Members of a delegation of high school teachers from Changchun (China) pose for a photo after a morning presentation at CAS.

CENTER NEWS

CLI LEADERSHIP SERIES CONTINUES TO INSPIRE!

This school year, our Center for Leadership and Innovation Leadership Series offerings have been a resounding HIT both in terms of member attendance and also in participant ratings of satisfaction. We still have a number of sessions to go this coming winter and spring and would encourage members who have not yet registered to take advantage of this outstanding array of professional learning opportunities. Upcoming workshop topics include social-emotional health, how to navigate the special education maze and dealing with transgender issues. Spaces are still available for late registrations, so c'mon down!

SUMMER LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE RETURNS

CAS will again sponsor its popular Summer Leadership Institute on June 27 and 28 at The Heritage Conference Center in charming Southbury, CT. Our institute theme will continue the focus of the past two years on leading to support the social-emotional well-being of our students. In addition to outstanding national keynoters, many Connecticut districts will be offering breakout sessions highlighting their work in the area of social-emotional support. Resource tables will also be onsite to provide leaders with information on pertinent programs and approaches. Stay tuned for registration materials!!

CLI STAFF BEGIN PLANNING FOR 2019-2020

While we are about mid-way through the current school year, the CLI crew has already begun planning for school year 2019-2020. Already confirmed are workshops on offering high quality feedback to teachers, navigating compliance with DCF procedures, and the importance of purposeful play to support the development of executive functioning. Also locked in are the annual legal update with Tom Mooney and the ABOTA Teachers Law School. Plans are underway to look at such topics as ELL/bilingual issues for regular ed leaders, effective handling of difficult conversations, developing an integrated approach to school climate programming, and the dangers of vaping. More ideas are in the works, so look for our CLI Leadership Catalog coming out in the spring.

ELEMENTARY ARTISTS CELEBRATED AT AQUA TURF

Students from over one hundred thirty elementary schools across the state were honored at the CAS Elementary Arts Banquet on Monday, February 4, and Tuesday, February 5. This yearly event, held at the Aqua Turf in Southington, provides elementary schools the opportunity to recognize students who have demonstrated outstanding artistic ability as well as citizenship and leadership skills. Participating schools selected two students to be honored, each of whom was presented with an awards certificate during the evening program. In addition, parents and students were treated to a performance by members of the Ledyard High School Chamber Choir under the direction of Melanie Cometa. See some of the highlights captured in these event photos!

CT SCHOOL LEADERS TO CANVASS THE HILL

On March 17 through March 20, administrators from around the country - representing both the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) - will convene in Washington D.C. to advocate for schools and students. Members of the Connecticut delegation will have the opportunity to meet with our state's congressional representatives to share their opinions and concerns concerning critical education issues. This yearly advocacy event allows local school leaders to raise their voices to improve education-related legislation at the federal level.

RECENT HAPPENINGS