EdisonEcho
Edison Middle School
Mission: To Prepare students to succeed academically, responsibly, and socially in an ever-changing world.
Office: 605-367-7643
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:
February 1, 2021
Volume 1, Issue 7
Dates to Remember...
February 15-16
- No School-Presidents' Day Break
February 17
- PTO Meeting
February 23 & 25
- Conferences
Tips from the Office...
...Please remember to call ahead or email the office if your student needs to leave school early. We will write them a pass to leave class. This limits the calls made into the classrooms and saves time.
You can email the office at SFSDEdisonoffice@k12.sd.us
Principal's Corner
Hello Edison families,
We have officially started second semester! At the beginning of the year, I was concerned we would not make it to this day, but we did! It has been a year of challenges, but our staff, students, and families have tackled those challenges with gusto! I firmly believe when our COVID-19 situation resolves we will find ourselves more thankful for the small things we took for granted.
Along with the second semester transition, we have transitioned leadership at Edison. Shane Hieronimus moved to start the preparation and opening of Ben Reifel Middle School and I took over as the principal of Edison Middle School. I am excited for the opportunity and look forward to continuing to be a part of this great place. This will be my eighteenth year in the Sioux Falls School District and fourth year at Edison Middle School. My husband, Matt and I live in Sioux Falls with our two boys, Evan (10th grader at Roosevelt High School) and Eli (6th grader at Memorial Middle School). I am originally from Northwest Iowa and came to Sioux Falls to attend Augustana University. Once here, I never left. Matt and I enjoy all the Sioux Falls community has to offer for our family. We are also appreciative of the quality education our boys have received in the Sioux Falls School District. This community is a special place, and we feel fortunate to be a part of it!
Second semester is a new start and can be a great time to establish new habits for success in school. Some tips/reminders for supporting your child’s education:
1. Monitor Infinite Campus: Monitoring grades on Infinite Campus is the best way to be up to date on your student’s progress throughout the semester. Downloading the app and setting notifications will allow you quick access to graded assignments or missing assignments. Call the Edison office 367-7643 if you need support.
2. Sign up for Conferences: Conferences take place Feb 23 & 25. Teachers will be sending out signups for conference sign ups beginning Feb. 8. Communicating with your student’s teachers will support the work your students do in the classroom.
3. Establish Routines for Homework: Establish a nightly routine for homework that includes a quiet workplace. If your child does not have homework, reading for 20 minutes is great practice.
4. Establish Routines for Students to Come Prepared: Establish a routine for your child to prepare for the day. This would include charging chromebooks each night, setting out mask and water bottle, and packing up backpacks to be prepared for the school day.
We are looking forward to continuing the semester and the success we will see from our students. Thank you for gifting us your students! We feel so fortunate to spend time with them every day.
-Amber Blume, Principal
Conferences
Conference time is fast approaching! Edison Middle School will be conducting virtual conferences on February 23 & 25. Teachers will be sending out sign up genius links to sign up for virtual conferences beginning Feb. 8. Recognizing that a virtual conference is not possible for all families, some conferences will need to be face to face or via phone. If an "in-person" conference is needed due to technology/connectivity, please indicate that in the comment section of your selected time slot by indicating you do not have access to a virtual conference. We would request that you and your student be present during the virtual conference. The presence of your student provides your child the opportunity to show you the progress s/he has made in their classes. The conference will last approximately 15 minutes. Please sign up for a time slot that you and your child will be available to attend before Friday, February 19. Please make sure to use your student’s name to reserve your time slot.
Please note that the sign-up session is open from February 8-19. If none of the available times will work, please contact your students PRO Time teacher to request a different day/time to meet.
If you feel that your student is doing well in their classes and is having a great experience at school and do not feel the need for a virtual conference, please note that in the question by typing in "no conference needed at this time" in the text box.
If you have more than one student attending Edison, please make sure to sign up both students. You will need to make sure to sign each student up with their associated PRO Time Teachers Signup Genius.
