The next session of the 2016-17 Principals’ Leadership Series (PLS) will feature Nitza Diaz-Candelo of SERC who will examine culturally relevant and responsive family engagement practices. Join us from 8:30-11:30 AM on March 14th to learn strategies for creating a school community that values the perspectives of families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

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CAS is pleased to collaborate with CABE and CAPSS to offer a full-day workshop on "Supporting Students and Staff in an Age of Anxiety." On March 31st, Attorney Edwin Colon from the Center for Children’s Advocacy will present critical information on Immigration and Cust. Enforcement (ICE) policies impacting schools and students. In addition, representatives from the ADL and the Connecticut School Counselor Association will discuss research regarding student anxiety and provide helpful strategies for addressing anxiety-related behaviors in schools.

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CAS would like to recognize member elementary and middle schools that view positive school climate as an integral part of their school culture. If your school has a positive climate, here’s your opportunity to showcase it! Interested schools are encouraged to complete a self-assessment and, if initial requirements are met, they will be visited by a site committee. Schools found to have outstanding school climate practices will be awarded a three-year “exemplary practices” designation. Please note that recognition for positive school climate is ongoing throughout the school year and self-assessments will be accepted at ANY TIME.

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Earlier this week, the state department of education released the 2015-16 Next Generation Accountability System results for schools and districts in Connecticut. For the first time, the results include matched student cohort growth in English language arts and math, an important indicator for determining whether the state is making good on its promise of preparing students for success in the future. The 2015-16 district and school Profile and Performance Reports were also released and are available through EdSight.

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The annual CAS Summer Leadership Institute will be held June 22 and 23, 2017, at the Heritage Conference Center in Southbury, CT. This year’s theme is “Leading Personalized Learning: Supporting the Emotional Needs of Our Students." The focus will be on how to support students who have suffered adverse childhood experiences that impact upon their learning and behavior in the school setting. Breakout sessions will again be conducted by districts who are leading some of this work within the state as well as program providers who may be of assistance to educational leaders. This year’s institute sponsor will be the Clifford Beers Clinic which is working with a number of school districts in the area of child trauma and adversity. Stay tuned for further details and registration information.

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Last week, President Trump's administration rescinded the previous administration’s federal guidance requiring that transgender students be granted access to the restrooms and locker rooms of their chosen gender identity. In response, Governor Dannel Malloy and Commissioner Dianna Wentzell sent a joint letter to superintendents which essentially nullifies the President’s action in Connecticut and advises the state's public schools to continue to adhere to President Obama’s prior guidance.

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In conjunction with National Administrative Professionals Week, CAS will host its annual conference for school secretaries and administrative assistants on April 28th at the Aqua Turf. The conference will feature two unique presentations designed to enrich the important role that secretaries play in our schools.

Additionally, the CAS Administrative Assistant of the Year Award will be presented at the conference. This annual award recognizes a high-performing school office assistant who demonstrates excellent leadership, ongoing commitment to staff and students, and meaningful contributions to the overall school experience. Please consider making a nomination!

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Renowned speaker, educator, and researcher Linda Darling-Hammond is coming to Connecticut to share her thinking about the foundation necessary for every student to succeed. The Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents (CAPSS) invites you to the Sheraton Hartford South in Rocky Hill on March 13th for a half-day workshop entitled "Equitable Access and Resources" featuring Darling-Hammond, president and CEO of the Learning Policy Institute.

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As controversy continues to emanate from Washington D.C. over enforcement of laws concerning “undocumented” immigrants, Pullman & Comley LLC has published a blog post that may help school leaders navigate this complex issue. The online article, by Attorney Mark Sommaruga, clarifies schools’ obligations with respect to providing educational services to all students residing within the school district, whether “documented” or not, and with respect to cooperating with U.S. Immigration and Cust. Enforcement (ICE).

On a related note, last week, Governor Dannel Malloy and Commissioner Dianna Wentzell issued another joint letter, with accompanying resources, to help districts support immigrant students and their families and prepare for potential ICE enforcement activities on school grounds.

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At its December 2016 meeting, the CSDE adopted a pre-service performance assessment, edTPA, for teacher candidates in Connecticut. Effective September 1, 2019, all educator preparation programs will be required to assess their candidates' competencies using edTPA, a performance-based, subject-specific evaluation system designed to measure and support the skills and knowledge that all teachers need. School principals will have an essential role to play in edTPA as they support and mentor the next generation of teachers. A recent article published in NAESP’s Principal Magazine helps principals understand edTPA and provides tips for supporting candidates completing this rigorous performance assessment.

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Jostens has established a scholarship program to assist students from schools with a Jostens Renaissance Program who plan to continue their education at a college or vocational school. One student will receive $2,500 per year for four years of college; and, four students will receive one-time $1,000 awards. Applications for these Renaissance scholarships are due March 15th and must include an application form, transcript copy, and essay.

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Crayola, in collaboration with the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), is accepting applications for the 2017 Creative Leadership Grant program. The program will award up to twenty grants of $2,500 each for innovative, creative, leadership-building programs in elementary schools. In addition, each program will receive an in-kind grant of Crayola products valued at $1,000. Applications will only be accepted from school principals who are members NAESP.

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