The Explorer

We’re off and running! Every new school year brings with it challenges and joys - but our blessings are many:

• The toothless smile of a kindergartner who can’t wait to get a tooth holder from the Health Office.
• The first graders who feel like they have finally made it now that they have made it through kindergarten.
• The second graders who are beginning to read with fluency and very proud of it.
• The third graders who now are officially part of the BIG kids.
• The fourth graders who mature so much during the year becoming more settled, mature, and serious about learning.
• The fifth graders who are suddenly taller than some of our staff and thinking about middle school.

This month, there are parent teacher conferences. Conferences play a significant role in a student’s development and academic success. Teachers and parents often see different aspects of a student’s personality - by maintaining an open dialogue it can be helpful for both. When parents take advantage of conferences and other opportunities to speak with teachers, it allows parents to learn of any challenges - academic or otherwise - their child might be having. Similarly, parents can relay any special circumstances at home that might have some bearing on the student’s performance or behavior. When parents and teachers work together to try and provide the best environment for learning, the child stands to benefit the most.

I look forward to seeing you at parent teacher conferences and let's continue to make this the best year yet!

Mr. Dan Fischer, Principal

The 2025-26 SFSD Calendar is also attached below.

• Oct. 2: K03 and K05 field trip to the Butterfly House from 9:20 am - 11:05 am.
• Oct. 2: K01 and K06 field trip to the Butterfly House from 11:20 am - 1:00 pm.
• Oct. 2: K02 and K04 field trip to the Butterfly House from 12:35 pm - 2:20 pm.
• Oct. 9: K03, K05, and K06 field trip to Our Farm from 10:50 am - 2:15 pm.
• Oct. 10: K01, K02, and K04 field trip to Our Farm from 10:50 am - 2:15 pm.
• Oct. 13: No school in observance of Native American Day.
• Oct. 14: No school for Inservice.
• Oct. 14: Parent Teacher Conferences from 12:30 pm - 7:30 pm.
• Oct. 16: Parent Teacher Conferences from 3:30 pm - 7:30 pm.
• Oct. 21: Picture Retakes starting at 8:05 am.
• Oct. 21: PTO Meeting at 6:00 pm in the Discovery library.
• Oct. 24: PTO's Fall Dance from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm in the Discovery lunchroom and gym.
• Oct. 31: Fall Classroom Parties at 2:00 pm.

With the change of seasons, below are the student “what to wear” guidelines that we follow.

PTO is asking for volunteers to help at their annual Fall Dance on October 24. There are 30 minute time slots available and the “jobs” are very easy: set-up, concessions, running a game, and clean-up. Due to the size of this event, if there are not enough volunteers, there will be fewer games and/or the event will be cancelled. To volunteer, sign up at: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C44ADAD2CA3FF2-52359975-2024.

The Discovery Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is in need of candy donations to hand out as prizes for their upcoming Fall Dance, which is on October 24. Donations can be dropped off in the office between 7:30 am - 4:00 pm.

The safety of our students is our number one priority. It requires everyone’s cooperation and patience. Please slow down and stay alert for children walking, biking, and crossing the street.

The school zone speed limit is 15 mph. We have had several reports of vehicles driving in excess of the 15 mph speed limit – this puts everyone at risk. Do your part and slow down. We would rather students arrive late and safe - versus putting you, your student(s), and others at risk.

Parent Teacher Conferences are right around the corner and with that comes PTO’s Scholastic Book Fair. PTO is looking for volunteers to help with the Book Fair on October 14 and 16. There are 30 minute time slots available and the “jobs” are very easy: set-up, registers, and tear down. To volunteer, sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C44ADAD2CA3FF2-51787210-fall#/ .

Help shape the future of Sioux Falls! The second phase of engagement for the Shape Sioux Falls 2050 plan is underway. Review the draft plan and rank the recommendations to help us prioritize our city’s growth for the next 25 years. Learn more and get involved at siouxfalls.gov/shapesf2050.

Students are learning about the Zones of Regulation and how their brain works when it’s in different zones of regulation. Dr. Dan Siegel's hand model of the brain helps us understand what happens to our brain and to our body when we "flip our lid".

Students learned that the downstairs brain controls our feelings and reactions - and our upstairs brain controls our thinking and problem solving. When we get in the Red Zone and "flip our lid", our upstairs brain is no longer functioning, and we first need to use a calm down skill to get our upstairs brain working again. Learning this helps us to do our best learning and feel like our best selves.

School-wide, we use an empowering, problem-solving curriculum called Kelso’s Choices that teaches students nine ways to solve small problems. Students learned that BIG problems make us or someone else feel hurt or scared. Small problems they should try solving on their own using Kelso's Choices. Students can try two Kelso's Choices to solve a small problem. If they still need more help, they can ask an adult.

First grade has been working hard on practicing there Kelso's choices! Students learned that "ask them to stop" and "talk it out" is to give them "a bug and a wish!"

Email: Daniel.Fischer@k12.sd.us

Assistant Principal: Mrs. Jodi DeHaven

Email: Jodi.DeHaven@k12.sd.us

Location: 1506 South Discovery Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
Phone: 605-362-3530 Fax: 605-362-3535