Sioux Falls School District

The theme of this school year is “Be the Difference”, and thanks to our friends at Architecture Incorporated and their partners, staff will be reminded of that every time they wear their SFSD t-shirts! We are so grateful for 20 years of their generous sponsorship, making these shirts possible year after year! The shirts truly represent the unity that is present throughout the Sioux Falls School District as we all work towards our goal of making a difference in each student’s life!

In the Sioux Falls School District, success is more than a goal. It is a daily commitment. And behind every strong leader is a strong support system. In this farewell episode of the Spotlight podcast, Superintendent Dr. Jane Stavem sits down with Executive Assistant Andrea Grady, who has supported three SFSD superintendents (soon to be four!). From navigating packed calendars to anchoring the flow of daily operations, Andrea plays a vital role in sustaining the work that shapes nearly 24,000 students' futures. As Dr. Stavem signs off from her final Spotlight episode, she reflects on leadership, office dynamics, and the often-unseen support that makes student and staff success possible. Listen here! 🎙️ ---> https://lnkd.in/gTEAMUhf

As we close the chapter on the 2024-2025 school year, and as she prepares to conclude her tenure at the end of June, Superintendent Dr. Jane Stavem reflects on the themes, partnerships, and progress that have defined her leadership in the Sioux Falls School District. "There has never been more clarity about the importance of providing children with beautiful schools, places where they come to learn every day, surrounded by people who care deeply about them and believe in who they are." From opening new schools to launching District-wide initiatives, Dr. Stavem's message is a look back, and a hopeful call forward. Watch her farewell message here ---> https://lnkd.in/g4_MUKhy

The stage is set! By 8:30 pm tonight, nearly 1,800 students will have walked across it, no longer just high school seniors, but GRADUATES! This stage holds more than footsteps and diplomas. It carries the weight of every early morning, every late night, every challenge overcome, and dream pursued. It echoes with laughter, tears, triumphs, and the dedication it took to get here!    To our graduates and their families, this day is a celebration of all you have achieved! We are so grateful to be able to share in so many happy moments with you throughout this day! Here are just a few Class of 2025 highlights: + 547 students are recognized as Regents Scholars by the South Dakota Department of Education + 345 students are members of the National Honor Society + 233 students are recognized as Advanced Placement (AP) Scholars by the College Board + 19 students are National Merit Finalists + 598 students are Presidential Education Award Winners + 103 students have earned the Seal of Biliteracy + 325 students have earned the Advanced Placement Achievement Award Watch the ceremonies live with us here! 🎓 https://lnkd.in/gWr2fxge

High school CTE Health Careers and EMT students recently hosted a “Stuffy Clinic” for 2nd graders at Laura B. Anderson Elementary, helping their young patients (and their teddy bears!) learn what to expect during a doctor visit. From listening to heartbeats and learning about germs to sharing cookies made by CTE Culinary students, it was a day full of hands-on learning, for everyone involved. Many of our high schoolers admitted they were nervous at first, but the experience helped them grow more confident and comfortable working with people, an important step in preparing for careers in healthcare! Watch here --->

Congratulations to Whittier Middle School Principal Erika Paladino on receiving the 2025 Administrator Advocacy Award from the South Dakota School Counselor Association! Erika is the first administrator in South Dakota history to earn both this honor and the 2022 Distinguished Administrator Award from the South Dakota Music Education Association, a testament to her outstanding leadership and unwavering support for students and educators. Well deserved, Erika!

Election results are in! 🗳️ Congratulations to Nan Baker and Elizabeth Duffy on being elected to the Sioux Falls School Board! These individuals will help guide the vision and decisions that impact over 24,000 students and thousands of staff. Their terms will begin July 1st, 2025. We are grateful to all four candidates for their commitment to public education and willingness to serve. Thank you to everyone who made their voice heard in today’s election!

We are proud to share that the Sioux Falls School District has been recognized as one of the Best Communities for Music Education, for the third year in a row, by the NAMM Foundation! This national honor highlights our strong and sustained commitment to music education for all students. It reflects years of dedicated work by our music educators, school leaders, and community partners to ensure students in Sioux Falls have access to rich, high-quality music opportunities, regardless of their path or background. Thank you to everyone who plays a role in keeping music alive in our schools. Your support ensures students have opportunities to express themselves, connect, and thrive through the power of music. #BestCommunitiesforMusicEducation

It's Election Day in Sioux Falls! 🗳️ Sioux Falls residents will elect two members to the Sioux Falls School Board today. School board members help guide policy, budget decisions, and educational priorities for nearly 24,000 students in our community. Four candidates are running for two open seats: + Elizabeth Duffy + Patricia Ringold + Nan Kelly + Thomas Werner Polls are open from 7 AM to 7 PM. If you reside within the SFSD boundaries, you can vote at any of the 13 polling locations across the city! Find the map here ---> https://bit.ly/3YsdYPk Your VOICE matters! Your VOTE shapes the future of public education in our community! Please get out and vote!

Jefferson High School’s Advanced Wood Tech students recently delivered handcrafted wooden flags to veterans living at the Veterans Community Project in Sioux Falls, a community of tiny homes supporting veterans as they rebuild their lives. Under the leadership of teacher Steve Hirsch, students spent 3-4 weeks perfecting each flag and signing messages of gratitude on the back. Their work is part of Project HOME, a growing national initiative connecting students and communities to support veterans through craftsmanship and care. We couldn’t be more proud of these students for using their talents to make a meaningful impact!