Orientation & Open House Dates & Times
The times for this year's Orientation sessions and Open House have been set!
Check the schedule below for your student's event.
Orientations includes a scheduled presentation and is designed for students transitioning to a new school building. It provides an opportunity to become familiar with their new campus before the first day of school.
Open House is a drop-in event where students and families can meet teachers and visit classrooms.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back for another great year at Southside!
August 6th Orientations (presentation)
3rd - 5:30 Intermediate Cafeteria
6th - 5:30 Middle School Cafeteria
9th and 10th - 5:30 Last Name A-L High School Auditorium
9th and 10th - 6:30 Last Name M-Z High School Auditorium
August 10th Orientations (presentation)
Kindergarten - 5:30 Last Name A-L Elementary Cafeteria
Kindergarten - 6:30 Last Name M-Z Elementary Cafeteria
4th - 5:30 Intermediate Cafeteria
7th - 5:30 Middle School Cafeteria
August 11th Open House (drop in)
Preschool - 4:30-6:30
1st, 2nd, 5th - 5:00-7:00
8th, 11th, 12th - 5:30-7:30
The Southside School Board is accepting applications to fill a vacant Zone 1 board position. Interested candidates must reside in Zone 1 (Clearview, Riverview, Buffalo Creek). Interested individuals should contact Superintendent Dion Stevens to obtain an updated Zone 1 map and information about the application process.
Required signatures of registered voters must be submitted to the Independence County Clerk by August 1, 2026.
The selected applicant will be appointed by the current sitting members of the School Board and will serve until the position is up for re-election in March 2032.
Required signatures of registered voters must be submitted to the Independence County Clerk by August 1, 2026.
The selected applicant will be appointed by the current sitting members of the School Board and will serve until the position is up for re-election in March 2032.
Join Our Team at Southside Preschool!
We’re hiring Paraprofessionals who are passionate about helping young children learn and grow.
A CDA, Certificate of Proficiency, or Associate of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education is required and may be obtained while employed.
Ready to make a difference? Apply today:
https://southsideschools.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5795309
Southside School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
We’re hiring Paraprofessionals who are passionate about helping young children learn and grow.
A CDA, Certificate of Proficiency, or Associate of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education is required and may be obtained while employed.
Ready to make a difference? Apply today:
https://southsideschools.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5795309
Southside School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Save the Date - Orientation & Open House!
As Southside Schools begins our new grade-level configuration this year, we're offering Orientation for students who are transitioning to a new campus. These sessions are designed to help students and families become familiar with their new building, meet staff, and start the school year with confidence.
Orientation
• August 6: Grades 3, 6 & 9
• August 10: Grades K, 4, 7 & 10
Open House
• August 11: Preschool, Grades 1, 2, 5, 8, 11 & 12
First Day of School
August 13
We look forward to welcoming everyone back for another great year at Southside! We can't wait to see our students as they begin this exciting new chapter together.
As Southside Schools begins our new grade-level configuration this year, we're offering Orientation for students who are transitioning to a new campus. These sessions are designed to help students and families become familiar with their new building, meet staff, and start the school year with confidence.
Orientation
• August 6: Grades 3, 6 & 9
• August 10: Grades K, 4, 7 & 10
Open House
• August 11: Preschool, Grades 1, 2, 5, 8, 11 & 12
First Day of School
August 13
We look forward to welcoming everyone back for another great year at Southside! We can't wait to see our students as they begin this exciting new chapter together.
AAA-MANDATED DEAD PERIOD
June 22 – July 5
In compliance with Arkansas Activities Association (AAA) regulations, all Southside athletic facilities will be closed during the mandated dead period.
No student-athletes may use Southside athletic facilities during this time, with or without coaches present.
Activities Resume July 6
Thank you for your cooperation and support in helping us remain in compliance with AAA regulations.
June 22 – July 5
In compliance with Arkansas Activities Association (AAA) regulations, all Southside athletic facilities will be closed during the mandated dead period.
No student-athletes may use Southside athletic facilities during this time, with or without coaches present.
Activities Resume July 6
Thank you for your cooperation and support in helping us remain in compliance with AAA regulations.
Southside Schools is pleased to announce two leadership appointments for the 2026-2027 school year.
Please join us in welcoming Brad McGhee as Principal of Southside Charter High School and Mandy Blevins as Principal of Southside Intermediate School.
Mr. McGhee brings a strong commitment to student success and educational excellence as he begins this new role at Southside Charter High School. Mrs. Blevins, who has served as Assistant Principal at Southside Middle School, will now lead the reconfigured Intermediate campus as Principal, continuing her dedication to students, staff, and families.
We are excited for the future of both campuses and look forward to the leadership, vision, and enthusiasm these educators will bring to their new positions.
Congratulations, Mr. McGhee and Mrs. Blevins! We wish you both a successful and rewarding year ahead.
