We're almost there with getting all our students set up with their devices, and we're counting on your support to make sure everything goes off without a hitch. As part of the process, parents are required to attend a readiness workshop and sign the student tech loan agreement so that their children can receive the devices. If you're receiving this message, it means you haven't yet joined us for the readiness workshop.

We're excited to invite you to the workshop, which will be held over Zoom this Sunday at 5pm. It's really important for families to attend, and we promise to make it engaging and informative for everyone!

Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C44A4AA28A0F8C61-51770183-family

Also, if you still need to sign the Student Tech Loan agreement you can do so by following this link: https://www.parentsquare.com/feeds/36745263

We look forward to a very engaging year!

Please enjoy some pictures from the first two weeks of school.  Students have been engaged in project-based learning and the arts.  We even had a special visit from Tony Simmons  - Founder of the High School for Recording Arts and Co-Founder of the Center for Love and Justice at the High Tech High School of Graduate Education.  

Other Updates:

Students received their lockers this Friday.

Please look out for Parent Square notifications to sign the Chromebook and Family Handbook Agreements.  Chromebooks will be handed out by October 1st to students whose families have attended a family readiness meeting and signed consent form.

Upcoming Events:

• • Hispanic Heritage Night - 6pm - RSVP

    • Note = this is a 30 person cap on this event.

  • Family Readiness Night - 6pm

  • The Fall Thriller - featuring our Vocal and Digital Storytelling Ensembles and the CSA Band - Wednesday, October 30th @ 6pm. 

  • Parent Teacher Conference - November 14th - Remote Day for Students

  • Dance and Strings Night - Wednesday, November 20th @ 6pm

• Donation

  • Through a donation from the Henry Charitable Foundation we will be able to provide start-up uniform packages for ALL students!

• Non-returning Staff:

  • The following staff did not return to CSA this year for various reasons.  Students have been supported to process this news with counselors and afforded time to write staff letters.

    • Leon Collington - Special Education Teacher

    • Thalia Baez - 6th grade science 

    • Caroline Mcardle -  7th grade English 

    • Alexis Daloni 8th  - Special Education Teacher

    • Dominique James  - 8th grade living environment

    • Hm Akash - 8th grade math 

    • Claudy Antoine - Assistant Dean 

    • Maria Siskar - Director of Academic Excellence 

    • Erica Fabri, CSA Writers

    • Tyrell Rumph, Assistant Dean

    • Robert White, Special Education Teacher

• New Staff:

  • Hannah Kehn - Executive Director

  • Eric Lee - 6th History

  • Henry Mills - 7th English

  • Destiny Caesar - 8th Science

  • Leroy Knight - Special Education Teacher

  • Bryanne Richburg - Guidance Counselor

  • Larry Zimmer - Part-Time Fitness Teacher

  • Shannon Risser - Social Work Intern

Please Note Updated Information Below and in Red:

 COMMUNITY NEWSLETTERS

August 7th

Greetings Families!

I am so excited to be your new Executive Director.  Thank you for your trust in choosing CSA as your school of choice.  I take that decision very seriously.   On July 27th, we hosted a picnic for new families, and I was extremely impressed with the turnout and participation of everyone present (see pictures above).  It spoke volumes to me about the potential of the CSA community to come together to create work we are proud of and that centers the youth we serve.

***

I want to take a moment and share a little bit about the Family Readiness Workshops we are requiring all caregivers to attend either in person or virtually to get to know me a bit better, review critical information in our Family Handbook, and learn about opportunities to collaborate.  These dates are on our calendar and below, so please plan accordingly:

• September 5th - 6 pm virtual meeting (Link for Zoom - Pass Code bjaF93)

• September 10th - 7:45 am in-person meeting at CSA

• September 19th - in-person meetings at CSA throughout the Hispanic Heritage Celebration (starting at 6 pm)

Note: You must sign to acknowledge that you have attended a Family Readiness Workshop; your signature will allow your student to take home a Chromebook.  This is a new policy this year.  Please note that some classes assign homework that is online.

***

Also, in the spirit of scheduling, I want to share dismissal times for this year. Please know that unless students are participating in after-school programming (information on that below), we dismiss students from classrooms to join the elevator line to depart to downstairs  with the expectation that they are going home on their own at the following times (please note that it can take up to ten minutes after dismissal for students to go to the their locker and exit the building at 75 New Street):

Mondays: 6th 2:06, 7th 2:14, 8th 2:32

Tuesdays-Thursdays: 6th 3:04, 7th 3:12, 8th 3:30

Fridays: 6th 2:06, 7th 2:14, 8th 2:32

*Students are dismissed from classrooms to join the elevator line at the time listed above, arriving downstairs approximately 5 to 7 minutes later. Also,  the dismissal order by grade level is correct, with the 7th grade dismissing first.

***

This year, we will continue our partnership with Manhattan Youth, which organizes our after-school programming.  They plan to offer the following over the course of the year at different times - 

• art, fine art (2D animation), filmmaking, photography, dance (modern and step), football/basketball/volleyball, DIY, TV production, graphic and fashion design, strings, debate, anime, comics, theater, textiles, chess club, cooking and gymnastics

Signing up—After School is free, but you must sign up on DYCD Connect to register for individual classes. Families must sign up by following both Parts listed below. If you already have a DYCD account, please log in.

• PART 1: Create an Account on DISCOVER DYCD.

  • Log in to DYCD.

  • Search for the "New York City Charter School of the Arts" SONYC program.

  • This  document is a helpful step-by-step guide. Please DO THIS ASAP.

If you already have a DYCD account, you can go to the login page: discoverdycd.dycdconnect.nyc/home

• PART 2: Sign up students for individual classes on a separate form beginning in September. THIS WILL BE SENT TO YOU LATER.

YOU CAN ONLY DO THIS STEP once DYCD paperwork is submitted to DISCOVER DYCD.

• Sept 16th—The First official day of After-School Programming. Please note that prior to September 16th, there will be no after-school programming, so please plan accordingly.

• Dismissals - After-school pickup is 5:45 pm. Dismissal begins at 5:30 pm. Early dismissal will be at 4:30pm, at the end of 1st session. Consistent late pickups may jeopardize your child's After School status. Contact Program Director, Famous Brown via phone to notify of pick up.

Contact Information:

Famous Brown

(646)823-3949

fbrown@manhattanyouth.org

***

Please feel free to reach out to me directly with any questions or concerns.  You can also review our Family Dashboard for more information: https://sites.google.com/view/csa-family-dashboard/home

• School Year 2024-25 Calendar

I am so looking forward to meeting you all:

• e: hannah@cityschoolofthearts.org

• t: 646-984-8732

Sincerely,

Hannah Kehn - Link to an interview with Authority Magazine

• The newly appointed executive director of the New York City Charter School of the Arts (CSA), Hannah Kehn brings fourteen years of experience in school leadership. Her diverse background includes serving as the first implementation coordinator for the Turnaround Arts Initiative, ELA teacher, assistant principal, founding principal of a high school concerned with “artivism”. She holds a master’s degree in teaching at Pace University, and a master’s degree in school leadership from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education. As a Catapult Fellow in Denver, she absorbed valuable insights from schools and leaders nationwide who are effectively empowering students to be innovators.

June 16

Last week, the Theater Ensemble entertained and astonished us during their showcase. Works written or adapted by students created worlds from their imagination or from age-old stories. Thanks to Erin Krellenstein, who guides and directs them with such strength, CSA actors perform like professionals. 

This is also a good moment to highlight the extraordinary teamwork of the CSA staff. Our operations team provides stagecraft, set up and clean up. Ensemble teachers help with sound, lighting, and recording. The dean team ushers in our guests and makes everyone feel welcome. All our teachers cheer our performers on. It’s a remarkable experience for kids to see the adults band together this way.

And the same is true for all our efforts. Teachers from every grade supported the administration and scoring of the Living Environment Regents. EVERYONE pitched in to make the trip to see Inside Out 2 so much fun for the 6th and 7th grades. 

This week, CSA is closed on Wednesday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth. We honor this important date marking the end of slavery in 1865 and of our country taking a step toward our ideals of freedom and equality. But it’s still a busy week with the prom on Monday, Field Day on Tuesday, graduation on Thursday, and the last day of school for 6th and 7th grades on Friday. 

Finally, this is the last newsletter for 23-24. It’s been a remarkable, even astounding year. When school starts again in the fall, families will be hearing from our new Executive Director, Hannah Kehn. In case you missed our introduction earlier this year, please find it HERE. And she has penned a great article for Medium online that describes how the CSA approach to educating our students is a model for schools everywhere. Take a look at Education Revolution.

There are still more great things in store for CSA. 

Enjoy a summer full of fun and relaxation.

Warmest Wishes,

Randall Iserman 

Executive Director

All School Field Day

We are excited for the whole community (families included) to go to Governor's Island on Tuesday, June 18th weather permitting, for games, activities, and advisory picnics. We are watching the weather and have an alternate indoor schedule planned if there is excessive heat. Please watch for a Field Day email Monday with details, including the final decision about going outside.

8th Grade Celebrations 

Thursday, June 13th was the last school day for our graduating class. All final assignments were submitted and technology was turned in. If you have any questions, please confirm with your advisor or you may not attend senior events. 

Prom

The Rotunda at the National Museum of the American Indian will serve as the backdrop for the Masquerade Ball, our 8th graders’ final party together before they graduate. The prom is scheduled for Monday, June 17 from 6 to 8:30 pm. 8th grade students voted for the Masquerade Theme and the decor will reflect the theme. The Prom dress code is festive attire (The theme is only for the decor not for attire). The prom is for CSA 8th-grade students only; no outside guests will be permitted.  Staff members will be chaperoning. Remember, everyone will need to be scanned to enter the museum, so plan arrival time accordingly. 

Graduation Ceremony

Commencement occurs on Thursday, June 20, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the National Museum of the American Indian. Graduates MUST arrive at 2 pm for a final run-through. Doors will open for families around 3:30 pm. Please recall that we must all be scanned as we enter the museum; allow some extra time at the entrance. 

Students will receive tickets for graduation at the prom. Tickets will be held at the door for anyone not attending prom.  The program will also be streamed for those unable to attend in person.

June 9

Dr K has every reason to be proud of CSA Pianists. Again this year our students performed with poise and presence. Whether they were fairly new to piano or had worked with Dr K for years, they gave the audience their music and gave one another the kind of encouragement that makes CSA great. 

Ms Collado coached a group of 8th graders through Algebra I all the way to the Regents Exam. Those students had studied hard, put in extra time, and prepared for the challenge. This is another way that the CSA team launches our students into extraordinary high school careers - already one course and exam under their belt. 

On Thursday, we got to see how the academic teaching team has boosted our students to growth in ELA. Again they exceeded even our expectations, reaching or surpassing ambitious goals. Their reading comprehension is a testament to the extensive writing they do in both English and History. 

And of course the promise of a carnival didn’t hurt. On Thursday, the entire school went a little crazy in the best possible way with students dancing their heads off, tie-dying T-shirts, dousing the bravest teachers with water, and just letting loose. For everyone in the building it was a time to put all seriousness aside and have fun. 

This week, the 8th grade hunkers down for the last few days of prep for the Living Environment Regents. To provide them with a testing environment most like that of high school, all the other students are out of the building on the movie field trip the day of the test. But we also look forward to the final performances of our Theater Ensemble students. Just another week of Create, Learn, and Thrive at CSA

Cheers from the whole team,

Randall Iserman 

Executive Director

6th and 7th Grade Movie Trip 

On Friday, June 14th, 6th and 7th graders will be going to see Pixar’s Inside Out 2. Students will enjoy the movie and refreshments provided by CSA. Permission slips have been distributed in Advisory.  Please return the forms by Monday, June 10th. Just email Desiree Jones if you have questions. 

All School Field Day

We are excited for the whole community (families included) to go to Governor's Island on Tuesday, June 18th weather permitting, for games, activities, and advisory picnics.  Please look out for a Field Day email Monday of this week which includes all of the details for this exciting trip.

8th Grade Student End-of-Year Wrap-Up 

The last official day of classes for 8th-grade students is Thursday, June 13th. All final assignments must be submitted.  Chromebooks and chargers must be turned in as well. Students who do not submit final assignments and/or technology may not attend senior events. Cap and gown distribution will occur on Friday, June 14th when students are at CSA for the Living Environment Regents Exam..

Prom

The Rotunda at the National Museum of the American Indian will serve as the backdrop for the Masquerade Ball, our 8th graders’ final party together before they graduate. The prom is scheduled for Monday, June 17 from 6 to 8:30 pm. 8th grade students voted for the Masquerade Theme and the decor will reflect the theme. The Prom dress code is festive attire (The theme is only for the decor not for attire). The prom is for CSA 8th-grade students only; no outside guests will be permitted.  Staff members will be chaperoning. Remember, everyone will need to be scanned to enter the museum, so plan arrival time accordingly. 

Graduation Ceremony

Commencement occurs on Thursday, June 20, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the National Museum of the American Indian. Graduates MUST arrive at 2 pm for a final run-through. Doors will open for families around 3:30 pm. Please recall that we must all be scanned as we enter the museum; allow some extra time at the entrance. 

Each student receives TWO tickets; please sign up to join the lottery for third tickets HERE. The lottery will take place on Monday, June 12th. We will notify families who will receive the extra ticket. Only fill out the form one time. The program will also be streamed for those unable to attend in person.

June 3

CSA students just keep shining. This past week, a group of musicians, actors, and vocalists gave an impromptu performance on the lobby stage at the Perelman Arts Center. The staff was amazed at our students’ professionalism and stage presence. We look forward to more partnership events with them. 

Then we had a visit from Good Morning America for a spotlight on the school for their GMA Hour 3 segment. Founders Kate Quarfordt and Geoffrey Kiorpes told our origin story. Incoming executive director Hannah Kehn shared her vision for making CSA even brighter. And we want to thank students Chelsea, Julian, Saalik, and Sascha for their eloquent words on how art and community help them tackle the challenges of growing into thoughtful young adults. 

We were “ready for our close up” with the producers of GMA, thanks to the indomitable spirit of Lady Small and the CSA visual artists. The entire school was set as a gallery of portraits, landscapes, advertisements, and  political posters. Student painters and designers hosted guests and led tours with the poise of museum curators.  

This week, academic achievement takes center stage as students sit for Algebra Regents on Tuesday June 4th  and the MAP English assessment on Thursday June 6th. We celebrate their growth with a carnival on Thursday afternoon. 

End of Year Chromebook Inventory Tomorrow June 3rd

On Monday, June 3, we urgently need to inventory our Chromebooks as we plan for next year. A message was sent to all families yesterday asking that you ensure your student brings in whatever Chromebook is in their possession now. Please help students take this responsibility seriously.

CSA Piano Recital

The CSA Piano Recital is Wednesday June 5th at 6 PM. Families of students participating are invited to attend. For those who would like to watch remotely, use this LINK which will go live at that time. Please reach out to Dr. K with questions. 

6th and 7th Grade Movie Trip 

On June 14th, 6th and 7th graders will be going to see Pixar’s Inside Out 2. Students will enjoy the movie and refreshments provided by CSA. Permission slips will be distributed in Advisory on Monday, June 3.  Please return the forms by Monday, June 10th.

All School Field Day

We are excited for the whole community (families included) to go to Governor's Island on Tuesday, June 18th weather permitting, for games, activities, and advisory picnics.  Please look out for a Field Day email this week which includes all of the details for this exciting trip.

8th Student End-of-Year Wrap-Up 

The last official day of classes for 8th-grade students is Thursday, June 13th. All final assignments should be submitted.  Chromebooks and chargers must be turned in as well. Students who do not submit final assignments and/or technology may not be permitted to attend senior events. Cap and gown distribution will occur on Friday, June 14th.

