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 schoolwork 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 the snow melts quickly; the days are longer and lighter; and Spring is in the air!

Mr. Dan Fischer, Principal

Mrs. Kristina Becker, Administrator Intern

• March 8: Mr. Fischer, Principal, gets taped to the wall (see Discovery Cares article).
• March 10: No school - Compensatory Day.
• March 17: 4th Grade to GMMS at 9:10 am to watch musical.
• March 20: 3rd Grade to Washington Pavilion at 12:45 pm for Young People's Concert.
• March 21: 5th Grade to MMS at 9:15 am to watch musical.
• March 21: PTO Meeting at 6:30 pm in the Discovery library.
• March 23: 2nd Grade Music Concert at 7:00 pm.
• March 24: PTO Pizza Bingo from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm at Discovery.
• March 22: End of Third Quarter.

Way to go Discovery community! You raised $1844.80 for PTO’s project called "Discovery Cares". Again, the project’s goal is to have funds set aside to support anyone in the Discovery community during a time of need. If you recall, the kickoff to this project had an incentive: every $1.00 collected will equal 1 strip of duct tape that will be used to tape Mr. Fischer, Principal, to the wall. Well, tomorrow (Wednesday) is the day! All students will get to watch Mr. Fischer get taped to the wall!

The Sioux Falls School District is excited to partner with Siouxland Libraries again for Everybody Reads! From March 13 - 31, students, staff, parents, and community members are encouraged to track how many books they read. The goal is to create a community of readers ages 0 –100.

Starting March 13, students and staff will see a space scene begin to appear in the library hallway. For the next three weeks, a new star will appear in the galaxy when a book is read. Once your student(s) completes a book, they will receive a star to add to the galaxy. We look forward to a bright galaxy with billions and billions of stars!

Wondering how you can get involved as a parent? Encourage your student to read at home!

As mentioned, this is a community-wide reading initiative. Anytime YOU finish a book throughout the month of March, we would encourage you to stop by your local library to add your own star to the growing galaxy and record your progress at https://www.sf.k12.sd.us/page/everybody-reads.

Thank you for your support and lets get reading!

If you are dropping something off for your student, please put it on the counter and label it (student's name and classroom) with an available post-it note.

Although the national recognized Read Across America week ends on March 3, Discovery is celebrating it the week of March 6 - March 9. The National Education Association sponsored event celebrates reading, along with the birthday of the beloved author, Dr. Seuss. Not only will students participate in various reading activities and lessons, we’ve also incorporated dress up days. Get ready for a fun week of celebrating reading!

Second grade students have been working on Pause Power! Pause Power is what we can do to calm down our bodies when someone presses our buttons. We can also use Pause Power to not being a button pusher - something we all agreed we have trouble with! Encourage your kiddos to use their Pause Power at home.

Fourth grade students have been learning to be where their feet are! Students discussed what it means to be present and what often distracts them from being where their feet are. Family Challenge: Decide what "being where your feet are" looks like in your family. What does it look like to be present during dinner time, movie night, or daily activities.

Fifth grade students have learned and discussed the Wellness Triangle. They can use the scale on the sides of the triangle to help themselves assess where they are at in each category of: Physical Health, Mental and Emotional Health, and Social Health. Family Challenges: Discuss Wellness Role Models that you have known. Share one activity that has been working well in your Wellness Triangle lately.

Principal: Mr. Dan Fischer

Email: Daniel.Fischer@k12.sd.us

Administrative Intern: Mrs. Kristina Becker

Email: Kristina.Becker@k12.sd.us

Website: https://www.des.sf.k12.sd.us/o/des
Location: 1506 South Discovery Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
Phone: 605-362-3530
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064085161299