Family Association

FAQs

What holidays do kids have off from school, is it the same schedule as public schools?

• No, it’s similar, but not exactly the same - the Calendar is on the website here .

Where do I find out the school rules like the dress code, homework, attendance policies and things like that?

• The Family Handbook is online here. It answers all these questions and more!

How do I know what my child’s assignments and grades are?

• CSA uses a (great) Student Information System called Alma. All CSA students and families have access to this system using this link. If you are a returning family, the same Alma accounts are still active.

How does my child reach out to their teacher if they have questions?

• Each student at CSA has an email address they can use to write and receive messages directly with their teachers regarding classes and assignments.

My child has lost a Metrocard, student ID, School planner, important school form etc...

• Aengus Ortiz, the Office Manager and the CSA Operations team can be reached at CSA_Ops@cityschoolofthearts.org. If they can’t address your concern they will point you in the right direction!

My child is running late or is not well, who do I tell?

• Please do not send your child to school if they are sick! If a student will not arrive on time or must be absent, please send an email to attendance@cityschoolofthearts.org

Did I miss sign up for Afterschool? How much does it cost?

• The FREE after school program located at CSA is entirely managed by Manhattan Youth and runs M - F from dismissal to 5:45.

• Registration link can be found here or on their website at their site www.manhattanyouth.org. Go to Manhattan Youth Website >> After-School >> Middle School Programs >> City Charter School of the Arts

• Please contact Lorisse Bentine (LBentine@manhattanyouth.org ) or Rachael Oakes (Rachel@manhattanyouth.org ) , the Program’s Co-Directors, with questions.

What is the uniform policy?

• CSA students can wear an optional CSA uniform top.  

• To order uniforms, click here.

Where do I go if I have general questions or concerns about what’s happening in my child’s classes?

• Your child’s Advisor is your first point of contact! You will be able to reach advisory teachers through Alma.

There may be a behavior/discipline issue with my child or other children in their classes I want to discuss. Who can I talk to?

• Contact the Dean of Students, Desiree Jones (desiree@cityschoolofthearts.org)

My child is struggling academically. Who do I contact?

You should contact your child's advisor so that  your advisor can coordinate the support your child needs. You will be able to reach out directly to each advisor via Alma or the school directory. 

I believe my child needs more academic support or I have questions about my child’s IEP, who do I talk to?

• Contact CSA’s Supportive Education Department Head, Laura Neenan (laura@cityschoolofthearts.org)

When should I expect to hear back once I’ve emailed or called school staff?

• CSA staff have a policy of responding within 24 hours (72 hours if its a weekend)

I emailed about an issue and I’m not getting a response. How do I get support?

• The school staff makes great effort to be responsive, but no system is foolproof. If you get stuck, follow this escalation path:

•  If after 72 hours you haven’t heard back from your Advisor or Subject teacher:

  • • Forward your email or call Maria Siskar, the Director of Academics (maria@cityschoolofthearts.org)

    •  If after 72 hours you don’t get a response from Ms.Siskar forward your email or call the Executive Director, Randall Iserman (randall@cityschoolofthearts.org)

I have other questions about my child’s experience at school...

● Safety or discipline issues can go directly to  Dean of Students, Desiree Jones (desiree@cityschoolofthearts.org)

● Concerns about pedagogy/what and how your student is being taught, can go to the Director of Academics (maria@cityschoolofthearts.org) as listed below:

• Questions about CSA’s artistic programs should be directed either to your student’s ensemble teacher, or if the questions are more general, please contact the Ensemble Director Erin Krellenstein (erin@cityschoolofthearts.org) or Dr Geoffrey Kiorpes , CSA’s Artistic Director (geoffrey@cityschoolofthearts.org)

I have concerns related to mental health or have a need for additional social support.... 

• Send email to CSA’s Social Worker, Jacob Erlich (jacobe@cityschoolofthearts.org).

How do I contact the Family Association Board?

• Email us! Our email is board@csafa.org.