CSA

COMMUNITY SCHOOL ASSOCIATION (CSA)

What is the CSA?

CSA stands for Community School Association and it is Community Elementary School’s Parent-Teacher Organization. The CSA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

What is the purpose of CSA?

Per the official bylaws, the CSA “is organized and operated for the charitable purposes of providing instruction, training and educational support and programs to the students and faculty of the Community School.”

So what does that REALLY mean to parents, students and teachers?

The CSA is a group of parents and teachers who work together to make Community School a better place. The CSA sponsors many fun and educational events for students and families throughout the year.

What type of events / activities does CSA sponsor?

The CSA covers the cost of ALL field trips and associated bussing for students. With Community School having over 670 students, the amount spent on field trips alone is more than $16,000 per year. The CSA also pays for all educational enrichment activities in the classroom such as the third graders chick hatching project, the Audubon Society of RI, and many other programs. The costs associated with these cool enrichment activities, about $10,000 annually, are NOT covered by the school department. CSA even pays for the “Dolphin” folders that each student is given on the first day of school and the daily planners that are given to the third, fourth, and fifth graders.  Traditionally, the CSA sponsors many fun events such as the Community School Dance, Winter Family Event, Fourth Grade Play, Field Day, and the Fifth Grade Celebration!!   

Where do the funds used for events come from?

All of the funds used for the events and activities are raised by the parents, students, and teachers of Community!  On average, the CSA raises about $30,000 per year!!!  Our biggest fundraiser is “Fall Dessert Fundraiser” which is the sale of delicious goodies in September. This fundraiser alone has typically raised more than $10,000.  The CSA also has many smaller fundraisers such as Box Tops collection, the Scholastic Book Fair, various restaurant fundraisers, Cake Wars, and a direct contribution campaign just to name a few.  We had some new fundraisers this year including Cupcake Charlie’s and Ravenous Brewing Comedy Night Out for Parents.  Fundraising can be a challenge so any new fundraising ideas are always welcome!

How can you help?

Volunteer, volunteer, volunteer!!!!  The CSA is made up of parents and teachers who all lead busy lives that involve work, family and other commitments just like you.  We understand that life is busy!!!!  However, all members of the CSA are unified in their desire to help the students and teachers of Community School.  We welcome you to help in whatever way you can. For your information, a list of the CSA Chairpersons with their associated events is available on this page by clicking on the button below.  Some events currently do not have a chairperson and many events will need additional helpers.  Please contact any of the Board Members or Chairpersons directly if you would like to help out!  We highly recommend you join the CSA Facebook group as well so you can learn more and meet the chairpersons!

If we work together, there is no limit to what we can do for our kids and Community School!

2024-2025 COMMUNITY SCHOOL ASSOCIATION (CSA)

Board Members: Dana Socci, Sarah Headlee, Randi Bonaceto, Sarah Craveiro, Keri McCarthy, Jess Hoyle