Prom

The Rotunda at the National Museum of the American Indian will serve as the backdrop for the Masquerade Ball, our 8th graders’ final party together before they graduate. The prom is scheduled for Monday, June 17 from 6 to 8:30 pm. 8th grade students voted for the Masquerade Theme and the decor will reflect the theme. The Prom dress code is festive attire (The theme is only for the decor not for attire). The prom is only for CSA 8th-grade students- with many staff chaperones.  No outside guests will be permitted.  Everyone will need to be scanned to enter the museum, so please plan accordingly. 

Graduation Ceremony

Commencement occurs on Thursday, June 20, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the National Museum of the American Indian. Graduates MUST arrive at 2 pm for a final run-through. Doors will open for families around 3:30 pm. Please recall that we must all be scanned as we enter the museum; allow some extra time at the entrance. The program will also be streamed for those unable to attend in person.

Each student receives TWO tickets; please sign up to join the lottery for third tickets HERE. The lottery will take place on Monday, June 12th. We will notify families who will receive the extra ticket. Only fill out the form one time. 

For General Questions:

About Ensembles or other aspects of CREATE: Erin@cityschoolofthearts.org

About Classes or other aspects of LEARN: Elisa@cityschoolofthearts.org

About Advisory, Family Association, Discipline or other aspects of THRIVE: Desiree@cityschoolofthearts.org

About attendance, early dismissal, or other questions: attendance@cityschoolofthearts.org

Best wishes from the CSA team,

   Randall Iserman 

   Executive Director

May 27

Wishing every family a peaceful Memorial Day. We join with you to honor all those who serve in the military, now and in the past. Their commitment and sacrifice protect us all.

As for last week, what is left to say? Sister Act, Jr.  was a miracle. We have all cheered and applauded. Ms Q has already eloquently recognized and thanked everyone. It’s hard to imagine how any other CSA show will compare. But I am sure there’s still magic to do in the coming years. For now, enjoy Sister Act, Jr.  again coming soon to our YouTube channel. 

And if that was not enough, our Strings ensemble squeezed in a trip to the NY Philharmonic to experience their open rehearsal. Thanks to Ms Gaby for making this possible (no, I will not say pulling some strings…)

This week, CSA will continue to broadcast our students’ poise and promise first in an afternoon showcase at the Perelman Arts Center Lobby Theater on Wednesday, May 29th at 2pm. Then on Thursday, May 30 when the whole school will become a gallery exhibition for our visual artists. Everyone will get to see their rich and thought-provoking works.

At the same time, students are completing final projects and getting ready for semester exams. Friday, students will show off their growth in math through the MAP assessment. It is our best measure of how well our curriculum and instruction are supporting their achievement. That assessment is followed by the ELA MAP assessment on Thursday, June 6, and then by our Carnival to celebrate their growth and efforts. Parents will be sent home MAP results in the middle of June. Please talk to your child on putting their best efforts on these two assessments, so that we all have a true indication of how much they have grown this year!

For General Questions:

About Ensembles or other aspects of CREATE: Erin@cityschoolofthearts.org

About Classes or other aspects of LEARN: Elisa@cityschoolofthearts.org

About Advisory, Family Association, Discipline or other aspects of THRIVE: Desiree@cityschoolofthearts.org

About attendance, early dismissal, or other questions: attendance@cityschoolofthearts.org

Best wishes from the CSA team,

   Randall Iserman

   Executive Director

May 19

Comparatively, this past week was relatively quiet. Students were completing units and preparing for final exams; our 8th grade students took their first “mock” Living Environment test to practice for the real thing coming in June. 

Well that’s if we don’t count a field trip to the Metropolitan Opera. Thanks to a connection made by parent Djassi Johnson, our vocal students were able to attend a performance of Orfeo ed Euridice.

Coming up this week, our strings ensemble will attend a rehearsal of the NY Philharmonic, thanks to our own Ms Gaby.

And then of course, there’s Sister Act Jr. . Last week was just the quiet before the storm - of music, dancing, laughter, and applause. Every CSA student will attend an afternoon performance one day this week with their advisory. 

• Grade 6 goes to the show at NYFA Theater, 17 Battery Place, on Tuesday at 1 pm

• Grade 7 goes on Wednesday at 1:30

• Grade 8 on Thursday at 2:30. 

We also have evening performances on those same days, May 21, 22, and 23 at 6:30. Closing night is sold out but there are a limited number of tickets still available for Tuesday and Wednesday nights if you, your child or friends would like to attend. You can access tickets HERE. (Please note: CSA students attending evening shows must be accompanied by an adult.) We can accommodate some CSA families during the afternoon performances on a first-come, first served basis.  Please email Ms. Gini at gini@cityschoolofthearts.org to be put on the list for those showtimes! 

Sister Act Jr. Cast and Crew Updates - follow below. 

For General Questions:

About Ensembles or other aspects of CREATE: Erin@cityschoolofthearts.org

About Classes or other aspects of LEARN: Elisa@cityschoolofthearts.org

About Advisory, Family Association, Discipline or other aspects of THRIVE: Desiree@cityschoolofthearts.org

About attendance, early dismissal, or other questions: attendance@cityschoolofthearts.org

Best wishes from the CSA team,

   Randall Iserman

   Executive Director

Sister Act Jr. Updates

We made it to show week! Can’t wait to make the CSA community proud!

This week’s Rehearsal and Show Schedule:

Monday, May 20 - 6:00 at NYFA: FULL CAST & Run Crew

Tuesday May 21 - Shows: 1 PM and 6:30 PM - Dismissal 8:30 PM

Wednesday, May 22 - Shows: 1:30 PM and 6:30 PM - Dismissal 8:30 PM

Thursday, May 23 - Shows: 2:30 PM and 6:30 PM - Dismissal 8:30 PM

Friday, May 24 - Strike: 10-12 (Grown-ups only) + Cast Party after school until 4:30 PM

Supporting the Show:

• Thanks to all who have already pitched in! There’s still time to donate towards meals and snacks for cast and crew! The link to donate is HERE.

• We would still love to have a few extra family volunteers backstage during the dress rehearsal and shows helping with make-up, hair and costumes (Monday-Thursday afternoon and/or evenings)

• Volunteers to help with clean-up/ load out on Friday May 24th

• Support with Cast Party Friday May 24th 2:30-4

IMPORTANT LINKS:

• Sister Act Resource Folder - Star or bookmark this folder! This is your one-stop-shop for audio tracks and important docs

• Full Rehearsal Schedule - so you can plan ahead! 

• Communication Archive of all Sunday night emails and other family communication so you can always easily access information we’ve shared about the show

May 12

Wishing a joyous Mothers’ Day to the mothers, grandmothers, aunts and all the other women who fill children’s lives with love and support.

It was another big week at CSA. Students were bold and confident for the NYS Math Exam. Thanks to the teamwork of teachers, support staff, and operations, CSA makes this kind of mandated testing into an opportunity for students to show off their growth with relatively little stress. 

We showed our Teacher Appreciation, first from the Family Association with lunch provided on Wednesday, then from administration with a bagel breakfast on Friday. Finally, best of all, on Friday teachers were read testimonials from students that Ms Jones had been gathering all week. They were touching, thoughtful, and amusing. Enjoy the video versions on our Instagram page. Check our Instagram page often – you will see other great things going on at CSA. 

Three cheers for the Cheer Team! On Monday, the 6th grade cheer team held a Bracelet / Bake Sale during lunch for all the grades that made over $350 for school spirit initiatives. Thanks to Ms Nowak for sponsoring this team effort. 

And slushies are a hit! Our first “Slushie Friday” took in over $400 for future community events, but even more, it was a fantastic, fun time for everyone. 

Finally, we want to express our deep appreciation for the CSA Junior Ops Associates. This ambitious team has been helping in the office, managing student Chromebooks and supporting our set up for after school events. We don’t know how we ever completed all this without Maya’s, Myoni’s, Omotayo’s, Michelle's, Bianca‘s and Jayla’s help. 

Sister Act Updates - see the end of the newsletter for the latest. 

For General Questions:

About Ensembles or other aspects of CREATE: Erin@cityschoolofthearts.org

About Classes or other aspects of LEARN: Elisa@cityschoolofthearts.org

About Advisory, Family Association, Discipline or other aspects of THRIVE: Desiree@cityschoolofthearts.org

About attendance, early dismissal, or other questions: attendance@cityschoolofthearts.org

Best wishes from the CSA team,

Randall Iserman

Executive Director

May 5

There may have been only three school days last week, but it was still filled with events that make CSA special. 

On Wednesday, members of CSA leadership hosted an online State of the School meeting. It was a perfect opportunity to celebrate how all the parts of our community - Create, Learn, and Thrive along with our operations team - contribute to our success. We covered recent data on student academic achievement, artistic creativity, and personal growth. It was also an ideal time to reflect on the crucial importance of our partnership with families to ensure CSA students finish strong in 2023-24. CSA launched an attendance challenge and will host several events to celebrate our students’ commitment to their own growth. If you were unable to join us, please enjoy the recorded version HERE (passcode bu27dR7?) and refer to the slide deck attached to this email.

New Families Reception and Open House

City School of the Arts is such a unique community that families searching for a middle school need to meet us and see our environment to understand how their children will thrive and grow as they prepare for high school. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Aengus Ortiz, Jenny Tolentino, Roselio Granado, and Cate Osborne for the creation of our first reception and gala for prospective families. The dean team joined many teachers to guide over 60 new families on their walks through CSA. It was a thrilling experience to hear all their questions; their excitement about the potential for their children was palpable. These families are the future of our school and family association. We look forward to welcoming them in the fall. 

This Week - NYS Math Exam

This Wednesday and Thursday, students will have another chance to shine when they  take their NY Math State Exam. Just like the recent April ELA exam, students are well prepared for the assessment! For your child to do their best and show all that they have learned, please help them arrive on time, well-rested, and fed breakfast so they can concentrate.

,

Bracelet / Bake Sale Tomorrow!

On Monday May 6th, the 6th grade cheer team will be hosting a Bracelet / Bake Sale during 6th, 7th and 8th grade lunch. They are fundraising money to purchase a school mascot costume. Items will be priced between $1 to $5 dollars - please bring cash to school!

Slushie Fridays Return This Week 

The Thrive team will host a Slushie sale during lunch every Friday from May 10 until the end of the year. Small slushies are $2 and large slushies are $4. We can only accept cash. All proceeds go towards end of the school year events. 

Sister Act Updates

1. Schedule: The whole rehearsal schedule is now finalized. Please note these weekend rehearsals: 

   1. Saturday May 11th 10-4 FULL CAST and Run Crew at CSA

   2. Sunday May 19th 10-6 FULL CAST and Run Crew at NYFA (17 Battery Place)

   3. All rehearsals are now mandatory. Please notify Ms. Q in advance of any absolutely unavoidable conflicts. Thank you!

2. Please see Ms. Q’s email or click the Communication Archive to see important details about costumes and shoes! Students should bring in costumes and shoes by Saturday May 11th. We do not want families to purchase anything, so if your student doesn’t have the items indicated at home, please let us know right away and we will make sure they have what they need.

3. Ticket info coming this week!

This week’s Rehearsal Schedule:

• Monday, May 6 - until 5:00 at CSA: Design Teams

• Tuesday May 7 - until 6:00 at CSA: Deloris, Eddie, Tina, Nina, Elle, Michelle, Curtis, Pablo, TJ, Joey, Ernie, Mary Robert, Mother Superior, Monsignor O'Hara, Cop, Mary Patrick, Mary Lazarus, Mary Martin of Tours, Mary Stephen, Mary Celeste, Mary Irene, Mary Theresa

• Wednesday, May 8  - until 6:00 at NYFA: FULL CAST + 8th Grade Run Crew

• Thursday, May 9  - until 6:00 at CSA: FULL CAST

• Friday, May 10 - until 6:00 at NYFA: Nuns, Deloris, Monsignor, Eddie + 8th Grade Run Crew

• Saturday, May 11 - 10-4 at CSA (lunch will be served): FULL CAST + 8th Grade Run Crew

Show Info:  Sister Act!    Tues-Thurs May 21st, 22nd, 23rd at NYFA Theater, 17 Battery Place, 6:30 PM

We will be performing for CSA students, one grade per day, during the afternoon on each performance day, then breaking for dinner and performing again for families and adult friends each evening. 

As always, our strike (clean-up, load-out) will take place the Friday morning after closing night and we’ll celebrate with a party for cast and crew that afternoon. 

Calling Adult Helpers!

We need the following support - please email Ms. Q to let us know how you can chip in. Thank you!

• Costume help on Mondays after school until 5:30

• Donate towards pizza/ snacks/ bottled water for show week

• Family volunteers backstage during the dress rehearsal and shows helping with make-up, hair and costumes (Monday-Thursday afternoon and/or evenings)

• Volunteers to help with clean-up/ load out on Friday May 24th

• Support with Cast Party Friday May 24th 2:30-4

IMPORTANT LINKS:

• Sister Act Resource Folder - Star or bookmark this folder! This is your one-stop-shop for audio tracks and important docs

• Full Rehearsal Schedule - so you can plan ahead! (Please note, we will adjust details of the schedule as we go along but will do our best not to make unexpected changes to students’ call days/ times without at least a week’s notice)

• Communication Archive of all Sunday night emails and other family communication so you can always easily access information we’ve shared about the show

For General Questions:

About Ensembles or other aspects of CREATE: Erin@cityschoolofthearts.org

About Classes or other aspects of LEARN: Elisa@cityschoolofthearts.org

About Advisory, Family Association, Discipline or other aspects of THRIVE: Desiree@cityschoolofthearts.org

About attendance, early dismissal, or other questions: attendance@cityschoolofthearts.org

Best wishes from the CSA team,

Randall Iserman

Executive Director

April 14

That was quite a week! We began on Monday with a day of eclipse-related lessons and stories and a trip to Battery Park to see the actual event. Check out our Instagram posting to see highlights. Or see all that’s going on at: CSA on Instagram.

Then we took the NYS ELA exam. Congratulations to students for their effort and for showing us how much they have grown this year. Thanks to teachers and staff for pulling together two successful, comfortable testing days. Wake-up warm ups,  snacks, and activity packets (for after the test) supported students to do their best work.

And we closed the week with a bang. The party on Friday afternoon was a huge success with plenty of treats from Sticky Fingers, great music courtesy of DJ Virgo, and the high energy of CSA kids. No one wanted it to end. A big thank you to Mr Kevon, Mr Tyrell, Mr Antoine, Ms Sam, Ms Jones, and the entire Manhattan Youth team for keeping everyone safe, happy, and joyous. 

This week, students will be excused from regular classes on Thursday afternoon, April 18 to attend the 2024 Spring Ensemble Showcase at the Museum of the American Indian. Dismissal for 6th and 7th grade will be delayed, so please check the details below. But for the most part, the school day is quieter with ongoing preparations for the NYS Math Exam and most classes finishing their units before the Spring Break, next week from Monday, April 22 through Tuesday, April 30.

Not so for after school where there is plenty of joyful noise, “OK, one more time”,  and “5-6-7-8…” emanating from rooms all over the school as performers rehearse Sister Act. The excitement is building as we prepare for our run from Tuesday, May 21 through Thursday, May 23. Watch for ticket information coming soon.

Spring Ensemble Showcase

The 2024 Spring Ensemble Showcase is coming this Thursday, April 18th! After the success of the December Showcase we are delighted to bring back this opportunity for so many of our students to perform live on stage. The entire CSA community will watch their peers perform in an afternoon show from 2:30 to 4 pm. Performing Ensembles will share their work with their families at 6 PM. Permission slips for performing students have gone out with info about the 6 PM show. Each performer may invite two family members, but the 6 PM show will also be live streamed at this LINK for all those who wish to watch from home.

