CELEBRATING SCHOOL COUNSELORS — Team Duval is proud to recognize National School Counseling Week and the incredible impact our more than 240 school counselors make every single day. They advocate for students, help them navigate their academic journeys, and guide them toward their goals. Our success as an A-rated district with a 97.6% graduation rate would not be possible without these dedicated professionals. As part of this special week, dozens of counselors gathered at the Schultz Center for their annual conference, focused on building student “superpowers” like grit and resilience – perfectly aligned with the national theme of helping students thrive and preparing them for college, career, and life. Their commitment to growing their own “superpowers” directly fuels student success across Team Duval. Join us in thanking our outstanding school counselors for the lasting difference they make in our schools and community!
Good Evening Southside Middle School families,
Thank you to those who attended the March School Advisory Council Meeting! Parent support has been proven to have a positive effect on student success in school! We are looking forward to seeing parents and families at school even more than ever in the coming weeks! Also, we appreciate your support of our efforts to improve school attendance by ensuring your child is present every day. Your efforts help us meet our Attendance Goal of 95% of our students present each day.
Here are some updates to help you plan for the week ahead:
Southside Middle students will take the Florida BEST Writing Assessment this week. Please make sure your child is well-rested and present for testing.
6th Grade BEST Writing-Tuesday, March 31
7th Grade BEST Writing-Wednesday, April 1
8th Grade BEST Writing-Thursday, April 2
Mark your calendars: school will be closed on Friday April 3 through Tuesday, April 7. Students will return to school on Wednesday, April 8.
As always, we strongly encourage consistent, daily attendance. Our goal is to have 95% of our students present each day.
We are always in need of volunteers at Southside Middle School. Whether you are available during the school day or outside of school hours, there is a volunteer opportunity for you.
DCPS still has free computers for our students. If you would like a computer for your child, go to the Technology Innovation Center at 4019 Boulevard Center Drive weekdays between 8:00 and 5:00. Be sure to bring ID and your child's 8-digit student number. Bring your child's computer to the school and we will install the blended learning programs that your child can use at home. If you already have a computer that is not working, you can exchange it for a new computer at the Technology Innovation Center.
Be Safe, Be Seen is district-sponsored safety program intended to bring awareness to student safety while traveling to and from school. You can help by following traffic rules and reminding your students how to be safe on the way to school and back home. For more information go to this article on the DCPS website: Duval community launches pedestrian and bicycle safety campaign, “Be Safe. Be Seen.” | Duval County Public Schools.
The Fortify Florida App allows you to quickly report a tip to law enforcement and school officials. Help keep our schools safe by reporting suspicious activity at getfortifyfl.com.
Have a great week!
REGISTER FOR A BUS TODAY - Bus registration for the 2026–2027 school year is now open. All students who plan to ride a school bus next year must be registered in advance, including students enrolled in self-contained ESE programs. Families are encouraged to register as early as possible to help ensure a smooth start to the school year. Registration forms are available in Focus. For step-by-step instructions on how to complete the process, visit: www.duvalschools.org/busregistration
Good Afternoon Southside Middle School Families!
We are excited about the upcoming week!
Click here for the Knight Life Family Newsletter with School Updates and Information: https://app.smore.com/n/936dn
Students must only wear Southside Middle School approved uniform shirts/sweatshirts as of March 2, 2026. All non-Southside Middle School outerwear is prohibited. Prohibited outer wear includes anything that is not the Southside Middle School Uniform Shirt or Uniform Crewneck sweater.
Uniform purchases are still available. Please either order online at SchoolCashOnline.com: Welcome
Parents may also complete the attached order form and send in EXACT CASH to the front office.
We look forward to seeing all of our students in class ready to learn.
Educationally,
Dr. Taylor
Good Afternoon Southside Middle School Families!
We are excited about the upcoming week!
Click here for the Knight Life Family Newsletter with School Updates and Information: https://app.smore.com/n/936dn
Students must only wear Southside Middle School approved uniform shirts/sweatshirts as of March 2, 2026. All non-Southside Middle School outerwear is prohibited. Prohibited outer wear includes anything that is not the Southside Middle School Uniform Shirt or Uniform Crewneck sweater.
Uniform purchases are still available. Please either order online at SchoolCashOnline.com: Welcome
Parents may also complete the attached order form and send in EXACT CASH to the front office.
We look forward to seeing all of our students in class ready to learn.
Educationally,
Dr. Taylor
The district recently shared that walk-through weapon detection systems will be installed at all middle schools, and I am writing to let you know that our system will be installed at Southside Middle School on Friday, March 6, 2026. I believe this additional safety measure will further support the well-being of our students and staff, and I appreciate your partnership as we prepare for this important step.
To help students understand what to expect, we will share a short informational video with students on March 4, 2026, that introduces the new procedures. This video is also available for families to view at www.duvalschools.org/opengate.
As we get ready for the system to go live, please keep the following tips in mind:
Arrive a few minutes early: During the first week, there may be minor delays as everyone becomes familiar with the new process. Walkers and car riders are encouraged to arrive 10–15 minutes earlier than usual during this initial adjustment period.
Stay informed: We encourage families to review additional information and watch the informational video available at www.duvalschools.org/opengate.
