Our newest episode of "Spotlight: Conversations from the Sioux Falls School District" is live! And this month we are highlighting everything that is amazing about our school libraries!
School libraries are special places. They're more than just stacks of books and computers. The school library is a place where curiosity flows and students are empowered to explore, create, and grow. At the heart of every school library is the librarian, and they are the ones who bring the magic to life. From fostering a love of reading to supporting research and collaboration, school librarians open up new worlds for students every time they step foot into the library. As Sarah Becker, librarian at Hawthorne Elementary puts it, "Reading and stories are what makes humans human. If students can see themselves in a story, that connects them to a wider community, and it makes us all better humans." During national library month (but also, all the time!) we want to say thank you to all our wonderful school librarians. You make the magic happen, and you brighten our schools and communities with the work you do everyday.
Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or the SFSD YouTube channel, right here!
https://youtu.be/tlX9wyt7YzM
School libraries are special places. They're more than just stacks of books and computers. The school library is a place where curiosity flows and students are empowered to explore, create, and grow. At the heart of every school library is the librarian, and they are the ones who bring the magic to life. From fostering a love of reading to supporting research and collaboration, school librarians open up new worlds for students every time they step foot into the library. As Sarah Becker, librarian at Hawthorne Elementary puts it, "Reading and stories are what makes humans human. If students can see themselves in a story, that connects them to a wider community, and it makes us all better humans." During national library month (but also, all the time!) we want to say thank you to all our wonderful school librarians. You make the magic happen, and you brighten our schools and communities with the work you do everyday.
Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or the SFSD YouTube channel, right here!
https://youtu.be/tlX9wyt7YzM
Ben Reifel Middle School made history last week as the first middle school in our District to host a unified basketball game!
Bison Unity welcomed Washington High School’s Best Buddies for an awesome matchup, finishing with a 23-22 win.
Unified programs continue to grow across SFSD, creating more opportunities for students to connect and compete together.
A big thank you to the staff and organizers at Ben Reifel and Washington who helped make this possible! If this inaugural game is any indication, the future of Unified at the middle school level in SFSD is off to a strong start! 🏀
Bison Unity welcomed Washington High School’s Best Buddies for an awesome matchup, finishing with a 23-22 win.
Unified programs continue to grow across SFSD, creating more opportunities for students to connect and compete together.
A big thank you to the staff and organizers at Ben Reifel and Washington who helped make this possible! If this inaugural game is any indication, the future of Unified at the middle school level in SFSD is off to a strong start! 🏀
Now open! It's time to complete the Annual Student Update! ⏰
Every child who will attend school in the Sioux Falls School District for the 2026-2027 school year must complete an annual update. This is required every year to ensure that student information, such as data privacy, emergency, and health information, is correct and up to date.
Complete the update using your desktop or laptop computer in just a few minutes through your Infinite Campus Parent Portal account that can be found here --->https://siouxfallssd.infinitecampus.org/campus/portal/parents/siouxfalls.jsp
Need help with the update? Please call your child's school or the Student Records and Registration Office at 605-367-7952.
Every child who will attend school in the Sioux Falls School District for the 2026-2027 school year must complete an annual update. This is required every year to ensure that student information, such as data privacy, emergency, and health information, is correct and up to date.
Complete the update using your desktop or laptop computer in just a few minutes through your Infinite Campus Parent Portal account that can be found here --->https://siouxfallssd.infinitecampus.org/campus/portal/parents/siouxfalls.jsp
Need help with the update? Please call your child's school or the Student Records and Registration Office at 605-367-7952.
“Very well prepared!”…”Great communication!”…”Very personable!”
All the feedback you would love to hear after an interview, right?! That’s exactly what our Academy of Finance students heard after knocking it out of the park earlier this week during their annual summer internship interviews with local business partners.
Through this opportunity, students can earn 200 hours of high school credit, optional dual credit through USD, and a $2,000 stipend.
We are grateful for the continued partnership with Junior Achievement, Intek, First National Bank, LEVO, First Bank and Trust, Helpline Center, Southeast Tech, First Premier Bank, HyVee, and POET. (And a big thanks to current and retired SFSD staff who helped with mock interviews) Your investment in our students is an investment in the future workforce of our community.
