For more information about the amazing childcare, preschool, and school options in the area, make sure to check out our area Education Guide! Make sure to check out our Back-to-School Resource page as well! There you can find all kinds of posts about starting off the school year well.

Sioux Falls Area School Calendars for the 2026-2027 School Year. 

Sioux Falls School District

Tea Area School District

Harrisburg School District

Brandon Valley School District

Sioux Falls Christian School

Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools

Sioux Falls Lutheran Schools

Dell Rapids School District 

Tri-Valley School District

West Central School District

Lennox School District

The post Sioux Falls Area School Calendars appeared first on the 'hood magazine.

We love the Sioux Falls Area and are thankful that we get to live, work, and raise our families in this amazing area of the Midwest. Thank you for joining us on the 2026 Familyfest Fun Cruise!

Thank you to ‘hood Magazine, the businesses that participated, and the sponsors. We’ve attended the Familyfest Fun Cruise the last couple of years and have had such an amazing time together. We look forward to exploring places we’ve never been before. This year, we especially liked learning about Wings Gymnastics and trying some delicious drinks at the Human Bean, and we plan to head back to both soon!

-Kali

My family chatted about this and one thing we love about the Familyfest Fun Cruise is that it gets us out of our routine and gives us an excuse to explore new places, try new experiences, and make memories we probably wouldn’t have created otherwise. Thanks, again!

-Adam

Thank you, again! Please pass along our appreciation to Black Hills Federal Credit Union and to all the volunteers and businesses that made this event happen. It was such a fun day! 

-Dana

We will definitely be back to some of the places we visited though! My son absolutely loved 605 Ninja and can’t wait to go again! He is 4 and couldn’t reach any of the overhead things but he was happy as can be to climb as high as he could and jump down to the mats. Haha. He also had a lovely coach give him a chance to try the silks for a bit. He is so active and loves trying new things, so anywhere that he is allowed–and encouraged!–to run and climb and jump, that is his happy place. Everyone we interacted with there was helpful, encouraging and kind. We will be back for open gym and hopefully for classes if we are closer in the future!

My boyfriend already has a membership to Silver Star Car Wash so we frequent there often. But we had my vehicle that day and so we drove through for a free wash. My son loved the sand and water pools to play in and again the gal that was there interacting with everyone was incredibly friendly. We were there close to the end of the event and it was looking like it might start to storm. Where some might be looking at their watch, counting down the minutes to being done with a busy day, her energy and customer service was phenomenal. She interacted with my son in finding some “treasures” in the sand and visited a bit with me and my boyfriend. It was a great experience all around and we will happily continue to support them. 

Our family looks forward to the Familyfest Fun Cruise each year, so we can check out places we haven’t visited before, enjoy quality time together, and try all the fun activities each business plans. Thanks for creating such a fun day for families! 

-Ashley

We are relatively new to Sioux Falls, and Familyfest has been an amazing opportunity for us to discover everything the city has to offer, especially for our toddler. We attended Familyfest last year, and since then, we have participated in open gym sessions at Wings Gymnastics. This summer, we are looking forward to exploring Safe Splash!

-Gigi

We loved the swag bags and car wash and touch a truck is always a hit with our kids! A fun time is had by the kids and the adults!

-Jennifer 

We love being about to get out of the house, explore some of our favorite places (like The Outdoor Campus), and also discover new places (like We Rock the Spectrum)!

-Emma

We just moved here from Kentucky about 2 months ago. This was the perfect event for us to get to know our Community more. We appreciated all the efforts that went into this. This really was a great way to meet new people and enjoy what Sioux Falls has to offer our family.

-Maria

All the different activities for the kids to be able to try new things and learn new things. And as their mom to see and learn about new businesses and what they offer

-Jessica

Thank you to everyone who makes the cruise happen each year! We are so thankful to our businesses, sponsors, and families for making Familyfest one of the best days of the year.

The post Familyfest Fun Cruise: Why Families Love the Cruise! appeared first on the 'hood magazine.

