Southside Elementary

09/06/2026

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Weekly Southside Newsletter

09/05/2026

🕊️ In Loving Memory of Steve Dragon 🕊️

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of former Southside teacher and principal, Steve Dragon.

Mr. Dragon began his career in education at Southside Elementary in 1983 as a fifth-grade teacher. After serving students and families throughout Sarasota County for many years, his career came full circle when he returned to Southside as principal in 2010. He led Southside until his retirement in 2018, ending his remarkable 35-year career in education at the same school where it began.

Mr. Dragon was a beloved educator and leader who touched the lives of countless students, families, and colleagues throughout Sarasota. His love for children, larger-than-life personality, and dedication to education left a lasting impact on our community.

Mr. Dragon also had a tremendous love for the arts and believed deeply in their importance in a child’s education. He was a passionate supporter of Southside’s long-standing commitment to “All the Arts for All the Kids,” ensuring that students had opportunities to experience music, visual art, theatre, and dance. His enthusiasm for the arts extended well beyond his role as principal. Mr. Dragon was a performer himself and was never afraid to join in the fun alongside his students.

We are especially grateful that Mr. Dragon was able to return to Southside this past year to celebrate our school’s 100th anniversary. Southside held a special place in Mr. Dragon's heart, just as he will always hold a special place in the history and heart of Southside. His leadership, dedication, and love for this school helped shape the Southside we know today.

Mr. Dragon’s legacy will forever be part of Southside’s story. He will be deeply missed, but the impact he made on generations of students, families, and educators will live on. ❤️🐉

09/05/2026

Some of our 5th graders welcomed the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program to campus today for a hands-on presentation about watersheds, Sarasota Bay, and why protecting our local water resources matters. It was the perfect real-world connection to everything they have been reading and learning about conservation, human impact, and the responsible use of natural resources.

They concluded with the Fishing Olympics, moving through a series of stations to learn about our local fish, laws and protections in place, and how their choices impact our community and waterways.

The students absolutely LOVED getting to move, measure, investigate, compete, and learn about the incredible resources right here in our own community. Learning definitely made a splash today! 💦🐟🌎❤️

09/04/2026

College Game Day Kickoff!

Our littlest fans showed up in their favorite college gear and brought ALL the school spirit! ❤️💙🧡💚

We are ready for some football!

🏈 🏈

09/04/2026

💛💛💛 PBIS Gold Model School 💛💛💛
Southside is proud to be recognized once again as a PBIS Gold Model School! This honor reflects our ongoing commitment to fostering a positive, respectful, and supportive school environment for all students.

09/04/2026

We are excited to share some exciting news! Sierra Koske will be Southside’s new Administrative Assistant! 🎉

Sierra has been a valued member of our team, serving as Southside’s registrar since the beginning of 2025. She is also a proud Southside alumna and Southside parent, making this announcement even more special!

Please join us in congratulating Sierra and celebrating her exciting new role! We are so happy to have her continue serving our Southside community! 💙🐾

09/03/2026

8:00 AM Fresh face, fresh coffee, fresh start!

3:30 PM Fresh out of patience, fresh out of energy, fresh out of everything.

Who can relate?

09/01/2026

Kona Ice is Coming to Southside!

Get ready for a cool treat! Kona Ice will be visiting Southside Elementary and will be parked in front of the school in the bus loop from 3:00-4:00 on Wednesday, September 2, 2026!

Pricing:
- Klassic – $5
- King – $6
- Kowabunga – $7
- Color Changing Cup – $8 (refills $4)

Students and families are invited to stop by after school and enjoy a refreshing Kona Ice. Don’t miss out on this fun treat! 🍧

09/01/2026

💛 Be Bold, Go Gold!💛

Don’t forget to send in your change for Big Change in Cancer Research all month long! 🎗️

08/29/2026

WE’RE LOOKING FOR READING PARTNERS!

Our Southside Panthers are ready to grow, learn, and reach their goals and we’re looking for some amazing adults who are ready to pour back into the next generation!

If you have just 30 MINUTES A WEEK to give from October through May, you can make a lasting difference in the life of a child. Your time, encouragement, and consistency can help build confidence, strengthen reading/academic skills, and show a child that someone believes in them.

You don’t have to be a teacher. You don’t have to be an expert. You just have to show up, cheer them on, and be willing to invest in them.
One child. 30 minutes a week. One incredible impact.

Fill out the link below to become a Southside Reading Partner! We promise you’ll never regret pouring into a child and being part of their journey.

Come be part of the village. Our Panthers are counting on you! 🐾❤️💙🐾