District Dialogue
Everything you need to know the week of October 3-7, 2022
"Better Together Initiative" is BACK for 2022!
Last October, we invited you to share your ideas on how to improve our District through the Better Together Initiative. Better Together, is a crowd-sourced innovation platform the Sioux Falls School District is using to engage all staff in the conversation of how we can continue to build on our rich legacy of providing the best experience for students and staff.
Edison Middle School English Language Arts Teacher Alyssa Anderson submitted the winning idea last Fall, which you can find more information about here. There were many other great ideas submitted and we learned a lot from them. The passion and creativity of our staff was evident.
We look to build on the success of last year’s campaign. The campaign this year will run from October 3rd through Oct 31st. Please submit your ideas by clicking the button below!
📌 Reminder
No School October 10 & 11, 2022
In honor of Native American Day, there will be no school next Monday, October 10. We encourage you to join us at the 5th Annual Native American Day Parade, which starts at 11 am on 13th Street & Phillips Ave. (If you are unable to make it in-person, watch live here: https://youtu.be/cjjxSYsI7NY)
Tuesday, October 11, will be an inservice day. Classes will resume as normal on Wednesday, October 12.
Exclusive Offer for SFSD Staff - 1 year membership to Sam's Club for only $20!
Sam's Club is offering all Sioux Falls School District staff a year-long membership for only $20. In addition to the discounted membership, you will also receive an instant $30 credit. To receive this exclusive offer,
- Scan the attached QR code from your Smartphone
- Add the 1-year new club membership to your cart
- Proceed to checkout
- Once you have purchased the year membership, your $30 credit will appear in your account under rewards
This offer is only available for new members and will run through Friday, October 14.
*Please note, the QR code says 'teachers' but this offer is available to ALL staff!
Dine for a cause!
Granite City will be hosting a fundraiser for the Sioux Falls Public Schools Education Foundation on Thursday, October 13th. Ten percent of sales will be donated to the Education Foundation to support students and staff in the Sioux Falls School District. Granite City opens at 11 a.m. and closes at 10 p.m. on Thursdays. The restaurant is located at 2620 S. Louise Avenue. Guests should mention to their server that they are dining in to support the Education Foundation.
October is a busy month for staff recognitions!
National Principal Month
October marks National Principals Month, which honors principals for their significant impact on the success and well-being of our nation’s students. We would like to take a moment to say THANK YOU to all Sioux Falls School District principals for being a guiding light in our schools!
National Physical Therapy Month
This October, we’re celebrating National Physical Therapy month to raise awareness about the many benefits of physical therapy – specifically how it helps students within the Sioux Falls School District! Our SFSD Physical Therapists are part of a team that helps support a student’s ability to access their educational environment. As movement specialists, they assist a student’s physical participation in a variety of settings throughout the school day. School PTs are an integral part of helping students have successful educational careers. Please help us thank all our incredible SFSD PTs!
National Custodian Day – October 2
This past Sunday was National Custodian Appreciation Day! Please help us say 'thank you' to these incredible individuals who help keep our facilities clean and safe. We are so grateful for the individuals in this profession - many of whom work early, early mornings or late, late nights - all for the benefit of the students and staff of the Sioux Falls School District!
World Teachers’ Day – October 5
Wednesday is World Teachers' Day! This special day celebrates teachers from across the world for their inspiring dedication to future generations. Thank you to all Sioux Falls School District teachers for helping to shape lives!
George Gongopoulos is this week's All Star! 🌟
Our Building Computer Specialists serve multiple buildings, address technology issues of every kind, and answer online request, call, email, and text emergencies non-stop. George exemplifies how they do it with a smile, expertise, and an attitude of caring. In a job where he'll never be "caught up," he's also never letting anyone down. Click 'play' on the video above to meet him.
HR Radar
HR Radar: World Mental Health Day
Monday, October 10th is World Mental Health Day. The overall objective of this day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to organize efforts in support of mental health. World Mental Health Day is not only about advocating for others, but it also provides an opportunity for YOU to check in on your own mental health. Close to one billion people have a mental disorder and anyone, anywhere can be affected. Some of the most common mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, can be treated with therapy/counseling, medication, or a combination of these.
Services for mental, neurological, and substance use disorders have been significantly disrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Sioux Falls School District helps to bridge that gap by offering our new Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Sand Creek Workplace Wellness to all employees and their dependents. Sand Creek EAP has licensed counselors who can support you and/or your household members through difficult times with 24/7 crisis intervention and counseling sessions (up to four sessions of free service per topic). Use of the EAP is free, professional, and confidential.
HR Radar: Sand Creek Webinar
Click the links below to register for Sand Creek EAP’s live October webinar.
- Wednesday, October 12th: 12:30pm - 1:30pm - Recognizing the Signs of Depression in a Team Member.
- Can’t attend a webinar? No problem! Visithttps://allonehealth.com/blog/ to view all past webinars
Weekly Wellness
Weekly Wellness: Immunity Boosting Foods
As the weather starts to get colder and flu season begins, it’s important to have your immune system in tip-top shape. Consuming foods rich in Vitamin C is helpful in fighting off infections. Vitamin C is thought to increase the production of white blood cells, which are key to fighting infections. Vitamin C is also vital to your body’s healing process. Feeding your body certain foods can help keep your body strong.
15 Foods that Boost the Immune System
- Citrus Fruit
- Red Bell Peppers
- Broccoli
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Spinach
- Yogurt
- Almonds
- Sunflower Seeds
- Turmeric
- Green Tea
- Papaya
- Kiwi
- Poultry
- Shellfish
Adapted from HealthLine