District Dialogue

Esports has rapidly become one of the most dynamic and rapidly growing activities in the country, and this year, the Sioux Falls School District took a big step forward by expanding the program to all four high schools, giving more students the opportunity to compete, collaborate, and develop skills in strategy, communication, and teamwork.

In February, our teams showcased their talent at the inaugural SDHSAA Esports State Tournament in Aberdeen, bringing home impressive accolades:

• Lincoln High School secured the state championship title in League of Legends, defeating the top-ranked Dakota Valley team.
• Will Ristau from Roosevelt High School dominated the chess competition, going undefeated (!!) to win the State Championship.
• Roosevelt High School also placed 3rd in Rocket League and earned the runner-up trophy for overall team esports.

Beyond competition, esports provides students with a unique pathway to explore careers in gaming, technology, and STEM-related fields. This growing program is giving more students a place to belong while fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

A huge congratulations to our players and coaches!

Every day, the Sioux Falls School District’s Transportation Department, in partnership with School Bus Inc., safely transports over 8,100 students across 345 routes. From Early Childhood programs to high school Tripper routes and CTE Academy shuttles, these services help reduce absenteeism and support student success.

Technology like the Stopfinder App and Bus Bulletin has improved communication and efficiency, while creative staffing solutions have helped stabilize bus routes and reduce ride times.

Thank you to our transportation team for keeping SFSD students on the move!

See the full report below!

As the 100th South Dakota legislative session comes to a close, we are continuing to track a few key bills. Out of eight key bills tracked by SFSD, there were six we opposed. Those six bills have died. We are still watching two: one, which we are neutral on, and another, which we hope to amend.

The bill we want to amend addresses the state aid formula. As it stands, schools would receive a 1.25% increase, but we are advocating for an amendment to increase state aid by 3% or inflation, whichever is less according to state law.

At the next school board meeting, we will provide a full recap of the 2025 legislative session, reviewing the bills we monitored and their outcomes.

Rich Aust, 4th grade teacher at Discovery Elementary, is the kind of educator who changes lives. He has a natural ability to meet students where they are, help them grow, and celebrate their successes every step of the way!

His nominator Rachel shared, "Rich is the type of teacher who meets the students where they are at and propels them infinitely toward their future. He is proud of them when they are successful, and he is broken with them when they run into hard time times."

With therapy dogs visiting three times a week and his unwavering commitment to student success, Rich makes a lasting impact every day.

Please help us congratulate Mr. Aust for being a true All Star! 🌟

For the past four years, Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG) has helped Sioux Falls School District high school students build skills, explore career paths, and connect with industry leaders. This program equips students with the tools and confidence they need to succeed beyond the classroom—whether that’s through mentorship, career exploration, or leadership development.

In this episode of Spotlight, hear from Roosevelt senior Brody Stenger, Jefferson student Tay Johnson, and JAG Specialist Nicole Fette as they share how JAG is making a difference in students' lives.

🎧 Listen by clicking the video link above!

Gear up for an exciting weekend of hockey as the Stampede take on the Youngstown Phantoms this Friday and Saturday! AND it's Stomp's Birthday Bash on Saturday!

Friday, March 14 – Hockey Talks Night: Support Fight Like a Ninja and enter to win special warmup jerseys. Tickets: https://fevo-enterprise.com/event/dtomar14

Saturday, March 15 – Stomp’s Birthday Bash: A night full of fun—stay tuned to social media for details! Tickets: https://fevo-enterprise.com/event/dtomar15

Exclusive ticket pricing starts at just $14! Don’t miss out, grab your seats now!

The weather is getting nicer and each day we inch a little closer to the end of the school year. And we all know, nice weather + closer to the end of the school year = NEED MORE/STRONGER COFFEE!

Well you're in luck! For only $10, you can get yourself a big bag of coffee that will 'perk' you right up! And even better, ALL PROCEEDS of the sale go back to our schools.

You can order and pay through this link and pick up at IPC (see Vicky Vetter in the CLC) or request the coffee be sent to your school office.

On Friday, March 14th meet with the University of South Dakota to explore your path to becoming a teacher! Whether you’re interested in earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree in elementary, secondary, or special education, this is your chance to learn about your options, ask questions, and take the next step!

Bring a friend and discovery how you can turn your passion for education into a rewarding career!

Our 64th Annual Employee Recognition Banquet will be held on Tuesday, April 15th at 6:00pm at the Country Club of Sioux Falls. Join us for an evening celebrating staff with 25-years of service and our retirees! Tickets are $25.

Ways to Purchase:

🎟️ Online via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/EVNLLTA88J6WA

🎟️ In-person at the Instructional Planning Center (check payable to Sioux Falls School District or exact cash only)

This week we celebrate SgtMaj Scott H. Bakken (USMC Ret), Becky Blades, Evelyn Brouwer, and Linda Miller and their incredible careers with the Sioux Falls School District. Their dedication has been a guiding light, helping students and colleagues shine brighter along the way. Now they’re stepping into a well-earned retirement, leaving behind a lasting constellation of excellence.

Take a moment to stop by their classrooms or send an email to share your well wishes as they reflect on their journey and step into this new season of life.