Make sure to make something special for Dad this year, too! Check out our post on DIY Father’s Day Mugs.

Here’s a guide to the top happenings in Sioux Falls this Father’s Day weekend.

Father’s Day Brunches, Dinners, and Treats

Blarney Stone

Celebrate Father’s Day at Blarney Stone! Brunch starts at 10 am, and there is a happy hour all day for our favorite Dads! After enjoying some food, take a stroll downtown or walk around Fall’s Park. 

Harvester Kitchen by Bryan 

Treat your father to an amazing restaurant on Father’s Day! Harvester Kitchen is having a special Father’s Day Steakhouse Dinner on June 21st in honor of Dads. Check out the menu for the event and make a reservation. 

Stensland Family Farms

Ice Cream and Dads always seem like a pair perfectly matched. Head over to Stensland Family Farms on Father’s Day! All Dads will get a FREE single dip.

Outdoor Adventures

Oakwood Lakes State Park

On June 20th, Oaskwood Lakes State Park (North of Sioux Falls), is holding a Father’s Day Weekend Campfire Cookout time at the amphitheater firepits. A park license is required.

Palisades State Park

There will be a Father’s Day Craft at Palisades State Park on June 19th. Make a card to show your dad how much you love him!

The Outdoor Campus

On Saturday, the 20th, enjoy free outdoor programming (Super Saturday Fishing) with the Outdoor Campus in Sioux Falls. This event is an open-house event, and no registration is required. 

Live Music 

Levitt at the Falls

For dads who enjoy live music, head over to Levitt at the Falls. For Father’s Day Weekend, their lineup is: Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials on Thursday night, Lee Rocker of the Stray Cats on Friday night, and American Patchwork Quartet on Saturday night. See their full lineup for the summer here! Bring a blanket, some lawn chairs, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. The shows are family-friendly and start at 7 PM every night. Remember that the Levitt shows are free! 

Good Earth State Park

On Father’s Day (the 21st), you can enjoy a free show (with park license) at Good Earth State Park. Starting at 4 PM Landon Weis will be playing for two hours. There will also be a food truck.

Sioux Falls Municipal Band

Enjoy amazing local talent on June 21st with the Sioux Falls Municipal Band! The concert is free, and they will be playing at Terrace Park. The theme of this night’s performance is “Summer Solstice.”

Craft Beer and Brewery Tours

Sioux Falls Brewery Tour

For dads who are beer enthusiasts, a brewery tour is a fantastic way to celebrate. Sioux Falls boasts several excellent breweries like Fernson Downtown, Severance Brewing Co., and Remedy Brewing Company. Many of them offer tours and tasting flights, providing a great way to sample local craft beers.

Plan Your Perfect Father’s Day Weekend

With so many great options, planning the perfect Father’s Day weekend in Sioux Falls has never been easier. Happy Father’s Day to all the amazing dads out there!

The post Father’s Day in the Sioux Falls Area appeared first on the 'hood magazine.

What You Need to Know

Familyfest is happening on Saturday, May 30th, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Get ready for a day full of FREE family fun! This free event is meant to help introduce you to everything the Sioux Falls Area offers families. Learn about what is available for families, about the fun things to do in Sioux Falls, and try out something you have been eyeing for free!

For 5 things to know about the cruise, read this post! 

How to Prepare

Plan out your Cruise in Advance! 

Pick up a copy of the ‘hood Magazine and mark the location that you want to go to on the cruise. Or, check out our full directory listing online and see our cruise map. Make sure to think about what stops your family would enjoy the most. This year, we have many locations that are either cluster stops or are combined with a pop-up! These stops mean one less trip in and out of the car! 

Remember, you plan your cruise! There is no certain order you have to go in! Simply cruise to wherever your family would like and enjoy as much time there as you want to. 

Bring Snacks/Pack a Lunch

The Cruise runs from 9 am to 2 pm! Often, we have heard families say they were not planning to cruise for so long but ended up going the full-time because of how much fun everyone was having! So, make sure you have some snacks or a picnic packed!

