School news of the week: Presidential sightings, officers at recess

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].

What a cool moment. After school resource officers from the Sioux Falls Police Department observed St. Katharine Drexel Elementary’s intruder lockdown drill, they stopped out during recess to play with the students.

They’re understandably proud of senior Bergen Reilly at O’Gorman High School — and we are too! Reilly was selected to play for the USA Women’s National Team in the Dominican Republic Sept. 3-12. As the school said: “This is a truly remarkable honor for a high school player to make the senior national team. She is likely the first ever!”

A presidential dignitary was spotted not only on Jefferson High School’s grounds last week but also on Discovery Elementary’s grounds! The Founding Father was there to cheer on the Cavaliers at the Presidents Bowl.

Five-year-old preschoolers from St. Mary Elementary received a special visit last week. Sioux Falls Fire Rescue showed off its firetrucks and talked about fire safety.

Have you heard the saying about words being like toothpaste? Second graders at Rosa Parks Elementary learned about how words can be powerful and also can be hurtful during this toothpaste experiment — once it’s out of the tube, it’s nearly impossible to put back.

In honor of Suicide Prevention Month, the counseling center at O’Gorman High School brought three therapy dog teams to visit students. The team said “it was a great stress reliever and a great break for students during the day!”

This is always a favorite day! Grandparents and grand friends got to visit St. Lambert Elementary.

And finally, the Sioux Falls School District highlights All-Star team members throughout the year in a video series, and this is the first one. Meet Jennifer Taylor, lead clerical at Ben Reifel Middle School, who was nominated by her co-workers for this feature: