2026–2027 School Year
South Sioux City Community Schools is seeking a dynamic, student-centered leader to serve as the next Principal of Covington Elementary School.
We are looking for a proven culture-builder and instructional leader who leads with a collaborative vision, emotional intelligence, and a strong commitment to academic excellence.
Key Responsibilities:
• Foster a positive, inclusive school culture
• Lead rigorous, data-informed instruction
• Develop and support high-performing teachers
• Promote student well-being
• Engage families and strengthen community partnerships
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives
• Ensure safe, efficient, and effective daily school operations
Qualifications:
• Must hold or be eligible to obtain a Nebraska Administrative Certification with applicable endorsement
• District residency required
📍 Apply online at: www.ssccardinals.org
📅 Position remains open until filled
The South Sioux City School District is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, disability, race, color, religion, veteran status, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, or other protected status. Positions are subject to a military or veteran’s preference.
#WeAreSCC #CardinalPride #EducationalLeadership #SSCIsThePlaceToBe
📅 February 16–20, 2026
South Sioux City Community Schools is celebrating a week full of kindness, school spirit, and community support! ❤️
Join us by participating in dress-up days, purchasing glow sticks, and supporting our local restaurant partners — all while helping make a difference for families in our community.
All proceeds from glow stick sales and staff jeans week donations, along with our restaurant kindness days, will benefit Cardinal Christmas Baskets.
Support Kindness Week by dining local!
Check out the “SSC Kindness Week” specials at these local restaurants:
• SSC Scooters – $1 donated for every Toastie Sandwich purchased
• The Nest – 5% of pizza sales donated
• Los Altos – $1 donated for every Birria Taco Platter purchased
Let’s come together to spread kindness, show our Cardinal pride, and support one another.
❤️ Cardinals—Let Your Kindness Shine!
#WeAreSSC #CardinalPride #LetYourKindnessShine
🎓 See you at the Wayne State College Education Fair!
South Sioux City Community Schools will be at Wayne State College on February 6th to connect with passionate individuals interested in inspiring the next generation.
📍 Kanter Student Center
⏰ 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Stop by to learn more about our district, current career opportunities, and what makes our schools and community such a great place to grow and serve.
👉 Visit www.ssccardinals.org/apply to apply today.
We can’t wait to meet you! ❤️🖤
#SSCCardinals #EducationFair #FutureEducators #TeachWhereYouBelong #WayneStateCollege #SSCIsThePlaceToBe
This week, we celebrate and thank our incredible school counselors for the vital role they play in supporting our students every day. From academic planning and social-emotional support to college and career readiness, our counselors are trusted advocates who help students navigate challenges, build confidence, and reach their goals.
Their compassion, dedication, and commitment make a lasting difference in the lives of our students and families. We are so grateful for all that you do, today and every day!
#NationalSchoolCounselingWeek #ThankYouCounselors #StudentSupport #MakingADifference
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💛 ¡Feliz Semana Nacional de los Consejeros Escolares! 💛
Esta semana celebramos y agradecemos a nuestros increíbles consejeros escolares por el papel tan importante que desempeñan en el apoyo diario a nuestros estudiantes. Desde la orientación académica y el apoyo socioemocional hasta la preparación para la universidad y las carreras profesionales, nuestros consejeros son defensores clave que ayudan a los estudiantes a enfrentar retos, fortalecer su confianza y alcanzar sus metas.
Su dedicación, empatía y compromiso marcan una diferencia duradera en la vida de nuestros estudiantes y familias. ¡Gracias por todo lo que hacen hoy y todos los días!
#SemanaNacionalDeConsejeríaEscolar #GraciasConsejeros #ApoyoEstudiantil #MarcandoLaDiferencia
📚⏰ Attendance Matters!
Every tardy, early check-out, and absence adds up.
Even 15–30 minutes a day can turn into days of lost learning over a year.
Every minute counts when it comes to reading on grade level and student success.
