Earlier this week, CAS Executive Director Dr. Karissa Niehoff hosted a conference call with Senator Gayle Slossberg, Deputy Majority Leader and Co-chair of the Education Committee. A dozen K-12 principals, representing a wide range of districts and demographics, participated in the call. Questions were solicited in advance and the senator was asked to respond to the issues that were raised most commonly by principals. Hear what Senator Slossberg had to say about such pressing topics as high school graduation requirements, teacher evaluation, education funding and the state’s opioid epidemic. CAS will be pursuing opportunities to dialogue with other members of the Education Committee.

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Presented by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, in conjunction with the FBI and DEA, CAS is pleased to offer a half-day workshop for teachers, counselors and administrators on the devastating opioid epidemic. This video-based educational program is designed for high schools and will be accompanied by an educator’s discussion guide geared specifically to teens and adolescents. Don’t miss this powerful presentation on an urgent issue in our state.

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On Wednesday, Governor Dannel Malloy proposed his budget for the FY 2018–FY 2019 biennium. Included in this proposal were several changes to Connecticut's school finance system. The Connecticut School Finance Project has prepared an independent analysis examining the governor's proposed school funding changes. The analysis details the components and characteristics of the governor's proposed changes and highlights how they account for students with higher learning needs (ex. low-income students, English Learners, students with disabilities). Additionally, the analysis includes a town-by-town list of estimated state education funding per pupil and estimated state and local contributions to the Teachers' Retirement System under the governor's proposed budget.

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The Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents (CAPSS) has announced that Mrs. Fran Rabinowitz has been named its new executive director, effective July 1, 2017. Mrs. Rabinowitz, a 30+-year veteran educator and longtime friend of CAS, will replace Dr. Joseph Cirasuolo who will retire in June after nine years as CAPSS’ industrious and visionary leader.

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The CT Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (CALAS) membership meeting originally scheduled for last evening has been postponed to February 28th. 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 interested educators are welcome! There is no charge for participation and a light dinner will be provided.

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At the beginning of the week, CAS sent a quick survey to elementary principals asking for feedback on a proposed bill which would require schools to offer all Pre-K through grade 5 students twenty minutes of continuous exercise during the school day. The current statute requires twenty minutes but does not specify that the minutes must be continuous. CAS polled its members to see if there was any significant opposition to this proposed requirement. Of the 121 respondents, 75% indicated that they could meet the requirement and 72% reported that it would not negatively impact their school programming. The results, which include some insightful comments from our members, are available at http://casci.ac/1765. Many thanks to those principals who responded!

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CAS is hosting the 22nd Annual High School Arts Awards Banquet on Tuesday, April 4, 2017, at the Aqua Turf in Plantsville. This prestigious recognition dinner, sponsored by Jostens and Bearingstar, 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. This year’s featured artists will be the UConn Chamber Singers. Online registration must be completed by February 24th.

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Registration is open for KiDSMARATHON 2017, 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 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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The second session of the 2017 CCSS Leadership Community of Practice series will be held on February 14th and there is still time to register! Presenters Brian Frazer, Fine Arts Coordinator for the Stratford Public Schools, and Dr. Dee Hansen of the Hartt School will offer an in-depth look at the Connecticut Core State Standards for the Fine Arts. The series is offered without charge to school and district leaders and includes continental breakfast.

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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 provides principals with a forum for giving public recognition to those volunteers who have made their schools better places to work and learn. Registration closes next week. Act now!!

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A gentle reminder that June 30, 2017, is the deadline by which all districts that participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) need to comply with expanded school wellness policy and recordkeeping requirements imposed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service. Uncertain as to what your expanded obligations are under the new federal rule? Check out this helpful law blog written by Attorney Zachary D. Schurin of Pullman & Comley LLC, CAS’ newest corporate partner.

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Do you have an outstanding classroom teacher? If so, why not nominate him/her 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 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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