This week is Public Schools Week! It's a time for us to pause and focus on the importance of public education. Across America over 3 million teachers educate 50 million students, with 6.7 million administrative/institutional staff. There's lots of ways for you to get involved!
Meet the 2023 Dr. John W. Harris Teacher of the Year, George Hawkins! Last night's event, including the finalist video, and an interview with Mr. Hawkins from today. https://youtu.be/zaqfFeC_PhI
Tomorrow we kick off a month of celebrating reading! Read Across America events begin this week and Everybody Reads events begin March 13th. Let's start things off by celebrating our dedicated SFSD librarians! https://youtu.be/zd2Thg5aDqE
Congratulations to George Hawkins on being the recipient of the Dr. John W. Harris 2023 Teacher of the Year award!
Join us tonight at 7pm for the 2023 Teacher of the Year event livestreamed on our YouTube channel! https://youtube.com/live/ja8rQtsSzuc?feature=share
On Monday night, we'll honor all 68 nominees for the 35th Annual Dr. John W. Harris Teacher of the Year, and one of these finalists will be named the 2023 winner. Meet them. https://youtu.be/_uC52r2t8tk
To allow extra time for safe transportation, Sioux Falls School District schools will be opening 2 hours late on Friday, February 24th 2023. Please check your email for more information on how this may impact your family.
Congratulations to our next SFSD All Star, Denise Logan! ⭐
Denise is an EL Liaison at Whittier Middle School. She was nominated for this award by Kelly Spillman-Kramer who shared this about Denise, "We have had many days where a bus has arrived late or a substitute bus driver has had to re-run a route, both this year and last. Denise has gone out and stood with students while waiting for the bus, rain or shine, hot or cold, as well as given students a ride to school when their bus has not arrived. She has done this not just for EL students, but all our students. She is constantly looking out for our kids, making sure they are safe and arriving to school. Denise goes above and beyond to help our students at Whittier."
We are thankful for Denise and her contribution to Whittier and the Sioux Falls School District!
Due to the ongoing winter storm, there will be no school in the Sioux Falls School District Thursday, February 23, 2023. School and District offices WILL open at Noon Thursday.
Laura Wiebelhaus teaches Kindergarten at Eugene Field A+ & is a finalist for Teacher of the Year! Parents say, "She helps students foster self-confidence to unlock their potential. Her students leave kindergarten full of hope. She is the epitome of a treasured & trusted teacher."
Jason Stahlberg of WHS is a finalist for 2023 Teacher of the Year! Coworkers say, "He stands out as one of the absolute best teachers I've seen. His Warrior pride is strong, and this building would not be the same without passionate coaches and teachers like Jason Stahlberg."
No School for Sioux Falls School District Wednesday, Feb 22, 2023 due to winter weather.
There's still time to support Operation Hope & Caring by jumping off your extra energy at Air Madness! 100% of net profits today (Tuesday, Feb 21, 2023) go to SFSD schools without PTAs/PTOs!
Teacher of the Year Finalist Nicole Schilmoeller teaches reading interventions at Ben Reifel MS! A colleague says, "Nicole has an intense dedication to inspiring her students to recognize their potential & the impact learning has. Students have a true sense of belonging."
Teacher of the Year Finalist Tammy Ramstad teaches kindergarten at Hayward! An administrator says, "Engagement in her classroom is unlike anything I have ever seen. Her soft, yet intentional approach has students on the edge of their seats yearning for the learning she provides."
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!
