This week was full of smiles, special guests, and lots of reading across the District!
Both our Elementary and Middle School campuses welcomed families and loved ones for Kids Invite Someone Special breakfast, giving students a chance to share a meaningful start to the day with someone important to them. Students also enjoyed shopping the Book Fair, exploring new stories and building their home libraries.
At the Elementary, the fun continued with Selfies with Santa, adding even more holiday cheer and special memories to the week. Thank you to our families, staff, and volunteers who helped make these moments so special for our students!
Both our Elementary and Middle School campuses welcomed families and loved ones for Kids Invite Someone Special breakfast, giving students a chance to share a meaningful start to the day with someone important to them. Students also enjoyed shopping the Book Fair, exploring new stories and building their home libraries.
At the Elementary, the fun continued with Selfies with Santa, adding even more holiday cheer and special memories to the week. Thank you to our families, staff, and volunteers who helped make these moments so special for our students!
A big THANK YOU to Jessica Norris and our local Southside Harps for their incredibly generous support of the Southside 4-H Food Pantry! They secured a $1,000 grant on our behalf, along with 10 large boxes of food donated by our community through the Blessing Bags at Harps. We are so thankful to have such amazing community partners!
The December 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/1COdTin8beBDS4HmTaaYpMk13Kn6Z7oh_/view?usp=drive_link
Stay up to date with the latest news, events, and celebrations happening in our schools.
👉 Read it here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1COdTin8beBDS4HmTaaYpMk13Kn6Z7oh_/view?usp=drive_link
Book Fair Week Is Almost Here!
Both Southside Elementary and Southside Middle School will host their Book Fairs December 1–5 -but each campus uses a different book fair company.
Gift cards and e-wallets are the easiest way for students to shop. Please read carefully so your student is ready!
Southside Elementary – Literati Book Fair
The easiest way for students to shop is to purchase a Literati Gift Card, but other payment options will also be available.
Gift cards can be bought here: literati.com/store
Southside Middle School – Scholastic Book Fair
For the quickest checkout, families can set up a Scholastic eWallet for their student, though other forms of payment are accepted.
Create an eWallet here: scholastic.com/bf/southsidemiddleschool1
Both Southside Elementary and Southside Middle School will host their Book Fairs December 1–5 -but each campus uses a different book fair company.
Gift cards and e-wallets are the easiest way for students to shop. Please read carefully so your student is ready!
Southside Elementary – Literati Book Fair
The easiest way for students to shop is to purchase a Literati Gift Card, but other payment options will also be available.
Gift cards can be bought here: literati.com/store
Southside Middle School – Scholastic Book Fair
For the quickest checkout, families can set up a Scholastic eWallet for their student, though other forms of payment are accepted.
Create an eWallet here: scholastic.com/bf/southsidemiddleschool1
Thanksgiving Break is almost here!
There will be no school November 24-28, 2025.
We are grateful for our wonderful students, staff, and families. Wishing you all a warm and happy Thanksgiving!
There will be no school November 24-28, 2025.
We are grateful for our wonderful students, staff, and families. Wishing you all a warm and happy Thanksgiving!
Our elementary students gave the perfect send-off to our football team as they head into Round 2 of the State Playoffs!
Students lined up to give our football team a huge send-off as they head to Round 2 of the State Playoffs tonight in Elkins.
There were high-fives, big smiles, a “Refuse to Lose” banner, and even a wave from coaches riding along with the team’s gear.
Kickoff is at 7:00 PM at Elkins - we’re cheering for you, Southerners!
Students lined up to give our football team a huge send-off as they head to Round 2 of the State Playoffs tonight in Elkins.
There were high-fives, big smiles, a “Refuse to Lose” banner, and even a wave from coaches riding along with the team’s gear.
Kickoff is at 7:00 PM at Elkins - we’re cheering for you, Southerners!
Our schools proudly celebrated Veterans Day with special programs and activities honoring those who have served our country.
At the middle school, 5th graders learned about the history and meaning of the U.S. flag during a presentation by Mrs. Peggy Presley from the VFW and American Legion. Each student received a small flag, a bookmark with the states and capitals, and a pamphlet on flag care.
The high school choir performed at the elementary ceremony recognizing Officer Jones, Mr. Lindsey, and Coach T. Simpson. The high school also hosted a drive-through coffee pickup for veterans in the community as a small token of appreciation.
