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CAPSS' NEWS

UConn’s Office of Early College Programs is excited to announce the application window for New UConn Early College Experience (ECE) Instructors is now open through January 31st.  This is a great opportunity for teachers to join the Husky family, become affiliated with one of the top ranked public universities in the nation and join a community of educators and leaders who support over 16,000 students annually with access to meaningful college coursework & credit.  With 95 unique course offerings for the 2023-24 academic year, partner schools can leverage UConn coursework to support district priorities, career pathways and create opportunities for students to gain access to and preparation for, post-secondary success.

Learn more here:

New ECE Instructor Application Flyer

Proven Literacy Instruction img

HMH Into Reading®, a Connecticut State Department of Education approved reading curriculum, offers Connecticut educators authentic award-winning literature and connected writing instruction flexible enough to fit how teachers teach today.

Top rated by Ed Reports, HMH Into Reading is an English language arts program aligned with the science of reading that is differentiated by design to honor the needs of teachers and provide students with a rich, integrated, and measured path to growth in reading, writing, and communication. This comprehensive program gives educators access to rich content and standards-based instruction, assessments with actionable data insights, differentiated instruction, and professional learning—all connected on the Ed® learning platform. With these tools and professional services all within one seamless experience, HMH® can help teachers and students not only reach their instructional goals but exceed them.

For more information, visit https://www.hmhco.com/programs/into-reading

Elaine Pipito
VP Regional Sales
Elaine.Pepito@hmhco.com

Thursday, December 14
9:30AM - 10:30AM

The Network for Educator Effectiveness invites you to a Zoom session on “Reimagining Educator Evaluation”.

As Connecticut educators and school leaders work on rewriting educator evaluation plans for 2024-2025, discover how NEE can help schools meet new state guidelines. The NEE system includes:

  • Training for administrators to conduct accurate classroom observations and to provide effective, meaningful feedback to teachers.
  • A secure, password-protected online platform to track and manage evaluation data.
  • A process to provide feedback without ratings for educators.
  • Access to EdHub, an online professional learning library that includes more than 500 activities that connect evaluations with data-informed professional development.
  • Additional evaluation tools aligned to professional standards for principals, instructional coaches, librarians, counselors, speech language pathologists, and paraprofessionals.

NEE provides schools with an evaluation framework based on growth mindsets and positive psychology. Register for our Zoom session to learn more about “Reimagining Educator Evaluation with the Network for Educator Effectiveness” at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, December 14. We look forward to meeting with you!

more information/registration

Just Right Reader logo

Just Right Reader's Science of Reading decodables engage students in authentic phonics practice in the classroom and at home with Classroom Libraries and Take-Home Decodable Packs in English and Spanish. Over 700+ titles align to all phonics curriculums. They are filled with colorful illustrations and diverse characters in relatable stories. Each decodable comes with tools to support classroom implementation and small group instruction. This includes fun video lessons to extend phonics instruction into the home. From pre-emergent through developing readers in upper elementary, Just Right Reader decodables accelerate every student’s journey to confident reading.

justrightreader.com

Contact:
Tracy Purdy
Director of Learning
tracy@justrightreader.com
877-415-7372


PARS_Public Agency Retirement Services_logo

Since 1984, PARS has worked exclusively with school districts and other public agencies to design and implement retirement solutions that address specific organizational and budgetary needs. We are the national leader in customized, locally controlled voluntary separation incentives and administer one of the largest OPEB trust programs in New England.

www.pars.org

Contact
Kathryn Cannie
Senior Manager, Eastern Region
(617) 549-6555

The Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) and its Connecticut State Chapter, Connecticut Education Technology Leaders Association (CTETL), are pleased to collaborate with the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents (CAPSS) to support the work of current and aspiring superintendents and district leadership teams in leading all aspects of digital learning transformations.

The Consortium for School Networking (CoSN), in partnership with AASA, is honored to support the work of current and aspiring superintendents and district leadership teams in leading all aspects of digital learning transformations through the EmpowerED Superintendents Initiative, graciously sponsored by ClassLink and JAMF.