Thank you for your time and consideration. Your child needs your encouragement and support to be successful. We look forward to seeing you at conferences!
THANK YOU
We would like to extend a special thank you to Boss’ Pizza and Chicken and Forever New for their donation of 3,000 masks to our school!
January Student of the Month
6th Grade
Brielle Kolling
Alyssa Thompson
Alana Fink
Samuel Howard
Tobia Hoekman
Landon Munk
7th Grade
Olivia Hockenberry
Mataya Cummins
Mylie Johnson
Dylan Boedeker
Braxton Vassar
Atticus Javers
8th Grade
Skylar Johnson
Hannah Skrock
Avery Alberico
Nathan Lewis
Natalie Santana
Kishmar Eberline
News from the Counseling Office
2021-2022 Registration information:
7th grade registration will be taking place the beginning of March during science classes and 6th grade registration will be at the end of March during science classes. A form will be sent home with your child and a signature requested.
PARENT INFORMATION: will be virtual this year due to COVID-19. Please check with your student’s high school for more information. The high school webpages will continue to update you with information regarding your future freshman, so it is important to refer to the applicable website:
Jefferson High School – https://www.sf.k12.sd.us/jefferson/home
Lincoln High School - https://www.lhscounseling.com/
Roosevelt High School – https://sites.google.com/k12.sd.us/sfroosevelt/home
Washington High School – http://www.whscounseling.com/
New Tech High School - https://www.sf.k12.sd.us/new-technology/home
CTE Academy Information
For more information about CTE Academy, please check out the website! There are several courses available to freshman second semester.
Edison Student Council
The goals of Edison’s Student Council are to build school spirit and pride, to assume responsibility as citizens in our school and community, and to promote a safe, caring environment.
Secret Valentines –
Secret Valentines are now being sold in your PRO-Time classes. There are two choices available, a plush monkey or a bag of Hershey’s Kisses. Please fill out the order form and pay your PRO-Time teacher $2 for each Valentine ordered.
You may order you Valentines from January 25-February 5. (Or until sold out, so don’t wait until the last day!)
Valentines will be delivered to PRO’s on February 12.
The profits from this project will be donated to the Children’s Home Society.
The Children’s Home Society serves families, individuals, and children of all ages. Many are victims of domestic violence, abuse and/or neglect, or traumatic life events. They also partner with caring parents to help children with emotional or behavioral needs.
Through all of their programs, work alongside parents or guardians to strengthen their families and to help children get the care and services they need.
Souper Bowl Jersey Day –
On Friday, February 5, wear your favorite jersey or team wear to school. In support of Feeding SD, bring a can of soup (or any nonperishable food item) or a cash donation to your PRO. Our local food bank needs donations due to the high volume of traffic this year.
We are looking for some great prizes for a school wide bingo party. If you know a local business that would be willing to donate, please let Mrs. Sherard or Mrs. Carlson know. We are also looking for a connection to a local greenhouse for a future project.
Pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald house. Please collect pop tabs and deliver them to room 144. These pop tabs are recycled and help support the Ronald McDonald house which provides a temporary home for families who have seriously ill children.
Next meeting date: February 9
Edison's PTO
It’s hard to believe we are already halfway through the school year! Spring Parent Teacher Conferences are upon us! Please see below for meal signups.
One night we are having parent-made soup, breads, desserts, etc. The other night we will order in meals for teachers. Whether you donate food or money, we truly appreciate your help.
National School Counseling Week
Celebrate National School Counseling Week from Feb 1st through 5th. Thank you to Edison Counselors Becca Dravland, Phil Biteler, and Sonja Smith for all your hard work and dedication. You do so much for our school and the students!
Spring Conference Meals—Food and Donations Needed
Conferences are fast approaching
· Tuesday 4:15-8pm, February 23 (Soup and Chili Night (Food Requested)
· Thursday 4:15-8pm, February 25 (Order In Night (Monetary Donations Requested)
Please help provide delicious meals for staff during these busy nights.
