Office: 605-367-7643

Website: https://www.sf.k12.sd.us/edison/home

Email: SFSDEdisonOffice@k12.sd.us

Counseling Center: 605-367-8331

Fax: 605-367-8457

Edison is now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Facebook: @WeAreTheCats

Twitter: @EdisonCats

Instagram: @sfsdedisoncats

Newsletter Date:

March 7th, 2023

Volume 2, Issue 19

Please remember that outside food is not allowed in the cafeteria, aside from pre-packed cold lunch.

Please let the office know as soon as possible if your child is going to be tardy or absent from school. You can call the office or email sfsdedisonattendance@k12.sd.us. If your child is leaving early from school for any reason, please try and let the office know before school starts to avoid classroom disruption.

Student Check In/Out Procedure- You do NOT need to walk your student in to school to check them in if they are late or returning from an appointment. When a student is checking OUT we do need to see the adult that is picking them up in the office. If you are unable to come inside, call the office and we will have a staff member walk your student out to their ride to verify who is picking them up.

Please call or email the office if you have any questions.

605-367-7643

sfsdedisonoffice@k12.sd.us

Hello Edison Families,

It is hard to believe we are in our final quarter of the school year! Spring sure is taking a long time to arrive! We have had a busy few weeks at Edison and April will continue to be as busy. First, thank you to our PTO and Student Council for sponsoring our dance which took place last week. Our students and staff had a great time! We feel so fortunate to have a supportive PTO and active Student Council at Edison! Second, one of the biggest things happening at Edison in April is our South Dakota Assessment administration. The week of April 24-28 we will administer this assessment, which is critical to the measure of growth of student learning at Edison. In preparation for that test, we have begun a Ready to Learn focus. Staff have reviewed expectations and ways to be Ready to Learn in the classroom. Students are given points to reinforce the Ready to Learn behavior as we gear up for testing week. Those points can be cashed in at our PBIS store. The week following testing we will celebrate our hard work as a school. You can assist us at home by reinforcing good study and sleep habits. This month we will also welcome our incoming 6th graders and begin our transition to middle school events. We have held our Surviving Middle School nights and now will continue with counselor visits to elementaries and in May invite incoming 6th graders to Edison for a visit! We are excited to welcome a new group of students and families to Edison!

We greatly appreciate your partnership in your child’s learning and look forward to having a strong fourth quarter of school!

Sincerely,

Amber Blume, Principal

By now, our bodies have somewhat adjusted to the shortage of daylight that comes with the winter season. The cold weather pushes most of us indoors for activities, yet the dream of a slower pace is quickly replaced by holiday concerts, long to-do lists, and for our high school students - preparing for semester tests.

The District Office doesn’t slow down either. This month, I wanted to share some exciting, education-related news with you that demonstrates our ongoing commitment to becoming THE BEST school district in the nation:

• SFSD is delighted with the ongoing interest in the Avera Family Forum Series launched in September. After an out-of-state company approached SFSD about offering monthly sessions to support families, SFSD knew it had one of the best resources available just down the street. We contacted our partners at Avera Behavioral Health, and as we anticipated, they eagerly jumped at the opportunity to participate. Our first online collaboration in September focused on suicide prevention. In October, we tackled the topic of anxiety, and in November, we provided practical advice for parents on setting parameters with digital media. The 40-minute video had been viewed more than 700 times just two weeks after presenting the digital media topic. This video, along with others offered on the third Tuesday of each month, can be found at sf.k12.sd.us under the Counseling Services tab. This partnership is a perfect example of how schools and the community work together to benefit everyone.

• Another exciting collaboration turns the spotlight on student ideas. SFSD is now accepting applications for participants in its first-ever TEDxYouth Event to be held in late March. Any high school SFSD student with a big idea and the drive to perfect it for a live audience is invited to apply. Judges will select 15 participants who will bring their ideas to the stage in a ticketed public performance. We’re excited to have the Sioux Falls Public Schools Education Foundation as our premier sponsor, along with Thad Giedd of Pinnacle Productions, whose talent has secured TEDx licensing for this Sioux Falls youth event. Student voices are critical to the success of our schools and our community, and I can’t wait to hear what’s on the minds of our selected speakers.

