The next session of the 2016-17 Principals’ Leadership Series (PLS) will feature Dr. Tamika La Salle, assistant professor of the NEAG School Psychology Program, who will examine the concepts of culture, cultural competence, and culturally responsive education. Join us from 8:30-11:30 AM on April 17th to discuss the influence of school climate and culture from an expanded ecological framework that will be presented within the educational context. Register now!

The last PLS session of the year will be held on May 10th and will address the all-important topic of equity. Presenter Dr. Deirdra Preis from Fairfield Warde High School will discuss achievement gaps as they exist not only in low-income districts but in some of CT's highest-achieving and highly resourced schools. Participants can learn how to have the difficult conversations and make the changes in practice needed to ensure that all students are accessing resources and achieving their potential. Click here to learn more.

These morning workshops will be held at the CAS office in Cheshire and are open free-of-charge to all CAS members.

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The CAS Middle Level Scholar Leader Banquet is scheduled for Sunday, June 4, 2017, at 4:30 at the Aqua Turf in Plantsville. This event is designed to give recognition to one boy and one girl from each middle school in Connecticut who have demonstrated outstanding scholarship and leadership in their school and community. Registration is now open!

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Based on an unwavering commitment to a conviction that all children can succeed at high levels and a belief that all children can learn and exhibit appropriate behavior, the Lincoln-Bassett Community School in New Haven has been transformed from an under-achieving to a highly effective school in three years. To learn how Principal Janet Brown-Clayton and her leadership staff have incorporated CASEL, restorative practices and backwards planning in their turnaround journey, view this inspiring online presentation.

The webinar was part of the 2017 CT Core State Standards Leadership Community of Practice series and was the first of two sessions spotlighting the successes of schools in the Commissioner’s Network. The second session will be offered by Ellen Paolino, principal of the Walsh School in Waterbury, and her partner-leaders. They will share how a robust focus on school climate translated into high test scores and student success. The presentation will be on April 5th from 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. at the CAS office and will include continental breakfast and a community of practice sharing session. Please join us!

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Registration is now open for the 16th Annual Arts in the Middle Conference. Middle level students and teachers are invited to the University of Hartford on May 23rd to develop their artistic abilities within the context of challenging, hands-on workshops involving both traditional and non-traditional artistic media. Working artists will lead all of the sessions! Participants will have the chance to do some great artwork, meet other artists, and have fun!!!

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One hundred ninety volunteers from fifty schools were honored at the CAS Volunteer Recognition Banquet on Monday, March 27th. Nearly 400 guests were in attendance at the Aqua Turf to celebrate the work of parents and other volunteers who invest their time, energy and talents in making their local schools better places to work and learn. Also recognized at this year’s event were the recipients of the 2017 CAS Distinguished Friend of Education Awards. This year’s winners were The Glastonbury Rotary Club; Chris Brint of Wallingford; and, Dr. Daniel Doyle of Bantam. Read about the amazing contributions these recipients have made to their local schools and communities!

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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. Member schools are eligible for grants of up to $5,000. Some examples of activities or programs that would be considered for funding 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 next Friday!

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On April 27th, Central Connecticut State University is hosting an information session about its Superintendent and Executive District Leader Preparation Program. A panel of highly regarded superintendents and RESC executive directors will share insights about the rewards and challenges of serving as a superintendent. All central office leaders interested in exploring the superintendency and school leaders interested in other central office leadership positions are invited to attend.

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For the first time in nearly 35 years, the Supreme Court of the United States has addressed the legal standard by which courts determine whether a school district has provided a student with a disability a “free appropriate public education” (FAPE) through an individualized education program (IEP) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Click here to read Shipman & Goodwin LLP’s most recent “School Law Alert” which explains the ruling and examines its implications for school administrators.

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Danny Deitz, a student-athlete at Simsbury High School, has been selected as the 2017 Section 1 recipient of the “National High School Spirit of Sport Award” sponsored by the NFHS. Danny was chosen for his courage and perseverance in the face of adversity. A two-sport varsity athlete, Danny’s life changed forever when he was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy at the end of his sophomore year. He had his first open-heart surgical procedure that summer, was put on the national transplant list, and went into liver failure. Read about Danny’s inspiring story of recovery.

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