Next week is National Arts Week!
In celebration, our new back-to-school, school-wide collaborative project is complete! This year, students created a paint drip mural inspired by the artist Jen Stark. Jen Stark is an abstract, multi-media artist. While she has become well known for her colorful murals, her artwork also includes sculptures, paintings, digital/interactive art, and more.
Inspired by her work, our JHE students worked collaboratively, and they each contributed a paint drip to our new mural. The larger paint drips were created by our older students, while the smaller drips were done by our younger students.
Thanks to Ms. Levisay for coordinating this wonderful shared art piece for our school community!
Pictured:
Facebook HQ (mural in Menlo Park, CA), 2015, latex paint, 30 x 15 ft
JHE Student Create Mural w/ guidance from Ms. Levisay
In celebration, our new back-to-school, school-wide collaborative project is complete! This year, students created a paint drip mural inspired by the artist Jen Stark. Jen Stark is an abstract, multi-media artist. While she has become well known for her colorful murals, her artwork also includes sculptures, paintings, digital/interactive art, and more.
Inspired by her work, our JHE students worked collaboratively, and they each contributed a paint drip to our new mural. The larger paint drips were created by our older students, while the smaller drips were done by our younger students.
Thanks to Ms. Levisay for coordinating this wonderful shared art piece for our school community!
Pictured:
Facebook HQ (mural in Menlo Park, CA), 2015, latex paint, 30 x 15 ft
JHE Student Create Mural w/ guidance from Ms. Levisay
Thanks to our amazing JHE PTO for providing staff with delicious beverages from Rainy Day Coffee Company last Wednesday!
Thanks to our amazing JHE PTO for providing staff with delicious beverages from Rainy Day Coffee Company last Wednesday!
K-5 Education Support Professionals feature!
Mrs. Stolp, Mrs. Trapp, Mrs. Harrington, Mrs. Hansen, Mrs. Meier, Mrs. Christensen, Mrs. Weber, Mrs. Kurtz (not picture: Mrs. Bruns)
Shoutout to our amazing team of ESPs! They wear many hats each day — from guiding learning, to offering a listening ear, to providing supervision in the lunchroom and playground, to offering support wherever it is needed! Their commitment to our students and school community makes a lasting difference.
Join us for Family Fun Night next Friday, Sept. 12th!
Learning Adventures Preschool Opportunity Program Team Feature!
Their students know them as Ms. Nola, Ms. Kat, and Ms. Marley
Our preschool team has the special privilege of welcoming the youngest learners to their very first school experience. From learning through play to building strong foundations for a lifetime of success, this incredible team makes every moment count.
JHE Families,
We’re excited to share that the Barrel House restaurant will be donating 10% of all profits on Monday, September 8th to John Harris Elementary. This is a great way to enjoy a meal out with your family while also supporting our school!
Thank you for your continued support of our students and community.
We’re excited to share that the Barrel House restaurant will be donating 10% of all profits on Monday, September 8th to John Harris Elementary. This is a great way to enjoy a meal out with your family while also supporting our school!
Thank you for your continued support of our students and community.
SPED team teacher/staff feature!
Mrs. Merkouris, Mrs. Bork-Hickey, Megan Reisdorfer, Mrs. Keckler, Mrs. Erickson, Mrs. Lang'at, Mrs. Block
This group of dedicated educators goes above and beyond every single day to ensure students are supported. JHE benefits from their tireless efforts to make sure every student feels seen, valued, and capable of achieving great things.
Specials Team teacher feature!
Mrs. Fitzsimmons, Mrs. Rhode, Mrs. Wynthein, Ms. Levisay (Not pictured: Itinerant specials for K04, 104, and 404- James Borges, Cassie Larson, Jacob Fossing, Rachel Selberg).
Our Specials Team shines bright every day!
With creativity, passion, and kindness, they provide students with opportunities to explore, grow, and discover new talents. From sparking imagination to building lifelong skills, this team makes a lasting impact on every child’s journey.
Let's hear it for our specials team!
Third grade teacher feature!
Ms. Lux, Mr. VanBriesen, Mrs. Potas, Mr. Garry
Third grade is a big milestone—it’s the bridge from primary to intermediate learning. Our third grade teachers are dedicated guides, helping students build confidence, strengthen skills, and take on new challenges with curiosity and independence.
Let's hear it for third grade!
