DOE seeks nominations for 2026 SPED Staff of the Year
The department’s Office of Special Education Programs is accepting nominations for the 2026 SPED Staff of the Year award (https://forms.gle/opekEPdTMPdPPFMu8). Parents or guardians may nominate SPED teachers, SPED directors, speech/language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, school psychologists, or paraprofessionals who made an outstanding impact in their child’s education and have served in their profession for three or more years. Nominations are due Jan. 9 and the announcement will be at the South Dakota SPED Conference in Sioux Falls on March 4. Please share this information with your school community. Contact Stacy Holzbauer (Stacy.Holzbauer@state.sd.us) with questions.
As we recognize outstanding staff during American Education Week, this shoutout goes to Lisa Norris, Special Education Instructional Coach. A colleague shared how her enthusiasm, expertise, and growth-minded approach help teachers recognize their own strengths and move toward their goals. With more than 90 educators mentored, her impact reaches classrooms across the district and strengthens learning for students at every level. We are #TigerProud! 🐾 #AmericanEducationWeek 🇺🇸
Dine in or take out Monday, Dec. 8 at Krav'n in Sioux Falls!
Krav’n will donate 10% of all dine-in and takeout sales to Hungry Hearts, directly benefitting Harrisburg School District students.
We’re grateful for your service—past and present. 🇺🇸
#HSDProud #VeteransDay
Big things are happening across HSD! South Middle School’s Business Club shared how they built a schoolwide ROAR Store that rewards students for showing respect, ownership, acceptance, and responsibility. East Middle School earned national recognition as an Apple Distinguished School for its innovative use of technology in learning. And Liberty Elementary presented how creative scheduling enables a more efficient use of time and provides better support for specials, counseling, and technology. We are #TigerProud! 🐾
We’re planning for the future of HSD! 🎯
As part of our new Strategic Plan, we’re gathering input from families, staff, students, and community members to help shape the next chapter for our district.
Your voice matters—share your thoughts on what’s working well and where we can grow together.
📅 Link will be open until December 19th. 🔗 Participate here: https://bit.ly/HSDStrategic
As we enter the holiday season, our community continues to come together to support HSD families in meaningful ways. Whether you’re looking to give or are in need of assistance, there are opportunities for everyone to take part. 🐾 https://harrisburgsd.edurooms.com/engage/harrisburg-school-district/newsletters/neighbors-helping-neighbors
Every family deserves to feel warm this winter. The HSD Clothing Closet offers free, gently used clothing for all ages.
🧤 Open the second Monday of each month at the Heritage Community Building.
🧤 Learn more or schedule an appointment: harrisburgdistrict41-2.org/page/hsd-clothing-closet
Harrisburg School District is seeking sponsors for the Giving Tree, our annual program that helps local students and families during the holidays. Every donation goes directly to Harrisburg students in need. https://bit.ly/HSDGivingTree
🧥 Layers of Love: Winter Coat Drive
Cold days are here, and we’re collecting coats to help HSD families stay warm.
📍 Drop off at Harrisburg High School or Freshman Academy — ᴏʀ ʙʀɪɴɢ ᴅᴏɴᴀᴛɪᴏɴs ᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴇ ɴᴏᴠ. ⁴ ᴠᴏʟʟᴇʏʙᴀʟʟ ɢᴀᴍᴇ ᴀᴛ ʜʜs. 🏐
📅 Nov. 3–14
🧤 New or gently used coats (adult sizes S–XXXL), plus gloves and hats of all sizes
Tonight, the school board heard several inspiring recognitions of HSD staff and students.
Explorer Elementary’s Jayme Wiertzema was honored as the 2025 South Dakota Elementary Teacher of the Year. Jayme’s creativity, calm spirit, and commitment to her students shine through in everything she does.
Fine Arts Director Dr. Amanda Berg received the Youth in Music Outstanding Administrator Award for her leadership and dedication to HHS’s marching band success this season.
North Middle School's Hope Squad members shared how they promote kindness, inclusion, and mental wellness—reminding us all that it’s okay to ask for help and to look out for one another.
We’re proud of our educators and students who continue to inspire through creativity, leadership, and compassion. #TigerProud 🐾
Join us Friday, Nov. 7, at Harrisburg High School to see how students are developing real-world skills through Culinary Arts, Business Education, the ROAR Store, LEAP High, and Band. You’ll also learn how our Counseling and Social Work teams support students’ well-being and success. Hosted by the HSD Education Foundation. 🐾 Learn more and register: https://bit.ly/FoundationFridays
Join us Friday, Nov. 7, at Harrisburg High School to see how students are developing real-world skills through Culinary Arts, Business Education, the ROAR Store, LEAP High, and Band. You’ll also learn how our Counseling and Social Work teams support students’ well-being and success. Hosted by the HSD Education Foundation. 🐾 Learn more and register: https://bit.ly/FoundationFridays
There will be a 2-Hour Early Release on Wednesday, October 22nd.
