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School District of Monroe

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October Newsletter

Posted Date: 10/02/25 (2:16 PM)
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A fall-themed graphic with 'hello October' and pumpkins, plus a Northside logo.

Celebrate a Northside Star! Nominate a Teacher for the Herb Kohl Award!

Team Northside Families,
We are fortunate to have an exceptional staff committed to high-quality instruction and nurturing all children in a safe, inclusive environment - our Mission in action. This is your chance to help us celebrate a deserving Northside educator by nominating them for the prestigious Herb Kohl Teacher Leadership Award!

The Herb Kohl Award recognizes teachers who have:
  • Demonstrated superior ability to inspire a love of learning in their students.
  • Showed outstanding dedication to their school and community.

How to Nominate a Deserving Teacher
If you know a teacher who embodies the spirit of Team Northside, Be A Team Player Everyday! and goes above and beyond to support your child, we strongly encourage you to nominate them.

What Makes a Strong Nomination?
As you write your nomination, think about the specific ways this teacher has made a difference. Here are some ideas to highlight:
  • Impact on Students: How does this teacher's teaching style engage and excite your child about learning? How do they help all students reach their greatest potential and achieve academic growth?
  • Community & Leadership: How does the teacher foster a positive culture and climate at Northside? Have you seen them solve problems, take on new challenges, or innovate in their classroom or across the school?
  • Relationship Building: How do they inspire your student? How have they effectively engaged you or other parents in your child's education?

Your nomination is a powerful way to recognize the passion, hard work, and belief our teachers put into every student, every day.

Thank you for helping us acknowledge the true stars on Team Northside!
Five young girls smile and pose for a photo, close together.
 
An announcement for picture retake day on October 21st, featuring a camera illustration.
Blue icon of a camera with the words 'EMPIRE PHOTOGRAPHY' below.

New Photo Company - Empire

With a new picture company, Empire, their timeline is a little bit different than what we are used to so here are a few additional details!

For families who did not pre-order: You should receive your child’s picture proofs online soon if you haven't already.

For families who did pre-order: Your physical picture orders will be  mailed directly to you within 
1 - 2 weeks after the proofs are sent out.
 

📌 Did you know?

A chalkboard background with school supplies outlines and the text 'Every Day Counts'.
Chronic absence means missing 10 or more days of school in a year—whether the absences are excused or unexcused.

In the School District of Monroe, 39.9% of our students were chronically absent last year. While this is just below the state average of 40%, we know we can do better—together. 
Every day matters for learning, friendships, and future success.

Let’s make 2025–26 the year we lower that number and show that in Monroe, Every Day Counts!

Nicole Ruegsegger
Interim Principal
 
Two young boys smile brightly at the camera, sitting at a table.
 

📌 What are Northside's Building Goals for this Year?

  • READING – By the end of the 2025-2026 school year, 80% of K-5 students will meet fluency goals (and comprehension checks in 3rd-5th grade)

  • MATH – Focus on schoolwide Bridges implementation

  • SOCIAL EMOTIONAL - By the end of the 2025-2026 school year, 95% of all students will have fewer than 3 Office Discipline Referrals (Majors AND Minors) with a reduction in physical aggression during lunch and recess

  • ATTENDANCE–During the 2025-2026 school year, 97% of students will have fewer than 2 unexcused absences and tardies per month.
 
Two boys high-five in a classroom, smiling at each other.
 

Student Vaccine Clinic Information

Flyer for a walk-in vaccine clinic, offering free vaccines for children under 19.

Free Flu Clinic for Students

There will be a free flu vaccine clinic for students offered by Green County Public Health on Tuesday, October 28th at Northside Elementary School.

Consent forms will be coming home in Thursday folders on October 9th. Please return these forms prior to the flu clinic if you'd like your child to participate.
 
Cheesemaker Cafe Link - Menus
 

Parent Teacher Conference Sign-up Coming Soon!

Parent Teacher Conferences are November 13th & 18th from 3:30-7:00.

Parents will sign up online using Family Access beginning October 30th at 8:00am. See instructions below.
Image promoting Parent Teacher Conferences with books and text on a chalkboard.
Conference Sign up Instructions
 

SELF Class

KG-3 students are wrapping up the Growth Mindset unit, where they’ve learned that mistakes help us grow and that practice leads to progress!

Meanwhile, 4th and 5th graders are concluding their Problem Solving unit, which provides a great foundation as we transition into the upcoming Bullying Prevention unit.

Through this next unit, students will explore how to recognize, refuse, and report bullying. While most peer conflicts are two-sided disagreements, students will learn how to distinguish these from true bullying—situations that are one-sided, repeated, and hard to stop. They'll be empowered with strategies to respond appropriately and seek help from trusted adults at school.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or suggestions!
-Ethan Anderson, School Counselor
Poster for Unity Day, encouraging people to wear orange on October 22nd, 2025.
A school calendar for October outlines lessons for different grade levels.