EmpowerED Superintendent Initiative Resources for School Leaders
We are pleased to share the resources created specifically for superintendents and school district leaders to support their work in leading educational technology initiatives across their school districts and build on their current knowledge, skills and confidence. The resources listed below – developed in collaboration between CoSN and AASA - are readily available on the CoSN EmpowerED Superintendents website at https://www.cosn.org/superintendents/.
The EmpowerED Superintendent edLeader Panel Broadcast Series
CoSN, AASA, and edWeb.net co-host an online edLeader Panel monthly broadcast series, sponsored by ClassLink, to help superintendents connect and collaborate. Registration is free and participants can join the live event or view recordings and podcast versions starting a day or two after the live broadcast. A “Super-Connected” community is also available on edWeb.net for online discussions and resources tied to the broadcast series.
The EmpowerED Superintendent Toolkit
The Toolkit opens with an Executive Summary that provides an overview of the strategies that are contained within the toolkit. What follows are two Professional Learning Modules. Module #1 presents an overview of the five imperatives for technology leadership. Module #2 defines four specific action steps for strengthening your technology leadership team. In addition to the two Professional Learning Modules, the toolkit includes access o an expanded set of tools to strengthen technology leadership, including CoSN’s research-based Framework of Essential Skills of the K–12 CTO and Certified Education Technology Leader (CETL). Key points and practical tools for hiring, developing and evaluating CTOs and educational technology professionals are integrated within this toolkit.
Critical Focus Areas: Issue One-Pagers
The Superintendent one-pagers were developed to give school leaders a quick resource to help with communication with a variety stakeholders on important edtech topics. The “One-Pagers” are written in “non-techy talk” so that the areas being described make sense to people who do not work in the technology arena on a daily basis. Some of the twelve topics listed in the One-Pager offerings include: Artificial Intelligence & Generative AI; The Importance of Cybersecurity; Student Data Privacy; Closing the Homework Gap; Effective Technology Professional Development.
Creating Effective Responsible Use Policies for Schools
Creating the conditions for the safe and effective technology use in schools requires both technical policies and establishing appropriate behavior expectations for students. This report, produced in collaboration with the Digital Citizenship Coalition, ISTE, ATLIS and CoSN, articulates the legal requirements for schools regarding responsible use policies and includes examples of appropriate and inappropriate wording to be used developing Responsible Use Policy (also known as Acceptable Use Policies or Technology Use Agreements) documents.
Self-Assessments
Three different self-assessments are provided for school leaders: 1) Self-Assessment for Superintendents, 2) Self-Assessment for Chief Technology Officers and Technology Staff, 3) District Leadership Team Self-Assessment.
Financing Technology Innovations - Strategies and Tools
Multiple tools and workbooks for determining the “Total Cost of Ownership” and the “Value of Investment” are available for download.

CoSN 2024 Annual Conference, “Leading for Innovation: At Warp Speed”
Registration is now open for the CoSN 2024 Annual Conference, scheduled for April 8-10, 2024, in Miami, Florida. For conference and hotel information and registration links, see https://www.cosn.org/cosn2024/.

CoSN Membership:  If you, your school or district would like more information about joining CoSN or getting more involved with CoSN, please contact membership@cosn.org.

My name is Jessica Wang with WRI’s Electric School Bus Initiative. We are a non-profit organization working with partners like CAPSS to help school districts transition to electric school buses, bringing air quality, health and economic benefits to communities nationwide.

As you may know, The U.S. EPA recently launched its 2023 Clean School Bus Rebate Program, making $500 million available, which can be used to purchase electric school buses and charging infrastructure. Our team has also developed free and publicly available tools and resources to support school districts in accessing this unprecedented funding, including our resource page, How to Apply for Clean School Bus Program Funding.  We are reaching out to share these resources that you and your network might find valuable, including our:

  1. Business Models guide that presents the benefits and considerations of various business models
  2. Electric School Bus Market Study & U.S. Buyer’s Guide, which covers the landscape of the electric school bus market and available vehicle models
  3. Funding and Financing Clearinghouse, an extensive and sortable list of funding and financing opportunities for electric school buses
  4. Electric School Bus Request for Proposal (RFP) Template, which offers vehicle and charger procurement guidance
  5. Step-by-step guide for fleet electrification

We hope you and your community find these tools helpful. Please be in touch with questions at any time. 
 
