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 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

• Mar. 2: No school for in-service.
• Mar. 2: Parent Teacher Conferences from 3:30 pm - 7:30 pm.
• Mar. 7: Fourth grade sings the National Anthem at the Skyforce game. Game starts at 7:00 pm.
• Mar. 8: It's time to "spring forward" for daylight saving time! Move your clocks ahead one hour before you go to bed on Saturday.
• Mar. 9: Third grade to the SD Symphony's Young People's Concert at the Washington Pavilion from 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm.
• Mar. 12: Kindergarten Kick Off from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm in the Discovery lunchroom.
• Mar. 13: PTO's Pizza Bingo event from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm in the Discovery lunchroom.
• Mar. 20: No school for compensatory day.
• Mar. 24: Discovery Dine Out from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Culver's on Louise (near Home Depot). PTO earns 10% of all sales.
• Mar. 26: Second grade vocal concert at 6:00 pm in the Discovery gymnasium.
• Apr. 3: No school for Spring Break.
• Apr. 6: No school for Spring Break.

Save the date for you and your incoming kindergartner! You and your child will: visit a kindergarten classroom, learn about school lunch, meet kindergarten teachers, pick up informational handouts, and meet office staff.

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 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.

Students' 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.

Learning Adventures Preschool offers your child a variety of fun and educational activities designed to stimulate their social, emotional, and intellectual development as they move along the road to kindergarten. You can register online at https://www.sf.k12.sd.us/page/learning-adventures.

Junior Kindergarten Academy is a free, full-day educational program designed for students who meet the age requirements for kindergarten but may not yet be emotionally, socially, or academically prepared for the demands of a traditional kindergarten classroom. The Junior Kindergarten Academy is offered at three elementary schools: John F. Kennedy Elementary, Robert Frost Elementary, and Terry Redlin Elementary. For more information, go to https://www.sf.k12.sd.us/.../page/kindergarten-registration.

For more information, go to https://www.sf.k12.sd.us/o/clc/page/elementary-program.

We are starting a new student newsletter article called "Astro's Adventures" to expose students to different careers in our community. Please see our first edition below!

If you would be willing to have your career be featured in Astro's Adventures, please email Karmyn.Marchand@k12.sd.us or Jacee.Johnson@k12.sd.us to fill out a quick google form about your career.

Principal: Mr. Dan Fischer

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