The Explorer

This is the time of year when school-aged kids start getting a little antsy. The weather is starting to warm up, there is more sunlight each day, and school work is just not appealing.

Here are some things you can do to keep your child centered and focused:

• Allow free time and time for school work. Every day allow your child to have time to unwind - whether it is after school or after homework.
• Stick with your routine. As the days get longer, it may be harder for your child to fall asleep at their regular bedtime. Try to keep the same bedtime routine that your family has had all school year. Make sure that homework and studying are done at the same time every day. These routines remind our children that school is still in session and it’s not summertime quite yet.
• Stay engaged in your child’s education. This is a reminder that it’s not summertime for parents/guardians yet either. Stay connected with teachers to make sure your student is completing homework and doing their best.
• Get outside! If the weather allows, take advantage of it. Go for a walk! It’s a great way to get some fresh air and rejuvenate after a long day of being in indoors at school.

March in South Dakota brings varied weather. One day your student will need a winter coat and then next day a sweatshirt. Please monitor the weather/temperature for the entire day. Dressing in layers is still encouraged.

The best part about this time of year, though, is that any snow melts quickly; the days are longer and lighter; and Spring is in the air!

Mr. Dan Fischer, Principal

Events can also be found on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064085161299.

• Mar. 4: Community Conversations forum from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm. See flyer below.
• Mar. 6: Kindergarten Open House from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm. More information below.
• Mar. 6: Learning Adventures Preschool Open House from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm. More information below.
• Mar. 9: Spring ahead! Turn your clocks ahead one hour for Daylight Saving Time.
• Mar. 7: PTO's Pizza Bingo event from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm. See flyer below.
• Mar. 11: PTO meeting at 6:00 pm in the Discovery library.
• Mar. 14: No school for Compensatory day.
• Mar. 17: 3rd Grade to the Young People's Concert at the Washington Pavilion from 12:30 pm - 2:15 pm.
• Mar. 19: End of the 3rd quarter.
• Mar. 26: 5th Grade to Memorial Middle School musical at 9:30 am.
• Mar. 27: 2nd Grade Music Concert at 7:00 pm. Doors will open at 6:30 pm.

The 2024-25 SFSD Parent Calendar is also attached below.

Kindergarten registration is open for the 2025-26 school year!

Complete the online registration, submit required documents, and join us for our Kindergarten Open House on Thursday, March 6, from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm. This event is done in an open house style so you can come and go as you please. You and your child will:

• Meet the Principal, Assistant Principal, kindergarten teachers and office staff.
• Learn about school breakfast and lunch.
• Say cheese! Get your picture taken to take home.
• Visit two kindergarten classrooms.
• Receive information on our afterschool program.
• Get our kindergarten supply list, along with a gift.
• Meet members of our PTO (Parent Teacher Organization).

If you haven’t already done so, please bring the following required documents with you: address verification, original birth certificate, and immunizations.

The SFSD offers free developmental screenings for children from birth to age five who reside within the district’s boundaries. The Early Childhood Screening Office will check your child’s development in the areas of motor skills, concepts, and language. They will also complete a free vision and hearing check. Screenings are done throughout the year Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. They can also register your child for Head Start if you meet eligibility requirements. For more information or to schedule a free appointment, call the Early Childhood screening office at 605-367-8488.

Discovery PTO needs a few more volunteers for Pizza Bingo, which is on Friday, March 7, from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm. If you can help, please sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C44ADAD2CA3FF2-55376242-pizza#/.

During March and April, students in grades 3, 4, and 5 will take the state assessment in English Language Arts and Mathematics. Students in grade 5 will take the state assessment in Science. The purpose of this letter is to help your understanding of the assessment, as well as providing a few ideas for improving your child’s preparedness.

The assessments measure student achievement of our state’s standards in the areas of English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science. In addition, score reports will provide information on student performance in the following areas:

• English: Reading, writing, listening, and research.
• Math: Concepts and procedures; problem-solving and modeling/data analysis; and communicating reasoning.
• Science: Physical science, life science, earth and space science.

The assessments are given through an online computer application and are unique in the way they adapt to a student’s question responses. This is important as it provides questions that are appropriate for your child’s level of learning. As a result, each student has the same opportunity to succeed and maintain a positive attitude towards testing. These assessments are not timed; however, we provide the following times as estimates of assessment duration: English – 3.5 hours, Math – 3 hours, and Science – 1.5 hours.

Student grades will not be impacted by their performance on this assessment; however, the assessment does serve as a way for the school to analyze how well we are helping students meet the standards. Shortly after the testing period is complete, you will receive a report showing your child’s scores.

There is no need to study in preparation for the assessments. We do, however, ask that students try their best and get plenty of rest the night before testing. It is important for students to come to school on test days. Assessments are required, therefore making up a missed assessment leads to less instructional time and a loss of important learning opportunities.

This testing is very important for your child, Discovery Elementary, and the Sioux Falls School District. Thank you for supporting your child and our school during this assessment period. Please contact us if you have any questions. We know that Discovery students will help us to understand the great strides our students have taken in meeting our school and state standards in learning!

Second grade students have been working on being body clue detectives!

1. Assess the scene: what is happening around you.
2. Notice what you are doing on the outside: eyebrows raised, fists clenched.
3. Notice what you feel on the inside: butterflies, hot, etc.

We have been using the "I noticed, I feel, I can" strategy to help us. This strategy is great for kindergarten through 2nd grade students. For more information, visit https://sesameworkshop.org/resources/i-notice-i-feel-i-can-2/.

Fourth grade students have been learning all about wellness! By using the wellness triangle, students [and adults] can assess what areas they can improve on by setting SMART goals.

Email: Daniel.Fischer@k12.sd.us

Assistant Principal: Mrs. Jodi DeHaven

Email: Jodi.DeHaven@k12.sd.us

Location: 1506 South Discovery Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
Phone: 605-362-3530 Fax: 605-362-3535