If you are looking for a place “Where Everybody is Somebody”, then visit the Southside Elementary School located at 1307 Gould Street, Lake Providence, Louisiana. We are optimistic about learning at Southside. We are proud of our student achievement and dedicated staff.
It is our ultimate goal to ensure that “No Child is Left Behind”.

Ruthie S. Auston, Principal

Philosophy

The Southside Elementary School is a coeducational institution authorized by the East Carroll Parish School Board and the Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to provide educational opportunities for all students within its attendance zone who meet the classification requirements for pre-kindergarten through fifth grade and special education.

It is the responsibility of the school to provide quality educational opportunities that are designed to meet the needs, interests, and abilities of the students who are entrusted to it. It is the responsibility of the school to mold and prepare these young minds for future academic endeavors and eventually for functional living in society.

Mission Statement

The staff and community of the Southside Elementary School believe that every child is a unique and special individual who can learn. We believe that it is our responsibility to serve as facilitators for the nurturing and developing of every child's maximum potential; academically, physically, socially and emotionally. We are committed to providing opportunities, which will assist the students in making self-directed, realistic, and responsible decisions when solving problems that may confront them in our multicultural, ever-changing world.

Academic Recognition

The United States Department of Education and the National Association of State Title I Directors are conducting a Distinguished Schools Recognition Program. This program will honor schools that have made the most significant progress in significantly closing the achievement gap between student groups and whose students have exhibited sustained academic achievement.

Southside Elementary School serves grades Pre-Kindergarten through fifth grade and includes special education classes. The mission of the school is to prepare all students for academic success. Based on this premise, the school has a strong academic program in which the curriculum is based on the Louisiana Content Standards for Curriculum Development/Grade Level Expectations and instruction is based on the Louisiana Components of Effective Teaching.

Opportunities have been provided for all students to learn by utilizing such programs as “Project Read”’ “Reading Recovery”, and “A+ Advanced Learning System” (a technology program). Currently, programs such as “Project Read”, “Plato Learning”, and “Reading First” have been added to the list of opportunities available for all students. Additionally, “inclusion” is used with special education students. This is a process where the special education students are placed in classes with the regular education students. The regular education and the inclusion teachers coordinate instruction for the special education students. In addition to the opportunities provided during the school day for all children to achieve, after school tutorial programs are provided to enhance reading and mathematics skills. (LEAP 21, K-3 Initiative, and DEED)

Professional development activities are utilized to keep the teachers abreast of current trends/strategies in research-based programs. Workshops on programs being implemented, use of the Louisiana Content Standards, and using technology in the classroom are implemented throughout the year. Specifically, the last three years, workshops and job-embedded activities using “Ventures” were provided. Also, a mathematics consultant provided workshops and job-embedded NSDC activities. Each teacher and administrator executed/implemented a “Professional Growth Plan” to further enhance professional development.

Parental Involvement

Write a short narrative describing parental involvement activities at your school. Please list any training that takes place on a regular basis. Also, list your Parent Advisory Council Officers for this school year.

The parental involvement phase of our school’s program is dynamic. Keeping in mind the African Proverb, “It Takes a Whole Village to Raise a Child”, a structured program known a “Family Learning Night” has been adopted by our community partners, the faculty/staff and our parents. We currently have an active PTA at our school. Monthly, parents and their children meet and participate in skill building activities in classroom settings. Nine weeks prior to state testing, the “Family Learning” activities are conducted weekly.

PTA officers for 2004-2005, are Ms. Rosie Brown –President, Mrs. Evenly Kelly-Vice-President, Ms. Kathy Jackson-Secretary, Mrs. Veronica Willis-Reporter, Mrs. Ruthie Auston-Principal and Ms. Umiki Hawkins-Parental Involvement Facilitator.

One researched based parental Involvement Program, “I Care” is currently being implemented in order to foster increased parental involvement.

To borrow the Army’s motto, “Be All That You Can Be”, the greatest contributing factor in the school’s success has been and still is a dedicated principal, faculty and staff who believe that every child can learn; therefore, they take advantage of every opportunity to foster success.