🛼✨ TONIGHT IS THE NIGHT, GARFIELD EAGLES! ✨🛼

Guess who stopped by Garfield to get everyone excited for tonight’s Glow Party?! 🍍💛 That’s right… SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS! 🧽💙 He came to spread the excitement and remind everyone to join us for a night of skating and fun!

📅 TONIGHT — Wednesday, October 28
⏰ 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Skate City in Sioux Falls

🎟️ $5 admission
🛼 FREE skate rental
🍕 $5 meal deals available

🦅 Remember, if we reach 200 skaters, Garfield could earn back $1,000+ directly for our school! Bring your family, invite your friends, and help us fill the rink!

Let’s GLOW, skate, and show our Garfield Eagle spirit! 💚💖 We hope to see you there! 🛼✨

#GarfieldEagles #GarfieldGlowParty #SpongeBobSaysLetsGlow
1 day ago, Garfield Elementary
Spongebob giving hugs to students.
Sponge Bob with students
💙🤍 Meet Mr. Chris! 🤍💙

Today, we’re excited to introduce Mr. Chris, Garfield’s Behavior Facilitator! 🦅 He has been part of the Garfield family for 4 years, helping our students succeed and thrive in the classroom. 💙

Originally from Sioux Falls, Mr. Chris attended the University of South Dakota and is currently working toward his master’s degree. 📚🎓

When he’s not at Garfield, Mr. Chris enjoys spending time with friends and his boy. He loves bowling, playing and coaching soccer, and spending time outdoors! ⚽🎳🌳

His reminder for all of us is a great one: “You only live once, so make the most of it!” 🙌

We’re thankful for the positive impact Mr. Chris makes at Garfield every day. Help us show him some Eagle pride! 💙🤍🦅

#GarfieldEagles #MeetOurStaff #GarfieldFamily
3 days ago, Garfield Elementary
Mr. Chris and his little boy.
🛼✨ REMINDER: Garfield Glow Party is THIS WEDNESDAY! ✨🛼

Get ready to GLOW, Garfield Eagles! 💚💖 Grab your family and join us for a fun night of skating at Skate City!

📅 Wednesday, October 28th
⏰ 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Skate City — Sioux Falls

🎟️ $5 admission
🛼 FREE skate rental
🍕 $5 meal deals available

🦅 Let’s help Garfield earn $1,000+! If we reach 200 total skaters, Skate City will give back $1,000+ directly to our school!

We hope to see lots of our Garfield families there for a night of skating, glowing, and school spirit! 💙🤍✨

#GarfieldEagles #GarfieldGlowParty
3 days ago, Garfield Elementary
Glow party reminder
Today, our KO3 friends read Spookley the Square Pumpkin and learned a BIG lesson from one little square pumpkin! 🥰

Just like Spookley, we learned that we are ALL unique, and our differences make our classroom wonderful! 🌈💕 We talked about celebrating what makes us special, including everyone, and showing kindness and respect. In KO3, we lift each other up and make sure everyone feels loved, valued, and included! ❤️

After the story, we wrote about what makes each of us one of a kind and painted our very own pumpkins! 🎃 Just like us, no two pumpkins turned out exactly alike, and that's what made them BEAUTIFUL! 🧡
3 days ago, Garfield Elementary
Student coloring a square pumpkin
A student painting a pumpkin
A student coloring eyes for the pumpkin
A student wrote "I am a leader"
Three students painting a pumpkin
Painted pumpkins
💙🤍 Meet Mrs. Becky! 🤍💙

We’re excited to introduce Mrs. Becky, our Speech-Language Pathologist and a new member of the Garfield Eagles family! 🦅🗣️

This is Mrs. Becky’s first year at Garfield, and we’re so happy to have her supporting our students as they grow and develop their communication skills. She calls Homer, Nebraska, home and attended the University of South Dakota. ❤️💙

When she’s not at school, Mrs. Becky enjoys spending time with her husband, two kids, English Bulldog, and cat. Her family loves sports, especially football and baseball! They cheer on USD and Augustana, but her personal favorite is THE BILLS! 🏈❤️💙

A message she loves to share with everyone is: “Spread kindness like confetti!” 🎉✨

Help us give Mrs. Becky a warm Garfield welcome! We’re glad she’s part of our team! 💙🤍

#GarfieldEagles #MeetOurStaff #GarfieldFamily
7 days ago, Garfield Elementary
Miss Becky with her husband and two kids.
A huge thank you to Border States for your generous donation of school supplies to support students at Garfield Elementary! 💙🤍

Thanks to your kindness, our students had the opportunity to “shop” for supplies and fill their backpacks with items to help them start the school year prepared for success. Your generosity has made a positive difference for our students, families, and staff, and we are so grateful for your support of our Garfield Eagles!

