Southside Elementary has been diligently gathering artifacts related to its STEM programs in preparation for the STEM Designation Review Team. This review is essential for determining whether the school will maintain its status as a STEM-designated institution. Southside Elementary earned this designation five years ago, becoming one of only seven STEM-designated schools in the state of Idaho at that time.

Every five years, schools must undergo a comprehensive review process to assess whether they continue to uphold a high-quality STEM program that meets the nine established standards and their respective subcategories. As part of this process, Southside Elementary is required to build an extensive portfolio that showcases artifacts corresponding to each standard. This portfolio is crucial for the review team, which conducts classroom observations, interviews with parents, community partners, staff members, and students to evaluate the effectiveness and integration of the STEM program within the school.

On March 3, 2025, Southside Elementary completed its review, and we are excited to announce that the school has successfully retained its STEM designation. Southside is now one of just twelve schools in Idaho to hold this prestigious STEM certification. This achievement is a significant honor, reflecting the hard work and dedication of our educators, students, and the community. We are deeply grateful for the fully integrated STEM program that is a vital part of our educational offerings and look forward to continuing to provide high-quality STEM education for our students.