Extracurricular activities are an important part of the school experience, teaching students teamwork, determination, and that – win or lose - putting in the time is always worth it. Event hough state tournaments are now in the books, there's one more event to cap off the winter sports seasons. Unified Games pair people with and without intellectual differences on the same team to encourage friendships, leadership, and foster that feeling of being part of something bigger than themselves.

The Unified Tournament is happening this Friday, March 28th at 6:30pm at Lincoln High School and include a basketball game, cheerleading, and show choir.

A "little big restaurant with a lot of franchises around Sioux Falls." That's how Gay Anderson defines the nutritious meals provided through Child Nutrition to keep students focused and ready to learn. The program serves thousands of breakfasts and lunches each day, ensuring students have the fuel they need.

More than 48% of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals, and thanks to community support, families who are just outside federal eligibility limits receive assistance as well.

This year, the CN team has expanded hot meal preparation for elementary schools, improving food quality and freshness. Strategic purchasing has also led to cost savings despite rising prices. As federal regulations continue to evolve, the District remains actively engaged in national discussions to stay informed and advocate for the best possible meal programs for students.

Thank you to our Child Nutrition team for their hard work and dedication to student success!

View the full report below.

The 100th Legislative Session for South Dakota is in the books and it did not result in a win-fall of funding for education. Lower than forecasted sales tax revenues ended with a 1.25% increase for education - well below state law, which requires 3% or the rate of inflation, whichever is less.

SFSD tracked 73 bills during the session, of which 41 were opposed by the District. Seven of the bills considered in Pierre were key bills for the District. Six of those bills passed and one failed. Overall, the District's opinion is that we were successful in "playing defense" on the bills that were considered most harmful to education.

Kaylene was nominated by her colleague Katie Pudwill, who celebrated her unwavering dedication to help students build the skills they need for future employment.

“Kaylene has been instrumental in developing Transition Work Experiences, such as those with Goodwill and Good Samaritan Society’s Prairie Creek. Her efforts have also been pivotal in establishing the new Project Search location at Sanford Hospital,” Katherine shared. “She works tirelessly to set up business tours and hands-on learning opportunities, giving students invaluable real-world experience.”

Her commitment to student success and her innovative approach makes Kaylene a true All Star! Thank you, Kaylene! ✨

REMINDER! The third and final CLC Health and Wellness Fair of the 2024-2025 school year is happening this TOMORROW at Anne Sullivan Elementary!

+ Over 60 vendors from the community will be in attendance!

+ Open to the entire Sioux Falls community - any age is welcome!

+ TONS of door prizes!

We can't wait to see you there!

Starting April 1st, stop by the second floor of the Washington Pavilion to see unique, one-of-a-kind masterpieces created by Harvey Dunn Elementary students! Their artwork will be featured as part of the "Off the Fridge" program, showcasing the creativity and talent of our young artists.

Our 64th Annual Employee Recognition Banquet will be held on Tuesday, April 15th at 6:00pm at the Country Club of Sioux Falls. Join us for an evening celebrating staff with 25-years of service and our retirees!

Space is limited, so be sure to purchase your tickets early!

Ways to Purchase:

🎟️ Online via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/EVNLLTA88J6WA

🎟️ In-person at the Instructional Planning Center (check payable to Sioux Falls School District or exact cash only)

This week we celebrate Jodie Peterson, Laurie Rich, Kristi Williams, and Kathy Wipf and their incredible careers with the Sioux Falls School District. Their dedication has been a guiding light, helping students and colleagues shine brighter along the way. Now they’re stepping into a well-earned retirement, leaving behind a lasting constellation of excellence.

Take a moment to stop by their classrooms or send an email to share your well wishes as they reflect on their journey and step into this new season of life.

Jodie, Laurie, Kristi, and Kathy - thank you for a lifetime of guiding, inspiring, and making a difference. Your impact will forever be part of the SFSD universe. Congratulations on your retirement!

On Friday, March 14th, the University of South Dakota visited IPC to connect with those interested in becoming teachers. Whether you're pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in elementary, secondary, or special education, they offer great opportunities to help you achieve your goals!

If you couldn’t attend in person, you can view their presentation here: USD Certification Presentation | 03/14/2025

Open Enrollment is coming soon, so right now is the perfect time to review your benefits and decide if you need to make changes for the new plan year!

Please visit this link to be taken to the Benefit Enrollment page: https://boonchapman.benselect.com/Enroll/Login.aspx?Path=SFSchoolDistrict

• Your username is your employee number.
• Pin: last 4 of your social security number and last two in year you were born

Questions? Email benefits.sfsd@k12.sd.us

SandCreek, our Employee Assistance Program, is free, confidential, and available to ALL Sioux Falls School District employees and their family members. As a part of their extensive list of offerings, SandCreek offers FREE monthly webinars that cover a variety of topics. Below are a couple upcoming ones!

To register for a SandCreek account, visit www.SandCreekEAP.com and click the “Sign Up” link just below the Log In button. Enter siouxfalls as your company code and complete the signup process! A confirmation email will be sent to complete the registration.

We’ve all made excuses to eat "junk" or "fast" food when life gets busy, but it doesn’t have to be that way! In this seminar, participants will learn realistic strategies to eat well, even with rising food costs in mind. We'll explore which items are worth paying a premium for and when it’s best to opt for organic products. Together, we’ll uncover practical steps to eating healthy while staying within your financial means. Join us to learn how to make smart, budget-friendly choices that support your health without sacrificing taste or quality!

Wednesday, April 9th, 2025 | 12:30pm to 1:30pm

Register Online!

Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025 | 7:00pm to 8:00 pm

Take a more detailed look at the system and its benefits, including how retirement benefits are calculated, understanding your annual Personal Benefits Statement, availability of survivor and disability benefits, and more.

Register Online: https://www.sd.gov/cs?id=event_details&event_id=e2f21c5c474c2210854b61d2e16d43d3

Wednesday, April 9th, 2025 | 7:00pm to 8:00 pm

Additional personal savings will be key to having a financially successful retirement. Learn more about how the SDRS Supplemental Retirement Plan (SRP) can help you save more for your retirement so you can achieve your financial goals. Information will also be presented on the SDRS Special Pay Plan (SPP), an additional personal savings program funded by an employee’s termination pay.

Register Online: https://www.sd.gov/cs?id=event_details&event_id=017650d0478c2210854b61d2e16d4309

Wednesday, April 16th, 2025 | 7:00pm to 8:00 pm

Build on your budgeting and savings skills and increase your awareness of the many challenges we encounter during our careers and into retirement. Be empowered to take charge of your finances and be more prepared for retirement.

Register Online: https://www.sd.gov/cs?id=event_details&event_id=baf71054478c2210854b61d2e16d431b

Below are new opportunities posted within the last week. Be sure to check them out and apply online (at the link provided) if you’re interested! Please note, most job postings are open until filled. If you click on a link and receive an error message (“No matching records found”), it may mean the position has been filled. To view all Sioux Falls School District openings, please visit https://sf.schoolspring.com/.

• Elementary Principal at Bridges - Horace Mann Elementary: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5040808

• Assistant Competitive Cheer Coach at Washington High School: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5043410
• Head Track and Field Coach at Roosevelt High School: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5043455
• Head Boys Wrestling Coach at Jefferson High School: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5048649
• Head 9th Grade Football Coach at Washington High School: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5053150
• 9th Grade Assistant Football Coach at Washington High School: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5053157

• Enrollment Specialist (Community Learning Center - CLC) - 1.0 FTE at Instructional Planning Center: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5048700

• 2025-26 IEP Facilitator - 1.0 FTE at Harvey Dunn Elementary: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5048667

• Child Nutrition General Worker - 0.8125 FTE at Child Nutrition Services: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5043402

• Long-Term Substitute - Reading Specialist (SIPPS Instruction) at Children's Home Society: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5053275

• 2025-26 High School English Teacher - 1.0 FTE at Jefferson High School: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5053215

• 2025-26 Special Education Teacher - 1.0 FTE at John F. Kennedy Elementary: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5043388
• 2025-26 Special Education Teacher - 1.0 FTE at Discovery Elementary: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5043420

• Middle School Newcomer Summer School Teacher at Edison Middle School: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5048602
• High School Newcomer Summer School Teacher at Axtell Park: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5048610
• English Learner Speech Summer School Teacher at Axtell Park: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5048613
• High School English Learner Summer School Education Assistant at Axtell Park: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5048617

Questions? Contact Kate Rovang at kate.rovang@k12.sd.us.

Life can be stressful, and it's common to reach for our phones when we're feeling anxious or overwhelmed. Phones offer comfort—whether it’s through music, chatting with friends, or scrolling to unwind. But what happens when you might be overly dependent on your phone? How can you not reach for it as often?

Have you ever considered why you reach for your phone? Identifying the needs it fulfills can help you find alternative behaviors that offer the same benefits without relying on technology. Ask yourself: Are you seeking distraction? Using music to shift your mood? Looking for validation on social media? Connecting with friends? Experiencing FOMO (fear of missing out)? Understanding these triggers can help you develop healthier, phone-free coping strategies.

With the right strategies, you can reduce screen time and regain control. Here are some effective approaches:

1. Set Clear Goals and Limits

• Define why you want to use your phone less (e.g., better focus, sleep, or relationships). A realistic goal may be to gradually decrease screen time rather than quitting abruptly. Consider using built-in phone features like Screen Time (iOS) or Digital Wellbeing (Android) to set daily limits on app usage.

2. Create No-Phone Zones and Times

• Designate areas where phone use is not allowed, such as the bedroom, dining table, or bathroom.
• Establish screen-free hours, especially before bed and right after waking up.
• Try a "no phone after 9 PM" or "30 minutes after waking up" rule.

3. Replace Scrolling with Other Activities

• Keep books, puzzles, or a journal nearby to replace aimless scrolling.
• Engage in hobbies like painting, exercising, cooking, or learning a new skill.
• Set up social plans to connect with people offline.

4. Turn Off Non-Essential Notifications

• Disable notifications for social media, news, and other distracting apps.
• Keep only essential notifications (calls, messages from family, work-related alerts).
• Set up auto-replies for texts and emails during phone-free periods.

5. Use a Physical Alarm Clock

• Avoid using your phone as an alarm clock to reduce morning scrolling.
• Charge your phone in another room while you sleep.

6. Try a Digital Detox

• Start small with a few phone-free hours or a one-day detox.
• Plan a full weekend or vacation without your phone.
• Use a feature phone (basic phone) for a period to break habits.

7. Make Your Phone Less Appealing

• Set your screen to grayscale mode to reduce visual appeal.
• Move time-consuming apps to a hidden folder or remove them from the home screen.
• Log out of social media accounts to create a barrier to access.

9. Be Accountable

• Inform friends and family about your goal so they can support you.
• Join a challenge or group that encourages digital minimalism.
• Track progress and celebrate small wins.

Adapted from AllOne Health.