Administrative Comments
Dear Warrior Families -
Greetings, Warrior Families!
September was a busy month as we celebrated 100 years of Orange Letter Days (O.L.D.) Thank you to everyone that helped make all the homecoming festivities successful! Congratulations again to King Abraham Myers and Queen Alexandra Panic.
A reminder that there is no school for students on Monday and Tuesday, October 10 and 11. We encourage you to be involved in the Indigenous Persons celebrations around town on October 10th. October 11th is a professional development day for teachers.
Seniors will be taking the National Career Readiness Certificate exam (NCRC) on Wednesday, October 19. The assessment measures workplace ready skills in the areas of Applied Math, Workplace Documents, and Graphic Literacy. Students have the opportunity to earn certificates at the Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze levels. Receiving a National Career Readiness Certificate can unlock scholarship dollars and other career and work related opportunities for students. Seniors and guardians will be receiving more information next week via email. We also plan to meet with Seniors during Reading Period on Monday, October 17.
We round out October with Parent Teacher conferences on October 24 and 25th. Monday, October 24th will be an in-person opportunity for parents to meet with teachers from 4:00 - 7:30. On Tuesday, October 25th, teachers will host virtual or phone conferences. Look for more information to come via email in the next couple of weeks.
Now that we are cresting the 25 day mark, it is a good time to review student attendance and grades. We encourage you to get on the Parent Portal with your student and review his/her grades, missing assignments, etc. If you need help logging on to the Parent Portal, please contact the school at 605.367.7970.
We know that it takes effort by all of us to encourage our students to be the very best they can be in the classroom and out of the classroom. We so appreciate your partnership with us to discuss items that transfer into the professional world as well. Share with your students what the professional expectations of your workplace are and how the school setting is helping them prepare for life outside of school. We appreciate all you do!
Go, Warriors!
The WHS Admin Team
Mrs. Papke, Mr. Kooima, Mrs. Jorgenson, and Mr. Malchow
Superintendent Message
Same and Different
By Dr. Jane Stavem, Superintendent
I was recently asked, “How was the start of the new school year?” My reply? “It was very normal!” As I said it, I realized how good it felt to have some of the concerns of the past two years fade into the rearview mirror and how wonderful it is to welcome our students and families with many of our traditions and events back up and running in true form.
Back-to-school activities abound and schedules have accelerated as we start to enjoy the many things our students are involved in at all levels. We want to make sure you don’t miss a thing, so be sure to download our school district app and visit our website at sf.k12.sd.us. .
Even without a pandemic, there are changes that happen every year as we adapt to the needs of a growing school district. Some of those changes are easy to deal with and others can be more challenging or have other factors that impact the pace, the complexity, or even the quality of the change.
Some big realities that continue to influence many things in our school district are workforce shortages and supply chain delays and disruptions. A wise person once told me there is a difference between problems and dilemmas. Problems can be solved, but dilemmas can only be managed. I would say both workforce and supply issues are dilemmas that we will have to deal with over time until they can be resolved at some point in the future.
We know we are not alone, and some of the daily challenges our school district faces are small in comparison to other places across the country. We were able to start school on time with a regular schedule. We are able to provide bus transportation. We have a school nutrition program at all schools.
Those things sound simple and part of regular school district expectations, yet significant changes and cutbacks are happening in many places, even to the point of full elimination of some basic services. My hope is that we won’t be faced with decisions that feel catastrophic, and that over time, we are able to fill all open positions and restore our regular flow of supplies and services.
Even with the challenges and opportunities of each day, we know one thing stays the same - students come to school for an education, to be with their friends, and to learn and grow as they develop their gifts and talents.
We’re glad you’re part of the Sioux Falls School District, and as we move through the school year, we hope you’re taking the time to connect with your child’s school and with other families. We appreciate your patience as we continue to implement many changes this year - all with the goal of improving your SFSD experience.
National Hispanic Heritage Month
¡Feliz Mes de la Herencia Hispana! Did you know Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated September 15 to October 15 in the United States? During this month we recognize the amazing contributions and incredible influence of Hispanic Americans to the history, culture, and achievements in the United States. “The Latina in me is an ember that blazes forever.” – Sonia Sotomayor.
New Counselor Alpha Assignment for 2022-2023 School Year
New Counselor Alpha Assignment for 2022-23 School Year
Nicole Thompson = A through COL
Jennifer Witt = COM through G
Shelli Wiese = H through LA
Tammy Nold = LE through OL
DeAndra McCarthy = OM through SO
Travis Sieber = SP through Z
Follow Us!
Facebook = facebook.com/washingtoncounseling
Instagram = whs_counseling
HS Tripper Bus Pass Changes
*The city SAM office will no longer charge middle or high school students to ride the city SAM bus. Students will only need to show their District photo ID to ride.
*The SFSD has also decided to no longer charge students to ride the HS Tripper buses. Students will only need to show their District photo ID to ride the yellow HS Tripper bus assigned to their HS.
*We will continue the HS Tripper routes with "set stops" for each HS.
Yearbook Information
* The 2022 WHS yearbooks have arrived!!! Distribution will begin the week of August 29th. WHS graduates may stop in after school at 3:10pm to pick your yearbook or if you have a sibling that is still a student at WHS they may pick it up for you.
* There will be a portal on Infinite Campus to purchase the 2023 WHS yearbook through October 1st. After that, online purchases will be done through Jostens.
* Senior portraits for the yearbook are due by Christmas break. Look for specific requirements at a later date.
The Warrior Zone's October "Deal of the Month"
The Under Armour Camo Tee is the October “Deal of the Month” in The Warrior Zone. This performance cotton tee is marked down $10 to the price of $14.99 for the entire month. You can view this item and all the rest of the merchandise that is available in The Warrior Zone at www.whswarriorzone.weebly.com
WHS Booster Club
Contact us
Website: http://www.sf.k12.sd.us/washington/home
Location: 501 N. Sycamore Sioux Falls SD, 57110
Phone: (605) 367-7970