IMPORTANT: Dismissal will be different this Thursday, April 18th

Due to the showcase, dismissal will begin at 4 pm from the Museum of the American Indian at 

1 Bowling Green, (just south of the bull on Broadway). Students will dismiss in this order:

1. Bus Students will be dismissed as necessary.

2. After school students will return with reps from Manhattan Youth to CSA.

3. Dismissing sixth graders will return to 75 New St. with their teachers to dismiss.

4. Dismissing 7th and 8th graders will be dismissed from the museum.

Performing Ensemble students will remain at the museum to prepare for the 6 PM show.

State of the School

Save the Date - Wednesday, May 1 at 6 pm 

As we get towards the end of the year, the weeks become even more packed with assessments, performances, and celebrations. Join us for this remote Zoom conversation, in which we share the highlights so far this year, extend partnership with all our families, and share upcoming plans for the rest of this year and next. 

IMPORTANT LINKS:

• Sister Act Resource Folder - Star or bookmark this folder! This is your one-stop-shop for audio tracks and important docs

• Full Rehearsal Schedule - so you can plan ahead! (Please note, we will adjust details of the schedule as we go along but will do our best not to make unexpected changes to students’ call days/ times without at least a week’s notice)

• Communication Archive of all Sunday night emails and other family communication so you can always easily access information we’ve shared about the show

For General Questions:

About Ensembles or other aspects of CREATE: Erin@cityschoolofthearts.org

About Classes or other aspects of LEARN: Elisa@cityschoolofthearts.org

About Advisory, Family Association, Discipline or other aspects of THRIVE: Desiree@cityschoolofthearts.org

About attendance, early dismissal, or other questions: attendance@cityschoolofthearts.org

Best wishes from the CSA team,

Randall Iserman

Executive Director

Sister Act Update

Wow, hard to believe we’re starting Week 8! Then we have a long April break and zoom straight into show month! Look out for ticket info soon!

IMPORTANT NOTES: 

1. Schedule: The whole rehearsal schedule is now finalized. Please note: Saturday April 11th and Sunday April 19th are mandatory rehearsals with Full Cast and 8th Grade Run Crew.

2. On that note: starting in May, all rehearsals are mandatory. Please notify Ms. Q in advance of any absolutely unavoidable conflicts and make every effort to prioritize rehearsals over appointments or other activities. Thank you for your understanding and flexibility as we piece together this complex production!

3. Understudies: Understudies are invited to come to rehearsals when the role they are covering is called. When understudies attend they will have opportunities to step in and practice their role. Understudies should prepare by reviewing lines and songs.

4. Exciting Showcase News: Our Nuns and Monsignor have been invited to present a sneak peak of “Take Me To Heaven (Nun Choir Version) for the Spring Showcase on Thursday April 18th! Thanks to those who have filled out permission slips. Here is a digital copy if needed (can be returned with permission granted via email, no need to scan or sign.)

Save the Date: 

Sister Act! Tues-Thurs May 21st, 22nd, 23rd at NYFA Theater, 17 Battery Place, 6:30 PM

We will be performing for CSA student, one grade per day, during the afternoon on each performance day, then breaking for dinner and performing again for families and adult friends each evening. 

As always, our strike (clean-up, load-out) will take place the Friday morning after closing night and we’ll celebrate with a party for cast and crew that afternoon. 

We’ll have information on tickets for you at the beginning of May. Please know in advance that the theater at NYFA is an intimate size and we will be able to offer a limited number of tickets to families of each cast and crew member. We try our best to work with families to accommodate extra ticket requests and thank you in advance for your patience.

This week’s Rehearsal Schedule:

Monday, 4/15- until Crew/ Design Teams (4:30 for 6/7, 5:30 for 8th) + Curtis, Pablo, TJ, Joey, Ernie until 5:30

Tuesday, 4/16 - until 6:00 - Nuns, Monsignor O'Hara, Eddie, City Folk, Featured Dancers, Joey

Wednesday, 4/17 - until 6:00 - Nuns, Monsignor O'Hara

Thursday, 4/18 - NO Rehearsal - Showcase!

Friday, 4/19 - until 5 - 8th Grade Run Crew Work Session

Other Important Dates at a Glance:

4/15 All performers need to be off-book!

4/17 Showcase Rehearsal 

4/18 Spring Showcase (no regular rehearsal)

5/19 8th Grade Run Crew Work Session

5/1 Mandatory Rehearsal Period Begins 

Calling Adult Helpers on Monday afternoons 2:30-5:30!

Thank you to those family members who have reached out to volunteer. If you are a grown-up who is handy with a glue gun, a sewing machine, a drill or a checklist and you’d like to come with costumes, props or sets (or just want to come by to lend a hand in general) please respond to this email letting me know your area of interest and availability. Our Crew/ Design Teams will meet on Monday afternoons. Thank you in advance for your help!

Got Costumes?

Our show is set in 1970’s Philadelphia. We are looking for 70’s inspired costumes. Bell bottoms! Silk shirts! Colorful blazers! Paisley! Stripes! Wide ties! Please bring any costume pieces you might like to donate to the Creative Connections room. Thank you!

More reminders for this week:

• Academic Eligibility: Action plans have been shared with students who need them and we’re thrilled to report that grades are climbing! We’ll be following up with families as needed.

• Snacks & Water Bottle: Students will get snack before rehearsal but if your student gets hungry, best to pack an extra snack if possible. All students should bring a water bottle.

Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns. 

April 7

The highlight of last week was certainly Dr K’s sublime rectital of piano pieces by African American composers. His second annual performance continues to inspire and teach us at the same time. Thank you Dr K for your dedication to this project and the joy it brings to our community. 

This week starts with all the excitement of the Eclipse and closes with a party. Please help make sure your students are eligible for the celebration on Friday by being in school on time, wearing their CSA uniform, and having their supplies with them like a charged Chromebook. 

In between, we will administer the NYS ELA Exam on Wednesday and Thursday, 4/10 - 4/11,  This mandated assessment provides CSA with crucial information on how we can revise curriculum and improve instruction. It also gives the NYS Education Department valuable data on how schools are performing and enhancing student achievement statewide. Students need to arrive on time, well-rested and fed breakfast so they can concentrate on doing their best. 

Eclipse Experience

On Monday, 4/8, the CSA community will explore this rare, even once-in-a-lifetime event throughout the day. Science classes will take time out to understand how an eclipse happens. Advisory classes will look at the effect this startling natural phenomenon has had on cultures for centuries.And best of all, at dismissal, teachers and staff will share special viewing glasses with all students and head to the park to see the eclipse first hand.  We will all meet where the path merges together, by the Battery Woodland. The meeting place is indicated by the red star on the  map attached to this newsletter

Upcoming ELA State Exams

ELA state exams will take place Wednesday April 10th and Thursday April 11th. For the first time, eighth graders are mandated to take the computer-based exam.  Students are well-prepared for these assessments, given the substantial amount of reading and writing taking place in all of their classes. Please mark your calendars, and make sure that students are well rested and come to school on time.

Sister Act Update Follows Below

For General Questions:

About Ensembles or other aspects of CREATE: Erin@cityschoolofthearts.org

About Classes or other aspects of LEARN: Elisa@cityschoolofthearts.org

About Advisory, Family Association, Discipline or other aspects of THRIVE: Desiree@cityschoolofthearts.org

About attendance, early dismissal, or other questions: attendance@cityschoolofthearts.org

Best wishes from the CSA team,

Randall Iserman

Executive Director

Sister Act Update

Greetings, Cast Members and Families!

We had another great week of rehearsals last week. We’re really cooking with gas! We have some changes to keep track of so please read the notes below carefully!

IMPORTANT NOTES: 

1. Monday’s Eclipse: We will NOT be rehearsing or holding crew/ design team meetings tomorrow, Monday April 8th, so that students can watch the eclipse outside with their classes. (If your student needs to stay on Mondays they can join MY programming after the eclipse field trip).

2. Friday’s CSA Celebration: No Rehearsal on Friday April 12th due to CSA Celebration (see newsletter for more details)

3. State Testing This Week: To give students extra time to get home and settle so they feel fresh for testing, rehearsals on Tuesday and Wednesday this week will end at 5:15.

4. Understudies: Starting this week, understudies are invited to come to rehearsals when the role they are covering is called. When understudies attend they will have opportunities to step in and practice their role. Understudies should prepare by reviewing lines and songs.

5. Schedule: The rehearsal schedule is now fleshed out between now and Spring Break. We will have the May schedule completed for you within the next few days. Up until this point we have worked around students' schedules. Starting in May, all rehearsals are mandatory. In these final weeks leading up to the show please do not schedule appointments on rehearsal days and make every effort to prioritize rehearsals over other after school activities. Thank you for your understanding and flexibility as we piece together this complex production!

6. Exciting Showcase News: Our Nuns and Monsignor have been invited to present a sneak peak of “Take Me To Heaven (Nun Choir Version) for the Spring Showcase on Thursday April 18th! We will be in touch with families of these performers directly to share schedule and permission slips.

Save the Date: 

Sister Act! Tues-Thurs May 21st, 22nd, 23rd at NYFA Theater, 17 Battery Place, 6:30 PM

We will be performing for CSA student, one grade per day, during the afternoon on each performance day, then breaking for dinner and performing again for families and adult friends each evening. 

As always, our strike (clean-up, load-out) will take place the Friday morning after closing night and we’ll celebrate with a party for cast and crew that afternoon. 

We’ll have information on tickets for you at the beginning of May. Please know in advance that the theater at NYFA is an intimate size and we will be able to offer a limited number of tickets to families of each cast and crew member. We try our best to work with families to accommodate extra ticket requests and thank you in advance for your patience.

This week’s Rehearsal Schedule:

Monday, 4/8- NO Rehearsal or Crew/ Design Teams 

Tuesday, 4/9 - until 5:15 - City Folk, Eddie, Deloris, Mary Robert

Wednesday, 4/10 - until 5:15 - Full Cast

Thursday, 4/11 - until 6:00 - Nuns, Eddie

Friday, 4/12 - NO Rehearsal (due to CSA celebration)

Other Important Dates at a Glance:

4/8 No Rehearsal or Design Team/ Crew Meetings due to Eclipse

4/9 + 4/10 Rehearsals ends at 5:15 due to State Testing

4/10 Full Cast Rehearsal

4/12 No rehearsal due to CSA Celebration

4/15 All performers need to be off-book!

4/17 Showcase Rehearsal 

4/18 Spring Showcase (no regular rehearsal)

5/1 Mandatory Rehearsal Period Begins 

Calling Adult Helpers on Monday afternoons 2:30-5:30!

Thank you to those family members who have reached out to volunteer. If you are a grown-up who is handy with a glue gun, a sewing machine, a drill or a checklist and you’d like to come with costumes, props or sets (or just want to come by to lend a hand in general) please respond to this email letting me know your area of interest and availability. Our Crew/ Design Teams will meet on Monday afternoons. Thank you in advance for your help!

Got Costumes?

Our show is set in 1970’s Philadelphia. We are looking for 70’s inspired costumes. Bell bottoms! Silk shirts! Colorful blazers! Paisley! Stripes! Wide ties! Please bring any costume pieces you might like to donate to the Creative Connections room. Thank you!

More reminders for this week:

• Academic Eligibility: Action plans have been shared with students who need them and we’re thrilled to report that grades are climbing! We’ll be following up with families as needed.

• Snacks & Water Bottle: Students will get snack before rehearsal but if your student gets hungry, best to pack an extra snack if possible. All students should bring a water bottle.

Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns. 

IMPORTANT LINKS:

• Sister Act Resource Folder - Star or bookmark this folder! This is your one-stop-shop for audio tracks and important docs

• Full Rehearsal Schedule - so you can plan ahead! (Please note, we will adjust details of the schedule as we go along but will do our best not to make unexpected changes to students’ call days/ times without at least a week’s notice)

• Communication Archive of all Sunday night emails and other family communication so you can always easily access information we’ve shared about the show

March 31

It was a short week, but we closed with a bang. 

Ms Erin says it best. “The MPS was turned into the hottest club in lower Manhattan tonight! Club CSA!! Our 6th, 7th and 8th grade Music Tech students totally rocked it! Also, it was a total blast watching them listen to each other’s work, lift each other up/cheer each other on and dance!!” The CSA community thanks and congratulates Mr Pattison who created this tradition and has kept it going now for 6 years! Predictably, students want us to turn all the ensemble showcases into dance parties…

This coming week, 7th grade families can get a first look into the CSA high school admissions process. We look forward to visiting artist Mr. Anton Griffin. Mr. Griffin is a comic book artist who will be working with 7th Grade visual artists on their superhero series which centers around endangered animals. He will also be having an artist talk with the 8th grade visual artists. We also get to hear Dr K’s second annual piano recital. 

Reminder: Regular Manhattan Youth after school programming is suspended on Monday, April 1. Please contact the school at attendance@cityschoolofthearts.org if your family has urgent need of afterschool care.

An Evening Celebrating African American Composers 

Dr. K will present his (second!) benefit piano recital for CSA on Thursday, April 4th at 7 PM. Like last year, the evening will feature piano music of African American composers. For more information, and to purchase tickets/donate, please see this LINK. The recital is at 130 W 30th Street. There is a ticket option for the live stream as well. 

7th Grade Families- Intro to High School Placement Meeting- April 3rd (6 pm-7 pm) at CSA

Please join Ms. Jones at CSA for a meeting about the High School placement process. She will give an overview of the process, outline the many ways CSA supports families, and advise you on what you can do to get a jumpstart on researching High Schools. Please RSVP for the meeting by emailing Ms. Jones (desiree@cityschoolofthearts.org). 

Eclipse Experience

On Monday, 4/8, the CSA community will explore this rare, even once-in-a-lifetime event throughout the day. Science classes will take time out to understand how an eclipse happens. History classes will look at the effect this startling natural phenomenon has had on cultures for centuries. Advisories will discuss what students are learning. And best of all, at dismissal, teachers and staff will share special viewing glasses with all students and head to the park to see the eclipse first hand. 

Upcoming ELA State Exams

ELA state exams will take place Wednesday April 10th and Thursday April 11th. For the first time, eighth graders are mandated to take the computer-based exam.  Students are well-prepared for these assessments, given the substantial amount of reading and writing taking place in all of their classes. Please mark your calendars, and make sure that students are well rested and come to school on time those days.

Sister Act Update

Save the Date: Sister Act! Tues-Thurs May 21st, 22nd, 23rd at NYFA Theater, 17 Battery Place, 6:30 PM

We will be performing for CSA students–one grade per day–during the afternoon on each performance day, then breaking for dinner and performing again for families and adult friends each evening. 

As always, our strike (clean-up, load-out) will take place the Friday morning after closing night and we’ll celebrate with a party for cast and crew that afternoon. 

We’ll have information on tickets for you at the beginning of May. Please know in advance that the theater at NYFA is an intimate size and we will be able to offer a limited number of tickets to families of each cast and crew member. We try our best to work with families to accommodate extra ticket requests and thank you in advance for your patience.

This week’s Rehearsal Schedule:

Monday, 4/1- until 5:30 (6th/7th Design Teams leave at 4:30) - Crew/ Design Teams + Curtis’s Crew 

Tuesday, 4/2 - until 6:00 - Deloris, Eddie, Tina, Nina, Elle, Michelle, Curtis, Pablo, TJ, Joey, Mary Robert, Mother Superior, Monsignor O'Hara, Cop

Wednesday, 4/3 - until 6:00 - Nuns, Curtis, Pablo, TJ, Joey, Feat Dancers

Thursday, 4/4 - until 6:00 - Full Cast

Friday, 4/5 - until 5:30 - Nuns

Calling Adult Helpers on Monday afternoons 2:30-5:30!

Thank you to those family members who have reached out to volunteer. If you are a grown-up who is handy with a glue gun, a sewing machine, a drill or a checklist and you’d like to come with costumes, props or sets (or just want to come by to lend a hand in general) please respond to this email letting me know your area of interest and availability. Our Crew/ Design Teams will meet on Monday afternoons. Thank you in advance for your help!

