The 18th Annual CAS-CAPSS Convocation was held at the Aqua Turf on September 20th. Jahana Hayes, the 2016 National Teacher of the Year from John F. Kennedy High School in Waterbury, delivered a powerful keynote address about the importance of collaboration - among stakeholder groups and among the state's districts. “No one person or group has a monopoly on what is best for kids. We need to start sharing the work that we do. If one city or group is doing something well, we are close enough that we can share that information. After all, we do want the same things,” said Hayes. “It’s not about one district being exemplary and shining above all others. It’s about doing what’s best for kids and making sure every child in this state or in this country receives a high quality education.” Watch her deliver this compelling message with the earnestness, authenticity and passion that earned her the national title!

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CAS is looking for volunteers to present at the annual middle level leadership conference to be held on January 11th at Trinity College. This year's theme is “Imagination & Action” and breakout sessions will focus on four areas of interest: building a climate of acceptance; making a difference at school; taking risks and rising to the occasion; and social networking. If you have experience in one of these areas and are willing to share it with a diverse group of middle level student leaders from across Connecticut, please volunteer to be a part of our conference team!

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On October 7th, the CAS Division of Student Activities is hosting a statewide conference to showcase K-12 student activity programs that epitomize exemplary citizenship and civic awareness and demonstrate boundless potential for school-community impact. The CT Student Activity EXPO will feature both innovative and impactful programs nominated by school principals as well as exhibitors who will offer schools additional learning and enrichment services. Registration closes soon!

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The CAS New Leaders Academy's October 4 session will feature Jayne Ellspermann, 2015 National Principal of the Year, discussing "Challenging the Achievement Gap: Literacy Strategies." Participants will learn how to use literacy as a foundation to create a school culture that enhances the experience of students, faculty, and staff and leads to improved achievement for all students. While the Academy is a great professional learning experience for school leaders who are early in their leadership careers, this session is one that will be of interest to administrators of any tenure. Today is the last day to register. There is no cost for participation for member schools.

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Registration for the always popular elementary student leadership conferences is now open. These annual events feature unique, interactive lessons in communication, problem solving, decision-making and productive thinking. Choose from four college sites: Sacred Heart University in Fairfield on January 4; Asnuntuck Community College in Enfield on January 6; Naugatuck Community College in Waterbury on January 10; and, Three-Rivers Community College in Norwich on January 12. Each conference offers an impressive line-up of breakout presentations and hands-on activities. These events fill up quickly, so register now!

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The CAS Recognition of Excellence in Education Reception will be held on November 30th 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. The reception will include appetizers, cocktails, musical entertainment and an awards ceremony. Please plan to attend with your staff!

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Nominations are now open for the 2017 CAS Assistant Principal of the Year Awards. These awards honor outstanding school administrators 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 work with an exceptional assistant principal and would like to nominate him or her for the Assistant Principal of the Year Award, click below for further information.

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On September 7th, a federal court judge issued a 90-page ruling in the eleven-year-old CCJEF v. Rell lawsuit which challenged the constitutionality of Connecticut’s education funding system. Last week, Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen announced that the state would appeal the decision, asserting that the judge exceeded his authority in ordering sweeping education policy changes.

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D.R.E.A.M NOW is an intensive youth leadership program that develops the emotional, physical and intellectual competencies critical to future leadership proficiency. "D.R.E.A.M.," stands for developing responsible, educated, adaptive minds! "D.R.E.A.M NOW" reflects the urgency of the need to prepare youth for success in education and in life by providing opportunities for building self-esteem, self-confidence and interpersonal relationship skills. The innovative program curriculum provides a unique fusion of leadership development, instruction, interactive activities and outings. Each program participant obtains an invaluable mix of experiences, knowledge and relationships that has a transformational effect on their lives.

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As part of the 2016 CABE-CAPSS convention, Nadia Lopez, author of The Bridge to Brilliance, will host a session just for principals. Nadia, who is a finalist for the 2016 Global Teachers Prize, founded Mott Hall Bridges Academy, a middle school in Brownsville, Brooklyn, to help turn the tide in a neighborhood that had all but given up on its students. She successfully opened pathways to excellence in one of the most under-resourced communities in the country. She has been profiled in countless national media outlets, has been asked to speak at Harvard, was invited to the White House, and delivered a TED Talk on the “Revolution of Education.”

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