District Dialogue

School libraries have long been a cornerstone of learning, curiosity, and connection. During National Library Week, we celebrate the incredible value libraries bring to our schools and communities.

Our libraries are more than quiet places to read. They are spaces where students explore ideas, pursue passions, ask big questions, and grow into thoughtful, informed citizens. At the heart of these spaces are our librarians and library staff. These individuals are trusted guides who nurture a love of reading, foster digital literacy, and create welcoming environments for all learners.

Their impact reaches far beyond bookshelves. They spark imagination. They open doors. They help students feel seen, supported, and inspired. THANK YOU to all our librarians and library staff for going above and beyond and for making a difference each day.

This week we are also celebrating another group of heros in our schools, Assistant Principals!

From supporting teachers and encouraging students to navigating the unpredictable and helping schools run smoothly, our APs do it all! They are stead leaders, trusted problem-solvers, and champions of our school culture.

Please join us in thanking our APs for their dedication, leadership, and commitment to making every day better for students and staff. Your impact does not go unnoticed!

Every teacher deserves a cheerleader, and at Hawthorne Elementary, they have one of the best! As an instructional coach, Kendra Sundall goes far beyond just supporting instruction. She fills in where needed, builds meaningful relationships, and makes herself available any time a teacher needs advice, ideas, or someone to listen.

No matter what she's doing, Kendra shows up with positivity, expertise, and her heart. Her colleagues describe her as selfless, encouraging, and someone who lifts others up and never says no to a challenge.

Whether she's creating materials, helping teachers feel confident with new curriculum, or simply leaving a note of encouragement after a tough day, Kendra is the ultimate teammate.

Thank you, Kendra, for going above and beyond each and every day! ✨

Led by District leaders, these sessions will explore important questions, including:

🤖 How is AI being used in classrooms today?

🤖 Can AI personalize learning experiences for students?

🤖 Does it help or hinder the quality of student work?

🤖 Should teachers use AI tools when planning lessons?

🤖 And most importantly, how should AI be used in education?

Join us at one (or all) sessions:

📍Tuesday, April 15th, at LBA Elementary

📍Thursday, April 17th, at George McGovern MS

📍Tuesday, April 22nd, at RHS

All sessions run 6-7 PM and are open to everyone in our community! Please help us spread the word!

The Sioux Falls Stampede is offering SFSD staff exclusive discounted tickets to their final regular season home game on Saturday, April 12, which is also Take My Jersey Night!

Through this staff special, you can snag:

• Gold level seats (rows 2–6) for $22

• Blue level seats (rows 7–14) for $17

• Gray level seats (rows 15–21) for $14

Grab your tickets here!

If you are interested in flexible spending for 2025-2026 or want to make any changes to your benefits, you must do so during open enrollment (flexible spending must be elected each year - it does not auto-renew).

Please note, you MUST go through the ENTIRE open enrollment process for these changes/selections to go through.

Not Interested in Flexible Spending or 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 need to elect flexible spending (must be done every year - does not auto-renew) and/or are interested in making changes to any of their benefits.

Enrollment Site Log-In

Please visit this link to be taken to the Benefit Enrollment page: https://boonchapman.benselect.com/Enroll/Login.aspx?Path=SFSchoolDistrict

• Your username is your employee number.
• Pin: last 4 of your social security number and last two in year you were born

Questions? Email benefits.sfsd@k12.sd.us

Click HERE to learn more about Open Enrollment and for a checklist to help guide you through the process!

This week we celebrate Daneen Koppman, Marlae Newman, Ann Nugteren, and Todd Wells and their incredible careers with the Sioux Falls School District. Their dedication has been a guiding light, helping students and colleagues shine brighter along the way. Now they’re stepping into a well-earned retirement, leaving behind a lasting constellation of excellence.

Take a moment to stop by their classrooms or send an email to share your well wishes as they reflect on their journey and step into this new season of life.

Daneen, Marlae, Ann, and Todd - thank you for a lifetime of guiding, inspiring, and making a difference. Your impact will forever be part of the SFSD universe. Congratulations on your retirement!

Please help us celebrate our 25 Year Honorees!

Thank you for sharing your time and talents with the students of the Sioux Falls School District. Your commitment to public education is unmatched and worthy of celebration!

Open enrollment starts today and will run through Friday, April 25th.

Click HERE to learn more about Open Enrollment and for a checklist to help guide you through the process!

AllOne Health (previously SandCreek), our Employee Assistance Program, is free, confidential, and available to ALL Sioux Falls School District employees and their family members. As a part of their extensive list of offerings, AllOne Health offers FREE monthly webinars that cover a variety of topics. Below are a couple upcoming ones!

To register for a AllOne Health account, visit https://allonehealthmemberportal.mylifeexpert.com/ and click the “Sign Up” link just below the Log In button. Enter siouxfalls as your company code and complete the signup process! A confirmation email will be sent to complete the registration.

We’ve all made excuses to eat "junk" or "fast" food when life gets busy, but it doesn’t have to be that way! In this seminar, participants will learn realistic strategies to eat well, even with rising food costs in mind. We'll explore which items are worth paying a premium for and when it’s best to opt for organic products. Together, we’ll uncover practical steps to eating healthy while staying within your financial means. Join us to learn how to make smart, budget-friendly choices that support your health without sacrificing taste or quality!

