Spotlight: Conversations From the Sioux Falls School District

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, grit, resilience, strength, and discipline. Listen along as we meet Lydia, who will be starting high school wrestling next year, and who is looking forward to reaping all the benefits this sport has to offer.

On today's episode of Teacher Talk, presented by South Dakota Public Broadcasting, Gina Benz and Jackie Wilber discuss some of the ways schools throughout South Dakota are recruiting teachers. Some new initiatives are referred to as "grow your own" programs, where prospective future teachers are exposed to the ins and outs of the profession well before they even begin the pursuit of a formal college degree.

Schools throughout SD are home to the Education Rising program, which acts as an extracurricular club that students interested in the profession can participate in to learn more about future opportunities. The Teacher Pathway program in the Sioux Falls School District lets students earn credit, both in high school and at the college level, for learning about the teaching profession.

Tune in to learn more about these exciting programs designed to usher in the next generation of amazing teachers!

It's more than just arguing. High school debate is a great way for students to use their voice and join a community.

Washington High School head debate coach Angelica Mercado-Ford credits debate with helping her find her voice in high school, and she is now leading the next generation of speakers to follow their passions.

In contrast to what we see in popular culture as "debate", the actual skill of debate is an art and a science that requires intellect and creativity. Listen in as these students share what debate means to them, and why it helps them find direction and meaning.

The South Dakota Department of Education plans to replace the current state exam with the ACT beginning in the 2025-26 school year. This is (mostly) seen as positive news, and in this episode of Teacher Talk, presented by South Dakota Public Broadcasting, our guests go over why this is a step in the right direction.

Learning how to read is one of the most fundamental things a person can do to start their journey of becoming a successful member of society. But did you know that according to a USA Today report, 79% of adults in the USA are literate, and 54% read at or below a 6th-grade level?

The "science of reading" has become a hot-button issue among educators and legislators over the past few years, and while the debate over how to teach students how to read continues, there is universal agreement on its importance.

In this episode of Teacher Talk, presented by South Dakota Public Broadcasting, Dr. Jackie Wilber (University of South Dakota) and Gina Benz (Sioux Falls School District) discuss the science of the "science of reading" with host Lori Walsh.

Whether you are a parent, a student, or an advocate for community engagement, there is no denying that when we work together amazing things happen. The Sioux Falls School District is proud to partner with many gracious organizations throughout the area, and the Sioux Empire United Way (SEUW) has been one of those organizations giving back for many years.

Our guests on this episode are Christina Riss, Chief Operations Officer for the SEUW and Patti Lake-Torbert, Senior Support Coordinator of Student Services for SFSD.

One of the most powerful aspects of this partnership is it's direct impact on students and families throughout the District. School counselors are in constant communication with District administration as to what the need is, and with help from the United Way, those needs can be addressed directly.

Tune in to hear real-life stories about the direct impact this partnership has had throughout SFSD, and how you can engage and become part of the process.

Fictional teachers have delighted and inspired people for generations, and some can have a big influence on people who currently work in education.

Fictional teachers show up in all forms of pop culture media from books to television, movies to comics, and they can give current teachers something to relate to (or commiserate with :)

This week, we have a lighthearted conversation about some of our guest's favorite examples of fictional teachers, from The Little House on the Prairie to the Magic School Bus.

Today our hosts are talking about the ins and outs of teacher residencies - or what many know as "student teaching". This is where aspiring teachers spend time in the classroom of an experienced teacher while preparing to enter their chosen profession.

Some students who go through a residency program state that it gives them more confidence of what to expect during the school year. There are many guides in place to make sure each teacher resident is provided with everything they need to get the most out of their experience.

Gina Benz (teacher at Roosevelt High School) and Jackie Wilbur (USD School of Education) give us all the details on this program in their conversation from SDPB's "In the Moment" hosted by Lori Walsh.

Have you ever thought about becoming a teacher? Then you need to listen to this very special episode of Teacher Talk! SDPB host Lori Walsh sits down with Dr. Jackie Wilbur from the USD School of Education and Roosevelt HS teacher Gena Benz to talk about what it takes to become a public school teacher.

Sue Bills has some stories to tell.

She is the longest serving employee of the Sioux Falls School District right now, having worked at Whittier Middle School for 44 years! All those years she has served in the field of special education, and she has a passion and heart for her students that is an amazing thing to witness.

Our conversation goes back to the start, to hear about what got Sue interested in education, to the changes in technology she's seen and what keeps her going, day in and day out.

