💙🤍 **Meet Mr. Galindo—aka Mr. G!** 🤍💙

Today we’re introducing the person who brings **music, creativity, and amazing musical talents** to our Garfield Eagles—our Orchestra teacher, **Mr. Galindo!** 🎻🎶🦅

Mr. Galindo has been teaching for a total of **10 years**, with **5 of those years here in the United States**. He is originally from **Bogotá, Colombia**, and attended **Universidad de Antioquia**. 🎓🌎

When he’s not sharing his love of music with our students, you can find Mr. G doing some of the things he enjoys most—**playing in his band, Latitude Ensemble, or playing video games!** 🎸🎮

Mr. G has two messages he likes to share with his students:

✨ **“Make it Happen.”**
🎶 **“Hear it, feel it, play it.”**

We’re so lucky to have Mr. G sharing his passion for music and helping our students discover the joy of making music together! 💙🤍

🎻 **Keep making it happen, Mr. G!** 🦅💙🤍

#GarfieldEagles #MeetOurStaff #GarfieldFamily #Orchestra #MusicEducation #MrG #MakeItHappen #HearItFeelItPlayIt
1 day ago, Garfield Elementary
Mr. Galindo playing his guitar.
💙🤍 Meet Ms. Reich—aka Ms. R! 🤍💙

Today we’re shining the spotlight on one of our wonderful English Language Development (ELD) teachers, Ms. Reich! 📚🦅

Ms. Reich has been working in education for an incredible 28 years! 🎉 She is originally from Aberdeen, South Dakota, and earned her educational degrees from Northern State University and Southwest Minnesota State University. 🎓

When she’s not helping our students learn and grow their English language skills, Ms. Reich enjoys spending time with her daughter, Isabella, playing with her dog Mable, taking Mable to the dog park, enjoying just about anything outdoors, and reading. 🐶🌳📚

When students are learning something new or working through a challenge, Ms. R has a simple reminder for them:

✨ “Solve your problem.” ✨

We’re so thankful for the experience, encouragement, and support Ms. Reich brings to our Garfield Eagles! 💙🤍 She helps our students build confidence as they learn a new language and reminds them that they are capable of working through challenges along the way.

🦅 Thank you for all you do, Ms. R! 💙🤍

#GarfieldEagles #MeetOurStaff #GarfieldFamily #ELD #EnglishLanguageDevelopment #MsR #SolveYourProblem
2 days ago, Garfield Elementary
Ms. Reich outside by the water.
The Sioux Falls Church of Christ is hosting its annual Clothing Giveaway on Saturday, September 26, from 9:00 AM–12:00 PM.

Free clothing will be available for all ages, including:
👕 Shirts
🧥 Coats
👖 Pants & Shorts
🧢 Accessories
👟 Shoes

📍 Sioux Falls Church of Christ
1208 S. Southeastern Ave., Sioux Falls

If your family could use clothing or you know someone who might benefit, please share this information! 💙

Questions? Call (605) 332-1902.
2 days ago, Garfield Elementary
Poster of clothing giveaway.
💙🤍 Meet Miss Feterl! 🤍💙

Today we’re introducing Miss Feterl, one of our wonderful 3rd-grade teachers and our SAT Coordinator! 📚🦅

Miss Feterl has been teaching for 9 years and is originally from Sioux Falls. She attended the University of Sioux Falls—Go Coo! 🐆💙

When she’s not busy teaching and supporting students, Miss Feterl enjoys collecting Barbies, reading, painting, and spending time with her family. 📚🎨👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

One thing you’ll hear Miss Feterl remind her students every day is:

✨ “We are a 304 family.” ✨

She truly embraces the meaning of classroom community and works to create a space where every student feels respected, accepted, and like they belong. 💙🤍

And we can’t introduce Miss Feterl without introducing another very important member of the 304 family… Sally the tortoise! 🐢💚

Sally is a beloved part of the classroom and has become a favorite of many Garfield Eagles! She enjoys strawberries, artwork on her tank, warm baths, and spending time with her Garfield friends. 🍓🎨🛁🐢

We’re so thankful for all the ways Miss Feterl helps our students learn, grow, and feel like they are part of something special. 💙🤍

🦅 A big Garfield shout-out to Miss Feterl and Sally! 🐢💙

#GarfieldEagles #MeetOurStaff #GarfieldFamily #3rdGrade #SATCoordinator #304Family #SallyTheTortoise #GoCoo
3 days ago, Garfield Elementary
Miss Feterl at the Barbie exhibit sitting on a couch.
💙🤍 Meet Mrs. Alberty—aka Mrs. A! 🤍💙

Today we’re introducing someone who is taking on a brand-new role here at Garfield! 🦅📚 Meet Mrs. Alberty, our Admin Intern, who many of you may know as our assistant principal or simply Mrs. A!

