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 learning experiences 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.

Cyberbullying and sexting are among the many social media-related issues that remain a top concern for school leaders and increasingly “eat into" their work day. CAS is offering a workshop on January 30 to help school leaders deal with "unsocial media." Attorneys from Pullman & Comley will answer questions such as: What control do school officials have over social media as used by staff? To what extent can school officials discipline students for inappropriate communications, even when they occur off school grounds and outside the school day? Can school officials “search” student electronic devices?

In conjunction with National Administrative Professionals Week, CAS will host the 2019 Conference for School Secretaries and Administrative Assistants on Friday, April 26th, at the Aqua Turf in Plantsville. This day-long program is designed to support the daily work of school secretaries and administrative assistants and spotlight their important role in the success of our schools. Registration is now open.

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. We are now accepting nominations!

Esports Season Zero kicked off this past October and high school teams across Connecticut have been battling it out on the Rift each week to bring home the state title! Now it's down to two teams… The Centaurs from Woodstock Academy will challenge MHS Esports from Manchester High School, the undefeated regular season champions. Join us for the finals on January 22, 2019, at 4:30pm at Maloney High School in Meriden. Come watch the dramatic finish to Season Zero, live! The two state finalists will be competing in a best-of-three series to determine the Connecticut Season Zero Esports State Champion!  

CAS is hosting the 24th Annual High School Arts Awards Banquet on Tuesday, April 2, 2019, at the Aqua Turf in Plantsville. This prestigious recognition dinner, sponsored by Jostens and Horace Mann, honors high school seniors who excel in the performing and/or visual arts. Each CAS member high school is invited to select two grade 12 students for recognition. Don’t miss this year’s keynote speaker, Dr. Regina Barreca, bestselling author and professor of English and feminist theory at the University of Connecticut. Register now!

NAESP Connections is a quarterly newsletter prepared by our National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) State Representative, Michael Litke. In each issue, Mike provides updates on national association news and events as well as federal education policy that impacts school leaders locally. Check out the winter edition!

Don't let your school miss out on the opportunity to demonstrate it has the best sports fans in Connecticut! The deadline for entering the 2019 CAS-CIAC Battle of the Fans is Friday, January 25. This school-spirit contest is a great way to highlight the wonderful things your students are doing to promote sportsmanship, school spirit, and a positive school culture and identity. Please encourage your student-leaders to take part and show what they can do!

The 55th Annual Scholastic Chess Championships for students in grades 1-12 will be held on Saturday, February 23, 2019, at the Travelers' cafeteria in Hartford. Students attending ANY Connecticut school (as well as home-schooled students) are invited to participate. Register now!

Do you know someone who would make a great school administrator? For Connecticut educators aspiring to advance their careers and serve in roles as assistant principals, principals, or district-level administrators, the University of Connecticut Administrator Preparation Program (UCAPP) offers an educational leadership program through the Neag School of Education designed to prepare qualified and capable school leaders for all Connecticut schools. Graduates are awarded the sixth-year diploma and are eligible for certification endorsement as an intermediate administrator in the state of Connecticut. For more information about UCAPP and to RSVP for an upcoming information session, go to s.uconn.edu/ucappinfosessions2019.

On February 28, the CT Association of Student Councils (CASC) is hosting a workshop to engage advisors in discussions about how to support student leaders in new and inspirational ways. Join Russell Crist and Christopher Tomlin, co-executive directors of CASC, as they work to build a community of support for student councils across Connecticut. Advisors from all levels are welcome! There is no charge for this event. 

The CAS Heart of the Arts Award recognizes students, adults or groups involved in high school performing or visual arts programs who exemplify the core values of education-based activities – i.e., integrity, citizenship, courage, good character. If you know someone who has demonstrated exemplary ‘heart,’ has exceeded normal expectations in assisting others within the school community, or has overcome adversity or a challenging circumstance, please consider submitting a nomination. The deadline is January 25th.

Westbrook High School senior Alana Bochanis has been selected as the recipient of the 2019 Michael H. Savage Spirit of Sport Award. Born with a congenital heart disease that has resulted in nine surgeries to date and requires her to use a pacemaker, Alana has overcome her incredible medical challenges to compete in multiple sports at Westbrook High. She has also compiled an exemplary academic record, serves as class president, and is a positive presence and role model in the Westbrook community.