SEARCH RESULTS

Maureen O'Toole School Nurse motoole@casa-arts.org 717-732-8450 EDUCATION: BSN: Northeastern University, Boston, MA MSN/FNP: Penn State University Where are you from? Boston, MA. I moved to Hershey in 1996. What brought you to CASA? I enjoy working with high school students. Where did you work and what was your role prior to coming to CASA? I worked at New England Medical Center for twelve years in the Adult Medical and Pediatric ICU; I have worked at Derry Township School District as a substitute school nurse since 2010. What is your favorite part of working at CASA? My favorite part of CASA is spending time with our creative students; their enthusiasm for their art is inspirational. It is common for students to play the piano at lunch or rehearse a monologue. I am also grateful that the students are willing to translate the latest slang for me. What is your connection to the arts? How are you an artist? I have appreciated the arts throughout my life—musicals, opera, ballet, art shows etc. I was in chorus in high school and taught myself to play the piano (barely) in my 20’s, when storing one for a friend. What do you feel is your impact on our school community, students, and culture? My goal is that the nurse’s office is a safe, caring space for the students. Having had three teenagers of my own, I believe I understand them and the challenges they face. What advice do you have for our students? Take academic and artistic risks. Don’t settle for less than you deserve. Be kind. Do you advise any clubs at CASA? Not yet. Fun fact about Ms. O'Toole : I have a side business, “Maureen’s Mutz”, where I care for small, older dogs in my home for short stays. The lazier, the better.

ARTS CASA’s arts program was established to give creative students the opportunity for intensive arts study generally unavailable in traditional public schools. CASA accepts students based on audition for entry into one of six artistic disciplines: creative writing, dance, film & media arts, music, theatre and visual arts. Today at CASA, students spend half of each day in their individual arts discipline, instructed by exceptional teachers through a disciplined curriculum enhanced by performances and master classes led by working artists. Collaborative opportunities such as CASA Live!, the cross-discipline annual performance written, produced, and performed by juniors and seniors, allow students to develop skills broadly applicable in college and careers. The mission of Capital Area School for the Arts Charter School is to provide students with a rich, rigorous arts-infused high school program that enables them to succeed in college and careers. CREATIVE WRITING The creative writing program emphasizes the craft of writing as a literary art, a tool of self-expression and an instrument for social change. Students experience an intensive workshop environment in which they develop poetry, prose (fiction or creative non-fiction) and various forms of professional writing including journalism and public relations. Learn More DANCE Creativity and individuality as well as precise technical skills are the focus of the dance curriculum at CASA. Emphasis is placed on modern dance due to its expressive nature, classical ballet for its discipline and structure, and classical jazz techniques to achieve a well-rounded experience. Learn More FILM & MEDIA ARTS This course introduces the student to the creation of expressionistic and realistic video and film productions. Students are given theoretical and practical experiences in traditional and state-of-the art video equipment. Using digital video cameras and Adobe Premiere editing software, the students create short narrative, artistic, documentary, and music style films and videos. Learn More MUSIC Individual and collective creativity are the focus of the music program. Combining study in content-based (music theory, ear training, solfege, music analysis) and performance-based (improvisation, technique, expression) areas, vocalists and instrumentalists collaborate with each other to create original compositions and arrangements in a variety of styles. Learn More THEATRE Theatre students study acting techniques, improvisation, voice, movement, styles of acting, and performance. The history of theatre from the ancient Greeks to the present is also explored. Technical theatre is offered with opportunities to learn in the CASA black box theatre/classroom as well as other venues in the Harrisburg area. Learn More VISUAL ARTS Visual Art provides an introduction to philosophy of art; art criticism and art history, while art production classes in drawing, painting, and mixed media build knowledge and technical skill for creative artworks. Introduction to a variety of drawing and painting media, compositional techniques, color theory, critiques, and reflections upon the work provide skills needed to move from a realistic image to personal expression and significant meaning. Learn More