Mrs. Alberty has been working in education for 19 years, and this year marks two exciting firsts for her—her first year as an administrator and her first year at Garfield! 🎉💙 We are so happy to have her joining our Garfield family!

Originally from Sioux Falls, Mrs. Alberty earned her undergraduate degree and her first master’s degree from the University of Sioux Falls. She later earned her second master’s degree from South Dakota State University. 🎓

When she’s not at school, Mrs. A loves spending time with family and friends, watching her kids’ activities, and cheering on the Jackrabbits! 🐰💙💛

A motto she lives by is one that reminds us to believe in what is possible:

✨ “Hope sees the invisible, and achieves the impossible.” ✨

We’re excited to have Mrs. A beginning this new chapter with our Garfield Eagles! 💙🤍 Be sure to give her a big Garfield welcome when you see her around the school! 🦅

#GarfieldEagles #MeetOurStaff #GarfieldFamily #MrsA #AdminIntern #GoJacks
4 days ago, Garfield Elementary
Mrs. Alberty photo
🦅📚 September is Attendance Awareness Month!

Every school day is a new opportunity to learn, grow, and be part of our Garfield Eagle community! We’re challenging our students to be at school, arrive on time, and be ready to learn.

Each day a classroom reaches their attendance goal, a feather is added to our Eagle bulletin board! 🪶🦅 Let’s see how many feathers we can add this month!

🎉 Shoutout to 2nd Grade for reaching 96% attendance last week! Way to go, Eagles! 💙🤍
4 days ago, Garfield Elementary
Bulletin board of the feathers being added to the eagle for attendance goals.
💙🤍 Meet Mrs. Skogstad! 🤍💙

We’re starting off the week by introducing someone who is at the heart of our Garfield family—our amazing principal, Mrs. Skogstad! 🦅💙🤍

And if you’re looking at the picture and wondering which one is Mrs. Skogstad… she’s the one in the light blue! 💙😊

Mrs. Skogstad has been working in education for 35 years, including 11 years as the principal at Garfield! 🎓📚 Sioux Falls is her hometown, although she was born in West Union, Iowa.

Education has always been an important part of Mrs. Skogstad’s life. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of South Dakota, her master’s degree in Math, Science, and Technology from Augustana University, and her leadership degree from the University of Sioux Falls. 🎓

When she’s not at school leading, supporting, and cheering on our students and staff, you can find Mrs. Skogstad doing some of the things she loves most—watching sports, reading, spending time at the lake, gardening, mowing her lawn, and spending time with her family. 🌊📚🌱🏡

And when it comes to sports, she has a few favorites! You may find her cheering for the Britton Braves, Minnesota Vikings, or Minnesota Twins, especially during this time of year! 🏈⚾💙

Mrs. Skogstad truly is the heart of Garfield. She leads by example, supports our students and staff with all her heart, and brings a genuine passion for making Garfield the best place it can be. 💙🤍

There’s one phrase that Mrs. Skogstad is known for saying—a reminder she carries with her each day:

✨ “All will be well.” ✨

In fact, she carries those words with her every day on a necklace around her neck. 💙

We are incredibly grateful for the leadership, love, and dedication Mrs. Skogstad brings to Garfield each and every day. Thank you for being you, Mrs. Skogstad! 🦅💙🤍


#GarfieldEagles #MeetOurStaff #GarfieldFamily #Principal #AllWillBeWell #GarfieldProud
5 days ago, Garfield Elementary
Mrs. Skogstad at her daughters wedding. She is in light blue.
💙🤍 Meet Mrs. Eilertson! 🤍💙

Today we’re celebrating someone who has been part of the Garfield family for an incredible 43 years! 🦅📚 Meet Mrs. Eilertson, one of our wonderful Kindergarten teachers! 🍎💙

Mrs. Eilertson has been teaching for an amazing 44 years, with 43 of those years right here at Garfield! That makes her the longest-tenured teacher in the district—what an incredible milestone! 🎉👏

She grew up in Loveland, Colorado, from 5th grade through college and attended Northeastern Junior College and the University of Northern Colorado. 🎓

When she’s not busy helping our littlest Eagles learn and grow, Mrs. Eilertson enjoys spending time with her family and friends, especially her new grandson! 👶💙 She also enjoys helping on the farm and volunteering. 🌾🤍

One reminder she likes to share with others is a simple but meaningful one:

✨ “Each day is a fresh start.” ✨

After 43 years at Garfield, Mrs. Eilertson continues to make a difference in the lives of our students year after year. We are so fortunate to have her experience, dedication, and love for our Kindergarteners as part of our Garfield family! 💙🤍

🦅 Here’s to 43 years of making a difference, Mrs. Eilertson! We are so thankful for you!

