SVE Hiltunen Happenings

SVE Families, welcome to the beautiful month of October! 🍂

We've been busy at Sioux Valley Elementary, and I couldn’t be more proud of our students and staff. Here's a quick glimpse of what's happening:

• DIBELS testing is complete, and we’re excited to dive into the data to support your child's growth in the Science of Reading.
• Our 5th grade students geared up for their Math Fair presentations—it’s always amazing to see the creativity and problem-solving they bring to school and spread beyond the school walls and halls.
• Response to Intervention (RtI) is in full swing, ensuring we meet the needs of every learner as a reader. RtI started last week for students in 1st-5th grade. Families will be sent a letter explaining RTI in more detail and to let you know the reading skill and the intervention we are working on with your child.
• Our Kindergarten Color Days will bring a splash of fun and excitement to school during the first half of October as they master the colors of their world.
• Our 2nd graders even took a trip to Adee Honey Farm and 3rd graders went to Pipestone Monument, giving our students an unforgettable hands-on learning experience.
• And finally, we’re thrilled to announce our SVE Assembly for September was put on by our incredible 3rd graders! They showcased Cossack class by telling their peers on how to be respectful, responsible, and safe in all places in our school.
• Oh, and Homecoming—what a day! The energy and spirit were truly contagious, and it was such a joy to see our students and families come together to celebrate these cherished traditions. We even introduced a new tradition this year, with the Kindergarten Class of 2037 walking out to meet the Graduating Class of 2025 at the 50-yard line of the football field before the 2024 Homecoming Pep Rally. You can catch the reel and photos from this special moment on our SVE Facebook page!

We’ve got so much to look forward to this month! Thank you for your continued support in making Sioux Valley Elementary a great place to learn and grow.

Warm regards,

Heather Hiltunen

Principal, Sioux Valley Elementary

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

Full-Circle Moment: Mrs. Verhelst Reunites with Her First Kindergarten Class, Now 5th Graders, Alongside All the Students She’s Taught at Sioux Valley Elementary!

PIERRE, S.D. – Amy Verhelst, a kindergarten teacher at Sioux Valley Elementary School in Volga, has been named the 2025 South Dakota Teacher of the Year. Secretary of Education Joseph Graves made the announcement at a banquet held this evening in Fort Pierre.

“Amy is the kind of kindergarten teacher every parent wants their child to have,” said Graves. “Her classroom is full of kindness and optimism. She operates with a steady hand that sets her students up to succeed in school for years to come. Her commitment to and competence with the Science of Reading practices was evident from the first moment we walked into her classroom.”

Verhelst has been teaching since 2014. She is committed to reading instruction using the Science of Reading; every day, her class receives instruction in phonics and phonemic awareness, which helps her students develop into readers before they complete kindergarten.

In a previously recorded video promoting the education profession, Verhelst spoke of her love for each of her students, and the rewarding nature of working with children in their kindergarten year. “Kindergarten is that beginning stage where I get to give them their first exposure to school, that first experience, and it’s like a whole new world for them.”

Verhelst is a graduate of South Dakota State University. She has also taught in the Brandon Valley School District and in Brownsburg, Ind. She has been at Sioux Valley Elementary since 2018.

As South Dakota Teacher of the Year, Verhelst receives prizes including a $5,000 grant from the West River Foundation to use as she wishes, and a $2,000 honorarium from the South Dakota Board of Regents to present a series of professional development seminars to aspiring teachers. She will also have the opportunity to earn a master’s degree at no cost from the South Dakota Board of Regents.

Additional prizes are made possible through the generosity of the South Dakota Retailers Association and the South Dakota Education Association.

Verhelst will represent South Dakota as a candidate for the 2025 National Teacher of the Year award. The winner will be announced during a ceremony in Washington, D.C., next spring. The National Teacher of the Year Program began in 1952 and continues as the oldest, most prestigious national honors program that focuses public attention on excellence in teaching.

At Sioux Valley Elementary, our Beginning of the Year (BOY) DIBELS data shows that 63% of our 1st-5th grade students are performing at or above the benchmark in literacy skills. This is a strong start, but we are always striving for improvement. Our goal is to have 80% of students at or above the benchmark, with 10% in the "strategic" range and 10% or fewer needing intensive interventions. Currently, 19% of our students are in the strategic category, and 18% require intensive reading interventions. Our staff is committed to providing the necessary support and resources to help every student achieve literacy success!

