School news of the week: High-fives, brand-new schools, outstanding JROTCs

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].

Congratulations to the Lincoln High School Marine Corps JROTC for being awarded the Marine Corps Reserve Association Outstanding Unit Award for the 2020-21 school year. Lincoln High School MCJROTC is one of only four units in the nation to receive this highly prestigious award.

This is the highest unit-level award that can be presented to any Marine Corps JROTC program. The award brings with it the distinction of Naval Honor School, which is a ranked compilation of unit academic awards, community service volunteer hours, drill, air rifle and physical training competition participation and placements, scholarship money awarded and military academy appointments earned. The MCRA is awarded to the top-performing Naval Honor School in each of the four Marine Corps JROTC regions across the United States and its territories.

There’s the first day of school – and then there’s the first day of school at a brand-new school. Enjoy these scenes from the new Ben Reifel Middle School and Jefferson High School.

The award for one of the best first-day photo ops goes to Oscar Howe Elementary.

Love this: The nonprofit Promising Futures connected football players from Augustana University and Jefferson and Roosevelt high schools to get kids at Lowell Elementary excited about returning to class.

Wow, how would this look in your backyard or that of someone you know? The Sioux Falls Public Schools Education Foundation is selling raffle tickets for this playhouse built by the carpentry students from CTE Academy! One ticket is $25, or you can purchase five for $100. The drawing will be held Dec. 10. Tickets can be purchased here by clicking here.