The deadline for the 33rd Annual Scholar-Athlete Banquet has been extended by one week. If you have not yet registered, you must complete the online registration process by March 4th. Go to www.cas.casciac.org and click on the “Member Login” icon at the top of the page. Enter your school number and login ID and then select “View/Submit Scholar-Athlete Reservation Form” from the options menu.

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Yesterday, Governor Dannel Malloy and Education Commissioner Dianna Wentzell announced plans to eliminate the performance task component of the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) exam. The proposed change will reduce testing time and expand learning time for all grade 3 through 8 students in Connecticut.

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Do you have an outstanding classroom teacher? If so, please consider submitting a nomination for the Exemplary Educator of the Year Award. The purpose of this award is to give recognition to an elementary, middle level, and high school CAS educator who demonstrate excellence in education, leadership in the profession, and involvement with students, staff, and parents. Nominations may be made by any present or former member of the school staff or by district central office personnel.

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The CAS-CIAC Endowment and Flanagan Grant Program, made possible by the generosity of sponsors whose dollars have helped us build a stable endowment fund, provides grant money to member schools to fund new or existing initiatives that lead to enriched educational experiences and/or improved learning environments. The deadline for proposals is April 15th.

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In conjunction with National Administrative Professionals Week, CAS will host its annual conference for school secretaries and administrative assistants on April 29th at the Aqua Turf. The conference will feature two unique presentations designed to enrich the important role that secretaries play in our schools. Additionally, the CAS Administrative Assistant of the Year Award will be presented at the conference. Please consider making a nomination.

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Registration is open for KiDSMARATHON 2016, an amazing life fitness program that can be easily implemented in any school setting. KiDSMARATHON is an eight- to ten-week training program for students aged 7-12. Participants complete a full marathon by running incremental distances each week and finishing the last mile in front of hundreds of peers at a regional site. The training can take place before, during, or after school. Using the mantra "winning is finishing and finishing is winning," KiDSMARATHON helps students develop life-long fitness skills, social-emotional learning, a feeling of accomplishment and self-confidence.

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The long-awaited screening of “Salam Neighbor,” a documentary capturing the plight of Syrian refugees, will take place on March 10, 2016, at Goodwin College Auditorium. Postponed from its original date due to weather, the screening will be followed by a discussion with award-winning filmmakers Chris Temple and Zach Ingrasci who use immersive storytelling to raise awareness around pressing global issues. This unique opportunity will inspire thought and dialogue on overwhelming and complex issues from a perspective different from the day-to-day news coverage.

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The 21st Annual High School Arts Awards Banquet will be held on Tuesday, April 5, 2016, at the Aqua Turf in Plantsville. This prestigious recognition dinner 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. Online registration must be completed by February 29th.

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The 15th Annual Arts in the Middle Conference is scheduled for Tuesday, May 19, 2015, at the University of Hartford’s Art School. CAS is currently looking for volunteers to present at the upcoming conference. This is a great opportunity to share your artistic skills and knowledge with middle level students from across Connecticut. Please consider being part of our conference team!

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Now in its twentieth year, the Governor's Scholars Awards Program honors the top 30 scholars in Connecticut. Principals are invited to nominate one junior who ranks in the top five percent of his or her class. The nomination deadline is March 7th; and, all required documentation must be postmarked by that date.

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Back by popular demand, Alan Bernstein, senior director for the College Board, is returning to CAS on Wednesday, April 25, 2016, to discuss how College Board assessments can inform Social Studies curriculum and instruction. Those encouraged to attend the workshop are Social Studies department leaders, History/Social Studies teachers, curriculum specialists and school administrators.

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The 54th Annual Scholastic Chess Championships for students in grades 1-12 will be held on Saturday, March 12th, 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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