Stay vigilant: While the weapon detection system is an important tool, it does not replace the safety expectations already in place. Please continue to check backpacks and belongings, talk with your child about what is appropriate to bring to school, and remember—if you see something, say something.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we work together to maintain a safe and supportive school environment for all.
Sincerely,
Dr. Talya M. Taylor
Principal
Good Afternoon Southside Middle School Families!
Click here for the Knight Life Family Newsletter with School Updates and Information: https://app.smore.com/n/8usyc
Per the DCPS Code of Conduct, all secondary students must have a school ID card on school grounds, transportation, or school sponsored event. IDs should be worn at, or above waist level and the photo must not be obstructed. -DCPS Code of Conduct Page 51, #10. This correspondence serves as a warning and advisement that all students should have their ID Card on and visible above their waist each day at Southside Middle School.
Please ensure your student has their ID on each day. The ID Policy will be heavily enforced beginning Monday, 2/23/2026.
Replacement IDs are available for purchase at the price of $8.00. IDs may be purchased with cash at the school or online at: SchoolCashOnline.com: Welcome
Temporary ID Stickers will no longer be issued.
Failure to adhere to ID Consequences:
Students will NOT be permitted to remain on school grounds without an ID, therefore, the student must purchase an ID each time they come to campus without an ID. Parents must send in fees to replace the student ID.
Students will NOT be permitted to ride the school bus if they do not have an ID.
Students will receive a referral upon the 1st occurrence of nonconformity to the dress code and the ID Policy. Students will receive referrals each time the DCPS Policy is violated.
Students will not be allowed to purchase snacks without an ID Card during lunch or any other time on campus.
Students will incur an $8.00 fee EACH time the school has to print an ID.
In-School Suspension (ISSP) for students will occur upon the 3rd Occurrence of not having an ID.
Educationally,
Dr. Taylor
Good Afternoon Southside Middle School Families!
We are excited about the upcoming week!
Click here for the Knight Life Family Newsletter with School Updates and Information:
https://app.smore.com/n/c3d80
We look forward to seeing all of our students in class ready to learn.
Educationally,
Dr. Taylor
Great Day Southside Middle School Families!
Students received their FAST PM2 Score Reports last week. If you did not see your student score report, please contact the office for a copy.
Here is the latest edition of the Knight Life Parent Newsletter: https://app.smore.com/n/y19rd
We look forward to seeing all of our students in class ready to learn.
Educationally,
Dr. Taylor
Good Afternoon Southside Middle School Families!
We are excited about the upcoming week!
Please check out the latest edition of the Knight Life Family Newsletter with school updates and information.
Knight Life Link: https://app.smore.com/n/rvz9j
We look forward to seeing all of our students in class ready to learn.
Educationally,
Dr. Taylor
SAC Mid-Year Stakeholder's Meeting Agenda:
•Mid-Year School Data
•Problem Identification and Analysis
•School Improvement Plan
•Community Involvement and Engagement
•Title 1 Schoolwide Plan
Good Afternoon Southside Middle School Families!
We are excited about the upcoming week!
Please see the Knight Life Family Newsletter with School Updates and Information.
Knight Life Link: https://app.smore.com/n/4093x
We look forward to seeing all of our students in class ready to learn.
Educationally,
Dr. Taylor
Prices for Kona Ice:
Klassic: $4.00
King: $5.00
Color Change $6.00
Kowabunga: $7.00
Wednesday and Thursday Tutoring Times:
Morning Tutoring Time: 8:00-9:00 am
Afternoon Tutoring Time: 4:30-5:30 pm
A tutoring session is also available on Tuesdays at 4:30-5:30 pm
Students may report to the Cafeteria for each tutoring session at the tutoring times.
Tutoring Subjects:
Reading
Math
Science
Civics
Biology
Algebra
We look forward to seeing our students in Tutoring!
Greetings Southside Middle School Families!
We are excited about the upcoming week!
Click here for the Knight Life Family Newsletter with School Updates and Information:
Knight Life Link: https://app.smore.com/n/0bjxa
We look forward to seeing all of our students in class ready to learn.
Educationally,
Dr. Taylor
Good Afternoon Southside Middle School Families!
Happy New Year!
We are excited about the upcoming week! Students return to school Wednesday, January 7, 2026.
Click here for the Knight Life Family Newsletter with School Updates and Information:
Knight Life Link: https://app.smore.com/n/uajqy
We look forward to seeing all of our students in class ready to learn.
Educationally,
Dr. Taylor
Good Afternoon Southside Middle School Families!
We are excited about the upcoming week!
Click here for the Knight Life Family Newsletter with School Updates and Information:
Knight Life Link: https://app.smore.com/n/edznv
We look forward to seeing all of our students in class ready to learn.
Educationally,
Dr. Taylor
Good Afternoon Southside Middle School Families!
We are excited about the upcoming week!
Click here for the Knight Life Family Newsletter with School Updates and Information:
Knight Life Link: https://secure.smore.com/n/d7h38
We look forward to seeing all of our students in class ready to learn.
Educationally,
Dr. Taylor
Students can test their grocery shopping and budgeting skills. Southside Middle School Families are welcome to participate in this event. The event will be held at Greenfield Elementary on December 11 at 5:30 pm.
There are only 40 spots available -- register today!
(One registration per student participant.)
Here's the direct link to the registration page: https://www.givebacks.com/causes/greenfield/events/fneflgrocerygame
