School news: From flashbacks to learning by flashlight

Amazing things happen in our schools every day — if you know where to look! 

Love this flashback! To mark the 60th anniversary of the dedication of O’Gorman High School, the school created a special page on its website  to see the beginnings of O’Gorman and some interesting pieces of school history! Check it out here. 

Warriors celebrating Warriors: Washington High School assistant principal Nate Malchow was inducted into the Washington High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

Congrats to these Ben Reifel Middle School students, whose artwork is going to be featured in the school’s Lone Feather Cafe.

What a meaningful donation! Staff and students at Laura B. Anderson Elementary dedicated a new tree sponsored by two families with close connections to the school. The Jorgensens grew up in Riverside and were students of Laura B. Anderson herself! The Jorgensens donated in honor of longtime teacher Mrs. Brenda Thompson.

Patrick Henry Middle School also planted a tree thanks to sponsors the Ausborn family, Nan Baker and family, and Think 3D Solutions.

Fourth grade students at John Harris Elementary tried to solve the mystery of The Case of the Tricking Treat. One of these suspects has been handing candy to students that turns them into pumpkins. Students solve a series of math problems to solve the case.

It was book character dress-up day at Sonia Sotomayor Elementary.

This is what you call illuminating history. Eighth graders at Ben Reifel went back in time to 1777 to create battle plans for the Battles of Saratoga. Because the battle plans were made at night, they were allowed to use only a flashlight – originally by candlelight.

Justin Stanford, a fourth grade teacher at Discovery Elementary, received a $6,200 grant from the Sioux Falls Public Schools Education Foundation to purchase Smithsonian Science for the Classroom curriculum materials. Students are studying the structure of eyes, including examining the eyes of fiddler crabs.

And finally, special thanks to Montgomery’s for donating this new sofa, love seat and recliner to the Community Engagement Center at Axtell Park! The CEC is new to the Sioux Falls School District this year, and it’s a place where families can learn about community resources. It also serves as the English language intake center, and staff members help families who are new to the city enroll their students in classes and provide seasonal items. A few months ago, they distributed school supplies, and as the temperature changes, they have a selection of winter gear available to families in need.

Do you know some school news others would love? Let us know at info@pigeon605.com.