Navigator News

I hope this finds you well and that your family has now settled into the new school year smoothly. It’s an exciting time at North Side Elementary, and in this newsletter you will find a few of the highlights.

We continue to grow our focus on reading. You may have noticed some of our younger students proudly wearing crowns—this is our way of celebrating an important milestone: they’ve become readers and are growing in their craft! Please join us in making a big deal out of this achievement. Reading is fundamental, and we want our students to feel empowered and celebrated as they develop this vital life skill. I'm grateful for our older students as well. They are setting a wonderful example for our younger students.

As always, the safety of your children remains my number one priority. I deeply appreciate the trust you place in us every day, and we are committed to treating each student with the care and respect we would give our own children. Johnson City has invested deeply in school safety. From SRO's, to full time School and Care Counselor's in every school, to consistent training on our procedures, your child’s well-being is at the heart of everything we do.

Lastly, I want to express how fortunate we are to have such a strong and supportive community here at North Side. When faculty, staff, parents, community partners, and students move in the same direction, we create something truly special. Together, we will continue building a nurturing, engaging, and highly successful environment for our students. As I awoke this morning, I heard the ringing of voices from many of our students at last night's homecoming parade so clearly stating with PRIDE, "We are North Side!" Thank you for being an integral part of this wonderful community.

I appreciate and value each of you!

Chad

• 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.

Working Hard and Growing Every Day!

Our students have been working hard as we settle into the school year! In counseling lessons, we are focusing on goal setting, growth mindset, and perseverance—important skills that help students push through challenges and celebrate progress.

In grades K–2, we’ve been talking about what it means to be a “bucket filler.” Ask your child what it means to be one, and ways they can fill someone’s bucket with kindness.

Tips for Healthy Students:

• Limit screen time and access to social media.

• Encourage daily physical activity to keep bodies strong and minds sharp.

• Maintain consistent bedtimes so students come to school rested and ready to learn.

Remember, students who do not get enough sleep often miss out on academics and may struggle to cope with minor issues they face throughout the day. A consistent bedtime makes a big difference!

Thank you for partnering with us to help students grow in confidence, character, and success!

If there is ever a need, feel free to reach out.

Mrs. Murphy