Dear CSA District Families,
‍
A core component of our District’s educational model is to empower our students by providing them with a multitude of opportunities to take the lead of their learning, make choices in how they navigate their day, and exercise their leadership skills both inside and outside of our classrooms. We believe all students have the ability to lead, and that leadership at school is often the first step to becoming active and involved community members and citizens.
‍
Beginning in Kindergarten, CSA students create a classroom constitution using their input on how they want their classroom to operate. Each student has an important classroom job  and teachers facilitate an environment where students support and encourage one another through cooperative learning experiences.
‍
Natural leadership opportunities for students are further enhanced when they transition to the Navigator Unit. Students are grouped into multiage learning families where they spend multiple years learning and growing together. As a former Navigator teacher, I vividly remember watching my incoming students, just newly out of kindergarten, nervous and unsure about their new classroom environment. One short year later, they would transform into confident mentors, eager and excited to take the lead in welcoming the new incomers to their classroom. There is something so powerful in students supporting students, especially at points of transition.
‍
Our multiage learning model extends from elementary through high school where the benefits broaden and student leadership opportunities expand. Below are some additional opportunities for your student to consider as they progress through our District.
‍
CSA Elementary Spirit Club
‍At the later end of elementary, Voyager and Explorer students have the opportunity to join the CSA Spirit Club. Student representatives from each class meet  monthly to learn more about our school, our 5 Core Philosophies, and the importance of our 6 Character Traits: Respect, Responsibility, Work Ethic, Kindness, Getting Along with Others, and Optimism. We talk about what it means to be a leader and promote school pride. This group also plans school spirit wear days and selects two charities (at least one local), to develop a plan of action to support. Each year I am inspired by our young leaders and look forward to seeing where they apply their skills next.

After elementary, secondary students have the opportunity to participate in more formal leadership opportunities including Student Government, National Junior Honor Society, and National Honor Society.
‍
CSAMS Student Government
‍CSA Middle School Student Government promotes a sense of shared spirit between the Middle School community and the District community through coordinated activities and events. Student Government representatives from each advisory work collaboratively and creatively to support their school, acting as student ambassadors in modeling the CSA Way. Activities planned by the Student Government include, spirit wear days, Activity Nights, Adopt-a-Family, Wellness Day, and Day of Service on MLK Day.
‍
National Junior Honor Society
‍The National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) recognizes and involves outstanding Middle School students across the nation. Our Middle School hosts a NJHS chapter. The five pillars of NJHS membership include, scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship. Students who meet the rigorous requirements are invited to apply for NJHS in the spring. Induction takes place in the fall. NJHS members serve as student ambassadors and plan a number of events in conjunction with the Student Government.
‍
CSPA Student Government
‍CSPA High School Student Government increases the individual level of students’ commitment and pride for their school. They are intentional and purposeful students who continuously model the CSA Way. Student Government elected officials have numerous leadership opportunities as well as challenges to overcome. They plan large events such as, Fall Ball, Spirit Week, Hike for Humanity, the Winter Dance, and the Junior/Senior Prom. Participants also participate in a number of service activities.
‍
National Honor Society
‍The National Honor Society (NHS) recognizes and involves outstanding High School students across the nation. Our High School hosts an NHS chapter. The four pillars of NHS membership include, character, service, leadership and scholarship. Students who have met a number of rigorous requirements are invited to apply for NHS in the spring. Induction occurs in the fall. NHS members serve as student ambassadors and plan a number of events in conjunction with the Student Government, including a number of service activities.
‍
I believe that our educational model, along with a plethora of additional opportunities, allows our students to identify the leader within them and exercise their power and influence in positive ways. I am never surprised, and always excited, to learn how CSA District alumni are bettering their communities and making a difference in our world.

In partnership with you,
Jessica Moceri