Classroom 505 read “Taste your Words” by Bonnie Clark. The story is about a girl who would say mean things and when she did, she would taste bad flavors in her mouth. When the girl said nice things, she would taste good flavors. The girl learns to be kind and say nice things.
After reading the book, students squirted toothpaste onto a plate, which represented their words. Then students were told to put the toothpaste back into the tube, which they couldn’t do. Students quickly learned that they can’t take back their words once they say them. They learned that they could apologize and get a tiny back in, but harsh words will always stick and be remembered.
After reading the book, students squirted toothpaste onto a plate, which represented their words. Then students were told to put the toothpaste back into the tube, which they couldn’t do. Students quickly learned that they can’t take back their words once they say them. They learned that they could apologize and get a tiny back in, but harsh words will always stick and be remembered.
Last call for Spirit Wear! Discovery’s online Spirit Wear store closes on Monday, September 7, at midnight. To order, go to https://discoveryspiritwear2026.itemorder.com/shop/home/. Not ready to order - the online store will be open one more time in December.
Classroom 202 is full of “Excellent Explorers” who are learning about the Explorer Way: Take Care of Yourself. Take Care of Others. Take Care of this Place.
Tomorrow is “Explorer Way Wednesday”! Discovery’s PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention and Support) team has implemented Explorer Way Wednesday. Every Wednesday, students and staff are encouraged to celebrate being a community by wearing Spirit Wear from Discovery Elementary, Memorial Middle School, George McGovern Middle School, or Jefferson High School. No Spirit Wear? Go ahead and wear school colors from any of the schools.
During the school year, Discovery participates in a program called PBIS: Positive Behavior Interventions and Support. This program goes hand in hand with following Discovery’s “The Explorer Way: Take Care of Yourself. Take Care of Others. Take Care of this Place.” Students “caught” representing the Explorer Way are given a compass coin, which is added to their classrooms total count. Discovery has a monthly goal to earn a certain amount of compass coins and when they reach it, they earn a school-wide reward and/or celebration.
A safety and security reminder! At 8:00 am, all doors are locked except for the main entrance. The door to the office is locked, so please ring the doorbell. The doorbell is to the right of the office door. It has a camera and microphone on it. The doorbell is similar to a home security system (ex. Ring, Blink). Ring the doorbell, stand in front of the camera, and office staff will assist you. Once entering the office, you may or may not have to present a government issued ID, so please bring it with you.
Please do NOT enter the school through a side door as students are trying to enter in the morning or at dismissal. For the safety of students and staff, all visitors must come through the office.
Please do NOT enter the school through a side door as students are trying to enter in the morning or at dismissal. For the safety of students and staff, all visitors must come through the office.
Classroom 505 started the school year with a teambuilding activity. Students had to unstack the cups and then build them into a pyramid. The catch? They could only complete this activity by using string that was attached to a rubber band.
Classroom 206 read the book, “Our Class is a Family” by Shannon Olsen. After reading the book, students made a list of classroom promises for the school year. What a great list, 206! Your promises go right along with the Discovery Way: Take Care of Yourself. Take Care of Others. Take Care of this Place.
Discovery had a wonderful first day of school! From the moment the doors opened, our halls were filled with bright smiles, curious questions, and the excited buzz of new beginnings. Whether students were finding their seats, practicing routines, or showing off new school supplies, every small moment helped make the day feel special. We’re so proud to have ALL of you here, and we can’t wait to see you grow and learn!
It’s almost dismissal time! Listed below are when students are dismissed:
- Kindergarten: 2:38
- 01 classrooms: 2:40
- 02 classrooms: 2:41
- 03 classrooms: 2:42
- 04 classrooms: 2:43
- 05 classrooms: 2:44
- 06 classrooms: 2:45
- Kindergarten: 2:38
- 01 classrooms: 2:40
- 02 classrooms: 2:41
- 03 classrooms: 2:42
- 04 classrooms: 2:43
- 05 classrooms: 2:44
- 06 classrooms: 2:45
We can’t wait to see you tonight at our Open House from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm! Doors will open at 4:00 pm - if you come early, you can wait in the front entryway. You will enter Discovery using the main entrance, which is entrance A. See you soon!
Enrollment for 2026-27 Learning Adventures Preschool is open! To enroll, go to https://www.sf.k12.sd.us/page/learning-adventures.
Open House for Discovery Elementary students and Learning Adventures Preschool is tomorrow, Tuesday, August 25, from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm (come and go as you please). You will enter Discovery using the main entrance, which is entrance A - all other doors will be locked.
At Open House, you can:
• tour the school.
• meet teachers.
• drop off school supplies.
• deposit funds into your student’s breakfast and lunch account.
We can’t wait to see you!
At Open House, you can:
• tour the school.
• meet teachers.
• drop off school supplies.
• deposit funds into your student’s breakfast and lunch account.
We can’t wait to see you!
If your student(s) will need prescription medication, over-the-counter medication, or a special diet at school, you will have to complete a consent form. The consent forms were emailed to all Discovery families, we have hard copies available in the office, or they can be found on the SFSD’s website at https://www.sf.k12.sd.us/page/health-services. The forms are for:
- Asthma and Anaphylaxis (ex. inhaler, epi-pen, etc.).
- Prescription and Over-the Counter Meds (prescription medication, Tylenol, Visine, Tums, allergy medicine, cough syrup, etc.).
- Special Diet (allergies/intolerances to foods/ex. peanuts, milk, soy, gluten, wheat, etc.).
Return completed forms to the Discovery office or your physician can fax the completed form to 605-362-3535. Parents/guardians must deliver the medication in its original labeled container to the school office.
- Asthma and Anaphylaxis (ex. inhaler, epi-pen, etc.).
- Prescription and Over-the Counter Meds (prescription medication, Tylenol, Visine, Tums, allergy medicine, cough syrup, etc.).
- Special Diet (allergies/intolerances to foods/ex. peanuts, milk, soy, gluten, wheat, etc.).
Return completed forms to the Discovery office or your physician can fax the completed form to 605-362-3535. Parents/guardians must deliver the medication in its original labeled container to the school office.
Before the school year starts, here is a front circle drive reminder! Before and after school, the front circle drive is for DROP OFF only, which means you stay in your vehicle. There is NO PARKING in the circle drive. If you need to park and get out of your vehicle, please park in the parking lot or on the street. Do NOT park in the circle drive.
If you haven't already done so, please submit the "2026-27 Free/Reduced Meal Application" to see if you qualify for free/reduced meals. It's quick and easy! A new application is required every school year.
Another great school year at Discovery Elementary has come to an end! Students worked hard, learned so much, and created some wonderful memories along the way. From exciting classroom activities to special events and friendships, this year was filled with growth, laughter, and success. We are SO proud of our students and wish everyone a fun, safe, and relaxing summer break!
Discovery had a GREAT last day of school! Below are a few photos from the day; enjoy.
If your student was absent today or forgets something after dismissal, items will be placed on a table in the front entryway for pick up. We have asked teachers to label items with the student’s first and last name. You do not need to check in at the office to pick up items.
Congratulations to our “lunch lady” Ms. Kaye who is retiring at the end of this school year! Ms. Kaye has been at Discovery since it opened in 2004. Thank you for your dedication, kindness, and commitment. Best wishes on the next chapter of your life - enjoy!
