SVE Families, welcome to the beautiful month of November! 🍁

This month, we will focusing on conflict resolution skills—a crucial life skill for both students and adults. Learning to resolve conflicts positively helps our students build stronger relationships, foster teamwork, and create a more supportive school environment. Encouraging healthy communication and problem-solving at a young age sets them up for success in school and beyond!

October was packed with excitement, student involvement, and new developments at Sioux Valley Elementary! Here’s a recap of some highlights:

• Fire Prevention Month: We were grateful to have our local volunteer firefighters visit and speak to our students about fire safety. Remember, if your household needs a smoke alarm or carbon monoxide detector, please contact the local fire department for assistance.

• Teacher Assistance Team (TAT) Meetings: Held every Tuesday, these collaborative sessions support our students' academic and behavioral needs.

• Student Advisory Team Meetings: Our 3rd-5th Grade Student Advisory Team met four times this month, sharing ideas to improve our school. Topics included assemblies, playground projects, state assessment incentives, collaborative activities across the elementary school, playground jobs, and even bringing back Valentine's boxes!

• Academic & PBIS Team Meetings: We continued to focus on academic success and positive behavior support on Wednesdays throughout the months.

• Family Engagement: We worked to strengthen connections with families through various activities. JK parents were invited to a recap of Alphabet Boot Camp, 2nd Grade filled a truck with donated goods and made a quilt to send to hurricane-affected families in North Carolina, and started welcoming Mystery Readers. Additionally, 4th & 5th grade parents helped plan and supervise Halloween parties. We encourage families to be active participants in their child’s school life—join us for breakfast, lunch, or even recess!

• School Board Meeting & Retreat: Our 2023-24 Report Card was released on October 18, sparking discussions on strengths, areas of need, and trends. We also set goals for the 2024-25 school year to ensure student growth and success.

• Mrs. Verhelst's SDEA Meet & Greet: Sioux Valley staff celebrated Mrs. Verhelst, South Dakota’s Teacher of the Year, at a special meet-and-greet for the staff and community members sponsored by SDEA. We are proud of her accomplishments!

• $1,000 BIOTECH STEM Grant Awarded: Mrs. Roach, one of our 1st grade teachers, received a grant, bringing more STEM experiences to SVE.

• Welcome Baby Girl Pingleton: Congratulations to Mrs. Mallary Pingleton, our music teacher, on the arrival of her baby girl! Mrs. Vostad is currently leading our music classes.

• Halloween Safety Talk: Officer Jeremy Kriese shared safety tips to ensure a fun and safe Halloween for our students.

• SVHS Football Player Autographs: Our students enjoyed meeting the SVHS football players and receiving their autographs, adding to the school spirit.

• Pep Rally for State Cross Country and Cheer: We held a pep rally to cheer on our athletes heading to state competitions, celebrating our Cossack pride.

• 2nd Grade Citizenship Assembly: Our 2nd graders presented an interactive assembly focused on citizenship and kindness.

• Red Ribbon Dress-Up Days & Halloween Festivities: October was full of spirit, with Red Ribbon Week leading into fun Halloween parties and a parade.

Stay tuned for more updates in November! Thank you for your support and involvement in our Sioux Valley Elementary community!

The Hiltunen Happenings Newsletters will be emailed monthly to our families and added to the SVE Learning HUB on our district website (link above) for you to refer to, when and if needed.🌟

Warm regards,

Heather Hiltunen

Principal, Sioux Valley Elementary

(Photo: Left to right-Crystal Niemann (Administrative Assistant), Heather Hiltunen (SVE Principal), and Tiffany Thompson (Medical Office Assistant).

Cheers to Mrs. Roach, 1st grade teacher, for winning a $1,000 Biotech grant to foster a love of STEM in elementary education! Her commitment to teaching is truly inspiring.

The image above is linked directly to our Sioux Valley Elementary Report Card. Please click on it to view all of the areas and details on our report card. Sioux Valley Elementary performed above the state average in English Language Arts and Mathematics, demonstrating our commitment to high academic standards. The staff has thoroughly reviewed this data multiple times and developed specific goals to target areas where students scored lower. Plans are being set to address these standards, ensuring that we continue to support all students in their academic growth. Our teachers are dedicating significant time and effort to maintain and elevate the rigorous standards of teaching and learning, continually working to raise the bar for student achievement.

