It’s hot days like today that we think back when our 3rd graders ran their annual lemonade stands. Even our Early Childhood and Head Start students got to join in on the fun!

17 days ago, R.F. Pettigrew
early childhood students getting lemonade
Headstart students getting lemonade
early childhood students drinking lemonade
third grade students pouring lemonade for 3-4 year old students
The learning doesn't stop when school is out! Many members of the Pettigrew staff recently attended the South Dakota Literacy Conference in Mitchell this June, where they explored the latest research, instructional strategies, and best practices in literacy education.

At Pettigrew, we are committed to continuously learning and growing so we can provide the highest quality instruction for our students. Every new idea, strategy, and collaboration helps us move closer to our shared goal: ensuring that every Pettigrew student becomes a confident, proficient reader.
about 1 month ago, R.F. Pettigrew Elementary
Literacy Conference

Here is another throwback from last month....Students in Room 103 earned a special “Glow Day!” The classroom was glowing with excitement as students wrote glowing stories, played glowing games, and enjoyed a day full of fun while “glowing” up together! What a bright way to celebrate their hard work and accomplishments!

about 2 months ago, R.F. Pettigrew
student doing a writing lesson with glowing markers
students enjoying a glow activity
a student showing off his glow story
a glow story page glowing in the dark
students having fun during glow day
students playing a glow game
students playing a glow game
a classroom glowing with a black light

We are missing our students but hoping they are having fun this summer! Here is K04 students having a fun-filled day of learning back in May! Students enjoyed reading with flashlights, solving camping-themed math problems, and painting creative camping pictures. It was a day packed with fun, learning, and imagination!

about 2 months ago, R.F. Pettigrew
students camping in their classroom
students camping in their classroom
students camping in their classroom
students camping in their classroom
students camping in their classroom
students camping in their classroom
students camping in their classroom
students camping in their classroom
students camping in their classroom
Free Summer Meals Program runs from May 28th to August 7th at six Sioux Falls elementary schools.
about 2 months ago, R.F. Pettigrew
Summer Meals Flyer with fruit characters playing in the sun.
Important information for the last day of school.
3 months ago, R.F. Pettigrew
last day of school reminder posted
The Lost and Found will be on the playground the last day of school, weather permitting. Please be sure to look through the lost and found before items are disposed of after the last day of school. We do not carry over lost and found items from year to year.
Families are welcome to browse the lost and found anytime before the last day of school. It is located inside the main lobby.
3 months ago, R.F. Pettigrew
Two  little panthers looking through a lost and found bin at school.
If you have a child who struggles with reading, Prairie West Library has a great opportunity to learn strategies to help support your child. Scan the QR code to sign-up! This event is Wednesday May 13th so sign up now if you are interested.
3 months ago, R.F. Pettigrew
A FAMILY OF THREE READING TOGETHER. ON A SOFA, SMILING

Pettigrew Field Day is this Friday! The schedule is listed below on this poster. Parents/Guardians are invited to spectate but must do so from the side walk around the parameter of the park. No spectators are allowed on the playground. Thank you to Mr. Mohr and Mr. Tuschen for putting together this year's Field Day!

3 months ago, R.F. Pettigrew
Field Day
The annual Third Grade Lemonade Stands will be held this week on May 13th and 14th during the lunch/recess periods!
Our third graders have been working very hard to prepare for their lemonade stand sales adventure and are excited to share their hard work with our Pettigrew families.
This year, the third grade class has chosen to donate their proceeds to the Ilona Kruse family to assist with her medical journey. 💜
Parents are invited to attend the lemonade stands to purchase lemonade and support this meaningful cause. Visitors must check in at the office to get a visitor sticker, before going onto the playground. Please bring your driver’s license if you have never signed into our iPad Security System.
3 months ago, R.F. Pettigrew
Lemonade Stand announcement with lemons and a pitcher of lemonade
Pettigrew students made the most of last week’s beautiful weather! On a calm, wind-free day, classes enjoyed the opportunity to have a picnic outside during lunch periods—a simple treat that brought lots of smiles. We’re hoping that warm sunshine makes its way back again soon!
3 months ago, R.F. Pettigrew
students having a picnic
students using a picnic on the Pettigrew front lawn
students using a picnic on the Pettigrew front lawn
students using a picnic on the Pettigrew front lawn
students using a picnic on the Pettigrew front lawn
students using a picnic on the Pettigrew front lawn
students using a picnic on the Pettigrew front lawn

Here is the link to the 2nd Grader performance of YEE HAW!

