Attention elementary school principals! Don’t miss the opportunity to honor two of your outstanding young artists! Register now for the 18th Annual Elementary Arts Banquet to be held next month at the Aqua Turf. This festive event recognizes elementary students who have demonstrated outstanding artistic ability as well as citizenship and cooperative skills. This year’s entertainment is the Yale a cappella group the Whiffenpoofs. As in years past, there will also be caricaturists, face painters and balloon sculpters on site.

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The deadline for nominations for the annual Heart of the Arts Award is right around the corner! Do you know a student who is involved in the arts and has demonstrated exemplary ‘heart’ – i.e., integrity, citizenship, good character – in his or her chosen activity; has exceeded normal expectations in assisting others within the school community; or, has overcome adversity or a challenging circumstance? If so, please consider submitting a nomination for the “CAS Heart of the Arts Award.” This award recognizes students involved in high school performing or visual arts programs who exemplify the core values of education-based activities. The deadline for nominations is January 24th.

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Nominations are now being accepted for the CAS First-Year Principal Awards. These awards recognize individuals whose instructional leadership, innovative practices and managerial skills have had a positive impact on the school district in their first year of school administration. One award is given at each level: elementary, middle and high school. Nominations must be submitted by March 3rd.

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As a new year begins, the elementary division is seeking input from members to help in the planning of upcoming programs and services. Elementary principals are asked to complete a brief survey titled “What Should We Do Next?” The results will be used to design timely, relevant and personalized professional learning opportunities that are directly aligned with members’ needs and interests.

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CAS is now accepting nominations for the 2017-18 School of the Year Awards. These awards recognize a member elementary and middle school that demonstrate a commitment to continued improvement; maintain a safe and healthy school environment; cultivate positive relationships with parents and the community; and, provide students with rich learning opportunities both in and out of the classroom. If you feel that your school may be worthy of this honor, please consider submitting a nomination.

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Registration will open soon for KiDSMARATHON 2017, an eight- to ten-week training program for students aged 7-12 that can be easily implemented in any school setting. Participants complete a full marathon by running incremental distances each week and finishing the last mile at a regional site along with hundreds of their peers. 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, self-confidence and a sense of accomplishment. Find out more!

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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. The deadline for nominations is March 3rd.

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Do you work with or know an outstanding elementary school principal? If the answer is "yes," then why not nominate him/her for the 2017 Elementary Principal of the Year Award? This award recognizes an outstanding elementary school principal who has demonstrated extraordinary leadership, a passion for educational excellence, a selfless commitment to their students and staff and ongoing service to their communities. The nomination window closes next week. Act now!

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The National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) just released its Policy and Politics Report for January 2017. The report contains a brief summary of key developments in education policy on Capitol Hill and in the Obama Administration covering December 2016 through the reconvening of Congress last week. A report UPDATE issued subsequently provides a number of helpful ESSA-related resources. Click here to download both documents.

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Every school in Connecticut is blessed with parents and other volunteers who contribute to its success. Here's an opportunity to honor those individuals! Join us on March 15th at the Aqua Turf for the 17th Annual Volunteer Recognition Banquet. This event is designed to provide principals with a forum for giving public recognition to those volunteers who have made their schools better places to learn and work. Registration is open!

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The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), parent organization of the National Honor Society and National Junior Honor Society, has announced its 2016-17 awards offerings for NHS and NJHS chapters. These awards provide national recognition and scholarship opportunities to outstanding Honor Society members, chapters, advisers, and state organizations.

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