Clubs and Councils

Eastside Student Council 

For years, Eastside Elementary has prided itself on providing service to the community in a variety of ways.  The Eastside Student Council, comprised of fourth and fifth grade students under the direction of teacher advisors, meets monthly to plan and organize several service projects.  In addition, the Student Council raises money throughout the year by holding candy, water, and school supply sales.  Some of the money raised provides additional resources for the service projects.

The entire school is invited to actively participate in three different service projects that take place throughout the school year.  In November, we host a Food Drive.  Students bring in canned and boxed foods to help the local Salvation Army.  During the winter months, students bring in dollar bills and loose change to help raise money for a local organization or event.   In the past, Eastside has given to the local Habitat for Humanity Group and the Niles Gives Big Project inspired by Oprah’s Give Big television show.  In May, students support the American Cancer Societies research by collecting money for Relay for Life of Niles and Buchanan. The students also have the opportunity to participate in their own Relay for Life Walk around the Niles High School track.   We hope that as students participate in these projects in elementary school, they will be inspired and motivated to become leaders in their communities and want to serve in many different ways.

Peer-To-Peer

Eastside Students Become Teachers!

Eastside Elementary has designed a new innovative program to help students with particular needs.  This peer to peer support program, called "Team SOAR",  is part of an intervention process.  The goal of this pilot program is to improve social behavior and academic performance.  This program is designed to connect students needing extra support with a peer buddy.  Team SOAR is currently working with grades K-4.  These students act as peer advocates and mentors for students who require support in different areas.  Students participating in Team Soar collaborate with a student on common goals.  Team Soar provides students with additional intervention by modeling positive desirable social behaviors and providing academic support.  Opportunities from relationship building, self-advocacy, and positive behavior are supported in academic areas.  Peer to peer support focuses on the development of like experiences where educational or social growth is lacking.   Team SOAR consists of 16 fifth grade students who have been trained to spend time with students modeling age appropriate socialization and academic skills, as well as peer behavior.   These students have dedicated a great deal of time to this program.  Many of our trainers meet with their peer buddies during lunch and lunch recess.  Our PTO greatly appreciates the time they spend doing "Peer-To-Peer", and has recently rewarded them with a day trip to take in a Silverhawk's baseball game.

Girls On The Run

Eastside is proud to participate with the United Way of Southwest Michigan's Girls on the Run program. We have fourteen girls enrolled, grades 3-5, along with fourteen adult running buddies as well as many parents and volunteers. The program runs for 10 weeks, meeting twice a week for 90 minutes a day.  Girls on the Run uses a nationally-acclaimed curriculum incorporating running and games, to help girls respect themselves and live healthy and balanced lives.  Thursday, May 21st culminates this year's program with a 5k run/walk (3.2 miles) at Dickison Stadium in Saint Joseph, MI.  There are over 225 girls participating from all over Berrien County.  For more information visit: http://www.uwsm.org/girlsontherun

Science Olympiad

In March, twenty-five, 4th and 5th grade students from Eastside Elementary played a part in the 2009 Science Olympiad program and participated in the events held on Lake Michigan College's campus.  Events the students had an opportunity to participate included:  By Golly By gum, Coat Hanger Cannon, Write-It Do-It, Benton Township Police, Sarrett Snakes, Whiz-Bang-Burp, Trajectory Catapult, Dressed Egg Drop, and Mystery Architecture.  Prior to the event, practice sessions were held after school.  At LMC, the student's were given special science journals where they could take notes, write their scores or collect data from each event.  The students rotated through four different events of their choice throughout the day and were all awarded certificates of participation a the end. "I really enjoy science," was one of the many comments we heard by the end of the day.  These types of comments make all the effort and preparation for their event worth while.  This is why the BRESA, LMC, and the local teachers continue to work hard to provide this wonderful opportunity to the students year after year.  Our thanks to Eastside PTO for providing our team's t-shirts, and to the many parent chaperons.

Jump Rope For Heart

Jump Rope For Heart Thank you for raising money for the American Heart Association.  With your help, Eastside Elementary School raised an astonishing $660.50!  The money raised will help support valuable educational programs, fund vital heart and stroke research, and ultimately improve the lives of families in our community. 

David Cleveland,

Physical Education Teacher and Program Coordinator