February 21, 2024

Operation Helpful Smile

Operation Helpful Smile donates funds to a different local nonprofit organization each week. The week of February 21-26 customers can contribute to South Dakota Parent Connection fundraiser at the checkout line.

The support helps us continue to meet the needs of families with children and youth with special needs and the professionals who work with them.  Hy-Vee matches customer contributions received for each organization up to $1,000.

Extended School Year

Do you have a child with a disability and want to understand more about services provided to some students with a disability when school is not in session?

According to IDEA- Individuals with Disabilities Act, the term extended school year services refers to special education and related services that are provided to a child with a disability and go beyond the normal school year. It is offered at no cost to the parents of the child and is determined on an individual basis and in accordance with the child’s IEP.

The following article provides more detailed information on extended school year services, how they are determined, and how for some students with a disability, ESY services are necessary to provide FAPE (free and appropriate public education).

For more information on extended school year visit sdparent.org or South Dakota Department of Education A Technical Assistance Guide pages 54 and 55.

Hand Picked

At South Dakota Parent Connection, parents and professionals contact us to help answer questions they have. Here are some resources picked out by our staff to help answer some of the more commonly asked questions.



• Friendship Eludes My Child - and Me
• Smartphones: Assessing Readiness
• Strategies to Help You and Your Child Develop Healthier Social Media Habits
• Video Games and ADHD: Harmful or Helpful?

Looking for Artists

The City of Sioux Falls is looking for artists for their 11^th annual Artabilitiy art show which features artists with disabilities.  If you or someone you know would like to feature art in this year’s show the deadline for entry is March 29^th. 

SAVE THE DATE

Artist Reception

April 19, 2024

5 to 7 p.m.

The Underground by Rehfelds

(431 North Phillips Avenue, Lower level of Falls Center Building)

Upcoming Events

Here is a list of events offered by South Dakota Parent Connection and other organizations to help support South Dakota families. A complete list of events can be found on our website at www.sdparent.org or Facebook page.





• February 22, 2024, at 1 pm - An Educator's Guide to Fortifying Executive Function: In this webinar, you will learn how to implement clear classroom expectations and routines, set up learning management system portals to decrease student questions and limit confusion, manage and follow student accommodations, incorporate movement in your classroom to improve focus while avoiding chaos and teach students how to advocate for themselves through roleplay.

• February 22, 2024 - State Plan for Independent Living- Public Forum: Statewide Independent Living is looking to solicit input on the Draft State Plan for Independent Living. The meeting will be held via Zoom. Written comments will also be accepted through February 23rd.

• March 5, 2024 - Community Health and Wellness Fair: Explore health & wellness fun for the whole family!

• March 5- 6 , 2024- Special Education Conference: Gather with South Dakota educators, related service providers, and parents. This in person event allows participants to learn about evidence-based innovations, educational trends leading towards best practices, and provide practical solutions for special education classrooms.

• March 7, 2024- Common Sense Parenting Online- March Series: Build your parenting skills with an interactive four week course. Easy to learn techniques to address issues of communication, discipline, decision making, relationships and self-control for parents of school aged children.

• March 9, 2024- Southern Hills Family Resource Fair: Opportunity for families to gather information, in one place from local businesses and organizations that serve children 0-8 and their families!

• March 14, 2024 - Kindergarten Transition Resource Fair: Visit with community organization and find resources for families of students going into Kindergarten!

• March 26, 2024- Catch the College Wave 2024-Aberdeen: Catch the College Wave is a one-day event designed specifically for High School students who a disability and are considering a post-secondary experience at a university or technical college.

• April 11, 2024- Catch the College Wave 2024- Spearfish: Catch the College Wave is a one-day event designed specifically for High School students who a disability and are considering a post-secondary experience at a university or technical college.

• April 23-25, 2024 - 8th Annual Charting the LifeCourse Showcase 2024: Come together with the network of advocates, families, and professionals to explore how Charting the LifeCourse weaves together personal growth, community engagement, policy advancements, and technological innovations to promote self-determination and good lives for all.

This e-publication was developed under grants from the U.S. Department of Education Project Grant H328M2000666 and Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Grant H328M140021, Family to Family Health Information Center, $93,175; and approximately 5% financed with non-governmental resources. The contents should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by US Department of Education, HRSA, HHS or the Federal Government.