Newsletter Date:

April 2024

Greetings, Warrior Families.

We are kicking off the first full week in April with a variety of special schedules and activities surrounding South Dakota Summative Assessment week for our juniors. Families of junior students have received information about the importance of the test and incentives for being proficient or improving their scores.

WHS Freshmen and Sophomores have the opportunity to participate in a variety of enrichment activities during the South Dakota Summative Assessment week for juniors. Our freshmen get to tour the Career Technical Education Academy and have a choice in Extravaganza activities; sophomores tour either Southeast Technical College or Augustana University and get to learn from other community partners. It is a very busy week for Warrior Nation! We have the best staff who have gone above and beyond to plan for and organize these incredible activities for students! A special thanks to our counseling department who has done all the organizational work to make this a meaningful testing week for all students.

The school board has made the decision that the last day of school for students will be Thursday, May 23rd. Semester tests will be Wednesday and Thursday, May 22 and 23.

One important item we would love to have all parents talk to their students about is how and with whom your student interacts digitally. Some tips for promoting digital safety include the following:

• if your student has multiple social media accounts, make sure you are “friends” with or are “following” your student.

• Ask to have your student’s passwords for all their accounts.

• Make it a regular habit to check your student’s text messages, Snapchat messages, Tik Tok feed, etc. so you can see how your student dialogues with his/her peers in those online platforms.

• If you are raising an iChild (a student who uses an iPhone or iPad device) please talk to your students about their settings - especially those settings related to airdropping. Encourage your student to not have their phone open to receive airdrops from any source.

Our school policy regarding cell phones is that cell phones are not allowed out in classrooms. Students have access to all the technology they need for learning on their chromebooks and in the classroom. They should save their cell phone time for lunch. Later this month, we will be doing a competitive Screen Time Challenge. This is a good time to start talking to your students about reducing their screen time! More information will be coming later this month!

As we move into the final weeks of the semester, please be checking your student’s attendance, grades, and assignment completion. Please let any of the teachers, counselors, or administrators know if you have questions or concerns. Go, Warriors!

WHS Administration: Kari Papke, Preston Kooima, Heidi Jorgenson, Nate Malchow

March 29 - April 1 - No School - Spring Break

April 3 - 5 - SD Summative Assessment

April 20 - Prom

May 1 - Honorfest

Connections, a summer program to educate and prepare students for the transition to high school, will be available for all incoming 9th graders. Find more detailed information at this link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ANKX06JRWkDNmod7qtKp57Gkyg7m0u3cY72GVWGS4qM/edit?usp=sharing

The Washington High School Senior Prom, Happily Ever After, is scheduled for Saturday, April 20th

Grand March is in the WHS Auditorium at 4:00 pm. Tickets to watch the Grand March are $5 and can be purchased at the door. It does not cost for students to participate. This is a fundraiser for the senior class party.

The prom dance is held at the Sioux Falls Convention Center from 8-11 pm. Tickets will be sold in the WHS commons during Warrior Halftime Wednesday, April 10 through Friday, April 19 and will cost $25 a ticket. The form for Non-WHS guests needs to be submitted to the school office by Friday, April 12.

Each semester we recognize students who have achieved a 3.0 and above GPA for the previous semester. Students received a certificate and were treated to Honor Roll Sundaes in February during their lunch time.

Each Semester we recognize students who have achieved academic excellence with an Academic Letter. To qualify, students must achieve a GPA of 3.5 or higher for the last two consecutive semesters. This is not a cumulative GPA award. Students were recognized at the WHS Spring Academic Letter Presentations on March 19th for Seniors , Juniors on the 20th , and Sophomores on March 21st for their outstanding academic achievement.

Over 100 WHS Seniors Earn Regents' Scholar Diplomas

One-hundred and nineteen seniors have recently earned the Regents' Scholar Diploma from the South Dakota Board or Regents. For seniors to be nominated as a recipient of the Regents' Scholar Diploma, they must have graduated from a South Dakota high school, completed the coursework identified in the six areas outlined below, received a "C" or better on all required coursework and maintained an unweighted cumulative grade point average of a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or better throughout high school.

Coursework required for the Regents' Scholar Diplomas include four units of English, four units of algebra or higher mathematics, four units of science including three units of approved laboratory science, three units of social studies, one unit of fine arts and two units of the same modern or classical language or two units of Career and Technical Education or a combination of one unit of modern or classical language and one unit of Career and Technical education.

Regents' Scholar Diplomas award certificates will be handed out to seniors at a later date.

Click on the link below to view the list of WHS students to receive Regents' Scholar Diplomas.

