The halls of Southside School have been buzzing with activity these past few weeks. Students have been busy in classrooms, staff have been participating in various forms of professional development including the implementation of the new Smarter Balance assessments, and Southside continues to offer the so called “cherry on the top” activities and events that aid us in molding that well rounded student.
Student Council at Houlton Southside continues to be an active part of the giving and caring community our school strives to instill in our students. Once a month, Southside promotes giving to a cause by sponsoring Freaky Fridays. In February, Southside gave to the Ark Animal Sanctuary with Hat Day, and in January to Kenna Cares Bags with a Super Hero Day. The spirit of Southside and pride of giving is prevalent in the halls especially on these days. In March, Southside Student Council will be volunteering and donating in support of the Everyone Cares Dinner Program. This program provides a free dinner to those in need of a hot meal and fellowship on the last Sunday of each month as coordinated by Kate Newman. The council is very excited about working with and for this worthy program. The school store and popcorn and water sales at basketball games support the student council and, therefore the students’ needs.
In April, the student council will be accepting proposals and suggestions from our student population to encourage a voice for everyone. Southside Student Council meets on Mondays after school. Ellie Grant is president, Anna Hogan is vice president and Jenna Fitzpatrick and Mariah Peterson are secretaries.
Mr. Chernesky’s students have been working hard writing “perspective” poems. These poems required students to brainstorm about a time when they made a negative judgment about someone or something based solely upon how that person or thing looked, only to soon discover that his/her judgment was wrong. This was not an easy task as most students don’t want to acknowledge that they can be judgmental. Students are very proud of their work which is hanging up in the second floor hallway.
Even though we have been hampered with cold temperatures, our Ski for Life program is still going with our students who participate from grades 3-5 travel to Big Rock Mountain. Here they have developing their skiing skills no matter what level they may be at. This program has been spearheaded by our very own Margaret Hill and made possible by the many parent volunteers who help out. Anna Hogan and Ellie Grant, two of our program participants, were even interviewed for WAGM TV8 news that aired last Thursday night.
Our Southside After School Program will be sponsoring Circus Smirkus this week with a show on Friday at 6 p.m. in our gymnasium that will be open to the public. Admission will be $1 with proceeds going to the After School Program. Our students who participate in the After School Program will have the opportunity to develop their circus arts which include displays of juggling, tumbling, human pyramids, balance, and much more.
Cindy Peterson is the principal of Houlton Southside School.
