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January 30, 2019

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 am sure that you have heard about all the issues with DCF reporting. With the arrest of a number of educators for failing to report suspected abuse or neglect, we are all running a little scared. My personal approach is “better safe than sorry,” and I file a report with DCF whenever something bad happens to a student. The problem, of course, is that it can take hours to get through to the Careline...
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capitol.pngCT GENERAL ASSEMBLY IS NOW IN SESSION!

The new legislative session convened on January 9 and CAS has been actively engaged with lawmakers, putting forward the principals’ perspective on key policy and legislative issues. The legislature is in the proposed bill process right now and will soon transition into the committee bill process, weeding out bills that will most likely not be raised. There are already more than one hundred twenty proposed bills that affect schools and school personnel in our state. Members can view these bills and monitor their progress by visiting the CAS bill tracking site set up by our lobbyists. The site also provides a direct link that allows members to email legislators their opposition, support or concern about a particular bill. We encourage your involvement and invite your feedback as we continue our advocacy work for the current session.

ESPORTS SPRING SEASON – REGISTRATION DEADLINE APPROACHING!

Last week, the CIAC crowned its first-ever esports state champions! Woodstock Academy defeated Manchester High School in a best of three series to earn the title. Your school could be next! Sign up for the Spring 2019 season and vie for a state championship in one of three games: Rocket League, SMITE and League of Legends. Check out the highlights of the championship matchup!


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admin_assistants_award.pngCELEBRATE YOUR SECRETARY DURING ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS WEEK

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.

secretaries_conference.pngAdditionally, 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!

casc.pngCASC HOSTS WORKSHOP FOR K-12 ADVISORS

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. 
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ctmsdl_1-26-19.pngMIDDLE SCHOOLERS DEBATE BANNING HATE SPEECH

On Saturday, January 26, 2019, the Connecticut Middle School Debate League held its second competitive tourney of the season at Bethel Middle School. Two hundred fifty-four debaters from twenty-three schools combined into ninety-two teams to debate the motion: This House, as the United States, would ban hate speech.
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chet.pngSTATE LAUNCHES 2019 CHET DREAM BIG! ART AND ESSAY CONTEST

The 2019 CHET Dream Big! Contest, a statewide drawing and essay contest for Connecticut students in grades K-8, will launch on Friday, February 1. The contest can be easily integrated into classroom curriculums. Forty-eight students will receive a CHET college savings account contribution of up to $1,000 and the school with the highest percentage of student participation in each county will receive $500! For more details and educator resources go to www.chetdreambig.com starting February 1. All contest entries must be uploaded or mailed by March 29, 2019.

ccer.pngCONFERENCE ON INSTRUCTIONAL RIGOR COMING IN MARCH

On March 28, the Connecticut Council for Education Reform (CCER) is hosting a conference on enhancing instructional programming and improving student achievement. “Elevating Instructional Practice for Student Success,” to be held at the Sheraton Hartford South in Rocky Hill, will feature a keynote address by author Dr. Barbara Blackburn and breakout sessions with Connecticut practitioners. The program is geared toward district/school teams.
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ces.pngCES SPONSORS SERIES FOR ASPIRING HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPALS

There are many wonderful high potential leaders who don’t consider pursuing school administration as a career option. Are there members of your faculty whom you believe would make strong school leaders? If so, encourage them to attend the upcoming “High School Principal Aspirant Series.” This three-session series, tailored specifically for high school leaders, is hosted by Cooperative Educational Services (CES).
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nelms.pngATTENTION MIDDLE LEVEL LEADERS

Remember to register for the New England League of Middle Schools' 38th Annual Conference to be held on March 21 & 22 at the R.I. Convention Center. The theme for this year’s conference is “Mindful in the Middle: Making Every Day Awesome.” With more than 80 concurrent sessions, two outstanding keynoters, and great exhibitors, this year’s conference is shaping up to be the best ever. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enjoy quality time with your colleagues at a conference that is dedicated to the unique needs of middle level educators. For registration information, go to nelms.org or call the NELMS office at 978-557-9311.

chess.pngFIFTY-FIFTH ANNUAL CHESS CHAMPIONSHIPS COMING IN FEBRUARY

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!
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fairfield_univ.pngSTUDENT EQUITY CONFERENCE – LAST CALL FOR PROPOSALS

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 22 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 deadline for submissions is January 31.
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