SFSD is lucky to have someone like Sue Bills. She is a shinning example of what a "legacy employee" looks like. Thank you for everything you do, Sue!

On this week's episode of Teacher Talk, brought to us by South Dakota Public Broadcasting, Dr. Jackie Wilber (School of Education, USD) and Gina Benz (Teacher, Roosevlet HS, Sioux Falls) sit down with host Lori Walsh to talk about a question every adult has asked themselves at one point in their professional careers: am I doing this right?

It's easy to fall into the trap of feeling "imposter syndrome." The challenges teachers face can make this reality even more burdensome, but throughout the course of this conversation we learn that as long as we put the emphasis on what really matters (in this case, the growth and learning of the student) then the outcomes will often exceed even our own expectations.

On this week's episode of Teacher Talk, brought to us by South Dakota Public Broadcasting, Dr. Jackie Wilber and Gina Benz discuss boundaries. Specifically as a teacher, what are boundaries? When and how should they be used? When should they NOT be used? This episode walks us through how teachers can use healthy boundary setting to get the most out of their teaching career.

If you've watched a Roosevelt High School football game recently, either through streaming or on KLRN, chances are you've heard the voices of Lucas Simonsen and Hunter Sieler. The two juniors at RHS have been calling games for a while now, and it's starting to get them quite the following.

In this conversation, the boys sit down with Superintendent Stavem to talk about their love of sports and how it sparks a drive to succeed, both on, and especially off the field. Sometimes stepping outside of our comfort zones and trying new things can open up doors we never even knew existed. Congrats to Hunter and Lucas on the success so far, and we look forward to hearing your voices throughout the fall football season!

On this week's episode of Teacher Talk, presented by South Dakota Public Broadcasting, Gina Benz (teacher at Roosevelt HS) and Dr. Jackie Wilber (USD School of Education) have a fascinating discussion about the role rewards play in education, and what tools come into play when measuring the growth of students and how we define success.

This discussion is hosted by "In The Moment" host Lori Walsh, and broadcast here on our podcast with the permission of SDPB.

We're doing something a little different for a batch of episodes!

The fine folks at South Dakota Public Broadcasting have graciously allowed us to air their new mini-series "Teacher Talk" here on our podcast. These episodes are part of the SDPB program "In The Moment" and are hosted by Lori Walsh.

"Teacher Talk" features a conversation with educators about the state of public education in a variety of contexts. The mainstay guests are Dr. Jackie Wilber with the University of South Dakota, and Gina Benz, a high school english teacher from right here in the Sioux Falls School District.

A big THANK YOU to SDPB for letting us air these conversations on our podcast. These conversations are very important and the more we can get them out to the public, the better.

As summer comes to a close, students are beginning to shift gears to get back into the rhythm of the school year. While summer vacation looks different for each student, it is undeniable that staying active, both physically and mentally, is highly important.

The Sioux Falls School District offers many options for keeping students engaged over the summer break, and one of the funnest options is CAMP! Camps offer a great opportunity for students to keep exercising their brains and bodies, with the added benefit of exposing them to possible future career options.

No one knows this better than Ahlyvia Folden. She spent her summer enrolled in many different camps, from construction camp to theater camp. She has many thoughtful insights on the importance of camp from a student's perspective. Listen in as she tells us about her experiences and all the things that make camp great!

The end of the school year is upon us. For younger students, this means the anticipation of summer vacation. For high school seniors, this means the first step into a different reality. Different students choose different paths, and while those first steps seem insurmountably large at times, they're the most important, because they will set the pace for things to follow.

On this episode of Spotlight, Superintendent Stavem sits down with Michael Grismer, a high school senior from Roosevelt HS and a member of the class of 2023. Michael is an exceptionally bright student with high academic achievements and a passion for learning. This conversation covers a little bit of everything, from Michael's success as a student, to how school districts can cultivate a passion for learning, to the future of AI and it's role in education.

Join Dr. Stavem and Michael in this fascinating conversation that offers up a look at the Sioux Falls School District from the viewpoint of a student. As we close the book on another school year completed, the topics we cover here give us a moment to reflect on the past and look towards the future. *AND* Congratulations to Michael Grismer on a remarkable K12 student career! We look forward to seeing all of your future success!

We know that our teachers in the Sioux Falls School District do amazing things everyday inside their classrooms. In this mini-series 'By Day/By Night', we're taking a look at teachers who do amazing things outside of their roles as educators.

Laura Wiebelhaus was recently a nominated finalist for the Teacher of the Year award, and was the recipient of the Distinguished Educator award. She teachers kindergarten at Eugene Field A+ Elementary by day, and after her class is dismissed, she is up to....well, a lot!

