District Dialogue

On this day, we celebrate and remember Martin Luther King's life achievements. We reflect on the impact the work of this civil rights leader had on our nation's history and across the globe.

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."

-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

January is National Mentoring Month! Mentoring has an important impact on youth; it helps students achieve academic success, encourages participation in extracurriculars and helps provide opportunities they may not receive otherwise. According to data acquired from MENTOR, with a mentor, young people are 55% less likely to skip a day of school, and 130% are more likely to hold leadership positions.

Lutheran Social Services (LSS) Everyday Heroes School-Based Mentoring Program and TeamMates Mentoring program have partnered with the Sioux Falls School District to provide mentors for our students. Both programs are always looking for more caring individuals to become mentors. Right now, 1 in 3 young people are growing up without a mentor, someone outside of their family who they can turn to for support and guidance.

Thank you to all our current mentors within SFSD Staff!

Brenda Alvine, Peggy Andela, Teresa Boysen, Chris Burke, Megan Daly, Kim Ertelt, Steven Farley, Sarah Freier, Cathrine Gilbertson, Andrea Grady, Megan Grilley, Karissa Haddican, Bret Halle, Jennifer Janke, Heather Kellenberger, Kim Knips, Jayne Kolb, DeeAnn Konrad, Allie LaFave, Karen Lukens, Keyshuna Lund, Alex Lynaugh, Melissa Marso, Doug Martin , Linda McDaniel, Lori McGinnis, Susan Metz, Doug Morrison, Mike Mortland, Jamie Nold, Margaret Orris, Jeff Palmer, Sarah Peschong, Amy Roux, Jennifer Schelske, Dr. Jane Stavem, Stacie Soderstrom, August Tripp, Brandi Umberger, Theresa Vander Velde, Patti Ward-Maguire, Alen Zdionica, and Kirk Zeeck.

Consider signing up to be a mentor or encourage those around you to become a mentor!

Do you know a student who may be interested in or who would excel in the world of Cybersecurity and Technology? Join us at the Cyber Academy Open House on Tuesday, January 31st from 4-7:30 pm at the CTE Academy!

This is a new opportunity for students to get a jumpstart in the field of Cybersecurity and Technology by taking college-level courses while still in high school.

Presentations at 5pm and 7pm will explain how students can get started and the program's benefits.

This opportunity is open to anyone and everyone!

Can't wait to see you there!

Our partners at Levo and the Sioux Falls STORM Football Team are once again joining forces to raise money for SFSD schools without PTAs/PTOs. "Night of Hope & Caring" is undergoing a name-change. Operation Hope & Caring will now include TWO signature fundraising events!

Tuesday, February 21, 2023 - Bring your kids or grandkids to Air Madness for discounted jumping and escape room experiences! This is a great "No School Day" activity to keep kids from climbing the walls at home!

Then, get your Sioux Falls STORM tickets for Saturday, April 29th for another opportunity to support this fundraiser!

Neither of the above events interest you? How about drinking some coffee? Levo is offering their "Perky Coffee" for $10/bag and stainless steel mugs for $20/each, with 100% of money coming back to Sioux Falls Public Schools! You can't go wrong with this brew! Order coffee or mugs by emailing DeeAnn.Konrad@k12.sd.us.

RETIREMENT NOTIFICATION DEADLINE: Teachers wishing to retire at the end of the 2022-23 school year must submit their letters of retirement by February 1st. The retirement letter (with signature) can be sent as an email attachment to Jessica Engdahl, HR Benefits Specialist, at benefits.sfsd@k12.sd.us.

GRADUATE CREDIT/DEGREE ADVANCEMENT INTENT FORMS: Teachers planning to advance to steps requiring the BA+24, Master’s Degree, or Master’s + 24 must submit INTENT FORMS by February 1st. This process is online through HR Records. The INTENT FORM is found in the Available Forms section. Contact Amira Lawrence in Human Resources at 605-367-4692 or amira.lawrence@k12.sd.us with Graduate Credit/Degree Advancement questions.

SHORTAGE AREA - EARLY RESIGNATION STIPENDS $500: The District will provide a $500 bonus to any Teacher from an identified shortage area who is not eligible to receive or has not already received the District Retirement Benefit and/or Health Benefit, if the Teacher submits a resignation to the Human Resources Department by February 1st. Link to Resign: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfR0HFhrh4fHYC-S6flJL_lhn8yinerT6irPfSDZPKNU_hYKQ/viewform

Last week, the Human Resources Department offered an informational meeting on the District Retirement Incentive outlined in the SFEA Collective Bargaining Agreement via Zoom. This meeting was recorded for those unable to attend.

SFEA District Retirement Incentive Meeting

Please contact benefits.sfsd@k12.sd.us with questions.

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:

• Participate in the Wondr Health Program
• Participate in a Fitness Challenge
• Complete 3 Digital Health Workshops
• Complete 3 sessions with a Health Coach

For assistance or questions, please email benefits.sfsd@k12.sd.us.

Congratulations to Tami Eichhorn for winning the $100 Amazon gift card.

We thank everyone for participating in the Wellness Program!

Click the link below to register for Sand Creek EAP’s live January webinar.

• Tuesday, January 24th: 12:30pm - 1:30pm - Goal Setting for the New Year

Can’t attend a webinar? No problem! Visit https://allonehealth.com/blog/ to view all past webinars.

Walking increases your metabolism and helps you burn extra calories. It can also help lessen your risk of type 2 diabetes, lower your blood pressure, and ward off cardiovascular issues. To get the health benefits of walking, try to walk for at least 30 minutes as briskly as you can on most days of the week, and don’t forget to warm up and cool down every time you walk. The best way to warm up is to walk slowly and give your muscles time to warm up before you increase your speed and intensity. After you walk, gently stretch your muscles and hold stretches for about 20 seconds.

Welcome to our new Benefits Buzz feature in the District Dialogue. Each week, we will feature one of the benefits the District offers!

At times, all of us face personal or work-related struggles in our lives. The District is pleased to offer the Sand Creek Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to help employees and their families find support and the necessary resources when difficult situations arise. Additionally, the EAP is an excellent option for webinars, articles, and other resources to help support our well-being. Our EAP through Sand Creek is free, professional, and confidential. Click HERE to read more information about our Sand Creek Employee Assistance Program.