Got Costumes?

Our show is set in 1970’s Philadelphia. We are looking for 70’s inspired costumes. Bell bottoms! Silk shirts! Colorful blazers! Paisley! Stripes! Wide ties! Please bring any costume pieces you might like to donate to the Creative Connections room. Thank you!

More reminders for this week:

• Academic Eligibility: Action plans have been shared with students who need them and we’re thrilled to report that grades are climbing! We’ll be following up with families as needed.

• Snacks & Water Bottle: Students will get snack before rehearsal but if your student gets hungry, best to pack an extra snack if possible. All students should bring a water bottle.

• We will begin to call Understudies the week of April 8th

Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns. 

IMPORTANT LINKS:

• Sister Act Resource Folder - Star or bookmark this folder! This is your one-stop-shop for audio tracks and important docs

• Full Rehearsal Schedule - so you can plan ahead! (Please note, we will adjust details of the schedule as we go along but will do our best not to make unexpected changes to students’ call days/ times without at least a week’s notice)

• Communication Archive of all Sunday night emails and other family communication so you can always easily access information we’ve shared about the show

For General Questions:

About Ensembles or other aspects of CREATE: Erin@cityschoolofthearts.org

About Classes or other aspects of LEARN: Elisa@cityschoolofthearts.org

About Advisory, Family Association, Discipline or other aspects of THRIVE: Desiree@cityschoolofthearts.org

About attendance, early dismissal, or other questions: attendance@cityschoolofthearts.org

Best wishes from the CSA team,

Randall Iserman

Executive Director

March 24

This past week CSA families were treated to the shining performance of our CSA Vocal Ensembles. It’s hard to describe the thrill we all feel watching our students perform. They are the picture of professionalism and presence. Thank you to Ms Erin and Dr K for emceeing and accompanying our singers (among the many roles they play). And special applause to Christina Swanson for guiding our singers on their journey. Enjoy the video Mr Williams has produced for us. 

And please check out our Instagram page for photos and stories about what’s happening at CSA

And don’t forget. School is closed on Friday, March 29.

Some Changes in our Humanities Department

CSA is pleased to welcome Mahalia Bazile to our 8th grade humanities team beginning on Monday, March 25. Ms Bazile comes to our school with extensive experience supporting students who need extra help, along with a well-rounded teaching career in STEM subjects as well. Ms Yuan and Ms Smith are already getting her oriented. Ms Bazile’s arrival allows CSA to shift Mr Holmes to supporting the 7th grade humanities team and to move Mr White to 6th grade where he will help develop additional targeted small groups and support the ELA and History teachers. We look forward to the enthusiasm and energy these changes will bring. 

Upcoming ELA State Exams

ELA state exams will take place Wednesday April 10th and Thursday April 11th. For the first time, eighth graders are mandated to take the computer-based exam.  Students are well-prepared for these assessments, given the substantial amount of reading and writing taking place in all of their classes. Please mark your calendars, and make sure that students are well rested and come to school on time those days.

Smile New York 

Up this week we have a visit from the dentists at Smile NY. Families who signed up earlier should be comfortable that they still have appointments for this visit. If you haven’t already, please go to www.myschooldentist.com and fill out a permission form TODAY. Children will receive a dental exam, cleaning, and x-rays, plus sealants to prevent cavities and silver diamine fluoride (SDF), as needed on back teeth to treat decay and make teeth less sensitive. All children will leave with a dental report card and a toothbrush and there is no cost to families – Once your child returns a signed consent form, it will remain valid for the entirety of their enrollment at our school. 

Women’s History Month CSAFA Career  Panel 

The celebration of women’s contributions to science, industry, public service, and the arts gets into full swing during advisories. Tomorrow the CSA Family Association is hosting Women’s History Month Career Panels for each grade. 

Students will have the opportunity to learn about our panelists' career journeys and ask questions. Thank you to our CSAFA leadership and panelists for organizing this wonderful initiative! 

High School - Next Steps 

8th Grade Families- If you would like to set up a meeting to discuss your high school offer and next steps, please email Ms. Jones (desiree@cityschoolofthearts.org). 

7th Grade Families- Intro to High School Placement Meeting- April 3rd (6 pm-7 pm) at CSA

Please join Ms. Jones at CSA for a meeting about the High School placement process. She will give an overview of the process, outline the many ways CSA supports families, and advise you on what you can do to get a jumpstart on researching High Schools. Please RSVP for the meeting by emailing Ms. Jones (desiree@cityschoolofthearts.org). 

An Evening Celebrating African American Composers 

Dr. K will present his (second!) benefit piano recital for CSA on Thursday, April 4th at 7 PM. Like last year, the evening will feature piano music of African American composers. For more information, and to purchase tickets/donate, please see this LINK. The recital is at 130 W 30th Street. There is a ticket option for the live stream as well. 

Sister Act Update

  Design Team/ Crew 

Our Design Team/ Crew meetings will start on Monday, March 25th. Design Team members in 6th and 7th grade will meet until 4:30; 8th graders will stay until 5:30. Emails have been sent to Design Team/ Crew families. Please reply to Ms. Q’s email to confirm your attendance and choice of Design Team.

  Calling Adult Helpers on Monday afternoons 2:30-5:30!

Thank you to those family members who have reached out to volunteer. If you are a grown-up who is handy with a glue gun, a sewing machine, a drill or a checklist and you’d like to come with costumes, props or sets (or just want to come by to lend a hand in general) please respond to this email letting me know your area of interest and availability. Our Crew/ Design Teams will meet on Monday afternoons. Thank you in advance for your help!

  Got Costumes?

Our show is set in 1970’s Philadelphia. We are looking for 70’s inspired costumes. Bell bottoms! Silk shirts! Colorful blazers! Paisley! Stripes! Wide ties! Please bring any costume pieces you might like to donate to the Creative Connections room. Thank you!

Here is what you need to know/ do for this week:

• Academic Eligibility: Action plans have been shared with students who need them and we’re thrilled to report that their grades are climbing! We’ll be following up with families as needed.

• Snacks & Water Bottle: Students will get snack before rehearsal but if your student gets hungry, best to pack an extra snack if possible. All students should bring a water bottle.

• This week’s Rehearsal Schedule:

Monday, 3/25- Crew/ Design Teams + Curtis’s Crew

Tuesday, 3/26 - until 6:00 - Featured Dancers + Speaking Roles as follows: Deloris, Michelle, Tina, Elle, Nina, Mother Superior, Monsignor O'Hara, Eddie, Mary Lazarus, Mary Patrick, Curtis, Pablo, TJ, Joey

Wednesday, 3/27 - until 6:00 - Full Cast

Thursday, 3/28 - until 6:00 - Full Cast

Friday, 3/29 - No School

Understudies are NOT needed at rehearsals until they’re called. We will begin understudy rehearsals at the beginning of April. 

Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns. 

IMPORTANT LINKS:

• Sister Act Resource Folder - Star or bookmark this folder! This is your one-stop-shop for audio tracks and important docs

• Full Rehearsal Schedule - so you can plan ahead! (Please note, we will adjust details of the schedule as we go along but will do our best not to make unexpected changes to students’ call days/ times without at least a week’s notice)

• Communication Archive of all Sunday night emails and other family communication so you can always easily access information we’ve shared about the show

For General Questions:

About Ensembles or other aspects of CREATE: Erin@cityschoolofthearts.org

About Classes or other aspects of LEARN: Elisa@cityschoolofthearts.org

About Advisory, Family Association, Discipline or other aspects of THRIVE: Desiree@cityschoolofthearts.org

About attendance, early dismissal, or other questions: attendance@cityschoolofthearts.org

Best wishes from the CSA team,

Randall Iserman

Executive Director

March 17

This Monday, March 18, students have online work projects to do. Please let us know if they have difficulty accessing Google classroom or any questions about the work. 

And we look forward to seeing families online for conferences on their students’ progress in the second semester.

PI day was fun for all with activities in math and science classes, games during lunch, and a competition to memorize the most digits. Congratulations to Nora Juraska on her stunning recitation of 100 digits. 

Spirit Week was also a blast. The CSA Community enjoyed celebrating our fun themes last week. However, CSA uniform shirts and sweatshirts are mandatory again. Please make sure your child is in a CSA outfit every day.

And please check out our Instagram page for photos and stories about what’s happening at CSA

Women’s History Month

The celebration of women’s contributions to science, industry, public service, and the arts gets into full swing during advisories. Also, we have this invitation from the CSA Family Association: 

Calling all Women of CSA! In celebration of Women's History  Month, we'd like to glimpse the different types of careers women can hold! We will be organizing short talks to the students of CSA and need 8 CSA women (open to Moms, Aunts, Older Sisters, Grandmothers, Godmothers, and any other caregiver with an association to a CSA student) to volunteer to come in and talk briefly about their career. 

The talk sessions will be held March 25th and 27th,  a Monday and Wednesday, at both 9-9:30 and 12:-12:30 covering all grades. If you'd love to share interesting elements about your career, this is your opportunity! Don't miss out. CSA students would love to learn more about what you do and the interesting components of your career. Don't miss out. Please email csafamilies@cityschoolofthearts.org.

Keep an eye on your email for other activities to celebrate Women's History Month!

High School - Next Steps 

8th Grade Families- If you would like to set up a meeting to discuss your high school offer and next steps, please email Ms. Jones (desiree@cityschoolofthearts.org). 

7th Grade Families- Look out for an Introduction to High School Placement meeting early next month! 

An Evening Celebrating African American Composers 

Dr. K will present his (second!) benefit piano recital for CSA on Thursday, April 4th at 7 PM. Like last year, the evening will feature piano music of African American composers. For more information, and to purchase tickets/donate, please see this LINK. The recital is at 130 W 30th Street. There is a ticket option for the live stream as well. 

Sister Act Update

Design Team/ Crew meetings will start on Monday, March 25th. Design Team members in 6th and 7th grade will meet until 4:30; 8th graders will stay until 5:30. Emails have been sent to Design Team/ Crew families; reminder emails will go out this week.

Cast and Families: here is what you need to know/ do for this week:

Calling Adult Helpers on Monday afternoons 2:30-5:30!

Starting on Monday March 25th we’ll be meeting with our Design Teams and Run Crew. If you are a grown-up who is handy with a glue gun, a sewing machine, a drill and/or a checklist and you’d like to come help with costumes, props or sets (or just want to come by to lend a hand in general) please email Ms. Q at kate@cityschoolofthearts.org letting her know your area of interest and availability. Thank you!

Here is what you need to know/ do for this week:

• Academic Eligibility: Action plans have been shared with students who need them and we’re thrilled to report that grades are climbing! We’ll be following up with families as needed.

• Snacks & Water Bottle: Students will get snack before rehearsal but if your student gets hungry, best to pack an extra snack if possible. All students should bring a water bottle.

• This week’s Rehearsal Schedule:

Monday, 3/19- No Rehearsal

Tuesday, 3/20 - until 6:00 - Speaking Roles as follows: Deloris, Mother Superior, Monsignor O'Hara, Eddie, Mary Patrick, Mary Lazarus, Mary Roberts, Mary Celeste, Mary Irene, Mary Stephen

Wednesday, 3/21 - until 6:00 - Nuns, Curtis, Joey, TJ, Pablo

Thursday, 3/22 - until 6:00 - Full Cast

Friday, 3/23 - Until 5 - Nuns and Featured Dancers

Understudies are NOT needed at rehearsals until they’re called. We will begin understudy rehearsals at the beginning of April. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns. We’re so excited to get started with you!

• Sister Act Resource Folder - Star or bookmark this folder! This is your one-stop-shop for audio tracks and all other important docs

• Full Rehearsal Schedule - Please note, we will adjust details of the schedule as we go along but will do our best not to make unexpected changes to students’ call days/ times without at least a week’s notice

• Communication Archive of all Sunday night emails and other family communication so you can always easily access information we’ve shared about the show

For General Questions:

About Ensembles or other aspects of CREATE: Erin@cityschoolofthearts.org

About Classes or other aspects of LEARN: Maria@cityschoolofthearts.org

About Advisory, Family Association, Discipline or other aspects of THRIVE: Desiree@cityschoolofthearts.org

About attendance, early dismissal, or other questions: attendance@cityschoolofthearts.org

Best wishes from the CSA team,

Randall Iserman

Executive Director

March 11

It feels like the 23-24 school year is flying by. We have already reached one of the most important milestones of every school year. High school offers were released on Thursday, and once again CSA students outdid themselves. They have great offers to a full range of exciting HS opportunities. Many will be continuing their journey as artist/scholars at schools like Art and Design, Fashion HS, Talent Unlimited and LaGuardia. But others will bring their creativity to academic settings such as Avenues, Beacon, Millennium, Brooklyn Tech, and Harbor School. We know they will flourish and build on what they have learned at CSA.

This result is unimaginable without the expertise, dedication, and tireless work of Desiree Jones. Her thoughtful care for each family’s specific needs and dreams guides our 8th graders to their best fit schools. But she does not do it alone. Dr. K, Lady Small, Ms. Q and Ms. Erin, Mr. Williams, Ms. Swanson, Ms. Figueroa, Mr. Pattison, and Mr. Dominguez all play major roles in preparing and coaching and encouraging our students to give their auditions and portfolios the professionalism and polish that they deserve. Also, our whole CSA team writes recommendations, edits artist statements, and just generally cheers them on through the nerve-wracking process of choosing and applying. This day is one of the moments when our whole community glows with pride each year. Congratulations to all.

Remote Parent-Teacher Conferences March 18th

You all should have received an email with instructions for the sign-up for Zoom Parent-Teacher Conferences. Please plan for Monday, March 18 to also be an asynchronous remote learning day for students. While home that Monday, students should check Google Classroom for assignment directions and links.

If you have not received an email, please contact csa_ops@cityschoolofthearts.org. 

Welcome to Spirit Week
Spirit Week returns March 11-15th. Show your CSA Spirit by supporting the week. Thank you to the CSA Student Council for selecting the themes!!

• Monday 3/11- Mismatched Day- Choose a wacky outfit. The more patterns the better!

• Tuesday 3/12- Color Day- Each grade will select a color to wear 

• Wednesday 3/13-  Wayback Wednesday- Wear an outfit from the decade of your choice

• Thursday 3/14- Nerd Day- Celebrate Pi Day and get your glasses and suspenders ready! 

• Friday 3/15- Fancy Friday- Wear your most elegant and dramatic outfit. It’s the CSA Met Gala Day and the theme is Hunger Games Formal Wear

Pi Day Is March 14th

Plan for students to learn the digits of Pi or “train” for pie-based events as we celebrate the magic of mathematics on 3.14. To prepare for the contest there are printed copies of iI around the school, or have them go to One Million Digits of Pi On One Page!. The top two winners will get a prize!

High School - Next Steps 

8th Grade Families- If you would like to set up a meeting to discuss your high school offer and next steps, please email Ms. Jones (desiree@cityschoolofthearts.org). 

7th Grade Families- Look out for an Introduction to High School Placement meeting early next month! 

An Evening Celebrating African American Composers 

Dr. K will present his (second!) benefit piano recital for CSA on Thursday, April 4th at 7 PM. Like last year, the evening will feature piano music of African American composers. For more information, and to purchase tickets/donate, please see this LINK. The recital is at 130 W 30th Street. There is a ticket option for the live stream as well. 

Sister Act Update

Design Team/ Crew meetings will start in mid-March. These meetings will take place Mondays after school. Look out for an email with more information for the crew/design team this week. 

Cast and Families: here is what you need to know/ do for this week:

• Cast Agreements: Thanks to families who have returned these! Please have them signed by actors and family members and returned to Ms. Gini by the end of this week. HERE’s an online copy if yours has been misplaced.