Plan to Pick-Up your Swag Bag

Our Swag Bag pick-up location this year is the Outdoor Campus! This year’s swag bag is filled with great coupons, fun items, information, and more! Swing by the Outdoor Campus for both your Swag Bag and some free fishing! Swag Bags are for the first 500 families. 

Tag Familyfest_SF and the ‘hood Magazine during the Cruise

Make sure to tag the ‘hood Magazine and Familyfest during the Fun Cruise! We can’t wait to see all of the fun your family is going to have while experiencing everything the Sioux Falls Area offers to families! 

Sign up for the Giveaways

Each location of the Fun Cruise will have a QR code for you to scan. Scanning this code and entering your information puts your name in for prizes!  

For all the information you need to know about Familyfest, click here! You can find our cruise map, FAQ’s, and full directory of stops at this link. 

We are so excited to cruise with you on May 30th!

The post Familyfest is this Saturday! appeared first on the 'hood magazine.

As the days get longer and the sun shines a little brighter, it’s time to start planning the ultimate summer of fun for the whole family! This year, the Levitt is turning up the volume on excitement with a fantastic lineup of free family concerts and incredible “pay-what-you-can” Summer Jam Camps designed for kids of all ages. Whether your family loves live music, wants to enjoy outdoor summer enrichment, or has an aspiring young musician, there’s something for everyone. So grab your picnic blankets, get ready to dance, and let’s make some unforgettable summer memories!

Saturday Morning Family Concerts – Free & Fun!

There’s nothing quite like live music in the fresh morning air, and the Levitt is making it easy for families to experience the magic. On select Saturdays at 10:30 AM, families can enjoy high-energy performances from some of the most engaging and kid-friendly musicians around. The best part? It’s totally free!

These concerts are designed to get kids (and grown-ups!) moving, clapping, and singing along. Whether it’s folk, jazz, world music, or rock tailored just for young audiences, each performance is guaranteed to bring smiles and laughter to everyone in attendance.

Here are the 2026 Levitt Family Concert Dates to mark on your calendar:

• Saturday, June 6 – MISTER G
  • Interactive bilingual music performances blending storytelling, global rhythms and family-friendly fun to inspire creativity and cross-cultural connection.
• Saturday, June 27 – Joy Lab
  • Interactive hip-hop, poetry and movement-based performances that blend rhythm, storytelling and play to inspire joy, creativity and self-expression for all ages.
• Saturday, July 11 – Jelly of the Month Club
  • Family-friendly funky rock and swing performances filled with playful storytelling, audience participation and high-energy fun that bring all ages together through music and movement.
• Saturday, August 1 – Omaha Street Percussion
  • High-energy percussion performances using everyday objects as instruments, blending drumming, movement and audience interaction to create immersive, rhythm-driven experiences for all ages.
• Saturday, August 29 – Jackie Bird
  • Cultural performance blending music, storytelling, dance, puppetry and visual art to celebrate Native identity and traditions through an engaging, intergenerational show.

SEE UPCOMING EVENTS: https://www.levittsiouxfalls.org

Summer Jam Camps: Creative & Musical Experiences for Every Age

All camps are held in partnership with the Augustana University Music Department, providing an inspiring environment where young musicians can learn and create together.

If your child has ever dreamed of making their own music, our Summer Jam Camps are the perfect place to start! Designed for different age groups, these “pay-what-you-can” camps provide hands-on experiences that ignite creativity, build confidence, and foster a lifelong love of music.

Here’s what’s happening at each camp:

???? Levitt Jam Camp – Vocal Explorers (ages 7 – 12)
???? Monday, June 15 – Friday, June 19 | 8:30am – 12:00pm

Camp Location: Augustana University School of Music

Vocal Jam Camp, in partnership with the Sioux Falls Children’s Choir, is a fun and engaging choral music experience where kids build vocal skills, learn to harmonize, and perform together while exploring a variety of musical genres. Campers will grow in confidence, creativity, and friendship throughout the week, culminating in a joyful performance for family and friends at the Levitt.

