It can be tempting at the end of the school year to race to the end without much thought (except for summer!). But there are a few things that you should make sure that you do before the end of the school year!

6 Things to Do

Have a Conversation with your Child’s Teacher 

Make sure to do a final check-in with your child’s teacher about their academics/behavior. Ask about where they are lining up for the next year. Are they at an appropriate reading level? What is their hardest part of the day? By checking in at the end of the year you can best figure out how to support your child over the summer months. 

Make sure to ask about resources they recommend over the summer as well! 

Plan Your Summer Education Plan

The summer slip is a very real thing for many students. Take the time now, when life is maybe slightly less crazy with school still in session, to think through and plan how you want to support your kiddos’ summer learning. Because yes, they should still be learning! This could be as simple as picking up some workbooks for their grade and setting a goal of doing 5 pages a week. Looking to improve on handwriting? Ask a family member or friend to be their summer pen-pal. Or join some summer reading programs to challenge your students to keep reading. If you live in the Sioux Falls Area, check out our Area Summer Reading Program Guide. The goal is to keep it as fun as possible.

Preventing the summer slip can be easy, and it really does set your student up well for the next year

Add to your Calendar Next Year’s Fall School Dates

Take the time at the end of the school year to plug next year’s start of school dates into your phone! No one wants to dig back into school in the middle of June when planning a fun vacation. By taking the time now to plug everything you can know now into your calendar you can better be prepared when school sneaks back up on us! 

Thank the Teachers and Staff at your School

Make sure to thank your child’s teachers and support staff before the end of the year! Write a simple note of appreciation, join in on something that the school’s PTA is planning, or give them a gift to end the school year! We love these gift ideas for teachers here! 

Clear Out/Throw Away what you No Longer Need

As your child comes home with everything from school make sure to take the time to clear things out now. Start off summer well with a clean and put-away backpack that you don’t have to dump out come August! Take the time to go through all of those things from school and only keep what you truly want to. It’s ok to throw things away! Take photos if you would like before tossing things away. 

Keep only the things you want long term from this school year! Each of my children has a box in our basement for their special things. Things like medals, favorite artwork pieces, and each box even gets one of our Christmas cards every year. Add a few things (make sure to date them!) from this year and throw away the rest. 

Connect with the Parents your Kids will want to Play with over the Summer

For parents of younger children, ask them who they would like to hang out with this summer! Make sure to connect with these parents before the end of the school year to get their number, meet them, or even plan the first summer hang out right away! 

End the school year well and go into summer prepared for all the fun to come. Happy summer ‘hood family!

The post 6 Things to Do Before the School Year Ends appeared first on the 'hood magazine.

???? Community film screening + panel discussion

???? Dyslexia impacts 1 in 5 learners

???? Presented in partnership with the Harrisburg School District

???? 2 CEU credits available for area educators

Join parents, educators, and community advocates for a screening of Left Behind, a powerful documentary exploring the realities of dyslexia and why early awareness and informed support matter.

This inspiring film follows moms and teachers in New York City who refused to accept the status quo. Facing limited resources and systemic gaps, they advocated, innovated, and ultimately changed outcomes for dyslexic students in their community. This is not a story about what’s broken, it’s about what’s possible when communities decide to act.

Following the film, we will facilitate a candid conversation designed to help attendees better understand:

– What dyslexia is

— and what it is not

– How it shows up in classrooms and at home

– Why early identification matters

– Practical steps families and teachers can take

The goal of this event is simple: educate, spark meaningful dialogue, and connect families and educators with practical resources so fewer children are left behind simply because they learn differently.

Event Sponsor – Mend Join Make  Limited Seats Available so RSVP early.

The post 1 in 5: Left Behind – Why Dyslexia Can No Longer Be Overlooked appeared first on the 'hood magazine.

2026 Nominations Now Open!

Nominate Your Favorite Educator or Child Care Provider Today!

Do you know an exceptional educator or child care provider who deserves to be celebrated? Now is your chance to give them the recognition they’ve earned! Nominations are officially open for ‘hood magazine’s 2026 Educator and Child Care Provider of the Year Awards, sponsored by The Bancorp, Sanford fit, and Solis Photography.

 Our annual Educator of the Year Issue, coming this April, is your opportunity to spotlight the incredible individuals who are shaping young minds and making a difference in the Sioux Empire. From compassionate child care providers to inspiring elementary educators, this is your moment to say “thank you” with words of praise and encouragement.

