El Noticiero

Annual Update open for the 2024-25 School Year

Tuesday, August 19: Open House and Picture Day from 4-6:00 PM (Elementary and Preschool)

Thursday, August 21: First Day of the 2025-26 School Year - Pep Rally on the playground at 7:45

Tuesday, August 26: Learning Adventures Early Childhood Program First Day of School

August 29: No Classes- Holiday - Labor Day Break

September 1: No Classes- Holiday - Labor Day Break

October 13: No Classes - Native American Day Observance

October 14: No Classes - Inservice

*Fall Parent Teacher Conferences will be on October 14 and 16

The Annual Update for the 2025-26 school year is now open on Infinite Campus. Please log into your Parent Portal account on either a laptop or desktop computer and not a mobile device to complete. If you do not have access to one, you can stop into the SSE office and complete it on one of our available chromebooks. Please complete it as soon as possible and it is expected that the update is completed for every student in your household.

Link to Parent Portal

Looking for school info? Start here!
Our Parent One-Stop-Shop has everything in one place—calendar, lunch menu, staff info, tutoring info, lost & found photos, and more.

👉 Click here to access it

📱 Want easy access from your phone?
Save it to your home screen:

• On iPhone (Safari):
  Tap the Share icon → scroll down → tap Add to Home Screen.

• On Android (Chrome):
  Tap the three dots in the top-right → select Add to Home screen.

Now you’ll have one-tap access anytime!

Summer Reading and Dreambox Challenge

If your student(s) completed the Summer Reading and Dreambox Challenge, please bring your sheet to the first day of school!

School Picture Day will take place at our Open House event on Tuesday, August 20th. Families will head to the gym between 4:00 and 7:00 to take student photos. Picture packages can be purchased online at mylifetouch.com using our Picture Day code is EVT662JBB. Preschool students may also take their pictures during the Open House. There will be a retake picture day on October 15th for students unable to make it to the Open House.

Having involved parents/guardians is a huge blessing to our school! It takes a team and thank you for being apart of it! Every school year, we do need to have a current Volunteer Registration Form on file. If you plan on Volunteering in any capacity during the school day, please fill out the Google Form below. While filling it out, you will not need to complete the background check. This is only if you will ever be with students without staff present. If it is needed in the future, we will contact you to complete it.

Volunteer Registration Google Form

I hope you’ve all had a chance to soak up summer and that your kids are rested, recharged, and ready to launch into another fabulous school year at Sotomayor!

We’re gearing up for an exciting year full of learning, laughter, and lots of memorable moments. Whether your child is walking through our doors for the first time or returning for another year of fun and growth, we can’t wait to welcome them back!

🚀 First Day of School – Thursday, August 21
We’ll start the year off right with a high-energy pep rally on the playground, featuring staff and students singing our school welcome song! It’s a joyful celebration that sets the tone for a positive, connected year ahead.

⏰ Start Time Reminder
School begins promptly at 7:55 AM each morning. Students should be in their seats and ready to learn by 7:55 AM. Those arriving after that time will be marked tardy. Starting the day on time helps students feel calm, confident, and ready to learn—thank you for your partnership in making that happen!

🚗 Drop-Off and Pick-Up Reminders
A friendly reminder (or maybe a heartfelt plea!): please be kind, responsible, and respectful to one another, our staff, and our school neighbors during drop-off and pick-up each day. Drive—and park—with care, courtesy, and common sense. Your patience and cooperation help keep everyone safe and create a more positive experience for all our families. Let’s model the very best for our kids.

💙 Our Core Values
Los Lobos are Leaders, Aware, Responsible, and Kind! Please help us reinforce these values at home, during school events, and out in the community. When our students live out these values, they shine—both in and out of the classroom.

📸 Stay Connected
Be sure to follow us on social media and keep an eye on your inbox for newsletters and school updates. It’s the best way to stay in the loop on important dates, events, and all the fun happening at school!

Thank you for being a vital part of our school community. We’re ready for another unforgettable year at Sonia Sotomayor Elementary!

Let’s make it a great one!

