District Dialogue
Keeping you informed the week of April 17-21, 2023
National Public School Volunteer Week
April 17-23 is National Public School Volunteer Week! This weeklong celebration honors the hard work and dedication of all the volunteers who give their time and resources to support public education. From tutoring and mentoring to chaperoning field trips and assisting in the classroom, volunteers play a crucial role in supporting the success of students and teachers. Community involvement has been shown to have a very positive impact on classroom environments and student achievement. Lets all take this week to give an extra special 'thank you!' to the volunteers who give their time and effort to help make our schools a better place!
SFSD All Stars! 💫🤩⭐
Nominate A Coworker Today!
For 150 years, SFSD has provided a high-quality public education to hundreds of thousands of students. Student success is heavily dependent upon the adults who guide learning, develop expectations, and personally display a positive attitude and caring spirit. This award celebrates staff members who embrace the mission/vision of SFSD with excellence and professionalism, and who leave their mark without fanfare.
Library Advisory Committee
The Library Advisory Committee will serve as an advocate for the library program. The committee will help determine policies and procedures to guide library services as changing technology impacts available services. When a request for reconsideration of library materials arises, the committee will review the materials and make a recommendation to the superintendent regarding the continued use of the materials.
The SFSD is forming a Library Advisory Committee, and we are looking for members to fill the following roles: Classroom Teacher, Librarian, Parent, Administration.
Storm Tickets for Operation Hope and Caring
47% of school kids live in poverty. This means they might not have money for school lunch, school supplies, winter boots, field trips, or washing their clothes. But you can help level the playing field by participating in some fun and practical ways. Join Levo Credit Union, The Sioux Falls Storm and Air Madness in this great effort.
ATTEND THE GAME
Saturday, April 29, 2023
Enjoy some local football that supports local kids. Bring your friends and family out for a night of food, field goals and fanfare.
50% of net proceeds will be donated to Operation Hope & Caring.
*Group tickets are available. Please contact: Stephanie Richter at stephanie.richter@siouxfallsstorm.com
Occupational Therapy Month
Occupational therapy is a science-driven, evidence-based profession that enables people of all ages to participate in daily living or live better with injury, illness, or disability.
By taking the full picture into account, occupational therapy assists people in:
- Achieving their goals
- Functioning at the highest possible level
- Concentrating on what matters most to them
- Maintaining or rebuilding their independence
- Participating in the everyday activities that they need to do or that simply make life worth living
Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants are experts in helping people perform the occupations they need and want to do every day. Thank you to all occupational therapists for helping our students live their best lives!
Last call for coffee!
This offer is ending after this week! Last call!
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!
Staff Recognition
The SFSD would like to recognize any employee that has achieved an advanced degree or certification during the 2022-2023 school year. Please share your information through this link, as we would like to recognize your accomplishment and commitment to the field of education at an upcoming school board meeting.
HR Radar
HR Radar: Upcoming Sand Creek Webinars
Click the link below to register for Sand Creek EAP’s live webinars.
- Wednesday, May 10th - 12:30pm - 1:30pm - A Balancing Act for the Work and Personal Life Seesaw
- Wednesday, June 14th - 12:30pm - 1:30pm - Healthy Living: Navigate Life’s Transitions
Can’t attend a webinar? No problem! Visit https://allonehealth.com/blog/ to view all past webinars.
It's Open Enrollment Time: April 5th through April 28th
Interested in Flexible Spending for 2023-2024 or Making a Change to Your Benefits?
If you are interested in flexible spending for 2023-2024 or want to make any changes to your benefits, you must do so during open enrollment. Please note, you MUST go through the ENTIRE open enrollment. Use the attached enrollment guide to help you through the enrollment.
Not Interested in Flexible Spending for 2023-2024 and Not Making Any Changes?
No action is required if you have no benefit changes and are declining flexible spending. Open enrollment is only for those who have/need to elect flexible spending and/or are interested in making changes to any of their benefits.
- Questions? Contact benefits.sfsd@k12.sd.us
Weekly Wellness: How Sugars and Sweeteners Affect Your Health
Did you know that about 15% of the calories in the American adult diet now come from added sugars! Over time, excess sweeteners can take a toll on your health. Studies have found a direct link between excess sugar consumption and obesity and cardiovascular problems.
Here are some tips to cut added sugars from your diet.
- Choose water, milk, or unsweetened tea or coffee instead of sodas, sports drinks, energy drinks, and fruit drinks.
- Reduce sugar in recipes.
- Enhance flavor by adding vanilla, cinnamon, or nutmeg.
- Eat fresh, canned, frozen and dried fruits without added sugar. Choose fruits canned in their own juice or water rather than syrup.
- Top foods like cereal and pancakes with fresh fruit.
- Read the Nutrition Facts label to choose packaged foods with less sugars.
Adapted from Sand Creek
Weekly Wellness: 3 Infrared Sauna Sessions for $30 at 3 Degreees
Until the end of April, District staff can bring in their badge and purchase 3 infrared sauna sessions for only $30. What a great way to spend time relaxing and improving your health at an infrared sauna!
Benefits:
- Detox at cellular level
- Relax & stress relief
- Boost immune system
- Ease pain & tension
- Lower blood pressure
- Improve circulation
Help us celebrate our 2023 Retirees!
This week join us in celebrating David Christian, Rebecca Christianson, Lynn Gillette, and Melonie Schumacher! Be sure to take a moment to greet them in their classrooms or send them an email with your best wishes as they reflect on their inspiring career with Sioux Falls School District and make their transition to retirement.
David, Rebecca, Lynn and Melonie – thank you for a lifetime of making a difference and congratulations on your upcoming retirement!