We are grateful for all who have served and for the opportunity to honor them throughout our schools. ❤️🤍💙
At the middle school, 5th graders learned about the history and meaning of the U.S. flag during a presentation by Mrs. Peggy Presley from the VFW and American Legion. Each student received a small flag, a bookmark with the states and capitals, and a pamphlet on flag care.
The high school choir performed at the elementary ceremony recognizing Officer Jones, Mr. Lindsey, and Coach T. Simpson. The high school also hosted a drive-through coffee pickup for veterans in the community as a small token of appreciation.
We are grateful for all who have served and for the opportunity to honor them throughout our schools. ❤️🤍💙
Recently, the High School Spanish Club sponsored a Red Ribbon Week poster contest. The winning poster - a creative iPod-style design with the message “iTune out drugs” - was a clever reminder to make positive choices and say no to drugs!
A huge thank you to our judges from Crowley’s Ridge Development Council - Kimberly Sims and Shania Doherty - along with teacher Cara Cloninger for selecting the winners. And thank you to Mrs. Roa, Spanish Club sponsor, for leading this meaningful activity.
Congratulations to all who participated — the posters were creative, thoughtful, and impressive across the board!
A huge thank you to our judges from Crowley’s Ridge Development Council - Kimberly Sims and Shania Doherty - along with teacher Cara Cloninger for selecting the winners. And thank you to Mrs. Roa, Spanish Club sponsor, for leading this meaningful activity.
Congratulations to all who participated — the posters were creative, thoughtful, and impressive across the board!
Our marching band represented Southside with pride at their first-ever State Marching Contest yesterday. They delivered their best performance when it mattered most and were named the 9th best band in the state among 48 4A schools.
Even more impressive — they outscored a third of the 7A schools (the largest classification). Our band truly showed up and made Southside proud!
Even more impressive — they outscored a third of the 7A schools (the largest classification). Our band truly showed up and made Southside proud!
What a great way to wrap up Red Ribbon Week! Our Elementary Costume Parade and Fun Day, Preschool Trunk or Treat and students dressing up to “Scare Away Drugs” made for a fantastic Friday full of smiles and school spirit.
Milestones and Motivation — Our Sophomores Are Planning for the Future!
Our 10th graders are taking important steps toward their future today! Representatives from Jostens and Lyon College’s Upward Bound program visited our high school to share about exciting opportunities ahead.
Jostens spoke about the tradition and pride of receiving a class ring — a milestone that celebrates achievements and the journey through high school.
Lyon College’s Upward Bound program helps students prepare for college by offering academic support, mentoring, and experiences that build confidence and readiness for life after graduation.
Our students are learning that planning for the future starts now — and the possibilities are endless!
Our 10th graders are taking important steps toward their future today! Representatives from Jostens and Lyon College’s Upward Bound program visited our high school to share about exciting opportunities ahead.
Jostens spoke about the tradition and pride of receiving a class ring — a milestone that celebrates achievements and the journey through high school.
Lyon College’s Upward Bound program helps students prepare for college by offering academic support, mentoring, and experiences that build confidence and readiness for life after graduation.
Our students are learning that planning for the future starts now — and the possibilities are endless!
Special Visitors at Southside Elementary!
Our 2nd and 3rd graders had an exciting visit today from Officer Croslin, Officer Brown, and Officer Rocky from the Batesville Police Department!
Students learned all about what a K-9 does and had the chance to ask lots of great questions—like what Officer Rocky eats, where he lives, and how he helps keep our community safe.
Thank you to the Batesville Police Department for helping us celebrate Red Ribbon Week and for sharing this awesome learning experience with our students!
Our 2nd and 3rd graders had an exciting visit today from Officer Croslin, Officer Brown, and Officer Rocky from the Batesville Police Department!
Students learned all about what a K-9 does and had the chance to ask lots of great questions—like what Officer Rocky eats, where he lives, and how he helps keep our community safe.
Thank you to the Batesville Police Department for helping us celebrate Red Ribbon Week and for sharing this awesome learning experience with our students!
Help us celebrate Coach George Sitkowski, our dedicated Athletic Director!
Coach Sitkowski’s commitment to teamwork, sportsmanship, and student growth inspires our athletes on and off the field. His leadership builds pride, discipline, and unity across all of our programs.
Thank you, Coach Sitkowski, for your passion and leadership!
Coach Sitkowski’s commitment to teamwork, sportsmanship, and student growth inspires our athletes on and off the field. His leadership builds pride, discipline, and unity across all of our programs.
Thank you, Coach Sitkowski, for your passion and leadership!
We’re celebrating Mrs. Kristin Luetschwager, our Special Education Director!