• Scripts and Tracks: All cast members have now been given a copy of the script. Students can click HERE and scroll down to access a digital copy of the script whenever needed.

• Academic Eligibility: Action plans have been shared with students who need them and we’re thrilled to report that grades are climbing! We’ll be following up with families as needed.

• Snacks & Water Bottle: Students will get snack before rehearsal but if your student gets hungry, best to pack an extra snack if possible. All students should bring a water bottle.

• This week’s Rehearsal Schedule:

• Monday, 3/11- No Rehearsal

• Tuesday, 3/12 - until 6:00 - Speaking Roles as follows: Deloris, Curtis, Ernie, Joey, Pablo, TJ, Mother Superior, Eddie, Mary Patrick, Mary Lazarus, Mary Roberts

• Wednesday, 3/13 - until 6:00 - Full Cast

• Thursday, 3/14 - until 6:00 - Full Cast

• Friday, 3/15 - Until 5 - Nuns and Featured Dancers

Understudies are NOT needed at rehearsals until they’re called. We will begin understudy rehearsals at the beginning of April. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns. We’re so excited to get started with you!

• Sister Act Resource Folder - Star or bookmark this folder! This is your one-stop-shop for audio tracks and all other important docs

• Full Rehearsal Schedule - Please note, we will adjust details of the schedule as we go along but will do our best not to make unexpected changes to students’ call days/ times without at least a week’s notice

• Communication Archive of all Sunday night emails and other family communication so you can always easily access information we’ve shared about the show

For General Questions:

About Ensembles or other aspects of CREATE: Erin@cityschoolofthearts.org

About Classes or other aspects of LEARN: Maria@cityschoolofthearts.org

About Advisory, Family Association, Discipline or other aspects of THRIVE: Desiree@cityschoolofthearts.org

About attendance, early dismissal, or other questions: attendance@cityschoolofthearts.org

Best wishes from the CSA team,

Randall Iserman

Executive Director

March 4

It’s been another eventful week at CSA. 

Throughout the week, advisories fanned out through the halls studying our Black History Month pioneers and heroes. Students filled their booklets with information and learned how these innovators have contributed to our lives. The Creative Writers ensemble posted their poems honoring legendary black writers, athletes, artists, and leaders. Then in a tight game, CSA basketball stars Howard Gibbons and Chase Manning clinched the win for the Manhattan Youth team and secured their team’s place in the playoffs. CSA Debate went to their final tournament this weekend. A special shout out from Ms Kim and the debate league to Shaolin Walters for her commitment to the team. 

This week, we look forward to congratulating our 8th grade students - high school placements are announced this Thursday, March 7. Then their cap-and-gown picture day is Friday, March 8. 

Families can see all this and more including photos and even video at CSA on Instagram. Don’t miss out; follow CSA to keep up with the latest.

Next Week is Spirit Week
Spirit Week returns March 11-15th. Show your CSA Spirit by supporting the week. Thank you to the CSA Student Council for selecting the themes!!

• Monday 3/11- Mismatched Day- Chose a wacky outfit. The more patterns the better!

• Tuesday 3/12- Color Day- Each grade will select a color to wear 

• Wednesday 3/13-  Wayback Wednesday- Wear an outfit from the decade of your choice

• Thursday 3/14- Nerd Day- Celebrate Pi Day and get your glasses and suspenders ready! 

• Friday 3/15- Fancy Friday- Wear your most elegant and dramatic outfit. It’s the CSA Met Gala Day and the theme is Hunger Games Formal Wear 

Pi Day Is March 14th

Plan for students to learn the digits of Pi or “train” for pie-eating and other events as we celebrate the magic of mathematics on 3.14. If students want to start preparing for the contest, with fabulous prizes for the top two winners, have them go to One Million Digits of Pi On One Page!. In the meantime, to get you started, the first 100 digits of pi are:

3.1415926535 8979323846 2643383279 5028841971 6939937510 5820974944 5923078164 0628620899 8628034825 3421170679. (Whew)

Remote Parent-Teacher Conferences March 18th

Monday, March 18 will be an asynchronous remote learning day for students to allow teachers to schedule brief meetings with families throughout the day. Students should check Google Classroom for assignment directions and links.

Invitations will be sent to guardians this week with the full day’s time slots. These conversations will take place online so that families need not travel to CSA. 

An Evening Celebrating African American Composers 

Dr. K will present his (second!) benefit piano recital for CSA on Thursday, April 4th at 7 PM. Like last year, the evening will feature piano music of African American composers. For more information, and to purchase tickets/donate, please see this LINK. The recital is at 130 W 30th Street. There is a ticket option for the live stream as well. 

Sister Act Update

Design Team/ Crew meetings will start in mid-March. These meetings will take place Mondays after school. Look out for an email with more information for the crew/design team this week. 

Cast and Families: here is what you need to know/ do for this week:

• Cast Agreements: These have been handed out to all actors. Please have them signed by actors and family members and returned to Ms. Gini by the end of this week. HERE’s an online copy if yours has been misplaced.

• Scripts and Tracks: There are a couple of students who are still waiting on scripts. We’ve ordered more and should have them by Thursday. Students can click HERE and scroll down to access a digital copy of the script.

• Academic Eligibility: Action plans have been shared with students who need them. We’ll be communicating these plans with families this week.

• Snacks & Water Bottle: Students will get a small snack before rehearsal but if your student gets hungry, best to pack an extra snack if possible. All students should bring a water bottle.

• This week’s Rehearsal Schedule:

Monday, 3/4- No Rehearsal

Tuesday, 3/5 - until 6:00 - Speaking Roles as follows: Deloris, Michelle, Tina, Ella, Nina, Curtis, Ernie, Joey, Pablo, TJ, Cop, Mother Superior, Monsignor O'Hara, Eddie

Wednesday, 3/6 - until 6:00 - Full Cast

Thursday, 3/7 - until 6:00 - Full Cast

Friday, 3/8 - Until 5 - Nuns and Featured Dancers

Understudies are NOT needed at rehearsals until they’re called. We will begin understudy rehearsals at the beginning of April.

Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns. We’re so excited to get started with you!

• Sister Act Resource Folder - Star or bookmark this folder! This is your one-stop-shop for audio tracks and all other important docs

• Full Rehearsal Schedule - Please note, we will adjust details of the schedule as we go along but will do our best not to make unexpected changes to students’ call days/ times without at least a week’s notice

• Communication Archive of all Sunday night emails and other family communication so you can always easily access information we’ve shared about the show

For General Questions:

About Ensembles or other aspects of CREATE: Erin@cityschoolofthearts.org

About Classes or other aspects of LEARN: Maria@cityschoolofthearts.org

About Advisory, Family Association, Discipline or other aspects of THRIVE: Desiree@cityschoolofthearts.org

About attendance, early dismissal, or other questions: attendance@cityschoolofthearts.org

Best wishes from the CSA team,

Randall Iserman

Executive Director

February 25

Welcome back to school. We hope you have enjoyed your break and that students are recharged for the next phase of the school year. We have lots of news. 

First, we are delighted to confirm what you may have already heard. On or about March 18, Maria Siskar will begin her leave to have her first baby! She has been racing around at school for the last few weeks to help us prepare for her absence, so we know she could use a few days of preparing at home before the baby arrives. We know that Maria and her husband are excited and ready to be new parents and we wish them all the joy that it brings. 

So that CSA can continue to excel, Elisa Murphy is stepping back into the academic leadership role for the next few months. Maria and Elisa have been collaborating with our teachers to plan upcoming lessons and prepare students for state exams and Regents. Please let us know if you have any questions.

Picture Day Was Amazing

Students turned it out for picture day. Thank you to everyone for their collaboration to get everyone in for their individual shots and for their group photos with their advisories.  Photos from the 16th will be online via the picture day page link to begin to view and purchase March 6th. Get details from the picture day page: https://iloveschoolpictures.com/CityArts

Black History Month Concludes

This week, students will be challenged to collect the stories of our Pioneers, World-Changers, and Unsung Heroes in a scavenger hunt to learn more about Black Americans’ contributions to science, art and design, finance, business, government and education. Join us in this great opportunity to learn their stories.

Spring Musical Update

Congratulations to the cast and crew of Sister Act. 

Design team/crew meetings will start in mid-March. These meetings will take place Mondays after school. Look out for an email with more information for the crew/design team next week. 

Thanks to those cast member families who have filled out the conflict sheet for Sister Act. If you haven't already, please take five minutes to fill out the conflict sheet. Thank you!

We will have a full rehearsal schedule to you ASAP, but to help you plan for our first week of rehearsals when we get back from break, please note:

Monday, 2/26 - No Rehearsal

Tuesday, 2/27 - until 6:00 - Only speaking roles (your student is called if their character is named on the cast list - understudies not called)

Wednesday, 2/28 - until 6:00 - Full Cast

Thursday, 2/29 - until 6:00 - Full Cast

Friday, 3/1 - No Rehearsal

Finally, students who attended rehearsal the Friday before break were given a script. If your student was unable to attend they can click HERE and scroll down to access a digital copy of the script, and click HERE to listen to the show tracks. Hard copy scripts will be available when you return from break!

For General Questions:

About Ensembles or other aspects of CREATE: Erin@cityschoolofthearts.org

About Classes or other aspects of LEARN: Maria@cityschoolofthearts.org

About Advisory, Family Association, Discipline or other aspects of THRIVE: Desiree@cityschoolofthearts.org

About attendance, early dismissal, or other questions: attendance@cityschoolofthearts.org

Best wishes from the CSA team,

Randall Iserman

Executive Director

February 11

We just finished a week for the record books. 

First, students completed the MAP ELA Assessment. Students are making substantial gains! We are utilizing the data to adjust our instruction for the second semester, to improve upon our work and have them make even more considerable growth for the last semester of the year. We are proud of their efforts and accomplishments!

Second, each grade came together for community meetings where we reviewed our CSA values. It was an opportunity to congratulate the students who have made the greatest use of our academic intervention time and to celebrate the students who set the example for attendance, dress code, and community spirit. 

Then there is Love’s Labor’s Lost. The performances were a joy. Cast, crew, and audience members learned so much about personal growth through challenges, collaborating and supporting one another, and just how thrilling it can be to perform live theater. We thank Elena Levenson, our Classic Stage Company director, Gini Chang, our production manager extraordinaire, Kevon Brown, cast wrangler and lighting crew, and of course our staff and families for all their encouragement. Special appreciation to our teachers who chaperoned student audiences and adjusted schedules so we could share this amazing experience. Pictures and video of the show can be found here.

On Friday morning we also recognized our most outstanding academic students with an Honor Roll Breakfast. Students with a 3.75 GPA were awarded a certificate of their achievement. Those with a 4.0 GPA received a certificate and a pin. We look forward to celebrating more student successes and achievements as this semester progresses. 

Of course you must have already heard that the big reveal of the CSA Spring 2024 Musical took place during lunch periods. Students are really excited about Sister Act! Full details about the audition schedule and plans for rehearsals follow below. Please note all cast and crew members need to register with Manhattan Youth for the afterschool program to ensure they can plan for all the kids who will be at CSA working after regular school hours. 

And February has barely begun. We are currently celebrating  Black History Month and look forward to Picture Day and February Winter Break.

Black History Month

Students are already seeing posters dedicated to the lives and works of Pioneers, Trailblazers, and Unsung Heroes in the MPS, the Commons, and the hallways. Ask them about Gordon Parks, or Drexciya. As the month progresses, CSA will continue to post these heroes in every field. Near the end of the month, students will be challenged to collect their stories in a kind of search for a better understanding about Black Americans’ contributions to science, art and design, finance, business, government and education. Some of our world-changers may be famous, but many will be unknown to students and not well recognized by the general public. Join us in this great opportunity to learn their stories.

Peythyn Hall, a 6th grader, has also curated some BHM events. During Advisory and lunch this week,  students will celebrate the Harlem Renaissance and learn more about the Black Panther Party. Thank you for your leadership Peythyn! 

6th Grade Field Trip this Tuesday, February 13th

Students are going to study artifacts from ancient Egypt at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, to enhance their current unit in history, all about ancient civilizations.

Picture Day This Friday

February 16 is the day to dress to impress. Our regular CSA dress code is suspended so that students may dress as they wish for their photos, and there will be group photos of each advisory. Families will receive information this week on how to order.

Spring Musical Update

Here is the plan for this week’s auditions and first read through

• Monday Feb 12th: Open Call for 6th & 7th Grade Performers - until 5 pm

• Tuesday Feb 13th: Open Call for 8th Grade Performers - until 6 pm

• Note: anyone who can't make their day can attend the other or make other arrangements

• Students interested in Design Teams/ Run Crew can stop by during Open Call Days to sign up (will take about 10 minutes to fill out form)

• Thursday Feb 15th: Callback Auditions for All Grades - until 6 pm

• Friday Feb 16th: First Read-Through Rehearsal - Full Cast

Updates and Reminders:

COVID Protocols

We are still seeing elevated rates of transmission. Please take precautions as your family may need. Find the CSA COVID Protocols 2023-24 in this attachment. All community members can return to CSA after 5 days from the onset of symptoms (not necessarily when they took the test), as long as they do not have a fever for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication. However, they must wear a mask for an additional 5 days at school.

As we move into a new semester, we are asking families to help students remember this checklist: 

• Arrive on time every day (times listed below)

• Wear that CSA shirt, sweatshirt, or track jacket as your “top layer” See the 2023-24 Dress Code 

• Have a fully charged Chromebook and charger on hand

• Make sure homework is in its folder, ready to be turned in

• Bring a water bottle to school

• Leave gum, candy, and other snacks and drinks at home (or enjoy them outside of school)

Get the most recent newsletters and important upcoming dates on the Family Dashboard.

Find all the information on CSA community norms and policies in the 2023 Family Handbook.

In case you need it, here is the Calendar for the Year and the link to the CSA Families Info Page on our website.

For General Questions:

About Ensembles or other aspects of CREATE: Erin@cityschoolofthearts.org

About Classes or other aspects of LEARN: Maria@cityschoolofthearts.org

About Advisory, Family Association, Discipline or other aspects of THRIVE: Desiree@cityschoolofthearts.org

About attendance, early dismissal, or other questions: attendance@cityschoolofthearts.org

Best wishes from the CSA team,

Randall Iserman

Executive Director

February 4

Tickets Available Now!

Love’s Labor’s Lost 

Get your tickets to the CSA midwinter performance of Shakespeare’s charming play about honesty, love, and learning this week Tuesday through Thursday, Feb 6- 8 at NYFA Theater, 17 Battery Place. LLL Tickets  Curtain goes up at 6pm.

There is so much that we are celebrating in February! This week CSA held community meetings for each grade. It was the perfect setting to congratulate students who have really shown their determination during our academic enrichment periods,  embodied CSA values, or just had amazing grades. Families will receive information about special events planned to celebrate their achievements so far this year. And there is another big announcement coming on Friday, February 9 (read on…).

Black History Month

CSA will honor and recognize  achievements by Black Americans in every field. Students will be challenged to find out more about Black Americans’ contributions to science, art and design, finance, business, government and education. Some of our trailblazers may be famous, but many will be unknown to students and not well recognized. There are activities, advisory lessons, and even a challenge or two. We encourage you to ask them about it over the course of this month.

MAP Assessments 

On Tuesday, Feb 6 we finish this cycle of assessing our students’ individual growth so far with the MAP ELA test. These assessments provide crucial insight to how much every student has progressed, not just how proficient they are.  We make use of this data to provide support, enrichment, and to adjust our curriculum so that every student is able to access learning from their own individual strengths. Please make sure that students arrive on time Tuesday with charged Chromebooks.

Picture Day

Mark the calendar for Friday, February 16 for school photos. Details for families coming this week.

