Hot Topics
March 20, 2023
Taking public comment on proposed rule changes related to student teachers
The Board of Education Standards will hold a public hearing on proposed changes to ARSD 24:28:09 (Educator Permit Requirements) at its April 17 meeting in Pierre.
March 13, 2023
Testing window extended
Due to the amount of snow days experienced this year, the department has decided to extend the testing window for the math, English language arts, science, and science-alternate assessments by one week. The online testing window will now close on Friday, May 12.
March 8, 2023
Apply for Out-of-School Time Expansion Grants
Existing out-of-school time (OST) programs in South Dakota have the opportunity to apply for $50,000 to $200,000 grants to expand their existing programs. Applicants must be local education agencies, educational cooperatives, or nonprofit community-based organizations that support the academic school day during out-of-school time programs.
March 3, 2023
2023 Perkins Reserve Grant recipients announced
Four South Dakota school districts have been chosen to receive South Dakota Perkins Reserve Grants, totaling $151,993. These funds will be used to provide major equipment upgrades to career and technical education (CTE) programs.
Administrators
March 20, 2023
Taking public comment on proposed rule changes related to student teachers
The Board of Education Standards will hold a public hearing on proposed changes to ARSD 24:28:09 (Educator Permit Requirements) at its April 17 meeting in Pierre.
March 13, 2023
Testing window extended
Due to the amount of snow days experienced this year, the department has decided to extend the testing window for the math, English language arts, science, and science-alternate assessments by one week. The online testing window will now close on Friday, May 12.
March 8, 2023
Apply for Out-of-School Time Expansion Grants
Existing out-of-school time (OST) programs in South Dakota have the opportunity to apply for $50,000 to $200,000 grants to expand their existing programs. Applicants must be local education agencies, educational cooperatives, or nonprofit community-based organizations that support the academic school day during out-of-school time programs.
Feb. 15, 2023
State Historical Society looking for SD's History Teacher of the Year
Nominations are being accepted until Feb. 28 (deadline extended) for the 2023 South Dakota History Teacher of the Year, one of the Governor's Awards for History, coordinated by the South Dakota State Historical Society. Nominees may be an elementary or secondary teacher of history or social studies in public or private schools in South Dakota. They must be teaching at least half time during a school year and have a minimum of three years teaching experience in history, social studies, or a related field. Nomination forms can be found on the State Historical Society's website (click the History Awards link). Once history teachers are nominated, they need to complete and return an application by March 17. Questions? Email Kevin Larsen or call 605-773-6000. The winner will be announced at this year's State Historical Society History Conference,
being held April 21-22 in Pierre.
Teachers
March 20, 2023
Taking public comment on proposed rule changes related to student teachers
The Board of Education Standards will hold a public hearing on proposed changes to ARSD 24:28:09 (Educator Permit Requirements) at its April 17 meeting in Pierre.
Feb. 15, 2023
Encourage students to apply for National Youth Science Camp by Feb. 28
The National Youth Science Camp is a free, residential honors program for two accomplished high school graduates from each state, Washington, D.C., and select international countries. The first five days of this year's camp will be virtual, with the remaining days in-person at Camp Pocahontas in West Virginia. In addition to a broad range of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) topics and outdoor adventure activities, students travel to Washington, D.C., where they can tour museums and attend a panel discussion held at the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Find more information at apply.nyscamp.org.
Feb. 15, 2023
Teachers encouraged to enter students' work in South Dakota State Fair
The South Dakota State Fair and the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources encourage teachers to submit student education entries in the Arts & Education building for the 2023 South Dakota State Fair. Project areas include various mediums of art, literature, computer graphics, and more. Entry forms are due to the State Fair office by April 14. Teachers are encouraged to use the online entry process this year.
Feb. 15, 2023
State Historical Society looking for SD's History Teacher of the Year
Nominations are being accepted until Feb. 28 (deadline extended) for the 2023 South Dakota History Teacher of the Year, one of the Governor's Awards for History, coordinated by the South Dakota State Historical Society. Nominees may be an elementary or secondary teacher of history or social studies in public or private schools in South Dakota. They must be teaching at least half time during a school year and have a minimum of three years teaching experience in history, social studies, or a related field. Nomination forms can be found on the State Historical Society's website (click the History Awards link). Once history teachers are nominated, they need to complete and return an application by March 17. Questions? Email Kevin Larsen or call 605-773-6000. The winner will be announced at this year's State Historical Society History Conference,
being held April 21-22 in Pierre.
Food Service
Feb. 8, 2023
Proposed Updates to the School Nutrition Standards
In an effort to provide children the right balance of nutrients for healthy and appealing meals, USDA's Food and Nutrition Services has proposed changes to the school nutrition standards and meal patterns for Child Nutrition Programs. The proposed updates reflect the most recent Dietary Guidelines, as required by law, and build in plenty of time for planning and implementation to ensure the school meals community and the kids they serve have the best chance for long-term success. These updates are now available in the Federal Register. USDA will host a one-hour webinar on Feb. 21 for School Food Authority Staff (Register). Find more information on the USDA FNS webpage.
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.
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.
Counselors
Feb. 6, 2023
Save the date for South Dakota Week of Work
The 2023 South Dakota Week of Work is set for April 3-7. This timeline is intended to help you prepare your school and community. This week is the perfect time to host interactive opportunities connecting students with local businesses. It's also an opportunity to publicly celebrate the wonderful things your school does for work-based learning all year long. There will be a celebration kit coming soon to https://weekofwork.sd.gov/ with printable templates and resources. The website also has a library of virtual career videos that can be used on demand. Questions about Week of Work? Email Kristin Larson at DOE.
Feb. 1, 2023
SD-STARS Reports Overview for School Counselors
Don't miss out on a webinar offered specifically for school counselors by SD-STARS staff on reports that may be useful in the school counseling setting as it pertains to making data-informed interventions and decisions. This webinar is part of a three-month SD-STARS webinar series covering a variety of topics. The webinar will be recorded. For questions, contact Jay Lamb.
- Feb. 15, 3-4 p.m. CT Register
Jan. 30, 2023
Second set of mental health posters now available
Visit the department's Mental Health Poster Campaign webpage to see the five new posters available and learn more about this free opportunity. These posters will also be available in Spanish and Karen soon. Want to order poster holders? The order form is available on the poster webpage as well. Questions? Please email Rebecca Cain for more information.
Jan. 30, 2023
FREE workshops address crisis preparation
The University of South Dakota School Psychology program has partnered with several state agencies, including the Department of Education, to provide PREPaRE School Crisis Prevention and Response training to South Dakota schools at NO COST. The purpose of the training is to improve and strengthen school safety, crisis management, and emergency response plans. Two different workshops will be offered beginning in February and with dates throughout the spring. See the schedule and learn more about the training.