Thank you, Border States, for helping us make sure our students have the tools they need to learn and grow! 🦅✏️📚
9 days ago, Garfield Elementary
Border State Employees with the 3rd grade team
School supplies
💙🤍 Meet Miss Koehler (Miss K)! 🤍💙

We’re excited to introduce Miss Koehler, one of our new 5th-grade teachers at Garfield Elementary! 🦅📚

Miss K is in her 6th year of teaching and is excited to be joining the Garfield family for her first year! She calls Groton, SD, home and earned her education degree from Northern State University. 💙💛

Outside the classroom, Miss K enjoys spending time with friends and family, staying active, playing sports and cards, and working on projects. She loves coming to school each day and seeing her kiddos! 🥰

A quote she loves sharing with others is: “To the world you may be one person, but to that one person you may be the world.” ❤️

We’re so happy to have Miss K as part of our Garfield Eagles team! Help us give her a warm Garfield welcome! 🦅💙🤍

#GarfieldEagles #MeetOurStaff #GarfieldFamily
10 days ago, Garfield Elementary
Miss Koehler picture
💙🤍 Meet Mr. Kirsch—aka “Gym”! 🤍💙

Today we’re introducing the person who keeps our Garfield Eagles moving, learning, and building healthy habits—our K–5 Physical Education teacher, Mr. Kirsch! 🦅🏃‍♂️🏀

Mr. Kirsch has been teaching for an impressive 21 years! 🎉 He is originally from Sioux Falls and attended Dakota State University, South Dakota State University, and the University of Sioux Falls during his educational journey. 🎓

When Mr. Kirsch isn’t teaching students about physical activity, healthy choices, and the importance of staying active, he keeps plenty busy outside of school, too! He enjoys spending time with his wife, Tracy, and their two daughters, Elizabeth and Ava, as well as running, exercising, and reading. 🏃‍♂️📚👨‍👩‍👧‍👧

And if you think his days slow down after the school bell rings, think again! Mr. Kirsch also coaches football and track at Patrick Henry Middle School and officiates middle school and sub-varsity basketball games. 🏈🏃‍♀️🏀 Talk about staying active!

One important lesson Mr. Kirsch believes in teaching and following is the Golden Rule:

✨ “Treat others how you would like to be treated.” ✨

It’s a simple but powerful reminder that kindness, respect, and treating others fairly are just as important as the lessons we learn in the gym! 💙🤍

🦅 We’re grateful to have Mr. Kirsch helping our Garfield Eagles stay active, make healthy choices, and learn the value of good sportsmanship!

\#GarfieldEagles #MeetOurStaff #GarfieldFamily #PhysicalEducation #PE #GoldenRule #21YearsTeaching
13 days ago, Garfield Elementary
Mr. Kirsch with his wife and two daughters.
🦅💙 September Leaders of the Month! 💙🦅

Help us celebrate our amazing September Leaders of the Month at Garfield Elementary! 🎉

These outstanding students were nominated by a staff member and then selected by Mrs. Skogstad for demonstrating exceptional leadership throughout the school. They work hard every day, show kindness to others, and put the 8 Habits into practice in their daily lives. We are so proud of the positive examples they set for their classmates and our entire Garfield community!

👏 Congratulations to our September Leaders of the Month!

⭐ Kindergarten: Kahlia
⭐ 1st Grade: Harley
⭐ 2nd Grade: Haleigh
⭐ 3rd Grade: Somita
⭐ 4th Grade: McKenna
⭐ 5th Grade: Scarleth
14 days ago, Garfield Elementary
September Leaders of the Month
💙🤍 Meet Miss Erika! 🤍💙
Today we’re shining the spotlight on Miss Erika, one of our amazing Educational Support Professionals (ESPs)! 🦅💙
Miss Erika has been part of the Garfield team for 4 years! 🎉 She is originally from Vermillion, South Dakota, and attended the University of South Dakota. And yes, we have another dedicated Yotes fan on our team! ❤️💙🐾
When she’s not helping our Garfield Eagles succeed at school, Miss Erika keeps busy with so many wonderful interests! She enjoys volunteering in the community, attending the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra and other live music and theater events in Sioux Falls, singing in the choir at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, and working elections. 🎶🎭 She also loves cooking, gardening, and spending time with her dog, children, and grandchildren. 🌷🍳🐾💙
Miss Erika believes in a simple but powerful message that she shares with both students and adults:
✨ “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” ✨
What a wonderful reminder that we can all make a difference right where we are, using the gifts and opportunities we already have! 💙🤍
We’re thankful for the time, care, and dedication Miss Erika brings to Garfield and for all the ways she helps our school community thrive! 🦅
💙🤍 Thank you for being part of what makes Garfield special, Miss Erika! 🤍💙
#GarfieldEagles #MeetOurStaff #GarfieldFamily #EducationalSupportProfessional #GoYotes #GarfieldProud
15 days ago, Garfield Elementary
Miss Erika with her dog.
📣💙 One More Night of Conferences, Garfield Families! 🦅

Just a reminder that we have one more evening of Parent-Teacher Conferences tomorrow, Thursday, October 15, from 3:30–7:00 PM!