Laura speaks about her involvement in basketball and volleyball, darts, gardening, summer camps, and GOATS! (Lots of goats).

Being an educator at any level is a demanding profession, and being a kindergarten teacher comes with its own set of challenges. It's important for teachers to recharge their batteries both physically, mentally and emotionally, and that looks different for everybody. This series offers a glimpse into what some teachers do to recenter themselves so they show up ready to provide the best education possible to the students of the Sioux Falls School District.

We know that our teachers in the Sioux Falls School District do amazing things everyday inside their classrooms. In our new-mini series 'By Day/By Night', we're taking a look at teachers who do amazing things outside of their roles as educators.

Today we're speaking with Amy Weber, who's love for plants has grown from a hobby into something she is able to integrate into her classroom. She started a 'plant corner' at a particularly well-lit hallway section at her school, Eugene Field A+ Elementary. She discusses how she is able to make this a learning experience for her students and the benefits of bringing some green space into the halls of a school. We'll also learn about how her daughter's seemingly innocuous letter to a postal service worker during the height of the Covid pandemic has turned into a nationally covered story involving book publishers and Taylor Swift.

*Editor's note*

This episode was previously recorded. Since that time, Amy's husband Hugh passed away unexpectedly. Our thoughts go out to the Weber family.

In the first new episode of 2023, Superintendent Jane Stavem sits down with recently hired Security Coordinator Dave Osterquist, who joined the Sioux Falls School District nearly six months ago. From humble beginnings, Osterquist’s passion for safety and security started as early as elementary school, where he served as a dedicated crossing guard. That passion followed him throughout his young-adult life when he worked as a military policeman throughout college and eventually became a police officer with the Sioux Falls Police Department. Dave brings his years of expertise to the Sioux Falls School District and works hard to go deeper into the District’s practices and efforts that make our schools a safe place to learn and grow. 

Listen as they discuss what it means to get ahead of potential safety problems, including student behavioral support, feedback from staff and parent/guardian advisory groups, and the See Something, Say Something efforts. 

In the first Spotlight episode of the 2022-2023 school year, Superintendent Stavem talks with Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) and Chairperson for the Office of Indian Education, Anna Brokenleg. Anna has been with the Sioux Falls School District for over 13 years, where she started her career as a teacher at Hawthorne Elementary. She taught at Hawthorne for several years before transitioning to her current role. Anna now works with Očéti Šakówiŋ Owáuŋspe (OSO, formerly known as Native American Connections) teachers across the District to bolster Native American education – along with creating relationships with partners from across the Sioux Falls community to strengthen opportunities for Native American families.

Over 10% of South Dakota’s student population is Native American, which is the second highest population served after Caucasian students. While Native American education was once limited, the Sioux Falls School District has taken steps to increase Native American learning opportunities significantly over the years. The District now offers several Native American courses, including Languages of the Oceti Sakowin, throughout our District at all levels.

Growing up in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Anna attended Sioux Falls Public Schools for elementary, middle, and high school. She also traveled back and forth to Rosebud, where she is a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. These experiences taught her the importance of bridging the gap between cultures. Throughout the episode, she discusses why successful bi-cultural communication is essential for our District, along with the importance of offering courses rich in Native American history.

“We are on the traditional homelands of the Oceiti Sakowin people, along with other tribal communities that were in this area as well through the course of history. I think it’s really important we consider that and think about that education not just for our Native American students but for all the citizens of our state and what it means to really understand the place that they live, the history of where we all live, and what those implications are for our communities today.”

Anna is an incredibly knowledgeable person focused on preserving the past but looking forward to the future. She is an integral person in our District, and you absolutely do not want to miss this episode!

On June 30, three individuals with a combined total of 108 years of experience will retire from the Sioux Falls School District. Bev Chase, Bert Keiser, and Anita Wheelhouse are some of our legacy employees who have given most, if not all, their working life to the District. In this three-part series, listen as Dr. Stavem sits down with each of these retirees to talk about how they got their start, what kinds of things have changed over the years, and what they have enjoyed most during their time with SFSD.

Our final legacy retiree quite possibly holds the record for the longest-serving Sioux Falls School District employee. Anita Wheelhouse is the payroll specialist and has served 48 hard-working years at the District. Her role in the District is critical as she ensures all employees are paid and their benefits are paid out each month. When she started, there were only 1,200 employees on payroll. That number has since grown to over 5,000. From managing physical timecards to moving to all web-based systems, many things have changed since Anita’s time with SFSD.