Spring Musical

All our CSA Theater energy is fully Shakespeare-centered for the first part of this week, but come Friday, Feb 9, we'll have big musical news to share! Look out for announcements at lunch on Friday about what show we're doing for CSA's Spring Musical 2024! And please save the date for auditions the following week:

• Monday Feb 12th: Open Call for 6th & 7th Grade Performers - until 5 pm

• Tuesday Feb 13th: Open Call for 8th Grade Performers - until 6 pm

• Note: anyone who can't make their day can attend the other or make other arrangements

• Students interested in Design Teams/ Run Crew can stop by during Open Call Days to sign up (will take about 10 minutes to fill out form)

• Thursday Feb 15th: Callback Auditions for All Grades - until 6 pm

• Friday Feb 16th: First Read-Through Rehearsal - Full Cast and Crew - until 6 pm

If you already think you want to audition even without knowing the show, you can get a jump into the process by filling out this form: Audition Sign-Up / Permission Form

We'll send the form out again with reminders about auditions in next week's Community Newsletter once we announce.

P.S. We're mindful that this schedule doesn't give our Shakespeare kiddos much of a breather between their show and auditions, but we wanted to prioritize getting the show cast and scripts out to performers before February Break, which will hopefully bring some well-deserved rest and downtime to performers in both productions!

Can't wait for auditions! Break a leg!

Updates and Reminders:

COVID Protocols

We are still seeing elevated rates of transmission. Please take precautions as your family may need. Find the CSA COVID Protocols 2023-24 in this attachment. All community members can return to CSA after 5 days from the onset of symptoms (not necessarily when they took the test), as long as they do not have a fever for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication. However, they must wear a mask for an additional 5 days at school.

As we move into a new semester, we are asking families to help students remember this checklist: 

• Arrive on time every day (times listed below)

• Wear that CSA shirt, sweatshirt, or track jacket as your “top layer” See the 2023-24 Dress Code 

• Have a fully charged Chromebook and charger on hand

• Make sure homework is in its folder, ready to be turned in

• Bring a water bottle to school

• Leave gum, candy, and other snacks and drinks at home (or enjoy them outside of school)

Get the most recent newsletters and important upcoming dates on the Family Dashboard.

Find all the information on CSA community norms and policies in the 2023 Family Handbook.

In case you need it, here is the Calendar for the Year and the link to the CSA Families Info Page on our website.

For General Questions:

About Ensembles or other aspects of CREATE: Erin@cityschoolofthearts.org

About Classes or other aspects of LEARN: Maria@cityschoolofthearts.org

About Advisory, Family Association, Discipline or other aspects of THRIVE: Desiree@cityschoolofthearts.org

About attendance, early dismissal, or other questions: attendance@cityschoolofthearts.org

Best wishes from the CSA team,

Randall Iserman

Executive Director

January 29

Reminder: Students have a remote learning day on Monday, January 29 for staff development. Their assignments or projects are posted on Google Classroom. They can email teachers with any questions.

Second semester begins on Tuesday, January 30th. We are excited about new units and projects for CSA students. Every student will receive a fresh planner with their schedules included. Our 6th grade students will get to explore a new Ensemble, we are adding another Algebra section for 8th grade students ready for the challenge, and other students may have minor shifts to make sure we are challenging them and supporting their learning as fully as we can. Take a look at their new planners or check Alma for any updates.

First semester report cards will go out on Friday, February 2. 

Black History Month

Beginning this week, CSA will celebrate achievements by Black Americans in every field. Some may be famous, but some will be unknown to students and not well recognized for their contributions to science, art and design, finance, business, government and education. We encourage you to ask them about it over the course of the month.

MAP Assessments 

On Thursday, Feb 1 and Tuesday, Feb 6 students will get a chance to show how much they have grown in the first half of the year. These assessments provide crucial data on how students are progressing based on where they started in September. We make use of this data to provide support, enrichment, and to adjust our curriculum so that every student is able to access learning from their own individual strengths.

Love’s Labor’s Lost 

Watch for our invitation to get your tickets to the CSA midwinter performance of Shakespeare’s charming play about honesty, love, and learning on Feb 6, 7, or 8. Link and information for tickets coming this week.

Picture Day

Mark the calendar for Friday, February 16 for school photos. Families will receive more information soon. 

Updates and Reminders:

COVID Protocols

We are still seeing elevated rates of transmission. Please take precautions as your family may need. Find the CSA COVID Protocols 2023-24 in this attachment. All community members can return to CSA after 5 days from the onset of symptoms (not necessarily when they took the test), as long as they do not have a fever for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication. However, they must wear a mask for an additional 5 days at school.

As we start a new semester, we are asking families to help students remember this checklist: 

• Arrive on time every day (times listed below)

• Wear that CSA shirt, sweatshirt, or track jacket as your “top layer” See the 2023-24 Dress Code 

• Have a fully charged Chromebook and charger on hand

• Make sure homework is in its folder, ready to be turned in

• Bring a water bottle to school

• Leave gum, candy, and other snacks and drinks at home (or enjoy them outside of school)

Get the most recent newsletters and important upcoming dates on the Family Dashboard.

Find all the information on CSA community norms and policies in the 2023 Family Handbook.

In case you need it, here is the Calendar for the Year and the link to the CSA Families Info Page on our website.

For General Questions:

About Ensembles or other aspects of CREATE: Erin@cityschoolofthearts.org

About Classes or other aspects of LEARN: Maria@cityschoolofthearts.org

About Advisory, Family Association, Discipline or other aspects of THRIVE: Desiree@cityschoolofthearts.org

About attendance, early dismissal, or other questions: attendance@cityschoolofthearts.org

Best wishes from the CSA team

January 22

Families had a blast at Science Night. Even cold, snowy weather could not prevent the fun. There was slime for everyone, and some of the students wanted to keep building and using their catapults all night. Thank you to producer Elisa Murphy, set and production designer Jeffany Martinez, stage manager Aengus Ortiz and the operations team and of course the whole science team - Dominique James, Thalia Baez, Caitlin Lewis, Sarah Hale, Alexis Daloni and all their helpers for giving families a taste of the project-based learning our students enjoy at CSA.

As we near the end of the semester, we take stock of students’ progress so far. This week, students will take final semester exams. Their tests are administered in the morning, so they need to be well-rested and at school in plenty of time for breakfast or to start the first period. Please let us know if you have any questions about first semester finals. 

But there are a lot of fun things we are getting ready for as well. We are planning activities for Black History Month and for mid-year community celebrations. Watch for your invitation to reserve seats at our upcoming winter production of Love’s Labor’s Lost. We will be sharing more details in the next community newsletter.

Reminder: Please plan ahead for students to have a remote learning day on Monday, January 29, for staff development. 

Updates and Reminders:

COVID Protocols

We are still seeing elevated rates of transmission. Please take precautions as your family may need.

Find the CSA COVID Protocols 2023-24 in this attachment.

All community members can return to CSA after 5 days from the onset of symptoms (not necessarily when they took the test), as long as they do not have a fever for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication. However, they must wear a mask for an additional 5 days at school.

To make 2024 as successful as possible, we are asking families to help students remember this checklist: 

• Arrive on time every day (times listed below)

• Wear that CSA shirt, sweatshirt, or track jacket as your “top layer” See the 2023-24 Dress Code 

• Have a fully charged Chromebook and the charger on hand

• Make sure homework is in its folder, ready to be turned in

• Bring a water bottle to school

• Leave gum, candy, and other snacks and drinks at home (or enjoy them outside of school)

Get the most recent newsletters and important upcoming dates on the Family Dashboard.

Find all the information on CSA community norms and policies in the 2023 Family Handbook.

In case you need it, here is the Calendar for the Year and the link to the CSA Families Info Page on our website.

For General Questions:

About Ensembles or other aspects of CREATE: Erin@cityschoolofthearts.org

About Classes or other aspects of LEARN: Maria@cityschoolofthearts.org

About Advisory, Family Association, Discipline or other aspects of THRIVE: Desiree@cityschoolofthearts.org

About attendance, early dismissal, or other questions: attendance@cityschoolofthearts.org

Best wishes from the CSA team,

Randall Iserman

Executive Director

January 15

Today, before anything else, we honor the legacy of Dr Martin Luther King Jr., and remember the teachings we still need to hear and to learn from to continue the work he led. 

Last week, CSA visual artists began a series of in-school gallery walks for their peers. This is always a fun way for students to share their work, and be inspired by their peers. Aspects of this lovely exhibit will be available for families to see on Thursday, January 18th during SCIENCE NIGHT. Details below.

This week is also a great time to review students’ grades and progress as we approach the last weeks of the semester. Are all the students’ assignments turned in? Has the teacher offered extra credit projects? Are study guides and other notes organized so that studying for semester final exams on Jan 24-26 is really productive?

Reminder: Please plan ahead for students to have a remote learning day on Monday, January 29, for staff development. 

Science Family Night - Thursday, January 18

Catapults, DNA, and slime, oh my! Join us Thursday, January 18th for Family Science Night, 5:45 pm. Experience our inquiry- and project-based science program for yourselves. Activities include: extracting strawberry DNA, making a catapult, and creating slime!  There will be a raffle for a science gift basket so the whole family can continue learning at home. Students must be accompanied by an adult. RSVP required so we can accommodate all, please use this link.  The fun starts at 5:45 - doors open at 5:20. 

Smile NY Returns to CSA

Great News! Smile New York Outreach in-school dental program consent forms were sent home with students. Our school is partnering with Smile New York Outreach to offer in-school dental care! Smile New York will be coming to CSA on Thursday and Friday, January 18-19. The service is free to all families, safe, and convenient; all appointments take place during school hours. 

Go to https://www.myschooldentist.com/Default.aspx and fill out a permission form to reserve a space.. 

Updates and Reminders:

COVID Protocols

We are still seeing elevated rates of transmission. Please take precautions as your family may need.

Find the CSA COVID Protocols 2023-24 in this attachment.

All community members can return to CSA after 5 days from the onset of symptoms (not necessarily when they took the test), as long as they do not have a fever for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication. However, they must wear a mask for an additional 5 days at school.

To make 2024 as successful as possible, we are asking families to help students remember this checklist: 

• Arrive on time every day (times listed below)

• Wear that CSA shirt, sweatshirt, or track jacket as your “top layer” See the 2023-24 Dress Code 

• Have a fully charged Chromebook and the charger on hand

• Make sure homework is in its folder, ready to be turned in

• Bring a water bottle to school

• Leave gum, candy, and other snacks and drinks at home (or enjoy them outside of school)

Wear Those CSA Outfits

We have begun lunch detentions for students not wearing their CSA tops. The outermost layer of clothing must have a CSA logo. Please help us ensure that students are dressed according to the guidelines HERE. Families can purchase additional items, including more warm styles, at the CSA Online Shop . If you are in need of a uniform scholarship, please contact Ms Jones. Students should also leave coats and jackets in their lockers. 

Uniforms are a school wide expectation.  Frequent non-compliance may result in students being excluded from school community activities or other consequences. 

PLEASE - Tag Students’ Personal Items

As the weather gets colder, coats, hats, scarves, and sweaters are increasingly left by students throughout the school. CSA urgently asks families to mark their students’ personal items with easy to find name tags. Our students leave things everywhere and it’s extremely difficult to match unlabeled items with their owners. We already have a small thrift shop’s worth of shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, lunch boxes, pencil cases, water bottles, and even glasses. Thanks for your help with this!

Get the most recent newsletters and important upcoming dates on the Family Dashboard.

Find all the information on CSA community norms and policies in the 2023 Family Handbook.

In case you need it, here is the Calendar for the Year and the link to the CSA Families Info Page on our website.

For General Questions:

About Ensembles or other aspects of CREATE: Erin@cityschoolofthearts.org

About Classes or other aspects of LEARN: Maria@cityschoolofthearts.org

About Advisory, Family Association, Discipline or other aspects of THRIVE: Desiree@cityschoolofthearts.org

About attendance, early dismissal, or other questions: attendance@cityschoolofthearts.org

Best wishes from the CSA team,

Randall Iserman

Executive Director

Important Dates

Monday, 1/15 - School Closed in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr Day

Wednesday, 1/17 - General Meeting of the CSA Board of Trustees

At the School, or online through this link

Thursday 1/18 - Science Family Night @ 5:45 (doors open at 5:20)

Thursday and Friday, 1/18-1/19 - Smile NY Dental Services (details to follow)

Wednesday - Friday, 1/24-1/26 - First semester final exams and presentations 

Monday, 1/29 - Students in Remote Attendance for Staff Development Day

Tuesday, 1/30 - Start of Spring Semester

Thursday, 2/1 - Black History Month begins

Thursday and Tuesday, 2/1 and 2/6 - Midyear MAP Growth Assessment

January 7, 2024

Students jumped into their academic and artistic classes our first week back from break, as we head to the end of our first semester at the end of this month.  This is an excellent moment to review your student's progress on Alma. Students are finishing their last units  for the term. Take a few minutes to review that they are turning in homework and finishing in-class projects so their grades reflect their actual learning. Take note of semester final exams and projects. Students may need your help scheduling time for polishing an essay or preparing for a test. Finals take place Wednesday through Friday, January 24-26.

Sorry to report, we have 3 staff members with confirmed cases of COVID. We are happy that all are doing fine and will be back soon. Every family should be aware that the uptick in infection rates for COVID, influenza, and RSV across the country is affecting CSA as well. Please encourage students to take all the usual precautions - wearing masks and frequent hand-washing and use of hand sanitizer. We will step up ventilation and cleaning to help reduce the risks. More information about COVID protocols follows below.   Please also remind students that they need to dress appropriately - CSA sweatshirts over layers to keep warm or cool off if rooms feel uncomfortable. 

On the bright side, CSA is buzzing. January is SCIENCE month! Details on our Family Night are listed below.

Rehearsals for Love’s Labour’s Lost continue. We need art for our program cover and poster. Every student is invited to submit a design. But time is short. The deadline for initial ideas is this Friday January 12. Details available in this flyer.

Reminder: Please plan ahead for students to have a remote learning day on Monday, January 29, for staff development. 

Science Family Night - Thursday, January 18

Catapults, DNA, and slime, oh my! Join us Thursday, January 18th for Family Science Night, 5:45 pm. Experience our inquiry- and project-based science program for yourselves. Activities include: extracting strawberry DNA, making a catapult, and creating slime!  There will be a raffle for a science gift basket so the whole family can continue learning at home. Students must be accompanied by an adult. RSVP required so we can accommodate all, please use this link.  The fun starts at 5:45 - doors open at 5:20. 

Smile NY Returns to CSA

Great News! Smile New York Outreach in-school dental program consent forms were sent home with students. Our school is partnering with Smile New York Outreach to offer in-school dental care! Smile New York will be coming to CSA on Thursday and Friday, January 18-19. The service is free to all families, safe, and convenient; all appointments take place during school hours. 

Go to https://www.myschooldentist.com/Default.aspx and fill out a permission form to reserve a space.. 

Updates and Reminders:

COVID Protocols

Please find the CSA COVID Protocols 2023-24 in this attachment.

All community members can return to CSA after 5 days from the onset of symptoms (not necessarily when they took the test), as long as they do not have a fever for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication. However, they must wear a mask for an additional 5 days at school.

To make 2024 as successful as possible, we are asking families to help students remember this checklist: 

• Arrive on time every day (times listed below)

• Wear that CSA shirt, sweatshirt, or track jacket as your “top layer” See the 2023-24 Dress Code 

• Have a fully charged Chromebook and the charger on hand

• Make sure homework is in its folder, ready to be turned in

• Bring a water bottle to school

• Leave gum, candy, and other snacks and drinks at home (or enjoy them outside of school)

What Time is “On Time”?

Please remind students that they need to arrive at the building with enough time to get up to class. Too many students are arriving at the door to the building right at the start of class time. And if they want to eat breakfast, they have to allow for that time as well.