Proud to be your principal-

Tracy Vik

📚 Elementary & Preschool Open House – Tuesday, August 19th

We’re excited to welcome students and families back at our Open House on Tuesday, August 19th! Here's everything you need to know to make the most of this special evening:

🕓 Classroom Visits: 4:00–6:00 PM

• Teacher assignments will be posted at the event.

• Meet your child’s teacher and visit their classroom.

• Families are welcome to drop off school supplies that night.

📸 School Photos: 4:00–7:00 PM (Gym)

• Lifetouch will be on-site to take elementary and preschool student photos.

• Visit the gym between 4:00–7:00 PM.

• Order photo packages online mylifetouch.com. Use Picture Day Code: EVT662JBB

• Retake Day: October 15th for those unable to attend.

🎉 Welcome-Back Playground Party: 4:00–7:30 PM

• Enjoy food trucks while connecting with other SSE families.

• Tables will be available on the playground so families can eat together before or after visiting classrooms.

🤝 Get Involved!

• Visit the PTO table to learn about volunteer opportunities and purchase spirit wear.

• Stop by the PASI table (Parent Advocates for Spanish Immersion) to support our growing K–12 Spanish Immersion program—now in seven district schools!

Incoming Kinder & Preschool Families: Please bring your child’s birth certificate and immunization records if you haven’t submitted them yet.

We can’t wait to see you there!

Click here to get to know our new teachers at Sonia Sotomayor Elementary next year!

Sioux Empire Smiles is hosting a free, one-day dental clinic for children on Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Children’s Dental Center (3813 S Kiwanis Circle, Sioux Falls).

This event is designed for children ages 0–18 who may not have regular access to dental care—especially those who are uninsured or under-served. It’s a great opportunity for families who need support keeping their kids’ smiles healthy.

Please note:

• Services are first-come, first-served.

• You may need to wait outside before being seen—dress for the weather!

If your child hasn't seen a dentist in a while, this is a great chance to get them the care they need—at no cost.

At Sonia Sotomayor Elementary, two of our core values are to be kind and responsible—and that doesn’t stop at the school doors! Parents and caregivers have a great opportunity to model these values for students during drop-off and pick-up times. Let’s work together to drive and park with care, courtesy, and common sense to keep everyone safe and our neighbors happy. Go Los Lobos!

🚗 Morning Drop-Off Procedures

• If your student is eating breakfast, they may enter through the front doors starting at 7:30 AM.

  • Only students eating breakfast should enter through the front doors by the office.

  • Breakfast service ends at 7:45 AM, so students must arrive before then to receive breakfast.

• Students not eating breakfast should enter through the playground doors on the south side. These doors open at 7:50 AM. There is SSE staff supervision on the playground starting at 7:40 AM.

• Classroom learning begins promptly at 7:55 AM.

🚙 Using the Drop-Off Lanes

• Drop-off lanes are located on the west and east sides of the school.

• Students should only exit the vehicle from the curb side—never from the street side.

• To help keep traffic flowing, drivers must remain in their vehicle while using the drop-off lanes.

• If your student needs assistance exiting the car or gathering items, please park on a nearby side street and walk them in.

🚌 Important: No Drop-Off or Pick-Up in the Bus Lane

• The bus lane in front of the school on Lake Avenue is for buses only during arrival and dismissal.

• No parking is permitted in the bus lane at any time.

• For everyone’s safety, do not use the bus lane to drop off or pick up students.

🚧 Safety Reminders for All Drivers

• Do not park on the crosswalk at any time.

• Please observe and respect No Parking signs—they are in place to protect students and ensure visibility.

• These expectations apply to all family members and friends who may be helping with drop-off or pick-up. Please share these reminders with anyone who transports your student.

🕒 Afternoon Pick-Up

• School dismisses each day at 2:45 PM.

• Parents may:

  • Park and meet their student(s) on the playground, or

  • Use the pick-up lanes on the west and east sides of the school.

• As in the morning, drivers must stay in their vehicle while using the pick-up lanes.

Thank you for helping us build a safe, respectful, and community-minded environment at SSE. Modeling kindness and responsibility in everyday moments makes a big impact on our students!