Listen now!

On June 30, three individuals with a combined total of 108 years of experience will retire from the Sioux Falls School District. Bev Chase, Bert Keiser, and Anita Wheelhouse are some of our legacy employees who have given most, if not all, their working life to the District. In this three-part series, listen as Dr. Stavem sits down with each of these retirees to talk about how they got their start, what kinds of things have changed over the years, and what they have enjoyed most during their time with SFSD.

If you’ve ever called or visited the Sioux Falls School District’s Instructional Planning Center, you certainly know our second legacy retiree, Bert Keiser. Bert is the receptionist at IPC who has a heart of gold. She is one of the friendliest, most helpful people you will ever have the pleasure of meeting. Starting out as a clerical substitute, Bert has been with the District for over 25 years. In her time, she has worked at Lincoln High School, Hawthorne Elementary, and has spent the last 16 years of her career as the receptionist at IPC.

Listen now!

On June 30, three individuals with a combined total of 108 years of experience will retire from the Sioux Falls School District. Bev Chase, Bert Keiser, and Anita Wheelhouse are some of our legacy employees who have given most, if not all, their working life to the District. In this three-part series, listen as Dr. Stavem sits down with each of these retirees to talk about how they got their start, what kinds of things have changed over the years, and what they have enjoyed most during their time with SFSD.

In Part 1, Dr. Stavem talks with Executive Assistant to the Business Manager, Bev Chase. Bev has been with the Sioux Falls School District for almost 35 years. When she walks out the doors of the Instructional Planning Center on June 30, she will be just one month shy of her 35th working anniversary. She started her career with the District as the adult education secretary and moved to her executive assistant role shortly after in 1990. In her time, she has worked with seven superintendents, three business managers, two comptrollers, conducted 32 school board elections (not including opt-out elections and bond elections), and has thrown the best office Halloween parties since 1992.

Listen now!

The Sioux Falls School District provides specialty and individually designed instruction to eligible students with unique needs from birth to age 21. These services are embedded within our schools and serve nearly 4,000 students. Services are designed to meet each student’s unique educational needs as identified in their Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) or Individual Education Program (IEP). 

In Part 1 (0:20-12:25) of this Spotlight episode, listen as Superintendent Stavem sits down with Director of Special Education, Dr. Kristy Feden, to talk about the different opportunities SFSD’s Special Education program provides to achieve its mission of providing quality special education and related services to help every student succeed. They discuss how the terms “services” and “supports” can mean various things, including intensive developmental delay services to Occupational Therapy or Physical Therapy for speech and physical function. They also discuss the importance of early intervention for students with unique needs and parents as partners. 

In Part 2 (12:28-27:51), Dr. Stavem talks with Bekah Cheppenko, mom to Skyler Dohrewend. Skyler started receiving special education services and supports when he was very young after being diagnosed with Autism at age 3. Now all grown up and about the transition out of the SFSD Special Education program, Skyler is thriving in society and will be attending college at Southeast Technical College for Graphic Design. Listen as Bekah shares how she started to suspect that Skyler may need additional support, what life was like after his diagnosis, and all the people, including the SFSD Special Education program, that helped them along the way. Bekah hopes Skyler’s story will provide reassurance for the future for families who may be experiencing something similar. She also hopes to be a resource for families during a time that may feel a little uncertain. “I would love for people to look at Skyler and say, look, he went to school, he graduated National Honors Society, he has a job, he is functioning in society…he is going to college, he is going to do all the things that he wants to do. And that might not be everybody, but it’s nice to know there is that hope, there is that peace, that your child is going to be fine.” 

This episode of Spotlight is especially special, as we welcome a Sioux Falls School District student onto the podcast for the first time ever! Taliyah Hayes is an insightful senior at Jefferson High School who is enrolled in our Teacher Pathway program. This unique pathway program exposes students to the education profession sooner. It provides high schoolers an opportunity to learn the ins and outs of teaching and work in another classroom to experience all the possibilities. In this episode, Taliyah shares with Superintendent Jane Stavem what inspired her to already make a firm decision to pursue a career in teaching Special Education, and how the Teacher Pathway program is helping her to achieve those goals. 

The Sioux Falls School District's Child Nutrition Services welcomed a new director in January of the 2020-2021 school year. Gay Anderson is a seasoned vet in the area of nutrition services who has big hopes and dreams for her department. With over 23,000 students in our district, many of whom eat school breakfast and lunch every day, and nearly 700 individuals requiring special food diets, her job is no easy task. Listen as she discusses with Superintendent Jane Stavem how she balances student choice, nutritional options, and foods that are appealing to all ages, and about how school meals will be free for all students this 2021-2022 school year. In addition, she talks about the big changes that are coing soon that will make it easier for families to learn what's on the menu. 

