School starts for thousands in Southside ISD

SAN ANTONIO – As Southside ISD gears up for another school year, more than 6,300 students are preparing to embark on a journey of learning and growth in the district’s eight area schools. With 800 employees and approximately 400 teachers, this year promises to be filled with new opportunities and experiences for everyone involved.

This year, students and staff will notice various upgrades and enhancements throughout the schools, including renovated cafeterias with new paint, seating, and kitchen equipment. The district has also implemented several safety measures to ensure a secure learning environment, such as assigning an officer to every campus during pick up and drop off times.

Furthermore, Southside ISD has made significant investments in school security, including fencing around each campus, metal detectors, and wands at every entrance. Crews are currently installing bullet-resistant film around every campus entry door and window to enhance safety measures.

In addition to these safety upgrades, students who walk to school will benefit from recent improvements to sidewalks and crosswalks near Southside High School and Losoya Middle School. Collaborative efforts between Bexar County and TxDOT have resulted in safer routes for students commuting to and from school.

Southside ISD is proactively responding to the state’s increased safety requirements for school districts by implementing initiatives like the Sentinel program. These measures are aimed at ensuring the well-being of all students and staff members in the district.

As students eagerly returned to Pearce Elementary School on Monday morning, many expressed excitement for the new school year. From favorite subjects like art and PE to the joy of making new friends, students are looking forward to a year filled with learning and fun.

To support students’ academic success, Southside ISD is distributing back-to-school supply boxes to Kindergarten through fifth-grade students on Wednesday. These boxes will contain essential supplies like rulers, folders, and pencils to aid students in their studies.

Parents are encouraged to take advantage of free immunization clinics offered by Southside ISD, including the University of the Incarnate Word’s Nursing Cardinal Clinic at Second Baptist Church Community Center. These clinics provide convenient access to necessary vaccinations for students.

For families interested in after-school programs, Southside ISD is introducing a new program at several elementary schools, including Gallardo, Pearce, Heritage, and Freedom Elementary Schools, as well as the Menchaca Early Childhood Center. To learn more about registration, parents can visit Southside ISD’s Facebook page.