Its been a busy time of year for SFSD music instructors! Winter concerts have been happening at many schools throughout the District and we need to pause and acknowledge all the hard work and instruction that went into these performances. There's a reason SFSD was named "One of the Best Communities for Music Education" by the NAMM Foundation (National Association of Music Merchants); it's the hard work and dedication of instructors, and the passion and excitement of students! Thank you for filling our schools with music!
Today is a beautiful December day, but we know it can't last forever in South Dakota! Make sure you and your student(s) know how to access Canvas for remote learning when weather that keeps kids home can be predicted in advance.
Congratulations to this week's 💫🌟SFSD All Star🌟💫 Devon Purdie! Devon is a behavior facilitator at Oscar Howe Elementary, and her colleague Kelsi Heiberger had this to say, "Devon goes above and beyond in her role on a daily basis. She is the building behavior facilitator but is also ready to step in and help teachers or admin out in any situation that arises. Devon works with some of the toughest kiddos but does it with a smile on her face and works hard to develop relationships with each student. Those relationships she builds are so important to help those students grow emotionally and physically. She is not only a great behavior facilitator but also a fun and caring colleague to have around. I always knew that if I needed a friend to chat with, I could stop in her office. Devon works so hard for all students and staff at Oscar Howe Elementary and that is why I am nominating her!"
Thank you, Devon, for your hard work and dedication to students!
There is 🚨 ONE WEEK LEFT 🚨for SFSD high school students to get their applications in for the 2nd annual TEDx Youth Sioux Falls event! Last year's event saw 15 amazing students share their stories on that iconic red dot, and we're hoping to match (and exceed!) that energy for 2024. Applications will be accepted until December 15th, 2023. We're looking forward to hearing all of the ✨💡ideas worth sharing! 💡✨
https://youtu.be/NCNyDKm0UvM
Apply here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc6CE6mTOzKyMF4gIa5IlOvxl83MRaBu5E0mSc7yoa-M8DyPA/viewform?fbclid=IwAR1HeZ7NZF5Jx5pnReD3-H3HQ6AirHts64IJD3iI3Cui3cevX09sHMou5KE
This week's SFSD All Star is Lyndi Smith, instructional coach at Robert Frost Elementary! Lyndi plays a huge roll throughout Robert Frost, and her colleague MacKenzie Jensen had this to say about her, "I have known Lyndi Smith for five years now. If it were not for Lyndi, I feel I would not be the teacher I am today and I feel many staff members would say the same. I am nominating Lyndi for the way she engages with students, the way she ignites my excitement to learn and grow as a teacher, and the way she cares about Robert Frost and the Sioux Falls School District. Lyndi prioritizes getting into as many classrooms as she can to engage in student centered coaching cycles(SCCC) to enhance student learning. She has read to my class, engaged in SCCC, engaged in personal conversations with the students, and participated in many lessons. From my experience with her in my classroom, I have seen through observation and data, student growth and an increase in student engagement. For example, this year we are doing a SCCC with independent reading and I have never had so many students look forward to independent reading and who are showing application of the comprehension strategy that was taught. Each year, my students absolutely love having her come into the room. I also look forward to her coming into my room as she teaches me best teaching practices through engaging in different co-teaching strategies. When working with Lyndi in PLCs and planning, I have learned how to stay organized, understand the curriculum in depth, make data-driven decisions, and reflect on what I have learned as a teacher. Every time I leave my time with her, I feel that I have learned something. I get excited when I see how much my students grow through our work and it inspires me to continue learning and growing as a teacher. I have worked alongside Lyndi in many different settings in our school district. I have worked with her one-on-one as a first year teacher, as part of a PLC, through student centered coaching cycles, in the classroom, at district meetings, and at curriculum meetings. As a person, Lyndi is patient, balanced, kind, purposeful, a solution-seeker, reflective and hard-working. She also demonstrates presence by giving her full attention to who or what she is engaging with. All of these qualities are shown in each of the settings I have been in with her. Lyndi is so deserving of this award. She demonstrates all qualities of a Sioux Falls School District All Star. For as long as I have known her she always strives to inspire staff and students and to build a culture of lifelong learners."