As a reminder, edible classroom treats are not allowed for birthdays or other celebrations due to student food allergies.
Instead, we encourage families to consider non-edible alternatives—and one meaningful option is our Library Birthday Book Program!

📚 Birthday Book Program

Celebrate your child’s birthday while growing our school library! This voluntary program offers two ways to participate:

Option 1: Donate a New Book

• 2 Weeks before your child’s birthday, families can donate a new hardcover book to the school library.

• The book may be in English or Spanish, and should be appropriate for a wide range of students.

• The donating student (or a parent) may read the book to their class, or Mrs. Egstad will share it during Library time.

• A special Birthday Book sticker will be added to the inside cover, recognizing your child’s contribution and birthday.

• The book becomes a lasting part of the Sotomayor Library collection!

Need help choosing a book? Mrs. Egstad is happy to offer suggestions. We also encourage students to help select their own donation book!

Option 2: $10 Donation

• Donate $10 to the Sotomayor Library, and your child will select from a variety of new, library-bound books.

• The book will receive a Birthday Book sticker and be shared with their class—just like in Option 1.

Thank you for helping us celebrate birthdays in a way that is safe, inclusive, and enriching for all students!

Student safety is our highest priority. To help us maintain a secure environment, all visitors and volunteers must check in at the school office with a valid government-issued photo ID—every time you enter the building.

This policy applies to all adults, including regular volunteers.
Please remember to bring your ID each time you visit.

Thank you for partnering with us to keep our school safe and welcoming for all!

If your student(s) requires medication, the school requires paperwork signed by a parent and a medical doctor. We will need to have a doctors order prior to being able to administer any medication. To start the paperwork process, please call our school nurse, Mariana Mauss, at 605-367-4655.

Parents/guardians must deliver any medication in its original labeled container to the school office. Students should not bring medications to school.

The Sioux Falls School District (SFSD) is now accepting applications for the Free/Reduced Meal Program. This school year, SFSD is covering the cost of every student who qualifies for Reduced price meals. This means the “Reduced” designation is being eliminated for this year only. Click here and start the process today.

2025-26 Meal Pricing

Elementary Breakfast= $2.45

Elementary Lunch= $3.35

Milk= $.50

Funds can be loaded to student lunch accounts on MySchoolBucks. You can also bring cash or check to the school office.

Please refer to Child Nutrition Servies for any additional questions. https://www.sf.k12.sd.us/page/nutrition-services

Parents now have a time-saving option to report student absences within the Parent Portal. To report an absence you can either call or email the school office or use the Absence Request option within your Parent Portal account. You are only able to use the Absence Request Processor for Full Day requests. For all other requests, please email (mary.boen@k12.sd.us and andrea.fowler@k12.sd.us) or call the office (605)367-4655.

To submit an absence, simply log in to your Parent Portal account, select 'More' and then 'Absence Requests.' From here you will be able to submit either a full day for any of the students in your household.

SFPS offers FREE half-day and full-day preschool options for eligible children ages 3–5, designed to support development and school readiness before kindergarten (age 5 by Sept. 1).

Classrooms use the High/Scope curriculum, offering hands-on, play-based learning focused on:

• 🗣️ Language & early literacy

• 🔢 Math & problem-solving

• 🎨 Creative exploration (art, music, dramatic play)

• 🧠 Cognitive, motor & social-emotional growth

Programs are led by highly qualified staff and supported through Head Start, Title I, and Special Education funding. Learning takes place in group and individual settings, with one-third of the day dedicated to student choice and play-based interest areas.

Family engagement is a key part of the program, with regular events and parent education opportunities.

📍 Preschool sites include:
Anne Sullivan, Cleveland, Garfield, Harvey Dunn, Hawthorne, Laura B. Anderson, Learning Lab, Lowell, and R.F. Pettigrew.

Email: tracy.vik@k12.sd.us
Website: https://www.sses.sf.k12.sd.us/o/ssspes
Location: Sioux Falls, SD, USA
Phone: 605-367-4655
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SFSpanishImmersion/