Sioux Falls School District

The Sioux Falls School District Community Learning Centers, in partnership with the Daughters of the American Revolution, recently brought American history to life through the arts! The art and music teachers from Eugene Field A+ Elementary guided students in creating Symbols of Freedom, a performance that celebrates the meaning behind our nation’s most recognized symbols including the American flag, the Liberty Bell, and more! Learn how this arts-integrated project is making an impact on young learners in our community! ---> https://lnkd.in/gfyx-n8q

For the past four years, Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) has been transforming the lives of high school students in the Sioux Falls School District. Through JAG, students explore career paths they may have never considered, connect with business leaders, and gain insights from industry experts. In the latest episode of the SFSD Spotlight Podcast, Roosevelt High School Senior, Brody Stenger, Jefferson High School Tay Johnson, and JAG Specialist Nicole Fette share with Superintendent Jane Stavem how JAG prepares students to thrive both in and out of the classroom. Listen now! --->?https://lnkd.in/g7WhtD7P

Happy National School Social Work Week! In the Sioux Falls School District, every student's journey is unique — and our school social workers walk alongside them every step of the way. From connecting families to vital resources to advocating for student well-being, their dedication ignites hope and creates lasting impact in our schools and community. This year's theme, "Unite to Ignite: Celebrating Our Impact," highlights the powerful role social workers play in bringing people together to support student success. To our incredible school social workers — thank you for your compassion, care, and unwavering commitment to students.

On Wednesday, we celebrated a special milestone in the construction of Sioux Falls School District’s 24th elementary school, Marcella LeBeau Elementary! SFSD hosted its first-ever “Topping Off Ceremony,” which marks the placement of one of the final beams of the structure, symbolizing progress, unity, and good fortune for the future students and staff who will call this school home. The event also honored Marcella LeBeau, the school’s namesake, recognizing her legacy as a Lakota nurse, leader, and advocate. Construction is on track to open this fall and we look forward to serving families in the growing northwest Sioux Falls neighborhood!

Please help us extend a HUGE congratulations to Bruce Rekstad, O?éti ?akówi? Owáu?spe Instructor at Washington High School, who was named the 37th Annual, Dr. John W. Harris, Teacher of the Year last night! Bruce's nominator shared this about him, “He tailors his lessons to be culturally relevant and engaging for Native American students, using methods that create a sense of belonging and respect for their heritage. He doesn’t just teach; he listens and learns about their struggles, dreams, and family lives. His dedication extends beyond academics—he tracks students’ progress throughout high school, offering encouragement and support when needed. By consistently showing that he cares, Mr. Rekstad empowers his students to believe in themselves and aspire to greater achievements. He understands that many of his students face significant obstacles, so he works tirelessly to create an inclusive atmosphere where every student has the opportunity to succeed. His methods are rooted in compassion and a deep belief in the potential of every student. His approach transforms lives and provides a model for how culturally responsive education can make a lasting impact. By weaving heritage into the curriculum, he creates a space where students feel connected and proud of their identity. Mr. Rekstad not only educates the broader school community but also instills pride and confidence in his Native students, showing them that their culture is valued and celebrated. His work ensures that Native traditions are not only recognized but are shared in a way that builds understanding and appreciation among all students, making a lasting impact on the school’s culture.” THANK YOU, Mr. Rekstad, for your many years of dedicated service to education and the Sioux Falls School District!

Today is the big day! ?? We are excited to celebrate our five Teacher of the Year finalists along with the other 78 outstanding educators who were nominated for this honor! Get to know the finalists before we announce the 2025 School District Teacher of the Year at the 37th Annual Dr. John W. Harris ToY Ceremony tonight at Ben Reifel Middle School! ---> https://lnkd.in/gBnMftrq

Robert Frost Elementary School art teacher, and this week's Staff Star, Mollie Bolton doesn't just teach art, she elevates it! ???? In just three years at Robert Frost Elementary, she has hosted an all-school art show, become a trusted leader among fellow art teachers, and continually innovates to inspire students of all levels. Nominated by Instructional Coach and Art Teacher, Kathy Dang, Mollie is known for integrating technology, cross-curricular connections, and creativity into her classroom. At a school that houses the Challenge Center, she excels at personalizing learning and encouraging students to explore their unique artistic voices. Get to know Mollie more here! --->?https://lnkd.in/gnxSG8_5

Strong schools start with strong leadership, and we are grateful for the dedicated individuals who serve on the Sioux Falls School Board. Their work goes far beyond meetings. They oversee budgets, facilities, policies, and programs that shape the future of our students and staff. To celebrate, we asked a few Edison Middle School students, “What is the school board and what does it do?” Their answers? Let’s just say…they tried! ?? While the job is more than “making some decisions for the schools,” one thing is clear - our school board members are committed to ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed! To all our current and past board members, thank you for your service to SFSD and the entire Sioux Falls community! You are helping to make the future of the Sioux Falls workforce bright!

Today is National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day! ????♀? We are proud to recognize the dedicated SROs who help keep our schools safe while fostering positive relationships within our educational communities. These specially trained, sworn officers from the Sioux Falls Police Department play a vital role in supporting students and staff through community-oriented policing. Their presence ensures a secure learning environment while also serving as mentors and trusted resources. THANK YOU for your commitment to safety, connection, and service today and every day!

Celebrating SFSD All Star Tana Clark! ?? With over a decade of dedication at Hayward Elementary, Tana Clark exemplifies what it means to be a committed educator. As an EL teacher, she works tirelessly to support students, leading small groups, co-teaching in first-grade classrooms, and providing individualized instruction to help every learner thrive. Tana is more than a teacher; she’s a mentor, a problem-solver, and a trusted leader among her colleagues. Whether she’s guiding new educators, stepping up to meet an unexpected need, or advocating for student success, she does it all with heart and excellence. Thank you, Tana, for your unwavering commitment to students and the Sioux Falls School District!?https://lnkd.in/gRSw-R_k