CAS Weekly NewsBlast

With almost 700 million registered Twitter users, it’s hard to believe that some educators are still in the dark about the benefits of this powerful information network. 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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The Connecticut Association of Schools has partnered with the Connecticut State Department of Education to offer administrators two on-line modules pertaining to their own evaluation process. The new modules, Student Learning Indicators for Administrators and Administrator Evaluation Orientation, can be found under the Evaluation Resources tab on the state SEED website (www.connecticutseed.org). Created by CAS staff, the modules will provide essential information about the administrator evaluation process as a whole as well as specifically address the Student Learning Indicator (SLOs) component. Speakers or headphones will be required for viewing.

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The success of CAS-CIAC has always been dependent upon the tireless efforts of dedicated volunteers. As a way of expressing our deep appreciation for the work of these often unsung contributors, CAS-CIAC has created a Hall of Honor; and, nominations for the first class of inductees are now being accepted. The inaugural induction ceremony is planned for the fall of 2015. Please consider submitting a nomination!
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The CT Student Leadership Conference (CSLC) is the perfect place for high school students from every facet of student life – athletes, artists, community servants, student council members, diversity champions, academics, employed, eager future leaders, untapped potential and more - to hone skills, be inspired, build networks and expand their capacity to lead change at school, at home and in life. The CSLC is a student-designed and -led conference featuring national speakers Omekongo Dibinga and A’Ric Jackson, skill-building and personal discovery workshops, and action planning. The conference, which will be held in Southbury, CT, will begin at 12:30 pm on Friday, November 21st, and continue until 3 pm on Saturday, November 22nd. The registration deadline is November 7, 2014. 
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High school student leaders are invited to Newington High School on December 11th to learn:

• the value of a student-centered approach to building a positive school climate; 
• how social media can be an effective tool in shaping a positive school climate; 
• how school climate is affected by bias, bullying and cyber-bullying; and, 
• student designed, implemented, and proven best practices that can work in their school. 

This unique workshop will reveal what high school student leaders have to say about improving their school’s climate. Proven best practices and tested action plans will be shared from a panel of high school student leaders from three distinctly different districts. The workshop will conclude with a keynote presentation on “Using Social Media for Good” featuring national expert Eva Vega-Olds, Director of Research and Communication at the Anti-Defamation League! 
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The Connecticut State Department of Education, in partnership with the Department of Economic and Community Development – Connecticut Office of the Arts and the Connecticut Arts Council, has announced that $250,000 in funding is now available to schools and districts to strengthen their arts programming through meaningful partnerships with local and statewide arts organizations and institutions. Funds are to be used at the school level to enhance arts instruction and increase arts integration in the curriculum. A maximum of $50,000 will be awarded per school. The “Grant Opportunity to Support Arts in Education” Request for Proposals is available on the CSDE website.

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The CAS Recognition of Excellence in Education Reception will be held on November 19, 2014, at the Aqua Turf in Southington. This high-profile event allows members to spotlight an exemplary program and/or outstanding staff that have brought about significant school improvement, promoted school success or had a positive impact on the school. This two-hour reception will include appetizers, cocktails, musical entertainment and an awards ceremony. Registration closes on October 24th. Please plan to attend with your staff!
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CAS is proud to announce that New Fairfield Middle School has been selected as the 2014-2015 Middle School of the Year. Chosen from among 150 eligible Connecticut middle schools, New Fairfield distinguished itself as a consummate middle school, employing exemplary practices as defined by the National Middle School Association and the National Association of Secondary School Principals. It was selected, in part, because of its extensive use of twenty-first century skills in all aspects of school life and its commitment to making all students, teachers, leaders, and support staff into “learners.” 
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Western Connecticut Academy for International Studies in Danbury has been named the 2014-2015 CAS Elementary School of the Year. AIS Elementary is truly a collegial learning community that serves approximately 400 children from kindergarten through grade five. AIS continues to live up to its mission of developing socially responsible global citizens who use technology to access the world. 
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The Connecticut State Department of Education has released the 2014 issue of its "Student Learning Goals/Objectives Handbook." The handbook addresses both teacher-developed as well as administrator developed Student Learning Goals/Objectives and provides samples of both SLO types as well. The handbook can be found on the state evaluation website.

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Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among teens and Connecticut has special laws to make the roads safer for 16-and-17-year-old drivers. Get your students involved to make a difference! Your school can win one of five top prizes totaling $15,000 in the annual DMV-Travelers Teen Safe Driving Video Contest now underway. Students can win individual prizes. An awards ceremony will honor the top 10 students, their schools, their teachers and their administrators. This makes a great extra credit project or class assignment. 
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These are exciting times for Social Studies in the state of Connecticut. A new Social Studies consultant has been appointed at the CSDE. Steve Armstrong is working hard to advance social studies issues within the department and will provide leadership and support to districts and teachers in social studies education. He can be reached at Stephen.Armstrong@ct.gov. Additionally, the State Board of Education has adopted a policy statement clearly outlining the importance of social studies in a well-rounded education. And, the adoption of the newly revised Social Studies Framework is on the horizon as is the development of companion documents - written by Connecticut educators and scholars - to help school systems implement the new Framework.

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