📚 Scholastic Book Fair: Stop by the library to shop for some great books!

🍿 Popcorn Sales: Grab a delicious snack in the lobby while you’re here!

We look forward to seeing our Garfield families one more time this week! Thank you for your continued support and for being part of our Garfield family! 💙🤍🦅
15 days ago, Garfield Elementary
Flyer to remind parents of conferences, popcorn, and bookfair.
💙🤍 Meet Mrs. Jibben—aka Mrs. J! 🤍💙
Today we’re introducing one of our amazing 4th-grade teachers, Mrs. Jibben! 📚🦅
Mrs. J has been teaching for an incredible 29 years! 🎉 She is originally from Pierre, South Dakota, and earned her undergraduate degree from Mankato State University and her Master of Education from Southwest Minnesota State University. 🎓
When she isn’t helping our Garfield Eagles grow academically, Mrs. J enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and dog, reading, traveling to new places, and visiting family in Florida. ☀️🐾📚✈️ She also loves learning new things, and her latest passion is learning to play the piano! 🎹 How fun!
Mrs. J believes in an important reminder that encourages us to keep growing, even when something feels challenging:
✨ Choose courage over comfort! ✨
Whether she’s learning a new skill herself or encouraging her students to reach their potential, Mrs. J reminds us that growth often begins when we’re willing to step outside our comfort zones. 💙🤍
We’re grateful to have Mrs. J’s experience, curiosity, and dedication helping our 4th graders learn, grow, and discover what they’re capable of! 🦅💙
#GarfieldEagles #MeetOurStaff #GarfieldFamily #4thGrade #29YearsTeaching #CourageOverComfort
15 days ago, Garfield Elementary
Mrs. Jibben on a boat on the water.
🛼✨ Garfield Glow Party at Skate City! ✨🛼

Get ready to GLOW, Garfield Eagles! 💚💖 Join us for a private skate party just for our Garfield students, staff, and families!

📅 Wednesday, October 28th
⏰ 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Skate City in Sioux Falls

🎟️ $5 admission
🛼 FREE skate rental
🍕 $5 meal deals available!

Here’s an extra reason to join the fun! 🎉 If we reach 200 total skaters, Garfield will earn back $1,000+ directly for our school! So grab your family, invite your friends, and come glow with us while supporting Garfield!

Let’s light up the rink and show our Garfield Eagle spirit! 🦅💙🤍✨

#GarfieldEagles #GarfieldGlowParty #SchoolCommunity
15 days ago, Garfield Elementary
Flyer for the party at Skate City
📚💙 Today is the Day, Garfield Families! 🦅

We look forward to seeing our Garfield families today for Parent-Teacher Conferences from 12:00–7:00 PM! Be sure to check your student’s backpack for your scheduled conference time.

📖 Scholastic Book Fair: Stop by the library to browse some amazing books and find your next favorite read! You can view our webpage and set up an ewallet by clicking below.
https://www.scholastic.com/bf/garfieldelementaryschool27


🍿 Popcorn Sales: Grab a tasty treat at the popcorn sale in the lobby while you’re here!

We can’t wait to see you today! Thanks for being part of our Garfield family! 💙🤍🦅
16 days ago, Garfield Elementary
Flyer for the Bookfair
💙🤍 Meet Miss Osterberg! 🤍💙

We’re excited to introduce one of the newest members of our Garfield family—Miss Osterberg, one of our fabulous Kindergarten teachers! 🦅📚

Miss Osterberg has been teaching for 4 years, and this year is extra special because it is her first year at Garfield! 🎉 She is originally from Sioux Falls and is a proud graduate of the University of South Dakota for her undergraduate degree and Grand Canyon University for her master’s degree. 🎓

When she’s not busy helping our littlest Eagles learn and grow, Miss Osterberg loves spending time with her friends and family, hanging out with her cat, Greg, and traveling around the country to visit friends and family. 🐱✈️❤️

A quote that means a lot to Miss Osterberg is:

✨ “I have the power to create change.” ✨

Whether it’s making a difference in the lives of her students or simply making a positive impact on the world around her, Miss Osterberg believes that each of us has the power to create change. 💙🤍

We’re so happy to have Miss Osterberg joining our Kindergarten team and can’t wait to see all the wonderful ways she makes a difference at Garfield! 🦅💙🤍

