SOUTHSIDE FAMILY CHARTER SCHOOL

We want you! Your gift will help our students learn and grow in a school that honors their individuality, inspires them to community action and challenges them to achieve their best.

Will you consider a gift this year to support the enrichment activities and small class size that make Family School unique and effective? Your gift will provide:

A Haven

Let me tell you about Stephan, who came to Southside as a first grader last year. Stephan had a hard first couple years at another school. He did fine academically but his classmates teased him for his pink boots and “girly” braids. They told him he couldn’t play with dolls and that he was just too weird. His teachers wanted to help but couldn’t keep track of what was happening in the crowded classroom or on the playground. Stephan’s family was concerned as he became more withdrawn at home, talked about hurting himself and got into some intense physical altercations during the school day.

Luckily, Stephen’s family found Southside, where teachers and students work intentionally to help everyone feel safe and respected, regardless of how “unusual” they are. Stephan now has a bunch of friends who appreciate him for his quick wit and kindness. He is different from most of the boys around him but no one ever says that’s a bad thing.

You can help children out of the difficult situations that keep them from success. By supporting Southside, you could provide a safe haven for someone like Stephan.

Defying Achievement Gaps

One of the reasons SFCS was founded -- nearly 40 years ago -- was to offer an education that addressed the needs and aspirations of communities of color and the poor. Although we can’t eliminate the effects of racism and poverty, we are proud to say that students at Southside defy the typical predictors of low achievement. We know that with individualized instruction, adequate support, experiential learning opportunities and an engaging curriculum, all students can reach our high expectations. We also know that we can only do this with community support.

“I’m going to make a difference.”

You helped kids make history: kids like Tamara. Tami has been a Southside student since kindergarten. Now that she’s a 7th grader, she is so excited to be part of the travel, activism and community education programming at the school. We know that real-life experiences mean better learning. Tami knows they’re fun. She’s learned so much about the power of young people to create movements for change that she’s dedicated herself to continuing the struggle for freedom and justice and she’s inspired to make sure she has the skills to make a difference. What better outcome could education provide?

We can’t do this without you. Government funding decreases have forced us to cut opportunities and increase class sizes, while teachers are being paid less! By giving as generously as you can, you make an investment in community-based social justice education. It’s an investment that pays off in quality learning, civic engagement and happy children. Will you make your gift today?