New Marcela LeBeau Elementary to adopt 'Labeaux Bears' mascot, matching northwest schools' colors; STEM lab planned

Patrick Purdy, principal for the new Marcela LeBeau Elementary, told the Sioux Falls School District 49-5 Board of Education that the school has selected the "Labeaux Bears" as its mascot and blue-and-green as its colors. Purdy said the selection followed consultation with the district’s Office of Indian Education and a community team that included parents, staff, students and representatives from the Sioux Falls Fire Department.

Purdy said the name and imagery were chosen to honor Marcela LeBeau and noted cultural significance of the bear as a symbol of strength, courage and protection in Native American traditions. Purdy credited Augustana intern Maggie Satter and Diane Conrad for producing several mascot designs, which the school will refine before finalizing a logo.

Purdy said the new elementary will adopt colors in common with nearby Jefferson High School and George McGovern Middle School to promote a Northwest region identity; the colors chosen are blue and green. He also announced that a STEM lab, provided through the SmartLab program, will be available to all kindergarten through fifth-grade students at Marcela LeBeau to support project-oriented, technology-rich learning experiences.

The presentation noted staff hiring and preparatory work already completed and invited questions; board members praised community involvement and the student-led elements of the selection process. No formal vote was recorded to approve the mascot during the meeting; the presentation was part of the board’s good-news report on school openings and preparations for fall.

Sources: presentation by Patrick Purdy and remarks recorded in the Sioux Falls School District 49-5 board meeting transcript.