#GarfieldEagles #MeetOurStaff #GarfieldFamily #Kindergarten #43YearsAtGarfield #EachDayIsAFreshStart
8 days ago, Garfield Elementary
Mrs. Eilertson outside by a corn field.
💙🤍 Meet Ms. Whitney! 🤍💙

Today we’re giving a big Garfield shout-out to Ms. Whitney, one of our amazing Educational Support Professionals! 🦅📚

Ms. Whitney has been part of the Garfield family for 5 years, helping support our students and making a difference in their school days. We are so thankful for the important role she plays in helping our Eagles learn, grow, and succeed! 💙🤍

Originally from Mitchell, South Dakota, Ms. Whitney spends her time outside of school enjoying what matters most—time with her family and camping adventures! 🏕️👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

And if you ever need a little reminder of your worth, Ms. Whitney has the perfect words:

✨ “You are Enough!” ✨

We’re so lucky to have Ms. Whitney as part of our Garfield team! 💙🤍 Thank you for all you do for our students, Ms. Whitney! 🦅

#GarfieldEagles #MeetOurStaff #GarfieldFamily #EducationalSupportProfessional #YouAreEnough
9 days ago, Garfield Elementary
Ms. Whitney and her son sitting together.
🌭🧺 TONIGHT’S THE NIGHT, GARFIELD FAMILIES! 🧺🌭

Join us this evening for Picnic at the Playground! Come enjoy hot dogs, games, family fun, and time with our amazing Garfield community. It’s the perfect chance to connect with old friends, make new ones, and celebrate a great start to the school year! ☀️❤️

📅 Tonight!
⏰ 4:30–6:00 PM
📍 Garfield Playground

Don’t forget to bring your blankets and chairs, and come ready for a fun evening together. We can’t wait to see you there! 🦅🌭🎉
9 days ago, Garfield Elementary
Picture reminding families of the picnic tonight.
Today is Constitution Day & Citizenship Day!

September 17 marks the anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787—a document that established the framework for our government and continues to shape our country today.

Today is a great opportunity for our Garfield Eagles to learn a little more about the Constitution, our country’s history, and what it means to be a good citizen. ❤️🤍💙

📚✨ Learning about our past helps us understand the responsibilities we have as citizens today!

Happy Constitution Day & Citizenship Day, Garfield Eagles! 🦅
9 days ago, Garfield Elementary
Picture discussing Constitution Day.
🌭🧺 REMINDER, GARFIELD FAMILIES! 🧺🌭

Just a reminder that Family Night is TOMORROW! 🎉

Come join us for Picnic at the Playground and enjoy an evening of family fun, hot dogs, games, and time with our Garfield community! 🦅❤️

📅 Thursday, September 17th
⏰ 4:30–6:00 PM
📍 Garfield Playground
🌭 Hot Dog Dinner + FREE Entry!

Bring your blankets and chairs and come ready to have some fun! We’d love to see as many Garfield families as possible! ☀️🍎🌭

We can’t wait to see you tomorrow! ❤️🦅
9 days ago, Garfield Elementary
Picture reminding families of the family night tomorrow night.
💙🤍 Meet Miss West! 🤍💙

Today we’re introducing one of the newest members of our Garfield family—Miss West, our 1st-grade teacher! 📚🍎

This school year is extra special for Miss West because it is her first year of teaching! 🎉 We’re excited to watch her begin her teaching journey and make memories with her very first group of first graders.

Miss West is originally from Sioux Falls and is a proud graduate of the University of South Dakota. 🎓❤️💙 Go Yotes!

When she’s not in the classroom, Miss West loves to read, create diamond art, and practice her crocheting skills. 📚✨🧶

She’s also great at reminding us to take a breath and remember:
✨ “Let’s be calm, cool, and collected!” ✨

We’re so glad Miss West has joined our 1st-grade team and can’t wait to see all the wonderful things her first year at Garfield brings! 🦅💙🤍

#GarfieldEagles #MeetOurStaff #GarfieldFamily #FirstGrade #FirstYearTeacher #GoYotes
9 days ago, Garfield Elementary
Miss West at her college graduation with her diploma.
🗺️🌎 Students in K01 started Social Studies last week learning all about maps and globes, and they ended the week by creating a class map of their very own!

Of course, they had to add a little fun to their learning! During their Pigeon Scavenger Hunt, one of the “treasures” hidden in the treasure chest was a mini school bus—a perfect connection to Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!

Once the students saw the buses, they had one very important question: Could they drive their buses on the roads of their map?! 🚌😂

So, naturally, they had to let those buses hit the road! It was a fun way to connect their learning, their books, and a little imagination all in one activity. ❤️🚌📚
11 days ago, Garfield Elementary
Students on the floor making a class map.
💙🤍 Meet Mr. Stansbury! 🤍💙

Today we’re shining the spotlight on Mr. Stansbury—better known to many of our students as Mr. S! 🦅💙 He serves as our Success Coordinator and is someone who plays an important role in helping our students feel supported and successful at Garfield.

Mr. Stansbury has been working as a counselor in the school district for 17 years, bringing a wealth of experience and a genuine passion for helping students along the way. He is originally from Sioux Falls and earned both his undergraduate and graduate degrees from South Dakota State University. 🎓🐰

When he’s not at school, you’ll most likely find Mr. S at the gym or cheering on his kids at their activities. 💪🏀⚾🏐

Two sayings that Mr. Stansbury likes to carry with him are:

✨ “Things don’t change unless things change.”
✨ “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.”

We’re thankful to have someone like Mr. S helping our students navigate challenges, build confidence, and find success each day. 💙🤍

🦅 Thanks for all you do for our Garfield Eagles, Mr. S!

#GarfieldEagles #MeetOurStaff #GarfieldFamily #SuccessCoordinator #MrS #StudentSuccess
11 days ago, Garfield Elementary
Mr. Stansbury with a troll and one of his children.
Some of our youngest learners in 102 have been hard at work exploring math with manipulatives—and having a little fun along the way! 🔢🧩✨
It’s amazing to watch our students work together, share ideas, and use their creativity as they build, explore, and learn. Sometimes the best learning happens when students can get their hands on the math and discover things together! 💡👏
We love seeing our little Garfield Eagles learning, creating, and growing together! 🦅💙🤍
11 days ago, Garfield Elementary
A student creating small animals out of math shapes.
A students showing her design on a geoboard.
Two students working together to make a design using shape cubes.
3 students on the floor making designs with shapes.
💙🤍 Meet Miss Tina! 🤍💙
Today, we’re introducing you to Miss Tina, our amazing American Sign Language Interpreter! 🤟💙
Miss Tina brings an incredible 28 years of experience working in different schools to Garfield. She is originally from Litchfield, Minnesota, and attended St. Catherine’s University. 🎓
When she’s not at school, you can find Miss Tina enjoying the outdoors—biking, canoeing, camping, and taking walks with her dog! 🚲🛶🏕️🐾
A quote that Miss Tina lives by is:
✨ “You can do more than you think.” ✨
We’re grateful for the experience, dedication, and support Miss Tina brings to our Garfield Eagles each day! 💙🤍
#GarfieldEagles #MeetOurStaff #GarfieldFamily #ASLInterpreter #YouCanDoMoreThanYouThink
12 days ago, Garfield Elementary
Miss Tina by the water with her dog.
We are so grateful for the incredible support from our neighbors at St. John’s Lutheran! 💙 They generously donated school supplies and a gift of money to support our school families. Their kindness and generosity are a wonderful reminder of what makes our community so special! Thank you, St. John’s Lutheran, for caring for our students and families and for being such amazing neighbors! 🦅💙
12 days ago, Garfield Elementary
Mrs. Skogstad with 3 people from St. John’s Church donating items to the school
💙🤍 PICTURE DAY IS COMING! 📸🤍💙
Get those smiles ready, Garfield Eagles! 🦅😁
📸 Tuesday, September 15th is Picture Day at Garfield Elementary!
It’s time to smile big and capture those special school-year memories! ✨
📸 Don’t forget to bring your picture packet with you OR you can order your pictures online!
Now practice those smiles and get ready to SAY CHEESE, EAGLES! 😁📸💙🤍
12 days ago, Garfield Elementary
Poster to remind families of picture day on Tuesday, September 15th.
💙🤍 Meet Miss Tranberg! 🤍💙

We are so excited to introduce Miss Tranberg, one of our amazing Kindergarten teachers! 🍎📚 This is Miss Tranberg’s first year of teaching, and we are so lucky to have her as part of the Garfield family!

Originally from Sioux Falls, Miss Tranberg recently graduated from Augustana University and is excited to begin her teaching journey with our Garfield Eagles! 🦅

Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family and going on walks with her dog, Milo. 🐾

Miss Tranberg is passionate about building meaningful relationships with her students and making sure every child feels welcomed, loved, and valued each day. ❤️ One of the sweetest parts of her day comes when her students are heading home and she gets to send them off with her special goodbye:

“Love you, bye!” 🥹💙

We know Miss Tranberg is going to make such a positive impact on the lives of her Kindergarten students, and we are so excited to have her begin her teaching career here at Garfield!

💙🤍 Welcome to the Garfield family, Miss Tranberg! We are so happy you’re here! 🤍💙

#GarfieldEagles #MeetOurStaff #GarfieldFamily #Kindergarten #FirstYearTeacher #LoveYouBye
15 days ago, Garfield Elementary
Self picture of Miss Tranberg