Two Categories, Two Winners:

Childcare/Preschool Provider of the Year
Elementary Educator of the Year

What they Recieve:

Our Educator of the Year and Childcare Provider of the Year winners will receive a $500 check from The Bancorp to use for items in their classrooms and $500 of sensory items from Sanford fit. Everyone nominated will receive a certificate and acknowledgement on ‘hood Online!

How to Nominate:

1. Share the nominee’s name, role, and why they deserve this recognition.
2. Submit your nomination by January 31st.
3. Winners must be located within 30 minutes of Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Help us shine a light on the everyday heroes who educate, nurture, and inspire! Your nomination could make their year and show them how much they’re appreciated.

✨ Don’t wait—nominations are due January 31st! Lift someone up today!

Nominate Someone Today!

Nominations Close

Day(s)

:

Hour(s)

:

Minute(s)

:

Second(s)

The post Nominate an Educator & Child Care Provider of the Year appeared first on the 'hood magazine.

Educators and childcare providers play a critical role in a child’s development. Children build academic foundations, learn how to manage emotions, develop social skills, and gain confidence in themselves. An outstanding educator can impact a student positively for a lifetime. 

At the ’hood Magazine, we believe those who pour so much into our community’s children deserve to be recognized and celebrated. Each year, we have the privilege of reading heartfelt nominations from families across the Sioux Falls Area, sharing stories of teachers and caregivers who have made a lasting impact. It is clear, time and time again, that the work happening in classrooms, preschools, and childcare rooms matters deeply. 

Here at The ‘hood Magazine, we recognize the invaluable contributions of these unsung heroes, whose passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment often go unrecognized. That’s why we are thrilled to announce our 2026 Educator of the Year: Susan Wick, and 2026 Preschool/Childcare Provider of the Year: Joseph Thompson, sponsored by The Bancorp, Sanford fit, and Vanessa Jo Photography.   

Above and Beyond

We have outstanding educators and childcare providers in the Sioux Falls Area. They go above and beyond in nurturing and educating our children. Whether they foster a love for learning, provide a safe and supportive environment, or instill essential life skills, these professionals are instrumental in laying the foundation for our children’s success and well-being. 

As a parenting magazine dedicated to empowering and supporting families, it’s essential to spotlight these remarkable individuals who play such a vital role in our children’s lives. We partnered with The Bancorp, Sanford fit, and Vanessa Jo Photography to give our 2026 award winners a prize. They each received a check for their classroom and a selection of fantastic sensory items for students in their classroom/school. During the surprise announcements for the awards, the students were clearly excited to dig into their new classroom manipulatives.  

Join us as we celebrate the incredible educators and childcare providers who continue to make a difference in the lives of children and families every single day. 

Hear from our Sponsors:

“The Bancorp is happy to support the educators and childcare providers who play a crucial role in shaping the young minds of our growing communities,” said Ryan Harris, Executive Vice President, Head of Fintech Solutions. “Congratulations to Joseph Thompson, Susan Wick, and all the other deserving nominees this year!” 

-The Bancorp

“The nominations highlight classrooms where children feel safe, valued, and empowered to be themselves. Sanford fit was proud to provide social and emotional learning items that help support confidence, empathy, and resilience. We are honored to celebrate these winners and the meaningful impact they make every day.” 

-Sanford fit

To read all about our 2026 Educator of the Year, click here!

To read all about our 2026 Preschool/Childcare Provider of the Year, click here!

To read all of our 2026 Nominations: Educator of the Year Nominations and Childcare/Preschool Provider of the Year Nominations.

Join us in celebrating these amazing Educators!  

The post Celebrating Excellence: Introducing Our Educator and Preschool/Childcare Provider of the Year  appeared first on the 'hood magazine.

The post South Dakota Teacher Career Fair appeared first on the 'hood magazine.

Excellent teacher, with a lot of potential and love for her students, she strives for her students to learn, God bless her.

