School news of the week: New McTeacher of the Month, immersive education, big donation

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 a great way to spend holiday break: The Geraets family at Sioux Falls Lutheran School played a little basketball with NBA star Mike Miller. The South Dakota basketball star and the family were connected through a school fundraising auction.

Not everyone got to rest during winter break! At Washington High School, a team of technicians installed interactive view boards in all classrooms over break. Teachers will receive training this month.

The Sioux Falls Public Schools Education Foundation had a big donation to celebrate to end the year. Philanthropist Denny Sanford donated $250,000 to support staff and students. Of that, $100,000 will be used for Public School Proud Grants. Any teacher in the district can apply for up to $10,000 a year to purchase creative and inventive materials that give students hands-on, immersive opportunities.

An additional $50,000 will be used to support First Time Teacher Grants. All first-time, first-year teachers receive a $200 grant from the Education Foundation. They have purchased bulletin board materials, posters, organization kits, classroom sets of books, nametags, dry erase markers, flexible seating and snacks for students.

The final $100,000 will be split evenly between the Student Success Fund and the Education Foundation’s endowment. Through the Student Success Fund, school-based social workers connect families living in crisis with personal hygiene products, emergency food assistance, winter clothing, bed bug cream and lice shampoo, laundry detergent, footwear and school supplies. The Education Foundation also provides city bus passes to high schoolers who lack reliable transportation and GED scholarships to students who cannot afford the fees.

And now, back to class…

Sixth graders at Ben Reifel Middle School had a memorable social studies lesson with an interactive mummy exercise.

Congrats to Doug Henry, sixth grade math teacher at George McGovern Middle School and the newest McTeacher of the Month. He was nominated by a family “who recognized his outstanding efforts to make all students feel welcome and cared for at George McGovern,” the school said. As the McTeacher, Henry receives $100 for his classroom and free McDonald’s coffee for a year.

Sign us up! Jan. 7 was the 80th day of school, which meant ’80s wear at John Harris Elementary. Bonus: Good day for leg warmers. R.F. Pettigrew Elementary celebrates it this week on the 84th day.