Hot Topics
Sept. 22, 2022
DOE launches Good to Great Teachers mentoring program
We are launching Good to Great Teachers, a mentoring program aimed at empowering teachers in years 3-5 of their career by increasing teacher effectiveness and fostering self-efficacy. Experienced educators will guide small cohorts of participants through reflective practices to increase confidence in four key areas: communication skills, reflective practice, classroom management, and student engagement. Teachers who successfully complete the program will earn three graduate credits. Apply by Oct. 7.
Sept. 22, 2022
Celebrate the 2022 South Dakota Crunch Off
The South Dakota Crunch Off is a statewide event to celebrate local produce and Farm to School by crunching into any South Dakota grown "crunchy" fruit or vegetable. Anyone can participate. Simply register your crunch event and post a photo or video crunching to social media with #SouthDakotaCrunch. South Dakota Crunch Off events may occur anytime between Sept. 26 and Oct. 7, 2022. Learn more and register your event.
Sept. 19, 2022
Congratulations to South Dakota's newest National Blue Ribbon Schools
Ethan Elementary, Holy Spirit Elementary (Bishop O'Gorman Catholic Schools), Sonia Sotomayor Elementary (Sioux Falls), and Timber Lake Elementary have been named 2022 National Blue Ribbon Schools. Across the country, 297 schools received this prestigious honor. National Blue Ribbon Schools serve as models of effective school practices for state and district educators and other schools throughout the nation.
Sept. 19, 2022
September is Suicide Prevention Month
Suicide is the leading cause of death among youth aged 10-19. Educators have the power to make a difference. Reach out to Becky Cain in our Office of Student Wellness and Supports if you need ideas about where to start. As of July 16, 988 is the national three-digit phone number for all mental health, substance use, and suicide crises. Materials are available for schools to order to help promote 988 and BeThe1SD.
Administrators
Sept. 19, 2022
Congratulations to South Dakota's newest National Blue Ribbon Schools
Ethan Elementary, Holy Spirit Elementary (Bishop O'Gorman Catholic Schools), Sonia Sotomayor Elementary (Sioux Falls), and Timber Lake Elementary have been named 2022 National Blue Ribbon Schools. Across the country, 297 schools received this prestigious honor. National Blue Ribbon Schools serve as models of effective school practices for state and district educators and other schools throughout the nation.
Sept. 19, 2022
September is Suicide Prevention Month
Suicide is the leading cause of death among youth aged 10-19. Educators have the power to make a difference. Reach out to Becky Cain in our Office of Student Wellness and Supports if you need ideas about where to start. As of July 16, 988 is the national three-digit phone number for all mental health, substance use, and suicide crises. Materials are available for schools to order to help promote 988 and BeThe1SD.
Sept. 19, 2022
Connect students with career possibilities
The Future Workforce Finder is an online matching system that gives students and businesses across South Dakota a new way to connect. The goal of the Future Workforce Finder is two-fold: attract potential employees for business and industry and allow students to explore careers available in their home state. South Dakota businesses have begun to register and showcase student opportunities like internships, job shadows, tours, and classroom visits. Educators can now create accounts and start exploring opportunities. Educators are also encouraged to share this resource with businesses in their community and encourage them to sign up if they haven't done so already. This employer engagement resource for schools offers tips for deepening connections with businesses in your community.
Aug. 15, 2022
Proposed Social Studies, CTE standards released
Proposed standards for Social Studies and several Career and Technical Education (CTE) areas have been released. Members of the public are invited to read the standards and provide public comment.
Teachers
Sept. 22, 2022
DOE launches Good to Great Teachers mentoring program
We are launching Good to Great Teachers, a mentoring program aimed at empowering teachers in years 3-5 of their career by increasing teacher effectiveness and fostering self-efficacy. Experienced educators will guide small cohorts of participants through reflective practices to increase confidence in four key areas: communication skills, reflective practice, classroom management, and student engagement. Teachers who successfully complete the program will earn three graduate credits. Apply by Oct. 7.
Sept. 22, 2022
Celebrate the 2022 South Dakota Crunch Off
The South Dakota Crunch Off is a statewide event to celebrate local produce and Farm to School by crunching into any South Dakota grown "crunchy" fruit or vegetable. Anyone can participate. Simply register your crunch event and post a photo or video crunching to social media with #SouthDakotaCrunch. South Dakota Crunch Off events may occur anytime between Sept. 26 and Oct. 7, 2022. Learn more and register your event.
