District Dialogue

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 eight new Public School Proud Grants given to educators across the District. Funds from this week's grants will go towards things like task boxes, cornhole boards, solar eclipse glasses, gardening supplies, sensory items, 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!

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

April 3rd, 2024 is the American Heart Association National Walking Day! Walking is one of the best ways to get some much needed movement in throughout the school day to keep our bodies healthy and reduce stress.

To access the links in these photos simply click the attachment below. The PDF has hyperlinks to let you access the information contained within.

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!

This week join us in celebrating Marjorie Garry, Kevin Hanson, Cindy Heckenlaible, Janet Monlux, and Laura (Fjellestad) Tjaden! Be sure to take a moment to greet them in their classrooms or send them an email with your best wishes as they reflect on their career journey with the Sioux Falls School District and make their transition to retirement.

Marjorie, Kevin, Cindy, Janet, and Laura – thank you for a lifetime of making a difference, and congratulations on your upcoming retirement!

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 101: Take a more detailed look at the system and its benefits, including how retirement benefits are calculated, understanding your annual Personal Benefits Statement, availability of survivor disability benefits, and more.

• April 3, 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

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.

Join us in congratulation Amira Lawrence for her SME Women in Business – Excellence in Leadership nomination!

Amira was nominated by fellow team members for her exemplary leadership within the Human Resources Team, fostering an inclusive environment where every member feels welcomed and valued. Her dedication extends beyond the workplace, as she actively engages with organizations like Partners in Policymaking, Leaders of Tomorrow, and the Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network, demonstrating her commitment to community service and advocacy for diverse populations. Through her compassionate leadership and involvement in various initiatives, Amira embodies the essence of inclusivity and empowerment both within our team and throughout our community.

Congratulations, Amira!

• 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: Included Health Information

Included Health

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

Open Enrollment is coming in early April. Right now is the perfect time to review your benefits and decide if you need to make changes for the new plan year.

Please visit this link to be taken to the Benefit Enrollment page: https://boonchapman.benselect.com/Enroll/Login.aspx?Path=SFSchoolDistrict

• Your username is your employee number.
• Pin: last 4 of your social security number and last two in year you were born

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

We're excited to introduce Navigate Wellbeing, our new employee wellness program! Designed to support you in achieving a healthier lifestyle, Navigate Wellbeing offers resources for enhancing physical fitness, managing stress, and improving overall well-being. Visit www.sfsdwellness.com to explore the portal and refer to the program guidefor more details!

As part of the program, eligible Sioux Falls School District staff and covered spouses can receive a monthly wellness credit of $45 each ($540 annually) – increased from $35/month in previous years.. To earn this credit, complete the required Wellbeing Survey, annual physician visit with PCP form, and accumulate 60 points from additional activities.

For assistance with program registration or navigation, attend our in-person support sessions or contact Kate DiPasquale at kate.dipasquale@k12.sd.us or (605) 367-7922. Start your wellness journey today by logging in and exploring the portal!

Support Session Dates:

• Monday, April 8th from 7:00am to 8:00am
• Tuesday, April 16th from 7:00am to 8:00am
• Wednesday, April 17th from 4:15pm to 5:15pm

Please note, these sessions are walk-in style. You can show up at any point during the scheduled time and stay for as long as you’d like!

Sign-up for a session at: www.bit.ly/sfsdwellness-support

Spring is all about getting your house in order, preparing for a fresh start, and, of course, cleaning. It’s very common to seek ways to declutter and tidy up your house in the spring, but spring cleaning your physical and mental well-being is just as important as a clean house.

Here are some spring health tips that will have you looking and feeling better in no time.

1. Fill your plate with fresh, in-season fruits and vegetables.
2. Be mindful of opportunities to overindulge.
3. Stay hydrated.
4. Get outside and get moving again.
5. Soak up the sun.
6. Protect your skin and eyes from damaging UV rays.
7. Reset your sleep schedule.
8. Watch for indoor and outdoor allergens.
9. Check in with your doctor.

Adapted from Everyday Health