This week's news was filled with many stories of the passing of our 41st President, George H. W. Bush. One of the stories that was shared included a handwritten letter that was written by President Bush to a family friend. The friend, former IBM CEO Sam Palmisano, shared the letter and his advice to young people. I appreciated the advice as I read it and thought I would share it.

The letter states:

“I cannot single out the one greatest challenge in my life. I have had a lot of challenges and my advice to young people might be as follows

Don’t get down when your life takes a bad turn. Out of adversity comes challenge and often success

Don’t blame others for your setbacks

When things go well, always give credit to others

Don’t talk all the time. Listen to your friends and mentors and learn from them

Don’t brag about yourself. Let others point out your virtues, your strong points.

Give someone else a hand. When a friend is hurting show that friend you care

Nobody likes an overbearing big shot

As you succeed, be kind to people. Thank those who help you along the way

Don’t be afraid to shed a tear when your heart is broken because a friend is hurting.

Say your prayers!!

George Bush”

~from this story

This newsletter is FULL of items:

• Handwashing...it's that time of year!
• Community Events Folder - CHECK HERE WEEKLY for Updated Events!
• BCSC Legado Program
• PTO Information
• Southside Night with the Indiana Pacers - Feb. 9th
• LAST CALL to Order Southside Spirit Wear - CLICK HERE
• FFY Adventure Club - see for more information!
• Substitute School Nurses Needed!!!!!!!!!
• Sign up for BCSC e-Alerts
• Need a Job? How about iCare? Take a look!
• Elementary Breakfast & Lunch Menus
• Want to be a BOOK BUDDY Sub?
• Sign up to be REMINDed about Southside Stuff
• SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS Needed @ Southside

IMPORTANT DATES:

December 8 - Basketball @ Parkside

December 10 - DARE Graduation for 6th Graders @ Columbus North HS

December 11 -PTO Meeting @ 5 PM

December 12 - Basketball @ Rockcreek

December 22 - January 6 - WINTER BREAK - NO SCHOOL

January 7 - Classes Begin for 2nd Semester

BAD WEATHER? CLOSINGS? EMERGENCY INFORMATION? Would you like to receive BCSC e-alerts? Watch this video below and follow the link provided to learn more or sign up for e-alerts.

Sign Up For BCSC E-Alerts

Germs are everywhere! They can get onto your hands and items you touch throughout the day. Washing hands at key times with soap and water is one of the most important steps you can take to get rid of germs and avoid spreading germs to those around you.

How can washing your hands keep you healthy?

Germs can get into the body through our eyes, nose, and mouth and make us sick. Handwashing with soap removes germs from hands and helps prevent sickness. Studies have shown that handwashing can prevent 1 in 3 diarrhea-related sicknesses and 1 in 5 respiratory infections, such as a cold or the flu.

Handwashing helps prevent infections for these reasons:

• People often touch their eyes, nose, and mouth without realizing it, introducing germs into their bodies.
• Germs from unwashed hands may get into foods and drinks when people prepare or consume them. Germs can grow in some types of foods or drinks and make people sick.
• Germs from unwashed hands can be transferred to other objects, such as door knobs, tables, or toys, and then transferred to another person’s hands.

What is the right way to wash your hands?

1. Wet your hands with clean running water (warm or cold) and apply soap.

2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap.

3. Scrub all surfaces of your hands, including the palms, backs, fingers, between your fingers, and under your nails. Keep scrubbing for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song twice.

4. Rinse your hands under clean, running water.

5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

When should you wash your hands?

Handwashing at any time of the day can help get rid of germs, but there are key times when it’s most important to wash your hands.

• Before, during, and after preparing food

• Before eating food

• Before and after caring for someone who is sick

• Before and after treating a cut or wound

• After using the bathroom, changing diapers, or cleaning up a child who has used the bathroom

• After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing

• After touching an animal, animal food or treats, animal cages, or animal feces (poop)

• After touching garbage

• If your hands are visibly dirty or greasy

What type of soap should you use?

You can use bar soap or liquid soap to wash your hands. Many public places provide liquid soap because it’s easier and cleaner to share with others. Studies have not found any added health benefit from using soaps containing antibacterial ingredients when compared with plain soap. Both are equally effective in getting rid of germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

How does handwashing help fight antibiotic resistance?

Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria resist the effects of an antibiotic – that is, germs are not killed and they continue to grow. Sicknesses caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria can be harder to treat. Simply using antibiotics creates resistance, so avoiding infections

in the first place reduces the amount of antibiotics that have to be used and reduces the likelihood that resistance will develop during treatment. Handwashing helps prevent many sicknesses, meaning less use of antibiotics.

Studies have shown that

handwashing

can prevent

1 in 3

diarrhea-related

sicknesses and

1 in 5

respiratory

infections, such as

a cold or the flu.

Our UNITED WAY CAMPAIGN was this week! We had great participation! THANK YOU!

