Scott Driscoll, founder of Internet Safety Concepts, will be sharing his vast knowledge of the “Ills of Social Media” at CAS on Nov 29th. The presentation, originally planned as part of a series of forums for assistant principals, is now open to all school leaders. What sets Scott apart from other social media presenters is his background as a youth officer in a suburban police department where he worked closely with schools. A skilled “techie” with a good understanding of public school policies and procedures, Scott employs clear and understandable terminology and a bit of levity to deliver an engaging and frank presentation on the trappings of social media. Please join us on Nov 29th from 4-6:30 p.m.

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On December 11, 2017, Attorney Michael McKeon from Pullman and Comley LLC will present a legal workshop on transgender students’ rights at the CAS office. The session will include a review of Connecticut law as well as relevant court decisions from other jurisdictions relating to a school district’s legal obligations to students who identify themselves as transgender. Attorney McKeon will also analyze the United States Department of Education’s current stance on Title IX’s applicability to transgender students. This workshop is designed to assist school administrators in translating the relevant legal mandates into practical, day-to-day applications, thereby ensuring that they are in compliance with the law.  There is no cost for attendance but registration is required. 

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CAS is looking for artists to present at the annual Arts in the Middle conference scheduled for May 23, 2018, at the University of Hartford Art School. If you have artistic abilities in any medium and are willing to share them with a diverse group of middle level students from across Connecticut, please volunteer to be a part of our conference lineup!

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The Connecticut Association of Schools and the Connecticut Council for Education Reform (CCER) are pleased to announce the 2018-19 Literacy Leadership Institute. Current and aspiring elementary school leaders must not miss this chance to develop the practical and research-driven skills needed for implementing effective early literacy programs. The institute includes:

• six modular sessions with some of the world’s most highly regarded literacy experts;
• phone/video conference check-ins between sessions;
• personalized analysis of before/after implementation data;
• development of strategic planning skills; and,
• two cohorts/locations (CAS, Cheshire; Housatonic Community College, Bridgeport).

Click below for details and registration information.

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On October 24, 2017, the CALAS fall general membership meeting was held at CAS with thirty-five members in attendance. Deputy Commissioner of Education Dr. Ellen Cohn gave an informative presentation on ESSA and also provided important information on Connecticut’s Seal of Biliteracy. Read more about CALAS’ recent activities and planned initiatives.

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Looking to jump start 2018 with some dynamic leadership training? Register your students for one of our two middle level student leadership conferences coming in January. Middle level students are invited to join us at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield or Trinity College in Hartford to learn new skills, challenge old ideas and prepare to rise to a new level of leadership in their schools and communities!

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Sixty-four Connecticut schools have generously contributed over $37,000 to the CAS Hurricane Relief Effort. But we need help from our remaining 786 schools in order to reach the $300,000 mark! If your school has not yet joined the effort, there is still time! With a contribution of just $353 from each CAS member school – which will be matched dollar for dollar by Brother’s Brother - we can provide a mighty $600,000 of support to schools in areas hit hardest by the recent hurricanes. Fundraisers can be schoolwide; led by specific groups or teams; or even community based. The deadline for donations is November 17th. Please help us out!

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In August, the Connecticut Supreme Court delivered its long-awaited decision in Munn v. Hotchkiss School, the case involving a boarding school student who contracted tick-borne encephalitis on a school-sponsored trip to China. The decision sets an important precedent regarding the extent to which a school may be held liable for injuries sustained by students during school-sponsored programs and activities. Local and regional boards of education, as well as non-public schools and other educational institutions, are strongly advised to scrutinize their programs and activities in light of the Munn decision. This article, published by Berchem Moses PC shortly after the ruling, provides comprehensive details about the case and the court’s decision.

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The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) has published a wonderful resource called “Trinka and Sam: The Rainy Windy Day” to help young children and their families begin to talk about feelings and worries they may have in the aftermath of a hurricane. Elementary school leaders may wish to share this story with the families of any displaced youngsters who have recently enrolled in their schools. A helpful parents' guide is appended at the end. The booklet is available in multiple languages, including Spanish, and can be copied and distributed at no charge.

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Wondering about the impact of alternative certification on an educator’s effectiveness? Interested in effective models that offer equitable enrichment programs? Looking for successful strategies to encourage women and girls to pursue careers in STEM? Answers are now just a few mouse clicks away! School leaders with an education-related question are invited to take advantage of “Ask A REL,” a new collaborative reference desk service provided by the ten regional educational laboratories (RELs). “Ask a REL” provides references, referrals, and brief responses in the form of citations on research-based education questions. Simply submit a request using the “Ask a Rel” online submission form.

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