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

Reminder that there is NO SCHOOL on Monday, October 14th, in observance of Native American Day. SFSD has several schools that will participate in the Native American Day parade in downtown SIoux Falls that day and we would love to see you there! Please see attached flyer for times and information. Additionally, NO SCHOOL on Tuesday, October 15th, for a teacher in-service day. See you back in class on Wednesday, October 16th!

Join in the fun in this recap video of Jefferson High School's homecoming football game! https://youtu.be/_HxnIj309v0

Students in the Okichiyapi Club at Washington High School experienced an extra special sunrise this morning. For the past few years, they've put up a tipi in front of the school to honor Native American Day (formally on Monday, October 14th, a no-school day). Events have been happening throughout SFSD this week to honor Native American Day, a time for us to celebrate the culture and history of our Native American students and staff.

Ben's Garden at Ben Reifel Middle School has been a mainstay since the school opened. Earlier this week during Bison Enrichment time, students went to collect what is left from this year's bounty. There will still be some tomatoes, squash, carrots, cabbage, and a few things to pick before the first hard frosts come. Ben's Garden has been a collaborative project since the beginning - the raised beds were built on site, and the shed was built and set up by students from the CTE Academy. Students in the Garden Club get to hear from SDSU horticulturalists, master gardeners, and even the occasional City of Sioux Falls employee. Students get to try food from the garden - this week squash was on the menu (to VERY mixed reviews) and tastings happen throughout the fall season. Students Kylie and Nina helped with this harvest, and they say that the experience has opened their mind to exploring gardening more in the future. We're excited to see all the things the future holds for Ben's Garden!

If any parent/guardian is having trouble consistently getting their kids to school, regular communication with an attendance liaison will help establish an effective attendance plan for the future! Take Rochelle Holloway at Terry Redlin for example - the introduction of the Walking Bus has been a great way to build community and make getting to school a FUN experience! #ShowUpSF

CTE Academy Aviation students spent a morning lifting off to the skies earlier this week when they got to launch off the rockets they built. While not every rocket reached the skies, students learned about proper node connection, engine function, lift and drag in the most hands on way possible. https://youtu.be/Kvd3igIageY

October 10, 2024 is World Mental Health Day. Promoting mental health is key to a more positive classroom environment, both for students and staff. No person is immune to mental health challenges, and schools across SFSD can connect students and staff to any resources they may need to find help and healing in any times of distress. Today and everyday, let's make sure to check in on one another and continue to lift each other up.

Here is your District News Minute, brought to you by the Media Arts students at the CTE Academy! Tune in for a quick blip on what's happening around SFSD. https://youtu.be/6KR4hlMhKls

In this video, you'll see something that happened at Horace Mann Elementary this morning. It also happened yesterday morning, and it will happen tomorrow morning as well. Every morning, for many YEARS, students entering the building for the day are greeted to a warm welcome from most of the staff in the building. It's a way to say, "Today's a new day. Let's make it a good one." And it's just one more thing that makes the SFSD Experience so special. #TheSFSDExperience https://youtu.be/yyRuoA_Er5k

We'd like to extend a big THANK YOU to the Sioux Falls Development Foundation for putting on this morning's Talent Draft Day! All SFSD high schools sent students to connect with employers in the community to see what possibilities are available for life after high school. Options were vast with opportunities for employment right after graduation, to two-year, to four-year degrees, and beyond. There's no 'one size fits all' approach to students' futures, so events like this are a vital part of the educational framework for our future workforce.

Are you passionate about supporting young learners? We're looking for dedicated Early Childhood Education Assistants to join our team! Qualifications: Must have 2 years of post-high school education or pass a state-approved test. Key Responsibilities: Assist in personal care and skill reinforcement. Supervise students during lunch and recess. Help prepare instructional materials and maintain student records. If you’re ready to show up for kids and inspire their learning journey, apply today! https://sf.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx?jcat=Education%20Support%20Professionals

Yesterday, students at R.F Pettigrew got to make their own hand-drawn posters to carry with them in the Native American Day Parade, happening on Monday, October 14, at 11 AM in downtown Sioux Falls. SFSD will have several schools with a presence in the parade on Monday, so be sure to stop down and say hi!

Last week we brought you the story of the Terry Redlin walking school bus. This week we have more exciting news to share from Terry Redlin! Students not only earned their goal of SOAR slips, they blew the goal out of the water! This PBIS initiative is making a big difference in the school, and these students earned a well-deserved celebration! https://youtu.be/5P5Ta2pBwss

This weeks ⭐️SFSD All-Star⭐️is Kylie Pedersen from Hawthorne Elementary! In only her 3rd year of teaching, Kylie is already a mentor in the building, is constantly volunteering for roles, and is in a perpetual state of self-improvement. Inside and outside the classroom, she is all about learning, development, and care. She has a BIG class of 2nd graders, but every one of them know they are cared for. Thank you, Kylie, for always going above and beyond, and for being an All-Star! https://youtu.be/1oo1uujBUec

Over the weekend, two important groups of educators had recognition days. October 5 was World Teachers' Day, a global event meant to shine a light on the important work teachers do across the world. Teachers are the heart of student's educational journeys, inspiring future generations to think, grow, and dream big. Their influence reaches far beyond the classroom, shaping lives and communities with every lesson. October 6 was National Coaches Day. Coaches play an integral role in the lives of student athletes. When students participate in sports they learn the importance of confidence, communication, and teamwork - traits that are vital to life on the field, in the home, and in the office. Coaches instill these values in students creating grit, determination, and a can-do attitude. Thank you to all our SFSD teachers and coaches for guiding our students to be future leaders!

Sports offer huge benefits to all the girls involved. The Washington High School girls have been putting in the miles, and making friendships all along the way. Learn more here! https://youtu.be/vsel_1F1dTg

This USD volleyball commit spends one of her class periods each day volunteering in a freshman English class, is involved with track, Best Buddies, Warriors Read, LINK Crew, and more. She was a member of homecoming court, was just named president of her Government class, and has a reputation for having grit. But its her kindness that will be remembered when she graduates. Meet Cate. https://youtu.be/MW1iFnuZQvg

Homecoming events have been happening over the past few weeks and are starting to wind down now, but the memories that were made during these times will last a lifetime! Check out a slice of life from the Washington homecoming football game for to see what it's like for students! https://youtu.be/5o4hGSpUyU8

Garfield Elementary has been working hard on a "Ready, Set, Go" attendance campaign this year which has included trading cards featuring the characters you'll see here! Things converged this week with an inflatable race on the playground you won't want to miss! https://youtu.be/NkWYZG2xZhk

October is Head Start Awareness Month! It's not too late to get your child(ren) ages 3-5 enrolled. Children are able to start preschool all throughout the calendar year. Please check our website for more information: https://www.sf.k12.sd.us/page/early-childhood