Spotlight: Conversations From the Sioux Falls School District

Superintendent Dr. Jamie Nold may be wrapping up his first year in his new role, but he is far from being considered a rookie (although, he also is, kind of....listen in for more on that 😂). With over 30 years of experience in education, Dr. Nold is leading the Sioux Falls School District with dedication and passion. In this interview we look back at his first year as superintendent and look forw...

School libraries are special places. They're more than just stacks of books and computers. The school library is a place where curiosity flows and students are empowered to explore, create, and grow. At the heart of every school library is the librarian, and they are the ones who bring the magic to life. From fostering a love of reading to supporting research and collaboration, school libraria...

What does it mean to be an artist? What does it mean to be a teacher? Is there any way these two things could overlap (spoiler alert: YES!)? In this episode of "Spotlight" we explore the intersection of creativity and education through the lens of "Teachers as Artists," a collaborative exhibit featuring SFSD art educators at the Washington Pavilion. Art teachers from K through...

Artificial intelligence is dominating the headlines these days. In this episode of Spotlight we speak with instructional coach Sarah Burkett about how the District is approaching AI with a focus on literacy, ethics, and thoughtful guidance rather than rigid policy. Then, we hear from teachers at Laura B. Anderson Elementary and Jefferson High School about how they’re using AI to save time, differe...

Eugene Field A+ Elementary is currently in the midst of celebrating the 25th anniversary of being an "Arts Plus" school. This means that for 25 years generations of students have had access to an education that puts a special focus on the arts. Laura Tjaden taught music at Eugene Field for 28 years, meaning she was there when the school made the switch to an arts-focused approach. In thi...

In this episode, we sit down with student council members from Roosevelt High School to highlight Charge for Charity , a student-led effort that brings the spirit of giving to life in the Sioux Falls School District. Through food drives and donations of essential items, students are finding meaningful ways to support local charities and care for classmates who may be in need. As the holiday season...

It's an exciting time to be a Cavalier! With help from the Promising Futures Fund, Jefferson High School is introducing the College and Career Access Program. This is an initiative designed to expand opportunities for students as they plan life after graduation. The aim is to help students and families explore post-secondary pathways, including four-year universities, tech schools, military se...

The Sioux Falls Public Schools Education Foundation was created in 2008 and has been helping to lift up students and staff ever since. Allison Struck took over as executive director in 2018 and has been helping to grow the foundation and expand its impact. Tune in to learn more about how this amazing organization supports every school in the Sioux Falls School District!

Since taking over as superintendent in July, Dr. Jamie Nold has shared his history, outlook, and vision for the Sioux Falls School District. While his leadership helps guide staff through the day-to-day, he’s supported by many talented team members. Today, we’ll hear from two of them—Assistant Superintendents Dan Conrad and Dr. Kirk Zeeck. They’ll share their “why” and what they hope to accomplish...

The Sioux Falls School District's newest superintendent doesn't need an introduction. No, really, he doesn't. He's been a part of the District for over 30 years! You would be hard pressed to find an employee of SFSD who didn't at least know his name. Staff, parents, and students (both current and former) are looking forward to a future with him at the helm. Although he needs no...

One of the things that makes the Sioux Falls School District so special is the ever present focus on success. Success is something that means many different things to many different people. We all have our own ways of defining it, measuring it, and striving for it. What's often not talked about is how we sustain it. Andrea Grady has been the executive assistant to three different superintenden...

Opening a brand new school is no small task—but it’s something the Sioux Falls School District knows a thing or two about. Just four years ago, we opened the doors to both Ben Reifel Middle School and Jefferson High School. There’s something uniquely exciting about students and staff walking into a brand new building together, ready to shape its future from day one. Of course, every new school nee...

"It takes a village." You've probably heard this phrase used in many different ways and for many different scenarios. It's a popular saying because it's what can be considered a universal truth - nobody can do everything on their own. This holds true for the Sioux Falls School District. While our dedicated staff work day in and day out to provide the best education for all children, our community...

For the past four years, Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG) has been offered to high school students in the Sioux Falls School District, making a meaningful impact on their lives. Through JAG, students are exposed to career paths they may have never considered. They connect with business leaders, politicians, and industry experts who provide valuable insights into future opportunities and the...

Did you eat something today? Did you put clothes on before you left the house? If you did either of these things, you should thank a farmer! It's no secret that agriculture is one of the top job sectors in South Dakota, and the Sioux Falls School District is proud to be preparing students for a future in the industry! Agriculture classes at the Career and Technical Education Academy (CTE) have...

As students navigate their way through high school it's important for them to find groups that make them feel at home. That looks different for every student, and the Sioux Falls School District goes to great lengths to ensure there are plenty of options to get kids engaged. Theater is just one of the performing arts that students find their community in, and it provides a space of growth, friends...

How do you get 215 students, bus loads of equipment, and countless parents/volunteers from Sioux Falls, South Dakota to New York City and back? Careful planning, lots of patience, and deep breaths. The Lincoln High School Marching Band has been preparing for many months to perform at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and as they make their final preparations, we hear from the band directors who...

The Sioux Falls School District is now in its second year of running the out-of-school-time care model known as the Community Learning Center. With this model, more children and families are able to be served and care is more accessible to a wider range of people. Partnerships have strengthened relationships, and the organization is growing and expanding rapidly. All these developments shine a lig...

National Arts in Education week is being celebrated September 9-13, 2024. Arts education is a crucial part of a well-rounded education and there is data to prove that students who are active in the arts excel in other areas of academia as well. Kathy Dang is an artist, an art educator, and a creative problem solver. She currently teaches elementary art at Hawthorne Elementary, but has been active...

It's back to school time! In this edition of Spotlight, Dr. Stavem sits down with an incoming kindergarten student to preview everything she has to look forward to in her upcoming year at Eugene Field A+ Elementary.

Dr. Teresa Boysen has been with the Sioux Falls School District for 31 years, and she has made the tough decision to call this year her last and begin the transition into retirement. Throughout her time with SFSD, Dr. Boysen has served as an elementary teacher, assistant principal, principal, and for the past seven years as assistant superintendent in charge of curriculum. Her steady hand has guid...

Going off the theme of last week's episode, we're continuing this week with a conversation featuring a mother/daughter duo at Jefferson High School. Michele Jensen has been a science teacher at JHS for 29 years, and her daughter Hannah is about to wrap up her first year as an english teacher. In this episode, we learn all about the pros and cons, the ups and downs, the good and the bad of...

Sioux Falls School District students recently made history by being the first to take home the State championship in eSports. This is the first year SFSD has had an eSports team, and next year the sport will be officially sanctioned as a school sport. eSports offers another opportunity for out-of-class interaction and engagement for students, and it opens up doors for students who may not have fou...

In this very special edition of "Spotlight: Conversations From the Sioux Falls School District" Dr. Stavem sits down with two pairs of mother/daughter duos in the SFSD. Sidney Kennedy is a first-year teacher at Harvey Dunn Elementary and her mom is Diane Kennedy, who serves as principal at Lowell Elementary. Emilia Skogstad is a first-year teacher at Laura Wilder and her mom is Kristin S...

Over the course of the last 20 years high school sports have undergone many changes. One of these major changes has been the introduction of girls wrestling. What was once seen as impossible is now being implemented at schools across the country, including right here in the Sioux Falls School District. This is a sport that can instill lifelong character traits in young women including confidence,...