Wednesday, April 9th, 2025 | 12:30pm to 1:30pm

Register Online!

Wednesday, April 9th, 2025 | 7:00pm to 8:00 pm

Additional personal savings will be key to having a financially successful retirement. Learn more about how the SDRS Supplemental Retirement Plan (SRP) can help you save more for your retirement so you can achieve your financial goals. Information will also be presented on the SDRS Special Pay Plan (SPP), an additional personal savings program funded by an employee’s termination pay.

Register Online: https://www.sd.gov/cs?id=event_details&event_id=017650d0478c2210854b61d2e16d4309

Wednesday, April 16th, 2025 | 7:00pm to 8:00 pm

Build on your budgeting and savings skills and increase your awareness of the many challenges we encounter during our careers and into retirement. Be empowered to take charge of your finances and be more prepared for retirement.

Register Online: https://www.sd.gov/cs?id=event_details&event_id=baf71054478c2210854b61d2e16d431b

Below are new opportunities posted within the last week. Be sure to check them out and apply online (at the link provided) if you’re interested! Please note, most job postings are open until filled. If you click on a link and receive an error message (“No matching records found”), it may mean the position has been filled. To view all Sioux Falls School District openings, please visit https://sf.schoolspring.com/.

• Middle School Assistant Principal at Patrick Henry Middle School: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5078520

• Middle School Boys Wrestling Coach at Patrick Henry Middle School: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5072698
• Assistant Boys Basketball Coach at Jefferson High School: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5077453
• Assistant Girls Basketball Coach at Jefferson High School: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5077456
• Middle School Football Coach at Ben Reifel Middle School: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5082067

• Elementary Lead Clerical - Class III - 10 Month -1.0 FTE at John Harris Elementary: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5065539

• Custodian - Level GX - 2.0 FTE at Jefferson High School (Permanent): https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5072844
• Morning Custodian - Level IX - 1.0 FTE at Roosevelt High School: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5077469

• Systems Administrator - 1.0 FTE at Information & Technology Services: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5078112

• RISE Behavior Facilitator - 0.875 FTE at Susan B. Anthony Elementary: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5072751
• Middle School Education Assistant - 0.875 FTE at Axtell Park: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5072772
• RISE Education Assistant - 0.875 FTE at Ben Reifel Middle School: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5077484
• Over Enrollment Education Assistant - 0.75 FTE at Robert Frost Elementary: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5081989
• Junior Kindergarten Academy Enrichment Specialist - 1.0 FTE at Robert Frost Elementary: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5082115

• Speech Language Pathologist Assistant - 1.0 FTE: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5077462
• School Nurse - 1.0 FTE: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5077478

• Child Nutrition General Worker - 0.5 FTE at Ben Reifel Middle School: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5065499
• Lead Lunch Education Assistant - 0.90625 FTE at Sonia Sotomayor Elementary: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5064509

• Reading Specialist (SIPPS Instruction) - 1.0 FTE at Children's Home Society: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5081666
• 5th Grade Teacher - 1.0 FTE at Oscar Howe Elementary: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5082142
• Primary Elementary Teacher - 1.0 FTE at Oscar Howe Elementary: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5082144

• 8th Grade Math Teacher - 1.0 FTE at Edison Middle School: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5068381
• 8th Grade English Language Arts Teacher - 1.0 FTE at Edison Middle School: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5068504

• Early Childhood Special Education Teacher - 1.0 FTE at Harvey Dunn Elementary: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5031476
• Life Skills/Resource Special Education Teacher - 1.0 FTE at Roosevelt High School: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5072831

Questions? Contact Kate Rovang at kate.rovang@k12.sd.us.

Here are 7 helpful tips for effective spring cleaning to refresh your space and make the process easier:

1. Create a Cleaning Checklist

• Break down tasks by room (kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms, etc.) to stay organized.
• Prioritize high-traffic areas and areas that are often overlooked (like behind appliances).
• Check off tasks as you go to stay motivated!

2. Declutter First

• Start by going through closets, cabinets, and drawers.
• Follow the "Three-Box Method":
• Keep – Items you use and need.
• Donate – Items in good condition you no longer need.
• Trash – Broken, worn-out, or unusable items.

3. Work from Top to Bottom

• Start with ceilings, light fixtures, and shelves.
• Work your way down to walls, furniture, and finally the floors.
• This prevents dust and dirt from falling onto already cleaned areas.

4. Refresh Windows and Curtains

• Clean windows with a vinegar and water solution (1 part vinegar to 2 parts water).
• Wash or vacuum curtains and blinds to remove dust and allergens.
• Open windows to air out the space and bring in fresh air.

5. Deep Clean Appliances

• Clean out your fridge and freezer, wiping down shelves and tossing expired items.
• Run a cleaning cycle on your washing machine and dishwasher using vinegar and baking soda.
• Clean behind and under appliances where dust and grime build up.

6. Swap Out Seasonal Items

• Store heavy blankets and winter clothing in vacuum-sealed bags to save space.
• Bring out lighter bedding and clothes suitable for warmer weather.
• Rotate seasonal decor to give your home a fresh feel.

7. Add a Finishing Touch

• Light candles or diffuse essential oils (like lemon or lavender) for a fresh scent.
• Bring in fresh flowers or houseplants to brighten up the space.

Step back, admire your work, and enjoy your refreshed home!

Adapted from AllOne Health