???? Levitt Jam Camp Jazz Explorers (ages 10 -12)
???? Monday, June 8 – Friday, June 12 | 8:30am – 12:00pm

Camp Location: Augustana University School of Music

Young musicians will dive into the vibrant world of jazz through hands-on learning, improvisation, and creative musical experiences that build confidence and spark creativity. Throughout the week, campers will explore jazz rhythms, history, voice, movement, and instruments before celebrating their progress with a special live performance for family and friends.

???? Levitt Jam Camp – Songwriting (ages 14 -18)
???? Monday, June 22 – Friday, June 26 | 8:30am – 12:00pm

Camp Location: Augustana University School of Music

Campers will explore the art of songwriting through engaging, hands-on experiences that encourage creativity, confidence, and musical growth while connecting with fellow young musicians. Throughout the week, participants will gain inspiration from local songwriters and develop original work that will be showcased during a special performance on the Levitt stage alongside a professional artist.,

ENROLL TODAY: https://www.levittsiouxfalls.org/levitt-jam-camp/ 

Levitt In Your Neighborhood Outreach Camp:

???? Levitt Jam Camp – Hip-Hop w/ the Boys and Girls Club  (ages 11 -14)
???? Monday, June 22 – Friday, June 26  | 1:00pm – 3:00pm

Camp Location: Boys at Girls Club at George McGovern Middle School
The Levitt is bringing its Hip-Hop Jam Camp programming to the Community Learning Center free summer program at George McGovern Middle School this June in partnership with the Boys and Girls Club.  Interested participants can register through the Boys and Girls Club.

Why You Shouldn’t Miss Out

The Levitt’s summer programs aren’t just about music—they’re about community, creativity, and connection. Whether you’re watching your child perform in a concert or experiencing a new style of music together, these moments are what summer is all about.

So, what are you waiting for? Whether you’re rocking out at a Saturday morning concert or signing your child up for an inspiring camp experience, the Levitt is the place to be this summer. 

See you at the Levitt—where music brings families together!

Levitt at the Falls is part of a truly exceptional national network of outdoor performance venues featuring a season of 50 FREE professional concerts each summer. Levitt at the Falls is a gathering space that strengthens our community through the power of free, live, outdoor music.

The post Summer at the Levitt: Music, Fun, and Family Adventures Await! appeared first on the 'hood magazine.

37 stops at 20 locations! 

We have so many incredible local businesses and organizations on the Fun Cruise this year. Make sure to check out the full directory of Familyfest stops here!

This year, we are excited to welcome back Touch-A-Truck, sponsored by Knief River! Check them out at Scouting America. You can also find the South Dakota Safety Council there, too! Of course, we all love free stuff. Make sure to stop by the Outdoor Campus for your Swag Bag and free fishing.

How does the Familyfest Fun Cruise work, you might be wondering? We have a whole section of our site dedicated to all things Familyfest. Check that out here. For more information, read on!  

Here are 5 Things to Know about Familyfest!

1. Cruise Your Way!

Familyfest runs from 9 am-2 pm on Saturday, May 30th. It would be nearly impossible to fit in all the different stops! There is no requirement of where to start, how many stops to go to, or how long your cruise for. You are able to pick the locations that fit your family the best! 

The Swag Bag (bags sponsored by Virtus Investments) stop is at the Outdoor Campus this year! At some point during the cruise, you may want to stop by for your swag bag. But it’s not a requirement!

2. Swag Bags

Speaking of Swag Bags…they are worth the pick-up! The Swag Bag is filled with great information, coupons and deals, treats from local businesses, and more! There will be 500 bags available (1 per family)! Find your Swag Bag pick-up location at the Outdoor Campus. Make sure to also check out everything the Outdoor Campus has to offer! During Familyfest you can enjoy free fishing out on their pond! 

