SAN ANTONIO —
A new school year has begun for more than 6,000 students in Southside Independent School District’s (ISD) eight area schools. This year’s student body will be functioning with the help of 800 employees and approximately 400 teachers.
A Fresh Start With New Changes
The first day of school brought with it several noticeable changes, most notably in the school cafeterias which boast new paint, seats, and kitchen equipment. Furthermore, safety modifications have been implemented throughout each campus. An officer will now be stationed at every campus during pick-up and drop-off times. Previous safety enhancements included the installation of fencing around each school premises a few years back. Additional safety measures such as metal detectors and wands are now placed at every entry point.
New safety plans are also underway, including installing bullet-resistant films on every main entrance door and window of campus buildings. Pedestrian safety has also been addressed, specifically for students who walk to school. Recent completion of sidewalk construction and crosswalk improvements on Highway 281 and Martinez Losoya Road, by Bexar County and the Texas Department of Transportation, will ensure a safer walk for students near Southside High School and Losoya Middle School.
State Safety Requirements
The State has its fair share in ensuring the safety of school districts, hence rolling out the Sentinel initiative across the state.
Today, at 7 a.m., hundreds of eager students walked into Pearce Elementary School, ready to kick off another year. Excited voices chimed in unison, expressing their favorite part of going back to school, from art classes and physical education to lunchtime and making new friends. A Pearce Elementary student shared, “I like going back to school to learn and do some math and have fun.”
Back-to-School Supply Boxes
On Wednesday, school supplies boxes containing rulers, folders, pencils, and other essential materials will be distributed to K-5 students. Southside ISD is also prompting parents who have not gotten their child immunized yet to attend free clinics in the city, including one happening at the Second Baptist Church Community Center from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Wednesday.
This year, an after-school program is being launched by Southside ISD for several elementary schools in their district. This includes Gallardo, Pearce, Heritage, and Freedom Elementary Schools, along with the Menchaca Early Childhood Center. Parents can register their children for the after-school program by visiting the Southside ISD’s website.
To the delight of parents, students, and faculty alike, a fresh academic year teems with possibilities. As the countdown begins, students across the Southside ISD prepare for another year of academic growth and lifelong learning adventures.
About the Authors
Devan Karp loves local journalism. Originally from Houston, Devan witnessed the power of journalism at work after Hurricane Harvey inundated his community, and reporters from around the state came to lend their support. He is a GMSA reporter.
Alex Gamez enjoys being behind the camera. He is a photojournalist dedicated to enhancing community storytelling through visual narratives.Both Devan and Alex have a shared passion for covering local interests, culture, and news, and are thrilled to deliver the most crucial stories to the community.
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