As we begin 2025, it’s critical to rally behind our public schools, the foundation of thriving communities across South Dakota. Decisions made in this legislative session will profoundly influence a school’s ability to serve our children and communities.
The South Dakota Constitution mandates the Legislature to maintain a uniform system of public schools, ensuring equitable access to education for all. Public schools are the great equalizer, providing opportunities for children of every background and sustaining the strength of our communities. However, reduced funding threatens this mission, leading to eventual program cuts, school closures, and diminished opportunities for students, with ripple effects that weaken families and local economies.
Public funds belong in public schools. Which of your child’s favorite activities or programs would be cut if funding declined over time? How would our community change if a local school closed its doors? These are not distant possibilities but real outcomes of inadequate support for public education.
Programs that divert these resources to private institutions jeopardize the schools that serve every child in our community. Such policies drain essential funding, resulting in larger class sizes, fewer extracurricular and enrichment programs, and diminished support for students and educators alike. To truly invest in our future, we must prioritize strengthening the public schools that welcome and educate every child.
Public education has long been the cornerstone of Sioux Falls’ success. It has shaped generations of leaders, caregivers, innovators, and workers who drive our city’s growth and vitality. From the classrooms where children discover their passions to the relationships that build resilience and character, public schools are the heart of our community’s progress.
In this legislative session, your voice matters. Contact your local legislators to advocate for policies that support public schools and the children they serve. Remind them that strong public education is not just a necessity; it’s the key to our state’s prosperity and future. Together, we can ensure every child has access to the tools they need to succeed.
Every day, educators and students work tirelessly to create brighter futures. Their efforts shape not only individual lives but also the resilience and strength of our community. Let’s honor their dedication by standing together to protect and strengthen our public schools. The investment we make today will echo for generations to come.
Together, we can make a difference.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jane Stavem
Superintendent Sioux Falls School District
Dear Sioux Falls School District Families,
What’s your favorite holiday memory from your school days? Was it a special art project you loved creating? Maybe a once-a-year festive meal in the cafeteria? Or perhaps a lively game of musical chairs with your classmates? I date myself just a little bit with the musical chairs! Share those memories with your family!
The holiday season is here, and I hope you’re enjoying quality time with loved ones during the scheduled breaks. While students are out of the classroom, learning opportunities continue. Take the time to explore our great city, visit the public library to share books, and get active as a family. I also encourage you to limit screen time—help your child stay engaged with the people and experiences that make this season meaningful.
As we reflect on this fall, we’re incredibly proud of our students’ accomplishments. From championship wins in athletics to standout performances in music, drama, and academic competitions, our students have represented the Sioux Falls School District with excellence and pride. These achievements are a testament to their hard work and the support they receive from families and staff.
With winter activities underway, I encourage you to help your child get involved. Whether it’s joining a team, participating in a club, or trying something entirely new, these experiences build confidence, friendships, and a sense of belonging. We also hope parents will connect with each other at school events. Cheering on our students, attending performances, or volunteering are wonderful ways to strengthen our community and enrich everyone’s experience.
The holiday season is also a time to focus on wellness. While it’s a joyful time, it can also bring stress for families. Please take care of yourselves and reach out if you or your child need support. Our schools and community partners are here to help.
As we look ahead to the legislative session, we remain committed to advocating for strong public education. Adequate funding is essential, and we want to ensure that public dollars stay in public schools. In addition to adequate funding, there will be many other issues that affect education in South Dakota. You can stay informed about legislative developments by visiting our district’s page. Together, we can work to ensure our schools remain strong for all students.
Dear Parents, Guardians, and Community Members,
As we launch another exciting school year, we are reminded of our shared mission: to create the best possible learning environment for our students. One topic that has recently taken center stage is cell phone use in schools. Whether we’re talking about phones or any other devices, our goal is clear: reduce distractions to foster a space where children can grow and thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
The Role of Cell Phones in Our Lives
We all recognize the indispensable role cell phones play in our daily lives. They connect us, provide information at our fingertips, and serve as a tool for both convenience and safety. However, we are also increasingly aware of the potential negative impacts: distractions, addictive behaviors, and exposure to inappropriate content. We understand that striking the right balance between “benefit versus risk” is no easy task.
Current Policy and Challenges
Our current policy prohibits the use of cell phones during instructional time to minimize distractions and keep students focused on their learning. However, enforcing a strict ban is much more challenging in practice than it seems. We want our teachers and administrators to focus on education and support rather than policing phone use throughout the day.
Additionally, the cost of devices intended to curb cell phone use presents another challenge. While these devices may reduce phone usage somewhat, they introduce additional financial and maintenance burdens on our schools. Research has shown that many of these devices are ineffective and a waste of money. This reality underscores the need for more practical, sustainable solutions.