Our Title I Interventionist is Mrs. Bezdichek. Please view the link below to learn more about the Title I supports she provides to our students and families at SVE.

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on this language-based learning difference and the unique challenges it presents. Dyslexia includes a range of difficulties related to understanding and using spoken and written language, presenting struggles in reading, spelling, and writing, but it does not affect a person's intelligence. Often, the brightness of dyslexic students can confuse parents and educators, leading to the misconception that these students simply need to try harder.

Educators and parents are encouraged to explore ways to help children showcase and nurture their strengths, instead of just concentrating on the challenges posed by dyslexia. Dr. Sally Shaywitz wisely noted, "Dyslexia is an island in a sea of strengths." The dyslexic brain works differently, presenting both challenges and unique strengths. By identifying and nurturing these strengths, we can offer a more balanced perspective to children who might otherwise feel defeated.

Every day, Mrs. Bezdichek is inspired by her students' creativity and curiosity. They flourish when learning is tailored to unlock their potential, and she feels privileged to accompany them on this journey.

To read more about Dyslexia check out Mrs. Bezdichek's 23-24 Cossack Corner Article. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nuiuOW0RIJr4g6Ara2FdIbcaP2xX6Llu/view?usp=sharing

Response to Intervention (RtI) is a multi-tiered instructional framework based on the philosophy that all students can be successful. This is achieved primarily by providing researched based instruction, providing small group and individual early intervention supports and monitoring students’ response to those supports.

RtI enables teachers to work with students who need additional support in reading to be more successful during their school day. The goal is to provide students with support, during their scheduled classroom RtI time, that they need to be independently successful with grade level standards. Students receiving extra support will NOT miss any scheduled curriculum time. Each grade level has a 30-minute scheduled RtI time during their school day which allows teachers the time to give students additional support in an identified area of concern.

RtI is a proactive approach and framework for providing appropriate learning experiences for all students. Both the students and teachers are working hard as a team to build strong reading skills here at Sioux Valley Elementary. Our RtI small groups are an important part of that commitment. Tier 2 and Tier 3 RTI Family Letters will be sent home at the end of the day on Monday, October 7.

Happy October! October we are focusing on Citizenship. There are many ways to be a good citizen and our focus is on how we can make our school community the best place it can be. The kids hold a lot of ownership to their school as this is a place they spend a lot of time. The choices we make in our days, show our peers around us who we are as a person and how we care about our learning environment. Below is a calendar that focuses on “Kindness.” I encourage you to keep the previous calendars from August and September as a resource for those tough times with feelings and self-esteem. Let’s encourage each other to push ourselves and really reflect on who we are and how our choices impact these topics.

The goal of these monthly Social Emotional Learning calendars are to help create conversations with others, how to ask questions, get creative with our own answers/ideas/thoughts/opinions, and to learn and grow from one another. Let’s show great citizenship and kindness this month!

Other awareness events this month that Ms. Schnose touches base on in her classes/lessons are:

• Oct. 7: WORLD SMILE DAY- I LOVE CELEBRATING THIS WITH YOUR KIDS. They are the reason for my smiles during my days.
• Oct. 10: World Mental Health Day
• Oct. 16: Unity Day
• Oct. 28-Nov 1: Red Ribbon Week
• Oct. 1-31: Bully Prevention Month

Ms. Schnose will be sending out resources via seesaw throughout the month on these topics.

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.

The graph displays behavior referrals at Sioux Valley Elementary from August 1 to October 1, 2024. The most frequent referrals were for minor defiance and minor disruption, with both having about 16 incidents. Other behaviors include minor contact and minor disrespect, which also saw multiple referrals, though at lower levels compared to defiance and disruption.

Less frequent behaviors reported include major physical aggression (P. Agg), major defiance, and minor misuse of property. The fewest referrals were for bullying, disrespect, inappropriate language, and threats, with each of these behaviors having very few incidents.

The data indicates a focus on addressing defiance and classroom disruption as the most prevalent issues for the month of September.

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.

Mrs. Ann Vostad will be filling in for Mrs. Mallary Pingleton, who is set to begin her maternity leave in mid-October. Mrs. Pingleton teaches JK-4 elementary music at Sioux Valley Elementary. A proud 1984 graduate of Sioux Valley High School, Ann started subbing 29 years ago when her youngest child began kindergarten.

