Happy Wednesday! Megan here.

Weather check: Perfect for cozying up with a spooky book and a hot choccy

This week, you'll get a look at the latest demographics among Sioux Falls public school students. Plus, the Riverline District Steering Committee is on pause – what does that mean for a downtown convention center? And don't miss a bonkers amount of stuff to do for Halloween.

And now, news:

EDUCATION

Who's enrolled in Sioux Falls' public schools?

Simplified: The Sioux Falls School District saw slightly fewer students this year, but overall there's an increase in diversity, an increase in the number of students receiving special education services, and about half of kids qualifying for free or reduced lunches. Here's a closer look at the data.

Why it matters

  • All told, the district saw a decrease of 172 kids year-over-year, based on active enrollments the last Friday in September. That count helps the state determine how much funding the district should get based on the number of kids served.
  • Enrollment overall has been relatively flat over the last five years, which is to be expected as most growth in Sioux Falls is happening on the edges of town in areas that fall in neighboring school districts.
  • Sioux Falls is the largest school district in the state by far, which means it's also the most well-resourced when it comes to supports for kids who require extra help – like the more than 3,000 kids who are still learning English, or the 4,400 in special education.
"We believe that we are better because we have all of those cultures and backgrounds among our students," district spokeswoman DeeAnn Konrad told school board members Monday night.

Tell me more

CITY

Why a downtown convention center plan is on 'pause'

Simplified: It's not goodbye – it's see you later. That was the vibe during a Monday afternoon Riverline District Steering Committee meeting in which the committee voted to "press pause" on its work until a community partner steps in to take the lead on advocating for a new convention center downtown.

Why it matters

  • The steering committee was established last fall to help the city decide whether it should purchase an $8 million parcel of land east of downtown for the purpose of building a new convention center. 
  • One year later, the land is long-since purchased, and consultants have laid out potential options for building, funding and operating a new, 330,000-square-foot convention center at an estimated cost of $250 million. The only hang up is there isn’t any set entity in charge of moving the project forward. 
  • It won’t be led by the city, as Mayor Paul TenHaken told committee members earlier this year. And so far, there hasn’t been a community group established to advocate for a new convention center downtown, leaving the project in limbo. But committee members say they still have work to do, and this isn’t the end of the road. 
“We’re going to continue work behind-the-scenes,” said Bob Mundt, president and CEO of the Sioux Falls Development Foundation. “So, six months from now, nine months from now, we can come forward with this information.” 

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TL;DR

Super Simplified Stories

  • Money for airport expansion? Gov. Larry Rhoden last week announced plans for the state to help fund a Sioux Falls airport expansion with 0% loans. South Dakota Public Broadcasting has the details.
  • 👯Come and play with us, Danny.* It's your last chance to see Camp Leif Ericson like you've never seen it before. The Terror29 Trail of Terror is a twisted outdoor experience that takes you deep into the haunted forest and turns the site of your cheerful childhood memories into something far more sinister. Get your tickets here.
  • More accessible naloxone. Nonprofit Emily's Hope is partnering up with Avera to bring more naloxone (commonly known as Narcan) distribution boxes to the city. Naloxone can help reverse the effects of opioids and save lives when someone is experiencing an overdose. It can now be found at Avera Behavioral Health urgent care, the Avera McKennan emergency department and Avera Sacred Heart Hospital emergency department in Yankton. Naloxone is also available at most pharmacies. Learn more here.

More Super Simplified Stories

  • Parks board approves master plan. The city's five year master plan for all things parks and recreation is one step closer to final adoption after getting unanimous approval from the parks board Tuesday afternoon. It'll move now to the City Council for final approval starting next week. Find more context on the plan here.
  • Ready to lash out?* Arcana Lash Co. + Suites is celebrating one year of enhancing beauty in Sioux Falls with a ribbon cutting event from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Nov. 6. In addition to lash extensions, the studio offers suites with hair, nails, and even psychic mediumship services, making Arcana a one-of-a-kind destination for beauty and self-care. Learn more here.
  • New high school. A new Catholic classical school announced this week it'll be expanding to add a high school option next year. St. Joseph Academy, which now serves pre-K through eighth graders, will share a building with St. Joseph Classical – a new alternative high school that's part of a network of 70 schools within the Chesterton Schools Network. Learn more here.

*Denotes a paid partnership

EVENTS

Stuff to do: Halloween edition

  • The mash. The monster mash. Good Natured is hosting its own Monster Mash event with live music from three alternative bands and a costume contest for attendees. It’s all going down starting at 6 p.m. Friday, and tickets are $5 at the door. Details here. 
  • Go emo. Channel all of your teen angst and emo vibes, pull on your fishnet tights, paint your fingernails black and head to DaDa Gastropub Friday night for Emo Night. The 18+ event will feature live music, costume contests and themed drinks. Details here. 
  • Hit the bars. Once the kids have gotten their treats, it’s time for the grown ups to get theirs. Rough Cut Social is hosting a Halloween bar crawl Friday and Saturday night with creepy cocktails, a couple drinks included in the ticket price, exclusive drink specials and even an official badge to indicate you’re part of the crawl. Details here.
  • It’s just a jump to the left. Good Night Theatre Collective is staging its own take on cult classic the Rocky Horror Show. See the show you know in a way you’ve never seen before with performances Thursday through Saturday. Details and tickets here.
  • Listen to spooky stories. The Premiere Playhouse is hosting a Halloween Stories event Friday night at the Rock Island Building downtown. You can hear local performers read works by local writers and enjoy all of the theatrical spook. Learn more here.
  • Get a little macabre. DaDa Gastropub is promising a night of cocktails, cuisine and curious company during its Tim Burton-themed cocktail dinner Thursday evening. Start with a Mad Hatter cocktail hour at 6 p.m. followed by a four-course meal with paired drinks. Details and tickets here.
  • Listen to bluegrass. Not into the spooky vibes? I've got you. Keep things chill and bluegrass-y with The Cloverfold and Elsa Rae at Club David Saturday night. Details here.

THIS AND THAT

What I'm falling for this week:

ICYMI

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Meet the ‘new’ statewide theatre company that’s been here for decades
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Should the mayor be part of the Sioux Falls City Council? Voters may decide.
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