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In This Issue - October 31, 2017

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LATEST PODCAST FEATURES SCHOOL CLIMATE AND RESTORATIVE PRACTICES EXPERT JO ANN FREIBERG

"You will never punish a child into behaving differently in much the same way that you will never punish a child into learning to read," states Dr. Jo Ann Freiberg in Episode 4 of CASconversations. Dr. Freiberg, CSDE Consultant and Co-chair of the National School Climate Council, is renowned in state and national education circles for her work in the areas of school climate and restorative practices. In this podcast, Dr. Freiberg explains district responsibilities under the state anti-bullying statutes; explores the need for a cultural shift away from punishing bad behavior to teaching kids essential life skills; and, discusses restorative practices and the positive outcomes achieved by schools that are implementing them.
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CAS HONORS STATE'S TOP SCHOOL LEADERS

On Thursday, October 26, 2017, CAS toasted the state's top school administrators at a recognition dinner at Saint Clements Castle in Portland. This annual event is designed to recognize and pay tribute to individual school leaders as well as to promote the profession of school administration. Honored this year were the 2017 Assistant Principals of the Year – Lori DiBlasi, Nichols Elementary School, Ernie DiStasi, Seymour Middle School, and Christopher Koch, Bunnell High School - and the 2017 Principals of the Year – Carla Armistead, Chapel Street School; Anthony Menard, East Hartford Middle School; and, Lorrie RodrigueNewtown High School.
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CAS HURRICANE RELIEF EFFORT – 12% PROGRESS TOWARD GOAL

Fifty-eight Connecticut schools have generously contributed over $35,000 to the CAS Hurricane Relief Effort. This is an impressive sum, but we have a long way to go to reach our goal of $300,000. CAS NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT NOW. With a contribution of just $353 from each CAS member school – which will be matched dollar for dollar by Brother’s Brother - we can provide a mighty $600,000 of support to schools in areas hit hardest by the recent hurricanes. The deadline for donations is November 17th.
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A CONFERENCE FOR YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN OF COLOR

The Connecticut Student Activities Conference (CSAC) is pleased to announce a leadership conference for young men and women of color. This unique event for middle school leaders and aspiring leaders will be held on December 14, 2017, at Goodwin College in East Hartford. Students will engage with uniquely talented presenters in exercises designed to uncover their leadership abilities and probe possibilities for their future. The keynote speaker will be Omari Pearson, former high school, collegiate and professional hoops standout and current president of Passion to Purpose, LLC.  
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19TH ANNUAL ELEMENTARY ARTS BANQUET REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

Register now for the 19th Annual Elementary Arts Banquet coming in February! This festive event is designed to recognize elementary students who have demonstrated outstanding artistic ability in performing or visual arts as well as citizenship and cooperative skills. Each elementary school is invited to select two students to be honored.
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PRINCIPALS INVITED TO FORUM ON TRANSGENDER ATHLETES

On November 14th at 3:00 p.m., the CIAC will be hosting an open forum for principals on the issue of transgender athletes. Executive Director Karissa Niehoff and Associate Executive Director Gregg Simon will review and answer questions concerning the CIAC’s current regulation on the eligibility of transgender students to participate in high school sports. Additionally, Attorney Michael McKeon from Pullman and Comley LLC will be on hand to address legal aspects of this complex issue. Please register in advance.
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CT SCHOOL FINANCE PROJECT RELEASES ANALYSIS ON BIPARTISAN BUDGET PROPOSAL

The Connecticut School Finance Project has published an independent analysis of the education funding formula contained in the bipartisan budget proposal (also known S.B. 1502) put forth by legislative leaders on October 25. The analysis details the components and characteristics of the state education funding changes contained in the budget proposal. The analysis also examines the formula based on a series of equity metrics and includes a town-by-town list of estimated ECS funding per pupil under the proposal.
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SAFE TEEN DRIVING FOCUS OF DECEMBER SUMMIT

High school student leaders and health educators are encouraged to attend AAA to Gen Z: A Safety Summit for the New Generation of Drivers on December 6th in Meriden. The summit will feature discussions led by experts and young drivers on the challenges teens and young adults face behind-the-wheel today. Speakers will include Dr. David Shapiro of St. Francis Hospital, an expert in the effects of pot and driving, especially among teens, and Joni Siani, professor, author and filmmaker, who will talk about technology addiction among teen drivers. Don’t miss this powerful event focused on one of the most critical challenges confronting teens today.

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TRUE COLORS SEEKS PROPOSALS FOR LGBTQ CONFERENCE

True Colors Inc. produces the largest LGBTQ youth issues conference in the country. It is currently soliciting workshop proposals for all tracks in its 25th annual conference on Friday, March 16 and Saturday, March 17, 2018, at the University of Connecticut in Storrs. Workshops target youth-serving professionals, educators, clinicians, clergy, youth and family members. The due date for workshop submissions is Friday, November 10, 2017. For more information or access to the proposal form, go to https://www.ourtruecolors.org/conference/. Feel free to email director@ourtruecolors.org or call (860) 232-0050 x 302 to discuss an idea.

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REGISTRATION CLOSES SOON FOR ANNUAL SPORTSMANSHIP CONFERENCE

The 11th Annual CIAC Sportsmanship Conference will be held on Thursday, November 16, 2017, at the Aqua Turf in Plantsville. The keynote speaker will be Eddie Slowikowski, an NCAA All-American track star who ran the mile in 3 minutes and 58 seconds. Eddie will take students on a roller coaster of inspiration, emotion and introspection as he explores the areas of empowerment and leadership. Students will also participate in interactive workshops, address real world challenges and network with athletic leaders from across the state. Registration closes on November 10th.
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LEGAL MAILBAG

The Legal Mailbag column is written by Attorney Thomas Mooney of the University of Connecticut's Neag School of Education. Readers are invited to submit short, law-related questions of practical concern to school administrators. One question and its answer will be published in this column each week. Questions may be edited; authors will not be identified; and answers cannot be considered formal legal advice. Please submit questions to: legalmailbag@casciac.org

Dear Legal Mailbag:
Last week, I was watching YouTube and I saw this great speech by some admiral about how making one’s bed every morning is the key to success. I was quite inspired, and I thought that the teachers at the school where I am principal would benefit from the admiral’s insights. At our staff meeting last month, I made all the teachers watch the video (it is only 14 minutes), and then I announced my new plan to apply the admiral’s lessons to running our school.
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CAS MISSION

Providing exemplary programs and services that promote excellence in the education of all children

Contact Information
30 Realty Drive
Cheshire, CT  06410
Phone: 203-250-1111
Fax: 203-250-1345
Website: www.casciac.org
Hours: 8am - 5pm, M-F

 

Connecticut Association of Schools | 30 Realty Drive, Cheshire, CT 06410 | P: 203-250-1111 F: 203-250-1345