These experiences, much like those highlighted during our recent Week of Work post, show the power of connecting education with industry in big ways!
All the feedback you would love to hear after an interview, right?! That’s exactly what our Academy of Finance students heard after knocking it out of the park earlier this week during their annual summer internship interviews with local business partners.
Through this opportunity, students can earn 200 hours of high school credit, optional dual credit through USD, and a $2,000 stipend.
We are grateful for the continued partnership with Junior Achievement, Intek, First National Bank, LEVO, First Bank and Trust, Helpline Center, Southeast Tech, First Premier Bank, HyVee, and POET. (And a big thanks to current and retired SFSD staff who helped with mock interviews) Your investment in our students is an investment in the future workforce of our community.
These experiences, much like those highlighted during our recent Week of Work post, show the power of connecting education with industry in big ways!
Our Facilities Task Force is off and running! The first of four meetings was held last night at the Instructional Planning Center, kicking off important conversations about the future of Sioux Falls School District facilities.
Over the next several weeks, this group will take a close look at growth, current needs, and what lies ahead, helping shape thoughtful, long-term recommendations for our schools.
We are grateful for the time and perspective these community members are bringing to the table and look forward to sharing updates as the work continues! Follow along at our Facility Planning website here ---> https://www.sf.k12.sd.us/page/facility-planning
Over the next several weeks, this group will take a close look at growth, current needs, and what lies ahead, helping shape thoughtful, long-term recommendations for our schools.
We are grateful for the time and perspective these community members are bringing to the table and look forward to sharing updates as the work continues! Follow along at our Facility Planning website here ---> https://www.sf.k12.sd.us/page/facility-planning
A huge congratulations is in order for the Lincoln High School Band's Jazz Collective, who were recently selected to perform (one of only FOUR bands in the country!) at the 2026 Midwest Clinic in Chicago.
In its 80th year, Midwest Clinic is one of the largest and most prestigious music education conferences in the world!
This marks the first time a jazz ensemble from South Dakota has earned this honor, and only the second time in the event’s history that a band from our state has been selected.
We are super proud of these students for representing LHS and our SFSD on a global stage!
In its 80th year, Midwest Clinic is one of the largest and most prestigious music education conferences in the world!
This marks the first time a jazz ensemble from South Dakota has earned this honor, and only the second time in the event’s history that a band from our state has been selected.
We are super proud of these students for representing LHS and our SFSD on a global stage!
There is a new episode of our podcast "Spotlight" out, and in it, we're asking questions. What does it mean to be an artist? What does it mean to be a teacher? Is there any way these two things could overlap (spoiler alert: YES!)?
In this episode we explore the intersection of creativity and education through the lens of "Teachers as Artists," a collaborative exhibit featuring SFSD art educators at the Washington Pavilion. Art teachers from K through 12 share what it's like to balance life as both an educator and a practicing artist. A common theme that emerges is: when you continue to practice making art yourself, you're setting an example for your students and showing them that art is enjoyable and important at all points throughout life.
From sparking creativity in the classroom to modeling lifelong artistic passion, we hear how their personal art practices shape the way the teach and why that matters for students.
Check out the full episode here! https://youtu.be/BmrWhmgrJY8
In this episode we explore the intersection of creativity and education through the lens of "Teachers as Artists," a collaborative exhibit featuring SFSD art educators at the Washington Pavilion. Art teachers from K through 12 share what it's like to balance life as both an educator and a practicing artist. A common theme that emerges is: when you continue to practice making art yourself, you're setting an example for your students and showing them that art is enjoyable and important at all points throughout life.
From sparking creativity in the classroom to modeling lifelong artistic passion, we hear how their personal art practices shape the way the teach and why that matters for students.
Check out the full episode here! https://youtu.be/BmrWhmgrJY8
Wait, WHO was running the city last week?? Memorial Middle School 6th graders?? Just kidding!
But thanks to Junior Achievement’s BizTown, these students did get the chance to step into real-world roles like CEO, banker, and even mayor (watch out, Mayor TenHaken 👀), working together to run a fully functioning mini-city. From managing paychecks and budgets to making big decisions about spending and saving, students got a hands-on look at how our communities work.