• Top-notch students are always due in part to top-notch teachers, and the Sioux Falls School District is proud to employ so many of them! Nominations are now open for the 2023 Dr. John W. Harris Sioux Falls Teacher of the Year award sponsored by Vern Eide Motorcars. This is the 35th year for the award showcasing the never-give-up tenacity of teachers who believe in, encourage, and challenge students to stretch and grow daily. You’ve likely encountered one or more of them, so why not make a nomination today? The nomination is easy to complete by the January 16, 2023, deadline. The spring celebration is one of the best ways to show appreciation for an exemplary educator.

This update demonstrates our drive to support parents, students, and teachers, and as we close 2022, your public schools are eager to ring in another new year by giving our very best every day. Thank you for your partnership this semester!

A Note from LeAnn Minister, PTO co-president

Being part of Edison’s PTO Board has given me a greater understanding of our hardworking staff and amazing students. This position has allowed me to spend more time with our teachers and staff, witnessing how much they care for our students and families. And by spending more time in the school I’ve also observed how helpful and compassionate our students are toward one another. Yes, in many ways it is a normal middle school where the students are growing into their independence and taking on the attitudes that come with that. As they go through this season of their lives, though, I’ve come to appreciate how supportive the teachers and staff are of them.

I, along with Kristina Sipma and Shannon Huber, are “retiring” from the PTO Board. I encourage you to consider supporting the Edison community by joining the PTO Board. Like it did for me, it will connect you with amazing people and allow you to see all of the impressive things happening in our students’ lives.

Open PTO Board Positions for 2023-24

Co-President: Partners with Peg Preston (co-president) to run monthly meetings, write ECHO articles, plan student/teacher conference meals, provide support during CATapult Day, PTO fundraiser, and other activities during the year.

Secretary: Takes minutes for the monthly meetings, keeps an accurate account of procedures, updates the PTO website, and offers support during annual PTO activities.

Treasurer: Has custody of the Edison Middle School PTO funds; keeps a full and accurate account of receipts and expenditures and in accordance with the budget adopted makes payments and expenditures. The Treasurer is responsible for the maintenance of such books by the Internal Revenue Code. This position also offers support during annual PTO activities.

Open PTO Coordinator Positions for 2023-24

Color Run Co-Coordinator: Partners with LeAnn Minister (co-coordinator) to plan and implement the PTO’s annual Color Run fundraising event. Working with the PTO board and Edison staff, this position involves recruiting volunteers, managing communications, and coordinating logistics for the event.

Spirit Wear Co-Coordinator: Partners with Angela Gosch (co-coordinator) to select Spirit Wear designs and items. They also run the in-person Spirit Wear store and coordinate orders for the online Spirit Wear store.

Mark Your Calendars:
May 8-12: Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week
Last day of school: 8th Grade Party

Next PTO Meeting
We hope you will join us at our next PTO meeting. We will discuss spring events, PTO board positions, and hear an update from Principal Blume. The meeting is April 19th at 12:00pm via Zoom and can be accessed by the link below.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88144870067?pwd=Y3E0ZXgyOU91b1pIQTFpZkhKMzdoZz09
Meeting ID: 881 4487 0067
Passcode: 907743

Edison PTO
edisonsiouxfalls@gmail.com
www.edisonsf.org

April Music Notes

MAIN CONCERTS -

Apr. 25 EMS Band Concerts in Gym 6th grade–6:30 p.m. & 7th/8th grade–7:30 p.m.

May 16 EMS Chorus Concerts in Gym 6th grade – 6:30 p.m. & 7th/8th grade – 7:45 p.m.

OTHER IMPORTANT DATES -

Apr. 4 5th Grade Area Band Festival with Jazz Band 6:00 p.m.

Apr. 13 Brio Concert with 5th Grade Orchestra Festival Concert 6:00 p.m.

Apr. 21 Brio/Inventions/Jazz Band Tour Day All Day

April 22 Orchestra Contest at Susan B Anthony Elementary All Day

April 28 Inventions Friends and Family Concert in auditorium 7:00 p.m.

WELCOME 5th GRADERS!!!!

We hope many of you 5th graders are considering signing up for BAND, CHORUS, and ORCHESTRA at Edison! These performance groups meet for one period every other day, during the school day. 5th graders can sign up for two of these groups in any combination: band/chorus, band/orchestra, or chorus/orchestra. We hope you decide to participate in one or two of our music groups! Please contact any of the directors with questions. (Directors and their emails are listed below.)

MUSICIAN OF THE MONTH~

Each month the band, orchestra, and chorus areas will each recognize a 6th, 7th, and 8th grader that shows exceptional dedication, responsibility, and character each and every day.

