Your week, simplified: Aug. 21, 2024

Happy Wednesday! Megan here.

First things first: This issue is sponsored by the Sioux Falls Development Foundation and their upcoming WIN in Workforce Summit.

• The seventh annual WIN in Workforce Summit will explore the "great reset" in the workforce at a one-day event Sept. 24 at the Sioux Falls Convention Center. Attendees will have space to learn and discuss what people are looking for in a post-pandemic workplace, the future of hybrid work, and how creating company culture is intentional. Learn more here about the conference schedule and how to get your tickets.

Weather check: Pretty warm and windy

This week, we'll take a closer look at some education trends to watch this year as many kids head back to school this week. You'll also learn a little more about the philosophy behind upcoming changes to downtown parking, get an update on the latest city news and find the best brews in the region. Plus, don't miss our weekly roundup of events.

And now, news:

EDUCATION

Education trends to watch in the upcoming school year

Simplified: Kids are heading back to school this week across the region, and as the new academic year kicks off, Sioux Falls Simplified is looking at some emerging education-related trends to watch in the coming year. Here's a look at what we're watching.

Microschools

The one-room schoolhouse model is coming back as more microschools open up in Sioux Falls.

• Microschools fall somewhere between private schools and home-schooling, though the state technically considers microschools to fall under the home-school umbrella (i.e. "alternative education").

Examples of microschools in Sioux Falls include Acton Academy, The Pelican School and Genesis Academy.

• Genesis Academy co-founders – and former Tea Area School District teachers – said they see microschools as a way to provide really individualized learning and focus on helping kids grow and learn over several years.

"As a public school teacher, you teach a kid for nine months and then it's 'goodbye, on to the next,'" co-founder Tessa Ziemba said. "We stay with them for six years (K-5)."

Continued (and stabilizing) growth

The Sioux Falls metro area is no stranger to seeing new schools go up, but this year will bring a milestone for the Sioux Falls School District as it constructs what will likely be the last new elementary school building in a long time.

• The new Marcella LeBeau Elementary School is expected to open next fall, capping off the final project in the historic $180 million bond approved in 2018.
• With that project, the district is hitting up against its boundaries and seeing enrollment level off.

Growth continues at a rapid pace in neighboring districts, though, leading to a number of ongoing construction projects in the region to accommodate more and more families.

• That includes the new Liberty Elementary in Harrisburg (which also just opened a new middle school last year), an expanded school in Baltic, a new high school in Tri-Valley and a high school expansion in Tea.

Cell-phone use, after-school care and more

CITY

Why you may want to get used to parking in ramps (if you like free parking)

Simplified: The City of Sioux Falls is looking to extend the hours for paid parking on downtown streets in an effort to keep more spots open for diners, shoppers and visitors. But even if those changes occur, it'll still be free to park on nights and weekends in all of the city-owned downtown parking ramps.

Why it matters

• Downtown Sioux Falls has more than 2,000 off-street parking spaces between various ramps and surface lots, according to DTSF, Inc. Compare that to only about 100 on-street parking on Phillips Avenue between 9th and 12th Streets.
• Right now, folks only have to pay to park in those spots from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The city is looking at expanding hours for paid on-street parking to include at least 7 p.m. weekdays and on Saturdays.
• It's an effort to encourage more vehicle turnover, Public Parking Facilities Manager Matt Nelson said. That way, spots will be open for those coming downtown to eat, shop and spend money – rather than have spots filled by downtown residents or workers.

"You'll have an employee who maybe works a night shift," Nelson said. "Their vehicle will sit all night, and that is lost dollars for retailers. Then you have residents – they park on a Friday night, and they may not move their vehicle until Monday morning."

Tell me more

SIMPLIFIED PRESENTS

Thirsty? Where to find good coffee and beer in the Sioux Metro

This is a paid piece from the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance.

Simplified: Looking to try something new for your next coffee meeting or happy hour? Here's a round-up of local shops in the Sioux Metro worth checking out.

Why it matters

• Local businesses are the heart of communities, but you don't have to live in a small town to enjoy the charm of their local watering holes.