Click on the SignUpGenius link for more details and opportunities.
Conference Meal Food Signup for February 23
Monetary Donations for February 25th: Conference Meal “Order In Individual Meals”
Scholastic Bookfair and Edison Spirit Wear Sales--
The online Scholastic Bookfair will happen during the week of Parent/Teacher Conferences.
The Online Edison Spirit Wear store will also be open from February 15-28. Follow the below link:
https://www.walloffame247.com/edison-middle-school
Please join us at our next PTO meeting: Wednesday, February 17th at noon in the conference room! Learn firsthand about what is going on at Edison. We’d love to see you!
Monthly Meetings
Held at noon on the third Wednesday of every month over zoom. New faces are always welcome!
Join us at our next PTO meeting: Wednesday, February 17th at noon
Zoom Meeting Link: click here
The Meeting ID is: 766 2166 3468
The Passcode is: 679743
If you cannot attend the meeting, minutes will be posted, and we hope to have them recorded through Zoom. Go to Edisonsf.org for more information.
Open Board Positions for Next Year
We will have openings for Secretary and Co-President. If you would like to get more involved with the school, would like to meet interesting people, and want to make a difference, please think about taking one of these roles. It’s not as much work as you think it is...and it's wonderfully rewarding! Contact us at edisonsiouxfalls@gmail.com to learn more!
Teacher appreciation
Do you have any ideas for how we can show our Edison teachers/staff how thankful we are for all their hard work? Send your ideas to edisonsiouxfalls@gmail.com!
Make a donation
As a PTO, we function solely from donations and fundraising as we have no membership dues. Funds raised will help enrich our student’s learning experiences, including continued library updates, as well as counselor, student, and classroom needs.
You can also send cash in an envelope marked “PTO” or a check made out to “Edison PTO” and leave it with the office staff.
Thank you!
Earn money for Edison PTO by shopping with AmazonSmile!
Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your purchase to the charitable organization of your choice. Scan or click for more info and to sign up.
Choose “Edison Middle School Parent Teacher Organization” in Sioux Falls as your charity.
PTO OFFICERS:
Co-Presidents: Nikki Schmaltz and Allison Pay Crawford
Treasurer: Kristina Sipma
Secretary: Katie Sumey
Book Fair: Karen Walters
Spiritwear: Mary Grandi-Koball
Go Cats!
Allison Pay Crawford and Nikki Schmaltz
2020-21 PTO Co-Presidents
Contact us
edisonsiouxfalls@gmail.com
www.edisonsf.org
Edison Middle School on Facebook
For the latest info, past minutes of meetings and
budget information, visit our website at edisonsf.org.
Music Notes
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 JANUARY are:
Band: Colton Tolly (8) Meredith Johnson (7) Andrew Friez (6)
Chorus: Hunter Sieh (8) Amelia VanEssen/Julia Blom (7) Zoe Stevenson/Jackson Drotzman (6)
Orchestra: Ashly Edelen (8) Hannah Baron (7) Archer Edelen (6)
Congratulations Band Students!~
Congratulations to Sarah Ulin, Jacob Pagone, Meena Broveleit, Topher Post, Hudson Weber and Cade Whiting for being selected to represent Edison at the South Dakota Middle School All-State Band! They were chosen through state-wide competitive tryouts and would have performed with the rest of the best middle school musicians in the state at Huron in March - if not for COVID19. Special congrats to Meena Broveleit for being chosen for ASB THREE years in a row! She will receive a special certificate for representing Edison for 3 years in ASB. We are so proud of all the students who tried out, it’s not an easy process, but one that we hope improves your playing regardless of placement. Thanks for your hard work and dedication! Music for next year’s tryouts will be posted at sdmea.net on or around May 1st.
