Is there an extraordinary individual who has given his/her time, energy or expertise to your school? Has a local business provided services or resources which have resulted in expanded opportunities for your students? If so, please consider submitting a nomination for the CAS Distinguished Friend of Education Award. The deadline for nominations is January 23rd.

A national study released just this month shows a dramatic jump in the use of vaping devices by teens, making it all the more critical that school leaders stay informed on this issue. Join us on January 8 for a vaping workshop with Dr. Suchitra Krishnan-Sarin, Professor of Psychiatry at the Yale University School of Medicine, and Gregory Carver, Program Coordinator for the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. Presenters will address the following topics:

• What e-cigarettes are and what different types of devices are available;
• The appeal of these devices to youth;
• The short and long term risks of these devices;
• How device retailers are complying with the law; and,
• How to prevent access to these devices by individuals under the age of 18.

Register now.

Now in its twenty-third year, the Governor's Scholars Awards Program honors the top scholars in Connecticut. CAS high school principals are invited to nominate one junior who ranks in the top five percent of his or her class. The online nomination portal will be open between January 2 and February 4, 2019.

On March 7th, Central Connecticut State University is hosting an information session about its Superintendent and Executive District Leader Preparation Program. A panel of highly regarded superintendents will share insights about the rewards and challenges of serving as a superintendent. All central office leaders interested in exploring the superintendency and school leaders interested in other central office leadership positions are invited to attend.

The Fairfield Warde High School Voices for Equity (FWVE) and the Fairfield University Graduate School of Education & Allied Professionals are looking for presenters for their third annual educational justice conference coming up in March. Students and educators in CT are invited to share their stories and experiences in using student voice to promote equity in their schools. The conference, which will be held on March 22nd at Fairfield University, aims to amplify the voices of groups of students who often are not heard in their schools due to race, gender, ethnicity, culture or family wealth. Please consider submitting a presentation proposal for this important event!

The U.S. Department of Education recently released its anticipated proposed regulations regarding sexual harassment under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. If adopted, these regulations could have a significant impact on the manner in which educational agencies and institutions, including public K-12 school districts, investigate and address claims of sexual harassment or discrimination. This summary provided by Shipman and Goodwin clearly and concisely outlines the major provisions of the proposed regulations.

Nominations are now being accepted for the CAS First-Year Principal Awards for 2019-2020. These awards recognize individuals whose instructional leadership, innovative practices and managerial skills have had a positive impact on the school district in their first year of school administration. One award is given at each level: elementary, middle and high school. The deadline for submitting nominations is March 1, 2019.

CAS is now accepting nominations for the 2019-20 School of the Year Awards. These awards recognize a member elementary and middle school that demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement; maintain a safe and healthy school environment; cultivate positive relationships with parents and the community; and, provide students with rich learning experiences both in and out of the classroom. If you feel that your school may be worthy of this honor, please consider submitting a nomination.

If you have an outstanding teacher in your building, please consider nominating him or her for the Exemplary Educator of the Year Award. The purpose of this award is to give recognition to an elementary, middle level, and high school CAS educator who exemplify excellence in instructional practice, leadership in the profession, and authentic engagement with students, staff, and parents. The deadline for nominations is March 1, 2019.