District Dialogue

The National Association of School Resource Officers has appointed February 15 as National School Resource Officer Day! We often talk about the strong community partnerships SFSD is blessed to benefit from. The SROs in our schools are one of those strong partnerships that benefits us greatly. SROs bridge gaps between youth and law enforcement. In addition to school policing, they serve as informal counselors and slide into education roles to support our students and the community.

Please help us say thank you to our School Resource Officers tomorrow!

Instructional Coach Ashley Allington is one of our newest SFSD All Stars! Anne Sullivan teacher Julie Sunderman says, “Ashley works hard every day to support our staff and students. If she doesn’t know an answer, she finds someone who does or researches until she finds it. Coaching Cycles with her are so rewarding and informative. If we need something, she’s there to help in any way.” Congratulations, Ashley! You are an SFSD All Star!

Levo, Air Madness, and other partners are teaming up for an exciting event to raise money for Operation Hope and Caring! On Tuesday, February 21 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. enjoy jumping, laser tag and more with 100% of the proceeds going to SFSD schools without PTAs/PTOs!

https://airmadnesspos.com/airmadness/onlinesales/tickets1.php

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!

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!

Enrollment in the Sioux Falls School District’s Spanish Immersion Program has doubled in the last five years making it timely for a program review by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). The program review is favorable and offers some additional ideas for future consideration by the District.

Todd Vik provided an update on the education-related bills currently being considered by the SD Legislature. The District closely follows legislation and determines a position of: support, oppose, neutral, or amend.

A number of school board policies were up for review by the Board.

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.

Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day, and with this day comes lots of sweets and treats. You may be surprised to learn that not all of those goodies are bad for your health! Studies show that dark chocolate has numerous health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure and inflammation. It also has been linked to reducing the risk of diabetes and heart disease.

Dark chocolate is a great source of iron, copper, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, and flavanols. Choosing dark chocolate and eating modest quantities may offer the greatest health benefits. Enjoy!

Adapted from Harvard Nutrition Source

Financial health can affect mental health, which can affect physical health and wellness. Working with a Sand Creek financial coach can help you reach goals, save for emergencies, retire with confidence, and positively impact your well-being. Reach out to your Sand Creek Assistance Program for financial consultations referrals to help with:

• Budget coaching
• Bankruptcy consultation
• Home buying
• Debt management consultation and resources
• Managing taxes
• Identity theft
• Retirement questions and guidance
• Saving for college

Call: 888-243-5744