Five Sioux Falls School District seniors were recently named QuestBridge Scholars and paired with universities matching their future goals and plans for full, four-year scholarships! Congratulations! Learn more: https://www.sf.k12.sd.us/o/sfsd/article/1366780
"The Power of Partnerships" offers a poignant reminder of the incredible things that happen when we work together. From academic support to addressing basic needs, collaboration between SFSD and the Sioux Empire United Way has ripple effects throughout the community. On this episode of our podcast we discuss a shared vision, a collective effort, and a commitment to community. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or right here on YouTube: https://youtu.be/YD5CRs8ug-w
Project Warm Up 2023 was a huge success! Now in its 18th year, nearly 38,000 blankets have been made & distributed to families in need for holidays, after tragedies & as gifts of warmth. More photos from Saturday's fun event: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjB5DRr
Attention 8th and 9th grade students! There is ONE WEEK left to get your applications in for the Jefferson HS Project Based Learning (PBL) Academy! Find more information at the QR code or here: https://www.sf.k12.sd.us/o/jhs/page/project-based-learning
‼️How cool is this‼️ This morning, Mayor Paul TenHaken signed an official proclamation declaring today, Dec 1st, as "Rosa Parks Day". What better place to announce this amazing news than.....at Rosa Parks Elementary! The school has been celebrating their historical namesake all week and today that culminated with an assembly full of poetry, skits, and the Mayor himself with proclamation in hand.
December 1st, 1955 was the historic day Rosa Parks chose to take a stand, by staying in her seat. She was special, because she was different, and that is the lesson exemplified by the amazing art project on the Rosa Parks Elementary gym wall. Students each wrote down what differences make them special, and all the puzzle pieces fit together to make something beautiful.
"Stand for something, or you will fall for anything." - Rosa Parks
As November comes to a close, we look back on the importance of Native American Heritage Month. It's a time to not only celebrate the contributions of our Native American students and community, but to learn from them as well. Like the 4th and 5th grade classes at Hawthorne Elementary! They just wrapped up an immersive lesson about Iktomi the trickster in Oceti Sakowin culture. Students heard and read stories and then created their own representations of Iktomi in spider form. We continue to celebrate our Native American students and community not just in November, but every month!
From The Little House on the Prairie to The Magic School Bus, fictional teachers have inspired generations of educators. This week the guests and host of SDPB's Teacher Talk have delightful conversation about their favorite fictional teachers. Everybody looks to fiction to find characters to relate to (or commiserate with 😅) and teachers are no different! Listen here! https://bit.ly/47xl9bB
Or simply search for "Spotlight: Conversations from the Sioux Falls School District" in Spotify or Apple Podcasts!
🚨‼️Attention high school students‼️🚨Now seeking "ideas worth spreading!"🗣️Applications are NOW OPEN for the 2024 TEDx Youth Sioux Falls event! This event is open to any and all high school students who have a story or a passion to share. Last year's event was 💫REMARKABLE💫, and this year we hope to build on that momentum. Take some time over the holiday break to fill out an application here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc6CE6mTOzKyMF4gIa5IlOvxl83MRaBu5E0mSc7yoa-M8DyPA/viewform
Or scan the QR code.
Applications will be accepted until December 15th, 2023. We look forward to hearing all about your amazing ideas!
A reminder that there will be NO school starting tomorrow, Wednesday, November 22nd through Friday, November 24th in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. We'll see students back in class on Monday, November 27th. Have a wonderful break!
🗣️Attention📢 high school students! There's still ten days left to apply to SD public colleges and universities FOR FREE! November 30th is the last day to get your free application in. Find more information at the QR code or here: https://ourdakotadreams.com/exploring-colleges/free-college-application-period/
On Friday, Lincoln HS students got to hear from mayor Paul TenHaken on how he got to where he is, the challenges he has faced and what it takes to carry on, even when things get tough. His words on leadership and accountability resonate with the SFSD mission statement: "to educate and prepare each student to succeed in a changing world." Thank you, mayor TenHaken, for sharing your message of #OneSiouxFalls
Yesterday students at Joe Foss/Axtell Park had a chance to share their stories with the community through their art. The Vision & Voice Art Show showcased student artwork, and Poetry Out Loud allowed students to express themselves through spoken word. Sharing your story creatively can be an intimidating task, and these brave students did it with grace and tact. Congratulations!
You can't list all of her academic accolades or activities in a single social media post. No video can explain all she has given to JHS & SF already, which doesn't include upcoming plans. Advocate, leader, champ, scholar, friend, inspiration. Angeth. https://youtu.be/LeSWMfq7NQo
Today is National Substitute Educators Day! Substitute educators provide a critical link in the education of students by serving as a bridge to provide continued quality education in the temporary absence of regular classroom educators. They are a vital piece of the framework that helps our students grow and thrive. We extend a massive THANK YOU to all SFSD substitutes today and everyday!
National Native American Heritage Month is celebrated each year in November. It's a time to celebrate the contributions our Native American populations provide to the community. Take the WHS Okichiyapi Club for example! They are holding a children's book drive right now with all collected books going to reservations in South Dakota. Thank you for your leadership both in schools and out in the community!
