Now that the 2025-2026 school year is underway, the Sioux Falls Public Schools Education Foundation has launched a series of staff appreciation activities aimed at uplifting and supporting educators across the district. Thanks to a generous $70,000 donation, the Education Foundation has worked with multiple low-income sites to bring meaningful moments of gratitude to staff.
As part of this initiative, the Foundation has partnered with several schools to provide catered meals, onsite coffee trucks, and school-branded spirit wear. These small but impactful gestures are designed to create a sense of belonging and boost morale.
Anne Sullivan Elementary, Terry Redlin Elementary, and George McGovern Middle School have hosted coffee trucks, offering staff a much needed pick-me-up and caffeine boost during busy school days (https://www.facebook.com/SFPSEF). Horace Mann Elementary kicked off the school year with a catered lunch, creating a celebratory and welcoming atmosphere. Administrators and staff alike say these activities help bridge the gap in buildings that don’t have active parent-teacher organizations (PTOs), which traditionally organize and fund similar gestures of appreciation.
“In many of our schools, especially those without PTOs, educators are often left to provide for themselves during long conference days—bringing two or even three meals that day,” said Allison Struck, executive director of the Education Foundation. “Our goal is to relieve some of that burden and let educators know they are seen and valued.”
This is the second year the Education Foundation has provided funding for these efforts. Struck said that the response from school staff has been overwhelmingly positive.
“I have been at buildings during these activities, and staff have been so appreciative of an iced coffee on a hot day, a catered meal during conferences, or a special treat after school like an ice cream sundae bar,” Struck said. “It provides a bright spot in their day.”
In addition to food and beverage offerings, multiple schools have used their allocated funds to purchase spirit wear. School leaders have ordered t-shirts, jackets, and other apparel featuring their school’s name and mascot, further strengthening a sense of pride and community among educators and support staff.
The idea to expand these efforts came from focus groups and listening sessions Education Foundation staff and board members conducted with district employees. Educators said that there is a disconnect in buildings that have PTOs and those that do not, and they suggested providing financial support to those that lack discretionary funds for staff appreciation activities.
By listening to educators and responding with tangible action, the Education Foundation hopes to continue building a culture of care and appreciation across all schools in the district, regardless of location or income level.
“These activities are a simple way to say, ‘Thank you,’ but it goes a long way,” Struck said.