Brian Massey 9th Grade World Literature 10th Grade World Literature bmassey@casa-arts.org 717-732-8450 EDUCATION: Bachelor's of Music in Musical Theatre, Baldwin-Wallace University Conservatory of Music Teaching Certification in Secondary English, Penn State University Mr. Massey is from Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. His family includes his father, who lives locally and is currently running for the state Senate. His brother's family, including his two nieces, live outside Washington D.C. In his free time, Mr. Massey enjoys traveling, theater, hiking, kayaking, volleyball, tennis, video games, and working out. What brought you to CASA? Having a background in the performing arts, as well as a love for all art forms, I was excited about the opportunity to work with students who are passionate about the arts. It is my hope to utilize my performing background to make English class more interesting and engaging for the students at CASA! Where did you work and what was your role prior to coming to CASA? I taught 8th grade English at Middletown Area Middle School and have also acted professionally as a member of Actors' Equity Association. What is your favorite part of working at CASA? Working with staff and students who share my love of the arts and the fact that it feels like a family atmosphere here. What is your connection to the arts? How are you an artist? In the world of theater, I have performed professionally, directed, and choreographed. I have also worked behind the scenes on countless productions. Besides being a singer, I play the trumpet, French horn, and basic piano. I also have trained extensively in dance and have even taught tap and swing dance at a dance studio in Ohio. What do you feel is your impact on our school community, students, and culture? It is my hope to help the students at CASA to see the importance of being very well-rounded in order to become a successful artist. I also hope to show them that it is okay to have multiple passions in life! What advice do you have for our students? Take advantage of the wealth of knowledge that exists in the school, from your teachers to your peers. Get involved in any way possible and try to get to know as many of the students as you can. You never know what connections they may have to help you in the future! Fun facts about Mr. Massey : I once played a game of foosball against Neil Patrick Harris. I took a trapeze class for the first time this summer!

WORLD LANGUAGE CASA offers World Languages courses that are live-taught and online. These courses are available for students in grades 9-12. Both French and Spanish are offered at levels 1 through 4. LIVE-TAUGHT WORLD LANGUAGE COURSE OFFERINGS FRENCH I Course Overview: This is an introductory course, where students will be exposed to the French language through reading, writing, speaking and listening activities. Students will also explore the culture of France and other French-speaking countries. Units of Study: Introduction to French Bon Appétit Qu’est-ce qu’on fait? Paris Le monde personnel En ville Le Shopping Le Temps Libre Qui Suis-Je? Tour de France FRENCH II Course Overview: French II continues to develop basic concepts in French language and culture including French pronunciation, grammar, and geography. Students will enhance and further develop their use of French through a balanced development of all four skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Language acquisition will expand to include longer conversational exchanges and reading for meaning and pleasure in the past, present and future tense. This course is designed for students successfully completed French I. Units of Study: La Rentrée Les Repas Le Passé La Géographie de la France Loisirs et Spectacles Le Sport et La Santé La Maison Le Passé Composé et L'Imparfait Les Artistes Francaises La Voiture SPANISH I Course Overview: This is an introductory course, where students will be exposed to the Spanish language through reading, writing, speaking and listening activities. Students will also explore the culture of Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries. ONLINE WORLD LANGUAGE COURSE OFFERINGS French I, II, III, and IV Spanish I, II, III, and IV German I and II Back to Academics

