SVE Hiltunen Happenings
Problem-Solving December 2024
Hello Winter. We are celebrating this month as Growth Mindset January!
(Photo: Left to right-Crystal Niemann (Administrative Assistant), Heather Hiltunen (SVE Principal), and Tiffany Thompson (Medical Office Assistant).
January is already flying by, and as we settle into the new year, we’re reminded of our office motto: "Everything is Figureoutable." You might have seen our office staff proudly wearing their motto t-shirts, a fun and positive reminder that we can tackle any challenge together!
We hope you had a wonderful holiday break and are refreshed for the days, weeks, and months ahead. Before we dive into what’s coming up, let’s reflect on the fantastic events and accomplishments from December at Sioux Valley Elementary.
The month was packed with highlights, including STAAR Club sessions, the JK-1 and 2nd-3rd grade concerts on December 13, and the PTO Kids Night In, which brought our SVE students together for an evening of fun. The week of December 16 included a White Elephant Gift Day, and a movie day to celebrate the end of the second quarter. BASE (Before and After School Enrichment) programming remained available during the holiday break to support families, keeping our sense of community and support strong.
I am so proud of the learning, growth, and joy happening at SVE every day. Thank you for your continued support in making our school a special place!
Don’t forget, Hiltunen Happenings newsletters are emailed monthly and are also available on the SVE Learning HUB on our district website for easy reference. 🌟
Warm regards,
Mrs. Heather Hiltunen
SVE Principal
Title I and our Title I Interventionist
Our Title I Interventionist is Mrs. Bezdichek.
This month, Mrs. Bezdichek shares more information about how at Sioux Valley, we use Nonsense Word Fluency (NWF) as part of the DIBELS assessment to track phonics and decoding skills. NWF helps us assess students' ability to apply letter-sound relationships to unfamiliar words, providing valuable insights into their reading development.
The Middle of Year (MOY) DIBELS assessments will begin on January 6th for grades JK-5. These assessments guide our instruction and help us tailor support for each child’s needs. For more information, check out Mrs. Bezdichek's January newsletter!
Ms. Whitney Schnose, Sioux Valley Elementary School Counselor
Happy New Year! What better way to kick off the new year than to focus on a growth mindset! The Cossack Creed and expectations will also be reviewed as we get back into the swing of things after the holiday break.
Learning a growth mindset is crucial for elementary students because it lays the foundation for emotional resilience, academic success, and personal development. Here’s why it’s so important for young learners:
1. Encourages Resilience and Perseverance
A growth mindset helps students understand that abilities can be developed through effort and persistence. Instead of giving up when faced with challenges, students are more likely to keep trying, which helps them develop resilience. This mindset encourages them to see failure as part of the learning process, not a permanent setback.
2. Fosters a Love for Learning
When students believe they can improve and grow, they become more motivated to take on challenges. A growth mindset cultivates curiosity, allowing students to embrace learning for the sake of growth, rather than just aiming for perfection or seeking praise. They learn to enjoy the process of learning, not just the outcome.
3. Improves Academic Achievement
Research shows that students with a growth mindset perform better academically. They tend to be more focused on mastering content and improving their skills. When they make mistakes, they see it as an opportunity to learn rather than a sign of failure. This proactive attitude leads to greater academic success over time.
4. Promotes Positive Self-Esteem
Learning a growth mindset helps students develop a healthier sense of self-worth. They come to understand that their abilities are not fixed, and with effort, they can achieve their goals. This sense of agency boosts their confidence, as they know they can improve through hard work and determination.
5. Teaches the Value of Effort Over Innate Talent
Many students believe that intelligence or ability is something they either have or don’t have. Teaching a growth mindset helps them understand that effort, practice, and persistence are key to success. This shifts their focus from “I’m not good at this” to “I’m not good at this yet,” promoting a healthier attitude toward challenges and progress.
6. Helps Develop Problem-Solving Skills
When students face difficulties, a growth mindset teaches them to look for solutions rather than avoid the problem. They learn to break problems down, think critically, and experiment with different approaches. This helps develop problem-solving skills that they can apply not just in school, but in everyday life.