3. Keep Location in Mind

Check out the Familyfest Fun Cruise Map to see where all of the stops will be this year. We have grouped the stops together based on location. Plan out your Fun Cruise around these locations so that you avoid having to backtrack or drive back across town. 

This year, we also have a bunch of cluster stops! These “Pop-Up” stops are located next to or inside another location. They might have an extra stop or even a few extra stops altogether! We have cluster stops at 605 Ninja, Scouting American, Kids ‘R’ Kids, Wings Gymnastics, We Rock the Spectrum, and at the Outdoor Campus.

4. Learn and Ask Questions

The Familyfest Fun Cruise is the perfect opportunity for your family to see what the Sioux Empire has to offer! Use this FREE day of fun to check out an area business you haven’t tried before or have been eyeing. This is the perfect day to ask questions, try things out, and learn all for FREE! 

5. Giveaways

Make sure to sign up for our ‘hood giveaway! At each Familyfest location, you will find a QR code to scan. After you scan, you simply answer a few quick questions (Name, email, ect). Every time you scan, your name is entered into our giveaway drawings. Not only will you get to enjoy a day of free family fun, but you can also win!

We are so excited to cruise with you soon! Mark your calendars and get ready for a great year with the Familyfest Fun Cruise!

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Mother’s Day lands on May 10th this year (2026)! Celebrate your mom this year with some of the amazing events and activities happening in the Sioux Falls Area for Mother’s Day. Plan the perfect Mother’s Day weekend with these great options of things to do in Sioux Falls. 

Are you looking for gift ideas for Mom that she actually wants? Check out this post! If your Mom loves self-care items, we have a great list of them here! 

Mother’s Day Weekend in Sioux Falls

Moms receive free admission to Skate City on May 10th (Mother’s Day) in honor of their Mother’s Day event! Enjoy time spent together this Mother’s Day, skating as a family. 

Enjoy a Mother’s Day Market on May 9th from 12-3 with Severance Brewing Co. This free pop-up market will have several different vendors to shop from and is perfect for an afternoon of supporting local on Mother’s Day Weekend! 

It’s officially Farmers Market season in the Sioux Empire! Spend part of your Mother’s Day weekend at Falls Park during their Saturday morning Falls Park Farmers Market.

Do you have a mom in your life who loves plants and gardening? Landscape Garden Centers is hosting a Mother’s Day event on March 10th. Enjoy free “Mom and Me” polaroid photos, kids’ garden bowling, a breakfast truck, and a pay-by-stem flower bar.

Wings Gymnastics is hosting a Mother’s Day Open Gym event on May 9th. Enjoy a craft, open gym time, and sign up for a professional photo as a family, too!

Dlux Suits, on Solberg Ave, is hosting a Mother’s Day event on May 9th. This event features local businesses, food trucks, and refreshing drinks. There will also be the opportunity to get a fine line tattoo, make your own bouquet, and get some permanent jewelry.

The Avera Race Against Cancer Run/Walk is on May 9th. If your Mom loves to be active and go for runs, then this is the perfect start to Mother’s Day Weekend! Participating in this amazing event supports patients at the Avera Cancer Institute here in Sioux Falls. Sign up to run, walk, or even be a sideline supporter! 

Brunch Time

Head over to Ironwood Steakhouse on Mother’s Day for an indulgent brunch from 9 am-3 pm. Make sure to book a reservation early!

Celebrate Mother’s Day at Jack Rose with a Mother’s Day Brunch starting at 9 am. Jack Rose is a 21+ establishment.

Blue Rock Bar and Grill is hosting a Mother’s Day Brunch on May 10th, reservations are required. Enjoy options like Prime Rib, Chicken Marsala, and Shrimp Scampi.

Head downtown for a Mother’s Day brunch at the Holiday Inn City Centre. They are hosting their Mother’s Day Brunch on May 10th with a great list of food options! We love that kids 5 and under are free!

