Westside educators attended the South Dakota Department of Education Elevate conference June 2,3 in Sioux Falls with over 1,000 educators from across the state to learn together with intention about the Science of Reading as a statewide initiative and focus on literacy instruction.
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Congratulations to Joe Just and Michelle Nelson! We all celebrated with you this week as you turned the page to retirement. Thank you for your years of dedication, service for others, and commitment for the children and staff in our community. We are grateful and thankful for you.
Sisseton School District staff celebrated the end of the school year and recognized staff members with 10, 20, and 30 years of service to the district, as well as those retiring from the Sisseton School District. Thank you to all district staff for being a part of the important and worthwhile work of educating students in the Sisseton School District!
2024-25 Years of Service Recipients:
Joe Just - 41 years (retiring)
Michelle Nelson - 34 years (retiring)
Joyce Wood - 8 years (retiring)
Roxanne Wright - 5 years (retiring)
Holly Medenwald - 30 years
Jim Frederick - 20 years
David Peterson - 20 years
Cindy Ward - 20 years
Dani German - 10 years
Lori Kuschel - 10 years
Janice Neilan - 10 years
Jill Schmidt - 10 years
Brittney Veflin - 10 years
Thank you to all of our staff members for making a positive difference in the lives of our students!
It was a BIG day at Westside today! Mayor Terry Jaspers joined us and read an official proclamation stating May 16 is Joe Just day! We wish all the best to Joe Just as he retires. Celebration for Joe Just May 21 2-4pm at Westside!
3rd and 4th Grade celebration BINGO today with parents/guardians and family members! Mrs. Ziemer is an outstanding Bingo Caller! Thank you ALL for joining us today. We appreciate you!
Westside Elementary Partners with Patrick Ebert Agency of The Horace Mann Companies to Promote School Attendance
May 14, 2025 – Sisseton, SD — Westside Elementary is proud to announce an education partnership with the Patrick Ebert Agency of The Horace Mann Companies, aimed at promoting the importance of school attendance and student success. As part of this initiative, the agency donated two brand-new bicycles and helmets — one set for a boy and one set for a girl — to recognize students who achieved 95% attendance or better during the 2024-2025 school year. Those students who qualified were entered into the drawing and 1st grader Meleigha Hanson and 2nd grader, Tyson LaBatte Jr. where the lucky winners.
The giveaway served as a celebration of commitment to learning and a reminder that consistent school attendance plays a critical role in academic achievement and long-term success. “When students are present and engaged in the classroom, they’re more likely to build strong educational foundations, develop good habits, and realize their full potential,” said Patrick Ebert. “We’re honored to support Westside Elementary in encouraging students to show up and thrive.”
School leaders emphasized that students who attend regularly are more likely to perform better academically, enjoy a healthier lifestyle both physically and mentally, and build the skills needed for future success in college, careers, and life.
Westside Elementary extends its sincere thanks to the Patrick Ebert Agency of The Horace Mann Companies for their generous support and shared commitment to student achievement.
Parents/Guardians/Family Members of 3rd and 4th Graders
State Assessment Celebration Activity CHANGE:
Kickball is now 'Bingo' in the school lunchroom
Thursday, May 15, 2025
3rd Grade 1:30-2:15pm (Westside Lunchroom)
4th Grade 2:15-3:00pm (Westside Lunchroom)
Fourth Grade had their official tour at Sisseton Middle School today!
Mrs. Curran greeted the students, shared an overview of the day at middle school, answered questions and 8th Grade Students took small groups on tours throughout the building. The students concluded their time with a treat and asking further questions.
Thank you Middle School Principal Mrs. Curran and students for your time with us today.
Parents/Guardians:
Open House for
'25-26 5th Grade
Sisseton Middle School
May 13, 2025
4:00-5:30pm
5th Grade Teachers will also be available to visit tonight.
Preschool/Junior Kindergarten went to Storybook Land- Aberdeen, SD. The third graders went to MSUM Planetarium and Hjemkost Center, Moorhead, MN. Links below share information on the educational visits. https://aberdeen.sd.us/1306/Wylie-Park-Storybook-Land https://www.mnstate.edu/planetarium https://cityofmoorhead.com/departments/parks-recreation/hjemkomst-center
2025 Award Ceremonies
Your dedication to our well-being, quick response to our health needs, and compassionate care make a world of difference in our school community. Thank you to our school nurses for all that you do!
Thank you to all the incredible teachers who inspire, support, and shape the future every single day—your impact lasts a lifetime!
Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!
Between preparing delicious food, adhering to strict nutrition standards, navigating student food allergies, and offering service with a smile, nutrition professionals have a lot on their plate. THANK YOU to our food service staff for your hard work and commitment to our students!
Thank you to our school principals for all you do to support our students' education!
"Hip, Hip, Hooray!" shouted the preschool class for every BINGO at Tekakwitha Living Center today! It was an exciting day filled with many hugs and high fives for their new friends. Preschool and 4th Grade went on a community visit today!
Thank you Mrs. Ziemer and Mrs. Yammerino for organizing this to occur for our students and community.
We are thankful for our bus drivers and the important role they serve in our school community. THANK YOU!
Thank you for all you do to keep our schools running smoothly. Your hard work is truly appreciated!
Happy Easter from Westside! We had so much to celebrate this week! Thank you to all for all you do each day for our school to be a place we get to be Well Prepared, Always Safe, Value Respect and Eager to Learn each day!
Reminder: No School on Friday, April 18, and Monday, April 21, 2025. Enjoy your break, and we will see you all on Tuesday, April 22.
Save the Dates: Join the Sisseton Special Education Department for sessions presented by the South Dakota Parent Connection on Autism and Related Disorders. The sessions will be live-streamed in the Sisseton School District Multipurpose Room. All are welcome to attend. The next session is April 21 from 4:15 - 5:15 p.m.
