Episode 2 of our new podcast series, CASconversations, features renowned school law attorney Tom Mooney. CAS President Dr. Rosie Vojtek sits down with Tom to talk about the 2017 legislative session and its impact on school administrators; teacher evaluation practices; funding of the teacher pension system; and the importance of being disciplined in the use of social media and electronic communications.

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The Student Data Privacy Act has created tremendous concern for schools and their leaders. While the can was "kicked down the road" for one year during the last legislative session, there is much to be done prior to implementation of the statute. Reportedly, there will be a reconvening of the task force to take another look at the language and requirements for schools. In the meanwhile, this letter, which was developed in partnership with Doug Casey, the executive director of the Commission for Educational Technology, offers helpful information.

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Does your school have a great story that you would like to share with a wider audience? An impressive student or faculty member? A unique program? A feel-good human interest story? Anything in between? If so, submit your story to CAS and let us help in publicizing it either on our website or through our relationship with the news media. We want to help tell your great education stories!

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The CAS-CIAC Hall of Honor will welcome six new members at its annual induction ceremony on November 10, 2017. The distinguished members of this year’s class are: Dr. Mike Buckley, Mr. Beau Doherty, Mr. Joe Fontana, Ms. Pam Goodpaster, Mr. Dave Leete, and Mr. Larry McHugh. Click below to read about their wide sphere of accomplishments and service.

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Last week, Governor Dannel Malloy and Commissioner Dianna Wentzell issued a memo advising districts to revisit their protocols aligned with the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act to ensure that any student arriving from Puerto Rico or any affected storm area has immediate access to school and expedited connections to the services they may need. The memo was accompanied by resources to help school personnel understand their responsibilities under McKinney-Vento and help them provide stability and support for students who have been uprooted by the recent disasters. The resources can be downloaded from Governor Malloy’s website at http://casci.ac/2582.

Additionally, the CIAC has issued a memo specific to questions regarding the eligibility of displaced students to participate in CIAC sponsored interscholastic sports.

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CAS is pleased to announce that Deborah Osvald, principal of Wakelee Elementary School in Wolcott, is the recipient of the 2017-18 William Cieslukowski First-Year Principal Award. Staff describe her as a school leader with “passion for education and dedication to giving the students and staff her all.” Read more about this extraordinary administrator!

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CAS will now recognize member high schools displaying exceptional positive school culture and climate. Previously opened only to elementary and middle schools, this recognition will now extend to our member high schools as well. Schools applying for recognition will receive a site visit from the CAS evaluation committee as part of the overall process. Application materials, including the evaluation rubric for both the self-rating and site visit, can be found on the CAS website. For further details, please contact Ev Lyons at elyons@casciac.org.

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Due to its popularity, the annual middle level student leadership conference has expanded to two sites! This year’s conferences will take place on January 5 at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield and on January 11 at Trinity College in Hartford. Mark your calendars now and jump start 2018 with an intensive leadership training day. Students will learn new skills, challenge old ideas and prepare to rise to a new level of leadership at school, home and in the community!

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The 4th Annual Diversity in Action Conference will be held on October 27th at North Haven High School. The conference will feature workshops and group activities designed to promote a better understanding and acceptance of the many dimensions of diversity. Session topics include, among others:  Empathy Cards, Hits & Handshakes, Your Story, Test Your Empathyand Action Planning for Upcoming Year. New this year…all students will attend all breakout sessions!

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The CIAC will host its 2017 Sportsmanship Conference on November 16th at the Aqua Turf in Plantsville. Now in its eleventh year, this annual event is one of the largest that the CIAC sponsors. Mark your calendars. Registration will be opening soon!

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