Hot Topics
Jan. 17, 2023
Revised version of proposed social studies standards now available
A revised version of the proposed academic content standards for social studies - primarily addressing geography standards and certain translations - is now available. The revised proposal, along with a summary of changes, is available on DOE's website. Department staff will outline the revisions at the next public hearing for the standards, which is set for Feb. 10 in Rapid City.
Jan. 9, 2023
Graves appointed Secretary of Education
Gov. Kristi Noem has appointed Mitchell Superintendent Joe Graves as Secretary of Education. Dr. Graves has served as superintendent of the Mitchell School District since 2000. Before that he served as superintendent of several school districts in Iowa between 1991 and 2000. He began teaching in 1986. His appointment will be effective Jan. 10. Congratulations, Secretary Graves.
Jan. 9, 2023
DLR awards apprenticeship grant to DSU
As previously shared, the department is working with partners in the field to explore and pursue development of a teacher apprenticeship pathway program in South Dakota. Recently, the Department of Labor and Regulation awarded an apprenticeship grant to Dakota State University. This fits into the broader vision of the work currently being undertaken. We will share updates about the emerging program as appropriate.
Jan. 3, 2023
Legislative session starts Jan. 10
The 2023 legislative session will kick off on Tuesday, Jan. 10, with Governor Noem's State of the State address. Visit the Legislative Research Council's website to follow all of the action, including links to livestreamed meetings.
Jan. 3, 2023
Board of Education Standards meeting dates set for 2023
The Board of Education Standards meeting dates for 2023 have been posted at boardsandcommissions.sd.gov. Meeting dates/locations/times may be subject to change. Agendas are typically posted a week in advance.
Administrators
Jan. 24, 2023
Schools receive $260,000 in School Nutrition Program grants
The department recently announced 16 school systems across South Dakota have been granted more than $260,000 in grants available from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The grants are to purchase new equipment or to renovate/replace existing equipment in School Nutrition Programs. Read the press release.
Jan. 17, 2023
Submit Mentoring Summer Academy session proposals by Feb. 10
DOE is now taking breakout session proposals for the South Dakota Mentoring Program Summer Academy. This event is a time for new teachers and their mentors, participating in the Statewide Mentoring Program, to gather for reflection, professional development, and celebration. This year, there will be an academy on each side of the state: Sioux Falls, May 31-June 1, and Rapid City, June 6-7.
Jan. 17, 2023
Revised version of proposed social studies standards now available
A revised version of the proposed academic content standards for social studies - primarily addressing geography standards and certain translations - is now available. The revised proposal, along with a summary of changes, is available on DOE's website. Department staff will outline the revisions at the next public hearing for the standards, which is set for Feb. 10 in Rapid City.
Jan. 9, 2023
Graves appointed Secretary of Education
Gov. Kristi Noem has appointed Mitchell Superintendent Joe Graves as Secretary of Education. Dr. Graves has served as superintendent of the Mitchell School District since 2000. Before that he served as superintendent of several school districts in Iowa between 1991 and 2000. He began teaching in 1986. His appointment will be effective Jan. 10. Congratulations, Secretary Graves.
Teachers
Jan. 17, 2023
Submit Mentoring Summer Academy session proposals by Feb. 10
DOE is now taking breakout session proposals for the South Dakota Mentoring Program Summer Academy. This event is a time for new teachers and their mentors, participating in the Statewide Mentoring Program, to gather for reflection, professional development, and celebration. This year, there will be an academy on each side of the state: Sioux Falls, May 31-June 1, and Rapid City, June 6-7.
Jan. 17, 2023
Revised version of proposed social studies standards now available
A revised version of the proposed academic content standards for social studies - primarily addressing geography standards and certain translations - is now available. The revised proposal, along with a summary of changes, is available on DOE's website. Department staff will outline the revisions at the next public hearing for the standards, which is set for Feb. 10 in Rapid City.
Jan. 9, 2023
Sharing resources related to epilepsy
House Concurrent Resolution 6007 passed in early 2020 and was quickly overshadowed by events surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. The resolution sought to support students and other persons afflicted by epilepsy and raise awareness of the disease. In the spirit of the intent of that resolution, the Epilepsy Foundation offers education and training on this topic.
