Dear CSA District Families,

As March Reading Month comes to a close, we hope the joy of reading continues to live on in your homes. At CSA, our commitment to a high-expectation, developmentally appropriate, whole-child education extends beyond the classroom, and your partnership as parents is essential in bringing that mission to life each day.

With Spring Break just around the corner, we hope your family enjoys a well-deserved time to rest, recharge, and connect. This break can also be a wonderful opportunity to slow down and carve out a few moments for reading—whether that’s together as a family, alongside your child, or even a quiet chapter for yourself.

This week, we’re excited to share a few meaningful reads for parents and families. Each of these books offers valuable insight, encouragement, and practical perspective as we work together to support the growth, well-being, and character development of our students.

‍Hold On to Your Kids: Why Parents Need to Matter More than Peers by Gordon Neufeld & Gabor Maté
This powerful book reminds us of the deep importance of the parent-child connection. In a world where peer influence is stronger than ever, the authors emphasize how maintaining strong, trusting relationships with our children is foundational to their emotional security, behavior, and development. It’s both affirming and eye-opening for parents navigating today’s social landscape.

‍The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
Haidt explores the growing mental health challenges facing today’s children, particularly in the age of smartphones and social media. With research-backed insights, he helps parents understand the root causes of rising anxiety and offers thoughtful guidance on how to foster independence, resilience, and healthier childhood experiences.

‍The Amazing Generation (Student Version of The Anxious Generation) by Jonathan Haidt & Catherine Price
Written specifically for young readers, this version empowers students to better understand their own experiences in today’s digital world. It encourages self-awareness, balance, and healthy habits, making it a great opportunity for families to engage in meaningful conversations together.

‍Becoming Better Grownups by Brad Montague
With warmth, humor, and honesty, Montague invites us to reflect on the kind of adults we want to be for our children. This uplifting read encourages us to lead with curiosity, creativity, and compassion, reminding us that growing up is an ongoing journey, and one worth embracing fully.

We hope these recommendations inspire reflection, conversation, and connection within your families. Thank you for your continued partnership in nurturing not only strong learners, but kind, confident, and capable young people.

Let’s keep the celebration of reading going!

In partnership with you,

Jessica Moceri

Dear CSA District Families,

I hope that you, like me, are still feeling the energy and excitement of the 29th Annual CSA District Beluga Ball held before break. From the week-long Silent Auction to the grand finale Live Auction, the entire event was a tremendous success. Early estimates indicate that we are nearing $100,000 raised—an incredible achievement! These funds will have a meaningful impact, supporting students across all levels of CSA. Our hearts are truly overflowing with gratitude.

First and foremost, thank you to our Beluga Ball Co-Chairs, Elena Strong and Kelly Stuhrberg, for your inspiring leadership, dedication, and vision. You led a remarkable team that truly created something special.

‍With sincere appreciation, we recognize the entire Beluga Ball Team:
Jess Bahr
Lori Carey
Chelsea Gheesling
Dayna Hanebrink
Kim Jankowiak
Kathryn Lankton
Carly Liening
Lindsey Lewis
Meredith Mellas
Kelly Mulvaney
Melanie Plank, Parent Council Co-chair
Chanel Schoeneberger
Casey Sommerville
Elena Strong, Co-Chair
Kelly Stuhrberg, Co-Chair
Ashley Taylor, Parent Council Co-chair
Aimee Wecker
Nayeli Contreras Giesey

Thank you as well to the many parents who worked tirelessly behind the scenes in the weeks leading up to the event and late into Saturday evening. Your commitment and generosity of time are deeply appreciated.

We are especially grateful to the families who hosted and supported the Beluga Ball Viewing Party. This special gathering created an opportunity for our community to celebrate together, and even more meaningful, 100% of ticket proceeds went directly to the Beluga Ball fundraiser. Guests enjoyed a wonderful evening featuring:
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* A beautiful venue and great company
* Delicious food and beverages
* An exclusive Vacation raffle available only to attendees

A heartfelt thank you to the following families for their generous contributions to this memorable event:

The Bahr Family
The Gheesling Family
The Schoeneberger Family
The Wecker Family
The Mesiano Family- That Guy from Italy Pizza & Gelato
The Stuhrberg Family- Meadowlands Charcuterie
‍The Taylor Family- Jars & Sweets by Ashley

Thank you to our outstanding Masters of Ceremonies, Debra McGaffey and Jim Carey (also our Auctioneer), for keeping the evening engaging, organized, and full of energy.

We also extend our appreciation to our classroom representatives, teachers, and students for their creativity and hard work in producing the classroom baskets and projects. Each one reflected thoughtfulness, collaboration, and heart.

A special thank you to CSA District Technology Director Garrett Van Engen for his many hours of filming and technical support. His expertise ensured a seamless and successful virtual experience.

We are incredibly grateful to the many businesses that sponsored, advertised, and donated to this year’s event. We encourage our community to support these partners and show our appreciation for their generosity. A list of businesses who supported this event can be downloaded HERE.

Finally, thank you to each and every one of you who participated. Whether you donated, bid, volunteered, or simply helped spread the word, you made a difference. We hope you had fun and perhaps even walked away with something special. Most importantly, we hope you feel the lasting impact of your support on our students, both now and for years to come.

In partnership with you,

Jessica Moceri