Joni Lambert, Baltic Elementary School

Mrs. Lambert is truly one of a kind. She has taken the four walls of a classroom and expanded it for these kids. She brings so much to each lesson that isn’t right from a book or paper. She does so much visual learning to bring the lessons to life. Bryn has swallowed so much information! Mrs. Lambert takes so much care into adding these visual elements that help the kids apply the words on paper to the real object. One example of many was a 2 week section on where milk comes from and then showing the kids all the many things you can make from milk. The taste tests are awesome especially for a very picky eater. Another favorite was the butterfly unit where the kids got to witness the full transformation of a butterfly right in their classroom. Bryn has become very confident in just the past 5 months with Mrs. Lambert. Bryn is always excited for the day and can’t wait for the next section of learning. Mrs. Lambert’s kind heart and positive learning is a blessing! She goes far beyond an 8 hour work day to introduce and prepare these very young kids for the world around them. She cares so deeply for each child and wants to see them succeed. I wish we could have her for a teacher for years to come! Thank you Mrs. Lambert for your dedication.

and

Mrs.Lambert is quite honestly one in a million!! She’s so fun, caring, and just absolutely the best. We had her for our kindergarten teacher and it’s just amazing how she goes above and beyond for the children. Our daughter LOVED going to school because of Mrs.Lambert.

Marissa Whipple, Baltic Elementary School

Marissa goes above, the above and beyond. Not only is she a creative and engaging teacher, but she puts all of herself into the entire body of the school. She spends time taking photos of ALL kids at ANY event she can attend. This is on her personal time and let me tell you, she has made it to each grade levels events, of some sort, even if the event is not school related. She is an amazing photographer. Not only is she taking photos at games and events, but she is also often the community photographer for seniors and families. She coaches Junior High Volleyball, Junior High Track, and High School Track. She is the prom advisor, FCCLA advisor, and the Educator’s Rising advisor. Marissa makes coming to school an experience for the kids, while still learning. She dresses up with the best costumes, she transforms her room to make learning fun, and she always keeps an eye on her kids in the classroom. She knows them, feels with them, and lets them be seen. She is fair, she is kind, and the most giving teacher. Baltic school is so fortunate to have so many amazing educators. I wish I could nominate them all.

and

She continues to go above and beyond creating a safe, ,fun, and educational environment for her students year after year. From her annual classroom themes and seasonal experiences such as friends-giving, Polar Express experience, themed parties, and dressing as an elf and waving to kids from the school roof, she finds creative ways to teach her students and grow their love of learning. She authentically takes the “relationship first” approach to teaching which has proven to be impactful to her students.

Amber Heirigs, Baltic School Distric

Amber Heirigs is an ELL and Reading Interventionlist for the Baltic Schooll District. She works with countless students everyday helping them become stronger readers. As a teacher and mom I have seen first hand how she has had a positive affect on her students. Students come out of her room with more knowledge and stronger readers. Not only has she worked with our students here in Baltic, but has shared her knowledge with the staff during many in-services. Mrs. Heirigs’ knowledge and passion for education shines through when she works with students and trains staff. The Baltic School District is blessed to have her.

Mrs. Reiser, Fred Assam Elementary

Mrs. Reiser is an exceptional Special Education teacher at Fred Assam Elementary. My son started kindergarten there this year and needs full time assistance in the special education program. He has an extensive medical history, as well as an autism and cognitive delay diagnosis. Mrs. Reiser has gone above and beyond to adapt the school setting into a space that my son can thrive in. She works closely with my son’s education assistant to ensure that she has had adequate training and techniques to work through difficult behaviors with him. She implemented a successful reward system that keeps him motivated. She adapts all of his kindergarten work to his level and understanding and targets his IEP goals with creative work. She has done all of that just for one student, while she has many other students that require her assistance as well. More than anything, Mrs. Reiser treats her students with compassion and patience. Her heart is truly in special education and her love of her students is evident.

Angie Olson, Fred Assam Elementary

My son is in second grade and she is by far the best teacher he’s had. My son loves her so much. She is the best at communicating. So personable and welcomes texts or calls if there’s anything we need. She takes time out of her weekends to plan fun things for her students (Saturday sport day for the boys). It’s very clear she is there for the right reasons and is 100% invested in her students and families she serves.

and

Angie Olson is one of those teachers who gives and keeps on giving. She is a truly outstanding teacher. Her passion for teaching and her dedication to students is obvious in everything she does. I hope she knows the priceless impact she makes in so many lives. She is not just a teacher, but a mentor and a friend. My child is fortunate to have her, and so are we. She is also great at keeping communication with her students’ parents’. We always know what is going on. My daughter was in the hospital, and she went above and beyond. Mrs. Olson and her class sent balloons and made a video. This made Braleigh’s day. She had tears rolling down her face, but with a smile. Angie also stopped by our house after she had a “girls’ day” on a Saturday afternoon with all the girls in her class and dropped off a few things for Braleigh. Angie is beyond one of the best teachers in the Brandon Valley School District, but better yet a role model for these students, especially my daughter. The imprint of her kindness and compassion will forever remain treasured.