7. Encourages Collaboration and Teamwork
A growth mindset encourages students to see that everyone, including their peers, can improve with effort. It reduces the fear of failure and promotes a collaborative atmosphere where students are more likely to share ideas, learn from each other, and work together toward common goals.
8. Prepares Students for Future Challenges
Life is full of challenges, and developing a growth mindset at an early age helps prepare children for future obstacles. Whether it’s in school, relationships, or later in their careers, a growth mindset equips them with the skills to face difficulties with a positive, solution-focused attitude.
9. Cultivates Emotional Intelligence
By teaching students about the power of mindset, they also learn how to manage their emotions. They understand that feeling frustrated or challenged is a natural part of learning and personal growth, which helps them regulate their emotions in the face of adversity. Emotional intelligence is key to building strong interpersonal relationships and success in the future.
10. Builds a Supportive and Positive Learning Environment
When growth mindset principles are applied in the classroom, students start to support and encourage each other. They celebrate each other's progress and help each other overcome challenges. This fosters a positive and inclusive environment where everyone feels empowered to try their best without the fear of judgment.
As you read, a few of these key points have been topics we have focused on already this school year such as; self-esteem, problem solving skills, and collaboration/teamwork. One of my favorite aspects about Social-Emotional Learning is that a variety of topics tie in together to help in other areas that are crucial to a successful future. Teaching elementary students about a growth mindset not only helps them achieve academic success but also shapes their character and prepares them for a lifetime of learning and growth. By fostering resilience, perseverance, and a love for learning, we equip students with essential life skills that will benefit them both inside and outside the classroom.
I will continue to send out resources as needed/when the month is over. Thank you all for your continued support.
Hello Kid Whisperer Nation! Happy New Year! We wish you joy and peace in 2025!
Click the title above to explore "Kid Whisperer Nation Tips for Parents" from Scott Ervin on building strong relationships with students, sharing control, and promoting positive behaviors. All current Sioux Valley staff have been trained in-person by Mr. Ervin, which is why we’ve introduced classroom names, Delayed Learning Opportunities (DLOs), explicit teaching strategies, "Nows & Laters," greetings at the door, and more! These techniques help create a supportive and positive learning environment for all students. You might also find these techniques helpful at home—our hope is that your children will carry over what they are learning at school into everyday life. THIS MONTH'S TIPS: Don't Be a Schmuck, Have More Faith in Your Kids Than They Have in Themselves, Build an Extra Teammate, Teach About Life When All is Well, and Say the Rules Once Per Lifetime.
If you haven't lately, be sure to check out the Podcasts section of our website. They are adding new episodes each month for parents and educators!
Check them out here.
Keep up the good work! And as always, thanks for reading.
LEAVING SCHOOL EARLY/MESSAGES AT END OF DAY (Taken from our 24-25 SVE Student Handbook)
When your child is ill, has a doctor’s appointment, is going to be with you on family business, or will be absent for other reasons, please contact the school before 8:50 a.m. If we do not hear from you, we will make every attempt to call you at home or work to make sure your child is safe. A written excuse sent with a sibling is necessary unless parents have called the school beforehand. Please note that if your primary students have a change in dismissal routine, a note or a call to the office or teacher is needed before1:00PM, if possible.
For the protection of your children, no student is permitted to leave the school at any time during the school hours without permission from the office. Students should call their parents from a school phone and/or on their cell phone (if they have one) with permission of a staff member and with the staff member present.
Parents desiring early dismissal for students with appointments should send a note of explanation to their child’s teacher or call the elementary office prior to dismissal. Students will be released only to parents, guardians, or other authorized persons registering at the office.
If the student becomes ill during the day, the school administrative assistant or the principal will contact the parents and a designated adult will pick the student up at the office.
We prefer a phone call or email to the elementary office as teachers are busy teaching and may not be able to check email and/or to take the time to let the office know. It is important for the office to know so we can make sure attendance is recording correctly and to be aware of the whereabouts of all students.
