District Dialogue

The end of a year signals a time for reflection along with hope for the new year ahead. As we close out 2022, we reflect on a year that brought new ideas and opportunities to our District. Many of those great ideas came during the second Better Together staff survey initiative in October, where we asked you to share ideas about expanding student experiences and improving the staff work environment.

One submission regarding staff work environment stood out and has us wanting to ask the question of all employee groups. The submitter proposed providing a coach/training position to support clerical within SFSD buildings. Thinking about staging for your success in the New Year, we want to know what would have been helpful for you to have had in your role in the last five years? If you are still in your first few years with the District, what would you like to have to help you succeed in these beginning years? Whether it be a set of skills, training opportunities, or resources, we want to hear from you!

New for this survey, you can post individually or with a team and even remain anonymous. Vote on your top five favorite submissions through the rank voting option.

The Sioux Falls School District remains committed to continuously improving, and feedback from you is one of the main ways we can do it. The survey will run from December 19th through Friday, January 13th. Please take some time to let your voice be heard!

How to participate:

• Step 1: Click the button below to visit the site.
• Step 2: Login (top right) and then register (bottom) before sharing.
• Step 3: Check your email (check the spam folder) and complete registration.
• Step 4: Participate: share ideas individually, with a group, or anonymously, vote on your favorite comments through the voting system

GMMS Head Principal Tim Koehler has been named South Dakota’s Middle School Principal of the Year for Region 2! If you remember, just a few short months ago, GMMS’s Richie Hutchinson was announced as South Dakota’s Assistant Principal of the Year for Region 2. The leadership found at GMMS is one of a kind! Koehler’s nominator had this to share about him,

“Tim Koehler is a clear, concise communicator. He models continuous professional growth through active participation in staff development and by being involved at the district, regional, and state levels of educational leadership. Tim's presence is felt at every level of the George McGovern MS community, from students and families to support staff and teachers. He models our core values through building relationships, striving to increase student achievement, and putting the best interest of our community at the forefront. He is a pivotal asset to our school and community.”

Congratulations to Principal Koehler for his outstanding work and commitment to our District!

It’s almost the end of 2022! That means it will soon be time to prepare the 2022 W-2 forms.

We recommend that you elect to receive your W-2 form electronically in Employee Access Center (EAC). The attached document contains information on Electronic W-2s to be issued in January 2023. Also attached are the instructions for logging into the Employee Access Center.

Please check your home address/telephone number each time that you log into the Employee Access Center. Also, please add or update your personal email address on the EAC. This will help with resetting your password when you forget your log in information. Please try to have all information updated prior to January 1, 2023.

If you have any questions, please contact any of the payroll staff: Kayla Haines, Cindy Miller, Sarah Newcomb, Maranda Shibley or Audra Sternke.

The South Dakota Retirement System Board of Trustees is the governing authority of SDRS. The Board consists of 14 elected representatives from participating groups, two appointees of the governor, and an ex-officio non-voting representative of the South Dakota Investment Council. Elections for representatives to the Board are held each spring. The representatives' terms begin July 1 and are four years in length.

The membership groups up for election in the 2023 election cycle are as follows:

1. Elected Municipal Officials
2. Municipal Employees
3. County Commissioners
4. Justices, Judges, and Magistrate Judges

If you have any questions, please contact the SDRS office at 1-888-605-SDRS (7377)

Keeping warm is a basic need we all share. As we go into the winter’s chilliest months, we all could use some tips to staying warm that don’t include turning up the furnace.

How to Keep Warm in the Winter

1. Dress in layers – Layers will insulate your body and make it easier to regulate your body temperature.
2. Keep your feet warm - Keeping your feet warm will help make your entire body feel warm. Wearing slippers or shoes around the house helps, especially if you tend to have cold floors.
3. Stay Active – Movement creates body heat and there are many ways to get your body temperature up by being active. Cleaning the house, exercising, tackling a home repair, or playing a game are some examples. Consider setting a timer as a reminder to get up and move every so often, so your body doesn't become so cold and stiff that you don't feel like being active.
4. Spend more time upstairs – Hot air rises, so if you have multiple levels, aim to spend more time on the upper level to take advantage of the warmer air.
5. Clean heat vents, registers, and radiators – It’s always recommended to have your heating system inspected annually. It’s important to make sure the heat can adequately warm your space. Pull furniture, curtains, and other items away from heat vents, registers, and radiators. If they're blocked, the heat won't be able to circulate.
6. Reverse the ceiling fan – Let your ceiling fan run at a low speed in a clockwise direction during cold months. This helps push the warm air that rises toward the ceiling back down toward the floor level.
7. Use microwaveable heating pads – Heating pads can make a huge difference when you are cold. Use a heating pad on your hands and feet to feel warmer overall.
8. Use the oven and stove for cooking – The oven and stove generate heat. It’s recommended to make no-cook and no-bake meals during the summer months, but in the colder months do the opposite. Use the stove and oven often to add heat to your home.
9. Leave the oven open after baking – Every time you use your oven in the winter months, leave it open when you’re done baking. This allows the hot air to escape, which can add heat to your home.
10. Humidify your home – Running heat in the cold months can strip your indoor air of humidity. Humid air tends to feel a bit warmer than dry air. Look for the models that allow you to choose between warm and cold air; they typically cost more but are well worth it for the heating ability.

Adapted from The Spruce

‘Tis the season of holiday cooking and baking! Share your favorite recipe(s) with us to have them featured in our District community cookbook. Recipe submissions will be accepted until Tuesday December 20th.

To submit, fill out this Google form: https://forms.gle/J4ByLmxsPDw6oSgW6.

Questions or troubles submitting the Google form? Contact Kate DiPasquale at kate.dipasquale@k12.sd.us.

There will be no school from Thursday, December 22nd, 2022 to Tuesday, January 2nd, 2023. We look forward to seeing you again on Tuesday, January 3, 2023!

Wishing you a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season!