Our Title I Interventionist is Mrs. Bezdichek.

This month, Mrs. Bez is focusing on the vital relationship between reading and spelling. By teaching and practicing decoding (reading) and encoding (spelling) together, we help children connect sounds to print, enhancing their overall literacy development. Think of reading and spelling as two sides of the same coin: reading involves recognizing sound-symbol relationships, while spelling breaks words down into sounds and letters. For more insights on this connection, check out the full newsletter HERE.

Happy November! In November, we are focusing on collaboration, conflict resolution, and gratitude.

Collaboration means working together with others to achieve a common goal. Just like in a team, everyone has different strengths, and by combining them, we can accomplish more than we could alone. With the knowledge of our self-awareness to understand our strengths, and our discussion of our social awareness we are able to identify others strengths and understand how they can complement each other. We can show our gratitude to one another and help each other be successful.

Why is Collaboration Important?

1. Different Ideas: When we work together, we can share our ideas. Someone might think of something you didn’t, and together, you can create something amazing!

2. Support Each Other: If you’re struggling with a task, your friends can help you. It’s like having a team of superheroes—you all support each other!

3. Learning Together: When you collaborate, you learn from each other. You can discover new ways to solve problems and learn new skills.

4. Building Friendships: Working together helps you make friends. You get to know each other better, and teamwork can be a lot of fun!

5. Real-World Skills: In the future, many jobs require collaboration. Learning how to work with others now will help you in school and beyond!

The students at SVE are expected to treat others with respect. With that, our goal is to learn how to disagree and solve conflicts respectfully. This month's SEL calendar’s topic is conflict resolution in hopes to achieve this goal.

By working together, we can create a stronger, more supportive, and fun environment for everyone! Let’s work together and achieve positive teamwork using respectful conflict resolution skills! I am feeling thankful to work with your turkeys here at SVE. 🙂

I will continue to send out updates and resources throughout the month on these topics via Seesaw.

Click the title above to explore "Kid Whisperer Nation Tips for Parents" from Scott Ervin on building strong relationships with students, sharing control, and promoting positive behaviors. All current Sioux Valley staff have been trained in-person by Mr. Ervin, which is why we’ve introduced classroom names, Delayed Learning Opportunities (DLOs), explicit teaching strategies, "Nows & Laters," greetings at the door, and more! These techniques help create a supportive and positive learning environment for all students. You might also find these techniques helpful at home—our hope is that your children will carry over what they are learning at school into everyday life. THIS MONTH'S TIPS: Follow Rules, Teach Your Kids to be (Properly) Aggressive, Kids Need to Become Eligible to be Someone's Friend, and Teacher Your Children Well and Put the Bag Down.

Behavior Referrals Overview (August 1, 2024 - November 5, 2025)

We’ve been closely monitoring student behavior to better understand patterns and areas for improvement. Here’s a breakdown of the data we’ve gathered so far this school year:

1. Referrals by Behavior: These charts shows the types of behaviors that led to the most referrals. The leading behaviors include disruption, disrespect, and inappropriate physical contact, each resulting in around 50 referrals. Other common behaviors involve defiance and physical aggression. Understanding these trends helps us focus on promoting positive interactions among students.

2. Referrals by Location: This chart highlights where referrals most commonly occur. The majority of referrals have been in the classroom and on the playground, with both areas seeing around 80 incidents. The cafeteria/lunchroom and hallways also show higher referral rates, signaling areas where we are focusing on improving supervision and fostering respectful behavior. We have added an extra person on the playground during the 3rd-5th grade recess time.

3. Average Referrals Per Day by Month: We observe trends in referrals by month to identify periods needing extra support. October showed the highest average referrals per day, peaking at around 7 per day.

We’re committed to using this information to create a positive, respectful, and safe environment for all students. Thank you for your support as we work together to make Sioux Valley Elementary a great place for learning and growth!

