School news of the week: Happy birthday Whittier, seasonal themes, remembering ‘rock star’ dog

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].

Here’s what principals do on a snow day: A room full of school leaders in the Sioux Falls School District spent Friday learning more about how to keep students engaged in school when behaviors take them off track.

Whittier Middle School celebrates 100 years this week, and you’re invited. There’s an open house from 8:55 to 10:55 a.m.  Wednesday. Because school is in session, standard security is in place. Everyone entering that day will need to show a state-issued photo ID or current school district ID for the check-in process. You’re encouraged to RSVP by visiting bit.ly/Whittier100 and entering your information or by calling 605-367-7620 to get pre-registered.

The annual Winter Solstice Event at Axtell Park was a big success. Thanks to generous community partners, 500 hot meals were served, 400 treat bags were distributed to young students, and 300 hygiene kits were provided to teens and tweens. ​

Washington High School’s Nathan Alfson received a Public School Proud Grant to purchase a printing press, and a few weeks ago, students and staff completed their first order. In the process, students learned job and independent living skills.

The annual fifth grade Mac n Cheese Challenge at R.F. Pettigrew Elementary collected 1,051 boxes of macaroni and cheese to help feed others.

The halls are looking festive at Sioux Falls Lutheran School.

We’re loving Grinch Day at Garfield Elementary.

This class at Laura B. Anderson Elementary combined their knowledge of geometric shapes and fractions to build gingerbread math houses.

They’re rolling into winter break with all kinds of themed fun at Oscar Howe Elementary — from reindeer games and “ugly” sweaters to Frosty the Snowman and Mad About Plaid.

And finally, all dogs are rock stars in their own right, but this one deserves a special tribute. Rocky the dog has spent the past eight years bringing joy to all at Hayward Elementary. He belonged to resource teacher Mrs. Schieffer, but the whole school claimed him as their own.

“Located in the library, a room with no walls, I see many things throughout the day,” wrote librarian Jill Meeker in a tribute to the dog.

“For all the money in the world, I couldn’t tell you how many times I have watched Rocky come out of his classroom down the hall and stand patiently beside a struggling student, watching quietly, gently pressing against them, laying down and becoming a pillow to soak up tears of frustration and sadness. I can tell you he made someone’s day better, every day, usually several someones. Somedays, that was me. I would feel tired and frustrated, and all I would need was to see Rocky smiling and wagging his tail as he escaped the watchful eye of Mrs. Schieffer to visit me.”

Just before Thanksgiving, Rocky was diagnosed with an aggressive form of bone cancer and had to say goodbye before anyone was ready for it.

“Past students have shared with Mrs. Schieffer just how much Rocky meant to them in that classroom, how he gave them a sense of peace and well-being, a feeling that someone loved them for exactly who they were and believed in them no matter what kind of day they were having, the confidence to push through the hard things, to finish that problem on their paper and find success,” Meeker wrote. “If only we were all so blessed to have that kind influence on others — Rocky was truly one of a kind and a shining star.”