We had some great STEM contraptions that made it fun to deposit the change into 5 gallon buckets in the commons! We do not have FINAL numbers for the week for collections and a grade level winner of the movie....but I will share those on the announcements, on social media and in next week's newsletter!

Our school goal was $1200! IF that goal is reached Mr. Backmeyer and Mrs. Jackson will dress up as two characters from the Wizard of Oz!

This is the LAST CALL to order Southside Spirit Wear! CLICK HERE TO ORDER

DARE Graduation is Monday, Dec. 10th in the auditorium at Columbus North High School. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m., graduation will start at 6:30 p.m. and will conclude by 8:00 p.m. “Retro” Bill Russ will again be our keynote speaker. 6th grade DARE graduates along with their families and friends are encouraged to attend this free event.

PTO Information

Our next PTO meeting will be held at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, December 11th.

*The Bookstore is open to students Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:45-8:10 AM.*

*Follow us on Facebook: Southside Elementary PTO, Columbus Indiana*

COLUMBUS YOUTH CAMP & FOUNDATION FOR YOUTH PRESENT

ADVENTURE CLUB

AFTER SCHOOL FROM 2:35 PM-6 PM OPEN TO AGES 5- 12 YEARS

LEARN & HAVE FUN!

See the information below for more information!

BCSC started a new two-way immersion pathway at the beginning of this school year and the year has been amazing so far. The pathway is optional and is located at Clifty Creek Elementary. It begins in Pre-K and Kindergarten. For the 2019-2020 school year, it will expand to first grade.

Families are invited to apply to attend the Legado Spanish Immersion Academy. Students accepted into Legado Spanish Immersion Academy will have the unique opportunity to study the BCSC curriculum in both Spanish and English, ultimately graduating with a Certificate of Multilingual Proficiency from the state of Indiana.

Legado is creating a Legacy of Global Opportunities. Give your child the GIFT OF A BILINGUAL EDUCATION! The application process begins December 1, 2018. The selection process will take place the week of February 4, 2019.

For more information, please contact Principal Michael Parsons at 812-376-4342 or parsonsm@bcsc.k12.in.us.

Legado Information Sessions- Dates and Times

Legado Academy Brochure

If you are interested in working as a substitute school nurse, please apply on the BCSC website. An active nursing license in the state of Indiana is required. More information is listed in the job posting online.

Southside

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Would you like to receive our e-alerts? Watch this video and follow the link provided to learn more or sign up for e-alerts.

Sign Up For BCSC E-Alerts

FAQ's

What if I do not receive an E-Alert Mobile Text-Message even though I signed up to receive one?

First check to see if your number was entered correctly including the area code. If it is contact your cell phone provider. You may have restricted text messaging.

What if I do not receive a confirmation email with my username and password?

Please check back on your profile and make sure you entered your email in correctly.

Who do I contact if I have any problems registering or subscribing to E-Alerts?

Please email the BCSC Webmaster at webmaster@bcsc.k12.in.us

Is there a cost?

No, not from BCSC. There may be a cost for the Mobile Text-Message E-Alert if you do not have a text-message plan with your cell phone provider.

Will my password expire?

No. Your password will stay the same until you decide to change it.

Can pre-pay cell phones be used for text-messages?

Yes.

Our next step in safety and security upgrades to our school is the SafeVisitor Solution. This new security piece will add some time to your next visit. Each time you visit for lunch, a scheduled meeting with a teacher in their classroom, etc. you will need to give yourself a few more minutes to go through the following process:

• You will need to provide our administrative assistants, Mrs. Brown and Mrs. Domasky, with a valid driver's license or state identification (ID) card. The license/card will be scanned and run through a database search. Please allow some extra time - this could take a few minutes per visitor.
• After the search is finished, you will have your picture taken.
• The information from your license/card and your picture will be combined into a printed VISITOR Sticker. You MUST wear this while in the building in a visible area.
• When your visit is finished you MUST check out with one or our administrative assistants in the front office.

See the pictures below for some ideas of what to expect on your next visit to Southside! Thanks for your patience and support in advance!

ILEARN is Indiana’s new online computer-adaptive assessment designed to measure your child’s proficiency of the Indiana Academic Standards in Grades 3–8, Biology and U.S. Government. ILEARN fulfills both state and federal legislative requirements as the accountability assessment for Indiana students.

Read the brochure below or open the attachment below if it is difficult to read.

Book Buddies is a volunteer program that is Monday through Thursday from 11:30 - 12:30 at Southside Elementary. The Book Buddies program works with 2nd and 3rd grade students to improve their reading skills. We are looking for volunteer subs to help occasionally one hour a day reading with 2nd and 3rd grade students. Subs are needed on days that regular scheduled volunteers are absent. If you are available and interested in helping, please contact Chris Barrick at barrickc@bcsc.k12.in.us or call the school office and ask for room 246.

YOU CAN CHOOSE TO JUST SUB AT SOUTHSIDE ONLY!