Please join us in welcoming Brad McGhee as Principal of Southside Charter High School and Mandy Blevins as Principal of Southside Intermediate School.
Mr. McGhee brings a strong commitment to student success and educational excellence as he begins this new role at Southside Charter High School. Mrs. Blevins, who has served as Assistant Principal at Southside Middle School, will now lead the reconfigured Intermediate campus as Principal, continuing her dedication to students, staff, and families.
We are excited for the future of both campuses and look forward to the leadership, vision, and enthusiasm these educators will bring to their new positions.
Congratulations, Mr. McGhee and Mrs. Blevins! We wish you both a successful and rewarding year ahead.
The 2026–2027 School Supply Lists are here!
Families can begin preparing for the upcoming school year. We’re looking forward to another great year of learning, growth, and success! 💙💛
Kindergarten
Plastic Nap Mat
Tissues
1 package of pencils*
Disinfectant Wipes
Backpack
Change of Clothes
1st Grade
2 boxes of 24 count crayons
Tissues
Hand Sanitizer
Disinfectant Wipes
Backpack
Change of Clothes
2nd Grade
Backpack
Ziploc bags (quart or gallon)
Hand Sanitizer
Disinfectant Wipes
Change of Clothes
3rd Grade
2 packages of pencils*
Tissues
Disinfectant Wipes
Backpack
4th Grade
2 packages of pencils*
Tissues (Girls)
Disinfectant Wipes (Boys)
Filler Paper
Backpack
5th Grade
2 packages of pencils*
Disinfectant Wipes
Plastic Zipper Baggies (qt or gal)
Backpack
6th - 8th Grade
Tissues
2 packages of pencils*
2 packages of college ruled paper
Disinfectant Wipes
Backpack
9th - 12th Grade
2 packages of pencils (10 count or more)*
4 packages of college ruled filler paper
12 blue/black ink pens
Backpack
Supply recommendations:
*Ticonderoga pencils are preferred but not a required brand to purchase.
**Plastic zipper baggies: Boys buy quart size and girls buy gallon size.
Families can begin preparing for the upcoming school year. We’re looking forward to another great year of learning, growth, and success! 💙💛
Kindergarten
Plastic Nap Mat
Tissues
1 package of pencils*
Disinfectant Wipes
Backpack
Change of Clothes
1st Grade
2 boxes of 24 count crayons
Tissues
Hand Sanitizer
Disinfectant Wipes
Backpack
Change of Clothes
2nd Grade
Backpack
Ziploc bags (quart or gallon)
Hand Sanitizer
Disinfectant Wipes
Change of Clothes
3rd Grade
2 packages of pencils*
Tissues
Disinfectant Wipes
Backpack
4th Grade
2 packages of pencils*
Tissues (Girls)
Disinfectant Wipes (Boys)
Filler Paper
Backpack
5th Grade
2 packages of pencils*
Disinfectant Wipes
Plastic Zipper Baggies (qt or gal)
Backpack
6th - 8th Grade
Tissues
2 packages of pencils*
2 packages of college ruled paper
Disinfectant Wipes
Backpack
9th - 12th Grade
2 packages of pencils (10 count or more)*
4 packages of college ruled filler paper
12 blue/black ink pens
Backpack
Supply recommendations:
*Ticonderoga pencils are preferred but not a required brand to purchase.
**Plastic zipper baggies: Boys buy quart size and girls buy gallon size.
The June Southside School District board meeting has been rescheduled to June 15th.
Join us for a Ribbon Cutting!
The ribbon-cutting ceremony marks a significant milestone in campus growth and student investment. Join us at 9 a.m. on Thursday, May 21. Community members, school supporters, families, and local leaders are invited to attend and tour the new facilities.
Features include new classrooms, advanced science and technology labs, upgraded athletic facilities, a fine arts suite, expanded cafeteria and dining areas, arena seating, concession spaces, and community safe room.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony marks a significant milestone in campus growth and student investment. Join us at 9 a.m. on Thursday, May 21. Community members, school supporters, families, and local leaders are invited to attend and tour the new facilities.
Features include new classrooms, advanced science and technology labs, upgraded athletic facilities, a fine arts suite, expanded cafeteria and dining areas, arena seating, concession spaces, and community safe room.
Summer Meals begin Wednesday, May 20!
Breakfast and lunch are available for all children 18 years and younger.
Meals will be served in the Southside High School and Southside Elementary cafeterias:
Monday–Friday
Breakfast: 7:30–8:30 a.m.
Lunch: 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Families also have the option to pick up 5 days of complete breakfast and lunch meals each Tuesday from 9:00–11:00 a.m. at Southside Elementary for children who are unable to eat on site.
For more information about Summer Meals, visit:https://www.fns.usda.gov/meals4kids
Breakfast and lunch are available for all children 18 years and younger.
Meals will be served in the Southside High School and Southside Elementary cafeterias:
Monday–Friday
Breakfast: 7:30–8:30 a.m.
