Hawthorne Elementary School -

The irony is not lost on us that we are using social media to promote our next Avera Family Forum Series, “Digital Distractions: How Social Media is Impacting Students.” But hey, social media has both its strengths, and weaknesses! Join us next Tuesday, February 18th, to hear from experts on how social media affects a student's behavior, mood, and school performance. We will take a closer look at warning signs of tech addiction, including irritability, anxiety, and forgetfulness, and provide strategies to set healthy boundaries for your kids (and maybe even for yourself!). Don’t miss out on this important conversation about finding balance in a world full of digital distractions. Check back next Tuesday for the link!

A recent Facebook post regarding Washington High School falsely claimed a routine request for a birth certificate was related to immigration status. State Law (SDCL 13-27-3.1-3.3) requires all public school students to have a birth certificate on file within 30 days of enrollment. When required records are missing from student files, school staff regularly attempt to contact families before sending the required information to the State’s Attorney. These requests are made solely to ensure compliance with State Law and to maintain complete student records. They are in no way related to immigration enforcement. We are committed to protecting the privacy of our students and their families. Please reach out to your child’s school or the district office with any questions rather than relying on social media for accurate information. We appreciate your cooperation in keeping student records up to date.

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President's Day Break (No School) is coming soon. Make plans now for your child to spend Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at Air Madness (10am-7pm), in support of SFSD schools without PTAs/PTOs! Levo Credit Union, Air Madness, and KELOLand TV are raising funds for Operation Hope & Caring to help schools fill funding gaps for things like field trips, winter gear, playground games, and basic student needs. A $25 "jump" on Feb. 18 also gets you $20 in game/entertainment credit to spend at Union Social next door! Can't attend the event, but want to help? Learn more here!

Five Finalists Announced for the 37th Annual Teacher of the Year Award. Of the outstanding 83 educators from across the District nominated for the 37th Annual Teacher of the Year Award, five individuals have been chosen as finalists. The finalists are: Jennifer Aerts | Horace Mann Elementary Scott Amundson | Lincoln High School Bryan Aukerman | Washington High School Jessica Foley | Terry Redlin Elementary Bruce Rekstad | Washington High School The final recipient of the award will be named at the annual Teacher of the Year Award Ceremony on Monday, February 24th, 2025, at 7 pm. The ceremony will be held at Ben Reifel Middle School and will be available to livestream (link coming soon)! All nominees and finalists will be recognized at the event. Ticket information coming soon! Congratulations!

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Do you or someone you know have a child who will be 5-years-old on or before September 1st? If so, Online Registration for the 25-26 school year is now open on the Sioux Falls School District website or through the Parent Portal. Start your child off on the right foot this upcoming school year and get them registered now! https://www.sf.k12.sd.us/page/school-registration

Enrollment opens Monday, February 3, 2025, for the following: + Learning Adventures Early Childhood (ages 3 and 4) + Junior Kindergarten Academy (ages 5 and up) + Kindergarten (ages 5 and up) + First-time SFSD students, any grade Junior Kindergarten Academy: + Student must be 5 by September 1, 2025 + FREE full day program at four elementary locations Registration link (available February 3rd): https://www.sf.k12.sd.us/page/kindergarten-registration Kindergarten: + Student must be 5 by September 1, 2025 + FREE, offered at 24 locations Registration link (available February 3rd): https://www.sf.k12.sd.us/page/kindergarten-registration Learning Adventures Early Childhood: + Student must be at least 3 or 4 by September 1, 2025 + Student must be potty trained + Fee-based program at four elementary locations Registration link (available February 3rd): https://www.sf.k12.sd.us/page/learning-adventures NOTE: Existing families registering a first-time student should register that new student through the parent portal. Information updates for currently enrolled students begins in April 2025!

This week is National School Counseling Week and we are celebrating our school counselors' vital role in the Sioux Falls School District! A school counselor's role goes far beyond simply providing academic guidance to students. These remarkable professionals are advocates, problem solvers, data keepers, and most importantly, champions for student success. So during this special week Feb 3- 7 (and each and every day after that) we say THANK YOU to our counselors for shaping a bright future for our students where they feel empowered to learn, thrive, and grow. Every student deserves a school counselor like you!

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Tuesday, February 4th will mark the 100th day of school!

Save the date: Skate City School Skate Night Thursday, February 27th 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

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The Sioux Falls School District alongside our friends at Vern Eide Motorcars are pleased to announce there are 83 nominees for the 37th Annual Dr. John W. Harris Teacher of the Year award! These exceptional educators were nominated by students, parents, and colleagues who recognize the incredible impact they have on our schools and community. From inspiring young minds to going above and beyond every day, these teachers embody what it means to make a difference. A judging committee will meet next week to determine the finalists. Those finalists will be notified, and the 2025 Teacher of the Year will be announced on Monday, February 24th, 2025. Please help us in congratulating these outstanding nominees for their dedication and passion! See a more detailed list of the nominees here: https://www.sf.k12.sd.us/page/teacher-of-the-year-program

Greeting from Hawthorne 2nd grade teachers. If you have a child in 2nd grade, please read our current newsletter. Ubuntu!

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Join Us for SFSD’s Community Learning Centers next Community Health & Wellness Fair! The second Community Health & Wellness Fair is on Thursday, January 16th, at JFK Elementary School from 4:30–7 PM! This FREE, family-friendly event has something for everyone: + Free vision, hearing, and health screenings + Over 50 community vendor booths + 30+ door prizes and giveaways + Interactive activities to keep the kids entertained + Berkes BBQ food truck on site This event is a great opportunity to explore resources and connect with our community. Bring the whole family for an evening of fun and learning. We hope to see you there!

Happy New Year from everybody at SFSD! Here's to another year of opportunities and possibilities. We are excited to welcome back students and staff TOMORROW, January 2nd, 2025! We can’t wait to see everyone!