School news you’ll love: Building culture of kindness, celebrating citizenship

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].

A long path to U.S. citizenship for Use Idris ended with an unforgettable celebration. The Whittier Middle School part-time education assistant recently became a citizen, and with the help of fellow teachers, Tessa Knowler decided to surprise him. Idris was celebrated with hugs and cheers from more than 200 students.

It’s all about building a culture of kindness at R.F. Pettigrew Elementary. Instructional coach Heidi Reynolds was awarded a Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation grant last fall for her Kindness Always Matters initiative, which includes these positive-affirmation posters purchased with the grant money and displayed in bathrooms all over the school.

Way to go the extra mile to cheer kids on for state assessments at Eugene Field Elementary, teachers!

Now that’s a hands-on leader! Rainy days aren’t so bad when you spend recess coloring with the principal, as these kids did last week at Sioux Falls Christian.

Thanks to all the education assistants who fill such valuable roles in our schools. Get to know Cindy Putney from Lincoln High School, and you’ll see why schools can’t imagine life without them.

Who says virtual events can’t deliver? Congratulations to Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools for raising $221,283 to support staff and tuition assistance at all eight schools in the system!

What a nice way to say thank you: Big J’s Roadhouse donated gift cards from owners Tina and Justin Kjellsen to every staff members in the Harrisburg School District.

High school musical alert! Tickets go on sale Monday for O’Gorman High School’s production of “Godspell.” The show, suitable for all ages, is a musical retelling of the Gospel of Matthew set in modern-day New York City. Tickets are $8. Because of the pandemic, the theater will be filled only to half-capacity each performance, so get your tickets soon for the showing running April 27-May 1 by calling 605-575-3335. Masks are required.