Lost & Found
As part of our ongoing efforts to keep our Lost & Found organized, any unclaimed clothing and other items will be donated on the last Friday of each month. We kindly ask for your cooperation in labeling your child’s belongings to help ensure they are returned if lost. Recently, we made our third donation of one large bag of clothing and water bottles to the Brookings Area Goodwill. We already have a handful of hats, gloves/mittens, and boots that have been left behind by his/her owner. 😮
The Dakota Players Bring Theatre to SVE!
Sioux Valley Elementary is excited to welcome The Dakota Players, an outreach program of the Black Hills Playhouse, from February 3-7. This engaging opportunity will bring the magic of theatre to our K-5 students, sparking creativity and building confidence through the performing arts.
📅 Schedule Highlights:
Feb. 3: The PAC will be bustling with auditions starting at 3:45 PM. After auditions, students with lead roles will begin practice, which runs until 8:00 PM and includes a supper break. Not all participants will stay for the entire evening—younger students typically finish before the supper break.
Feb. 4-7: Practice times will vary depending on each student's role in the play. A detailed schedule will be shared with parents and students once the auditions and casting are completed on February 3.
Feb. 7:
2:00 PM: Special performance for SVE students only. 🎟️
6:00 PM: Community performance open to all. $5 for adults, and students attend for free. 🎭
We are thrilled to host this enriching experience for both our students and the broader community.
This event is made possible thanks to the generous support of Sioux Valley Schools, the SVE PTO, and the South Dakota Arts Council. Don’t miss this exciting week of theatre at Sioux Valley Elementary!
UPCOMING EVENTS at Sioux Valley Elementary. CLIP and POST on YOUR REFRIGERATOR
January 6-17-Middle of the Year (MOY) DIBELS Assessments for all JK-5 students
January 15-STAAR CLUB/Homework Help for students in 3rd-5th
January 17-NO SCHOOL for STUDENTS. Professional Development Day for Staff
January 20-NO SCHOOL (Martin Luther King Jr Day)
January 22-STAAR CLUB/Homework Help for students in 3rd-5th
January 23-RTI MOY Start Date
January 30-SVE Assembly 2:45 (Cossack Gym)
Feb. 3-7-The Superhero Show-Dakota Players Play for SVE K-5 students. (see below)
Feb. 4-Girl Scout Presentation
Feb. 10-Kid Heart Challenge Assembly/Wellness Week/Playground Fundraiser
Feb. 10-Midterms Due
Feb. 12 & 13--Parent/Teacher Conferences and Scholastic Book Fair
Feb. 14-NO SCHOOL for STUDENTS. Professional Development Day for Staff
Feb. 21-JK/K Screening (NO SCHOOL for JK & K students)
Feb. 28-SVE Assembly
Remaining 2024-2025 Elementary Concert Dates:
April 14-5th Grade Music & Band Concert. 7pm. Cossack Gym.
April 28-4th Grade Spring Music Concert. 6pm. Cossack Gym.
We are thrilled to celebrate Mrs. Shannon Dentlinger, an outstanding 4th-grade teacher whose positivity and dedication make a lasting impact at Sioux Valley Elementary.
On January 9th, Mrs. Dentlinger and her husband welcomed their first child, a beautiful baby girl! Congratulations to the Dentlinger family on this exciting milestone. We wish them a joyful 2025 filled with love and new adventures.
During her maternity leave, Mrs. Ann Vostad will step in as the long-term substitute teacher, ensuring a seamless transition for the students.
Please join us in congratulating the Dentlingers!
You Asked, We Answered: Your Questions About Sioux Valley Elementary. Please email questions to Mrs. Hiltunen at heather.hiltunen@k12.sd.us.
If you’ve got something you’re wondering about, don’t be shy! Shoot me an email, and I’ll make sure to tackle your question in next month’s newsletter.
Q: Do the students get to decorate their own Valentine's Day boxes this year for Valentine's Day?
A: Yes, the Student Advisory Team requested this, and it was decided that JK-5 students will create and decorate their own Valentine's Day boxes to bring to school this year. The boxes should be no larger than a cereal box or a Kleenex box.