District Dialogue

It won't happen again for another 30 years! Schools across SFSD spent some time this afternoon trying to get a glimpse of the eclipse through the clouds. Although we weren't in the path of totality, and although the skies were fairly overcast, there were moments where students and staff were able to see the celestial phenomenon peek through for glimmer of magic and mystery. Thank you to all the teachers and building staff out there who organized any viewing events for students! It's always a treat to get students out for some hands-on learning experience, and when they can feel like they're part of a larger cosmic event, all the better.

The Sioux Falls School District is excited to announce a collaborative partnership with the City of Sioux Falls to combat the growing concern of vaping. We know that vaping has been an ongoing problem for years, but when it starts to enter the doors of our schools, it's time to step in and take concerted action. Students are introduced to vaping at younger and younger ages, and it's not even unheard of at the elementary school level. One of the best things that we as a community can do is to educate. Education and prevention are key to preventing addiction and helping young people to keep their health at the forefront. Follow the link below to go to the city's page with resources and information. This is only phase one in this initiative; there will be much more to come in the future.

The budget for FY25 was tentatively adopted at Monday evening's school board meeting. This budget will be officially adopted this summer. School budgets are complex, but by carefully considering each expenditure, SFSD is proud to offer a budget that maximizes opportunities and experiences for the students and families we are privileged to serve. To get a full breakdown of of the budget, click on the attachment below.

The Sioux Falls Public Schools Education Foundation has been busy, and will continue to stay busy, as they begin to deliver the good news of Public School Proud Grants to teachers throughout the District! Since 2008, the Education Foundation has been encouraging and funding innovative solutions to enrich education in all SFSD schools. This year they will see their total distribution of funds through Public School Proud Grants surpass the $1,000,000 mark! Congratulations to everybody involved!

This week saw six new Public School Proud Grants given to educators across the District. Funds from this week's grants will go towards things like tactile work baskets, coding bots, STEM toys, spelling tools, and so much more! Congratulations to all the PSP grant recipients! Thank you for going above and beyond for your students!

Click the button below to see a list of all the 2024 Public School Proud Grant recipients!

She works around 20 hours per week at her job, somehow manages a full load of classes, is in color guard for marching band and winter guard, she's in Roosevelt's top concert choir and show choir, and is the Cadet Commander for the relatively new Air Force JROTC program. Emma Day came to Roosevelt High School right when they needed her, and she instantly fit in to various programs she was already familiar with. Learn how she does it and where she's headed next.

SHINE stands for Scholarship, Honors, Innovation, Networking and Exceptionalism. We’re looking for stories we can tell about high school seniors, any-age students, staff (yes, you can and should absolutely fill out this form for yourself!), projects and programs. Have a new partnership that is benefitting the classroom? Win a grant you think the world should know about? Get nominated for or receive a state-wide, regional or national honor? Know a senior stand-out on a team, in the fine arts arena, or in the classroom? How about younger students who are leading by example, making giving to charity a priority, or are making the most of a bad situation? Should a program or portion of your school be highlighted? What about some current projects: experiments, field trips, new collaborative lessons?

Send your suggestions today, and keep this in mind for the days, weeks and months ahead!

The Jefferson High School Project Based Learning Academy is pleased to announce that we will once again host a Project Based Learning Summer Institute at Jefferson High School. Participants will leave with a standards-rich, collaborative project that will engage students in rigorous, relevant learning. The PBL Summer Institute is open to all teachers and administrators grades K – 12. Come think, struggle, learn (and have FUN!) with the PBL Academy staff and grow your project facilitation skills. Registration information is attached. You may take this District approved course for continuing education hours or for graduate credit through the University of South Dakota.

Until the end of April teachers and educators can bring in your teacher badge to purchase a $20 sauna session! Take some time for yourself to relax, boost your immune system and rejuvenate in the comfort and privacy of your own sauna suite.
Call us to schedule your appointment today
605.275.5565
*Session to be purchased and used same day

*This offer will be honored for ALL SFSD staff

We are excited to announce that Friday, May 3rd will be the official Sioux Falls Storm game to support Operation Hope and Caring! The Sioux Falls Storm will be taking on the Green Bay Blizzard at 7:05 PM at the Denny Sanford Premiere Center, and a portion of tickets purchased at https://www.levo.org/operation-hope-and-caring will go to help our schools that don't benefit from a PTA/PTO. You can click the link below to purchase tickets directly and make the biggest impact for our students!

For the past several years, Levo and the Sioux Falls STORM have teamed up for Operation Hope & Caring – a fundraiser to level the playing field for all schools and students, especially those without PTAs/PTOs. As a new twist, we are adding a tshirt to the many options staff have to support this important partnership. Please see the link below to purchase your shirt (and more for your friends and family)! Consider how you can support these schools TODAY!

How cool is this!? 100% of the proceeds from LEVO's Perky Coffee will go to Operation Hope and Caring, which has a direct impact on our schools. Click the button below to get your bag today!

