I feel incredibly grateful that we have had the opportunity to serve our students in school, while so many others across the nation are struggling with distance learning, access, and student engagement. Our success is due to students, staff, and families who are staying the course, wearing their masks, washing/sanitizing hands often, and staying home when exhibiting any of the symptoms of COVID. We know this has not been easy, but we are doing it! With just over 70 days left of school, it almost feels like we are entering the home stretch. Thank you!

Last week I, along with USD Professor Dr. Rob Turner, had the opportunity to virtually attend the Joint National Committee for Languages- National Council for Language and International Studies (JNCL-NCLIS) Virtual Language Advocacy Days 2021. This is the first time that South Dakota was represented in 40 years! It was a great honor to be a part of putting our state in the mix of such important work regarding language learning! Some of you may know Dr. Turner for his work with our Spanish Immersion Senior Capstone Projects.

Dr. Turner and I visited with staff from Senators Thune and Rounds’ offices and with Representative Dusty Johnson himself. All were very receptive to our requests for support in Washington, DC on four language related issues being discussed at the national level, which were: 1. Support at least $15 in the FY22 Department of Defense Appropriations for the World Language Advancement and Readiness Grants Program (WLARA);

2. Support forthcoming legislation that will provide federal funding for equitable implementation of programs to allow every student in America the opportunity to achieve a Seal of Biliteracy;

3. Co-sponsor the Native American Language Resource Center Act bill when it is introduced; and

4. Join the Congressional America’s Language Caucus.

More information on the above can be found HERE. If you have an opportunity to visit with Senators Thune, Rounds, and/or Representative Johnson, please ask for their support of language learning. Dr. Turner and I were sponsored by the National Network of Early Language Learning (NNELL), which has a wealth of information for educators and families! I encourage you to check this valuable resource!

Please remember to bundle-up your children for this cold stretch that is hitting our area!

Grateful for each of you,

Tracy Vik

Mrs. Biggar and our fifth grade Leadership students recently had the opportunity to delivery Project Warm-Up blankets to the Sanford Children's Castle. The students delivered 26 blankets for children and babies in the NICU. The nurses at the Castle were very excited and happy to receive the blankets for their patients and their families. They explained that some kids arrive at hospital in emergency-type situations and they have nothing with them, so being able to give those children a blanket is priceless!

Mrs. Biggar commented how helpful and courteous the students were during the delivery. She said "they were very attentive when the nurse was talking to them and so cheerful and kind to all hospital staff. They were all just truly delightful. It was such a fun experience!"

Watch the video below to see how the experience impacted our caring students!