District Dialogue

Congratulations to George Hawkins on being the recipient of the Dr. John W. Harris 2023 Teacher of the Year award!

George teaches American Experience, AP Government, Dual Credit Government and PBL Academy at Jefferson High School.

His colleagues say George is "always looking for ways to grow and improve. He is tireless in the pursuit of improvement, personal and professional growth, and becoming a better person, teacher and student. George has an ablity to search out and find answers to questions in an effiecient manner and a desire to model an incredible appetite for learning for our students."

Congratulations to Laura Wiebelhaus on being the recipient of the One American Bank Distinguished Educator Award for 2023!

Laura is a Kindergarten teacher at Eugene Field A+ Elementary and a former student had this to say about her:
"She just makes me feel so special. She knows when we're having a rough day. She's patient and kind. She listens to me, she always looks out for me, and she thinks I can do anything!"

Public schools educate nine of every 10 students. The great equalizer for children, they have lifted generations of people out of poverty and from middle to higher income, helping to set young adults on the path to a fulfilling life.

Public Schools Week honors the over 51 million students, 3.2 million teachers, and hundreds of thousands of specialists, administrators, and support staff working in public schools today.

Join us in celebrating Public Schools Week by sharing on social media why you love your local public school and are public school proud. Use the hashtags #PublicSchoolProud, #PSW23 or #PublicSchoolsWeek2023.

Beds by Design appreciates the work you do to shape the next generation through education. They want to give back to teachers who sacrifice so much in the pursuit of educating our youth with an offer for all SFSD teachers and faculty. The event runs from March 3rd-12th and gives you access to:

$100 In store credit on all BBD products

-and-

Up to 40% off Mattress purchases

Print this coupon or pick up a physical copy in the school workroom and present it at Beds by Design with your school district ID card.

The SFSD would like to recognize any employee that has achieved an advanced degree or certification during the 2022-2023 school year. Please share your information through this link, as we would like to recognize your accomplishment and commitment to the field of education at an upcoming school board meeting.

Our friends at Levo are offering bags of Perky Coffee for $10/each with 100% of the money going to Operation Hope & Caring, which provides money for SFSD elementary schools without PTAs/PTOs. Mugs are $25 each, again with 100% of proceeds coming right back to our schools! Contact DeeAnn.Konrad@k12.sd.us to order yours today!

Help us celebrate our 2023 Retirees!

Over the next weeks, we want to take a moment to spotlight our Sioux Falls School District Retirees!

This week join us in celebrating Jacqueline Beilke, Julie Larson, Melonie Schumacher, and Joey Struwe! Be sure to take a moment to greet them in their classrooms or send them an email with your best wishes as they reflect on their inspiring career with Sioux Falls School District and make their transition to retirement.

Jacqueline, Julie, Melonie, and Joey – thank you for a lifetime of making a difference and congratulations on your upcoming retirement!

Join us on Tuesday, April 18th at the Country Club of Sioux Falls to celebrate our retirees and employees with 25 years of service. More details to come!

Steps:

1. Go to EAC and login: https://siouxfalls.efp.sourcewelltech.org/employeeaccess
2. Once you login the first page that pops up has your Demographic information. Carefully look this over. If you see anything that is incorrect click the update button, change information, and click save.
3. You’re done!

If you have any issues please contact Dominick.Pitzl@k12.sd.us.

District Staff participating in the Wellness Program have deadlines fast approaching. In order to earn the Wellness Credit for the 2023-24 school year, all Wellness Program requirements need to be completed by March 1, 2023.

The three requirements for earning the Wellness Credit for 2023-24 are listed below:

1. Complete the Personal Health Assessment in the Uprise Health Wellness Portal
2. Schedule a wellness visit with your doctor and submit a completed Preventative Care Form.
3. Complete ONE Wellness Program Activity:

a. Participate in the Wondr Health Program

b. Participate in a Fitness Challenge

c. Complete 3 Digital Health Workshops

d. Complete 3 sessions with a Health Coach

If you have not already scheduled your wellness physical with your doctor, call your doctor’s office now to get scheduled before the March 1st deadline!

For assistance or questions, please email benefits.sfsd@k12.sd.us.

If you are a retiring teacher, clerical, or administrator this year and want to cash in any eligible personal leave before retiring, you will want to submit your electronic Personal Leave Cash-In Form on Records by March 15, 2023.

HR Records: https://sf.tedk12.com/Records

When reporting injuries, District staff will be calling a new number. This number will connect employees to a Medcor nurse who will be able to assist with the workplace injury. RAS will still be the District’s worker’s compensation provider but Medcor will enable an easier reporting process for employees. Be watching for the new workplace injury sticker for the back of badges.

Report a workplace injury IMMEDIATELY!

1. Notify your supervisor & visit the nurse or building clerical.
2. Call: MEDCOR at 1-855-736-9482.

a. Follow the instructions.

1. If an emergency DIAL 911.

Click the link below to register for Sand Creek EAP’s live webinars.

• Wednesday, March 8th - 12:30pm - 1:30pm - Workplace Differences: A Matter of Style
• Tuesday, March 21st - 11:00am - 11:30am - Boundaries and Blindspots

Can’t attend a webinar? No problem! Visit https://allonehealth.com/blog/ to view all past webinars.

Have you been thinking of adding more physical activity to your life? Have you thought about walking? Walking is a great way to be more active and is the most popular physical activity among adults.

Two benefits of walking are that it’s easy to do and has a low risk of injury. Walking also is free or low-cost because you don’t need special equipment, clothing, facilities, or training. Because walking can easily fit your schedule, needs, and abilities, it’s a good way to start getting active if you’ve been inactive. Like other kinds of regular physical activity, walking at a brisk pace also may offer health benefits, such as

• lowering your risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes
• strengthening your bones and muscles
• helping you burn more calories
• improving your fitness
• lifting your mood

Adapted from Sand Creek Employee Assistance Program