Open for Breakfast Class Start Times 

   6th and 7th grade 7:30 am 8:00am 

8th grade 8:00 am 8:30 am

Please remind students that sugary drinks, candy and gum are not permitted in school. 

Wear Those CSA Outfits

The outermost layer of clothing must have a CSA logo. Please help us ensure that students are dressed according to the guidelines HERE. Families can purchase additional items, including more warm styles, at the CSA Online Shop . If you are in need of a uniform scholarship, please contact Ms Jones. Students should also leave coats and jackets in their lockers. 

Uniforms are a school wide expectation.  Frequent non-compliance may result in students being excluded from school community activities or other consequences. 

PLEASE - Tag Students’ Personal Items

As the weather gets colder, coats, hats, scarves, and sweaters are increasingly left by students throughout the school. CSA urgently asks families to mark their students’ personal items with easy to find name tags. Our students leave things everywhere and it’s extremely difficult to match unlabeled items with their owners. We already have a small thrift shop’s worth of shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, lunch boxes, pencil cases, water bottles, and even glasses. Thanks for your help with this!

Get the most recent newsletters and important upcoming dates on the Family Dashboard.

Find all the information on CSA community norms and policies in the 2023 Family Handbook.

In case you need it, here is the Calendar for the Year and the link to the CSA Families Info Page on our website.

For General Questions:

About Ensembles or other aspects of CREATE: Erin@cityschoolofthearts.org

About Classes or other aspects of LEARN: Maria@cityschoolofthearts.org

About Advisory, Family Association, Discipline or other aspects of THRIVE: Desiree@cityschoolofthearts.org

About attendance, early dismissal, or other questions: attendance@cityschoolofthearts.org

Best wishes from the CSA team,

Randall Iserman

Executive Director

January 1, 2024

Happy New Year and welcome back. We are excited about all that will be happening at CSA in 2024. The cast and crew are getting ready for the opening of Love’s Labour’s Lost at the beginning of February. CSA artists’ and scholars’ work is posted throughout the school. Math and Science Family Nights are coming this spring. And then there is the musical. We are all eager for the big reveal. But in the meantime, please enjoy the recording of our WinterShowcase2023.mp4 if you have not seen it, or want to see it again.

To make 2024 as successful as possible, we are asking families to help students remember this checklist: 

• Arrive on time every day (times listed below)

• Wear that CSA shirt, sweatshirt, or jacket as your “top layer” See the 2023-24 Dress Code 

• Have a fully charged chromebook and the charger on hand

• Make sure homework is in its folder, ready to be turned in

• Bring a water bottle to school

• Leave gum, candy, and other snacks and drinks at home (or enjoy them outside of school)

Updates and Reminders:

CSA is experiencing a serious increase in missing or damaged chromebooks. More and more students are bringing damaged units to the office or reporting they cannot find their chromebooks. This is in addition to those who just forgot them at home or at the home of a relative they visited. Help us help them develop the responsibility and planning skills that will make their future years in school or work more successful. 

What Time is “On Time”?

Please remind students that they need to arrive at the building with enough time to get up to class. Too many students are arriving at the door to the building right at the start of class time. And if they want to eat breakfast, they have to allow for that time as well.

Open for Breakfast Class Start Times 

6th and 7th grade 7:30 am 8:00am 

8th grade 8:00 am 8:30 am

Please remind students that sugary drinks, candy and gum are not permitted in school. 

PLEASE - Tag Students’ Personal Items

As the weather gets colder, coats, hats, scarves, and sweaters are increasingly left by students throughout the school. CSA urgently asks families to mark their students’ personal items with easy to find name tags. Our students leave things everywhere and it’s extremely difficult to match unlabeled items with their owners. We already have a small thrift shop’s worth of shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, lunch boxes, pencil cases, water bottles, and even glasses. Thanks for your help with this!

After School Academic Support - Study Hall

Study hall is in full swing! This is an ideal opportunity for students who need time to complete outstanding academic assignments from absences or a quiet place to complete homework before they leave school. Families are highly encouraged to reach out to their student’s teachers in regards to missing assignments that can be made up. CSA offers study hall twice a week, on Tuesday & Thursday, from 3:30-5:00 PM. See the family dashboard for additional information, including how to opt your student into study hall. The schedule and more information can be found on the CSA Family Dashboard After School Page. Please email afterschool@cityschoolofthearts.org if you have further questions.

Wear Those CSA Outfits

The outermost layer of clothing must have a CSA logo. Please help us ensure that students are dressed according to the guidelines HERE. Families can purchase additional items, including more warm styles, at the CSA Online Shop . If you are in need of a uniform scholarship, please contact Ms Jones. Students should also leave coats and jackets in their lockers. 

Find all the information on CSA community norms and policies in the 2023 Family Handbook.

In case you need it, here is the Calendar for the Year and the link to the CSA Families Info Page on our website.

For General Questions:

About Ensembles or other aspects of CREATE: Erin@cityschoolofthearts.org

About Classes or other aspects of LEARN: Maria@cityschoolofthearts.org

About Advisory, Family Association, Discipline or other aspects of THRIVE: Desiree@cityschoolofthearts.org

About attendance, early dismissal, or other questions: attendance@cityschoolofthearts.org

Best wishes from the CSA team,

Randall Iserman

Executive Director

December 18

Spirit Week was a blast. Students and staff dressed as twins, as popular characters, and perhaps the most popular as “elderly people”. Given that some wore gray wigs and hobbled around with canes, but others dressed as our staff (yikes), we had to laugh at what students consider “old”.  On Thursday, History Night brought families together to paint glyphs and symbols, to put historical facts in order and to play Geography Jeopardy. It’s great to see them having fun with facts and ideas they are also looking at in class. 

As this is our last community newsletter of 2023, we want to take a moment now to wish everyone in our community - families, students, staff, and friends - a joyous holiday season. May your travels be safe and pleasant and the time you have with your families and friends be filled with love and laughter. Here’s to a bright and exciting new year in 2024.

Students, take time to draw, sing, play your instruments, and especially to read. Find the stories you enjoy and keep reading for the fun of it. Don’t forget you are invited to borrow books from your classroom libraries or the reading room.

Winter Ensemble Showcase

The 2023 Winter Ensemble Showcase is this Wednesday. We are delighted to bring back this opportunity for so many of our students to perform live on stage. The entire CSA community will watch their peers perform in an afternoon show from 2:30 to 4 pm. Performing Ensembles will share their work with their families at 6 PM. Permission slips for performing students have gone out with info about the 6 PM show. Each performer may invite two family members, but the 6 PM show will also be live streamed at this LINK for all those who wish to watch from home.

IMPORTANT: Dismissal will be different on Wednesday, Dec. 20th

Due to the showcase, dismissal will begin  at. 4 pm from the Museum of the American Indian at 1 Bowling Green, (just south of the bull on Broadway). Students will dismiss in this order:

1. After school students will return with reps from Manhattan Youth to CSA.

2. Dismissing sixth graders will return to 75 New St. with their teachers to dismiss.

3. Dismissing 7th and 8th graders will be dismissed from the museum.

4. Performing Ensemble students will remain at the museum to prepare for the 6 PM show. 

Reminders:

Supporting Students’ Success

CSA is experiencing a serious increase in missing or damaged chromebooks. More and more students are bringing damaged units to the office or reporting they cannot find their chromebooks. This is in addition to those who just forgot them at home or at the home of a relative they visited. Help us help them develop the responsibility and planning skills that will make their future years in school or work more successful. Remind them of what it means to be prepared for the day:

1. At school in time for breakfast if they need it, or in plenty of time to get to first period for announcements.

2. Prepared for the day with a charged Chromebook, notebooks, supplies, and homework, ready to turn in. Make sure that the night before their homework is in their folder and in their bookbags, along with all of the other supplies needed.

3. Wearing their CSA shirt or top according to the guidelines. This year, we want every student to wear CSA gear every day (except for special days during Spirit Weeks). Last year, this was encouraged but not required.

What Time is “On Time”?

Please remind students that they need to arrive at the building with enough time to get up to class. Too many students are arriving at the door to the building right at the start of class time. And if they want to eat breakfast, they have to allow for that time as well.

Open for Breakfast Class Start Times 

6th and 7th grade 7:30 am 8:00am 

8th grade 8:00 am 8:30 am

Please remind students that sugary drinks, candy and gum are not permitted in school. 

PLEASE - Tag Students’ Personal Items

As the weather gets colder, coats, hats, scarves, and sweaters are increasingly left by students throughout the school. CSA urgently asks families to mark their students’ personal items with easy to find name tags. Our students leave things everywhere and it’s extremely difficult to match unlabeled items with their owners. We already have a small thrift shop’s worth of shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, lunch boxes, pencil cases, water bottles, and even glasses. Thanks for your help with this!

After School Academic Support - Study Hall

Study hall is in full swing! This is an ideal opportunity for students who need time to complete outstanding academic assignments from absences or a quiet place to complete homework before they leave school. Families are highly encouraged to reach out to their student’s teachers in regards to missing assignments that can be made up. CSA offers study hall twice a week, on Tuesday & Thursday, from 3:30-5:00 PM. See the family dashboard for additional information, including how to opt your student into study hall. The schedule and more information can be found on the CSA Family Dashboard After School Page. Please email afterschool@cityschoolofthearts.org if you have further questions.

Wear Those CSA Outfits

The outermost layer of clothing must have a CSA logo. We have given out all loaner sweaters and jackets at this time and many students still come to school without their CSA outfit. They seem surprised that we cannot keep giving them additional garments. Please help us ensure that students are dressed according to the guidelines HERE. Families can purchase additional items, including more warm styles, at the CSA Online Shop . If you are in need of a uniform scholarship, please contact Ms Jones. Students should also leave coats and jackets in their lockers. 

Find all the information on CSA community norms and policies in the 2023 Family Handbook.

In case you need it, here is the Calendar for the Year and the link to the CSA Families Info Page on our website.

For General Questions:

About Ensembles or other aspects of CREATE: Erin@cityschoolofthearts.org

About Classes or other aspects of LEARN: Maria@cityschoolofthearts.org

About Advisory, Family Association, Discipline or other aspects of THRIVE: Desiree@cityschoolofthearts.org

About attendance, early dismissal, or other questions: attendance@cityschoolofthearts.org

Best wishes from the CSA team,

Randall Iserman

Executive Director

Important Dates

Wednesday, 12/20 - Winter Arts Showcase at the Natl Museum of the American Indian

Wednesday, 12/20 - General Meeting of the CSA Board of Trustees

At the School, or online through this link

Thursday, 12/21 - Final presentations for selected 8th grade students at Black Gotham Experience

Monday, 12/25 - Monday, 1/1 - No School for  Holiday/New Year’s Celebrations

December 11

It’s Spirit Week! Beginning tomorrow, students can show their spirit and their wacky side by dressing up in all kinds of fun and silly outfits. And there’s History Night. And it’s time to save the date for the Winter Ensemble Showcase. Lots going on here at CSA. Details follow below. 

But first, we have to raise a cheer for the actors who performed in our CSA Theater Ensemble Showcase. Seventh grade students performed scenes and eighth graders shared the monologues they developed for their high school auditions. As Dr K says, “We were all blown away by their hard work, poise, professionalism, and support of one another. And a huge shoutout to their teacher Ms. Erin! Bravo!! The recording, by our own Mr. Williams, can be viewed HERE. Please note there is some spicy language in a few performances.

Before we move on, I want to acknowledge the CSA Board of Trustees who generously hosted an evening celebration for the CSA staff this past Friday. We strolled over to a nearby restaurant where partners, spouses, and friends joined us for cocktails and appetizers followed by a buffet dinner. The CSA team got a well-deserved chance to unwind, socialize, and celebrate all that we have already accomplished this school year. We extend our deep appreciation to the board.

Spirit Week runs from Monday, December 11 to Friday, December 15

Don’t miss your chance to show your spirit and get in on the fun.

• Monday, December 11- Cozy Monday 

Wear your favorite comfy clothes or pajamas on Monday. Holiday pajamas, sweat suits, onesies, flannel pants, and robes are all welcome. No slippers please (they are a safety hazard). 

• Tuesday, December 12- Twin Day Tuesday 

Wear a matching outfit with a friend. Be creative!

• Wednesday, December 13- Ugly Sweater Day 

Wear an Ugly Winter or Holiday sweater. If you don’t have one, get creative and make one! 

• Thursday, December 14- Senior Day Thursday 

Show love to your elders. Dress up as your favorite senior citizen.

• Friday, December 15- Character Friday 

Dress up as your favorite superhero, Anime, or cartoon character  

Winter Ensemble Showcase

The 2023 Winter Ensemble Showcase is coming. We are delighted to bring back this opportunity for so many of our students to perform live on stage. The entire CSA community will watch their peers perform in an afternoon show from 2:30 to 4 pm. Performing Ensembles will share their work with their families at 6 PM. Permission slips for performing students have gone out with info about the 6 PM show. Each performer may invite two family members, but the 6 PM show will also be live streamed at this LINK for all those who wish to watch from home.

IMPORTANT: Dismissal will be different on Wednesday, Dec. 20th

Due to the showcase, dismissal will begin  at. 4 pm from the Museum of the American Indian at 1 Bowling Green, (just south of the bull on Broadway). Students will dismiss in this order:

1. After school students will return with reps from Manhattan Youth to CSA.

2. Dismissing sixth graders will return to 75 New St. with their teachers to dismiss.

3. Dismissing 7th and 8th graders will be dismissed from the museum.

4. Performing Ensemble students will remain at the museum to prepare for the 6 PM show. 

Reminders:

Supporting Students’ Success

CSA is experiencing a serious increase in missing or damaged chromebooks. More and more students are bringing damaged units to the office or reporting they cannot find their chromebooks. This is in addition to those who just forgot them at home or at the home of a relative they visited. Help us help them develop the responsibility and planning skills that will make their future years in school or work more successful. Remind them of what it means to be prepared for the day:

1. At school in time for breakfast if they need it, or in plenty of time to get to first period for announcements.

2. Prepared for the day with a charged Chromebook, notebooks, supplies, and homework, ready to turn in. Make sure that the night before their homework is in their folder and in their bookbags, along with all of the other supplies needed.

3. Wearing their CSA shirt or top according to the guidelines. This year, we want every student to wear CSA gear every day (except for special days during Spirit Weeks). Last year, this was encouraged but not required.

What Time is “On Time”?

Please remind students that they need to arrive at the building with enough time to get up to class. Too many students are arriving at the door to the building right at the start of class time. And if they want to eat breakfast, they have to allow for that time as well.

Open for Breakfast Class Start Times 

6th and 7th grade 7:30 am 8:00am 

8th grade 8:00 am 8:30 am

Please remind students that sugary drinks, candy and gum are not permitted in school. 

PLEASE - Tag Students’ Personal Items

As the weather gets colder, coats, hats, scarves, and sweaters are increasingly left by students throughout the school. CSA urgently asks families to mark their students’ personal items with easy to find name tags. Our students leave things everywhere and it’s extremely difficult to match unlabeled items with their owners. We already have a small thrift shop’s worth of shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, lunch boxes, pencil cases, water bottles, and even glasses. Thanks for your help with this!

After School Academic Support - Study Hall

Study hall is in full swing! This is an ideal opportunity for students who need time to complete outstanding academic assignments from absences or a quiet place to complete homework before they leave school. Families are highly encouraged to reach out to their student’s teachers in regards to missing assignments that can be made up. CSA offers study hall twice a week, on Tuesday & Thursday, from 3:30-5:00 PM. See the family dashboard for additional information, including how to opt your student into study hall. The schedule and more information can be found on the CSA Family Dashboard After School Page. Please email afterschool@cityschoolofthearts.org if you have further questions.