and

Angie Olson is one of those teachers who gives and keeps on giving. She is a truly outstanding teacher. Her passion for teaching and her dedication to students is obvious in everything she does. I hope she knows the priceless impact she makes in so many lives. She is not just a teacher, but a mentor and a friend. My child is fortunate to have her, and so are we. She is also great at keeping communication with her students’ parents’. We always know what is going on. My daughter was in the hospital, and she went above and beyond. Mrs. Olson and her class sent balloons and made a video. This made Braleigh’s day. She had tears rolling down her face, but with a smile. Angie also stopped by our house after she had a “girls’ day” on a Saturday afternoon with all the girls in her class and dropped off a few things for Braleigh. Angie is beyond one of the best teachers in the Brandon Valley School District, but better yet a role model for these students, especially my daughter. The imprint of her kindness and compassion will forever remain treasured.

and

Mrs. Olson goes way above and beyond the teacher call of duty. She inspires through her nurturing approach to education and treats Emberly like one of her own children; even inviting her to a girls only tea party hosted at the school. Emberly comes home feeling empowered, confident, and loved each and every single day proud to have Mrs. Olson as her teacher. Mrs. Olson also actively engages all the parents of her pupils through social media engagement and we always love to see what crazy costume she’s going to put on next to captivate her classroom. She’s a real life Mrs. Frizzle, and from someone who grew up with the magic school bus I couldn’t imagine receiving a more warm compliment! Kudos, Mrs. Olson, you shaped Emberly’s trajectory in the most positive, unimaginable manner possible.

and

Where do we even start with Mrs. Olson!? I have been in our school district for 7 years now and have always heard about how awesome she is. My son has trouble with reading so I was told he would be her walk to read teacher for 2nd grade, I was SO excited. Then, come to find out he was IN her classroom for the year. I heard great things about her BUT not once thought she would be THIS AMAZING! She is my sons biggest cheerleader. She finds ways to make learning fun by songs, special projects, ect and posts these to a classroom Facebook page so we can all see. They set goals each month and post them to hold them accountable. My son comes home from school and voluntarily tells me about his day. Last month she hosted events for the boys in the classroom on a Saturdays to have a sports party. The next weekend was a party for the girls. Who does that on their day off!?? I don’t know what else I can so to make you pick her BUT if you knew her in anyway you would agree that she deserves this and so much MORE!

Becky Munsch, Fred Assam Elementary

Mrs Munsch has been a pivotal inspiration to our daughter’s education . She is excited and more engaged in class , due to the creative approaches to education demonstrated by Mrs Munsch.

and

She has gone above and beyond all year for our daughter. Before this year she hated reading and really didn’t have an interest in being at school more than absolutely necessary. This year she has started wanting to be at school early to hang out and help Mrs. Munsch and even has started wanting to read at home ( without being forced to). She is a great roll model and an amazing teacher!!!! Even helped our Christmas elf regain its magic after an accidental encounter of being touched ( thanks for saving the Christmas magic).

and

Mrs. Munsch is a phenomenal teacher!!! My daughter, Lily, has always had to work harder than most in order to be successful in the classroom. Because of this, she has struggled with self confidence issues and always questioned whether she was as smart or as “good” as the kids in her class. Since Lily has been in Mrs. Munsch’s 4th grade class, her confidence and her belief in herself have soared! Mrs. Munsch has a way of making all of her kiddos feel like they are absolute stars who can go out and conquer the world!!!! Lily has gone from dreading school to waking up in the morning and looking forward to taking on the challenges of the day! I will be forever grateful to Mrs. Munsch for helping my girl to see that she is capable of amazing things! Mrs. Munsch is VERY deserving of being recognized as educator of the year!!!!

Erin Bisbee, Fed Assam Elementary

I nominate Mrs. Bisbee, at Fred Assam Elementary School. She is a wonderful teacher. She is very understanding and cares about all of the kids she has throughout the day. She touches the hearts of many students. She supports her students both inside and outside of the classroom. Mrs. Bisbee notices the little things and mentions them to her students. She will never know these little comments of recognition meant the ENTIRE WORLD to her students on those days. Our child would come home glowing every night and tell us stories about Mrs. Bisbee’s classroom! Everyone can tell, Mrs. Bisbee loves being a teacher! She has a great personality, and she is very well liked. When my child had her as their teacher, they looked forward to going to school every day with her because of her kindness and lovingness. She would encourage students to strive to do their best. She is a wonderful teacher, and we would love to see her get this award.

