Navigator News
Family Edition
October - 2026
Note from Mr. Moore:
Dear North Side Families,
As we move into the second quarter, I want to focus on two important priorities: community and communication. We cannot have one without the other. When we communicate openly and work together, we create a stronger support system for every student.
Parent conferences are a wonderful opportunity to strengthen communication between families and the school. We all care deeply about our students, and clear, consistent communication helps us better serve them while also holding them accountable for their learning and growth. I encourage families to use this time to celebrate successes, understand and accept challenges, ask questions, and work collaboratively with teachers to support continued progress.
We also have an exciting opportunity to build community on October 28 with our Family Literacy Night. This year’s theme is “What My Culture Means to Me.” (More Info Below) This event will give us the chance to celebrate the unique cultures, experiences, and traditions that make our school community special. When we value and recognize every member of our community and learn how to work toward common goals, everyone benefits. I look forward to seeing our families come together for an evening of learning, connection, and celebration!
Chad Moore
Principal, North Side Elementary
Important Dates
October:
October 22: Pop-up Farmer’s Market 3:30-5:00
October 23: NS Pride Day
October 27: SHHS Trick or Treat
October 28: Fall picture retakes and Class Pictures
October 29: 5th Grade Performance/PTA/Literacy Night (5:30-7:00)- What My Culture Means to Me
November:
November 3: No School - Parent Teacher Conference Day
November 11: 2Q Midterm Reports
November 18:Thanksgiving Feast
November 20: NS Pride
November 25-27: Thanksgiving Holiday
5th Gr Student Spotlight!
Cesar Orellana Rosales: Cesar is a wonderful example of North Side Pride. Not only is he always ready to learn and do his best, he is a student we can always trust to be kind and encouraging to his classmates.
Dayelin Dominigues Chicas: Dayelin never lets a challenge discourage her. She always works hard to do her very best, is kind to everyone, and always has a positive attitude.
Staff Spotlight
Ms. Silvia Bridge
Counselor Corner
Fire Safety, Kindness, and Bullying Prevention
October is a busy month at North Side! In guidance classes, students have been learning about fire safety and practicing ways to make safe choices at home and school. Their “homework” has been to talk to their family about a fire escape plan and a safe meeting point outside their home. October is also National Bullying Prevention Month, making it a great time to talk with your child about kindness, respect, and how to treat others.
Bullying vs. Conflict: What’s the Difference?
In our guidance lessons, students are learning that not every disagreement is bullying. Conflict happens when people have a disagreement or problem with one another. Bullying is different and requires additional support and intervention.
Johnson City Schools defines bullying as:
“Bullying is when someone repeatedly and on purpose says or does mean or hurtful things to another person who has a hard time defending themselves.”
Bullying behavior involves three key components:
Aggressive behavior: Can be direct or indirect.
Repetition: Typically involves a pattern of behavior repeated over time.
Imbalance of power: One person has an advantage in strength, social status, or power, making it difficult for the other person to defend themselves.
Please talk with your child about treating others with kindness, including classmates, and seeking help from a trusted adult when someone is being hurtful. We want every student to feel safe, respected, and welcome at school.
Need Support? Contact Ms. Murphy
If you have concerns about your child or need additional resources and support, please reach out. We are here to support your child, and working together helps children grow and succeed.
Phone: 423-434-5249
Email: murphyr@jcschools.org
ParentSquare: Send me a message anytime.
Thank you for partnering with us to help our students stay safe, show kindness, and make positive choices!
Keep Reading--It's a Habit, Not Just An Assignment!
Set a Routine – Pick a regular daily reading time.
Find a Spot – Help your child find a comfortable spot to read.
Read Together – Take turns reading aloud and talking about it.
Talk About It – Ask simple questions to spark comprehension.