Sioux Falls School District highlights spring athletics, freshman Connections program and Birth to 3 early-intervention services

The Sioux Falls School District 49-5 opened its meeting with several “good news” reports, including spring athletics results, an overview of the Connections freshman transition program and a summary of the district’s Birth to 3 early-intervention services.

Athletics: Board members noted that Jefferson High School won the girls’ state softball championship and that Lincoln High School swept state track team titles for both boys and girls. The softball tournament was held at Augustana College’s Third Diamond, and board members praised the student-athletes and coaches.

Connections program: Todd Novak, who represents Jefferson High School, described Connections, a 10-day transitional program for incoming freshmen. Novak said the program began in the late 1990s as a remedial effort and was later redesigned as a transition program. “There are 462 students that are enrolled in connections this summer. We're about 25% of the class of 2029,” Novak said. Families pay a $100 fee and scholarships are available; Novak said the program is “nearly cost neutral to buildings.”

Novak summarized survey results from attendees: 55% of respondents “agreed or strongly agreed that connections was a great way to spend their summer,” 58% said they made good friends, and more than half indicated they would like to return as peer leaders. Novak also announced a national conference on June 25–26 to be hosted at Jefferson High School, with about 36 educators registered from other states.

Birth to 3: Elizabeth Jane Gary described the district’s Birth to 3 program, which provides in-home, family-focused early-intervention services for children from birth to age 3 with developmental delays. Gary said services include special instruction, speech, physical and occupational therapy, and parent coaching; families participate in creating an Individualized Family Service Plan. She told the board the program served “just over 100” children last year and that current enrollment is “right at a 110.” She also outlined staff levels: five teachers, three occupational therapists, three physical therapists and one full-time speech-language pathologist.

Board members thanked staff for the programs and noted the ways early supports and transition programs build pathways that begin before kindergarten and continue through high school.