PROGRAMS
UNIFORM CLOSET
The Uniform Closet is a year-round volunteer-run program promoting reuse of gently worn school uniforms. As students graduate or grow out of their uniforms, they are collected, washed, sorted, and made available to families at no cost. Each summer, the PTO hosts a designated giveaway day before school starts, and uniforms remain available by request throughout the year.
Coordinator: Hilary Galt
READING PARTNERS
Reading Partners
The Reading Partners program pairs students with dedicated parent and community volunteers for weekly 30-40 minute sessions focused on building reading skills, vocabulary, comprehension, and confidence. These consistent, encouraging relationships help foster a love of reading and provide students with the extra support they need. No teaching experience is required—just a willingness to help a child succeed.
Coordinators: Emily Sperling, Pam Collado, and Ellen Johnson
SNOWFLAKE WALL
The PTO partners with school administrators to support Southside families who may need a little extra help during the holiday season. School counselors work closely with these families to create wish lists, and Southside families are invited to anonymously fulfill those wishes.
Coordinators:
Kim Lugannani, Camilla Bogden, and Ashely DiBitetto
TEACHER AND STAFF APPRECIATION
The PTO’s teacher and staff appreciation initiatives honor the hard work and dedication of our incredible educators and support staff. Throughout the year, we show our gratitude with special lunches, treats, and celebrations—including a full week of appreciation each spring. The PTO also supports professional development and helps bring big ideas to life in classrooms through special project grants.
Coordinators: Lindsay Howell
and Kelly Mangino
BOOK FAIR
Each fall and spring, Southside holds a week-long book fair to inspire a love of reading among students. The initiative also helps grow media center and classroom libraries. Every class visits the book fair during the week, and families are invited to special events like “Donuts with Loved Ones” and an evening shopping experience. The fairs are made possible thanks to parent volunteers who organize and staff the initiative.
Coordinators: Kelly Mangino, Jennifer McPheeters, and Camillia Brogden
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GREEN TEAM
The Green Team coordinates class vegetable and pollinator gardens, turning them into vibrant spaces for hands-on, experiential learning. Teachers and volunteers use the gardens to teach weekly lessons and connect students with science, nature, and the food system. The Green Team also organizes a fall farmers market and a spring farm-to-fork dinner to celebrate and share the harvests.
Coordinators: Lindsey Conrad, Allie Jordan, and Alle Swor
FATHERS BEING INVOLVED (FBI)
FBI: Fathers Being Involved
The FBI program brings together dedicated dads
and other male role models to support our school community. From flipping burgers at events to building projects and lending a hand during special activities, their presence makes a big impact. Whether it’s a one-time project or ongoing participation, every effort by volunteers is appreciated and encouraged.
Coordinators: Corey McCoy and
Nico Palizzolo
HOLIDAY HOUSE
Southside’s Holiday House is a festive experience during which students can choose small gifts for family and friends. Each class visits Holiday House during the week, giving every student the chance to take part in this special tradition. Volunteers help students shop and wrap their gifts, making it a fun and meaningful way to celebrate the spirit of giving.
Coordinators: Kenzie Lautenschlager, Chloe Canterbury, and Melissa Ierardi
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GO GOLD
Through a special partnership with the Benjamin Gilkey Fund for Innovative Cancer Research—named in honor of a Southside panther—our school community raises funds and awareness to support groundbreaking pediatric cancer research. Through change drives, school-wide activities, and community events, Southside students, families, and staff come together to honor all children bravely fighting cancer and to help advance hope and healing. r.
Coordinators: Jen Zaborney, Lindsey Nussbaum, and Josie Warwick
FALL FESTIVAL
Southside’s Fall Festival is a favorite annual tradition where students and their families come together for an afternoon of bounce houses, classic games, and sweet treats. It’s a fun-filled way to celebrate the season and build community!
Coordinators:
Fundraising
SOUTHSIDE SUPPORTERS
Sponsorships directly support a wide range of programs that enrich student learning and strengthen our school community. Funds help provide essential technology like student computers and IXL learning software, enrichment programs such as Reading Partners and Green Team, and staffing for the media center. They also fund staff appreciation and professional development, classroom grants, special projects, and beloved events like the Fall Festival and Holiday House.
Coordinator: Lindsay Howell
JOG-A-THON
Jog-a-Thon is Southside’s primary annual fundraiser, supporting the school’s most essential programs and initiatives. In the weeks leading up to Jog-a-Thon, students take part in special fundraising challenges and activities that build excitement for the fun-themed event. Jog-a-Thon culminates in a high-energy celebration filled with jogging, music, and school spirit.
Coordinators: Heidi Brandt
and Marisol Page
CARE CLASSROOM SPONSORSHIPS
To ease the burden of supply and special project costs for teachers and to ensure our classrooms are fully equipped, PTO offers the CARE classroom sponsorship program. For $400, families and businesses can support a classroom and their contribution will be recognized with a sign on the classroom door.
Coordinator: Hilary Galt
special events
MOTHER-SON EVENT
A fun, hands-on event where boys team up with their mom or another special woman in their life for games, activities, and memory-making fun!
Coordinator: Reann Morrow
FATHER-DAUGHTER DANCE
This a a fun evening for girls and their father figures to dance the night away with friends.
Coordinators: Ingrid Eichman, Ashley Palizzolo, Camilla Brogden
and Samantha Ladow
VARIETY SHOW
This event showcases our students’ many talents… and we have a lot of talent at Southside! An open call for auditions will be made and selected students will perform in a one-night show.
Coordinators: Jodi Sobol and Dani Sobolewski
FARM TO FORK
An evening of culinary greatness brought to you by our very own green team. Students plant, grow, and harvest delicious veggies that will be prepared into a savory dinner and served by students.
STEAM NIGHT
An evening of hands-on science, math and engineering activities that allows students and parents to explore together in a fun way.
SPIRIT DAY
Students celebrate their school pride by participating in old fashioned lawn games.
5TH GRADE GRADUATION
Our volunteers make sure our Graduating fifth graders have a send off to remember! We want them to know how much they will be missed.
Coordinators: Ingrid Eichman, Marisol Page, and Nhan Pimental