School news: “Royal” moment, custodian appreciation, mother of all book fairs

Now that’s a royal moment. Washington High School homecoming king Angok, also one of the tallest students at WHS, poses with Jaelyn, one of the shortest.

The Washington homecoming celebration continued at Rosa Parks Elementary where the royalty visited and went to recess with fourth and fifth grade students.

The talk was about grit, perseverance and how to treat others. They finished their day by eating lunch with the first and third grade students. It was a hit for all involved — with autographs and hugs on the way out — and one student telling a parent: “We got to meet a real Washington High student today!”

We’re going to use photographs from Sonia Sotomayor Elementary and Terry Redlin Elementary, but this is for all: National Custodian Appreciation Day was Saturday. Thanks to all who serve in this important role for our schools!

Wow, this isn’t like the book fairs we remember. Fred Assam Elementary hosted one that drew 275 visitors from as far as Moorhead, Minnesota, and Rapid City! The lunch ladies delivered with 200 additional lunches purchased. The vocabulary word for the day was fitting: gargantuan.

Great messages on the sidewalks for Patrick Henry Middle School students.

The Sioux Falls School District is featuring Staff Stars. The first one: Horace Mann Elementary’s Brooke Knudson-Wiggs. She “forms connections with students, challenges them, holds them to high expectations and helps them find success. She cultivates learning in a welcoming environment and exudes passion for her job and her students. Engagement, relevancy, excellence,” the district said.