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February 20, 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:
As an assistant principal at a large high school, it falls to me to classify absences for the purpose of the “chronic absenteeism” calculation we must do. We have our challenges at my school and we are always close to being a school with chronic absenteeism. As you must know, if my school is so categorized, we are obliged to have an attendance review team. As far as I am concerned, we should just create such a team and be done with it. However...
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social_media_2.pngCAS PUBLISHES SOCIAL MEDIA SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SCHOOL DISTRICTS

CAS has prepared guidelines to assist schools in creating a safe climate for social media use. CAS reviewed a wide range of resources related to cyberbullying among students and compiled a comprehensive guide for Connecticut school districts. The guidelines, which encompass the areas of district policy, school culture, education, staff responsibility, parents and supervision, present specific steps schools can take to keep social media as a constructive force for students. Download the guidelines here.

scholar-leader.pngREGISTRATION OPEN FOR ANNUAL SCHOLAR-LEADER BANQUET

The CAS Middle Level Scholar Leader Banquet is scheduled for Monday, June 3, 2019, at 5:00 p.m. at the Aqua Turf in Plantsville. Now in its 35th year, this event is designed to give recognition to two students from each Connecticut middle school who have demonstrated outstanding scholarship and leadership in their school and community. An important change in the criteria for the award was put in place last year. While, historically, schools were required to select one girl and one boy for recognition, they can now choose two students of the same gender. 
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operation_prevention_2.pngCAS ENDORSES OPIOID CURRICULUM

The Connecticut Association of Schools has endorsed "Operation Prevention," a curricular program sponsored by the DEA in conjunction with Discovery Education, as a recommended curriculum for opioid abuse prevention. CAS took this action in order to help school districts comply with the state mandate requiring that opioid abuse prevention be taught in Connecticut schools. A team of health educators reviewed the program and found it to be a highly valuable resource for teaching about opioids. This no-cost program is structured for elementary, middle, and high school students and contains presentations, videos, worksheets, assessments, and classroom activities.
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regina_barreca.pngHIGH SCHOOL ARTS BANQUET – REGISTRATION DEADLINE EXTENDED

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. The deadline for registration has been extended to Friday, March 1st. 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!
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chess.pngLAST CALL TO REGISTER FOR STATE CHESS CHAMPIONSHIPS

The 55th Annual Scholastic Chess Championships for students in grades 1-12 is THIS Saturday, February 23, 2019, at the Travelers in Hartford. Students attending any Connecticut school (as well as home-schooled students) are invited to participate. The entry fee is just $15 per school and registrations must be submitted by TODAY. Later entries will be accepted but schools must pay a $20 entry fee onsite.
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casc.pngDON'T MISS K-12 ADVISORS' WORKSHOP

On February 28th, 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! Registration closes on Friday, February 22nd. Act now! 
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ccsu.pngCCSU HOSTS INFO SESSION FOR PROSPECTIVE SUPERINTENDENTS AND DISTRICT LEADERS

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.
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nessc.pngSECONDARY SCHOOL CONFERENCE FOCUSES ON LEARNING AND LEADING FOR EQUITY

The New England Secondary School Consortium (NESSC) will sponsor its tenth annual conference on March 25-26, 2019, at the Four Points by Sheraton in Norwood, Massachusetts. School Redesign in Action: Learn + Lead for Equity will bring together nearly 1,000 secondary school educators, students, community stakeholders and policy makers from across the country. Participants will share success stories, exchange best practices, and continue to build momentum for innovations that will prepare all students for success in the colleges, careers, and communities of the 21st century. Registration closes March 15th.
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eco_friendly.pngAWARDS HONOR STUDENTS, SCHOOLS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EFFORTS

Aquarion Water Company has announced its annual Environmental Champion Awards program. If you know a grade 9-12 student who has worked to preserve or restore Connecticut’s natural resources, please consider nominating him/her for the award. The winning student will receive statewide recognition and take home a $1,000 award. Teachers, administrators and clubs can also take part in the program and, if selected as an Environmental Champion, would win a $2,500 grant given in their name to a non-profit environmental organization of their choice.
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