Many thanks,
 
Jessica Wang
Jessica.Wang@wri.org

For more than 50 years, HBI has been preparing students for careers in the building and construction industry.

At the core of the HBI training experience is the nationally recognized, patented Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate Training (PACT) curriculum. Vetted by subject matter experts, PACT guarantees every student masters the knowledge needed to be employed in an entry-level job in the building industry. HBI’s PACT curriculum integrates contextual, work-based learning with vocational and academic skills training in the classroom.

read more

Explore HBI's Grant Opportunity for Your School!

  • HBI presents the Schools to Skills Grant for secondary schools nationwide.
  • Backed by The Home Depot Foundation, this initiative boosts career technical education using HBI's acclaimed Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate Training (PACT) curriculum.
  • Collaborate with HBI to establish skilled trades training and industry-recognized certifications for middle/high schoolers.

Apply by December 15th to adopt the PACT Program.

read more

We've recently fielded some questions from teachers, principals and school leaders regarding the new CT law regarding the use of play in early childhood classrooms. In response, please take a look at this blog post along with links to resources, including a link to a free downloadable flyer that briefly defines play based learning and highlights some of the details of CT's new law. Easy to share the link or print and hand out.
https://www.gesell-yale.org/blogs/sparking-wonder/play-based-learning-it-s-the-law-in-ct

Reach out if we can be of help.

Peg

Peg Oliveira, PhD 
Director, Gesell Program in Early Childhood
Yale Child Study Center
www.gesell-yale.org
peg.oliveira@yale.edu
Pronouns: she, her, hers

Download the flyer
 

Funded by EPA through the Long Island Sound Study and facilitated by Connecticut Sea Grant and Mercy University, applications are now open for schools to participate in the LIS School Network. Selected schools commit to the protection and conservation of local watersheds and Long Island Sound. A school makes this commitment by proposing and implementing a school or community-based project and creating a plan to increase ocean literacy in their school community by engaging students, families, and community members. The LIS Schools network is modeled on the National Oceanographic Atmospheric Association’s (NOAA) Ocean Guardian Schools and the international Blue Schools network. Schools can submit applications at  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScirq6AwMTSZ6Rejt0EJ3YbT7X0dO5B5jFSplzuEHwi6l9TJw/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0.  Selected schools receive teacher stipends, support for projects, and connections with other organizations.

December 11, 2023, 8:00AM - 12:30PM, CCSU, Alumni Hall

Keynote Speakers:

Dan Fitzpatrick
Author of The AI Classroom: The Ultimate Guide to Artifical Intelligence in Education

Mary Strain
Business Development Lead for AI and Machine Learning for Higher Education at AWS

8:00 AM - 8:30 AM
Welcome and Introductions

8:40 AM - 9:45 AM
Dan Fitzpatrick - Exploring the Potential Benefits and Challenges of AI in Education

10:00 AM - 11:15 AM
Panel Discussion and Feedback: Practical Applications of AI in Education

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Mary Strain - Ethical Implications of AI in Education

12:30 PM
Lunch/Networking/Closing: Sharing Thoughts and Ideas about the Impact of AI on K12 Education

view/share our flyer

Deadline for submission: February 22, 2024

The contest is open to all Connecticut students under the age of 21 who are enrolled in grades 9-12, or their equivalent, at an accredited high school, vocational-technical school, or adult high school credit diploma program located within the State of Connecticut. The contest is also open to all Connecticut homeschooled students in grades equivalent to 9-12.

Grand Prize - $2,000
Two Runner-Up Prizes - $1,000 each

Essays will be judged by federal and state court judges, law professors, and attorneys. An awards ceremony will be held at the Connecticut Supreme Court in Spring 2024.

more information

Hanwha Vision logo

Hanwha Vision offers a comprehensive line of security and video surveillance solutions which include IP cameras that support up to 8K resolution, a video management system, video and audio analytics, multi-sensor technology and device integration with a host of 3rd party application providers. Our intelligent surveillance solutions are used globally, securing people, property and data across a range of industries including retail, transportation, education, banking, healthcare, hospitality, airports and more. 

https://hanwhavisionamerica.com/

Contact:
Paul DuBois
Education Business Development Manager
p.dubois@hanwha.com
(850) 445-2586

As part of the Mohegan Tribe's commitment to education, the Challenge Grant has helped support Connecticut Teachers' goals of introducing curriculum to address issues of Native American history, traditions, and culture, along with Tribal government and sovereignty for over 20 years.