Mrs. Luetschwager’s compassion, expertise, and advocacy ensure that every student receives the support they need to succeed. She leads with empathy and empowers both students and staff to reach their full potential.
Thank you, Mrs. Luetschwager, for all you do to make a difference in the lives of our students every day!
Mrs. Luetschwager’s compassion, expertise, and advocacy ensure that every student receives the support they need to succeed. She leads with empathy and empowers both students and staff to reach their full potential.
Thank you, Mrs. Luetschwager, for all you do to make a difference in the lives of our students every day!
October is Principal and Director Appreciation Month, and today we’re celebrating Mrs. Lisa McGhee, our amazing Preschool Director!
Mrs. McGhee creates a nurturing, joyful environment where our youngest learners begin their education journey. Her patience, creativity, and genuine love for children make our preschool a truly special place to grow and learn.
Thank you, Mrs. McGhee, for leading with heart and making such a positive difference every single day!
Mrs. McGhee creates a nurturing, joyful environment where our youngest learners begin their education journey. Her patience, creativity, and genuine love for children make our preschool a truly special place to grow and learn.
Thank you, Mrs. McGhee, for leading with heart and making such a positive difference every single day!
We’re celebrating Mrs. Alicia Skipper, our dedicated Elementary Principal, during Principal Appreciation Month!
Mrs. Skipper leads with kindness, enthusiasm, and a strong commitment to student success. Her passion for education and love for her students shine through in all she does.
Thank you, Mrs. Skipper, for making our elementary a place where learning is exciting and every student feels loved!
Mrs. Skipper leads with kindness, enthusiasm, and a strong commitment to student success. Her passion for education and love for her students shine through in all she does.
Thank you, Mrs. Skipper, for making our elementary a place where learning is exciting and every student feels loved!
Help us recognize Mr. Brad McGhee, our outstanding Middle School Principal!
Mr. McGhee leads with vision and care - creating a positive environment where students are encouraged to grow in confidence, academics, and character.
Thank you, Mr. McGhee, for guiding our middle school students through these important years with steady leadership and heart!
Mr. McGhee leads with vision and care - creating a positive environment where students are encouraged to grow in confidence, academics, and character.
Thank you, Mr. McGhee, for guiding our middle school students through these important years with steady leadership and heart!
Red Ribbon Week is next week!
October 27-31, 2025, our students are showing their commitment to living a healthy, drug-free life with themed dress-up days full of school spirit and fun!
Here’s what’s happening across our campuses:
Preschool, Elementary & Middle School
👉 Monday – Proud to be Drug Free! (Ribbons distributed)
👉 Tuesday – Show your School Spirit! Or Better Together, Drug Free Forever! (Preschool: Blue & Gold | Elem/MS: Twin with a Friend)
👉 Wednesday – Wear Red, Pledge to be Drug Free
👉 Thursday – Hats Off to Being Drug Free!
👉 Friday – Scare Away Drugs! Wear your Halloween costume
Junior High
👉 Monday – Life is a Puzzle-Solve it Drug Free- Wear Red to commit to Drug Free
👉 Tuesday – You have the Power to say NO! Be a Superhero!
👉 Wednesday – Lei Off Drugs! Hawaiian Day
👉 Thursday – College Day!
👉 Friday – Scare Away Drugs! Halloween costumes (no face masks)
Charter High School
👉 Monday – Red & White: Get “caught” wearing your red ribbon!
👉 Tuesday – Hawaiian Day: Say “Aloha” to a Drug-Free Life
👉 Wednesday – Camo Day: Drugs can’t find me!
👉 Thursday – Disney Day: Write your Happily Ever After – Choose to be Drug Free!
👉 Friday – Southerners Against Drugs (Blue & Gold) or Scare Away Drugs Halloween costumes (no face masks)
Let’s join together to make safe, healthy choices! 💙💛 #RedRibbonWeek
We’re proud to celebrate Mrs. Torey Hanna, our Junior High Principal, during Principal Appreciation Month!
Mrs. Hanna’s energy, compassion, and dedication to student success make her a true leader. She works tirelessly to build a school culture of learning, teamwork, and respect.
Thank you, Mrs. Hanna, for inspiring our students and staff every day!
Mrs. Hanna’s energy, compassion, and dedication to student success make her a true leader. She works tirelessly to build a school culture of learning, teamwork, and respect.
Thank you, Mrs. Hanna, for inspiring our students and staff every day!
Red Ribbon Week is October 27th-31st.