"It's well worth the short drive from Sioux Falls to support these local coffee shops and breweries," said Tyler Tordsen, president and CEO of the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance. "These are exactly the types of businesses that enrich our community and attract more people to live and work in the Sioux Metro."

Take me to the little treats

TL;DR

Super Simplified Stories

• Big changes coming to Mercado block. The former site of Mercado and the Lucky Lady Casino on 11th Street near downtown is getting a huge makeover with the help of $1 million in city funds approved Tuesday night. Councilors approved the seven-figure contract to help Southeastern Behavioral Health build a mixed-use facility including on-site case management services, offices and 50 apartments aimed at housing folks who make between 30% and 50% of the area median income (AMI). They also approved the first reading of a rezoning ordinance of the property.
  • It's possible the city could contribute another $1.8 million in a one-time grant funding if the Southeastern Behavioral Health project is approved for low income housing tax credit.
• Council approves fund to get a south-side pool faster. City Council on Tuesday voted to set aside $500,000 to buy land, plan and design a new pool on the south side of town. It's a plan Councilor David Barranco has been pushing for, and the rest of the council voted unanimously to support it.

More Super Simplified Stories

• Tre Ministries gets the go-ahead. The council also voted to allow for the demolition of four homes in the area of 19th Street and Dakota Avenue to make way for a new project from Tre Ministries including space for young adult programming, apartments and more. (Pigeon605 did a write-up about the plans earlier this spring.)
• Watch out for runners (or go cheer them on). It's the annual Sioux Falls Marathon on Sunday. There'll be some road closures – find a route map here – but also lots of opportunities to cheer on folks as they run 26.2 miles.
• Humane Society at capacity. The Sioux Falls Area Humane Society is at capacity and no longer able to accept owner-surrendered animals. They are still taking strays. If you're looking for a new pet, you can see adoptable animals here.

EVENTS

Stuff to do: Aug. 21-27

• See the elites.* All Elite Wrestling (AEW) hosts their TNT televised wrestling event "Collision" in Sioux Falls on Saturday, Aug. 31 at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center. AEW offers an alternative to mainstream wrestling with a roster of world-class talent and a vibrant energy. You can get your tickets here to see AEW Presents Collision.
• Meet some makers. The annual 605 Made Night Market will take place starting at 3 p.m. Saturday. Find lots of local makers, food venders and performers down at 6th and Phillips downtown. More details here.
• Catch Roots Fest. Roots of Brasil is hosting a block party from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday at 201 N. Weber Avenue. Find live music from local talent, a beer garden, games, and prizes for both kids and adults. More details here.
• Party with Juniper. Juniper Apothecary is celebrating six years in business on Saturday with a store-wide sale, swag bags for the first 60 customers (both in-store and online) and new releases. Get the details here and stock up on your locally made health and wellness products.
• Take a hike. Enjoy the warm weather while it's still here with a group hike hosted by the Great Outdoor Store. Meet up at Good Earth State Park around 5:45 p.m. Wednesday and enjoy a one-hour hike for all ages and hiking abilities.
• Buy some plants. Oakridge Nursery and Landscaping is kicking off its annual fall sale on Friday with steep discounts on perennials and select trees. Details here. You can also stock up on mums from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Natural Beauty Greenhouse. Details here.

*Denotes a paid event listing. Want to see your event here? Email megan@sfsimplified.com.

THIS AND THAT

What I'm falling for this week:

• This retreat
• Phantom
• Terra Shepherd's half-off sale

ICYMI

More Simplified Stories

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Thank you

Thank you to Sioux Falls Simplified sponsors, including Dakota Adventure Supply, the Sioux Falls Development Foundation, the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, Panther Premier Print Solutions, Barre3 Sioux Falls, the Great Plains Zoo, and the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance. When you support them, you're also supporting Sioux Falls Simplified.

Special thanks to the WIN in Workforce Summit!

It doesn't matter what role you play in your workplace, there's something for you to learn and explore at the Sioux Falls Development Foundation's seventh annual WIN in Workforce Summit. Learn more here about the Sept. 24 event, and get your tickets before they sell out. Preview the schedule here: