The heart of our community is beating again. Village Hall officially reopened its doors during the PTO’s inaugural Holiday Concert last Thursday. Thanks to the Village PTO’s generous $15,000 contribution, the hall now boasts beautiful red curtains.

“The new curtains really bring back the heart of the space of Village Hall,” said Courtney Castiligone, Village Elementary PTO President. “PTO’s contribution in funding the new curtains represents commitment to continuing our small town traditions, creating new memories and keeping this space alive for years to come for our school. Our goal is to reopen our Village Hall doors to our community and bring back assemblies, classroom-focused presentations and to give Village Choir & Band their spotlight.”

The reopening event was nothing short of magical, with hundreds of parents gathered to watch their children shine on stage, performing beloved holiday classics such as “Let It Snow,” “O Christmas Tree,” and “Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah.” These performances were the result of weeks of practice in the Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) classroom, led by teacher Cyndi Furhmann, where creativity and musical exploration thrive. A special thank you to Ms. Furhman for her dedication to our students.

The VAPA program, funded entirely by Coronado Schools Foundation, ensures that every student at Village Elementary and Silver Strand Elementary has access to enriching visual and performing arts education. This concert was a testament to the power of community support and the importance of arts in education.

Village Hall is also available for a Naming Rights opportunity through CSF, where you can leave your legacy to support our students’ tomorrow. All Naming Rights are a collaborative effort between CSF and CUSD, giving Islander donors a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact and provide sustainable funding for our schools year after year. Honor your family, your business, or a loved one with a permanent presence in our schools.

This milestone also reflects the power of partnership. PTO and CSF are working together to not only support one another but also to support our students.

“When we support each other’s organizations, we strengthen our shared mission. Different roles but one cause —our students. One town. One team,” said Castiglione.

Village PTO’s investment in revitalizing Village Hall and the Coronado Schools Foundation’s unwavering support for the VAPA program demonstrate a shared commitment to providing students with opportunities and resources that go beyond what state funding covers. Together, these organizations ensure that creativity, music, and community traditions remain at the heart of our schools—enriching the lives of every child and strengthening the bonds that make our village extraordinary.

For more information on supporting PTO, email contact@villagepto.org. For more information on the Naming Rights opportunities on campus through CSF, please email csf@csfkids.org.

VOL. 115, NO. 52 – Dec. 24, 2025