Here are a few ways parents/guardians can help at home, which in turn will support positive behavior at school:

1. Establish Clear Expectations: Set consistent rules and routines at home to help your child understand what is expected in both settings. We tell the students they can do anything they want as long as it is kind and/or if it doesn't cause a problem. Be Respectful. Be Responsible. Be Safe.

2. Encourage Open Communication: Regularly talk to your child about their day, helping them express their feelings and frustrations. Open conversations teach them to communicate effectively at school as well. Refer to the OCTOBER KINDNESS CALENDAR for questions to ask your child.

3. Model Positive Behavior: Demonstrating respectful communication and patience at home will inspire similar behavior at school.

4. Praise Positive Behavior: Reinforce good habits by praising your child when they follow rules, show respect, or demonstrate self-control. This encourages them to carry those behaviors into the classroom.

5. Collaborate with Teachers: Stay connected with your child’s teacher to align on strategies and ensure consistency between home and school.

6. Teach Conflict Resolution: Help your child develop conflict resolution skills, like staying calm and problem-solving, which will reduce disruptive behaviors at school.

Sioux Valley Elementary School will be starting small groups/lunch bunches for students throughout the year. These small groups are an excellent way for students to learns skills, develop self-awareness and confidence, practice new behaviors, and better understand how to effectively deal with some of the issues/concerns life presents. In addition to learning skills in the classroom setting, concepts and information are also taught in these small groups.

Small groups are designed to support students through many phases of growth and change during their elementary school years. They help develop the skills and coping strategies needed to be successful in the school environment. Targeted skills may be in areas such as friendship, communication, anger management, and social skills. Small groups/lunch bunches meet for approximately 20-30 minutes twice a week for 6-8 weeks during lunch. Students usually enjoy interacting with their peers in a small group setting and are comforted by discovering that other children are navigating the challenges of growing up as well.

Parent permission is requested for student participation in a small group. If you do not want your child to participate in a small group, please complete the form below and return to your child’s teacher as soon as possible. Please do not hesitate to contact me at 605-627-5657 ext. 408 or via e-mail at melissa.gent@k12.sd.us if you have any questions about the small group opportunity.

Sincerely,

Melissa Gent

School Psychologist

605-627-5657 ext. 408

melissa.gent@k12.sd.us

-----------------Cut here, return bottom portion and keep the top portion for your records------------

o I do not give consent for my child to participate in group.

Student Name: _________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Name: __________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature: ___________________________________

Date: _____________________

When your child is ill, has a doctor’s appointment, is going to be with you on family business, or will be absent for other reasons, please contact the school before 8:50 a.m. If we do not hear from you, we will make every attempt to call you at home or work to make sure your child is safe. A written excuse sent with a sibling is necessary unless parents have called the school beforehand. Please note that if your primary students have a change in dismissal routine, a note or a call to the office or teacher is needed before1:00PM, if possible.

For the protection of your children, no student is permitted to leave the school at any time during the school hours without permission from the office. Students should call their parents from a school phone and/or on their cell phone (if they have one) with permission of a staff member and with the staff member present.

Parents desiring early dismissal for students with appointments should send a note of explanation to their child’s teacher or call the elementary office prior to dismissal. Students will be released only to parents, guardians, or other authorized persons registering at the office.

If the student becomes ill during the day, the school administrative assistant or the principal will contact the parents and a designated adult will pick the student up at the office.

We prefer a phone call or email to the elementary office as teachers are busy teaching and may not be able to check email and/or to take the time to let the office know. It is important for the office to know so we can make sure attendance is recording correctly and to be aware of the whereabouts of all students.

As part of our ongoing efforts to keep our Lost & Found organized, any unclaimed clothing and other items will be donated on the last Friday of each month. We kindly ask for your cooperation in labeling your child’s belongings to help ensure they are returned if lost. Recently, we made our second donation of one large bag of clothing and water bottles to the Brookings Area Goodwill. We already have a handful of sweatshirts/jackets that have been left behind by his/her owner. 😮

November 8-5th Grade Ancient Civilization Viewing Day Museum. 2:45pm. Cossack Castle.

