Important Partners
By Dr. Jane Stavem, Superintendent
As a public school district, we frequently highlight our strong collaborations with local businesses and non-profit organizations, which contribute significantly to enriching the educational experiences of our students.
Sioux Falls consistently supports various initiatives, from essential school supply drives to vital winter gear collections and providing internship experiences and on-the-job training. These invaluable partnerships underscore the collective strength of our community.
However, the most profound and influential partnership we cherish is the one more intimately connected to each of the 25,000 students we proudly serve - the partnership with you, the parents or guardians.
The impact is transformative when schools and parents/guardians/caregivers align their efforts, working in tandem to invest in a child's life. This collaborative spirit boosts a child's confidence in their academic pursuits and nurtures essential life skills. The supportive synergy between school and home environments effectively alleviates stress and anxiety, creating a positive atmosphere for students to engage wholeheartedly in their educational journey.
Fall and spring school conferences offer a prime opportunity to invest in your child's education. By actively participating in parent-teacher conferences, you send a compelling message to your child, demonstrating your unwavering commitment to their education.
Your attendance serves as an inspiration for your child to prioritize their own educational goals. This simple act enables you to engage with teachers, gain a deeper understanding of your child's learning journey, and reinforce the expectation that your child shows up and participates actively in their education.
Conferences are an ideal time for schools and parents to foster and reinforce lines of communication crucial for helping students set meaningful goals, address concerns, and track progress throughout the academic year.
Establishing these connections early in the year allows everyone to promptly and effectively address academic or emotional challenges, giving students the necessary support and time to regain their footing.
Parent and school partnerships serve as a powerful testament to the intrinsic value of education. Your child's teacher looks forward to the opportunity to meet with you. I hope you will take advantage of their invitation to visit the school and explore how you can actively support your child's learning journey. If the designated conference date and time pose any inconvenience, please feel free to contact your child’s school to schedule an alternative meeting. Your partnership holds great importance, not only to us but, most importantly, to your child.