Congratulations to all of the WHS students who received the President's Award for Educational Excellence!!

For Students to earn the President's Award for Educational Excellence, they must have a 3.5 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) and either have a score of 26 or higher on the ACT OR receive a proficient score (3 or 4) on the SD Summative Assessment (previously known as the Smarter Balance Test). Award certificates will be distributed over the next few weeks.

We're thrilled to announce that we've successfully achieved our goal for the third annual #EverybodyReads community reading initiative!

A huge round of applause is owed to every student and community member who participated in this wonderful endeavor by reading a book and filling out a raindrop over the past three weeks. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our friends and collaborators at Siouxland Libraries for their invaluable partnership in making this initiative a success. The grand total is in... drumroll... 318,617 books read!

This incredible accomplishment means we can make a substantial donation to REACH Literacy, supporting their vital mission of promoting literacy throughout our community. Even though we've reached our goal, the excitement doesn't have to end! Today's weather might be perfect for cozying up with a good book. Whether it's rain, snow, or shine, let's keep the spirit of Everybody Reads alive! 📖🌦️🌨️🌈 Thank you for your continued support.

Kerri Smith, WHS Librarian

The WHS Student Council will host a pop-up Thrift Store on Thursday, May 2nd after school in the WHS library. Any student who wishes to donate gently used items can bring them to A114 until Friday, April 26th.

Parents- A reminder that you will only be able to request Full Day Absences on the Absence Leave Processor on Infinite Campus. There are no longer be options for students who will be leaving early or arriving late. If your student needs to leave for an appointment or will be arriving late to school, please call the school office at (605) 367-7970.

Josten's is now able to process your 2024 WHS Yearbook purchase online! Visit www.jostens.com and search for WHS under the yearbook option. The cost for the 2024 yearbook is $65.

Allergy season is here. Allergic disease is a leading cause of missed school days for children. It is now peak season for allergy and asthma sufferers, and a perfect time to recognize the causes of asthma and allergies to best prevent attacks. Common allergy symptoms include coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose, and scratchy throat.

Common allergens and irritants found around the home are pollen, dust mites, mold, pet dander, and secondhand smoke. Exposure to these allergens can even trigger an asthma attack.

During an asthma attack, airways become narrowed and breathing can become difficult. Other asthma triggers include: respiratory infections, pollen (trees, grasses, weeds) air pollution, food, allergies, cleaning products, perfumes, exercise, and cold air exposure. Common asthma symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. Asthma cannot be cured but it can be controlled.

• Clear your home of allergy/asthma triggers
• Choose not to smoke
• Keep bed linens clean
• Keep pets out of bedrooms
• Clean up mold and get rid of excess moisture
• Limit use of pesticide sprays
• Dust and vacuum regularly
• Use air conditioning when possible

Talk to your physician about the best daily management for your child’s symptoms. For more helpful information, visit www.kidshealth.org/parent/medical/allergies/allergy.html

The Black Champion Full-Zip Jacket is the April "Deal of the Month" in the Warrior Zone. This light weight jacket is marked down from $39.99 to the low price of $29.99 for the entire month.

The Sioux Falls School District is committed to preparing our students for purposeful engagement in the world through participation in activities. Students in Grades 7 - 12 have the opportunity to participate in the high school interscholastic athletics and/or activities programs, including sponsored sports. For those students interested in participating in the Sioux Falls School District activities program during the 2024-25 academic year, the following information MUST be on file PRIOR to any participation in activities, which includes, but is not limited to, the first practice, workout (summer included) or tryout of an activity in which the student is participating in. Please turn in all forms to the High School’s Activities Principal in the Activities Office.

FORMS NEEDED FOR PARTICIPATION

1. Annual Student Registration (OLR) (Online)
2. This online form is for parents/guardians of students who wish to participate in the high school interscholastic athletics and/or activities programs, including Sioux Falls School District sponsored sports. The form can be completed online starting Monday, April 1, 2024.
3. To complete the Annual Student Registration (OLR), sign into your Parent Portal on Infinite Campus: Infinite Campus Parent Portal (Click Here)
4. For instructions on How to Complete the Annual Student Registration (OLR) (Click Here) or (Attached).