Thank you for partnering with us to help students arrive on time and stay all day—every day.❤️📖
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📚⏰ ¡La asistencia sí importa!
Cada tardanza, salida temprana y ausencia se acumula.
Incluso 15–30 minutos al día pueden convertirse en días de aprendizaje perdido durante el año.
Cada minuto cuenta cuando se trata de leer al nivel del grado y apoyar el éxito estudiantil.
Gracias por trabajar junto a nosotros para que los estudiantes lleguen a tiempo y permanezcan todo el día ❤️📖
Morning preschool classes will be canceled.
Full-day preschool will begin on a two-hour delay.
This delay allows transportation staff time to start and warm buses and provides facilities staff the opportunity to check and prepare school buildings prior to student arrival.
Please note: the previously scheduled early dismissal for PLCs will remain in place.
We will continue to monitor conditions and communicate any additional updates as needed. The safety of our students and staff remains our top priority.
Las escuelas comunitarias de South Sioux City comenzarán con un retraso de dos horas mañana (lunes 26 de enero de 2026) debido a las condiciones de frío extremo previstas.
Las clases de preescolar por la mañana serán canceladas. El preescolar de jornada completa comenzará con un retraso de dos horas.
Este retraso permite que el personal de transporte tenga tiempo para encender y calentar los autobuses, y que el personal de instalaciones pueda revisar y preparar los edificios escolares antes de la llegada de los estudiantes.
Nota: La salida anticipada previamente programada para los PLC se mantendrá según lo previsto.
Continuaremos monitoreando las condiciones y comunicaremos cualquier actualización adicional según sea necesario. La seguridad de nuestros estudiantes y personal sigue siendo nuestra máxima prioridad.
South Sioux City Community Schools will operate on a two-hour late start tomorrow (Friday, January 23, 2026), due to extreme weather conditions.
Morning preschool classes will be canceled. (Full day preschool will start two-hours late)
We will continue to monitor conditions and communicate any additional updates as needed. The safety of our students and staff remains our top priority.
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Las Escuelas Comunitarias de South Sioux City operarán con un retraso de dos horas el viernes 23 de enero de 2026, debido a condiciones climáticas extremas.
Las clases de preescolar del turno de la mañana serán canceladas. (Preescolar de dia completo comenzara dos horas tarde)
Continuaremos monitoreando las condiciones y comunicaremos cualquier actualización adicional según sea necesario. La seguridad de nuestros estudiantes y personal sigue siendo nuestra máxima prioridad.
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Dugsiyada Bulshada ee South Sioux City waxay berri (Jimce, Janaayo 23, 2026) bilaabi doonaan waxbarashada labo saacadood oo dib u dhac ah, sababo la xiriira xaalado cimilo oo aad u daran.
Fasalada barbaarinta (preschool) ee subaxda waa la joojin doonaa.
(Barbaarinta maalinta oo dhan waxay bilaaban doontaa labo saacadood oo dib u dhac ah.)
Waxaan sii wadi doonnaa la socodka xaaladaha cimilada, waxaana la wadaagi doonnaa wixii warar dheeraad ah marka loo baahdo. Badbaadada ardaydeena iyo shaqaalaheena ayaa ah mudnaanta koowaad ee noo ah.
This is the final week of the Weigh-In for Hunger challenge, and we are asking for one last push to support this great effort led by our SSC Wrestling program in partnership with Educators Rising.
The friendly competition between Boys Wrestling and Girls Wrestling is still underway. As of today, the Girls team is in the lead with 72 cans, while the Boys team has collected 24 cans—but there is still time for the standings to change.
Students, staff, and families are encouraged to bring canned food donations to any home event this week or send items with students to drop off at school during the day. Every can counts toward a team’s total and helps support local food security efforts.
Thank you for helping us finish strong and for continuing to support both our students and our community through this meaningful initiative.
