Welcome from CASA’s Founding Director, Leslie Einhorn
Hello Beautiful CASA Community!
I wanted to take this opportunity to welcome back all of our returning families, and to extend an extra glittery welcome to our newest community members. CASA is a special place for your children to spend their afternoons, and we’re confident that your family will soon be experiencing the CASA magic!
I started CASA in 1996 in an effort to create safe space for children to authentically be themselves. In the past 28 years, CASA has continued to grow and to strengthen in our mission to bring art, social justice, and social emotional wellness to our community of children, families, and educators.
Please see the FAQ below for everything you need to know about CASA, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. You can reach the full admin team by emailing info@casasf.org or texting (415) 493-8897.
With Love & Glitter,
Leslie Einhorn (she/her)
Founder & Executive Director
CASA | Children's After School Arts
Some quick notes:
• We offer a rolling pickup option daily at 6pm. Sign up HERE.
• The Family Handbook can be found HERE.
• You can text/call CASA here: (415) 493-8897
• For questions about billing, contact Mary@CASAsf.org
• TK programming ends at 6pm. K-8 must be picked up by 6:30.
2024-2025 CASA FAQ
Where does CASA meet?
CASA has one full time bungalow (B28), located near the garden. Family pickup/sign out occurs in B28. Each CASA grade meets in their grade specific Rooftop classrooms. CASA students will also have arts classes throughout the campus, and end-of-day free play in the CASA bungalow.
What happens after school?
Our lucky CASA kids spend their afternoons in a safe, creative, inspiring, and engaging environment with outdoor play, snack, homework, literacy time, wellness activities, arts classes, and more! Follow us on social media to get a glimpse into all things CASA! (Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram)
What’s the annual theme?
Each year CASA has a theme that our arts specialists use as the basis for their curriculum. This year the theme is OUR STORIES..
Will there be events this year?
Yes! Stay tuned for our calendar of events which will include the Winter Arts Festival at SOMArts on January 25th, the Spring Musical at Lowell High School in May, Friday Movie Nights, and so much more!
Who’s on Team CASA this year?
All CASA staff make an attempt to get to know all CASA kids, and we have weekly community gatherings- so expect to hear stories at home about all of our fabulous teachers. Each grade has a Cohort Lead, who will be your point person for any student concerns. They are in bold.
TK: Jo (she/her), Leah (she/her), Neveah (she/her)
Kinder: Zoey (she/they), Nico (they/them), Cat (she/her), Addie (she/her)
1st Grade: Socrates/Persia (all pronouns), Ari (she/her), June (she/her)
2nd Grade: Billie (they/he), Idalia (she/her)
3rd Grade: Jasmine (they/she), Lore (they/them)
4th Grade: Dominique (she/her), Fen (they/them)
5th Grade: Messie (she/her), Em (they/them)
Club 6: Mo (she/her), Aidan (he/him), Sebastian (he/him), Jenya (she/they)
Team 15 (7th & 8th): Reiko (she/her), Aidan (he/him)
Arts Specialists: Austin (he/him) Makers Lab, Eryn (she/her) Visual Arts, Laurie (she/her) Theater, NJ (they/them) Music
Team Admin:
Leslie Einhorn (she/her), Founding Director
Jenn Yamanoha (she/her), Lead Program Director (overseeing 3-8)
Jalyce Fairley (she/her), Director of Lower School (overseeing TK-2)
Lisa Velesrubio (she/they), Site Coordinator
Dreema Abila (she/her), Wellness Counselor
Reiko Ando (she/her), Director of Grants & Service Learning
Lara D’Emilia (she/her), Operations & Events
Mary Mottola (she/her), Finance Director
Do I need to tell you if my child will be absent?
Yes. Reporting to Rooftop is not sufficient. The best way to report after school absences is via School Pass.
New families will be receiving an invitation to School Pass shortly. Returning families need to update the School Pass App. If you are unable to access School Pass, you can email CASA at info@casasf.org or text our Google Voice number at (415) 493-8897. CASA's Site Coordinator, Lisa, will call or text to check in if your child does not report to CASA and we have not heard from you.
What time should I pick up my kids?
We are open until 6:30. TK must be picked up by 6pm. In order to get all of the many benefits of CASA, we encourage you to pick up at 6:00. This year CASA is offering a rolling pickup option at the base of the Dixie Driveway from 6:00 - 6:15. If you are interested in rolling pickup, you can sign up here!
How do I get into the school for pick-up?
We keep the perimeter of the school locked during CASA hours. If you are picking up outside of the rolling pickup times (6:00-6:15) you must park and come to the bungalow. There are three access points equipped with cameras where we can buzz you in: the front door of the school (443 Burnett), the Corbett stairs (~700 Corbett), and the top of the Corbett/Dixie driveway by the garden (798 Corbett). You can park on Corbett or Burnett. Please do not park in the Dixie driveway or block the driveway- this is a safety hazard. The teacher lot at 443 Burnett should only be used if you need an accessible spot. Please text us at (415) 493-8897 if you are unable to park and walk in. We can only bring kids to you if there is a reason that you can’t come in (such as a mobility issue or sleeping child in the car). Otherwise, please utilize CASA’s rolling pickup option at 6:00 daily, or allow yourself enough time to find parking and walk up.
Where do I pick up my kid?
Please report to the CASA bungalow first (B28 at the top of the driveway by the garden). One of our admin team can show you how to sign out at the iPad station. There is a white board at the sign out table that lists the location of all cohorts at all times. If you cannot find your child, you can ask any CASA staff with a walkie to call for them. Please note: You will be receiving an email invitation from our sign-out app called SchoolPass. Please register as soon as possible so you can add/change authorized pick-ups for your child.
Does CASA serve food?
Yes! We serve hot supper right after attendance. You might also consider sending your child to school with a snack marked for CASA time.
Do CASA kids have homework time?
We do our very best to fit in homework or literacy time, art programming, supper, and freeplay. That said, with Rooftop’s later dismissal time, we have very few programmatic hours and do not have time to do homework daily. If your child needs extra support with homework, please reach out to program directors and we’ll do our very best to accommodate.
Can I change my days of enrollment?
We ask that families choose their children’s days of attendance upon enrolling and stick to those days. We will have some wiggle room for the first few weeks, but will need to lock down attendance by September 1st. Should you need to change days mid year, we ask that you give two weeks notice prior to the semester break in December. Two weeks notice is required for any enrollment changes including reducing days of attendance or withdrawing.
How can I support CASA?
Thanks for asking! It takes a village to create a fabulous after school community! CASA is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. Tax deductible donations are very much appreciated and can be made here. We ask that each family contribute 5 volunteer hours annually. You can learn more about Family Service Hours in the handbook.
We encourage you to read the Family Handbook for more detailed information:Family Handbook 2024-2025