CAS Weekly NewsBlast

October is Connected Educator Month (CEM)! First introduced two years ago by the U.S. Department of Education, CEM is designed to stimulate and support technology innovation for educators. To kick off CEM 2014, CAS is announcing two exciting initiatives:

1. CAS Connected Educators Community (CASCE) - This new online forum provides an easy and accessible platform where educators can connect with one other and share best practices and resources associated with the use of technology in education. 
2. "The Power of Twitter" Workshop – Twitter is an amazing, free professional development and communication tool that can transform how schools and districts share information and resources. Join us on October 21st to learn concrete ways to utilize this great resource in school communities.  

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Each year, the quality and effectiveness of our programs and services are dependent upon the volunteer efforts of our member school administrators through their work on our various committees. Last year, more than 400 individuals served on over 90 CAS and CIAC committees. At the outset of the school year, we seek to recruit volunteers with a mind towards establishing balanced committee membership with respect to gender, ethnicity, district demographics and level of experience. Join your peers; exchange ideas; enrich us! We welcome new faces and new ideas! The time required of committee members is not burdensome; and you will find that the total experience of being active at the state level is valuable to you and, ultimately, your school. Click on the links below to volunteer for a committee(s) of interest!

CAS Committees: http://casci.ac/1055
CIAC Committees: http://casci.ac/1056

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If you want to learn how to work with less, produce more and still get everything done in a sensible school week, then it sounds like you’re ready for The Breakthrough Coach; and, he’s returning to Connecticut in November! Register now for the overwhelmingly popular Breakthrough Coach training being held November 20th and 21st at CAS. There are just a few spots left! MORE

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CAS invites NHS advisors to a workshop on November 10th to learn from Attorney Julie Fay about Connecticut Freedom of Information laws and legalities related to selection/dismissal procedures. Advisors will also have the opportunity to share creative fundraising, induction ceremony and/or community service projects that have contributed to their respective chapter’s success. MORE

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On October 8th, CAS is hosting a New Assistant Principal Reception & Roundtable at the central office in Cheshire. This event, open to all new assistant principals in years 1-3 of their leadership careers, is an opportunity to network with other administrators, discuss the unique aspects of the AP position, and learn about the many programs and services offered by CAS. Please join us! MORE

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Last week, the Connecticut State Department of Education released the 2014-15 Connecticut Student Assessment Calendar. The calendar includes the testing windows for Smarter Balanced assessments, the CMT/CAPT Science assessments (including the CMT/CAPT Science Skills Checklist), and the NCSC/Connecticut Alternate Assessment (CTAA). Districts have the flexibility to administer tests any time within each testing window. Click here to view the calendar.

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The CIAC will host its 2014 Sportsmanship Conference, featuring keynote speaker A’ric Jackson, on November 20th at the Aqua Turf in Plantsville. Now in its eighth year, this annual event is one of the largest that the CIAC sponsors. Jackson, who wowed the audience last year with his "Fearless Leadership" presentation, is back by popular demand. This year’s event will also include break-out sessions for student leaders and a legal workshop for advisors, administrators, coaches & athletic directors. MORE

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CAS is once again offering principals an opportunity to become part of a dialogue group called Exploring Deeper Dimensions of Leadership. The Deeper Dimensions program focuses on the intrapersonal dimensions of leadership and is grounded in shared reflection and introspection. An informational meeting will be held at the CAS office at 4:00 p.m. on October 22nd. Interested administrators should contact Erin Guarino at eguarino@casciac.org. MORE

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The deadline for nominations for the 2015 CAS Assistant Principal of the Year Awards is October 6th. These awards were established in 1990 to spotlight the critical role that assistant principals play in the education of our youth and to honor outstanding individuals who have demonstrated excellent leadership skills, a commitment to their staff and students, service to their communities, and contributions to the overall profession of educational leadership. If you know or work with an exceptional assistant principal and would like to nominate him or her for the Assistant Principal of the Year Award, click here for further information. MORE

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Do you know any outstanding Neag School alumni? Nominations are now open for the 17th Annual Neag School Alumni Awards. Please consider nominating a Neag alumna/us (including Outstanding School Administrators) for any of the six prestigious awards. Click here for specific award categories, criteria and the nomination form. Materials needed to nominate: nomination form, letter from nominator, two letters of support and resumé/vita. Online submission preferred.

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