Musicians of the month for MARCH are:

Band: Nella Tuttle (8) Holland Meyerink (7) Benjamin Tjarks (6)

Chorus: MacKenzie Erwin (8) Sumaya Hassan (7) Jenni Claire Gant (6)

Orchestra: McKinley Glanville (8) Anna Seigfred (7) Lauryn Gohl (6)

INVENTIONS FRIENDS & FAMILY CONCERT ON APRIL 28!!

On Friday, April 28, the Edison Inventions ensemble (show choir) will perform the show they have been working on all year. The performance will be in the auditorium at 7 p.m. and singers should arrive by 6:25 p.m. No admission is charged at these performances.

**Any Edison Inventions or Illuminations alumni are invited to join us on stage for the annual tradition of singing “I’ll Remember You”. Rehearsal for alumni with Inventions is in the chorus room at 6:30 p.m.

SUMMER YOUTH BAND AND ORCHESTRA

We are happy to announce that the city-wide Summer Youth Band and Orchestra will be meeting here at Edison again this summer. This is a great program and is a fun way to keep your student playing over the summer and make some new friends! Linked here is a flyer with more details and sign-up information.

ALL STATE BAND

Congratulations to Nathanial Herbst and Anna Seigfred for representing Edison so well at Middle School All State Band last month in Mitchell, SD! This special event features the best band students from all across the state. Students are selected by competitive auditions, and the music for next year’s auditions will be posted by May 1st at sdmea.net. We will be promoting this in 6th and 7th grade classes this spring so that students can get an early start on the music. We encourage students to give it a try! See Mr Jensen for more information.

ENSEMBLE SCHEDULE~

Jazz Band meets on Monday and Wednesday mornings from 7:45 – 8:45 a.m.

Brio meets on Wednesday and Friday morning from 8:10 – 8:45 a.m.

Inventions meets on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 7:45 - 8:45 a.m.

PRIVATE LESSONS~

Now is a great time to consider starting private lessons on your instrument/voice. Individual lessons with a skilled teacher are a great way to learn, grow, and excel as a musician. The private lesson list can be found on the Edison Music Dept. website at http://emsmusicdept.weebly.com/private-instructors-list.html

SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETER~

Please notify your child’s director if you need a sign language interpreter for the spring concert. Notify the director at least ONE MONTH before the concert date. (Concert dates and director emails are included in this ECHO.)

Edison Music Department Website~

The Edison Music Department has a website! Refer to this website for information and dates.

http://emsmusicdept.weebly.com/

“Like” us on Facebook!~

Edison Music Department has a Facebook page! This page will be used for informational purposes only. You can check concert dates, rehearsal dates, practicing tips, etc. on our page. We will NOT have any pictures of students posted, it will strictly be used for getting information out to you!

The page is: www.facebook.com/EMSMusicDept

There are other Edison schools out there so check before you “like” our site!

• Band directors – Rick Jensen - Rick.T.Jensen@k12.sd.us & Emily Deinken – Emily.Deinken@k12.sd.us

• Chorus directors – Amber Sundvold – Amber.Sundvold@k12.sd.us & Mollie Weflen– Mollie.Weflen@k12.sd.us

• Orchestra directors – Stacy Sip – Stacy.Sip@k12.sd.us & Shannon Abels – Shannon.Abels@k12.sd.us

“Where words fail, music speaks.” ― Hans Christian Andersen

March Madness

At the end of March, students had the opportunity to participate in Library March Madness.

The book The Inheritance Games won the entire tournament.

Students that correctly predicted the winning book are Kenian Nanton, Sam Gusson, Taydra Kirchner, Jorgen Berg, Oscar Johnson, Nico White, Elena Schellpfeffer, Macie Olson, Cole Rusk, and Owen Reed.

The grand prize winner, selected randomly from all that voted, is Alex Twa.

Thank you to all that participated!

South Dakota Teen Choice Book Award

Since October, students have had the opportunity to read books from a list created by the South Dakota Teen Choice Book Award committee. Students could then submit a rating for each book. All submissions went to the state committee to determine the winning book in South Dakota.

Additionally, we had a local Edison contest. After students submitted ratings, they became eligible for our Grand Prize, affectionately known as the Big Kahuna. The individual that won, along with a friend of their choosing, will be going out to lunch and to Barnes and Noble later this month.

This year’s Big Kahuna winner is Robyn Jenkins. Congratulations!

