On February 9th, the CT Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (CALAS) will hold a full membership meeting at the CAS office in Cheshire. The focus of the meeting will be ESSA and its implications for ELs. Now in its second year of operation, CALAS is dedicated to developing and advancing Hispanic/Latino school leaders and improving the educational opportunities of Latino students in Connecticut. All existing members and educators interested in joining are encouraged to attend. There is no charge for participation and a light dinner will be provided.

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Come to CAS on February 28th, to complete the Physical Activity Leader (PAL) Learning System and become a champion for physical education and physical activity in your school community! The PAL Learning System is a dynamic, action-focused professional development program created within the Let’s Move! Active Schools framework, a national initiative to ensure that 60 minutes of physical activity a day is the norm in K-12 schools across the country.

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One of CAS' legislative priorities is addressing the current high school graduation requirements. We will be meeting with Education Committee representatives to talk about specific concerns relative to the current requirements of twenty-five highly prescribed credits and would like to present them with information from school leaders across the state. We are asking high school principals to answer a few very quick questions on this topic. Please provide us with feedback. It won't take long!

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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. Some examples of activities or programs that may be submitted for consideration include:

• leadership training for student leaders;
• anti-bullying programs;
• multi-cultural programs;
• academic competitions;
• programs about self-esteem, nutrition, and/or character development; and,
• school climate initiatives.

The deadline for proposals is April 7th.

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The state department of education is now accepting submissions from Connecticut middle and high schools for the statewide Challenge to Educational Citizenship Awards. Any student-organized activity that demonstrates intrinsic kindness is eligible for submission. If you have a program or activity in your school that exemplifies civic awareness, cooperation, and boundless potential for community impact, please consider submitting a nomination.

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Are there members of your faculty who have the potential to be strong school leaders? If so, please pass along this flyer detailing three upcoming information sessions about the University of Connecticut Administrator Preparation Program (UCAPP). The Neag School of Education and CAS have collaborated to develop this nationally recognized program that combines rigorous course work with a robust internship experience to prepare candidates for successful school building and central office level leadership. The combined resources of the university and CAS, the personal attention that each student receives, and the quality of the classroom learning experience set the UCAPP program apart from all other preparation institutions in Connecticut. We hope that you will encourage your most promising teachers to consider the UCAPP program as the next step in their career ladder.

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The Connecticut State Board of Education is now accepting applications from Grade 11 students who are interested in serving as members of the state board of education for the 2017-2018 year. Two students, who will be appointed by the governor, will serve a one-year term, beginning July 1. Please encourage qualified students in your school to apply. The deadline for applications is March 10th.

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Last month, the US Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights released several guidance documents, including a Parent and Educator Resource Guide to Section 504 in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools. The guide is a comprehensive overview of the obligations of public schools in complying with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Click here to read Shipman & Goodwin LLP’s most recent “Law Alert” which includes guide highlights and important reminders for school administrators.

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On March 7th, CAS is offering a first-time workshop on the PSAT 8/9 assessment. This half-day session, featuring Alan Bernstein, senior director for the College Board, is designed for districts currently using the PSAT 8/9 who want to learn more as well as for districts considering adding this assessment.

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CAS is now accepting nominations for the Exemplary Educator of the Year Awards. This annual awards program gives recognition to an elementary, middle level, and high school CAS educator who exemplify excellence in instructional practice, leadership in the profession, and authentic engagement with students, staff, and parents. The deadline for nominations is March 3rd.

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