Sept. 22, 2022
REMINDER: Earn grad credits and stipends for National Board Certification
The 2022-23 National Board Certification (NBC) cohort will begin in October. This program provides support and guidance to teachers throughout the NBC process and pairs them with a mentor. Teachers who pursue and successfully earn National Board Certification can get graduate credits, fee reimbursement, and a $2,000 stipend for five years. Learn more and register by Sept. 30.
Sept. 22, 2022
DEADLINE EXTENDED: New leadership opportunity targets teachers
Applications are open until Oct. 2 for the new Dakota Dreams Teacher Leadership Academy. This FREE academy offers South Dakota teachers who have taught five-plus years an experience-based learning opportunity to develop their leadership skills and explore administrative roles and responsibilities in schools. Teachers earn three graduate credits, and schools will be reimbursed for substitute teacher expenses and teacher travel/lodging costs. Participants will meet over three days during the 2022-23 school year and a three-day period in the summer. This opportunity is being offered by the Board of Regents and Department of Education, with funding available through the American Rescue Plan.
Food Service
Sept. 22, 2022
Celebrate the 2022 South Dakota Crunch Off
The South Dakota Crunch Off is a statewide event to celebrate local produce and Farm to School by crunching into any South Dakota grown "crunchy" fruit or vegetable. Anyone can participate. Simply register your crunch event and post a photo or video crunching to social media with #SouthDakotaCrunch. South Dakota Crunch Off events may occur anytime between Sept. 26 and Oct. 7, 2022. Learn more and register your event.
Aug. 15, 2022
Temporary flexibility for nonprofit food service account finances
This memo communicates a temporary flexibility for food service finances from School Year (SY) / Program Year (PY) 2021-22 that allows School Nutrition Program (SNP) or Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) operators to apply for a two-year spend down plan if the program operator exceeds a five-month net cash resource limit.
July 18, 2022
School meal applications required for SY 2022-23
Families that may qualify for free or reduced-price school meals will need to submit an application for SY 2022-23. Waivers that allowed schools to serve universal free meals, due to the pandemic, have expired. Schools should communicate early and often with families about the application process. Learn more.
July 15, 2022
Harvest of the Month Grant available from DOH
The South Dakota Department of Health is offering a grant to fund up to $1,500 to implement Harvest of the Month for 10 youth programs across the state. The purpose of this grant is to actively engage children in learning about and exposing them to fruits and vegetables through Harvest of the Month educational lesson plans, recipes, and supporting materials. Applications are due Aug. 10 by 5 p.m. CT. Learn more and access the grant application.
Counselors
Sept. 19, 2022
September is Suicide Prevention Month
Suicide is the leading cause of death among youth aged 10-19. Educators have the power to make a difference. Reach out to Becky Cain in our Office of Student Wellness and Supports if you need ideas about where to start. As of July 16, 988 is the national three-digit phone number for all mental health, substance use, and suicide crises. Materials are available for schools to order to help promote 988 and BeThe1SD.
Sept. 19, 2022
Connect students with career possibilities
The Future Workforce Finder is an online matching system that gives students and businesses across South Dakota a new way to connect. The goal of the Future Workforce Finder is two-fold: attract potential employees for business and industry and allow students to explore careers available in their home state. South Dakota businesses have begun to register and showcase student opportunities like internships, job shadows, tours, and classroom visits. Educators can now create accounts and start exploring opportunities. Educators are also encouraged to share this resource with businesses in their community and encourage them to sign up if they haven't done so already. This employer engagement resource for schools offers tips for deepening connections with businesses in your community.
Sept. 19, 2022
Contact sheet for school counselors updated
Wondering who to contact for what at the South Dakota Department of Education? A contact sheet has been updated with a list of contacts who may be beneficial for school counselors to contact when needing support.
Sept. 19, 2022
School counseling annual calendar template updated
A calendar template is available for download/modification for school counselors to use within their own school counseling program settings. The template may be useful in the management and delivery of a comprehensive school counseling program. NOTE: The template is in "View Only" mode, so either make a copy in your own Google Drive or download it to your computer to make modifications.