The deadline for Teachers requesting a leave of absence for Fall 2024 is April 15, 2024. This leave is not available for staff pursuing formal study or other employment. With the exception of Long-Term Health Leave, long term leaves will only be approved for Teachers in or beyond their fourth year of employment. The Leave of Absence contract language begins on page 40 of the Teacher Collective Bargaining Agreement.

1. To request a leave of absence: Go to HR Records: https://sf.tedk12.com/records
2. Log in
3. Go to “Available Forms”
4. Select Long-Term Leave of Absence Form. Complete and Submit. This form will route to the HR Department.
5. Teachers can continue insurance benefits while on a leave of absence. Teachers are covered as employees through August 31, 2024. On September 1, 2024, Teachers begin paying the COBRA Rate for coverage. Below are the COBRA rates for Medical Insurance while on Leave of Absence for the 23-24 plan year.
6. If you have further questions about benefits, please connect with Jessica Engdahl at benefits.sfsd@k12.sd.us or Jessica.engdahl@k12.sd.us or 605-367-7662.
7. Teachers are required to inform the HR Department of their intent to return to teaching by March 1, 2025, for Fall 2025. Teachers will be assigned to a teaching position for which they qualify. HR can take Teacher assignment preferences into consideration.

Questions about a leave of absence can be directed to Becky Dorman, Sr. Director – HR, 605-367-7661.

SDRS-SRP & SPP: Retirement is expensive and additional personal savings will be key to having a financially successful retirement. Learn more about how the SDRS Supplemental Retirement Plan (SRP) and SDRS Special Pay Plan (SPP) can help you save more for your retirement.

• April 10, 2024 - 7:00pm - 8:00pm - Register via Zoom

SDRS Financial Literacy: Build on your budgeting and savings skills and increase your awareness of the many challenges we encounter during our careers and into retirement. Be empowered to take charge of your finances and be more prepared for retirement.

• April 17, 2024 - 7:00pm - 8:00pm - Register via Zoom

Lunch & Learn: Grab your lunch and join us for a quick overview of SDRS and its benefits.

• April 9, 2024 - 12:10pm – Register via Zoom

Q&A Session: Ask your questions and get answers from SDRS staff. Every session will have unique questions from our members, so feel free to tune in often.

• April 24, 2024 - 7:00pm - 8:00pm – Register via Zoom

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

Working and Living with Someone with Neurodiverse Challenges - April 10, 2024 from 12:30pm to 1:30pm

In celebration of the diversity in which we live and work, join us as we recognize our neurodiverse colleagues and family members. We will explore resources, tools and strategies for helping to maximize the talents, goals and passions of these exceptional individuals in both the workplace and at home.

Handling a Family Crisis- May 8, 2024 from 12:30pm to 1:30pm

This class was created for managers supporting employees experiencing a family crisis. For employees going through a family crisis, this class will cover how to manage expectations and emotional exchanges that may occur while having challenging conversations. Participants will learn healthy coping mechanisms during times of transition, as well as how to address and get support with potential financial challenges.

It’s Open Enrollment Time: April 8th through April 26th

Interested in Flexible Spending for 2024-2025 or Making a Change to Your Benefits?

If you are interested in flexible spending for 2024-2025 or want to make any changes to your benefits, you must do so during open enrollment. Please note, you MUST go through the ENTIRE open enrollment. Use the attached enrollment guide to help you through the enrollment.

Not Interested in Flexible Spending for 2024-2025 and Not Making Any Changes?

No action is required if you have no benefit changes and are declining flexible spending. Open enrollment is only for those who have/need to elect flexible spending and/or are interested in making changes to any of their benefits.

• Questions? Contact benefits.sfsd@k12.sd.us

Open Enrollment Information

Included Health has replaced the WellVia telehealth services.

• See a doctor fast with 247/7/365 access to board-certified doctors.
• Get prescriptions sent to a local pharmacy of your choice.
• Connect anywhere, anytime virtually from your smartphone, tablet, or computer.

*Included Health is available to all SFSD employees covered on the medical plan. Activate your account today: PDF

Included Health

Questions? Email benefits.sfsd@k12.sd.us

Why see a counselor?

Do you ever feel too overwhelmed to deal with your problems? If so, you’re not alone. In the United States, almost half of adults (46.4%) will experience a mental illness during their lifetime. Personal or psychological counseling offers you the opportunity to talk about social, emotional, or behavioral problems that are either causing you distress or interfering with your functioning. Counselors are trained professionals who can respond to your concerns in an objective and non-judgmental manner. The counseling relationship is unique and provides a supportive environment that allows you to talk openly with someone who’s neutral and empathetic. You and your counselor will work together to identify and change the thought and behavior patterns that are keeping you from feeling your best.

Some of the most common problems that people seek help for include:

• Difficulty concentrating or completing tasks, depression, or lack of motivation
• Family, relationship, or work problems
• Procrastination and other self-defeating behaviors/habits
• Issues of grief and loss, or coping with traumatic events
• Difficulty managing stress
• Domestic violence/assault
• Anxiety or acute panic attacks
• Problems with alcohol or other drugs
• Issues with eating behavior and/or body image
• Problems with anger and compulsive behaviors

Adapted from Uprise Health