#GarfieldEagles #MeetOurStaff #GarfieldFamily #Kindergarten #NewToGarfield #FirstYearAtGarfield #CreateChange
21 days ago, Garfield Elementary
Miss Osterberg and her cat, Greg.
✖️⚽ Third Grade Multiplication Fluency Challenge! ⚽✖️ Third grade launched their Multiplication Fluency Challenge on Monday! 🎉 Students will “level up” across the soccer field as they master their multiplication facts from 0–12. Building fact fluency helps students develop a strong foundation for solving more complex math problems. We’re excited to watch them build their skills, gain confidence, and level up along the way! 💪📚 Keep practicing, third grade! You’ve got this! ⭐
21 days ago, Garfield Elementary
Student kicking the soccer ball
Class lined up to kick the ball
More soccer on the playground
🍖🔥 BBQ is coming to Garfield! 🔥🍖

O-Line Fusion BBQ Food Truck will be at Garfield this Friday for lunch! 😋

Stop by, grab some delicious BBQ, and treat yourself to a tasty Friday lunch! 🍗🌽🥤

Bring your appetite and come check them out! We’d love to see you there! 🦅💙
22 days ago, Garfield Elementary
O-Line Fusion BBQ food truck
💙🤍 Meet Mrs. Weigand—aka Mrs. W, the Kinder Queen! 👑💙🤍

It’s time to introduce one of the amazing teachers who helps make Kindergarten such a special place at Garfield! 🦅📚 Meet Mrs. Weigand, one of our wonderful Kindergarten teachers and our very own Kinder Queen! 👑

Mrs. W has been teaching for an incredible 22 years! 🎉 She is originally from Sioux Falls and attended Jamestown College for her college education. 🎓

Mrs. W has a special passion for showing gratitude, making people feel seen, and reminding others that they know their worth. 💙🤍 She brings that same positivity and encouragement into her classroom each day as she works with our littlest learners.

When she’s not busy teaching Kindergarten, Mrs. W enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, and aerial coaching. 📚👨‍👩‍👧‍👦✨

And if you ever need a little boost of confidence, Mrs. W has the perfect reminder:

✨ “You are powerful!” ✨

We’re so lucky to have the Kinder Queen helping our youngest Eagles learn, grow, and believe in themselves! 👑🦅💙🤍

#GarfieldEagles #MeetOurStaff #GarfieldFamily #Kindergarten #KinderQueen #22YearsTeaching #YouArePowerful
23 days ago, Garfield Elementary
Mrs. W in a heart shaped cave with friends.
It’s a new week, which means it’s time to introduce more of the amazing people who make up our Garfield family! 🦅📚 Today we’re shining the spotlight on Mrs. Beck, our Literacy Specialist and Reading Teacher!

Mrs. Beck has been teaching for an incredible 38 years! 🎉 She is originally from Alcester, South Dakota, and earned her undergraduate degree from Augustana University and her master’s degree from the University of Sioux Falls. 🎓

But even with all those years of education, she remains true to the Vikings! 💙💛

When Mrs. Beck isn’t helping our youngest Eagles strengthen their reading skills, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, camping, going for walks and bike rides, reading, and watching movies. 📚🏕️🚲🎬

Mrs. Beck is also a proud cat mom to two cats, a mom to two boys who are now married, and a new grandma to one baby grandson! 👶💙

And when her students need a little extra encouragement, Mrs. Beck is always ready with three simple but powerful words:

✨ “You can do it!” ✨

After 38 years in education, she continues to remind our students that with a little encouragement, determination, and practice, they can accomplish great things! 💙🤍

🦅 We’re so thankful to have Mrs. Beck helping our Garfield Eagles discover the joy and power of reading! 📚💙🤍

#GarfieldEagles #MeetOurStaff #GarfieldFamily #LiteracySpecialist #ReadingTeacher #38YearsTeaching #YouCanDoIt #GarfieldProud
24 days ago, Garfield Elementary
Mrs. Beck and her husband enjoying firewworks.
🧹💙 Happy National Custodians Day! 💙🧹

Today, October 2, we want to take a moment to say a HUGE thank you to the people who work behind the scenes every day to make Garfield a clean, safe, and welcoming place for our students and staff!

Please help us recognize Mr. Brian, Mr. Shaun, Miss Monisha, and Mr. Henry! 👏

Their job is so much more than sweeping floors and taking out the trash. They are there when a spill happens, when an accident needs to be cleaned up, when the lunchroom needs some extra attention, and when our outside areas need to be cared for. They work hard every single day to keep our school looking its best and ready for our students.

So much of what they do happens behind the scenes, but their work makes a difference in all of our days. Because of them, our students have a clean and comfortable place to learn, grow, play, and have fun.

We are so grateful for everything you do for Garfield! Thank you for taking such great care of our school and for being an important part of our Garfield family! 💙🦅

Happy National Custodians Day, Mr. Brian, Mr. Shaun, Miss Monisha, and Mr. Henry! We appreciate you more than you know! 💙
28 days ago, Garfield Elementary
National Custodians Day graphic.