Southside Family School generates conscientous citizens

by Jacquelyn Blake

The children of today are the teachers, leaders, and decision makers of tomorrow. Southside Family School (SSFS), at 2123 Clinton Avenue in South Minneapolis, has stood the test of time, bringing to light the adage, “Children are our future.” The K-8 school has fostered—with the help of parents and the community—conscientious, courageous, independent, creative and compassionate citizens for thirty years.

Social justice and community action are the backbone of the school’s appeal and success. Students are taught that they need not be passive bystanders, but can be active civic participants who help create and sustain social justice. This effort fosters personal and collective strength and freedom, which permeates the community. At one time, the school threatened to close due to a lack of funding. The parents and teachers worked together to keep it going. Parents opened their homes to teachers who taught their children without pay. Currently, 95 percent of the school’s funding comes from a contract with legislature, and 5 percent comes from student and community fundraisers. Donations are welcome too; one was recently given to create a new staff position—Outreach Coordinator.

Most Students of Southside Family School are children of alumni and siblings of other students, and most stay the duration, from kindergarten through eighth grade. Enrollment is limited to 85 students, so families are encouraged to apply early. Initially, the school only went through grade six, but when families learned that transitioning from one school to another is more difficult for out-going sixth graders than for students going into ninth grade, they requested that the school go to eighth grade.

Students at SSFS must meet the same requirements and standards set for all Minneapolis public schools. Ninety-three percent of SSFS students finish high school, and 53 percent go on to college. A census taken between 1990 and 2000 showed that 65 percent of students are African American, 30 percent are white, and the remaining 5 percent are Hispanic and Native American.

Classrooms are small—about 12 students in each. Students remain in one classroom for most subjects, enabling the teacher to get to know each child on an individual basis, and allowing students to bond with their fellow classmates. Classrooms are skill-based, accommodating each child’s particular needs. Students share classrooms with other students at similar learning levels regardless of their age, and older students visit the classrooms of younger students to assist them in their learning. Adding credence to the school’s social justice and human rights mission is that no child is “held back.” They are in an environment that acknowledges and celebrates their personal and academic achievement. Students learn early on that they are equal to—no “better” or “worse” than—other students, regardless of their circumstances.

I spoke with Beth Hart, an alumni and parent of four SSFS children: Billy, 6 years old; Stephanie, 11; Sabrina, 13; and a recent graduate of the school, Samantha, 14. She was confident that while in school neither her diabetic child or Stephanie, who used to wear an eye patch, would be teased or taunted. Beth said, “With the small size of the school and classes, children with special needs are given more attention, and teachers would know if one was being ridiculed or harassed in any way.” She believes that a child would be more subject to harsh treatment at other schools. Parents may contact teachers any time there is a problem or if they have questions.

Students learn both in and outside the classroom. They take two travel/study trips in each the fall and spring. For example, they’ve visited South Dakota to learn about Native American and political history. In addition, every three years students travel to the South to learn about civil rights. Beth mentioned to me that while traveling to their destination, students prime themselves by reading and discussing what they will be learning about on that particular trip. They also go on two fieldtrips per week—one to supplement their education, and one simply for fun. Examples of educational trips taken are to The History Center, The Science Museum, and to learn how to tap maple syrup from a maple tree, which for some may be considered a “fun” trip, as is roller skating, which they’ve done. Students learn to be active community members by visiting organizations and institutions such as nursing homes, homeless shelters, Peace House and The Federation of the Blind (see photo). They learn about abuse issues, alternatives to violence, poverty, housing and economic issues, and they learn who the policy makers are and how to contact them. The role of the new Outreach Coordinator, Jihan Hill, is to help build partnerships and connections with community organizations, people in the community and policy makers. Students also learn about youth advocacy. They learn the history of children’s struggles, and are involved in the “Students Association for the Advancement for Children as People.” SSFS’ Director Eliza Goodwin commented, “Students learn about various situations so that they are able to understand theirs and others’ circumstances.” They also learn critical thinking skills, so that they are able to explore all aspects of various issues.

SSFS doesn’t offer after school athletics or physical education, but some classes incorporate physical education into their activities. Students have the option of staying after school for tutoring and structured homework time. However, the most popular after school activity is planning the annual school play. Every child has a story and it is validated throughout the year as they come together to work on the play and discuss what the theme will be. Goodwin and Assistant Director Jess Myhre say that shy students and those without social skills transform themselves during this process. Children who may not be getting attention become noticeable. Aside from parents, many alumni and community members attend the play. Together with a bake sale, it is a fundraiser for the school. The theme of this year’s play is not yet decided, but it takes place on June 2, 3, and 4, at 7:30 p.m. at Walker Church, 3104 16th Avenue, in South Minneapolis. You pay at the door, and there is a sliding fee scale so anybody may attend.

Susan Heineman, the mother of two SSFS students, Noah, age 11, and Abram age 9, captured the essence of SSFS when she stated, “I knew of Southside Family School, but didn’t come to fully appreciate it until I attended the school play and a graduation with a friend of mine when Noah was a baby. I knew the school had a commitment to social justice and diversity long before those words were in vogue, but at the play, I saw those values filtered through the imaginations and spirits of incredible, joyful kids. At graduation, I saw how well the teachers knew and appreciated each child. Halfway through the graduation I decided, ‘this is where I want my kids to go.’ At this point, after seven years here, I’m impressed by the balance the teachers have struck between individualized learning—really teaching each child—and creating a community where no one is left out, and kids see themselves as leaders. I love watching my kids and their classmates becoming knowledgeable, thoughtful, respectful, creative, outspoken, effective people who know how to make changes in the world.”

A few students also shared what they like about SSFS. Susan’s son Noah said, “Instead of teaching only about Columbus, the Roman Empire, ancient Greek democracy and other Euro centric stuff, we also learn the history of Native Americans, China, India, Africa and the Middle East in equal detail.” Her son Abraham said, “I like Family School because they try to make it as fun for kids as they can with the kids still learning lots of things.” Beth Hart’s children, Stephanie and Shannon, said they liked the field trips. Akilian Luker-Theria, a seventh grader commented, “We have a lot of freedom. If I hear about a rally and want to go, we can usually do that.” Another seventh grader, Aldur Lan, added, “My other friends are jealous, because we get to do so much.” First grader Davyon Williams remarked, “I like snack, quiet reading and when the big kids come to teach us.” And a former student, Kao Odakale said, “SSFS taught us that changing the world starts with one person. Protesting war, marching, trying to make a difference, and speaking out about what’s wrong in our environment takes courage … They taught me to see things from a different angle. I knew I was different and that was a good thing … Their message is ‘the power is inside you.’”

As long as Southside Family School continues to foster conscientious citizens, I have hope that this world may become a better place.