DaDa Gastropub is hosting its annual Mother’s Day brunch on May 10th. Enjoy some live music starting at 11 am! Registrations are encouraged to reserve your table.

Other

While the Orange City Tulip Festival might not land on Mother’s Day Weekend, it is worth noting! May 14th-16th is the 2026 Orange City Tulip Festival, and it’s certainly worth the drive! Celebrate Mom the next weekend too with a family trip to the Festival! 

Plan a trip to celebrate Mother’s Day this year! Check out our day trip guide to Sioux City, our weekend guide to Omaha, and our weekend guide to the Twin Cities. For moms who love to travel and appreciate experiences, travel is the perfect gift! 

Thank You

Thank you Moms, for all that you do. Here at the ‘hood Magazine we are so thankful for our fellow Mom’s and the ways that they encourage, challenge, uplift, and love us! 

The post Celebrating Mother’s Day in Sioux Falls appeared first on the 'hood magazine.

Familyfest is more than just a day of fun; it’s an opportunity for families to get out and explore all that Sioux Falls has to offer. From discovering new activities to visiting local favorites, the cruise makes it easy to experience the community in a fresh way. It’s a chance to try something new, meet local organizations, and walk away with a list of places to visit again. 

Meet Henley

Meet Henley and his Dad, Thadeus, our 2026 Familyfest Cover Star! Last year was their first time attending Familyfest, and they loved it! In particular, they loved testing their skills at 605 Ninja and spending time fishing together at the Outdoor Campus. 

Thadeus loved how welcoming all the different locations were. It made trying new places and activities extra fun. Getting to have new experiences with Henley was his favorite part of the day. Henley shared that his favorite part was “Hanging with my Dad!” 

The Giedds love calling Sioux Falls home. “Sioux Falls is home for me and much of my family,” Thadeus shares. “We enjoy being a part of Sioux Falls and seeing our community have flourishing public spaces and events.” 

For Henley, Familyfest is already a favorite, helping his family discover new adventures right in their own backyard! 

The post 2026 Familyfest Cover Star Spotlight: Henley  appeared first on the 'hood magazine.

Click the link to read all of this year’s nominations for Childcare/Preschool Provider of the Year.

2026 Educator of the year is Presented by: The Bancorp, Sanford fit, and Vanessa Jo Photography  

Joseph Thompson 

Preschool/Junior Kindergarten Teacher 

The Cubhouse at Copper Creek

Choosing who to partner with for your child’s early education is an important decision for families. Finding someone who not only cares for your child but intentionally helps shape their character, confidence, and independence is a true gift. Here at the ’hood Magazine, we know how vital early educators are to our community, and we are honored, along with our generous sponsors, The Bancorp, Sanford fit, and Vanessa Jo Photography, to announce our 2026 Childcare Provider of the Year, Joseph Thompson! 

Joseph teaches five-year-olds at The Cub House at Copper Creek and has dedicated years to early education. For him, it’s not just a career path, but a calling. 

A Calling

He felt drawn to working with children because of the opportunity to be a steady, positive presence in their lives. “Not every child has consistency everywhere they go,” he explains. “If I can be that safe, encouraging adult who believes in them no matter what kind of day they’re having, that means something.” 

“My favorite part is honestly the relationships,” he says. “The big emotions, the belly laughs, the random stories that make absolutely no sense but somehow mean everything. When a child trusts you enough to run up for a hug or tell you about their weekend like you’re the most important person in the room… that’s hard to beat.” 

2026 Childcare/Preschool Provider of the Year

When surprised with the 2026 Childcare/Preschool Provider of the Year award, Joseph described the moment as incredibly humbling. 

“Early childhood education isn’t always the most recognized field,” he says. “To have it celebrated like this means a lot.” 

Presented to Mr. Joe during the surprise was a basket filled with sensory items from Sanford fit. These items were quickly enjoyed by the kids! 

He is quick to share the honor. “This award belongs to my classroom families who trust me with their children. It belongs to my coworkers who support and encourage me. And it definitely belongs to the kids, they’re the reason I get to do what I love every day.” 

