errors won't occur. She takes special diets/allergies seriously and has systems in place so students receive the appropriate meal. She continues to seek to find ways to make things run efficiently and communicates with all stakeholders in a timely manner. Students and staff in the building enjoy their interactions and time with Miss Dawn!" Congratulations, Dawn!

Mark your calendars! SFSD students will be on President's Break next week, so it's a great time to take in some fun at Air Madness to support Operation Hope and Caring! Levo and other community partners are "jumping in" to support schools without PTA/PTOs. Join us!

SFSD sends a HUGE Thank You to our School Resource Officers from the SF Police Department! SROs establish relationships with students and staff to keep schools safe!

Every day is a GREAT day in SFSD classrooms! Thursday was extra special as Supt. Stavem and Board Member Marc Murren surprised six educators by naming them finalists for the Dr. John W. Harris Teacher of the Year Award! Please join us in congratulating these amazing educators!

Congratulations to LHS Automotive & Welding Teacher, Ryan Kortemeyer for being this week's All Star! ⭐ He was nominated for this award by his fellow LHS educator, Sarah Burkett, who shared this about Ryan, "Ryan Kortemeyer reflects all that is good in education: striving for excellence, creating high expectations for his students, and collaborating effectively with other educators. An automotive and welding educator, Ryan embodies the mission of the Sioux Falls School District as he supports diverse learners in his classes. He treats all students with dignity and respect while engaging them in hands-on activities that strengthen their job skills in the future. Ryan works diligently to foster positive relationships in his classroom while ensuring student success in auto mechanics and welding. Ryan has also supported new automotive and welding teachers at other schools; he willingly shares content and collaborates with his colleagues across the district. In addition to this, Ryan provides support to students outside of the classroom, including float building and participation in the Native American Day parade. His humility and dedication to our students is something to celebrate! Ryan is the ideal candidate for this recognition; he is humble, professional, and an asset to the education field." Congratulations, Mr. Kortemeyer! Thank you for all you do for the Sioux Falls School District!

SFSD loves our school counselors! Join us in thanking them this week (and every week) for "Helping Students Dream Big!"

SFSD recently hosted a film crew from Boys Town to highlight positive behavior strategies being used at Susan B. Anthony Elem. Retired Principal Tara Eckstaine now serves as Development Officer for the Omaha-based organization. We're proud of our students, staff, & schools!

Enrollment for JK/Kindergarten for the 23-24 school year is NOW OPEN! Child must be five (5) on or before September 1, 2023. Parents who wish to learn more about the demands of Kindergarten are invited to attend a special event! Register with the QR code!

Meet the 66 nominees for the 35th Annual Dr. John W. Harris Teacher of the Year award! Finalists will be notified later this week & the 2023 winner will be announced on Feb 27 at the ceremony at Ben Reifel MS! https://www.sf.k12.sd.us/page/teacher-of-the-year-program

Looking for a fun activity for your family on Tues, Feb. 21, 2023 - a No School Day in the SFSD? Head to Air Madness from 10am-6pm to jump, play, and unlock donations to Operation Hope & Caring! SFSD schools without PTAs/PTOs benefit!

SFSD orchestra teacher Stacy Sip is 1 of 3 music educators, out of 130 nominated, to be named 2023 Schmitt Music Educator of the Year at the Elementary Level! Stacy will be honored in Minneapolis later this month & we'll have more info soon! Congratulations!

Meet this week's All Star, Becky Heikkila! ⭐ The people who think that librarians read all day, check out a few books, and re-shelve them are mistaken. Becky has created a hub of information, resources, support, safety, comfort, and inclusion... and that takes daily work. Whittier Middle School's library is not only a place where students WANT to be, it's a place where staff want to be, too. It's not just the center of the school, it's the heart. Learn more about Becky here! ---> https://youtu.be/Hw55W-Cva00

Check your school calendar! There is No School Monday, February 6, 2023 so staff can attend inservice. We're learning, too!

SFSD offers free developmental screenings for children ages 0 to 5 who reside within the district boundaries. We screen motor skills, concepts, language, vision and hearing. Screenings are conducted 8am to 4pm Mon-Fri. Call 605-367-8488. Office is located @ 2205 N. Career Ave.

HAPPENING TOMORROW! ❗📣❗ Students and families have the opportunity to learn how to get started in the field of Cybersecurity and Technology by attending the Cyber Academy open house on Tuesday, January 31st from 4-7:30 pm at the CTE Academy! This is a great opportunity to learn how to get started in the field of Cybersecurity and Technology by taking college-level courses while in high school. Presentations at 5pm and 7pm will explain how students can get started and the program's benefits. Reminder, this event is open to anyone and everyone! Can't wait to see you there!