National Library Week

The library will once again be doing Food for Fines in honor of National Library Week April 24-28th. Students that owe money for lost or damaged books can reduce or erase their fines by bringing nonperishable food items to the library anytime between April 24th and 28th. One food item equals one dollar off a fine. This is a limited-time offer. No food will be accepted before April 24 or after Friday, April 28.

Attention Incoming 6th grade families! Please see the graphic below for all of our Running Start Sessions. You can follow the link below to sign up!

Attention 8th grade Families: Connections Classes available this summer.

Why should freshmen attend Connections?

Connections students start high school right and earn a half credit toward graduation. The program is packed with ideas, strategies, people, and new experiences that will help prepare students for a great first day and a successful first year of high school. Connections students review important reading, math, and study strategies. They also learn problem-solving techniques and organizational ideas that make the transition to high school less stressful. Connections students also participate in activities that increase confidence, create relationships, and familiarize them with how high school works so that they are ready for high school. After Connections they will be able to assist other freshmen in the transition to high school as well.

SD Public Universities and Technical College Partner for Student Career Exploration Summer Camps

PIERRE, S.D. – In a cooperative effort with the South Dakota Board of Regents and the South Dakota Department of Education, South Dakota’s rising 7th and 8th grade students will have an opportunity to participate in free, five-day career exploration camps this summer. 2023 is the second year South Dakota's Career Exploration Camps will be offered, with greater capacity for students.

Hosted on South Dakota college campuses, these camps will expose students to various career paths through fun, engaging and hands-on learning. Throughout the week, campers will spend time on university and technical college campuses and visit area businesses to see careers in action. By the end of camp, students will have a better understanding of themselves, their career interests and how their education prepares them for professions.

“We look forward to building off the success of last year’s inaugural career camps by partnering with our state’s technical colleges again this summer to offer more camps and a wider variety of career opportunities,” said South Dakota Board of Regents Executive Director Dr. Brian Maher. “We’re excited to showcase career options to our state’s middle schoolers and highlight the possibilities students have right here in South Dakota.

“This unique partnership among our public universities, technical colleges, and the Department of Education signifies a united approach to providing opportunities to our state’s young people so they can identify potential careers early on and narrow their focus as they move forward through their K-12 education,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Joseph Graves.

These career exploration summer camps are provided at no expense to students in South Dakota. The camp dates and locations are listed below. Those interested in learning more about what to expect or to apply can visit: ourdakotadreams.com.

2023 SUMMER CAMP DATES & LOCATIONS

June 18-22 | University of South Dakota + Southeast Technical College

June 25-29 | Black Hills State University + South Dakota Mines + Western Dakota Technical College

July 9-13 | Black Hills State University + South Dakota Mines + Western Dakota Technical College

July 9-13 | South Dakota State University + Lake Area Technical College

July 9-13 | Northern State University + Lake Area Technical College

July 9-13 | Dakota State University + Mitchell Technical College

This opportunity is being administered by the South Dakota Board of Regents and funded with federal dollars available to the South Dakota Department of Education through the American Rescue Plan.

Contact your middle school counselor or future high school for more information on times and cost. Each High School has their own unique dates and schedules. Limited space.

Edison families,

Our final season of athletics is upon us. Track has been practicing now for the past couple weeks and are looking forward to their first competitions on Friday, April 14th. Edison has 174 students participating in track and field. This year for our track and field meets will include all events running and field at the same location and same night.

New! This spring is 8th grade Soccer for boys and girls. We have over 40 boys and 17 girls out. Our games will be played at the Sanford sports complex by the Pentagon starting April 13th. The girls will play 1 game starting at 4:15. Boys will play in 2 games 1 at 4:15 and 2 games at approximately 5:20 start time. We have enough boys to play in 3 games, an A team and 2 B teams.

Please check out the Edison athletic website for dates and locations of our events to come sport your Edison Cats!!

Attention all current 6th and 7th graders, the 2023-24 school year will be here before we know it. I would like to invite you to attend our Athletics informational night on Thursday May 18th at 7PM in the gym. The two most important things to remember:

• all students need a sports physical, which can be done anytime after April 1st of 6th grade year and is good through the students 8th grade year of athletics.

• As you register your son or daughter for next year online in Infinite Campus please fill out the athletic tab for parent consent and HIPAA, even if you are unsure if your son/daughter will participate.

Hoping to see you out supporting our track and field athletes this spring!

Take care,

David Christian

Edison Athletic Coordinator

Athletic information Night

For current 6th and 7th graders. An informational meeting about athletics for the 2023-24 school year will be held on Thursday May 18th at 7PM in the gymnasium.