Enjoy! https://youtu.be/0IvtzZG9XS4

3 months ago, R.F. Pettigrew
Yee Haw! Musical Performance
Today we celebrate the heart of our school—our incredible principals!
From early mornings to late afternoons, evenings and even some weekends, they are the steady compass guiding our students, staff, and families. Whether it’s greeting students with a smile, supporting teachers, or making tough decisions with care and thoughtfulness, their leadership shapes the culture of our entire school.
Thank you Mr. Wagner and Mrs. Walden, for being a champion for kids, a supporter of staff, and leaders who show up every single day with dedication and heart. Your impact reaches far beyond the walls of our building, and we are so grateful for all you do! Happy Principal’s Day!
3 months ago, R.F. Pettigrew
Mr. Wagner our Lead Principal
Mrs. Walden our Assistant Principal
principals serving cookies at the Art Show
Who's excited for the END OF SCHOOL BASH on Friday, May 8th!!!
This year will feature inflatable hamster balls, human Hungry Hippos, giant trike races, obstacle courses, double slide, bounce house, mini golf, yard games, inflatable games and so much more!
- FREE inflatables and games for Pettigrew families ONLY!
- Food trucks available for purchase.
- All students must be accompanied by an adult.
*** Volunteers are needed to make this event a success! Please use the signup below if interested.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080A4BA9A628A5FA7-62954725-copy
4 months ago, R.F. Pettigrew
Poster advertising the end of year bash with inflatables and games on green grass with a blue sky

This is your final chance to nominate a Pettigrew Staff member for the GROWL Award! The nominations will close on April 30th. Have you had a positive interaction with a staff member - nominate them today!

GROWL Award Information: https://app.smore.com/n/v79rf
Nomination Link: https://forms.gle/CFtEmBzJkNN5kL6R8

4 months ago, R.F. Pettigrew Elementary
GROWL Award
Kindergarten and 2nd graders at Pettigrew had a fantastic opportunity to learn from presenters from the Sanford Underground Research Facility, who brought real-world science to life in an engaging and interactive way. Students were highly intrigued and eager to learn more. Their excitement and curiosity were on full display as they explored new concepts and discoveries shared by the presenters.
4 months ago, R.F. Pettigrew
student building a tower
students listening to Sanford speaker
students talking about science
students using science to build a tower
students work with Sanford science
First grade has been busy cracking the code on place value!
To celebrate spring, they practiced building numbers in different ways—Peep Style! Using colorful marshmallow Peep cut outs, students explored place values while creating sweet, hands-on representations of numbers.
4 months ago, R.F. Pettigrew
student cutting out peep shape
student cutting out peep shape
student cutting out peep shape
paper peeps glued to poster
student holding up place value paster with peeps

The Sioux Falls School District held our Annual Recognition Banquet for this years Retirees and those who have achieved 25 Years of Service.

At the conclusion of this school year, we will say farewell to our longtime Second Grade teacher, Tricia Runyan and our Orchestra teacher Denise Alpers. After years of dedication, care, and countless lives touched, they are beginning a well-deserved new chapter.
We wish Tricia and Denise happy trails on their retirement journeys—may they be filled with adventure, relaxation, and all the joy they have given to others over the years.

Pettigrew's Lead Clerical, Dawn Barr was recognized for 25 Years of Service with the Sioux Falls School District and looking forward to several more. Dawn works behind the scenes, welcoming families, and supporting staff and students every single day.

We are grateful for Tricia, Denise, and Dawn's commitment, care, and the countless ways they make Pettigrew the best place for students to thrive.

4 months ago, R.F. Pettigrew
Tricia and Dawn at award banquet
Mrs Alpers
2nd grade teachers at award banquet
Tricia Runyan receiving award
Tricia Runyan receiving award
Dawn Barr receiving  award
Dawn Barr receiving  award
award banquet
Teacher retirement notice for Tricia Runyan
Don't miss the Pettigrew Art Show and Book Fair this Friday, April 17th, from 4-7pm.
NEW THIS YEAR! Make and Take Art Projects for all students.
4 months ago, R.F. Pettigrew
Panther cartoon with a paint brush announcing art show
Pettigrew is proud to present our incredible Special Education Team. This dedicated group works tirelessly to support students who learn in unique and diverse ways, helping each child find success in their educational journey. With compassion, patience, and unwavering grace, they show up every single day ready to lift, encourage, and empower our students to reach their fullest potential.
4 months ago, R.F. Pettigrew
Mrs. Bradfield's favorite things
Mrs. Euchner's favorite things
Mrs. Storm's  favorite things
Mrs. Wipf's favorite things
Mrs. Hillestads favorite things