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
9 days 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

9 days 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.
13 days 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.
14 days 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.

14 days 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.
15 days 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.
18 days 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
Congratulations to our March Students of the Month, who were selected based on our March Mindset of "Live to Give".
This mindset feels like planting a garden where generosity is the sunlight!
The more you give, the more the soil of your life becomes rich and alive. “Live to Give” isn’t just about kindness in the moment, it’s about trusting that what you put into the world creates ripples that circle back in meaningful ways. When you offer respect, encouragement, or even your time, you’re quietly building a life that reflects those same gifts back to you.
The final mindset at Pettigrew this year is “The Time Is Now”
Talk with your child about what “The Time Is Now” means to them. How can they show courage? When can they take initiative? What is something they’ve been wanting to try or improve?

18 days ago, R.F. Pettigrew
Kindergarten students of the month holding their certificates
first grade students of the month holding their certificates
Second grade students of the month holding their certificates
Third grade students of the month holding their certificates
Fourth grade students of the month holding their certificates
Fifth grade students of the month holding their certificates
Now open! It's time to complete the Annual Student Update! ⏰

Every child who will attend school in the Sioux Falls School District for the 2026-2027 school year must complete an annual update. This is required every year to ensure that student information, such as data privacy, emergency, and health information, is correct and up to date.

Complete the update using your desktop or laptop computer in just a few minutes through your Infinite Campus Parent Portal account that can be found here --->https://siouxfallssd.infinitecampus.org/campus/portal/parents/siouxfalls.jsp

Need help with the update? Please call your child's school or the Student Records and Registration Office at 605-367-7952.
20 days ago, Sioux Falls School District
Decorative: Annual Student Update Graphic - All information can be found in the post.

Test your ninja skills this Friday, April 10th at 605 Ninja from 6-8pm.

24 days ago, R.F. Pettigrew Elementary
Pettigrew 605 Ninja Night
The stage is warming up and the music is getting ready to soar!
Our Spring Band and Orchestra Concert is just around the corner. Students should be busy practicing their instrument parts so they can shine at their very best at Pettigrew on April 9th. We can’t wait to hear all their hard work come to life!
28 days ago, R.F. Pettigrew
band concert poster
Orchestra Concert poster
Orchestra Concert poster
No School April 3rd-6th for Spring Break! Enjoy the long weekend!
29 days ago, R.F. Pettigrew
Panther playing outside in a spring meadow
We’ve got several fun dress-up days coming your way—perfect chances to show off your Pettigrew spirit in style. Mark your calendars, plan those outfits, and get ready to let your wardrobe shine!
30 days ago, R.F. Pettigrew
friendly panther tryong on clothes in a messy closet
Calendar of April Dress Up Days
The hallway in 2nd grade turned into a mini safari today as our students dove into their math measuring unit! Students explored the lengths of different animals, comparing sizes and practicing their measurement skills in a hands-on way. From tiny creatures to towering animals, they stretched their thinking (and their rulers!) while building a strong understanding of measurement.
about 1 month ago, R.F. Pettigrew
students measuring the size of animals
students using a ruler to measure an animal length
students measuring a distance on the wall
students using a ruler to measure an animal length
student using a ruler to determine the size of an animal
students practicing units of measure with a ruler
Classroom 401 turned math time into game time! Students have been building their fraction skills by creating their own fraction cards, helping them visualize and compare fractions in a meaningful way.
They worked together to put their learning into action with a game of “Capture Fractions,” a fun twist on the classic game War. With each round, they practiced comparing fractions, thinking strategically, and sharpening their math minds.
about 1 month ago, R.F. Pettigrew
students in 401 playing fraction game
students talking about a fraction game
students in 401 playing fraction game
students in 401 playing fraction game
students working together to play a game

Thanks to a generous grant from Black Hills Federal Credit Union, our Pettigrew Staff Lounge has been beautifully transformed into a peaceful retreat for our team.

The refreshed space features comfortable seating and engaging, relaxing activities, all nestled within a calming birch tree–inspired environment. Designed to help staff feel grounded and recharged, the lounge offers a welcoming place where team members can connect, unwind, and return to their day feeling renewed and ready to educate and prepare our students. Not only is this a tranquil space to eat lunch, but also work on jigsaw puzzles, adult coloring books, trivia games and card games while enjoying a cup of coffee or soda.

We are incredibly thankful to BHFCU for thinking about our teachers and staff and recognizing how important it is to provide this kind of calming, supportive space.

about 1 month ago, R.F. Pettigrew
people eating lunch in a staff lounge
new staff lounge furniture on display
new lounge chair reading area
new lounge gathering area
new lounge coffee nook
new lounge game and puzzle table area
people eating lunch in the staff lounge
Kindergarten K04 students had a blast discovering fun facts about animals and then teamed up to create colorful group posters. Working together, they shared ideas, practiced teamwork, and brought their learning to life with creativity and excitement. So much learning, laughter, and collaboration all in one place!
about 1 month ago, R.F. Pettigrew
students cutting paper
students making animal posters
students making animal posters
students making animal posters
students showing the animal poster they made
**NO SCHOOL**
Friday, March 20th, 2026
for a Compensatory Day
Enjoy the long weekend of stellar weather!!
about 1 month ago, R.F. Pettigrew
Sleeping panther dreaming about no school on friday

Select Pettigrew students recently had their artwork proudly displayed at the Washington Pavilion as part of the “Off the Fridge” exhibit. This special showcase gives young artists the opportunity to have their work professionally exhibited in a public gallery space, celebrating their creativity and talent. Families and friends were invited to attend an artist reception on Saturday, March 14th, where they could view the incredible pieces and celebrate these students’ artistic achievements.

about 1 month ago, R.F. Pettigrew
students at an art show
student artwork displayed on a wall
student art being diplayed on a wall
art exhibit picture hanging on the wall
art teachers standing next to art exhibit
Spotlight on our Pettigrew’s 5th Grade Team!
Our 5th grade educators work diligently to prepare students for the next big step in their educational journey… middle school! As the leaders of our building, our 5th graders are encouraged to set positive examples, show responsibility, and support younger students.
The 5th grade team is constantly guiding them to grow as strong learners, confident leaders, and role models in our school community. We are proud of the dedication they bring to helping our students succeed!
about 2 months ago, R.F. Pettigrew
Teacher Mrs. Kracke smiling
Teacher Mr O'Donnell holding a sea shell
Teacher Ms. Cork holding two  cats
Teacher Ms. Flasted standing by a tree