Southside School District

A Bus Question Hotline will be available Tuesday, August 12th for families to call with any bus-related questions.

Updated route information can be found on our Transportation Page: https://www.southsideschools.org/page/transportation

Questions may also be emailed to bus@southsideschools.org.

We look forward to helping families make sure students arrive safely and on time.

Bell to Bell, No Cell - Arkansas Act 122
No Phones During School

As we begin a new school year, we want to make sure families are aware of Act 122, a new state law that goes into effect this year. This law requires that all personal electronic devices remain off and out of sight during the entire school day — from the time students arrive until dismissal.

✅Students may bring a phone or device to school, but it must be turned off and stored in a backpack or secured in a classroom phone locker.
🚫 Devices cannot be used, visible, or accessed during school hours — even inside a backpack.

There are a few exceptions, such as medical emergencies, IEP/504 accommodations, and approved educational use (like concurrent credit courses).

Parents, please help us support this law and keep students focused on learning. Talk to your child about the importance of following the updated policy.

For more information, visit https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nWIP26yjw6mgJboccIQZ6ahAmN25TSwwAWYiyPeZh0o/edit?usp=sharing

Your Future Story is Our Future Story

We are proud to recognize two outstanding members of our school who have been voted as among the best in Independence County!
Kim Studdard – 3rd Place, Best Bus Driver
Officer Acy Beebe – 3rd Place, Best School Resource Officer
Their dedication, hard work, and care for our students help make our schools safe and welcoming places to learn and grow. We are grateful for all they do each and every day.
Please join us in congratulating these two valued team members on this well-deserved recognition!

Updated School Supply list for 2025-26!

We are honored to share that Officer David Jones, our Elementary School Resource Officer, has been selected as Best SRO in Independence County. Officer Jones is a valued part of our school, working each day to build relationships, ensure safety, and support our students and staff. This recognition reflects the tremendous impact he has on our schools and community. Congratulations, Officer Jones!

Hiring Substitutes! On Tuesday, July 15th ESS will be hosting an informational session and training. We would love to have you join us as a substitute! Please follow the link to register in advance to attend the meeting: https://calendly.com/bhampton2013/hiring-subs-for-southside

Congratulations to Superintendent Dion Stevens, who has been named Best Superintendent in Independence County. This recognition is a testament to his dedicated leadership, commitment to student achievement, and focus on ensuring our schools are places where both students and staff thrive. We are grateful for his vision and service to our district.

We are proud to announce that Southside Elementary teacher, Jalesa Reed, has been recognized as Best Teacher in Independence County. This honor is a reflection of her unwavering commitment to student success, her passion for teaching, and the positive impact she makes each day. Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Reed on this well-deserved recognition.

Congratulations to 27 amazing teachers across our district. We are proud to celebrate their hard work, impact, and commitment to excellence!

We are pleased to announce that Mrs. Mandy Blevins has been named the new Assistant Principal of Southside Middle School.

FREE! Summer Meals for all age 18 or younger. See the attached flyers for more information!

Request for Bids: Floor Refinishing Project The Southside School District is currently accepting bids for the refinishing of floors with an epoxy finish in the Elementary Cafeteria Kitchen. We invite all qualified and interested contractors to submit their bids for this project. Project Details Location: Southside Elementary Cafeteria Kitchen Scope: Floor refinishing with epoxy finish Bid Deadline: May 28th, 2025 Contact Information For more information or to submit a bid, please contact: Chris Ellis 📧 Email: chris.ellis@southsideschools.org 📞 Phone: 870-251-2341

Can’t make it to Stewart Field tonight? Celebrate the SCHS Class of 2025 from wherever you are by tuning in to one of our livestreams—links below! https://youtube.com/live/huxBjnv-KIo?feature=share https://www.facebook.com/southsideschooldistrict

Reminder: School Choice deadline is today!

Curious about Southside? Whether you're new or just haven't been back in a while, now’s the perfect time to explore! Check out our virtual tour and hear firsthand from students and faculty about everything Southside has to offer. https://www.southsideschools.org/virtual-tour

The Southside School Board will hold a special meeting at 5:30 p.m. in the Administration Office on Monday, April 21st, 2025.

There will be no school on Friday, April 18 in observance of Good Friday. See you back in class on Monday, April 21.

If you are interested in Virtual Enrollment for the 2025-26 school year, please view the attached form for qualifications and an application. The deadline to submit the application is April 25. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe7YqMysIFnjbA_TwkoX_itaNfVrDTdNcBhXWG4ViQrE6LuAQ/viewform?usp=dialog

Spring Break is almost here! Schools will be closed from March 24–28 for Spring Break. Take this time to relax, recharge, and enjoy time with family and friends. We’ll see you back in class on Monday, March 31!