Leadership Opportunities
Preparing students to thrive in a complex, ever-changing world is at the heart of a Community Day School education. CDS students are taught how to communicate for impact, and they are guided in how to use their voices to effect change. Leadership takes many forms at CDS across all grades, and student leadership opportunities are everywhere, from the classroom to the athletic field to Jewish spiritual life on campus.
The two main student government organizations at CDS are Student Council and Tefillah Council, both with peer-elected officers. These leadership opportunities empower students with skills in problem-solving, collaboration, time management, prioritization, and planning. Student Council and Tefillah Council members help to shape the student experience at Community Day School and to maintain our culture of impassioned student participation where it is safe to take risks and take on new challenges.
Tefillah Council
Tefillah (prayer) Council affords students the opportunity to take a leadership role in leading and coordinating services at Community Day School and impacting the spiritual life of the school.
The Tefillah Council members are in charge of our Torah services and monthly full-school Kabbalat Shabbat services, leading special services for younger grades, working on our Purim carnival, writing the Purim shpiel, and taking charge of any special service or Jewish event that may occur during the year.
Student Council
Student Council (STUCO) is an active Middle School organization involved in programming and service for the school and the greater Pittsburgh community. The organization's goal is to foster a sense of ownership and investment in the school. Mutual respect for ideas exchanged among students and faculty is the hallmark of a successful Student Council experience. Being a Student Council representative is an honor and a responsibility at CDS, and students attend the Pennsylvania Association of Student Councils (PASC) Middle Level Mini Conferences.
Jr. STUCO
CDS Intermediate School students in Grades 4-5 now have the opportunity to participate in Jr. Student Council (Jr. STUCO) to help build their leadership skills and to foster socio-emotional growth.