This week's 🤩 SFSD All-Star 💫 is Courtney Dummer! Courtney is the lead clerical at Horace Mann Elementary. She was nominated by her colleague Lindsey Thomas, who had this to say, "Courtney goes above and beyond for the staff and students at Horace Mann. Courtney helps the staff with time clock information and by spreading information to the staff that needs to be known. Courtney also spends time with students when they earn a reward! Our Nurse isn’t full time at our school so when our nurse leaves, Courtney steps in to help students get their meds, take temps, etc.. Our building would not function as well as it does without Courtney! As our lead clerical, Courtney also handles parent communication when a child is sick, or absent from school. The glue that holds us together." Thank you for everything you do, Courtney!
Happy Crossing Guard Appreciation Day! Every day hundreds of students and parents cross busy streets to get to and from schools, and our crossing guards make sure it all happens safely. It's a big responsibility and we are very thankful that they are up to the job!
February 5-9, 2024, is National School Counseling Week! School counselors play a vital role in students' lives everywhere, and this is a week to recognize their contributions and say THANK YOU! This special week honors counselors for the many ways they help students every day, from assisting in future employment readiness to ensuring academic achievement to meet those future goals, and everything in between! Thank you for everything you do!
Through Operation Hope and Caring, our friends at LEVO Credit Union help raise funds for SFSD schools that don't benefit from a parent support group like a PTA/PTO. This provides valuable resources such as field trips, winter weather gear, balls/games for recess, and much more. Scan the QR code to buy your bag today and Caffeinate For A Cause! Or go here! https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=FD3PTBAYW2UL4
Congratulations to 70 nominees for the 2024 Dr. John W. Harris Teacher of the Year! Learn about the nominees - then stay tuned to learn more about finalists & the 2024 Teacher of the Year in the coming weeks! https://www.sf.k12.sd.us/page/teacher-of-the-year-program
One summer can change your entire future. Apply now for summer Career Exploration Camps, free for students going into 7th and 8th grade. Students can learn about technology, health care, science, etc. — and learn even more about themselves. See career paths and apply by March 31 at https://ourdakotadreams.com/elementary-middle-school/career-exploration-summer-camps/
Nearly 75 SFSD math and science educators had an out-of-this-world experience visiting the College of Engineering at South Dakota State University today as part of teacher-in-service. The opportunity grew from SDSU’s recent success in a NASA-sponsored contest to create a lunar transport vehicle. President Barry Dunn and Superintendent Jane Stavem continue to collaborate on partnerships to benefit Sioux Falls students!
Community Campus serves students 18-21 who may require additional education & skill development for independent living. Amazing teachers & staff support learning, develop work & volunteer opportunities, & help plan futures. Katie is among the best. https://youtu.be/Kih9c9hEI4M
The Lincoln High School Jazz Collective has the distinct honor of performing at the 88th Annual South Dakota Bandmasters Conference in Brookings on Friday, February 9th. Congratulations on this major accomplishment!
Do you have a child currently enrolled in our Community Learning Center? If so, enrollment is NOW OPEN for Summer 2024 and the 2024/25 School Year care. Priority enrollment is open until Feb. 15th for all currently enrolled families. More info can be found here: https://bit.ly/PriorityEnrollmentSummerandSchoolYear
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
Is your 5-year-old ready for the rigors of Kindergarten? Get all of your questions answered Tues, Feb 13 at Susan B. Anthony Elementary. Families from all SFSD schools are welcome!
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!
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