What is Community Support Network?
Community Support Network better known as the CSN
Our History. When Free Horizon Montessori was established, in 2002, the founders also created a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation named the Free Horizon Montessori Foundation. The purpose of the Foundation was to serve as the fundraising arm of the school and provide an independent bank account from which the school could draw upon to support itself.
In 2006, the Foundation Board reorganized and renamed itself the Community Support Network (or the CSN.) As the school has evolved, the mission of the Foundation has evolved as well. Along with fundraising activities, the Foundation hosts community events (like the Back-to-School Picnic.) Today we've added organizing volunteer activities to our mission.
Why name the organization the Community Support Network? The CSN's name is derived from its commitment to support the Free Horizon Montessori community both financially and in spirit. Its focus is to build community, organize volunteer opportunities, fundraise, support our families and staff and enhance the educational programming at our school. We strive to support Individualized Education, Engaging Curriculum and Strong Community for our school and our children.
Who is the CSN? The CSN is made up of every parent at Free Horizon Montessori - Yes, that means YOU!
What is the CSN? The CSN is similar to a PTA. It is a Parent-Teacher partnership supporting the students of Free Horizon Montessori through fundraising and volunteerism. The CSN board is made up of 9+ parents, two staff liaisons and a Board of Directors liaison - all dedicated to making Free Horizon Montessori the best school for our children.
What is the CSN known for? The CSN is known as the FUN group! We get to do lots of exciting stuff for the school: plan parties and community events, welcome new families, raise money so our kids have the materials they need and our staff has the training necessary to make our classrooms exceptional, and help parents find ways they can contribute to our school - both in and out of the classroom. "Research shows that kids with involved parents get better grades, have fewer discipline problems, and are more likely to pass their classes and go on to higher education." (PTO Today Magazine, January 2009)
How can YOU get involved? We want you to participate in whatever way you can! Whether you want to organize a fundraising event or just attend one - We Welcome You! We have made it easy for you to fulfill your 30 hour volunteer commitment by providing a Volunteer Task List which you can find both on our website and in the Parent Lounge. You can also contact our Volunteer Coordinator at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
If you are curious to find out what is happening at our school, please come to one of our meetings. We typically meet the second Wednesday of every month from 6:30pm - 8:30pm at the school & often socialize afterwards. The meetings are where we plan events, discuss priorities and brainstorm how we can meet the needs of our community.
For more information on the CSN, community events, enrichment activities (after school programs), fundraising, volunteer opportunities and much more, please check out our website.
We look forward to seeing you at a meeting or at the next event! We can't wait to get to know you and your family!