Kim Becker, Fred Assam Elementary

This is the second year we have had Mrs. Becker as a teacher for our kids and she is just the best. She is constantly looking for ways to help her kids be better. Elaina has struggled with reading and Mrs. Becker is making sure she is getting all the help she needs, including getting her assessed for Speech intervention. I just love how much she cares and I am going to be be sad when we are done with the second grade.

and

Mrs. Becker works hard to scaffold and accommodate all the levels in her classroom while making each child feel individual. She has helped Parker grow into a driven reader (& a good one!) Kim encourages parent involvement to assist the progress and development of each student.

Sarah Harte, Fed Assam Elementary

I am delighted to nominate Mrs. Sarah Harte for the Elementary Educator of the Year award. Mrs. Harte has been an exceptional teacher for my fourth-grade son, not only facilitating academic learning but also playing a pivotal role in his personal growth as a student. Upon transitioning from a different school district, my son faced challenges in certain subjects. Mrs. Harte’s dedication and personalized approach to teaching have been instrumental in his remarkable turnaround. Under her guidance, he has not only caught up but has excelled, showcasing not only academic progress but also newfound confidence and enthusiasm for learning. Mrs. Harte’s involvement in his educational journey goes beyond the classroom, and her commitment to each student’s success is truly commendable. I believe her outstanding efforts make her a standout candidate for the Elementary Educator of the Year award.

Jill Nuebel, Fred Assam Elementary

Mrs. Nuebel is a kindergarten teacher at Fred Assam Elementary and Lucy is a student in her class this year. Mrs. Nuebel is more than deserving of the Educator of the Year award. She goes to great lengths to ensure her students are not only learning but retaining and applying what they have learned to various aspect of their school day and home life. Mrs. Nuebel is kind and caring, treating her students like family. Beyond learning to read and write, she also has worked to instill skills of self regulation, problem solving, and conflict management, which will help students succeed as they grow and enter other life stages. Celebrating milestones and accomplishments is also a priority for Mrs. Nuebel. Recently, as the students recognized the 100th day of school, Mrs. Nuebel make the day extra special by creating various activities/challenges that required investigative efforts by the student special agent spies. Mrs. Nuebel is extremely creative in her efforts to introduce learning in different ways, knowing that all students have various learning styles. Overall, Mrs Nuebel is an advocate for all students. She goes above and beyond to ensure her kids are learning, thriving, and developing life skills that will follow them throughout their educational career.

Principal Susan Foster, Fred Assam Elementary

Principal Foster is a shining example of what an elementary school principal should be. I have had the distinct honor of enjoying Principal Foster as a leader at FAE since my daughter started school (in 2018). But I know that countless other parents and students have also been impacted by her incredible years of service. During the pandemic, Principal Foster kept spirits high, by continuing daily school announcements. She’d record them with crazy wigs, silly jokes and uplifting message both for students and parents. She listens to each and every concern that crosses her desk – when she’s at it – she’s more than likely engaging with students in the lunch room, chatting with teachers about different behavior programs to influence positivity into the entire school, speaking with parents about the next fun activity at school. She is at every school sponsored event, wielding her camera and taking pictures of the event and every attendee. She created a kindness store during the holidays for all children- they had to show kindness during the month of December to the staff and their fellow classmates. Each student then got a chance to shop for their family members (not themselves) for a special holiday gift that they chose and wrapped and took home to place under the tree. Principal Foster did all of the shopping for these gifts and brought thousands of items so that each kid could participate. She is up early to make balloon arches for a Donuts with Dad event, she stays late to attend every PTA meeting, she meets and engages with staff and students. Fred Assam Elementary is continually meeting and exceeding academic standards as well. Reading and Math scores have remained high and engagement of teachers and students is top on her list. Her Blue Ribbon School recognition in 2023 shows how important academics, kindness and hard work play together in an elementary school. Not only is Principal Foster an amazing principal, but truly an amazing human being. Principal Foster is retiring this year after years in education and she will be greatly missed. She deserves this amazing honor!

and

I have never met a better person to care for my children. This principle puts in everything she has to make coming to school a positive experience. Through the stay at home time during covid, she still got online and did a morning announcement video for the kids. Her school recently became a Blue Ribbon School and she took this to heart. Her school is the only one in the Brandon School District that has the Walk to Read program. Thus program has caught both of my children lacking some reading skills and has gotten them both the extra help that they need. She is such an amazing person and it is very hard to see her retire at the end of the year. I wish every educator could be as good as Mrs. Foster has been.