1. Preparticipation Physical Evaluation Form (Paper Document)
1. In order to help ensure the health and safety of students participating in athletics, the Sioux Falls School District School Board will require an annual preparticipation physical evaluation of all students who participate in South Dakota High School Activities Association (SDHSAA) recognized interscholastic athletics, all Sioux Falls School District sponsored sports, and any other school sponsored activity deemed as physically demanding as an athletic activity. This evaluation must occur after April 1 for the ensuing school year but prior to the first practice, workout (summer/school year) or tryout of an athletic activity in which the student is participating in.
2. The annual medical evaluation must be performed by a licensed medical personnel that is qualified to perform the evaluation and certify the health of the student (Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Osteopathy, Doctor of Chiropractic, licensed Physician’s Assistant and licensed Nurse Practitioner). This examination is valid for one school year except when the student has had a significant injury, illness, or major surgery. A student-athlete who has suffered a significant injury or significant illness, has had major surgery, or is suspected of having suffered a concussion is required to submit the consent for continued participation form signed by a licensed health care provider verifying that it is safe for the student to participate.
3. Print the Sioux Falls School District Preparticipation Physical Evaluation Form 2024-25 (Click Here).
4. The Preparticipation Medical History must be completed by the patient and parent/guardian and brought to appointment with the licensed medical personnel.
5. How do Sioux Falls School District families schedule a Preparticipation Physical Evaluation:

Option 1:

The Sioux Falls School District recommends scheduling your student for a Preparticipation Physical Evaluation with your family doctor/provider. At this evaluation, immunizations can be updated, and other health issues addressed. The Preparticipation Physical Evaluation Form must be completed at this evaluation. Many insurance companies will pay for this evaluation, and sometimes a co-pay may apply. When contacting your doctor/provider’s office, please remember to ask for a “wellness exam”.

Option 2:

If you don’t choose option 1 where your insurance may cover the wellness exam, we have also arranged with several local health care providers for a special $35.00 rate for Preparticipation Physical Evaluations (See attached SFSD Clinics that offer Preparticipation Evaluation). Charges will not be filed with your insurance company at this rate, and you must pay the $35.00 fee at the time of your appointment. In order to qualify for the special rate, please call the clinic and ask for a “Sioux Falls School District Preparticipation Physical Evaluation”. Call early this spring as certain scheduling concerns, such as a specific date or month(s) this summer may apply and will vary by clinic and/or doctor. For a list of Clinics that offer Preparticipation Physical Evaluations for $35.00 (Click Here) or (Attached).

Option 3:

Falls Community Health provides services on a sliding fee scale as low as $15.00 for patients based on income and family size. Avera Health Care Clinic – 300 N. Dakota, Suite 117 – (605) 322-6800 provides free services to the non-insured.

Option 4:

Cost and/or access to a healthcare provider should not be a barrier to participation. If you are unable to schedule an appointment or have concerns regarding the cost of the above options, please contact your Activities Principal.

HIGH SCHOOL INTERSCHOLASTICS ATHLETICS OFFERED

Fall Sports

Coed Competitive Cheer

Girls Cross Country

Boys Cross Country

Coed Competitive Dance

Coed Football

Boys Golf (7-12)

Coed Sideline Cheer

Girls Soccer

Boys Soccer

Girls Tennis (7-12)

Girls Volleyball

Winter Sports

Girls Basketball

Boys Basketball

Girls Bowling (Sponsored Sport)

Girls Bowling (Sponsored Sport)

Girls Gymnastics (7-12)

Girls Powerlifting

Coed Sideline Cheer

Girls Wrestling

Boys Wrestling

Spring Sports

Boys Baseball (Sponsored Sport)

Girls Golf (7-12)

Boys Tennis (7-12)

Girls Softball

Girls Track and Field

Boys Track and Field

HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES PRINCIPALS

Jefferson High School

Chad Stadem – Chad.Stadem@k12.sd.us

Lincoln High School

David Maxwell – David.Maxwell@k12.sd.us

Roosevelt High School

Steve Moore – Steve.Moore@k12.sd.us

Washington High School

Nate Malchow – Nate.Malchow@k12.sd.us

Please go to Sioux Falls School District Activities to find more information pertaining to Athletics in the Sioux Falls School District.

Want to get involved? Not sure where to start? Come join SALSA (Serve And Learn Student Association) as a great way to connect with opportunities to serve your community! SALSA allows you got get involved through volunteerism, meet new friends, explore careers, gain leadership experience, earn volunteer hours for scholarship applications, and make a difference in their community. Missed the first few meetings? No worries come to the upcoming meeting! At this next meeting we will work on various projects for Girl Scouts and learn more about our next large group volunteer outing, Feeding SD session 2 April 1, and serving at the Banquet-Downtown on April 11 otherwise known as a SALSA-Wide Event, and other great individual opportunities!

Find out how by visiting their website: whsboosterclub.com

Website: https://www.whs.sf.k12.sd.us/o/whs
Location: 501 N. Sycamore Sioux Falls SD, 57110
Phone: (605) 367-7970