Scott, Becky, Evelyn, and Linda - thank you for a lifetime of guiding, inspiring, and making a difference. Your impact will forever be part of the SFSD universe. Congratulations on your retirement!

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

SandCreek, our Employee Assistance Program, is free, confidential, and available to ALL Sioux Falls School District employees and their family members. As a part of their extensive list of offerings, SandCreek offers FREE monthly webinars that cover a variety of topics. Below are a couple upcoming ones!

To register for a SandCreek account, visit www.SandCreekEAP.com and click the “Sign Up” link just below the Log In button. Enter siouxfalls as your company code and complete the signup process! A confirmation email will be sent to complete the registration.

Demonstrating human compassion is essential for respecting others, fostering psychological safety, and creating healthy, high-performing teams. This training offers a moment to embrace the incredible opportunity we have every day to make a positive difference in the lives of others simply by showing up, tuning in, and practicing compassion. Together, let’s explore how we can be the change we wish to see in the world and how this compassionate approach can significantly enhance the success of your business in the process.

Wednesday, March 12th, 2025 | 12:30pm to 1:30pm

Register Online!

We’ve all made excuses to eat "junk" or "fast" food when life gets busy, but it doesn’t have to be that way! In this seminar, participants will learn realistic strategies to eat well, even with rising food costs in mind. We'll explore which items are worth paying a premium for and when it’s best to opt for organic products. Together, we’ll uncover practical steps to eating healthy while staying within your financial means. Join us to learn how to make smart, budget-friendly choices that support your health without sacrificing taste or quality!

Wednesday, April 9th, 2025 | 12:30pm to 1:30pm

Register Online!

Below are new opportunities posted within the last week. Be sure to check them out and apply online (at the link provided) if you’re interested! Please note, most job postings are open until filled. If you click on a link and receive an error message (“No matching records found”), it may mean the position has been filled. To view all Sioux Falls School District openings, please visit https://sf.schoolspring.com/.

• Elementary Administrator Intern: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5016594

• Head Girls Wrestling Coach at Jefferson High School: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5014460
• Head Gymnastics Coach at Jefferson High School: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5014466
• Head Girls Wrestling Coach at Roosevelt High School: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5017674

• 2025-26 Child Nutrition General Worker - 0.5 FTE at George McGovern Middle School: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5017897
• Child Nutrition General Worker - 0.5 FTE at Roosevelt High School: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5023935

• Behavior Facilitator - 0.875 FTE at Edison Middle School: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5017695
• Early Childhood Education Assistant - 0.7 FTE at Anne Sullivan Elementary: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5017819
• 2025-26 Behavior Facilitator - 0.875 FTE at Marcella LeBeau Elementary: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5023939
• Early Childhood Education Assistant - 0.7 FTE at R.F. Pettigrew Elementary: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5025262
• Transition Community Facilitator - 0.96875 FTE at Community Campus Western Mall: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5026216
• Transition Program Behavior Facilitator - 0.96875 FTE at Community Campus: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5026224

• 2025-26 3rd Grade Two-Way Immersion English Teacher - 1.0 FTE at Rosa Parks Elementary: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5023928
• 2025-26 Elementary Music Teacher - 1.0 FTE at Rosa Parks Elementary: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5026198
• 2025-26 Kindergarten Two-Way Immersion English Teacher - 1.0 FTE at Rosa Parks Elementary: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5026203

• 2025-26 Debate and English Teacher - 1.0 FTE at Washington High School: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5017617

• 2025-26 Assistant Band Teacher (Middle & Elementary School) - 1.0 FTE at Edison Middle School & Elementary TBD: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5020530

• 2025-26 Special Education Teacher - 1.0 FTE at Terry Redlin Elementary: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5013103
• 2025-26 RISE Special Education Teacher - 1.0 FTE at Susan B. Anthony Elementary: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5017719
• 2025-26 Special Education Teacher - 1.0 FTE at Cleveland Elementary: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5020538
• 2025-26 Special Education Teacher - 1.0 FTE at Horace Mann Elementary: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5023915

• Operational Services Summer Help: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5017646
• Extended School Year Education Assistant at Harvey Dunn Elementary: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5023374
• Extended School Year Education Assistant at John F. Kennedy Elementary: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5023384
• Extended School Year Behavior Facilitator at Harvey Dunn Elementary: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5023392
• Extended School Year Behavior Facilitator at John F. Kennedy Elementary: https://sf.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5023400

Questions? Contact Kate Rovang at kate.rovang@k12.sd.us.

March is National Nutrition Month! Read on for some nutrition Fact or Fiction.

Only people with medical conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, need to eat healthfully.

FICTION – A healthy eating style can be beneficial for everyone. Throughout life, proper nutrition is essential for growth and development, as well as managing chronic diseases and reducing risk.

A vegetarian diet can provide the recommended amount of protein for people of all ages.

FACT – If it is well planned, a vegetarian eating style can meet nutritional needs, including protein.

Foods that contain carbohydrates should be avoided.

FICTION – Carbohydrates are the body’s main source of energy. In addition to vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, many nutritious foods also are sources of carbohydrates such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Adapted from EatRight