This unique experience was piloted at Memorial this year, and we’re excited to expand it to all middle schools next year!
See more pictures from the day here! ---> https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCMWL2
But thanks to Junior Achievement’s BizTown, these students did get the chance to step into real-world roles like CEO, banker, and even mayor (watch out, Mayor TenHaken 👀), working together to run a fully functioning mini-city. From managing paychecks and budgets to making big decisions about spending and saving, students got a hands-on look at how our communities work.
This unique experience was piloted at Memorial this year, and we’re excited to expand it to all middle schools next year!
See more pictures from the day here! ---> https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCMWL2
Friday, January 23, 2026, will be a Remote Learning Day in the Sioux Falls School District!
iPads and Chromebooks were sent home with each student earlier today. We will not have in-person learning in the schools, but students are expected to connect to their Canvas account from home for assignments and learning resources. They have practiced this at school and know what is expected of them.
Additional information for Students and Families can be found here: https://app.smore.com/n/wgz62
iPads and Chromebooks were sent home with each student earlier today. We will not have in-person learning in the schools, but students are expected to connect to their Canvas account from home for assignments and learning resources. They have practiced this at school and know what is expected of them.
Additional information for Students and Families can be found here: https://app.smore.com/n/wgz62
Students at Discovery Elementary recently got a surprise lesson in civics from the the man who knows it best, Mayor Paul TenHaken!
Tuesday, November 25th was the last day before Thanksgiving break, and the energy amongst the Discovery Explorers was flying high. The excitement was only amplified when they found out their guest speaker for the morning was none-other than the mayor of Sioux Falls! Mayor TenHaken talked to students about what a leader does in government, not just at the city level, but also state, national, and at the school level (shoutout to you, Principal Fischer!). The mayor talked about responsibility and all the things a mayor is responsible for, and how great it is to be a resident in our wonderful city. He took plenty of questions at the end, and the students left with a better understanding of what it means to be a leader, and how we can all be helpful, responsible residents of our cty. Thank you, Mayor TenHaken, for always taking time out of your schedule to share your story with SFSD students!
Tuesday, November 25th was the last day before Thanksgiving break, and the energy amongst the Discovery Explorers was flying high. The excitement was only amplified when they found out their guest speaker for the morning was none-other than the mayor of Sioux Falls! Mayor TenHaken talked to students about what a leader does in government, not just at the city level, but also state, national, and at the school level (shoutout to you, Principal Fischer!). The mayor talked about responsibility and all the things a mayor is responsible for, and how great it is to be a resident in our wonderful city. He took plenty of questions at the end, and the students left with a better understanding of what it means to be a leader, and how we can all be helpful, responsible residents of our cty. Thank you, Mayor TenHaken, for always taking time out of your schedule to share your story with SFSD students!
On this month's episode of "Spotlight: Conversations From The Sioux Falls School District" we sit down with Allison Struck, executive director of the Sioux Falls Public Schools Education Foundation.
Allison has served as director since 2018, but the Education Foundation has been around since 2008. In this episode you'll hear a bit about the history of how it came to be ,and how it has been helping to lift up students and staff ever since!
Check it out here! --------> https://youtu.be/0J4r8Am25bA
Allison has served as director since 2018, but the Education Foundation has been around since 2008. In this episode you'll hear a bit about the history of how it came to be ,and how it has been helping to lift up students and staff ever since!
Check it out here! --------> https://youtu.be/0J4r8Am25bA
Join in the fun of Youth in Music day in Minneapolis, Minnesota with the RHS and WHS marching bands!
View the experience with RHS here: https://youtu.be/fs6CoWl_ZI4
And WHS here: https://youtu.be/hDcuJrS0VUU
View the experience with RHS here: https://youtu.be/fs6CoWl_ZI4
And WHS here: https://youtu.be/hDcuJrS0VUU
The street is cleared and ready for the Native American Day Parade! Several SFSD schools will have a presence in today's parade, and Dale Chasing Hawk (a longtime SFSD school psychologist) is the grand marshal! Congratulations to everybody involved!
Follow along at our livestream of the parade here--------->https://youtu.be/1DQzLs1o3DI
It’s a beautiful day for Festival of Bands!