Applications remain open through December 20th.

Learn more

We are partnering with the Middle East Institute at Columbia University to provide travel grants to New York area educators for this school year/next summer. Recipients of the grant will receive a $1,000 credit from Columbia University towards the cost of their program fee for the following programs:

1.    Egypt: December 27, 2023 - January 7th, 2024
2.    Morocco: June 10 - 24, 2024
3.    Egypt: June 12 - 23, 2024
4.    Morocco: June 24 - July 8, 2024
5.    Jordan: June 27 - July 4, 2024
6.    Central Asia: July 2 - 24, 2024
7.    Jordan: July 4 - 11, 2024
8.    Morocco: July 8 - 22, 2024
9.    Turkey: July 18 - August 1, 2024
10.    Egypt: July 24 - August 2, 2024
11.    Morocco: August 2 - 16, 2024
12.    More information about these programs can be found at: https://geeo.org

Additionally, GEEO allows non-educator guests to join trips, should the recipient wish to bring any. To apply, educators may fill out an application here. There is no deadline to apply, but as applications are accepted on a rolling basis, those who apply earlier will have better chances.

Let me know if you have any questions,

Christina Gjelsten
Communications Coordinator
GEEO Teacher Travel Programs
p:  877-600-0105
w:  www.GEEO.org

Calling all middle-level educators! The National Civics Bee, an annual competition for 6th , 7th , and 8th graders, is coming to Connecticut. Check out this video with highlights from last year's competition: https://youtu.be/lQdMbyBUttc?si=cQzDR8zwx_4k2N10

Students may apply to the National Civics Bee by submitting a 500-word essay. The online application portal opens November 13, 2023. Students will have until January 8, 2024, to apply. After the essay round, judges will select the top scoring applicants to participate in live civics quiz events. Finalists who advance all the way to the championship round will compete for more than $50k worth of prizes! 

Official National Civics Bee events will take place in CT in partnership with chambers of commerce, including: 

  • Connecticut Business & Industry Association
  • Bridgeport Regional Business Council
  • Chamber of Commerce of Northwest Connecticut
  • Waterbury Regional Chamber 

For the full list of National Civics Bee locations, competition announcements, and news, please visit https://civics.uschamberfoundation.org/national-civics-bee

UR Community Cares offers students Community Service Opportunities across Connecticut in 2 different ways.

Individual Volunteering - High School students (age 15-17 need supervision) can volunteer to support local residents who are aging and need help at home.  Volunteers sign up at www.URCommunityCares.org, we email them a parental consent form for their parent/guardian to fill out and they choose the category they would like to assist with, it could be helping someone with new technology, raking leaves/gardening, being a friendly visitor to play a game, and/or organize living spaces.  Students decide the schedule, they can go after school or on the weekends, and they pick the day/times in their online portal.

Group Volunteering - Students can go as a class with teacher supervision and perform yard clean-ups. The teacher would sign up as a partner on our website to see all the opportunities.

If students need community service for graduation, for a service project, or due to an arrest/court order/etc.  Contact Michelle, President 860-430-4557, or email michellepuzzo@urcommunitycares.org to discuss how your school can get involved or with any questions.

Edmentum logo

Edmentum is committed to making it easier for educators to individualize learning for every student through research-based digital curriculum, interim assessments, and educational consulting. We are committed to delivering rigorous, research-based curricula that is aligned to the most up-to-date state or national standards and designed to engage all students.

www.edmentum.com

Contact:
Don Luby
Partnership Manager - Northeast
Don.Luby@Edmentum.com
617-899-4022

Imagine Learning logo

Imagine Learning provides digital-first PreK–12 solutions for core instruction, supplemental and intervention, online courses, and virtual instruction. Our mission is to ignite learning breakthroughs with forward-thinking solutions at the intersection of people, curricula, and technology. We serve over 15 million students — partnering with over half of districts nationwide. Imagine Edgenuity™ is our flagship courseware solution, complemented by Imagine Instructional Services’ virtual teachers. Our core portfolio includes Imagine Learning Twig Science®, Illustrative Mathematics®, and EL Education®. Additionally, a robust supplemental and intervention suite provides personalized instruction for English Language Arts, Spanish Language Arts, math, computer science, and more.

