THIS MONTH: South Dakota Families, Educators Find the Positive in Education by Celebrating School Choice Week

Governor Kristi Noem Issued Proclamation Recognizing Jan. 24-30 as South Dakota School Choice Week

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Jan 15, 2021, 05:30 ET

PIERRE, D.C., Jan. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In the midst of a school year like no other, South Dakota families and educators are gearing up to safely spotlight education options during School Choice Week 2021. South Dakotans are hosting 63 virtual or at-home celebrations during the Week.

Taking place annually since 2011, School Choice Week is America's largest celebration of educational choice. While typically the Week is packed with large, in-person events, school choice advocates have adapted to this year's health and safety protocols, opting for drive through scavenger hunts, virtual information sessions and showcases, online contests, drive-in movie screenings, and more.

Across the country, more than two dozen iconic U.S. landmarks and notable buildings will light up in special colors to mark the Week.

Additionally, Governor Kristi Noem issued an official proclamation recognizing Jan. 24-30 as South Dakota School Choice Week.

"The disruptions of this past year have underlined the need for school choice. Now is the time to build up more affordable, effective education choices in South Dakota," said Andrew Campanella, president of National School Choice Week. "This School Choice Week, let's talk about how we can better serve South Dakota kids from kindergarten to graduation."

In South Dakota, there are a variety of educational options available including: traditional public schools with flexible open enrollment, private schools, and homeschooling. South Dakota families with income below certain thresholds may qualify for a state-run scholarship program.

South Dakota families will be raising awareness about these choices at their virtual celebrations, which make up some of the more than 33,000 planned nationwide to spotlight K-12 education options.

To download a guide to South Dakota school choice, use the Schools Near Me tool to search for schools in your area, or see celebration photos and proclamation updates, visit schoolchoiceweek.com/south-dakota.

National School Choice Week is an independent public awareness effort; the Week is nonpartisan, nonpolitical, and not related to any legislative advocacy campaign.

Select local celebrants are available to discuss their plans with reporters upon request. For information on celebrations planned near you, reach out to us with information about your coverage area at [email protected].

National School Choice Week shines a spotlight on effective education options for children and is the world's largest celebration of opportunity in K-12 education. The Week is a not-for-profit effort that focuses equally on traditional public, charter, magnet, online, private, and home education options. Every January, participants plan tens of thousands of events and activities to raise awareness about school choice across all 50 states. Year-round, National School Choice Week develops resources and guides to assist families searching for schools or learning environments for their children.

SOURCE National School Choice Week