Marching bands from across the region will be filling the streets of downtown Sioux Falls with music all morning.
If you’re not able to join the fun in person, feel free to follow along on our livestream here ————-> https://www.youtube.com/live/CRMvoYUJBCU?si=5DWikB8deKd2nqxg
On Tuesday, September 30, students and staff across the Sioux Falls School District wore orange in recognition of Orange Shirt Day. Observed annually on September 30, this day honors Native American children who were forcibly removed from their families and cultures and placed in residential boarding schools, which operated across North America from the mid-19th to the late 20th century.
At Ben Reifel Middle School, participation was especially strong, with a large number of students and staff choosing to wear orange. Members of the BRMS Očéti Šakówiŋ Owáuŋspe program created posters and shared information about the tragic history this day commemorates, while also honoring the resilience of Indigenous communities and reflecting on the importance of healing, remembrance, and hope for the future.
At Ben Reifel Middle School, participation was especially strong, with a large number of students and staff choosing to wear orange. Members of the BRMS Očéti Šakówiŋ Owáuŋspe program created posters and shared information about the tragic history this day commemorates, while also honoring the resilience of Indigenous communities and reflecting on the importance of healing, remembrance, and hope for the future.
Today is the day! 📣
We are excited to support The Barrel House's all-day Hungry Hearts Fundraiser benefiting the Angel Fund, which helps ensure every student in the Sioux Falls School District has access to a meal. Come out and enjoy some great food, fun activities (dunk tanks, bouncy house, axe throwing, and more!), and make a difference for our students! Hope to see you there!
📍The Barrel House 4701 E. 54th Street | 12-10 pm
Find more details and the full schedule of activities here! ---> https://www.facebook.com/share/175iWYEjfD/
We are excited to support The Barrel House's all-day Hungry Hearts Fundraiser benefiting the Angel Fund, which helps ensure every student in the Sioux Falls School District has access to a meal. Come out and enjoy some great food, fun activities (dunk tanks, bouncy house, axe throwing, and more!), and make a difference for our students! Hope to see you there!
📍The Barrel House 4701 E. 54th Street | 12-10 pm
Find more details and the full schedule of activities here! ---> https://www.facebook.com/share/175iWYEjfD/
There were high-fives, goodbyes, impromptu hugs, and LOTS of pictures on the first day of school at Lowell Elementary! Superintendent Dr. Jamie Nold stopped by greet Lowell students, staff, and parents - some of whom were his students when he was principal at Washington High School! Now parents themselves, they were surprised to see him on the playground! Talk about a full-circle moment! We're glad to be back!
Join us this Saturday at the Barrel House for a Hungry Hearts fundraiser!
📅 Saturday, August 23rd
📍 The Barrel House – 4701 E 54th St, Sioux Falls, SD
🕛 12 PM – 10 PM
Let’s come together for a day of community, fun, food, and fundraising in support of Hungry Hearts! ❤️
Activities throughout the day include:
🪓 Axe Throwing (12–3 PM)
🎯 Dunk Tank, Bouncy House, Face Painting, Kid’s Games (12–7 PM)
🎨 People's Choice Rib Contest (Starts at 12 PM – coins available for $20)
🛍 Silent Auction (Closes at 7 PM)
🦙 Zoo Mobile with live animals (1–3 PM)
🔥 Live Auction Closes (6:30 PM)
💍 Dream Wedding Winner Announced (7 PM)
Food (Starting at 12 PM):
🍔 Burgers, Brats & Sides (Free Will Donation – matched up to $20,000!)
🍧 Snow Cones & Cotton Candy (12–5 PM)
Live Music Lineup:
🎧 12–2 PM: DJ Dontai
🎸 2–4 PM: Simply Travis & Dan
🎤 4–6 PM: Connie McColl
🥁 7–10 PM: Funk Fuh Fried
❤️ 100% of the proceeds go to support local families in need through Hungry Hearts.
Bring your friends, your appetite, and your giving heart. Let’s make a difference together!
Did you know, the Sioux Falls School District offers FREE preschool opportunities for eligible families?
Give your child a strong start, right from the beginning!
Call to learn more and see if your family qualifies! 605-367-8488