Joann Presler, Fred Assam Elementary

Mrs. Presler isn’t our son’s primary teacher but she goes above and beyond to help him in his struggles with math. She gives him many pointers and confidence to succeed in school! You can find her outside with her class during recess, playing with her kiddos and making school fun for all! She deserves this award even though she does not expect it. She definitely loves what she does and many kids are lucky to have/had her in their lives.

Kate Kirkebak, Fred Assam Elementary

Ms. Kirkebak has a personality that is hard not to love. She is quirky and makes it fun for the students. She has a way of making each student feel seen in her classroom. For example, my daughter asked her how to spell “perfect” and the spelled it out, then told her that there is another way to spell perfect, and then spelled my daughter’s name. She is the kind of teacher that makes a calm safe environment for students, if the weight of the world is on them, once they see her they can breathe again. She knows that everyone has a bad day every now and then and she works with parents and students to make the child feel better and secure. She works one each students individual level as well as where their at as a class. Even when her life got busier she still made time for her class and for parents to reach out. She is compassionate, meticulous, intuitive, and optimistic. Everything a 3rd grader needs.

Tara Scholten, Fred Assam Elementary

Mrs. Scholten is fantastic! She has my daughter this year but has taught 2 of her brothers as well. She loves her classroom family. She makes sure they understand what they’re learning. My favorite characteristic of hers is how organized she is! And she passes those tools on to her students. Her high expectations help mold them into respectful, responsible, dedicated people. My seventh grade and junior sons are better human beings when it comes to their education because of the foundation laid for them in fourth grade with Mrs. Scholten!

Jill Nuebel, Fred Assam Elementary

Both of our boys had/have Mrs. Nuebel as their Kindergarten teacher. She makes learning fun, has a heart of gold and goes the extra step to help with any concerns that we have had about our children. Our oldest has Neurofibromatosis and started to get bad headaches at the end of the school year, Mrs. Nuebel would reach out to me to ask what she could do to help our son to make it easier on him and to keep his headaches away. Our 2nd grader still talks about how “fun” Mrs. Nuebel is and wishes he could still have her. Hands down, one of our favorite people!

Leah Williamson, Fred Assam Elementary

Mrs. Williamson brings joy to her classroom everyday. She is patient beyond belief! I think all kindergarten teachers are superheroes, but she goes above and beyond. I am constantly amazed by the topics and activities that happen in her room. My son is excited to go to school each day because of the classroom environment she has created. He feels safe and ready to take on risks in his learning! I am so glad that his elementary school experience is starting on such a positive note. Her impact will be felt for years to come!

Mrs. Michelle Kieffer, Fred Assam Elementary

Mrs. Kieffer is very professional and well trained teacher/educator. She is has good communicating skills. My child is profoundly impressed by her teaching skills and the way she is taking care of the students.

Gretchen Johnson, Garfield Elementary

On a daily basis Ms. Johnson makes an impact on all kids! She takes the time to listen to their wants and needs! Many times she will go out of her way to make sure her students needs are met! Always has food, clothing on hand for her students! They don’t have a resource for this at Garfield! She has such a caring heart! If a student doesn’t have transportation she makes sure it happens! She coaches as well and touches so many girls and boys lives at an early stage! She is a true leader so many of her peers look up to her! She was at Cleveland for 17 years and made the Change to Garfield 2 years ago! It was a calling that she couldn’t turn her back on! We are so fortunate to have her in our school system! As a teacher, mentor, coach and a daughter!

Larissa Johnson, Journey Elementary

Mrs. Johnson is an outstanding teacher. She brings so much joy and energy to the classroom. She takes time to get to know her students. She actively tries to connect with each student to understand how each learner best learns. She meet the student where he or she is at in their learning journey. She encourages each child to work hard and do their best. She also helps students move out of their comfort zone in order to grow. She truly cares for each student and wants him/her to succeed. She is such a wonderful teacher and we are grateful for her!

