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October 16, 2018

LEGAL MAILBAG

The Legal Mailbag column is written by Attorney Thomas Mooney of the University of Connecticut's Neag School of Education. Readers are invited to submit short, law-related questions of practical concern to school administrators. One question and its answer will be published in this column each week. Questions may be edited; authors will not be identified; and answers cannot be considered formal legal advice. Please submit questions to: legalmailbag@casciac.org

lm_2.jpgDEAR LEGAL MAILBAG:
I had a weird experience the other day that I need to share with you. A family new to the district came by to enroll their 4th grade daughter, and they stopped in to see me. I was delighted to welcome the newcomer to our happy little school. However, I was not happy to see her “best friend,” Woofy.
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clic.pngHELP US BUILD OUR RESOURCE BANK OF EFFECTIVE PROGRAMS

Attention school leaders! We need your help! Last year, we launched our CLIC (Center for Leadership and Innovation Connections) site, designed to be your go-to resource when you are thinking about starting a new program, activity or process in your school. The site connects you to colleagues who have implemented something similar in their school and are willing to share their knowledge and expertise. CLIC currently features eighteen programs that are in place in schools around the state. Yet, we know there are many more effective and high quality programs and activities out there. Please think about the most successful programs or practices in your own school - the ones that make you proud - and submit one to share with your colleagues. The process takes just a few minutes.

adl_ct.pngTHE HOLIDAYS ARE RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER - ARE YOU READY?

Every December, public school students, parents, teachers and administrators face the difficult task of acknowledging the various religious and secular holiday traditions celebrated during that time of year. Be prepared for the “December dilemma” by joining us on November 2nd to learn about best holiday practices for schools. Representatives from the CT Anti-Defamation League will offer strategies to promote greater understanding and respect among students of different traditions through adherence to the requirements of the First Amendment. This morning workshop will not be confined to discussions about December holidays but will explore the larger challenges and opportunities of increasingly diverse student bodies.
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isc.pngSOCIAL MEDIA DO’S AND DON’TS: MANAGING KIDS’ DEVICES!

Scott Driscoll, founder of Internet Safety Concepts, will be sharing his vast knowledge of the pitfalls of social media at CAS on Nov 7th. 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 challenges of managing the social media landscape in a school setting. Please join us on Nov 7th from 8-11:30 a.m.
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ciaccast_logo.pngPODCAST EPISODE FEATURES EXPERT ON ADOLESCENT HEALTH ISSUES

The most recent episode of the CIACcast, the bi-weekly podcast hosted by Joel Cookson, CIAC Director of Media and Sports Information, features psychiatrist and cognitive behavioral therapist Dr. Elizabeth Matern. While a portion of the conversation covers issues unique to high school students, Dr. Matern discusses the mental health challenges facing today’s adolescents and shares insights into childhood growth and development that are relevant to educators at all levels.  
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renata_bowers.pngAUTHOR WORKSHOPS FOCUS ON SCHOOL CLIMATE, EDUCATING THE WHOLE CHILD

The CAS Elementary Division is pleased to host two events with Renata Bowers, author of the “Freida B.” book series. Through the adventures of “Frieda (just) B.,” Bowers inspires children to dream big, to believe in the significance of their one-of-a-kind stories, to value the stories of others, and to use what they're good at to make the world a better place. Join us at CAS on November 5th or in Waterford on November 20th for a two-hour session with Bowers as she demonstrates how to use storytelling as a way to help educate the whole child and supplement best practices in the area of positive school climate.
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elem_leadership.jpgFOUR COLLEGES HOST ELEMENTARY STUDENT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCES

Registration for the always popular elementary student leadership conferences is filling up fast. These annual events feature unique, interactive lessons in communication, problem solving, decision-making and productive thinking. Choose from four college sites: Sacred Heart University in Fairfield on January 3; Naugatuck Community College in Waterbury on January 8; Asnuntuck Community College in Enfield on January 10; and, Three-Rivers Community College in Norwich on January 11. Each conference offers an impressive line-up of breakout presentations and hands-on activities. These events sell out, so register soon!

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brandon_lee_white.pngDON’T MISS THE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT LEADERSHIP UN-CONFERENCE!

CAS invites student leaders, along with their advisors, to attend the High School Student Leadership Un-Conference featuring inspirational author, speaker and youth mover, Brandon Lee White. Born unable to speak, Brandon shares his transformation from outcast to school president and explains how leadership and personal ownership made it possible. Participants will engage in workshops geared toward 21st century skill development and have opportunities to communicate and collaborate with diverse school leaders from around the state. This year’s un-conference will be held on November 9-10 at North Haven High School and will feature an introduction to "inspirED," an educational program designed by teens, educators and researchers at Facebook and the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence.
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enter_to_win.png$60,000 “FALL INTO FUNDING” SWEEPSTAKES

Now through November 30th, Horace Mann is giving away up to $60,000 in DonorsChoose.org funding. And this time, they’re spreading the wealth even further…administrators, principals and teachers are all eligible to win! Forty (40) winners will receive up to $250 in DonorsChoose.org funding and ten (10) grand-prize winners will receive up to $5,000 in funding. You’re reading that correctly: There will be 50 winners. One of them could easily be you! Click here to enter. Or, contact your local representative to learn more.

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