Jan. 6, 2023
Encourage high school students to participate in Poetry Out Loud
Poetry Out Loud is a free program for all South Dakota high school students (grades 9-12) that encourages them to learn about poetry through memorization and recitation. This program provides avenues for students to master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, learn about their literary heritage, and compete for prizes. The state champion and teacher (or another chaperone) receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., in the spring for national finals, where they compete for a $20,000 cash prize. Student video submissions are due Feb. 20. Learn more on the SD Arts Council's Poetry Out Loud webpage.
Food Service
Jan. 24, 2023
Schools receive $260,000 in School Nutrition Program grants
The department recently announced 16 school systems across South Dakota have been granted more than $260,000 in grants available from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The grants are to purchase new equipment or to renovate/replace existing equipment in School Nutrition Programs. Read the press release.
Jan. 23, 2023
Supply Chain Assistance funds available for eligible districts
Superintendents of schools that operate the National School Lunch or Breakfast Program will receive a DocuSign email around Feb. 2 regarding the availability of Supply Chain Assistance (SCA) funds. You will need to indicate whether you accept or decline these funds. The deadline to accept funding is Feb. 17. Any school that wishes to accept funding must attest to supply chain disruptions and must use the funding to purchase only domestic, minimally or unprocessed foods. DOE's Child and Adult Nutrition Services team will hold an informational webinar on this topic Jan. 25, 2:30-3:30 p.m. (Central). Questions can be directed to CANS staff at DOE.SchoolLunch@state.sd.us or (605) 773-3413.
Jan. 3, 2023
New templates available for schools using Food Service Management Companies
The state templates for the Request for Proposal (RFP) and fixed price contract used with Food Service Management Companies (FSMCs) have been updated for use in school year 2023-24 contracts. Appropriate school personnel are invited to join the Child and Adult Nutrition Services (CANS) staff for a walk-through of the new RFP template and to address common questions via Zoom on Jan. 11, 2:30-3:30 p.m. CT.
Nov. 8, 2022
School Nutrition Program equipment grants available
National School Lunch Program equipment grants are now available for school year 2022-23. More than $250,000 in U.S. Department of Agriculture funding was received, which is more than four times the amount typically awarded. Find more information and the application on the Child and Adult Nutrition Services School Nutrition Program webpage under the "Equipment Grants" heading. Applications are due by mail, not email, and must be postmarked by Nov. 30, 2022.
Counselors
Jan. 17, 2023
Teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA) training available at no cost to districts
tMHFA is a program that teaches teens in grades 10-12 the skills they need to identify signs of a mental health or substance use challenge in their friends and peers, to have supportive conversations, and to get help from a responsible and trusted adult. For more information, please contact your local Prevention Resource Center, and they can connect you to facilitators in your area.
Jan. 9, 2023
Telemental health services in schools
Through a partnership with the Department of Social Services (DSS), schools have the opportunity to support students in receiving mental health services at no charge to the school. This partnership will provide schools with additional support in helping students and their families access available mental health services as well as an understanding of when/how to refer students for mental health services. Visit our Mental Health webpage (Telemental Health in Schools heading) or contact Rebecca Cain for more information.
Dec. 29, 2022
New SD school counselor resources available
We have posted two new school counselor resources on the School Counseling webpage. More resources will be published in the future. Questions? Contact Andrea Albrecht.
- School Counselor: A Title that Matters: Explore why using the correct title of "School Counselor" best reflects the profession's roles, responsibilities, and training
- Who Are South Dakota School Counselors? This document gives a quick overview of who and what makes up school counseling in South Dakota
Dec. 29, 2022
Youth Trooper Academy application window open
High school juniors and seniors with an interest in law enforcement are encouraged to apply for the 2023 Youth Trooper Academy, hosted by the South Dakota Highway Patrol and American Legion.
The academy will take place in Pierre June 26-30, 2023. Application deadline: March 25, 2023.
Questions? Contact Lieutenant Tony Maunu (605-773-2231).