November 8-The Wind in the Willow Play Dress Rehearsal for JK-5 students. 2-3pm. PAC.

November 11-Veterans Day Program. 9am. Cossack Gym. Open to the PUBLIC. SV Schools would like to invite all veterans, their families, and members of the community to stay for coffee and rolls in the Commons Area following the program. Link here for the PROGRAM.

November 13-NO STAAR CLUB for 3rd-5th Grade

November 14-Breakfast with Deputies. 7:45am. Cossack Castle

November 14- P/T Conferences

November 15-P/T Conferences

November 15-High School State Football

November 15-SV PTO Stadium Chair Fundraiser DUE (see below)

November 18-Grade Check for students in grades 4th & 5th

November 20-STAAR CLUB/Homework Help for students in 3rd-5th

November 22-SV 3rd Annual PTO Kids Night In Event. 6-9pm. (See Event Flyer Below)

November 25-Midterm Grades Due

November 26-SVE Assembly. 2:45pm. Cossack Castle.

November 27-29-NO SCHOOL (Thanksgiving Break)

December 2-Grade Check for students in grades 4th & 5th

December 4-STAAR CLUB/Homework Help for students in 3rd-5th

December 11-STAAR CLUB/Homework Help for students in 3rd-5th

2024-2025 Elementary Concert Dates:

December 13th-Performing Arts Center (PAC)

JK-1 Concert at 2-2:30pm

2nd & 3rd Concert at 2:45-3:15pm.

April 14-5th Grade Music & Band Concert. 7pm. Cossack Gym.

April 28-4th Grade Spring Music Concert. 6pm. Cossack Gym.

As we approach our fall conferences scheduled for Nov. 14-15, we want to keep you informed of a potential adjustment to the schedule. Depending on whether the Sioux Valley High School Football team qualifies for the STATE Championship, we may need to make changes to our conference times.

Currently, conferences are scheduled for:

• November 14: 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• November 15: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Note: November 15th is a NO SCHOOL day for students.)

If the team qualifies for STATE, we will adjust the schedule as follows:

• November 14: 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• November 15: 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

We will confirm any changes by November 8, at which time a Sign-Up Genius will be sent to all JK-12 families to schedule their conference.

Thank you for your understanding and flexibility.

🌟 Shout Out to Mrs. Avery Duarte! 🌟

We are thrilled to recognize Mrs. Avery Duarte, one of our amazing third grade teachers, for being a true "Marigold" in our school community. Mrs. Duarte was recently nominated for her kindness and willingness to always lend a helping hand to a fellow teacher. Her positive attitude and commitment to supporting her colleagues make her a valuable part of our SVE community.

Thank you, Mrs. Avery Duarte, for being a part of someone's "Marigold Moment" at SVE! 🌟

Q: What is STAAR Club that is referenced monthly in the Upcoming Events Calendar?

A: STAAR Club stands for Students Taking An Active Role. It is a positive, supportive opportunity available for all 3rd-5th grade students at Sioux Valley Elementary on Wednesdays from 1:45-2:30pm. It is specifically designed for students who may have missing assignments or need extra help with specific skills. STAAR Club is more than a study hall; it’s a tutoring and help session where students can receive guidance on completing overdue assignments or get additional support on challenging skills. The club is supervised by staff members who are ready to assist. Students recommended for STAAR Club by their teachers are expected to stay for the entire session, unless other arrangements have been made in advance.

Q: Where do I find the ELEMENTARY LEARNING HUB? See visual below.

A: On our district website, you’ll find the Elementary Learning Hub—a one-stop resource for students and families! To access it, go to the district homepage, look under the photos, and scroll down until you see “ELEMENTARY LEARNING HUB.” Here, you’ll find links and resources for every classroom, including Specials, Title I, Counselor Connections, Hiltunen Happenings, and most of our technology programs that students can use at home, such as AR, Reflex Math, IXL, Epic, Seesaw, and Prodigy.

This Hub is designed to be your go-to learning site, providing everything students and families need for learning access and support in one convenient place!