Mentorships in our schools are crucial. Statistics show when a student is matched with an adult mentor, their attendance and school engagement go up, and their behavior issues go down. In this episode of the Spotlight podcast, Dr. Stavem sits down with long-time Lutheran Social Services Mentor Brian Bieber and new TeamMates mentor, Tina Blessen. They share their experiences, the impact mentoring has had on them, and how they've seen first-hand the importance of mentoring relationships.

Whether you are a mentor already or interested in learning more, this episode is for you!

Are you interested in getting involved? Please refer to these mentor resources:

Superintendent of the Sioux Falls Public Schools, Dr. Jane Stavem, introduces the District's new podcast venture, Spotlight: Conversations with the Sioux Falls School District. The podcast will give listeners an audible look inside the SFSD, spotlighting the people, places, and practices of the largest school district in South Dakota - in just thirty minutes or less! 

In our third episode of Spotlight, listen as Superintendent Dr. Jane Stavem sits down with Senior Coordinator of Student Services, Patti Lake-Torbert to discuss the implications COVID-19 has had on our students and staff's mental health, and what our schools are doing to help combat it. 

Medical professionals across the world are dealing with the effects of COVID-19. This includes our school nurses. In this episode of Spotlight, Superintendent Dr. Jane Stavem sits down with Health Services Coordinator, Molly Satter, and Roosevelt High School Nurse, Patti Anderson to discuss how our school nurses are working around the clock to keep our students and staff safe. 

Superintendent, Dr. Jane Stavem sits down with Fine Arts Director, Dr. Boyd Perkins, and Physical Education and Athletics Director, Casey Meile to discuss the intricacies involved in putting on activities and sporting events amidst COVID-19.