“I had been a classroom volunteer for my daughters when Deb Moberg asked if I would consider subbing,” Ann recalled. “At first, I was hesitant, but Deb assured me it wouldn’t be much different than volunteering, so I gave it a try.” Since then, Ann has subbed in every grade and subject at least once.

“Elementary music is a little out of my comfort zone,” Ann admitted, “but I believe in challenging myself, and I know Mrs. Pingleton will have everything well organized for me.” One of the highlights of this opportunity is that Ann’s granddaughter, Adeline, is in kindergarten this year.

Ann and her husband, Kevin, farm southwest of Volga and are proud parents of three children—Stephanie, Ashley, and Thorwald—and grandparents to nine. Ann also enjoys her roles with the Sioux Valley volleyball and basketball teams, leading 4-H, and writing for the Volga Tribune.

2024-2025 Elementary Concert Dates:

December 13th-JK-1 Concert at 2-2:30pm and 2nd & 3rd Concert at 2:45-3:15pm. Performing Arts Center (PAC)

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

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

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. 😮

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month

October 7-Grade Check for 4th & 5th grade students and Fire Safety Week Presentations

October 8-International Dyslexia Day-WEAR RED

October 14 - No School; Native American Day

October 18-End of 1st Quarter

October 21-Grade Check for 4th & 5th grade students

October 28-Nov. 1-Red Ribbon Dress-Up Week (poster coming soon)

October 30-SVE CITIZENSHIP ASSEMBLY. Families are invited. 2:45pm/Cossack Gym

October 31-Halloween Parade begins at 2:45pm/Cossack Gym. All are invited.

November 14- P/T Conferences from 4-6pm

November 15-P/T Conferences from 8am-4pm (NO STUDENTS)

November 27-29-NO SCHOOL (Thanksgiving Break)

We have a few updates regarding our school lunch program that we want to share with you.

Milk Options:

To better meet dietary needs, we have switched to purchasing skim milk in both white and chocolate varieties, replacing the lactose-free milk. This change ensures we have at least one skim milk option available, allowing us to remain compliant with our guidelines.

Fruit and Veggie Bar:

We need your support in helping students adjust to our fruit and veggie bar. We’ve noticed an increase in waste due to students filling their trays beyond the recommended portions. While we encourage students to enjoy fruits and vegetables, the requirement is only ½ cup of fruit or vegetables. We display the amount needed on top of the veggie bar for guidance and have staff assistance in the lower elementary lunchroom. Please talk to your children about portion control and eating what they take and how to use good manners: using utensils when eating, using a quiet voice, and helping with cleaning his/her mess, if they make one.

Overall, the majority of our students have been fantastic in following the guidelines, and we appreciate their efforts. It’s been a great start to the year, and we hope to maintain this positive momentum moving forward.

🌟 Shout Out to Mrs. Dawn Lucas! 🌟

We are thrilled to recognize Mrs. Dawn Lucas, one of our amazing kindergarten teachers, for being a true "Marigold" in our school community. Mrs. Lucas was nominated by a fellow staff member for her unwavering encouragement and support, especially when life gets tough. Thank you, Mrs. Lucas, for spreading kindness and being a bright light for both staff and students at SVE! 💛

Her kindness and commitment make a positive impact on both staff and students every day. Thank you, Mrs. Dawn Lucas, for being a part of someone's "Marigold Moment" at SVE! 🌟

Q: What is the total enrollment and class sizes at Sioux Valley Elementary?

A: See chart.

Did you know that we currently have enrollment caps (class-size recommendations) that help guide open enrollment decisions, based on staff availability and programming. These caps ensure we can provide adequate resources and support for all students while maintaining manageable class sizes.

Junior Kindergarten: 14 students

Kindergarten – 2nd grade: 66 students

3rd grade – 8th grade: 69 students

9th grade – 12th grade: 72 students

Q. How many open enrollment applications have been received this school year?

A. The SV School District has received 38 open enrollments this school year. Not all have been approved based on staff availability and/or programming.

Q. Are students able to wear Gizmos or other electronic devices such as Apple Watches?

According to our 2024-25 Student Handbook on page 5: All electronic devices, including cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, and Gizmos, must be kept in a student’s backpack or locker during the school day. Texting and the use of these devices will not be allowed during school hours without explicit permission. The SVE Student Handbook is located on our SVE website. Paper copies of the handbook are available in the elementary office. If parents need to notify with their child during the school day, best practice is to email or Seesaw your child's teacher and/or to call the elementary office at 627-5657 ext. 404.