Families are invited to register for Redbirds Volleyball – Spring 2026, open to students in 2nd through 8th grade. This youth volleyball opportunity focuses on skill development, teamwork, and game experience in a structured and supportive environment. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe3bjCd26J9H1nOPqN0R2rAd0Bud5gnBHLrGriacDpn5GeYaA/viewform
Spring / Summer 2026 Travel Team
The Redbirds are gearing up for the Spring and Summer 2026 travel basketball season and are looking for athletes ready to compete at a high level. Our program emphasizes a fast pace, high energy, and a strong commitment to growth—both on and off the court.
If you’re willing to put in the work, challenge yourself, and be part of a team that brings intensity every day, we’d love to see you at tryouts.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-VCPQRg6n5hw58Re0XLklTsJJJqzgebz/view?usp=sharing
January is School Board Recognition Month, and we sincerely thank our Board of Education for the time, vision, and dedication they give to our district. Their leadership helps move our schools forward and creates meaningful opportunities for every student we serve. We invite our parents, students, staff, and community members to join us in recognizing the commitment and care these individuals bring to their role. While much of their service happens behind the scenes, the impact is felt every day in our classrooms, programs, and throughout our community. We are truly grateful for their leadership and continued support of our students and schools.
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Enero es el Mes de Reconocimiento de la Mesa Directiva Escolar, y agradecemos sinceramente a nuestra mesa directiva por el tiempo, la visión y la dedicación que brindan a nuestro distrito. Su liderazgo ayuda a que nuestras escuelas sigan avanzando y a crear oportunidades significativas para cada estudiante al que servimos. Invitamos a nuestras familias, estudiantes, personal y miembros de la comunidad a unirse a este reconocimiento y a valorar el compromiso y el cuidado que estas personas aportan a su labor. Aunque gran parte de su servicio se realiza detrás de escena, su impacto se siente todos los días en nuestras aulas, programas y en toda nuestra comunidad. Estamos verdaderamente agradecidos por su liderazgo y por el apoyo continuo que brindan a nuestros estudiantes y escuelas.
Spanish:
Hoy y todos los días, agradecemos a nuestros aliados de las fuerzas del orden que ayudan a mantener seguras nuestras escuelas.
Victor, a FAFSA specialist with EducationQuest, will be on site at South Sioux City High School on Wednesday, January 14, and Thursday, January 15, to assist students and families with completing the FAFSA. Because these sessions are appointment-based, families are required to schedule a time in advance so that each appointment allows for focused, individualized support.
Completing the FAFSA is now a graduation requirement in Nebraska for high school seniors unless a waiver is submitted. In addition to meeting this requirement, the FAFSA serves as the gateway to federal, state, and college-based financial aid. Without a completed FAFSA, students will not receive financial aid packages from colleges or universities.
“We still have a significant number of seniors who need to complete the FAFSA or submit a waiver,” said Linda Swanson, school counselor at South Sioux City High School. “Roughly two-thirds of our senior class—about 200 students—still need to take this step. These sessions with EducationQuest are an excellent opportunity to get it done correctly and early.”
Swanson explained that families who have previously completed the FAFSA for an older sibling may already have an existing FSA ID, which can help move the process along. However, she emphasized that families should not feel discouraged or delay scheduling an appointment if they are unsure what information they have or where to begin.
“The important thing is to come in,” Swanson said. “If you don’t know something, if you’re stuck, or if you’re unsure what applies to your situation, that’s exactly why these appointments exist. Victor is here to help families work through the process step by step.”
During the sessions, laptops and Chromebooks will be available for use. Families are encouraged to bring their phones, as the FAFSA system may send verification or security codes during login. While tax information can be helpful, EducationQuest staff can still assist families who are missing documents or need help identifying what information is required.
One advantage of the EducationQuest sessions is the level of expertise available. Victor works exclusively with FAFSA completion and financial aid guidance and brings years of experience helping Nebraska families navigate the process. He is bilingual and provides assistance in both English and Spanish, making the sessions accessible to a broad range of families.
