Northside Elementary Newsletter
October 2025
A Note From Mr. Mowen
Dear Northside Families,
It’s hard to believe we are already approaching the end of the first quarter and that Parent-Teacher Conferences are just around the corner! We look forward to these important conversations, as your child’s teachers are eager to share the growth and learning they have seen during the first two months of school. Please plan on attending conferences, and if you have any questions about the time you signed up for, reach out directly to your child’s teacher.
Also included with this newsletter is a directions page that explains how to submit student absences online. We encourage you to review this page carefully, as it is the easiest and most efficient way to report when your child will be absent.
Thank you for your ongoing support of our school and your child’s education. We can’t wait to see you at conferences in just a couple of weeks!
Warm regards,
Joe Mowen
Principal
Northside Elementary School
jmowen@geneseoschools.org
PTA Corner
PTA is a great way to get involved in your child's education. Meetings will take place monthly at 6:30 in the Co-Lab. We would love to have you join.
PTA Dates for the 25--26 School Year
October 7th
November 4th
December 2nd
February 3rd
March 3rd
April 7th
May 5th
Please reach out with any questions to PTA President Rachel Neuleib @ ar_neuleib630@hotmail.com
LEAFS Skills on the Report Card
Beginning this year, your child's report card will include a new section for reporting on essential learning behaviors, like engagement, effort, and accountability. We believe these skills are essential for success, both in and out of the classroom.
Our elementary teams are committed to sharing accurate updates on your child's academic progress as well as these important life skills.
In addition to being a part of report cards, and even more importantly, we are working on using LEAFS language consistently throughout our buildings. The LEAFS acronym is continually taught and reinforced to our students. Please take a moment to review the attached LEAFS rubric.
Social Work Corner
Asking your child about their day doesn’t always have to end with “fine” or “nothing.” Try using open-ended questions that encourage them to share more. Instead of “Did you have a good day?” you might ask, “What was the best part of your day?” or “Who did you play with at recess?” Open-ended questions invite kids to tell stories, share feelings, and give you a window into their world at school. A few minutes of conversation each day helps build connection and lets your child know their experiences matter.
Denise Ford, MSW, LCSW
Northside Elementary
School Social Worker
309-945-0606
https://sites.google.com/geneseoschools.org/geneseo-social-work
Reading Corner
Consider this fun reading activity as a way to get your child(ren) to enjoy reading during this beautiful Fall season.
Reading BINGO (Fall Edition)
Activity: Create a simple Bingo card with reading challenges such as:
- Read under a blanket
- Read a book about fall
- Read to a sibling or pet
- Read a spooky book
- Read outside
Reward: A small prize or special activity when they get Bingo.
Math Corner
Math Magic Moments!
Hello Families!
Math is all around us — from cooking to shopping, and even in nature. This month, encourage your child to spot math in everyday life. Try these fun challenges together:
- Count the shapes you see during a walk.
- Measure ingredients for a favorite recipe.
- Play a quick game of “Who Can Find the Most Fractions?” at the grocery store.
Remember, math is not just about numbers on a page — it’s a superpower we use every day! Keep practicing, stay curious, and watch your math confidence grow.
Happy math adventures!
Ashley L Morey
Math Interventionist
Northside Elementary
Important Dates
October 1: Picture Day
October 7: PTA Meeting @ 6:30
October 9: Fire Drill/Fire Safety Prevention (grades prek-2)
October 9: School Wide Quarterly Celebration
October 9: Board of Education Meeting 5:30
October 10: Homecoming 1 hour early dismissal/End of 1st Quarter
October 16: Parent Teacher Conferences 3-7 p.m., Hour Early Dismissal
October 17: Parent Teacher Conferences 8 a.m.- 1 p.m./No School, Report Cards Posted
October 20: Teacher Institute (No School)
November 4: PTA Meeting @ 6:30
November 7: Student of the Month Breakfast 7:30 @ Colab
November 19: 11:30 Dismissal - Teacher Institute
November 24-28: No School - Thanksgiving Break
December 12: 11:30 Dismissal - Teacher Institute
December 22-Jan 2: Christmas Break
Northside Elementary School
Northside Elementary is a PreK-5 grade school that serves approximately 350 students.
Email: jmowen@geneseoschools.org
Website: https://www.geneseoschools.org/o/ne
Location: 415 N. Russell Avenue
Phone: (309) 945-0625