Brittney Nelson, Legacy Elementary School

Where do I start! This teacher has 30 kids in her class and that alone is just phenomenal! Our daughter was diagnosed with a more unheard of medical diagnosis that affects her behavior, academics, and learning so caring for her can be a lot! She goes above and beyond to not just give us a daily update on how our daughter did for the day but also is constantly coming up with ways to assist on making transitions better and easier for our daughter. She is very accommodating and so supportive with our daughter and is always positive to just say, “Don’t worry we will meet her needs for whatever she needs for the day.” Mrs. Nelson is so compassionate and cares for the kids she educates like they are her own. There is no way we would have been able to get through this school year without her as she has been a huge key component in the care for our daughter with her calmness and patience she provides. Mrs Nelson by far deserves to the Child Care Provider of the Year!

Andrea Bleil, Robert Frost/Challenge Center

Words cannot describe how dedicated Mrs. Bleil is to the students in her class. She is respectful, caring and loving to all of the students and ensures that each student is treated equally. My son, Payton is one such child. As an Autistic child that has ADHD, Mrs. Bleil has taken it upon herself to ensure that he is treated with respect, while also teaching him about respect. She gives him and other students extra time to complete tests and work should they need it. However, I think the thing I am impressed with the most is the fact that she designs projects for the kids to complete that forces them to think outside of the box. Because of this my child has designed things at home that I didn’t know he was capable of.

Kevin Knapp, Roosevelt High School

I know this is not an elementary school teacher or daycare provider. I’m hoping I can still nominate him. He is a teacher at Memorial Middle school. He also is my daughter’s high school gymnastics coach. It is an honor to nominate him. As you know, our season was NOT supposed to happen this year. We found out 2 weeks before season started we were able to have a season. Kevin was able to put a team together for both Jefferson and Roosevelt within 2 weeks! He got the gym set up and girls practicing on time. He also coached both teams. He has been Chloe and Lilly’s coach for 7 years. He has had such a huge impact on their lives. I want to make sure he is recognized for all his hard work and dedication towards the sport and the 2 teams. My daughters have learned so many gymnastics skills and was able to compete at state almost all 7 years. He made my girls feel proud and confident. He taught my girls life skills that they can take with them. He has had such an impact on all the athletes lives. He taught them how to help with the community by doing community service such as making blankets, working at the banquet, etc. he taught them great sportsmanship. He stayed longer after many practices to work one on one with athletes. He did his own camps and classes during summers to keep them trained for next season. He is one of the most dedicated coaches we have had throughout my daughters lives. I can not say enough good things about him. Please consider him for this years educator award.

Jade Fjelstad, Sioux Falls Lutheran School

Mrs. Fjelstad is an amazing preschool teacher. It was my twins first year at the school and she treated them and every other student as another person in her family. There were different instances throughout the school year that our kids’ struggled to cope with, and she willingly jumped in and made sure that they got the extra attention that was needed during that time. The amount that they learned while with her was amazing. They could count almost to 100 before even going into kindergarten. Even when she sees past students in the hallways she checks in on them. She couldn’t be more loving and caring to all of the kids that she has had in her care. She is a true example of what a great teacher looks like and how they go above and beyond their job to ensure that each kid grows mentally and spiritually while with her.

Becky Van Gundy, Susan B. Anthony Elementary

Mrs. Van Gundy is a gift to her students! She meets learners right where they are and helps them to grow. She considers where learners are developmentally, and she lets them have time to play and simply embrace childhood. She creates a classroom environment that is safe and encouraging, which allows all learners to flourish! She treats each child as if they are her own, and she goes above and beyond to love and care for them. At the beginning of the year, my son struggled walking into school by himself and cried most days – the transition was hard for him. On one particular day, Mrs. VanGundy was going to be gone. That morning, she texted me a note to give him from her. It reminded him that he was brave and that he could do hard things – he could walk in by himself. As a mom, it meant so much to see how much she cared. My son has learned and grown so much this year. He loves learning, which is one of the greatest gifts a teacher can share with her students.

Sarah Slykhuis, Tea Venture Elementary

My child comes home and talks about how learning is fun for her. She states that Mrs. Slykhuis is patient, fair and treats everyone equally. Sarah is also a great role model outside of the school. She is a Sunday School teacher in our church and she continues to show her care for students outside of the classroom when she sees them; she always greets them with a smile.

The post 2024 Educator of the Year Nominees appeared first on the 'hood magazine.

Susan Foster, Principal at Fred Assam Elementary  

The whole school, including the ‘hood and Sanford fit teams, went wild in the gym when Susan Foster walked in. She was shocked to find an assembly happening and that it was all in her honor! Susan Foster has been in education for the last 41 years and is the 2024 ‘hood Educator of the Year.  