VISUAL ARTS Visual Arts provides an introduction to philosophy of art; art criticism and art history, while art production classes in drawing, painting, and mixed media build knowledge and technical skill for creative artworks. Introduction to a variety of drawing and painting media, compositional techniques, color theory, critiques, and reflections upon the work provide skills needed to move from a realistic image to personal expression and significant meaning. Through study of the urban landscape, still lifes, and personally meaningful subject matter, students develop a strong foundation of observational skills and a portfolio of artworks for college reviews. The focus is on the individual development of each student’s personal style. Artwork displayed in local venues is used as a resource for study. Field trips and visiting artists provide connection to the real world of art. Students also exhibit their work and collaborate with their colleagues in other art areas. Upperclassmen Visual Arts students begin the process of assisting with the development of the End of Year Performance titled, CASA Live!, early in the year. Every Thursday, students from all programs work together in the Integrated Arts curriculum. Six various art disciplines: creative writing, dance, film and media arts, music, theatre, and visual arts collaborate to discover a theme, and develop the end of year program while cultivating an appreciation for the various art disciplines. During the course of a 9-month period, students break into small groups consisting of various arts disciplines to discuss and create scenes that later develop into fully realized components of the performance. Each class is asked to embellish scenes, using dialogue, music, prop suggestions, movement, and film interpretation as related to the chosen theme and thesis. The result? An artistic rendering of a theme more closely related to performance art than a high school musical or narrative play. More importantly, students learn the art of working together ---all the highs and lows of collaboration that accumulates into an original, crowd-pleasing performance for the community to enjoy. Please email Mrs. Corinne Webster at cwebster@casa-arts.org for more information. Audition Requirements & Application Grades 9 & 10 End-of-Year Art Exhibition Mid-Year Visual Art Exhibition Grades 11 & 12 Pop-Up Art Show

OUR SCHOOL A Creative Community: A Vibrant Urban Campus Granted a public charter in 2013, CASA Charter School offers a full-day high school program for 200 students from 30 Central Pennsylvania school districts in nine counties engaging them in rigorous academic studies and arts education in one of six disciplines: dance, visual arts, film & media arts, theatre, creative writing, and music. Capital Area School for the Arts CASA is a model of innovative and vibrant curriculum that immerses students in learning and enhances their creative talents to determine their career paths and roles in society. With the motto, "Create Yourself," CASA's teachers and administration inspire an academic and artistic atmosphere where the region’s most talented students thrive. CASA’s students learn to collaborate, think independently, and appreciate others. They leave CASA for college, military service, and careers uniquely prepared to succeed in a diverse, technologically demanding and global future. Since its inception, CASA Charter School’s faculty, staff and Board of Trustees have prioritized the creation and maintenance of a rigorous academic curriculum. CASA’s 11th Grade Keystone Exam scores have ranked them as one of the top high schools in not only the Capital Region, but also the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. CASA's Comprehensive Plan Our History The Capital Area School for the Arts was founded in 2001 through a partnership between the Capital Area Intermediate Unit and Open Stage of Harrisburg. The school provided arts education to students throughout central Pennsylvania. Now that CASA has become a Charter School, students spend the entire day taking art and academic classes in the Strawberry Square facility. Students graduate with a diploma from Capital Area School for the Arts Charter School.

THEATRE Theatre students receive conservatory style training, studying acting techniques, improvisation, voice, movement, styles of acting, and performance. The history of theatre from the Elizabethan Era to the present is also explored. Special master classes taught by performing arts professionals are held throughout the year in areas such as stage combat, auditioning, musical theatre, and theatre as a career. Students also collaborate and create with their peers in multi-disciplinary projects in order to develop and broaden skills that are valued in the workplace, whether arts related or not. Various performances are held throughout the year. Upperclassmen Theatre students begin the process of assisting with the development of the End of Year Performance titled, CASA Live! , early in the year. Every Thursday, students from all programs work together in the Integrated Arts curriculum. Six various art disciplines: creative writing, dance, film and media arts, music, theatre and visual arts, collaborate to discover a theme, and develop the end of year program while cultivating an appreciation for the various art disciplines. During the course of a 9-month period, students break into small groups consisting of various arts disciplines to discuss and create scenes that later develop into fully realized components of the performance. Each class is asked to embellish scenes, using dialogue, music, prop suggestions, movement, and film interpretation as related to the chosen theme and thesis. The result? An artistic rendering of a theme more closely related to performance art than a high school musical or narrative play. More importantly, students learn the art of working together ---all the highs and lows of collaboration that accumulates into an original, crowd-pleasing performance for the community to enjoy. Please email Lauren Callen at lcallen@casa-arts.org for more information. Audition Requirements & Application Mid-Year Theatre Theatre Fall Play Grades 9 & 10 End-of-Year Projects