Also Congratulations to Meena Broveleit and Topher Post for being selected to represent Edison at the South Dakota Middle School All-State Jazz Band! They were chosen through state-wide competitive tryouts and would have performed with the rest of the best middle school musicians in the state at Mitchell in February - if not for COVID19. Special congrats to Topher Post, as he was chosen for Trombone AND Bass Guitar! That is a rarity, so we got to choose the one he wanted to be, and then another student was awarded the chair that Topher vacated. Way to go Meena and Topher!
High School Band Auditions~
Students are not required to audition for band classes and marching band at the Sioux Falls public high schools. However, students may choose to audition for an upper level band class instead of the normal Freshman Band. Audition music will be available for LHS before the winter break and for RHS and WHS after winter break. Students are encouraged to get help on their music in private lessons or from Mr. Rygg/Mrs. Gage.
Congratulations Orchestra Students!~
Congratulations to Vanessa Ung, Jacob Pagone, Jackson Klawonn, Meena Broveleit, Sarah Ulin, Hannah Basel and Chhitij Subba for making the All State Orchestra! This is the fifth year that All State Middle School orchestra is taking place and these amazing students were chosen through state-wide competitive tryouts. They are some of the best orchestra students in the state of South Dakota! Way to go!
Private Lessons~
Now is a great time of year 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
Cleaning Your Closets?
The Sioux Falls School District is always on the lookout for donations of gently-used band and orchestra instruments. Given our funding challenges, this is a great way to increase our instrument supply and allow more students to play in band and orchestra. Please contact Mrs. Sip or Mr. Rygg for more information.
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-
- Jason Rygg - Jason.Rygg@k12.sd.us
- Holly Gage - Holly.Gage@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
“Practice makes progress, not perfect.” ― Tony Jackson
Gifted Education
The Edison Mathcounts team has been selected. Congratulations to the following students for placing in the top 8 of our school Mathcounts testing: Isaac Dumke, Jack Paulson, Moa Hein, Tanishi Kanala, Brady Wheeler, Callaway Weeks, Elijah Sumey, and Topher Post. These students will represent Edison school at the (virtual) regional competition on Friday, February 5. In addition, Mr. Gerszewski would like to thank of all of students who attended the weekly meetings, as well as their parents for encouraging and supporting them to participate.
Athletic Information
EDISON ATHLETICS
Happy New Year “CATS”.
Hopefully, you and your family are having a GREAT start to the New Year.
Boys’ Basketball is off to a GREAT START. We have a “very good number of participants. We are looking forward to a “fun season”.
COVID and Winter Sport Guidelines
We will continue to follow the Covid Guidelines set forth by the Sioux Falls School District. Your son will be screened prior to all practices and games. We also ask that parents/guardians continue to be diligent in monitoring your son’s health. It is our desire to have a successful boys basketball season and a continued successful school year. Thank you for doing your part. It is much appreciated.
If your son is participating in Edison basketball, they have received two wristbands that are to be used by spectators to attend his games. The wristbands were given to your son the last week in January.
Here is the District Policy for attending middle school basketball games:
Adult Spectators - Home and Visiting Team Spectators:
Limited to 2 passes per rostered participant. Each rostered participant will receive 2 spectator wristbands prior to their first competition. These wristbands will allow bearer to attend that specific sport event (example pass will only allow bearer admittance into a 7th grade boys’ basketball contest and will not allow admittance into an 8th boys’ basketball game) in the SFSD. No replacement passes will be issued.
Elementary, Middle and High School Student Spectators
Elementary, Middle and High School aged students may only attend if they are included in the two spectator passes. If these students attend, they will need to sit with their parent.
0 to Kindergarten Aged Children Spectators
0 to Kindergarten aged children may only attend if they are included in the two spectator passes. If these children attend, they will need to sit with their parents.
Middle School Athletics Website
When you log into the following website, you will find various points of information by clicking on the tabs at the top of the page. By going to the tab titled “School Athletic Web Sites”, then clicking on the “Edison” tab, you will find information specifically for Edison Middle School.
msmetroconference.com
By scrolling through this website, you will find the message board, practice and game schedules, information and forms on transportation, along with many other sources of information.