Lunch: 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Families also have the option to pick up 5 days of complete breakfast and lunch meals each Tuesday from 9:00–11:00 a.m. at Southside Elementary for children who are unable to eat on site.
For more information about Summer Meals, visit:https://www.fns.usda.gov/meals4kids
Southside School District announced an important leadership transition following Monday night’s special board meeting.
Superintendent Dion Stevens will retire at the conclusion of the 2026-2027 school year after years of dedicated service and leadership that helped guide Southside through continued growth, campus expansion projects, and new opportunities for students and staff.
The Board of Education has named Jimmy Hodges as Superintendent-Elect for the 2026-2027 school year. Mr. Hodges currently serves as principal of Southside Charter High School and has served Southside students and families for the past 10 years in multiple leadership roles. During this transition year Mr. Hodges will work alongside Mr. Stevens in preparation for assuming superintendent responsibilities.
Please join us in thanking Mr. Stevens for his leadership and congratulating Mr. Hodges on his new role.
Superintendent Dion Stevens will retire at the conclusion of the 2026-2027 school year after years of dedicated service and leadership that helped guide Southside through continued growth, campus expansion projects, and new opportunities for students and staff.
The Board of Education has named Jimmy Hodges as Superintendent-Elect for the 2026-2027 school year. Mr. Hodges currently serves as principal of Southside Charter High School and has served Southside students and families for the past 10 years in multiple leadership roles. During this transition year Mr. Hodges will work alongside Mr. Stevens in preparation for assuming superintendent responsibilities.
Please join us in thanking Mr. Stevens for his leadership and congratulating Mr. Hodges on his new role.
The Southside School District will hold a special board meeting tonight at 5:30 p.m. in the Central Office.
The May edition of Inside Southside is here!
Stay up to date with the latest news, events, and celebrations happening in our schools.
👉 Read it here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KaBPGZls9BRHjyqZ8f56Bj0BRR9hEGfX/view?usp=sharing
🎓 Congratulations to the Class of 2026! 🎓
We proudly celebrate our graduates and their accomplishments.
For those unable to attend in person, the Class of 2026 Graduation Ceremony will be livestreamed on Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
Watch live: https://www.youtube.com/live/PLQXG34F1hU?si=Ckhtqa-FyFm__Guf
Best wishes to our graduates as they begin the next chapter.
We proudly celebrate our graduates and their accomplishments.
For those unable to attend in person, the Class of 2026 Graduation Ceremony will be livestreamed on Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
Watch live: https://www.youtube.com/live/PLQXG34F1hU?si=Ckhtqa-FyFm__Guf
Best wishes to our graduates as they begin the next chapter.
Due to the timing of the approaching inclement weather it may be necessary to dismiss our bus riders a little later than normal this afternoon. As always we want to do our best to insure the safety for our students and staff both on campus and as they travel to and from school. If you choose to pick up your child(ren) early, please do so as early as possible. If we are placed under a tornado warning they cannot be permitted to leave a saftey shelter.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
Attention Athletic Families!
FREE athletic physicals are coming up on May 5–6!
If your student plans to participate in summer or 2026–27 sports, a current physical is required.
✅ Physicals will be held in the Main Gymnasium
📅 May 5–6
📋 The required form MUST be completed BEFORE these dates
Please don't miss this opportunity - if your student is unable to attend, you will need to schedule a physical with your own provider.
Complete the required form here 👉 https://arcare.jotform.com/210705598388164
FREE athletic physicals are coming up on May 5–6!
If your student plans to participate in summer or 2026–27 sports, a current physical is required.
✅ Physicals will be held in the Main Gymnasium
📅 May 5–6
📋 The required form MUST be completed BEFORE these dates
Please don't miss this opportunity - if your student is unable to attend, you will need to schedule a physical with your own provider.
Complete the required form here 👉 https://arcare.jotform.com/210705598388164
Our Special Olympics athletes showed up and showed out! 💙
We are so proud of your determination, hard work, and the way you represented our school. You inspire us all!
We are so proud of your determination, hard work, and the way you represented our school. You inspire us all!
The April edition of Inside Southside is here!
Stay up to date with the latest news, events, and celebrations happening in our schools.
👉 Read it here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lAIMQIRMNf-ecNSsUmMrCfZXPVNJq6TR/view?usp=drive_link
Eggs were hidden. Baskets were ready. And our Preschool and Kindergarten friends were ON THE CASE! 🐣🔍 Watching the excitement, the squeals of delight, and the pure joy of a basket full of colorful eggs made for one of our favorite days of the year. We are so grateful for these amazing little learners and the families who share them with us. Wishing everyone a wonderful and Happy Easter!
Reminder -
There will be No School on Friday, April 3rd.
Registration for 2026-2027 Kindergarteners is April 7th.
There will be No School on Friday, April 3rd.
Registration for 2026-2027 Kindergarteners is April 7th.