If you have ever wondered what it has been like to be a young adult during the COVID-19 pandemic, look no further. What started out as a young woman's painting of expression during a difficult time soon turned into a prize-winning, viral TikTok piece of artwork depicting the collective feeling of hurt, confusion, and hope among fellow high schoolers. Listen as Roosevelt High School Choir Director, Robyn Starks Holcomb, Concert Choir member (and artist) Shelby Wright, and Sioux Falls native choral Composer, Kyle Pederson, discuss how they worked together to create a year-long comprehensive blend of multiple artistic mediums encapsulating the complexities of the year that was 2020.  Hear the powerful way it all came together here. 

The Sioux Falls School District is one of the largest organizations in Sioux Falls. It requires roughly 3,600 people to have school every day. Daily staffing needs include teachers, substitutes, custodial and maintenance staff, lunchroom workers, educational assistants, after-school professionals and so many more. It takes a village. In this episode of Spotlight, Superintendent Stavem is joined by Senior Director of Human Resources, Becky Dorman, to talk about the department that helps recruit, hire, and train the village that is SFSD. Highlights from the episode include the role the HR department played in navigating the COIVD-19 pandemic, the work being done to increase diversity in the workplace through a 'grow your own' program, and how the 'to catch all' department functions on a day-to-day basis.

The Sioux Falls School District's Senior Special Services Director for 27 years, Deb Muilenburg-Wilson, will be retiring at the end of the 2020-2021 school year. In her 27 years, Muilenburg-Wilson has certainly left her legacy on the Sioux Falls School District and the 4,000+ students in our District with disabilities. Most recently, Deb was named South Dakota's Special Services Director of the Year for 2021. We couldn't let this key player in our public school system leave without sitting down to talk with us about what she's learned over her time with the District. Listen as Superintendent Jane Stavem sits down with Deb for a unique conversation about how she came to enter the Special Services world, what's changed, and her hopes for the future of the program.  

Thank you, Deb, for your hard work and dedication over the past 27 years! 

For months now, you've heard us talk about the construction process and progress of our two new schools, Jefferson High School and Ben Reifel Middle School, set to open next fall. However, there is so much more to opening a new school beyond the physical construction process. In today's episode, Superintendent Stavem sits down with Jefferson Principal Dan Conrad and Ben Reifel Principal Shane Hieronimus, where they discuss the people side of opening a new school. From hiring staff to establishing a school vision, they address the complex work it takes to create a sense of tradition and love for a new school early on. Whether you're a future Bison or Cavalier, or just interested in learning more about the new schools, this episode is for you! 

The Sioux Falls School District is responsible for maintaining 46 facilities and over 4 million square feet. With constant use at all hours of the day, specialized knowledge and extreme care are necessary for keeping these buildings running daily. In this episode of Spotlight, Superintendent Stavem sits down with Senior Director of Operations for over 30 years, Jeff Kreiter, and Lincoln High School’s Building Manager of 8 years, Matt Haag. They discuss the down and dirty of what it takes to manage these facilities, along with the critical role our custodial staff play in keeping our students and staff safe and healthy!

*All references to the Lincoln High School pool are purely fictitious. :) 

Superintendent of the Sioux Falls Public Schools, Dr. Jane Stavem, introduces the District's new podcast venture, Spotlight: Conversations with the Sioux Falls School District. The podcast will give listeners an audible look inside the SFSD, spotlighting the people, places, and practices of the largest school district in South Dakota - in just thirty minutes or less! 

In our third episode of Spotlight, listen as Superintendent Dr. Jane Stavem sits down with Senior Coordinator of Student Services, Patti Lake-Torbert to discuss the implications COVID-19 has had on our students and staff's mental health, and what our schools are doing to help combat it. 

Medical professionals across the world are dealing with the effects of COVID-19. This includes our school nurses. In this episode of Spotlight, Superintendent Dr. Jane Stavem sits down with Health Services Coordinator, Molly Satter, and Roosevelt High School Nurse, Patti Anderson to discuss how our school nurses are working around the clock to keep our students and staff safe. 

Superintendent, Dr. Jane Stavem sits down with Fine Arts Director, Dr. Boyd Perkins, and Physical Education and Athletics Director, Casey Meile to discuss the intricacies involved in putting on activities and sporting events amidst COVID-19.