Friends of South High Foundation, Inc.

Image above:  A special "Thank You" from students, in the Special Education Program, attending a Twins Game.

Matching Year End Challenge

$15,922 was raised for this year end challenge in 2024.  Robert and JoAnn Olson, class of '60, challenged YOU to a year end gifting match!  They have generously offered a matching donation of $20,000.  Donations received in the month of December will go towards this matching year end challenge.

Our alumni are AMAZING!!

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Our donors are amazing!!  We raised over $7,200 for the school store and we are so grateful.  

Thank you all!!

GiveMN 2024 Campaign - Empowering Students with Special Needs through Entrepreneurship:  Creating a School Store

To our amazing donors and families, this school year (2024-2025) our November GiveMN campaign is focusing on a vision for the students from South's Special Education Program in collaboration with students from the National Honor Society (NHS).  Please read more below, as they need our financial support.

Did you know?

....South High School serves a diverse population of students, including 250 students with varying disabilities, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Emotional and Behavioral Disorders, Developmental and Cognitive Disabilities, and other learning disabilities.

....This "Citywide" programming model draws students from across the district, and is one of the largest special education programs in the State of Minnesota.

....Many of these students require specialized resources and tailored instruction to succeed academically, emotionally and socially.

In 2023, our special education program successfully launched a school coffee shop where students learned and engage in various roles, including customer service, inventory management, and financial transactions (see image below).

The positive impact of the coffee shop inspired this team of teachers to expand the initiative by establishing a school store.  The School Store will provide a broader range of learning opportunities, further empower our students and contribute positively to our school community.  Students from NHS will be helping with the business end of this process - finding vendors, merchandising, etc.

".....A grant in action, Coffee Shop teaching students with autism business functions, interactions with customers, making change, etc.  Thanks for your generosity and support, the impact is real....."  Mr. Ziehm, teacher and SHS Coffee Crew  

Project Goals and Objectives:

1. Enhance Life Skills:  Equipping students with essential life skills in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving through the operation of a school store.
2. Promote Independence:  Fostering a sense of independence by allowing students to take on responsibilities in various store roles.
3. Financial Literacy:  Teaching students basic financial concepts, including pricing, budgeting and customer service.
4. Community Engagement:  Strengthening community ties by involving students in the store's operations and inviting the school community to participate.
   

Students from the Special Education Program attending a Twins GameWon't you please support.... the Special Education Programs' goal to create this unique learning opportunity for the students at South.  Donations received during the November Give MN campaign will be directed to this campaign, unless directed otherwise by the donor. 

Be the difference in enriching the experience of South students by supporting the South High Foundation.

Be Proud—Be South!

The Friends of South High Foundation is one of the first and oldest high school nonprofit-support organizations in the country.  Established in 1983 by then-Principal George Dahl, Assistant Principal Gerry Cady, and alumnus Dick Westby, the South High Foundation provides unique and enriching academic, cultural and social programs and projects serving South High students, faculty, administration, and community. 

With more than 11,000 active alumni, parents, friends and corporate sponsors, the Foundation focuses on providing more than $100,000 in grant funding yearly, for various South High School programs and projects. We have awarded over $2,000,000 in Grants to students and teachers and over $2,000,000 in Scholarships to South graduates to help them continue their education within these last 41 years.

 The Foundation also serves as a connection to the large South High alumni community through its alumni lunches, newsletters, and annual Pancake Breakfast.

The South High School Foundation is registered with the IRS as a 501(c)(3) Corporation chartered in the State of Minnesota, MN.  All contributions are tax deductible as provided by law.

Please accept our most heartfelt thanks for your consideration—and for your generous contributions!

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