🏈 Northside Elementary Game Plan – October

"Be a Team Player Every Day!" 🏆
We’re off and running this school year, and Northside students are showing what it means to be PROUD!

Students have been earning Superstones for their positive behavior, and some classes have even earned pajama days as a reward! A few standout students have already had their names added to the Wall of Fame for making outstanding plays at school. Way to go, team!

🎵 School-Wide Dance Recess Challenge
This month, each class is competing to earn the privilege of picking a song for our school-wide Dance Recess! Will it be K-Pop? Country? Maybe even some classic rock? The class with the best PROUD behavior will get to choose the playlist. Let the friendly competition begin!

🧠 4th Grade Leads the Way in Problem Solving
Last week, our amazing 4th graders led a school-wide assembly all about the “P” in PROUD – Problem Solving.
They taught everyone the STEP strategy:
  • Say the problem
  • Think of solutions
  • Explore consequences
  • Pick the best solution
A highlight of the assembly? Their creative introduction of the Rock, Paper, Scissors characters to help with conflict resolution. They did a fantastic job — way to go, 4th grade!

💻 Digital Citizenship Week – October 14th
Our students use technology both at school and at home, so learning how to use it wisely and safely is essential. In October, teachers will begin implementing Digital Citizenship lessons to help students:
  • Balance screen time and offline activities
  • Communicate respectfully and safely online
  • Use technology in a thoughtful and effective way

📝 Try this Family Tech Planner from Common Sense Media to spark meaningful discussion with your child about safe and balanced tech use.
Children perform a presentation in a gymnasium, holding letters and speaking.
 
A logo featuring a large red 'N' with the word 'NORTHSIDE' in a black and white banner.
 

Quick & healthy after school snacks that kids can make on their own!

  1. Nut Butter & Banana Quesadilla- Spread nut butter of choice on a whole wheat tortilla, Cut half a banana into slices. Arrange the slices on half of the tortilla & sprinkle with cinnamon. Fold the tortilla in half. Slice into triangles before eating.
  2. Fruit & Cottage Cheese- add 1 cup cottage cheese to the bowl. Drain juice from peaches or pears(fruit cup). Add fruit to cottage cheese, mix well.
  3. Fruit & Yogurt Parfait- add 1 cup plain Greek yogurt to the bowl. Add fresh berries or drain juice from the fruit cup of choice & add fruit. Drizzle with honey or maple syrup. Additional mixings for crunch-granola, chia seeds, chocolate chips, or nuts. Allow the kids to get creative by layering the ingredients in a tall glass instead of mixing.

A glass jar filled with yogurt, granola, and blackberries, with a gold spoon.
 

Family Communication

Families must keep the office updated with changes in phone numbers, addresses, email addresses, and emergency contacts throughout the school year.
Image promoting the ParentSquare app, showing a phone displaying the app interface.

Parent Square

Important building and district communication will be sent to parents and guardians via ParentSquare messaging system. There is an app available for ParentSquare.
 

News from the PTO:

Poster for Northside Family Reading Night, featuring sports balls and silhouettes.
Our next PTO meeting will be held on October 20th at 6:00 PM in the Northside Library. We’ll begin planning two exciting events: the Basket Raffle and the Sock Hop—so come share your ideas and help us get a great start!

Before that, don’t miss Family Reading Night on October 16th from 6:00–7:30 PM! It’s a fun evening to celebrate books and reading together. If you’d like to help out, you can sign up here: Family Reading Night Volunteer Sign-Up. 

A huge thank you to all the incredible volunteers who helped with First Day Floats and to everyone who donated soda—we truly appreciate your support!

Have ideas for the Basket Raffle or other fun PTO projects, but can’t make it to meetings? We’d love to hear from you! Reach out to Krissy anytime at northsidemonroepto@gmail.com.

Let’s keep the momentum going—thank you for being such an important part of our school community!
A flyer for Northside PTO events, including meeting dates, family events, and volunteer opportunities.
 

Mark Your Calendars!

Important Dates for 2025-2026
 
Team Northside presents Homecoming Spirit Week, October 6-10. Dress Up Days are featured.

Northside Dress up Days

HOMECOMING SPIRIT WEEK
Monday - PJ Playoffs
Wear PJ's!

Tuesday - Hat Day
Sport Your Favorite Hat!

Wednesday - Wacky Wednesday
How Many Teams Can You Sport at Once!

Thursday - Coach vs. Player
Dress Like a Coach or a Player

Friday - Fan Frenzy
Wear Cheesemaker or Red & White Gear!
 
A brick building with a flag flying in front, surrounded by trees and grass.

Northside Elementary School

Phone: 608-328-7134