We look forward to continuing a successful 2020-2021 middle school athletic program.
“GO CATS!!!!”
School Related Cancellations and Postponements
It is important to be prepared for the winter storms and extreme cold that every South Dakota winter brings. Please read the following information so you are aware of the procedures for school related cancellations and postponements.
District leaders rely on experts from the National Weather Service and city/county officials when we make decisions on school cancellations, late starts or early dismissals.
Cancelling School/Late Start
When a severe storm hits the area, or is forecast, we start contacting local officials as early as 3:00 a.m. We communicate with our Operational Services Department, the Weather Bureau, the City Street Department, Sioux Falls Transit, and our transportation contractors. It is our goal to decide whether or not to cancel school by 5 a.m. to allow time for parking lots and sidewalks to be cleared, food services to prepare meals and the bus company to begin operations. In the event that school needs to be cancelled or delayed, families will be alerted via a ParentLink phone call. These calls will generally be sent between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. to accommodate families whose children are picked up by buses at 6:45 a.m.
Announcements are also made on the District’s website, Sioux Falls School District social media sites (Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SiouxFallsSchoolDistrict/ and Twitter: twitter.com/SFSchools ) the SFSD app, and over the local radio and television stations.
Because the public schools have a limited rural area, it is often possible for Sioux Falls to have school when nearby towns may not.
Early Dismissal
Storms occasionally move in during the day, making it necessary to assess whether or not to dismiss school early. We choose early dismissal only under the most extreme circumstances. In most cases, it is safer for students to remain at school due to the need for transportation and proper supervision. In the rare instances when schools are dismissed early, families will receive a ParentLink phone call and the information will appear on the District’s website at www.sf.k12.sd.us, and our Sioux Falls School District social media sites (Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SiouxFallsSchoolDistrict/ and Twitter: twitter.com/SFSchools ). Announcements are also made over the local radio and television stations.
Notifications refer to dismissal “one hour early” or “two hours early” because of the number of different building schedules. In addition to noting the early dismissal, announcements about evening activities are normally included.
It is very important that every family has a plan for early dismissal. Be sure your student knows where to go in case no one is at home. Parents/Guardians are urged to talk with their student about his/her safety during winter weather emergencies.
Be Safe This Winter
The school system offers these suggestions concerning cold weather and
emergency situations:
1. Listen for a ParentLink phone call regarding school closings, late starts, or early dismissals. Check the District’s website at www.sf.k12.sd.us for updated information. Follow us on our Sioux Falls School District social media sites (Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SiouxFallsSchoolDistrict/ and Twitter: twitter.com/SFSchools ) for updated information. Announcements will also be made on local radio and television stations. (Please avoid calling schools or the Instructional Planning Center. Phone lines are needed for emergency communications.)
2. Make sure students are properly dressed for predicted weather conditions so they are prepared for walking or waiting for a bus in the cold or for being delayed on a bus in a weather-related situation.
3. Students should not arrive at school until the scheduled time for outdoor staff supervision or the breakfast program begins.
4. Develop a plan and inform your student about where your student will go if school is dismissed early.
5. School officials will use their best judgment about school closings, late starts, or early dismissals, but please remember that a parent has the right to keep children home or to pick them up from school early if they feel weather conditions require this action.
***Students will still receive free breakfast and lunch for the remainder of the school year. Ala Carte items will be at an additional charge***
Box Tops!
YOU CAN SCAN ANY RECEIPT FROM PLACES LIKE TARGET, WALMART, HY-VEE, SAMS, COSTCO, ETC. AND IT WILL TELL YOU IF YOU HAVE ANY BOX TOPS ITEMS!!!
Contact us
Email: SFSDEdisonOffice@k12.sd.us
Website: https://www.sf.k12.sd.us/edison/home
Location: 2101 South West Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
Phone: 605-367-7643
Facebook: facebook.com/WeAreTheCats
Twitter: @EdisonCats