Wear Those CSA Outfits

The outermost layer of clothing must have a CSA logo. We have given out all loaner sweaters and jackets at this time and many students still come to school without their CSA outfit. They seem surprised that we cannot keep giving them additional garments. Please help us ensure that students are dressed according to the guidelines HERE. Families can purchase additional items, including more warm styles, at the CSA Online Shop . If you are in need of a uniform scholarship, please contact Ms Jones. Students should also leave coats and jackets in their lockers. 

Find all the information on CSA community norms and policies in the 2023 Family Handbook.

In case you need it, here is the Calendar for the Year and the link to the CSA Families Info Page on our website.

For General Questions:

About Ensembles or other aspects of CREATE: Erin@cityschoolofthearts.org

About Classes or other aspects of LEARN: Maria@cityschoolofthearts.org

About Advisory, Family Association, Discipline or other aspects of THRIVE: Desiree@cityschoolofthearts.org

About attendance, early dismissal, or other questions: attendance@cityschoolofthearts.org

Best wishes from the CSA team,

Randall Iserman

Executive Director

December 4

It’s hard to believe we are already in December. The time flies by, but there is a lot to share with you, as the CSA community has been busy. 

First, we must extend a special thank you and applaud Desiree Jones for her leadership in getting our eighth grade students’ high school applications submitted. The NYCDOE gives us little warning and short lead times, but her tireless efforts get every student a “just right” list. Rallying around her efforts, our arts team - Dr K, Ms Erin, Mr Williams, Ms Gaby, Ms Swanson, Mr P, Mr Michael - coach, coax, and cajole great work for audition recordings. We owe Lady Small extra appreciation for her persistence in shepherding our visual artists to build portfolios, write statements, and record videos. Thanks also to all the teachers and staff who proofread essays, reviewed artists’ statements, and gave us all grace to make this effort work. It’s truly a community effort on behalf of our graduating eighth graders.

Second, our newly formed Debate Team shone at the second competition CSA attended. Congratulations to Diego Muntzel-Perez and to Prudence Lipkin for bringing home medals. CSA students are already showing what they can do even in our first year in debate. Thanks to Ms Kim for her commitment to this great new opportunity for our students.

And there is so much more coming up in December. 

History Night

Join us on Thursday, December 14 from 5:30 to 6:45pm for an evening of games and challenges based on the concepts and tools our students are studying in history. There is a challenge game, a scavenger hunt, and more. Get details and sign up HERE

Love’s Labour’s Lost

Last call to sign up to audition or join the crew for L3 tomorrow Monday, Dec 4, after school. Please let us know you’re interested HERE. Full details and brief overview of the show are at the end of this newsletter.

Theater Ensemble Showcase

Our actors will perform their work on Thursday, December 7 at 6pm. Families of performers are invited to join us at CSA for the evening. All families are welcome to see the monologues and short scenes they have been working on by logging into the recording you will find on later this week.

Spirit Week Starts on Monday, December 11

Winter Spirit Week is coming! Winter Spirit Week is December 11-15th. It is a chance for our community to show school spirit and creativity. The themes were chosen and voted on by the students! 

• Monday, December 11- Cozy Monday 

Wear your favorite comfy clothes pajamas on Monday. Holiday pajamas, sweat suits, onesies, flannel pants, and robes are all welcome. No slippers please (they are a safety hazard). 

• Tuesday, December 12- Twin Day Tuesday 

Wear a matching outfit with a friend. Be creative!

• Wednesday, December 13- Ugly Sweater Day 

Wear an Ugly Winter or Holiday sweater. If you don’t have one, get creative and make one! 

• Thursday, December 14- Senior Day Thursday 

Show love to your elders. Dress up as your favorite senior citizen.

• Friday, December 15- Character Friday 

Dress up as your favorite superhero, Anime, or cartoon character  

Winter Ensemble Showcase

Our annual winter presentation of the arts returns to live performances this year on Wednesday, December 20 at 6pm for families. This showcase has been a tradition at CSA since our beginning. Our instrumentalists, vocalists, dancers, and actors will perform selections of their work so far. And our video and visual artists’ work will create the environment at the National Museum of the American Indian just a block away from CSA. More information coming soon.

Reminders:

What Time is “On Time”?

Please remind students that they need to arrive at the building with enough time to get up to class. Too many students are arriving at the door to the building right at the start of class time. And if they want to eat breakfast, they have to allow for that time as well.

Open for Breakast Class Start Times 

6th and 7th grade 7:30 am 8:00am 

8th grade 8:00 am 8:30 am

Please remind students that sugary drinks, candy and gum are not permitted in school. 

PLEASE - Tag Students’ Personal Items

As the weather gets colder, coats, hats, scarves, and sweaters are increasingly left by students throughout the school. CSA urgently asks families to mark their students’ personal items with easy to find name tags. Our students leave things everywhere and it’s extremely difficult to match unlabeled items with their owners. We already have a small thrift shop’s worth of shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, lunch boxes, pencil cases, water bottles, and even glasses. Thanks for your help with this!

After School Academic Support - Study Hall

Study hall is in full swing! This is an ideal opportunity for students who need time to complete outstanding academic assignments from absences or a quiet place to complete homework before they leave school. Families are highly encouraged to reach out to their student’s teachers in regards to missing assignments that can be made up. CSA offers study hall twice a week, on Tuesday & Thursday, from 3:30-5:00 PM. See the family dashboard for additional information, including how to opt your student into study hall. The schedule and more information can be found on the CSA Family Dashboard After School Page. Please email afterschool@cityschoolofthearts.org if you have further questions.

Wear Those CSA Outfits

The outermost layer of clothing must have a CSA logo. We have given out all loaner sweaters and jackets at this time and many students still come to school without their CSA outfit. They seem surprised that we cannot keep giving them additional garments. Please help us ensure that students are dressed according to the guidelines HERE. Families can purchase additional items, including more warm styles, at the CSA Online Shop . If you are in need of a uniform scholarship, please contact Ms Jones. Students should also leave coats and jackets in their lockers. 

Supporting Students’ Success

Families can guide CSA students to set themselves up for success. Make sure they are: 

1. At school in time for breakfast if they need it, or in plenty of time to get to first period for announcements.

2. Prepared for the day with a charged Chromebook, notebooks, supplies, and homework, ready to turn in. Make sure that the night before their homework is in their folder and in their bookbags, along with all of the other supplies needed.

3. Wearing their CSA shirt or top according to the guidelines. This year, we want every student to wear CSA gear every day (except for special days during Spirit Weeks). Last year, this was encouraged but not required.

We are urging students to take breaks from their screens, so we are banning all screens, including iPads, Switches, and all other gaming devices, from the Commons during breakfast and lunch. This encourages them to eat and socialize. Board games and cards are available, while those who like quiet time are welcome to read or draw. 

Find all the information on CSA community norms and policies in the 2023 Family Handbook.

In case you need it, here is the Calendar for the Year and the link to the CSA Families Info Page on our website.

Love’s Labor’s Lost is a comedy about making wild commitments you cannot possibly keep, getting distracted by your crush when you are trying to study, fooling your crush by mixing up identities... and making really bad puns. 

In Love’s Labor’s Lost, King Ferdinand of Navarre and his friends--the Lords Berowne, Longueville, and Dumaine-- swear that they will retreat from the world for three years, avoiding the company of women (and eating one meal a day and sleeping very little) so they can concentrate on their studies. (Berowne is not so sure about this idea, but he promises, anyway.) The same day that Navarre makes this announcement, the Princess of France and her ladies Rosaline, Maria, and Katherine arrive at the castle. The king tries to keep his oath by insisting that the visitors camp outside, but even so, each lord meets and falls in love with one of the ladies.

Meanwhile, a Spanish soldier named Don Armado falls for servant girl Jacquenetta. Costard (who is also in love with Jacquenetta) accidentally mixes up two letters he has been asked to deliver. The pompous teacher Holofernes and his friend Nathaniel tell Costard to take these letters to the king-- and the king and his lords realize that each of them (contrary to their oaths) is in love with a lady. Berowne argues that love inspires learning, so really, they're all keeping their oaths! (How convenient!)

The king and his lords decide to woo the princess and her ladies-- wearing disguises. The ladies hear about their plans and decide to play a prank on the lords: they exchange the presents that the lords have sent them, and each lord ends up flirting with a lady who is not his beloved. The ladies reveal this prank; the lords are not pleased. They all watch a pageant starring Costard, Armado, and Holofernes and start having a good time (unfortunately, at Costard and company's expense). Then, suddenly, a messenger arrives to tell the Princess that her father has died. The ladies prepare to leave for France. The lords propose. What happens next?  You'll have to see the play to find out....or act in the play and bring it to life! 

• Auditions will be held on December 4 from 3 to 5pm

• Callbacks will take place on December 5 from 3:30 to 5:00pm

• First read-through will take place on December 6 from 4 to 6pm

• Rehearsals are scheduled Monday through Thursday each week.

• Performances are planned on February 6, 7, and 8 at 2 pm and 6 pm (subject to change).

• Sign up to audition HERE

• Read the synopsis or the full script at Love's Labor's Lost 

• Questions? Contact Jane Kehoe at JKehoe@manhattanyouth.org or call Manhattan Youth at 646.823.3949.

For General Questions:

About Ensembles or other aspects of CREATE: Erin@cityschoolofthearts.org

About Classes or other aspects of LEARN: Maria@cityschoolofthearts.org

About Advisory, Family Association, Discipline or other aspects of THRIVE: Desiree@cityschoolofthearts.org

About attendance, early dismissal, or other questions: attendance@cityschoolofthearts.org

Best wishes from the CSA team,

Randall Iserman

Executive Director

November 26

Welcome back to school. We hope your holiday break was restful and joyous. Now we look forward to the new work and projects students are tackling in the second part of this semester.

We are excited to announce our partnership with Classic Stage Company and Manhattan Youth for the midwinter Shakespeare performance. Love’s Labor’s Lost is a comedy about making wild commitments you cannot possibly keep, getting distracted by your crush when you are trying to study, fooling your crush by mixing up identities... and making really bad puns. 

In Love’s Labor’s Lost, King Ferdinand of Navarre and his friends--the Lords Berowne, Longueville, and Dumaine-- swear that they will retreat from the world for three years, avoiding the company of women (and eating one meal a day and sleeping very little) so they can concentrate on their studies. (Berowne is not so sure about this idea, but he promises, anyway.) The same day that Navarre makes this announcement, the Princess of France and her ladies Rosaline, Maria, and Katherine arrive at the castle. The king tries to keep his oath by insisting that the visitors camp outside, but even so, each lord meets and falls in love with one of the ladies.

Meanwhile, a Spanish soldier named Don Armado falls for servant girl Jacquenetta. Costard (who is also in love with Jacquenetta) accidentally mixes up two letters he has been asked to deliver. The pompous teacher Holofernes and his friend Nathaniel tell Costard to take these letters to the king-- and the king and his lords realize that each of them (contrary to their oaths) is in love with a lady. Berowne argues that love inspires learning, so really, they're all keeping their oaths! (How convenient!)

The king and his lords decide to woo the princess and her ladies-- wearing disguises. The ladies hear about their plans and decide to play a prank on the lords: they exchange the presents that the lords have sent them, and each lord ends up flirting with a lady who is not his beloved. The ladies reveal this prank; the lords are not pleased. They all watch a pageant starring Costard, Armado, and Holofernes and start having a good time (unfortunately, at Costard and company's expense). Then, suddenly, a messenger arrives to tell the Princess that her father has died. The ladies prepare to leave for France. The lords propose. What happens next?  You'll have to see the play to find out....or act in the play and bring it to life! 

• Auditions will be held on December 4 from 3 to 5pm

• Callbacks will take place on December 5 from 3:30 to 5:00pm

• First read-through will take place on December 6 from 4 to 6pm

• Rehearsals are scheduled Monday through Thursday each week.

• Performances are planned on February 6, 7, and 8 at 2 pm and 6 pm (subject to change).

• Sign up to audition HERE

• Read the synopsis or the full script at Love's Labor's Lost 

• Questions? Contact Jane Kehoe at JKehoe@manhattanyouth.org or call Manhattan Youth at 646.823.3949.

Last Days to get HS Applications Submitted- 8th Grade Families 

Please make sure you are reading the emails from Ms. Jones to stay up to date with all of the admissions information. You can also email her at desiree@cityschoolofthearts.org with specific questions.

Winners of the Advisory Attendance Competition will be announced later this week.

The advisory in each grade with the lowest number of total latenesses will receive a special lunch. 

If you are having any attendance issues, please contact Desiree Jones, Director of School Community & Culture (desiree@cityschoolofthearts.org). Please also consult the CSA Family Handbook  pages 5-8 for the official CSA attendance policies. 

Reminders:

What Time is “On Time”?

Please remind students that they need to arrive at the building with enough time to get up to class. Too many students are arriving at the door to the building right at the start of class time. And if they want to eat breakfast, they have to allow for that time as well.

Open for Breakfast Class Start Times 

6th and 7th grade 7:30 am 8:00am 

8th grade 8:00 am 8:30 am

Please remind students that sugary drinks, candy and gum are not permitted in school. 

PLEASE - Tag Students’ Personal Items

As the weather gets colder, coats, hats, scarves, and sweaters are increasingly left by students throughout the school. CSA urgently asks families to mark their students’ personal items with easy to find name tags. Our students leave things everywhere and it’s extremely difficult to match unlabeled items with their owners. We already have a small thrift shop’s worth of shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, lunch boxes, pencil cases, water bottles, and even glasses. Thanks for your help with this!

After School Academic Support - Study Hall

Study hall is in full swing! This is an ideal opportunity for students who need time to complete outstanding academic assignments from absences or a quiet place to complete homework before they leave school. Families are highly encouraged to reach out to their student’s teachers in regards to missing assignments that can be made up. CSA offers study hall twice a week, on Tuesday & Thursday, from 3:30-5:00 PM. See the family dashboard for additional information, including how to opt your student into study hall. The schedule and more information can be found on the CSA Family Dashboard After School Page. Please email afterschool@cityschoolofthearts.org if you have further questions.

Wear Those CSA Outfits

The outermost layer of clothing must have a CSA logo. We have given out all loaner sweaters and jackets at this time and many students still come to school without their CSA outfit. They seem surprised that we cannot keep giving them additional garments. Please help us ensure that students are dressed according to the guidelines HERE. Families can purchase additional items, including more warm styles, at the CSA Online Shop . If you are in need of a uniform scholarship, please contact Ms Jones. Students should also leave coats and jackets in their lockers. 

Supporting Students’ Success

Families can guide CSA students to set themselves up for success. Make sure they are: 

1. At school in time for breakfast if they need it, or in plenty of time to get to first period for announcements.

2. Prepared for the day with a charged Chromebook, notebooks, supplies, and homework, ready to turn in. Make sure that the night before their homework is in their folder and in their bookbags, along with all of the other supplies needed.

3. Wearing their CSA shirt or top according to the guidelines. This year, we want every student to wear CSA gear every day (except for special days during Spirit Weeks). Last year, this was encouraged but not required.

We are urging students to take breaks from their screens, so we are banning all screens, including iPads, Switches, and all other gaming devices, from the Commons during breakfast and lunch. This encourages them to eat and socialize. Board games and cards are available, while those who like quiet time are welcome to read or draw. 

Find all the information on CSA community norms and policies in the 2023 Family Handbook.

In case you need it, here is the Calendar for the Year and the link to the CSA Families Info Page on our website.

For General Questions:

About Ensembles or other aspects of CREATE: Erin@cityschoolofthearts.org

About Classes or other aspects of LEARN: Maria@cityschoolofthearts.org

About Advisory, Family Association, Discipline or other aspects of THRIVE: Desiree@cityschoolofthearts.org

About attendance, early dismissal, or other questions: attendance@cityschoolofthearts.org

Best wishes from the CSA team,

Randall Iserman

Executive Director