School news of the week: Kids’ cards for the pope, remembering John Harris

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].

The Rev. Shaun Haggarty of St. Lambert Church is in Rome continuing his theological studies — but he brought something special from his St. Lambert Elementary students with him. The students made prayer cards for Pope Francis, and Haggerty delivered them. The story was picked up by a news outlet in Rome.

“As a pastor, I’m always really busy and have a lot of responsibilities, so it’s so helpful to know that people are praying for you, and I want the Holy Father to know that we are praying for you, it is a tough job, and he’s not alone, and Jesus Christ is with him,” Haggerty said.

There’s a big story behind this Hawthorne Elementary bus: Some of the thousands of students who got to see a touring production of “Schoolhouse Rock” at the Washington Pavilion thanks to the Promising Futures Fund and South Dakota Trust Co.

We love a good blast from the past. This is the 30th year that John Harris Elementary has been a school! This article from the Argus Leader explains the name — after Superintendent John Harris and the construction of the building.

Last week marked what would have been Harris’ 96th birthday. The school community celebrated by wearing the school colors and kindness shirts in his honor.

Take a look at Twin Day at Ben Reifel Middle School.

Here’s a timely gift: Hy-Vee donated 6,900 cases of sanitizing wipes to be used by staff throughout the Sioux Falls School District. Hy-Vee delivered 14 pallets of wipes to the district’s  warehouse, and they’ll be used to disinfect desks, chairs, tables and other high-traffic areas.

And finally, get to know one of Sioux Falls’ amazing seniors. Washington High School’s Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda takes four Advanced Placement classes, has a perfect 4.0 GPA, serves on the Student Council, is a part of Black Student Union, helps with LINK crew and volunteers her time to teach elementary students.