School news: Slimed for good cause, aero gardens, Ninja Warrior Junior contestant

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 good sport at St. Mary Elementary School: Ms. Shields, who was slimed by students as part of a fundraiser for the school.

Memorial Middle School celebrated the 150th Sioux Falls School District Tree Planting Ceremony this week. Each school had a tree sponsored by individuals/groups to honor its past roots and celebrate the new branches it will grow in the years to come. The sponsor of the Memorial tree is former principal Carrie Aaron.

What a tasty way to celebrate Boss’ Day at Oscar Howe Elementary!

Shout out to Ben Reifel Middle School student  Thalia Wolfe who appeared on the show “American Ninja Warrior Junior” season three episode six! On the show, Thalia showed determination and the love she has for her culture, the school said.

Flashback to our own Book Fair days. Looks like happy shopping at Lowell Elementary.

A group of teachers in the district received a $6,000 Public School Proud Grant from the Sioux Falls Public Schools Education Foundation to purchase aero gardens. These units use aquaponics rather than dirt, and the seeds germinate within a few days, allowing students to conduct experiments regularly. Many plants will be ready to harvest within two to three months, giving students experience with the complete cycle from seedling to produce. These photos are from Sarah Henrichs’ classes at George McGovern Middle School.

And these are in the classroom of Desiree Burggraaf from Ben Reifel Middle School. Her students are growing microgreens and cherry tomatoes. Students get hands-on experience in the classroom, planting the seeds, watering them and watching them grow. When the plants have reached maturity, the students will prepare a meal with the vegetables they’ve grown.

Now that’s school spirit: Liam at Fred Assam Elementary couldn’t be there to participate in the Fun Run during school hours, but he was determined to contribute and help the school. So he came after school to run with a few supporters. Count us among them!