Kindergarten teacher feature!
Mrs. Costello, Mrs. Hohwieler, Mrs. Marso (long term sub), Mrs. Estep (out on maternity leave), Mrs. Schempp, Mrs. Mediger.
Our kindergarten teachers bring unmatched energy, expertise, and care to the kinder classrooms each day. They are passionate about laying the foundation for learning, guiding students as they take their very first steps into school life.
Let's hear it for kindergarten!
Yesterday, students learned about the HERO expectations in different spaces throughout the building. These rotations help students know how they can be successful in many environments.
Thanks JHE PTO for providing a breakfast to our staff this morning!
Fifth grade teacher feature!
Mrs. Beck, Ms. Mayer, Mrs. Ideker, Mrs. Kielman
Our fifth grade teachers create an engaging learning environment where every student is encouraged to take ownership of their growth. As the last stop before middle school, this team intentionally nurtures a sense of responsibility and leadership.
Let's hear it for the fifth grade team!
Fourth grader teacher feature!
Ms. Powers, Mrs. Slager, Mrs. Effling, Ms. Sandvig, Mrs. Childress
The fourth grade team is a hard working group of educators, committed to providing enrichment/intervention to meet students' learning needs. They value strong relationships and making connections to help students find their path to success!
First grade teacher feature!
Mrs. Lyngstad, Mrs. DeLamontanya, Mrs. Dykstra, Mrs. Doering, Ms. Nosbush
This passionate group of educators brings collaboration and care to everything they do. Together, they create a warm and supportive learning environment where every child is encouraged to grow, explore, and succeed.
Today is the day! 📣
We are excited to support The Barrel House's all-day Hungry Hearts Fundraiser benefiting the Angel Fund, which helps ensure every student in the Sioux Falls School District has access to a meal. Come out and enjoy some great food, fun activities (dunk tanks, bouncy house, axe throwing, and more!), and make a difference for our students! Hope to see you there!
📍The Barrel House 4701 E. 54th Street | 12-10 pm
Find more details and the full schedule of activities here! ---> https://www.facebook.com/share/175iWYEjfD/
We are excited to support The Barrel House's all-day Hungry Hearts Fundraiser benefiting the Angel Fund, which helps ensure every student in the Sioux Falls School District has access to a meal. Come out and enjoy some great food, fun activities (dunk tanks, bouncy house, axe throwing, and more!), and make a difference for our students! Hope to see you there!
📍The Barrel House 4701 E. 54th Street | 12-10 pm
Find more details and the full schedule of activities here! ---> https://www.facebook.com/share/175iWYEjfD/
Second grade teacher feature!
Mrs. Hayzlett, Mrs. Wilson, Ms. Saylor, Mrs. Koelker
The second grade team is committed and dedicated to student success. Each day, they create engaging learning opportunities, support one another, and ensure every child feels valued and encouraged.
Let's hear it for second grade!
The first day of the 25-26 school year is in the books!
Join us this Saturday at the Barrel House for a Hungry Hearts fundraiser!
📅 Saturday, August 23rd
📍 The Barrel House – 4701 E 54th St, Sioux Falls, SD
🕛 12 PM – 10 PM
Let’s come together for a day of community, fun, food, and fundraising in support of Hungry Hearts! ❤️
Activities throughout the day include:
🪓 Axe Throwing (12–3 PM)
🎯 Dunk Tank, Bouncy House, Face Painting, Kid’s Games (12–7 PM)
🎨 People's Choice Rib Contest (Starts at 12 PM – coins available for $20)
🛍 Silent Auction (Closes at 7 PM)
🦙 Zoo Mobile with live animals (1–3 PM)
🔥 Live Auction Closes (6:30 PM)
💍 Dream Wedding Winner Announced (7 PM)
Food (Starting at 12 PM):
🍔 Burgers, Brats & Sides (Free Will Donation – matched up to $20,000!)
🍧 Snow Cones & Cotton Candy (12–5 PM)
Live Music Lineup:
🎧 12–2 PM: DJ Dontai
🎸 2–4 PM: Simply Travis & Dan
🎤 4–6 PM: Connie McColl
🥁 7–10 PM: Funk Fuh Fried
❤️ 100% of the proceeds go to support local families in need through Hungry Hearts.
Bring your friends, your appetite, and your giving heart. Let’s make a difference together!