Because Victor is the sole specialist on site during these days, appointments are required. Families are encouraged to schedule early to ensure available time slots are filled and used efficiently. To make an appointment, families may call EducationQuest directly at 402-391-4033. Students may also contact the South Sioux City High School counseling office, where counselors or the school counseling secretary can assist with scheduling or answer questions.
While South Sioux City High School counselors will continue offering additional FAFSA support sessions later in the semester, Swanson stressed the value of completing the application as soon as possible.
“The earlier the FAFSA is completed, the earlier students can begin receiving financial aid offers from colleges,” she said. “Even if everything isn’t finalized in one sitting, starting now gives families time to follow up if additional information is needed.”
EducationQuest services are provided at no cost, and the organization also assists families with students who are already enrolled in college and need help completing the FAFSA. Additional details on preparing for a FAFSA appointment and required information can be found on this form. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1K50e7Ko8KpfrCIJMM96gVqQUY4lfsaBI/view?usp=sharing
Families with questions are encouraged to reach out directly to EducationQuest for assistance or contact the South Sioux City High School counseling office.
This month, we’re proud to recognize the powerful impact of mentoring and to shine a spotlight on the difference our TeamMates Mentoring Program makes in the lives of our students.
Through TeamMates, caring mentors build meaningful, one-to-one relationships with students offering encouragement, consistency, and a trusted presence. These connections help students grow in confidence, strengthen their academic and social skills, and feel supported both in and out of the classroom.
Mentorship isn’t just about guidance it’s about showing up, listening, and believing in a student’s potential. We are incredibly grateful for the mentors who dedicate their time and hearts to uplifting our students and helping them see what’s possible.
Thank you to our TeamMates mentors, staff, and supporters for investing in our students and helping shape brighter futures one relationship at a time. ❤️
#NationalMentoringMonth #TeamMates #BuildingConnections #SupportingStudents #CardinalPride
We are so proud of our Lewis & Clark students and staff for their generosity and leadership this holiday season! Through their Coffee Sales and Pajama Day fundraiser, these students came together to support Cardinal Christmas Baskets.
☕ Coffee Sales: $595
🛌 Pajama Day: $796
✨ Grand Total Raised: $1,391 ✨
This incredible effort is a true reflection of Cardinal pride, kindness, and the power of giving back. Thank you to our students for leading with heart, and to our staff and families who supported these fundraisers. Because of you, our community will feel a little more warmth this holiday season.
❤️ Way to go, Lewis & Clark! ❤️
Calendar Reminder for SSC Families
As we head into the holiday season, here are a couple of important upcoming dates to keep in mind:
📌 Friday, December 19
• K–12 Half Day for Students
• Pre-K- No School Staff SIP/Work Day
📌 December 22 – January 6
• No School for PK–12 Students (Winter Break)
We hope our Cardinals enjoy a safe, restful, and joyful break with family and friends. ❤️
Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to welcoming students back in January!
🐦 #SSCschools #CardinalPride #WinterBreakReminder
Planning for life after high school? Completing the FAFSA is a key step in accessing grants, scholarships, and low-interest federal student loans — and help is available!
📅 Tomorrow, Tuesday, December 16
🕓 4:00–6:00 PM
📍 High School Library
Whether you’re just getting started or have questions along the way, staff will be on hand to assist you. Completing the FAFSA does not commit students to accepting aid, but it does keep important options open.
If your senior hasn’t completed the FAFSA yet, we encourage families to stop by and take advantage of this support before winter break.
👉 Walk-ins welcome. We hope to see you there!
Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an important step in accessing grants, scholarships, and low-interest federal student loans for education after high school. Completing the FAFSA does not obligate students to accept aid, but not completing it can limit future options.
To support students and families, FAFSA help sessions will be available:
📅 Thursday, December 11
🕓 4:00–6:00 PM
📍 High School Library
📅 Tuesday, December 16
🕓 4:00–6:00 PM
📍 High School Library
If your senior has not yet completed the FAFSA, we encourage you to stop by and take advantage of this assistance before winter break.