Substitute Teacher Positions

Salary
$65.00/Day (non-licensed-high school graduate w/experience)
$70.00/Day (non-licensed-60 or more college cr. hours)
$80.00/day (licensed teacher)
$120.00/day (retired teacher)

Apply At The
ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
1200 Central Avenue Columbus, Indiana
MONDAY Thru FRIDAY
8:00 a.m. To 4:00 p.m.

For more information please contact:

Contact Linda Denninger 376-4234

WHAT IF there was an EMERGENCY? WHAT IF we needed to GET INFORMATION TO YOU? This is a QUICK and EASY way to communicate needed information TO YOU!

Text @southsidep to the number 81010

You’ll receive a welcome text from Remind.

If anyone has trouble with 81010, they can try texting @southsidep to (812) 358-7067.

Click on the Get Connected with REMIND above this article OR click on this link to get connected - remind.com/join/southsidep

Instructions in Spanish - click here

How do I opt out of receiving messages now that we have moved or my student is in middle school?

These are instructions on how to leave a class. If you are wanting to unlink from/leave a school, click here.

• TEXT:
  
  • Leave all classes owned by this teacher: @LEAVE
  • Leave a teacher's specific class (but stay in this teacher's other classes): @LEAVE @"code"
    
  • Leave ALL teachers' classes on Remind: @STOPALL
    
    
• APP:
  iOS: Once you are on the class, tap the the class name on top. In Class settings, tap the red "Leave this class" button at the bottom of that screen.
  
  Android: Tap the 3 dots in upper right once you are in the class and then tap Class Settings. Lastly, tap the red "Leave this class" button at the bottom of that screen.

• EMAIL:
  Click the Unsubscribe button at the bottom of the email.

• WEB:

1. Click on the name of the class you want to leave.
2. Click the gear icon in the upper right then "Leave this class" on Class settings.

Nancy Millspaugh, RD,CD-Director of Food Service

Encourage your child to eat School Lunch daily and to choose all meal items offered for an A+ in healthy eating! BCSC Schools offer lunch and breakfast daily at all school sites. Elementary lunch prices are $2.50 and $2.60 for secondary schools. Reduced lunch prices are $0.40 a day. School breakfast can be purchased for $1.25 or $0.30 for reduced. Free/Reduced meal applications are available at all schools or on the BCSC home page.

School lunches feature locally grown fresh fruits & vegetables grown right here in Columbus! Meals also include whole grains, lean meats, and low fat dairy items. Students have a choice of entrée; hot vegetable, crisp salad, fresh fruit & low fat milk. A la Carte items are available for purchase in secondary schools as well.

Have your child look for special menu days like Luau Day, Dr Seuss’ Birthday, Finding Dory Day just to name a few! Parents always welcome!

We hope you have a great school year and we look forward to seeing you in the café!

_________________________________________________________

Visit www.bcsc.k12.in.us , click on parents tab and look for us under Food Service for:

Cycle Menus

Cafeteria Contact Numbers

Meal Payment Options

Free / Reduced Meal Forms

Nutrition Information

Newsletters

Updates

Online Meal Payment Link

*picture from http://www.shsd.org/students/lunch_menu

BCSC is fortunate to have many buses equipped with seat belts to ensure that students are safe while they ride. Students are taught at the beginning of the school year the procedure to operate the seat belt. Please know that if students choose to not wear their seat belt, or choose to remove it during transit, disciplinary action may result. Thank you in advance for discussing the importance of wearing a seat belt with your child, as our goal is to keep children safe while riding both to/from school and during field trips. Feel free to reach out to the transportation department with questions or concerns.

BARTHOLOMEW CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL CORPORATION

TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT

1260 MARR RD., COLUMBUS IN 47201

Phone: 812-376-4246 Fax: 812-376-4466

Manager- Karen Wetherald - wetheraldk@bcsc.k12.in.us

Routing Supervisor- Patricia Lewis - lewisp@bcsc.k12.in.us

Adm. Asst./Sp. Needs- Greta Hoover - hooverg@bcsc.k12.in.us

Video Specialist- Mahala Maxie - maxiem@bcsc.k12.in.us

Office Asst./Field Trips- Julie Blaich - blaichj@bcsc.k12.in.us

If your family meets the income qualifications for free or reduced lunch, and even if your child brings his or her lunch to school, there are several benefits that may be available for your family. Textbook Assistance, High School - ACT/SAT Testing Fees & Dual Credit/AP Courses, Discounted Internet service, Discounted Computer, Discounts for Sports Program Fees, iCare afterschool program are some possibilities. See more information by clicking the links below.

Links to GREAT Information - More than Lunch 2016

Spanish version Spanish, More than Lunch

Southside Vision

Good, Better, Best,

Never rest,

Until Your Good is Better,

and Your Better is Best!

Southside Mission

The Southside community will ensure all learners demonstrate growth by modeling positive choices and recognizing the gifts and challenges of each student through a collaborative working environment.

Email: backmeyerj@bcsc.k12.in.us
Website: http://www.bcsc.k12.in.us/southside
Location: 1320 West 200 South, Columbus, IN, United States
Phone: 812-376-4423
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SouthsideElem
Twitter: @SouthsideElem