Cell Phones as Tools
The dependency students have on their phones for their calendars, currency, and communication further complicates the issue. In an evacuation, leaving their phones behind could pose significant safety concerns. Phones are not just distractions; they are tools that many students rely on daily for organizing their lives and staying connected with their families.
A Collaborative Approach
The reality is that banning cell phones is not the only solution. We need to address this issue collaboratively, fostering a partnership between home and school. Parents and guardians play a crucial role in guiding their children to be responsible consumers of technology. They decide when a child is allowed to have a phone, set parameters for its use, and manage the apps and content on the device.
By working together, we can teach our students to use their devices thoughtfully and manage their screen time effectively.
It’s also important to note that many students are responsible users of technology and have figured out how to have a healthy relationship with their phones. When you ask them about cell phones, you get a broad range of answers on everything from parental controls to use in the classroom. Our students have grown up in a completely digital world, so we have to be mindful of their perceptions as we also guide them in developing their use habits.
We need to recognize that there are many things we would like to “ban”—poor attendance, incomplete homework, vaping, drug use, and other behaviors that are detrimental to our students' success. While these activities are technically prohibited, they still exist. A ban doesn't mean these issues magically disappear overnight. It takes consistent effort, education, and partnership to address these challenges effectively.
Collaborative Planning
This year, we are forming a dedicated group of educators, parents, and students to examine our current policies and practices surrounding cell phone use. This group will explore proactive steps and make recommendations for any necessary changes. We aim to ensure that our policies are not only practical but also promote the responsible use of technology.
Empowering Responsible Digital Citizens
Through this collaborative effort, we can find a balanced approach that respects the benefits of technology while mitigating its potential harms. Our ultimate goal is to empower our students to become responsible digital citizens who can navigate the complexities of the modern world with confidence and integrity.
We invite you to join us in this critical conversation as we move forward. Watch for the opportunity to provide feedback as the year continues. Together, we can continue to create a learning environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed. Let's work hand in hand to ensure that our schools are places of focus, growth, and positive development.
Thank you for your partnership,
Dr. Jane Stavem
Recommended Resource:
If you’re thinking about this topic of navigating the complexities of technology use among young people, parents are reading the book, The Anxious Generation, by Jonathan Haidt. This insightful book delves into the impact of technology on today's youth and provides valuable perspectives on how to help children develop healthy habits and resilience in an increasingly digital world. It is an excellent resource for parents seeking to understand and guide their children in the responsible use of technology.
Parenting is one of the most important—and often overwhelming—roles a person can take on. Each child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another, even within the same family. Just when you think you’ve figured things out, new challenges emerge, and strategies that once seemed reliable may suddenly fall short. From sleepless nights with infants to navigating the emotional ups and downs of adolescence, raising children is full of tough decisions, sacrifices, and moments that test your patience.
There are times when parenting feels especially challenging—whether it’s dealing with a messy room, a public tantrum, or simply having your child not listen when it matters most. As children grow, so do the complexities. New expenses, school pressures, and concerns about their safety and happiness add to the emotional and physical demands. It’s natural to feel stretched thin at times.
With all these challenges, it’s no surprise that many people today are choosing to wait longer to have children or deciding not to become parents at all. Parenting is a lifelong commitment, and it’s far from easy. So, what motivates people to take this path? What’s the payoff?
As a parent of two adult children, I can tell you one of the most rewarding experiences is seeing your children grow into independent, capable adults. There’s a deep, indescribable joy in watching them find their place in the world, knowing you’ve played a role in shaping their journey. The struggles of those early years eventually give way to moments of pride and connection that make it all worthwhile.
But parenting also has a ripple effect beyond the family. The values you instill in your children can influence the broader community as they grow into responsible, kind individuals who contribute in meaningful ways.
On a personal level, parenting teaches us patience, empathy, and resilience—qualities that not only strengthen our relationships with our children but enrich our own lives, as well. The bond that forms over the years, shaped by shared experiences, becomes a lasting source of fulfillment.
It’s completely normal to wonder if it’s all worth it sometimes. Parenting doesn’t come with a guaranteed recipe for success, and the rewards aren’t always immediate. It’s a lifelong journey filled with moments of pride, frustration, joy, and growth that continue long after the children are grown.
For those seeking extra support in their parenting journey, I encourage you to explore our Family Forum Series, which offers new videos every third Tuesday of the month. Now in its third year, this resource provides valuable tips and insights for parents navigating all stages of child-rearing.
Sioux Falls School District
Website: https://www.sf.k12.sd.us/page/superintendent-of-schools
Location: 201 East 38th Street, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
Phone: (605) 367-7900
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SiouxFallsSchoolDistrict?fref=ts
Twitter: @SFSchools