Quarter 1!

Boom! We did it! Quarter 1 is in the books! Well done, South Side Staff! It is exciting to see the growth of our people (big and small!) over the past 9 weeks! I know I can speak for everyone when I say that we are eager anticipating what God has in store for our students and families these next nine weeks. I once listened to an inspiriting podcast of a sermon (I feel like a turkey because I can't remember who delivered the sermon). I recall the phrase "We can be faithful. God will be great". That truth reminds me of Leanne's devotions this week. God does his Kingdom work through us. When we prayerfully offer our hearts and lives in servitude to God, His restorative work comes about.

And....on that note of working hard....this will be Rachel's view in about 24 hours! We hope you miss us, Rachel, while you're busy in the sunny state of Florida....hob nobbing with Mickey.....soaking in the magic kingdom.....   All teasing aside, it makes us happy to think of you and your family enjoying a special adventure together. We can't wait to hear all about your many small moments when you return!

Bon Voyage, Steens! 

Committee Sign Ups

At the tail end of our staff meeting we touched on the need to update our committee participation. This is a critical way to keep life at South Side afloat and divvy up some of the tasks. I also appreciate the creativity that many of you bring to the role you are willing to play. On the white board in the staff center are the committees. There are just a few holes yet. If you would like to STAY in the roles you currently hold, please cross your name off the list. If you'd like to move, now is your chance. If you don't have a committee....please join! ;) Preschool staff, your involvement is lunch bunch, recess coverage, enrichment, which keeps South Side afloat. You will notice that your names are not listed on the board. Feel free to add yourself if you have a hankering to join a committee (we can also look into MRI coverage because that may very well be in order for you! ;) )  Once assigned to ONE (that is different than was stated in the meeting), please cross your name off the list! I'll publish the results in our staff folder! THANK YOU for your willingness to make South Side Great Again! 

Books and Resources

Mary sent a message with a link to request books for purchase in our library in memory of dear Lois Smits. Let's do this! At our discussion during the staff meeting we talked about the need for more guided reading materials. Now is a good time to reevalute your mentor texts. OR--if you're attending CEA Book Buzz dream with your eyes wide open. Keep in mind this opportunity to stock our library with books and resources that will enrich our students' learning experience. This offer is good PK-12. Come one! Come all! What books would you love to see in our library? 

Swimming

December 6-19 will be our swimming lessons. 

• K (Strikwerda and Harig): load the bus at 12:30 (Strikwerda). 12:28 (Harig). Return 1:42 (Strikwerda). 1:47 (Harig)

• 1st: load the bus at 9:53. Return 11:07.

• 2nd: load the bus at 8:53. Return 10:07. 

Please begin sharing this information in your classroom blogs in the next week or two. 

Collaboration Meetings

Thank you, Marines

Dawn Mulder is an HC mom. Her son became a US Marine in April of this year. He and his fellow marines will not be home for the holidays and, for many, this is the first time to be absent for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. Would EACH class, PK-2nd grade, be willing to make a Christmas card, drawing or write a letter to be given to a marine? Dawn suggested that the letters be addressed "Dear Marine"....and signed with the child's first name only and age, please. 

Michelle Hirdes

Through Title 1 funding, Michelle Hirdes serves as our instructional coach for ELA. Please don't hesitate to seek her advise or suggestions. She enjoys supporting her hard-working colleagues. Here is the letter she would like shared with everyone. 

Chapel on the 31st

Kyle Nester asked if the middle school orchestra could come to treat us to a concert in the morning. How wonderful! They will perform from 10:15-10:40 on Wednesday, October 31 in the gym.