Preliminary estimates for the second round of ESSER allocations (ESSER II) and an ESSER II fact sheet highlighting primary differences between ESSER I and ESSER II are now posted on the department’s COVID funding webpage. We will continue to update this page as additional information becomes available to reflect funding under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, signed into law Dec. 27, 2020. The page also has previous CARES Act information.

Thirty school leadership teams will be selected to participate in a series of colloquia that will explore and pilot competency-based education, knowledge-rich curriculum, and whole-child approaches to instruction. The three-year program includes a two-day colloquium in the spring and fall of each year and a three-day colloquium in the summer. Learn more about this opportunity. Applications are due by March 15.

The South Dakota Week of Work will be held April 19-23. All activities will be offered virtually. This special week will introduce 10th and 11th graders to career opportunities in their communities and across the state. It’s a week of exploration and celebration, with the aim of guiding students, engaging businesses, and introducing employers to their future workforce.

The Department of Social Services’ 605 Strong program promotes COVID-19 related resources and support, including crisis intervention, outreach, and the 211 hotline, in partnership with the Helpline Center and Lutheran Social Services. The program connects South Dakotans with many resources, including mental health and family resources. Prior webinar recordings are available for viewing on the website. Check the website regularly for resources for students and families.

Celebrate great teaching through the South Dakota Teacher of the Year program! Each school district that wishes to participate should submit the name of its District TOY to the South Dakota Department of Education by March 1 for consideration as a Regional TOY. All submitted District TOY winners will be invited to submit a Region application.

The South Dakota Department of Education’s Office of Child and Adult Nutrition Services is seeking sponsors for a federally funded program that provides nutritious meals and snacks to children in low-income areas during the summer months.

Nominations are being accepted until Feb. 22 for the 2021 South Dakota History Teacher of the Year, one of the Governor’s Awards for History, coordinated by the South Dakota State Historical Society. The society seeks to pay tribute to a teacher who excels in teaching the history of South Dakota. All elementary and secondary teachers are eligible.

The South Dakota School Counselor Association is accepting nominations for outstanding school counselors and others making contributions to the school counseling profession. Nominations are due by March 5, and the awards will be presented at the South Dakota School Counselor Association conference in April.

Nominations are being accepted for the 2021 School Officer of the Year Award. The South Dakota Association of School Resource Officers supports this annual award, which is now in its 13th year. Nominees should display professionalism, dedication and commitment to their respective school and/or district. Nominations must be postmarked by March 19.

Family Engagement Toolkit Course
Self-paced, online

Winter Assessment Webinar Series
Webinar #1 – Common Elements for Assessment
Feb. 2, 9:30 a.m. CT
Feb. 4, 11 a.m. CT
Feb. 8, 2:30 p.m. CT

Webinar #2 – Cambium System Assessments – ELA, Math, Science, and Science-Alt
Feb. 2, 11:30 a.m. CT
Feb. 9, 10 a.m. CT

Webinar #3 – ELA-Alt & Math-Alt Assessments (MSAA)
Feb. 3, 10 a.m. CT
Feb. 10, 1 p.m. CT

Webinar #4 – Alt Assessment Eligibility
Feb. 3, 1 p.m. CT
Feb. 10, 2 p.m. CT

Webinar #5 – Tools, Supports, and Accommodations
Feb. 4, 10 a.m. CT
Feb. 9, 1 p.m. CT
Feb. 11, 10 a.m. CT

2021 National ESEA Conference
Feb. 8-11, online

Introduction to Social Emotional Learning (middle and high school)
Feb. 16

Social Emotional Learning Series (elementary)
Feb. 18, March 4, March 11, March 18

Teacher Self-Care and SEL
Feb. 22

SD-STARS training – Finding Trends & Making Observations
Feb. 23

DOE/SDSLHA Workshop:
Better Together: Working with Families and Educators to Improve Communication Outcomes for Children who use AAC
Feb. 26

Social Emotional Learning Series (middle and high school)
March 1, March 8, March 15

South Dakota Special Education Conference
March 16-17

Board of Education Standards
March 26

South Dakota Early Childhood Education Conference
April 8-10

Save the Date: SD Education Conference
May 24-28, online

Save the Date: Multi-tiered System of Supports Summer Education Conference
June 29-30