Dear CSAMS Families,
Last week 3rd year middle school students presented their 3rd year projects to a discerning audience. This tradition began over 20 years ago, and over the years I have been increasingly impressed with our students' ability to engage an audience on diverse topics at an intellectual level. 3rd year presentations have been designed as a final summative assessment of student achievement in middle school. Our instructional expectation at CSAMS is to ensure that upon entering high school students will be proficient in the following areas:
-Demonstrate competency in core academic areas as indicated by exit outcomes
-Think creatively demonstrating critical thinking skills
-Identify and solve complex and meaningful problems
-Know their passions, strengths, and challenges based on their ability to self-reflect, self-evaluate and goal set
And all I can say after this year's presentations is, mission accomplished!
Just a reminder, over the next several weeks your student will be taking both the MSTEP and the NWEA assessment, and I wanted to share a few important ways you can help support your child’s academic success and well-being. These assessments are an opportunity for students to show what they’ve learned and how they’ve grown, and your encouragement plays a vital role in helping them feel confident and prepared.
One of the most effective ways to support your child is by ensuring they get plenty of rest the night before each test. A consistent bedtime routine and a full night’s sleep can make a notable difference in focus and performance. On testing days, a nutritious breakfast also helps students stay energized and alert throughout the day, and while we provide breakfast at school, a little something extra might be beneficial on testing days.
It’s also important to create a calm, supportive environment at home. Encourage your child to do their best without putting too much pressure on them. Remind them that these tests are just one measure of their progress and that you’re proud of their effort, no matter the outcome.
During testing weeks, please help your child arrive at school on time each day. Being on time helps them start the day without unnecessary stress and ensures they do not miss any important instructions. We also recommend minimizing after-school commitments (if possible) so your child has time to relax and recharge.
The testing schedule can be found below.
Thank you for partnering with us to support your student’s academic journey. Your involvement and encouragement truly make a difference.
In partnership with you,
Dina M Barnaby
Staff Appreciation Week is just around the corner. Our CSA District Parent Council needs your help to show our staff how much they are appreciated! Our staff work some long hours to be the best they can be for our children.
CSAD PC has some big plans in the works to make sure each one of our CSA District staff members feel loved and valued. Please take a moment to check out their sign up genius for donations and volunteer opportunities or donate below to help them purchase some amazing goodies for the staff!
Are you interested in helping out next school year? We are looking to fill some positions in our parent led organizations. The CSA District has three parent-led organizations: Parent Council, Triple S Boosters, and the CSA Education Foundation. These three groups have been, and continue to be, instrumental in expanding opportunities for our educators and students. Each group dreams BIG for our District, raising the bar each year for what they want to accomplish. They see a need and they respond. But now, more than ever, they have a need for more help and increased membership in their organizations.
Please find below a description of each group and their purpose along with open positions for next school year within each group. Even attending one of their meetings is helpful in bringing in new faces, energy and ideas to support their cause. As the adage goes, “Many hands make light work.” Please consider getting involved.
CSA District Parent Council
CSAD PC enhances the educational programs offered in our District and supports school activities and events. They engage in both FUN-raising and FUND-raising, the former by coordinating community-building activities and the latter by raising funds to supplement school resources. They also work to support the parent body through education and outreach. CSA District Parent Council makes a significant difference in providing the very best education to our students. They are currently looking for a few volunteers to shadow the PC Co-Chairs and Beluga Ball Co-Chairs next year so that they can step into those positions for the 2027/28 school year. If interested in getting involved please email Parent Council.
Triple S Boosters (Stars, Sentries & Sentinels)
Triple S Boosters was formed to support and grow our District’s after school enrichments, extracurricular programs, and activities. The group raises and distributes funds to supplement District resources for our Athletics, STEM and other Intellectual Enrichments, and our Arts programs. These programs are critical in introducing our students to new interests that may later be pursued life-long passions. Triple S Boosters only meet 5 times per year which makes it a manageable way to make a massive difference in the after-school experiences of our students love.
They are currently looking for a Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary. If interested please email Triple S Boosters.
The CSA Education Foundation
The CSA Education Foundation was created by our parents to protect our District’s most valuable resource, our teachers! They raise funds to help train and retain our District’s teachers. They also support teachers in continuing their education and those who lead extracurricular activities. CSA District teachers are second to none and this organization focuses on showing them our love and support. If interested in helping the CSA Education Foundation please email Lisa Pick.
We have put together a "2026 Summer Opportunities for Students Preschool through High School" document for our CSA District families. This document has a wide range of summer experiences for the oldest and youngest and all those youngsters in between. Now is the time to sift through the myriad of possibilities, consider the logistics, and work through the decision-making process.