SPRING MUSICAL CASA will be performing Jesus Christ Superstar for the 2025 Spring Musical! MAR 7 & 8 | 7 PM MAR 9 | 2 PM Rose Lehrman Arts Center 1 HACC Drive Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17110 View Our Jesus Christ Superstar Playbill Previous CASA Productions

2023 Harrisburg Gallery Walk by the Art Association CASA's Visual Arts will be featured in The Art Association's 35th Annual Gallery Walk, which will be held on Sunday, September 11, from noon to 5 pm. 20 venues will be featured, including the gallery at CASA. A map of this year’s participating venues can be seen below. or downloaded here.

Molly Misgalla 9th and 10th Grade Dance 11th and 12th Grade Dance Body Conditioning Musical Theatre mmisgalla@casa-arts.org 717-732-8450 EDUCATION: Bachelor of Art in Dance, Point Park University Mater of Fine Arts in Choreography, Jacksonville University / White Oak Mrs. Misgalla is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Her family includes her husband, David; daughter, Sydney; dog, Frankie; cat, Tilly; and Steve, an adult- bearded dragon. In her free time, Mrs. Misgalla enjoys traveling (especially the beach) and making chocolate chip cookies! What brought you to CASA? I grew up wanting to be Debbie Allen, especially her role as the dance teacher in Fame . I would have loved to attend a performing arts high school, so instead I get to work at one. Where did you work and what was your role prior to coming to CASA? I worked at The University of the Arts in Philadelphia for over 14 yrs prior to relocating to Central PA. What is your favorite part of working at CASA? I don’t know yet, we’ll have to wait and see. What is your connection to the arts? How are you an artist? I have danced ever since I was little at my mother's studio (which she still owns and teaches at today). I just love to move. I love all types of music! I love creating and taking an idea, picture, painting, moment or a piece of writing and seeing where that can grow. I love the process - some of the most beautiful messes emerge from that space. What advice do you have for our students? Don’t let anyone steal your joy! Remember there is only one you and that is enough! Fun facts about Mrs Misgalla : I love to roller skate and I ran a marathon in Kona, Hawaii

Erica Leonard Principal eleonard@casa-arts.org 717-732-8450 EDUCATION: BA in History with a Social Studies Teacher Certification, Thiel College MA in Humanities, Penn State University Principal Certificatoin from Cabrini University Mrs. Leonard is originally from Natrona Heights, Pennsylvania. Her family includes her husband, Greg; son, Maxwell; daughter, Esabella; and dog, Hank. In her free time, Mrs. Leonard enjoys reading historical fiction and non-fiction, hiking and other outdoor activities, exploring local history and Marvel movies. What brought you to CASA? An appreciation for the arts and the unique CASA environment. Where did you work and what was your role prior to coming to CASA? Middle School Social Studies teacher in the Baltimore County Public Schools in MD and the Steelton-Highspire School District in PA. What is your favorite part of working at CASA? The inclusive, creative, and collaborative environment. What is your connection to the arts? How are you an artist? I have a deep appreciation for the arts and the important work of artists. They bear a unique responsibility to awaken the rest of us to the world in which we dwell. What do you feel is your impact on our school community, students, and culture? I hope my time at CASA has contributed to a positive and collaborative school atmosphere for our CASA community. For students, I aim to inspire confidence and passion in their artistic journeys and hope to prepare them for life after school regardless of path they choose. Culturally, I advocate for an inclusive and supportive environment where every student feels valued and empowered to express themselves. What advice do you have for our students? Follow what excites you, build meaningful relationships, and when faced with a challenge remain resilient. Lastly, never stop asking questions and learning. Do you advise any clubs at CASA? I am the advisor for the Senior Class Officers. Fun fact about Mrs. Leonard : My entire family practices Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It is the hardest sport I have ever participated in, yet the most rewarding.