As principal of Fred Assam Elementary, Ms. Foster has continually led the school to excellence. Becoming a National Blue Ribbon School for 2023 showcases the hard work, passion, and dedication Ms. Foster, her staff, and the students put in daily.  

Ms. Foster thrives on challenges and is passionate about education, learning, and kids. Knowing this, we asked her what the community can do to best support educators. She said, “The greatest form of support from parents and our community is respect for educators. We are passionate, dedicated educators who only want to do the best for our students. We work hard and continue to create learning environments that result in success for all students.” 

During the award assembly, Ms. Foster was presented with items from Sanford fit. These items will be used by students who will benefit from using sensory items during the school day.  

When asked how she felt about winning this award, Ms. Foster said, “I am truly honored to receive this award because it represents the passion in education. Thank you to ‘hood Magazine for creating the passion behind this award, to Sanford fit for sharing the gifts of fun and passion, and to the parents who wrote and acknowledged my passion for education. I am blessed.”   

Sanford fit said about Susan Foster: “Witnessing the deep love and respect Fred Assam students and faculty have for Principal Foster was incredibly special. Her kindness and dedication towards positively impacting children makes her the ideal educator of the year. Congratulations again, Principal Foster, on your well-deserved recognition!”

Winning Nominations: 

Principal Foster is a shining example of what an elementary school principal should be. She listens to each and every concern that crosses her desk – when she’s at it – she’s more than likely engaging with students in the lunch room, chatting with teachers about different behavior programs to influence positivity in the entire school, or speaking with parents about the next fun activity at school.   Fred Assam Elementary is continually meeting and exceeding academic standards as well. Reading and Math scores have remained high, and the engagement of teachers and students is at the top of her list. Her Blue Ribbon School recognition in 2023 shows how important academics, kindness, and hard work play together in an elementary school.  

-Amberly (Mom) and Thomas (1st Grade) 

I have never met a better person to care for my children. This principal puts in everything she has to make coming to school a positive experience. Her school is the only one in the Brandon School District that has the Walk to Read program. Thus program has caught both of my children lacking some reading skills and has gotten them both the extra help that they need.  

-Shannon (Mom), Memphis (4th Grade), and Phoenix (1st Grade) 

The post 2024 Educator of the Year, Susan Foster appeared first on the 'hood magazine.

Valentine’s Day is almost here! When you have children in the home, Valentine’s Day can differ greatly from your younger years. Less date night and more making-a-box-for-school-like, haha! 

While you are preparing the valentines for your kid’s classmates, teammates, and friends, don’t forget about their teachers! We are so thankful for our Educators. They pour education, support, encouragement, and love into their students every day, and we could not be more thankful. Valentine’s Day is a fun way to remind them that we care!

Now, by no means are we saying you have to go all out with a gift. But it’s the perfect time to remind your teachers that you are thankful for them during a notoriously harder part of the year!

Check out our Top Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for your kids here! Look at our list for Moms on Valentine’s Day, too!

Here are our top ideas for what to give your children’s teachers on Valentine’s Day!

A Thank You

A simple thank you goes a long way! We all know that the 3rd quarter of school is hard for both students and teachers. Valentine’s Day is perfectly timed for a heartfelt Thank you! Let your kiddo write part of it, too. 

A Handmade Gift

Valentine’s Day is all about showing people you care. A simple handmade gift that you and your child took time to make can be so special! Some ideas for gifts are a decorated mug (especially cute for younger kids to make), origami flowers, or a canvas magnet your child colors. 

Candy

Keep it traditional! Valentine’s Day and candy go hand in hand. Find out what your child’s teacher’s favorite candy is to give. Or surprise them with a sample box of snacks/candy from around the world! Not only will you be giving them a gift, but you will also be gifting them a fun experience! 

A Practical Self-Care Item

Self-care items quickly come to mind when thinking of Valentine’s Day Gifts. Give the teachers in your life a practical, but still fun to get, self-care item! With how many times they wash their hands each day, give them quality lotion that actually keeps their hands moisturized. Or, give them a lip balm (it’s actually a lip sleeping mask) that feels like a little treat to put on! Think about things that would be helpful for them to keep at their desk! 

A Gift Card

If you ask any teacher, they will all agree: a gift card is always a welcomed gift! Give them a coffee gift card for a treat coming into school or a general gift card that they can use on anything! 

Remember, your teachers never expect gifts. So don’t feel pressured! But when we can, we do love thanking the educators in our lives for their fantastic and hard work teaching our children! 

The post Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Teachers appeared first on the 'hood magazine.