School news: All Star staff light Pavilion tree; Hayward takes all-school photo of 650 kids

Amazing things happen in our schools every day — if you know where to look! Do you know some school news others would love? Let us know at [email protected].

What an honor! Sioux Falls School District All Star staff were honored guests at the annual Washington Pavilion Christmas tree lighting. Mayor Paul Ten Haken recognized all educators and support professionals for their commitments to students. The longtime school district employee known as the “fixer of all broken things,” Carolyn Waxdahl, had the honor of flipping the switch to light up the tallest Christmas tree in the city of Sioux Falls.

Congratulations, Hayward Elementary. Not sure how you pulled it off, but this is how you get 650 kids age 3 through 11 lined up for a school photo.

They started service young at Lowell Elementary as these second graders made blankets for Project Warmup.

And at Christ the King Elementary, kindergartners and fourth graders worked together to make Christmas care packages for kids at children’s hospitals. The packages had sticker activities and featured a Christmas prayer.

Such a cool experience for these eighth graders from Whittier and George McGovern middle schools. Thanks to the Promising Futures Fund, they spent a Saturday at USD.

They heard from alumni, student leaders and athletes, toured new athletic facilities, enjoyed pizza and hot chocolate and capped it off with the USD women’s basketball game.

No Scrooges here! It was red and green day at Fred Assam Elementary.

Who says you can’t learn in the dirt? Sixth graders at Ben Reifel Middle School determined the type of soil based on texture, composition and color.

Lucky fourth graders at Lowell Elementary enjoyed a trip to Good Earth State Park.

And speaking of Lowell fourth graders, check this out. We’re thankful for teachers like you, too, Mrs. Hofer!

And finally meet the Sioux Falls School District’s newest Staff Star, Roosevelt High School counseling secretary Pam Burkard. After more than 30 years in the district and 22 years in the counseling office at Roosevelt, she has “seen and done it all,” the district said. “Her institutional knowledge is priceless, but it’s her kindness and professionalism that make all the difference. Our students — and their families — rely on counselors for guidance, college and career planning, community resources, support, continuity, class scheduling and so much more … and our counselors rely on people like Pam. The first voice people hear, the first face they see, the first impression they get — we have the best.”