Joseph is passionate about helping others understand the depth of what childcare providers truly do. “We’re educators,” he explains. “What we do is intentional and purposeful. Every circle time, every transition, every redirection, it all has meaning behind it. We’re teaching social skills, emotional regulation, problem-solving, independence, and kindness. We’re laying the groundwork for how children handle frustration, build friendships, and grow in confidence.” 

That dedication and heart is exactly why we are so proud to name Joseph Thompson our 2026 Preschool/Childcare Provider of the Year. 

Winning Nominations

Joe has been incredible for our son, Arkin. The amount of growth that we have seen in the 6 months has far surpassed what he was accomplishing before getting to Joe’s classroom. Not only has he made strides educationally but socially and physically as well. Joe’s lesson plans cover every subject and are always engaging for the students.Probably the highest praise I can give Mr Joe, is that Arkin loves going to daycare and is constantly talking about how great Mr. Joe is. 

-Logan (Dad) and Arkin 

Joe has been very good with my daughter. Just the little things make all the difference in the world.  

-Lori (Mom) and Emma 

When my son started Jr Kindergarten at The Cubhouse, he was very timid and tearful as he had been at an in-home daycare up until then. Mr. Joe, as the kids call him, was the main reason my son opened up, and a few months into the school year, he was loving school. He has learned so much. Mr. Joe’s passion for teaching and caring for children is evident as he puts his heart and soul into his work. 

Jessica (Mom) and Bennett 

Thanks Again to our Sponsors

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Click the link to read all of this year’s nominations for Educator of the Year.

Presented by: The Bancorp, Sanford fit, and Vanessa Jo Photography    

Susan Wick 

Blended 1st and 2nd Grade  

Robert Frost Elementary 

Great educators help shape the experiences that build a child’s confidence and love of learning. From teaching foundational skills to encouraging curiosity and perseverance, teachers play a vital role in helping students grow both academically and personally. At the ’hood Magazine, we are proud to recognize those educators who go above and beyond in their classrooms. Along with our sponsors, The Bancorp, Sanford fit, and Vanessa Jo Photography, we are honored to announce our 2026 Educator of the Year, Susan Wick! 

Susan Wick teaches a first and second-grade blended classroom at Robert Frost Elementary. She has been an educator for 27 years, spending most of those years in 1st and 2nd-grade classrooms.  

Inspiring Teachers

Susan says her path into education began with her own love of learning and the teachers who inspired her along the way. “I was fortunate to have exceptional teachers who inspired and encouraged me to keep growing, and their influence left a lasting impression on me,” she shares. “Teaching has always felt like the profession I was meant to pursue.” 

Over the years, Susan has found that some of the most rewarding moments come from watching students grow in confidence as learners. “In the primary grades, the progress students make is incredible,” she explains. “Helping students discover that they are capable, curious, and successful learners is what makes this work so meaningful.” 

This year’s blended classroom has provided a special highlight. Susan loved watching first and second graders naturally build a supportive learning community together. “Students quickly realized that everyone brings different strengths to the classroom,” she says. “It’s been really special to watch students step in to help explain ideas, share strategies, and encourage each other along the way.” 

2026 Educator of the Year Award

When surprised with the 2026 Educator of the Year award, Susan described the recognition as both humbling and meaningful. “Teaching is truly a team effort,” she says. “I’m fortunate to work alongside such supportive colleagues, dedicated families, and wonderful students every day.” 

Present to Susan during the surprise was a check from The Bancorp and sensory items from Sanford fit. The students did a great job waiting patiently to dig into the fun new items!  

Susan also emphasizes the importance of community support for education. “When families, schools, and the community work together, students benefit the most,” she says. 

For Susan, education goes far beyond academics. “Education is about building confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning that lasts a lifetime,” she shares. 

And that dedication is exactly why we are proud to recognize Susan Wick as our 2026 Educator of the Year. 

Thanks Again to Our Sponsors

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