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

Punxsutawney Phil has spoken and wants everybody to be ready for an early spring! He would also like to remind everybody there will be NO SCHOOL on Monday, February 5, 2024, for an in-service day. Enjoy the long, spring-feeling weekend!

SFSD psychologists are key to early diagnosis & intervention for students, as well as bringing invaluable insights & experience to behavior & student success teams. Hilary works at many schools, but each wishes they could keep her full-time. Meet her. https://youtu.be/m-pzJ8NgBNo

🚨 ATTENTION class of 2037! 🎓 📚 Kindergarten registration is NOW OPEN for the 2024-2025 school year! ✏️ If your child is 5 years old on or before September 1, 2024, you can find more information and register them here: https://www.sf.k12.sd.us/page/kindergarten-registration Registering early ensures you receive any future communications from your specific elementary school regarding open house dates, back-to-school information, and more. If you have a student who you feel needs a bit more time to develop emotionally, socially and/or academically, SFSD has several Junior Kindergarten options available. Find more information about that program here: https://www.sf.k12.sd.us/page/junior-kindergarten

We ❤️ loved 👀 watching KELO Kelli Volk try out the digital pinball machine built by Ado at CTE Academy! 🏫 This is the perfect story to highlight the innovation 💡 and creativity 🤩 happening in our schools every day! https://www.keloland.com/top-stories/teen-builds-virtual-pinball-machine/

✍️ Mark your calendars! 🗓️ TEDx Sioux Falls Youth is BACK for its second year of student presentations that are sure to inspire and enlighten viewers of all ages. Students will bravely step onto that iconic red dot 🔴 on the Jefferson High School stage on Friday, March 23, 2024. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults, and are available now here! https://www.jhs.sf.k12.sd.us/o/jhs/page/fine-arts https://youtu.be/w22GGnBNP6I

We love celebrating our staff, especially when those staff members live to celebrate others. Learn why his coworkers at RHS say Bill is "all heart." https://youtu.be/OSpzzn1oBE0?si=mdMyVRe9V92muAAX

Lincoln HS wrestling has 6 seniors this year, & each of them is leading in the classroom, on the mat & throughout the community. Injuries & setbacks can be brutal, but not when you have group like this. Learn why these seniors shine. https://youtu.be/wdddmTPqDtQ

January is National Mentoring Month! Mentoring is an easy way to make a huge impact on a young person's life. Studies show that mentoring contributes to better grades, attendance, behavior, and overall well-being for students. Learn more about how you can get involved here! https://www.sf.k12.sd.us/page/volunteering-mentoring

We are one week away from the first Community Health and Wellness Fair! The Community Learning Centers are excited to help people connect with community agencies, register for door prizes, enter a free bike raffle, take part in learning sessions, and enjoy fun activities for the whole family! Join us at Terry Redlin Elementary on Thursday, February 1 from 4:30-7:00 PM to get in on the fun!

Starting in 2025-26, public schools in South Dakota will replace the current state exam with the ACT for juniors in high school. What does this mean for students? Teachers? Listen to this episode of Teacher Talk, presented by South Dakota Public Broadcasting, to learn why this is (mostly) seen as a positive move. https://youtu.be/lYmijSizQA4

For their mid-year retreat, the School Board toured the CTE Academy today, along with leaning a TON about future planning that happens in SFSD schools for students of all ages!

Nothing happens in a school without support staff. At Laura B. Anderson Elementary, employees function as a single, cohesive unit, which is why the admin there nominated ALL para educators to be recognized. A love letter to our amazing workers. https://youtu.be/SBcOE7gynqU

It's becoming increasingly clear that mental health is just as important as physical health when it comes to overall well-being. Tune in to this installment of our Avera Family Forum series to hear about the importance of the mind-body connection and what parents can do to help foster the connection in their students. https://youtu.be/JONCKy6JVZY

Last week at the Instructional Planning Center, office staff took a mid-afternoon "Try Something New" break! Fine Arts Coordinator Shane Wueben led the group in a lesson on how to play the recorder. A former educator himself, he was very patient and calm while instructing the group of adults on how to play an instrument introduced to most students in third grade. After covering the basics, the group was able to collaborate on a rousing rendition of Queen's "We Will Rock You." Even our office staff need to keep things fun sometimes!

Use these COLD days indoors to plan your fun in February! Air Madness, SF STORM, and LEVO are teaming up over President's Break to support Operation Hope & Caring - a fund that levels the playing field for SFSD students! See you Tuesday, February 20, 2024!

Please help us in congratulating Jefferson High School science teacher Kayla Hakari for being the McTeacher of The Month! Mrs. Hakari showed up to a teacher-staff meeting yesterday expecting it to be another regular staff meeting, but was surprised with an award, some funds for her classroom, and free McCafe! Kayla is always going above and beyond, and this recognition is a reflection of her dedication to all of her students. ❤️Congratulations! 🎉 And thank you for everything you do! 👏

There are a few days left to get your suggestions in to name the newest elementary school in Sioux Falls! The new school will be adjacent to George McGovern Middle School and is set to open in the fall of 2025. Scan the QR or go here: https://bit.ly/3U4z7xG

Please join us for our January 30 CTE Academy Open House! Tour our amazing facility and learn about all the programs available to current and future high school students in the area!

Our Power of Partnerships breakfast was cancelled this morning due to weather, but you can still learn about how this community has come together to create solutions for families! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmNVZDDoZjRrdVB6Tez0lBBuR4pb1T-Oo

Dangerous weather conditions mean all activities/events for SFSD students for the evening of Fri., Jan 12 and all day Sat., Jan 13, 2024 are being postponed.