Tuesday, November 19, 2024

A Message From Mrs. Dina Barnaby, CSAMS Dean of Curriculum and Instruction

Dear CSAMS Families,

This weekend our CSAMS and CSPA students will present Newsies Jr., our 12th annual musical theater production. Over these twelve years, I have witnessed firsthand the difference that musical theater makes in the lives of students. It contributes to students' intellectual, social, and emotional development, and so much more. Here are just some of the benefits.

Academically, musical theater fosters critical literacy and language skills. Students engage with complex scripts and lyrics that challenge their reading comprehension, vocabulary, and linguistic understanding. In addition, music and rhythm involve mathematical thinking and pattern recognition, which enhance students' analytical abilities. The process of memorizing lines, cues, and choreography strengthens cognitive functions related to memory and concentration, skills that support broader academic success.

Musical theater helps develop communication skills in practical and transformative ways. Students gain confidence in public speaking, learning to project their voices and articulate with clarity. Through performance, they master nonverbal communication, conveying emotions and narratives through body language, facial expressions, and physical presence. These abilities enhance students' public speaking abilities and increase their comfort in communicating effectively in various settings.

Musical theater cultivates essential collaborative skills. A successful production requires an extraordinary level of teamwork; students coordinate closely with cast and crew to bring a shared vision to life. This cooperative environment promotes empathy; students learn to embody diverse perspectives through character work, deepening their understanding of and sensitivity toward others' experiences. Furthermore, the dynamic nature of theater often requires creative problem-solving; students learn to navigate unanticipated challenges, fostering adaptability and resilience in group settings.

Musical theater builds self-assurance and emotional resilience. Performing and achieving in theater enhances students' self-confidence and reinforces the value of perseverance, even in the face of challenges or setbacks. The emotive nature of acting provides a constructive outlet for students to explore and express complex feelings, offering a unique way to process emotions and increase self-awareness in a supportive environment.

Musical theater pushes students to think imaginatively and creatively, and take artistic risks. Theater combines multiple disciplines—music, dance, acting, set design, costume creation—thus providing students with the opportunity to engage in various forms of artistic expression. This fusion of artistic elements encourages students to experiment with their creative potential, helps them develop a broad appreciation for the arts, and fosters innovative thinking.

Musical theater serves as a cultural education platform, exposing students to diverse historical contexts, societal issues, and cultural traditions. Many musicals address significant historical events or reflect various cultural identities, allowing students to explore perspectives beyond their own. This exposure enhances cultural literacy and instills a greater sensitivity to the diversity and complexity of human experiences.

Musical theater offers significant benefits to mental health and well-being. Performing arts provide a structured yet expressive outlet that alleviates stress and promotes mental relaxation. The collaborative and often close-knit nature of theater builds a sense of community, offering social connections and a supportive environment that mitigates feelings of isolation and enhances emotional resilience.

Finally, the experiences and skills gained through musical theater are highly transferable to professional environments. The discipline required to commit to rehearsals and meet performance deadlines teaches students about responsibility, time management, and the value of hard work. The teamwork, adaptability, and public speaking skills developed prepare students for success in various fields, from business and education to the arts and public service. Musical theater in schools not only enriches students’ academic and artistic abilities but also builds a foundation for lifelong personal growth.

If you are interested in attending our production, tickets can be purchased HERE. Our show is being performed at the Jane Tasch Performing Arts Theater (near the Pinckney Community Education building), 2100 M-36 in Pinckney. Showtimes are:

Friday, November 22nd at 7:00 PM
Saturday, November 23rd at 12:00 PM
Saturday, November 23rd at 7:00 PM
Sunday, November 24th at 4:00 PM


We look forward to seeing you there!

In partnership with you,
Dina Barnaby

Upcoming Calendar of Events*
November 15 - 22
CSA Education Foundation Hug Day Campus Challenge
Thursday, November 21
Adopt a Family Thanksgiving Donations Due
November 22 - 24
CSAMS/CSPA Theater Disney's Newsies Jr Performance's
Friday, November 22
Hug Day
November  25 - 29
No School; Thanksgiving Break
Thursday, December 5
Glenlore Trails Winter Wonderland CSA Education Foundation Fundraiser Event
Friday, December 6
CSAMS/CSPA Barnes & Noble Book Fair and Family Friendly Christmas Activities, 1 PM- 8:30 PM
Friday, December 13
Holiday Bazaar at CSAMS, 1 PM- 3 PM

*Please refer to the Online Tandem Calendar for a complete list of upcoming CSA District Athletic, Robotic, Drama/Art, and SEP Events*

CSAMS/CSPA Basketball and Cheer Volunteers Needed

Volunteers Needed For Home Games!

This Weekend the CSAMS/CSPA Musical Theater Department Proudly Presents; Disney's Newsies Jr.

Performances will be held at the Jane Tasch Performing Arts Theatre this weekend, November 22nd - 24th. Buy your tickets today to make sure you have a chance to see our talented Musical Theater Students put on this Disney Classic.

Disney's Newsies, Jr. will only be performed this weekend and you don't want to miss seeing these talented young men and women perform. Tickets can be purchased online, or at the door with cash/check. Please click below to purchase your tickets today!!

Click HERE to purchase Tickets.

Performance Showtimes:
Friday, November 22, 2024 @ 7:00pm
Saturday, November 23, 2024 @ 12:00pm*
Saturday, November 23, 2024 @ 7:00pm
Sunday, November 24, 2024 @ 4:00pm

Ticket costs are as follows: Adults $15.00, Seniors and Students $10.00, and the "Meet and Greet" Package is $25.00. The Meet and Greet Package gets you premium seating and the ability to go backstage before the show starts for a tour and to meet and take pictures with cast. Click HERE to reserve your seats today!

*Special CSA Family pricing on Saturday's matinee performance! Bring the whole family and use discount code: CSAFAMILY for a $2 discount per ticket. The discount code must be entered at the ticketing page prior to entering to purchase tickets. See below:

CSAMS Student Government Adopt-a-Family 2024

The CSAMS Student Government is hosting the Adopt-a-Family Food Drive this week to provide a Thanksgiving meal for families in need within the CSA community. Each advisory will collect donations for a basket of food items. The baskets will be assembled and distributed this Friday, November 22nd.

Please review the suggested list of items below and send your contributions in with your student by Thursday, November 21st.

Suggested Items for Adopt-a-Family Thanksgiving Baskets
● Turkey
● Canned Cranberry Sauce
● Stuffing Mix
● Mashed Potatoes
● Gravy
● Canned Vegetables
● Non-Perishable Dessert Items
● Sparkling Juice
● Macaroni and Cheese
● Pasta and Pasta Sauce
● Canned Tuna/Chi􀀁en
● Rice
● Other Non-Perishable Items
● Gift Cards to Meijer/Money Donations

***PLEASE NO HOMEMADE ITEMS***

Thank you in advance for your kindness and Happy Thanksgiving!

CSAMS Proudly Presents the First Annual CSA District Holiday Bazaar