The Cougar Cage is a greeting card business that was established at Countryside High School in the 2009-10 school year by myself, Marienne Reese, (ESE Teacher), with the support of our Principal, Gary Schlereth, and our School Advisory Council.
As an ESE teacher with 29 years in the county, and the parent of a special diploma graduate, it is my belief that ESE/Special Diploma students are in critical need of vocational training, second only to daily living skills. These are the skills that give these students who have moderate disabilities, an opportunity to be more self-sufficient, confident, contributing members of society, and to feel as though there is a purpose to what they are learning. The Cougar Cage is a mini business that operates out of our classroom here at Countryside High School. Customers, or target patrons, are students and staff at CHS. Often, parents and visiting district personnel take advantage of our products. We have saved the day with the last minute birthday card, or special order holiday cards numerous times!
Students learn to determine supplies needed, shop for supplies, put processes in place to assemble product in the most efficient manner, advertise, sell and eventually handle cash, etc. We operate mostly on donations. Our SAC has helped us twice! All funds earned from sales completely roll back into the business to purchase materials to produce more cards. This is a non-profit operation. Therefore, the Cougar Cage funds itself. Donations are always welcome! :-)
We are proud to have developed a partnership with The Stano Foundation at the start of the 2018-19 school year. The Stano Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded in 2015 which supports troops and Veterans with care packages. Packages are sent several times a year, and they now include hand made cards from the MMI students participating with the Cougar Cage. What an exciting and rewarding partnership. In our first year we created over 1300 cards! Check out our photos!
As an ESE teacher with 29 years in the county, and the parent of a special diploma graduate, it is my belief that ESE/Special Diploma students are in critical need of vocational training, second only to daily living skills. These are the skills that give these students who have moderate disabilities, an opportunity to be more self-sufficient, confident, contributing members of society, and to feel as though there is a purpose to what they are learning. The Cougar Cage is a mini business that operates out of our classroom here at Countryside High School. Customers, or target patrons, are students and staff at CHS. Often, parents and visiting district personnel take advantage of our products. We have saved the day with the last minute birthday card, or special order holiday cards numerous times!
Students learn to determine supplies needed, shop for supplies, put processes in place to assemble product in the most efficient manner, advertise, sell and eventually handle cash, etc. We operate mostly on donations. Our SAC has helped us twice! All funds earned from sales completely roll back into the business to purchase materials to produce more cards. This is a non-profit operation. Therefore, the Cougar Cage funds itself. Donations are always welcome! :-)
We are proud to have developed a partnership with The Stano Foundation at the start of the 2018-19 school year. The Stano Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded in 2015 which supports troops and Veterans with care packages. Packages are sent several times a year, and they now include hand made cards from the MMI students participating with the Cougar Cage. What an exciting and rewarding partnership. In our first year we created over 1300 cards! Check out our photos!