
Our newest All Star is another behind-the-scenes, leading-by-example, heart-for-kids-every-day superstar beloved by students, parents and her staff. Memorial's SPED team is exceptional, and that starts at the top. Meet Lindsey Wyatt. https://youtu.be/BEzRAyAEY4c

This week's 🤩🌟💫 SFSD All Star 💫🌟🤩 is......Robert Underberg at Washington High School! His colleague Patti had this to say, "Bob is always going above and beyond to do what's best for the school. You will find him mowing, setting fields up for games, marking fields for activities, fixing things in the building as needed, helping the custodial staff with activity setups, among many other things. His dedication to the school district is beyond amazing. He always does things in the best interest of the building. He is down to earth and a great leader. I am beyond thankful to work for him." Thank you, Robert, for making WHS and SFSD a wonderful place to be!


There's another chance to learn more about the Jefferson HS PBL Academy TONIGHT from 5-6:30 PM. Project Based Learning offers students hands-on opportunities to solve real-world problems in a variety of group settings with wide-ranging peer groups. Scan the QR code for more info!



This week is National School Psychologist Week! School psychologists apply expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior to help students succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally. They provide direct support and interventions to students with the goal of helping them grow in school, at home, and in life. The school psychologist works closely with families, teachers, and other counseling staff to help students feel valued, so they can grow as individuals and contribute to a positive school community. Thank you, school psychologists, for being a vital part of the SFSD community!


Last month, the Middle School Honors Program was featured as a SFSD Program that SHINES! We heard from instructors about the hands-on approach and group learning challenges this program offers students. Let's take a moment to hear from the students about what makes this program so special! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhQb7s07B2s

We're highlighting our Instructional Coaching Program today at the teacher job fair at USD. Coaches partner with teachers to build capacity in systems, curriculum and pedagogy for the benefit of student achievement. When we empower our educators, students succeed!


SFSD's new Canvas platform allows students and families to access school assignments and homework anytime, anywhere. When winter weather can be predicted, students and staff will take devices home to continue their learning. Are you prepared? Check out the guidance BEFORE you need it!


Congratulations to this week's 💫🌟 🤩 SFSD All Star💫🌟🤩 Valerie Anderson at John Harris Elementary! Valerie was nominated by Kersten Dobberpuhl, and she had this to say, "Val is an incredible team member. She handles all the nurse calls and visits. She balances student needs/documentation/teacher needs. You will often find Val running the building as she goes room to room to assist students." Thank you, Val, for making John Harris and SFSD a wonderful place to be!


Be prepared for school delays or cancellations caused by winter weather! This chart is an example of how start times would be impacted if SFSD declares a One-Hour Late Start. Review it now... before winter weather is here to stay!


16 elementary students who attended Robert Frost, Discovery, and Sonia Sotomayor elementary schools auditioned in the spring to attend this fall's SD Music Education Association Elementary Honor Choir that took place on October 28th in Rapid City. Congratulations on your accomplishment! Just one more reason SFSD was named a 2023 Best Community for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation!


Saturday's snow has us thinking ahead to winter weather. Is your family prepared for the possibility of Late Starts or Remote Learning Days? This week, we'll highlight everything you need to know to prepare for changes in the school day caused by weather.


Have you ever thought about becoming a teacher? Then you need to listen to this very special episode of Teacher Talk! SDPB host Lori Walsh sits down with Dr. Jackie Wilbur from the USD School of Education and Roosevelt HS teacher Gena Benz to talk about what it takes to become a public school teacher. Whether you're coming fresh out of high school, or looking for a mid-career change-of-pace, this conversations has all the info you need to start your teaching journey today!
https://bit.ly/40g1VV5


The Project Based Learning (PBL) Academy is currently accepting applications for the class of 2028! Find more information in this video, and make plans to attend the upcoming open house at Jefferson HS on Monday, October 30th from 6-7:30 PM. Find more information here: https://www.sf.k12.sd.us/o/jhs/page/project-based-learning
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZDqRPVt3h8

Last Friday the Washington HS Athletic Hall of Fame hosted their 2023 Induction Ceremony. Congratulations to SFSD Assistant Superintendent Dr. James Nold on being inducted as administrator at this year's ceremony! Other inductees include LaDawn Nesje, the Walker family, Emma Hanson-Farritor, Nathan Gerry, Kari Heck, Alex Waddell,
and Jonah Warwick. Congratulations to everyone on this amazing achievement! You can watch the full ceremony here: https://youtu.be/5u6-8ssxdGs


Let's take a moment to say THANK YOU to this week's SFSD All Star: Matt Marsh at Garfield Elementary! He was nominated by his colleagues Emily Knight, Sydney Raabe, and Brooklyn Stekl, and they had this to say, "Matt always goes above and beyond for teachers. He is very dependable. He does more than what he is asked to do. He is always willing to help out any teacher in need with a positive attitude. Matt also goes out of his way to develop positive relationships with students. Strong relationships are proven by research to assist with the development of resilience in children who have experienced adversity. Matt shows that no matter your role in a school, you can make an impact on the student body."
Thank you Matt, for all you do!


Congratulations to the Rosa Parks Elementary Special Education teachers on receiving $750 from Hart2Hart Inc! Thank you for everything you do for students today and everyday! Do you know a teacher who goes above and beyond? McDonalds/Hart2Hart Inc. would like to recognize them! You can nominate any teacher for the McTeacher of the Month Award here: https://www.hart2hartinc.com/mcteacher-award?fbclid=IwAR03U-_dxkFsjekn-uNzHpng05orezyA7bKj1mdltnCU_HW3mUMlQ76XC0w
Thank you McDonalds/Hart2Hart Inc. for you commitment to #SupportSDPublicSchools


Concerned that your child is not on track for development? The Sioux Falls School District is here to help! Our team of Birth to 3 staff provides FREE services. Call TODAY for an evaluation.


The Middle School Choral Festival is TONIGHT at the Washington Pavilion! The event combines choirs from Ben Reifel, George McGovern and Whittier middle schools with the Augustana Choir for an unforgettable experience. Doors open at 6:30 PM, and it is free and open to the public.



Yesterday morning the interviewERS became the interviewEES! KELOLAND stopped by Lincoln HS to speak with student editors for the Statesman about being named "Best Newspaper in the State" at the State High School Press Convention. Congratulations Statesman staff! Watch the story here: https://bit.ly/46BpFoF





Need some light listening for the weekend? A new episode of our podcast "Spotlight: Conversations from the Sioux Falls School District" is now available, and it's a special one! Superintendent Dr. Jane Stavem sits down with longest serving current SFSD employee Sue Bills to talk about her 44(!) years at Whittier Middle School. As you can imagine, Sue has seen some changes in education, and she has some fascinating stories to share. Tune in here: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/rgFSF5XC3Db