Learn more: imaginelearning.com

Contact
Erin Connolly
Account Executive 
Fairfield, Litchfield Middlesex, New Haven, Tolland
erin.connolly@imaginelearning.com
860-990-0239

Suki Shergill
Account Executive
Hartford, New London, Windham
suki.shergill@imaginelearning.com
860-483-6736

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt is a learning technology company committed to delivering connected solutions that engage learners, empower educators and improve student outcomes. As a leading provider of K–12 core curriculum, supplemental and intervention solutions and professional learning services, HMH partners with educators and school districts to uncover solutions that unlock students' potential and extend teachers' capabilities. HMH serves more than 50 million students and 3 million educators in 150 countries.  For more information, visit www.hmhco.com/CT

Follow HMH on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

Contact:
Elaine Pipito
East Regional Vice President
Elaine.Pipito@hmhco.com

Uconn logo

UConn's Office of Early College Programs (OECP) provides students with meaningful academic engagement to enrich their experience in high school and support their transition into college. OECP offers educational opportunities at the high school (Early College Experience), in University classrooms (Dual Enrollment), and through on-campus residential summer programs (Pre-College Summer and First Summer). OECP’s largest program, UConn Early College Experience (ECE), established in 1955, is the nation's longest running concurrent enrollment program and is accredited by The National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships. UConn ECE allows high school students to take UConn courses at their high schools for both high school and college credit. UConn ECE supports approximately 14,000 Connecticut high school students in over 180 partner high school schools with teachers who have been certified by the University of Connecticut to teach UConn courses. Every course taken through UConn ECE is equivalent to the same course at the University of Connecticut. Students benefit by taking college courses in a setting that is both familiar and conducive to learning, and moreover prepares them academically and culturally for the world that awaits them.

https://oecp.uconn.edu

Contact:
Christopher Todd
Executive Director, Office of Early College Programs & Early College Experience (OECP)
UConn's Office of Early College Programs (OECP)
860-486-8828

The Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) and its Connecticut State Chapter, Connecticut Education Technology Leaders Association (CTETL), are pleased to collaborate with the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents (CAPSS) to support the work of current and aspiring superintendents and district leadership teams in leading all aspects of digital learning transformations.

White House Cybersecurity Summit for K-12 Schools
On Tuesday, August 8, 2023, the Biden-⁠Harris Administration announced new efforts to strengthen Cybersecurity in America’s K-12 school systems during an event held at the White House. First Lady Jill Biden was joined by Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona and Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas in welcoming school administrators, educators and private sector companies to the event to discuss best practices and new resources available to strengthen cybersecurity throughout our nation’s school systems. Keith Krueger, CoSN CEO, and Diane Doersch, CoSN Board Chair, joined the other participants at the White House for this critically important conversation.

During the August 8 White House Cybersecurity Summit several new and continuing federal initiatives were shared that aim to meet the growing challenges involved in assuring that cybersecurity is both a top priority and a successful endeavor for all school districts. To learn more about the current administration initiatives and read an overview of the August 8 White House Cybersecurity Summit for K-12 Schools visit this website: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/08/07/biden-harris-administration-launches-new-efforts-to-strengthen-americas-k-12-schools-cybersecurity/

If you were not able to view the live stream of the August 8, 2023, Whitehouse Cybersecurity Summit for K-12 Schools, you can access the full recording here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaH9oJdbQZk

CoSN has a wide range of resources on leading Cybersecurity Initiatives that are readily accessible at: https://www.cosn.org/edtech-topics/cybersecurity/

Roadmap to Innovation: CoSN Driving K-12 Innovation Newsletter
CoSN’s Driving K-12 Innovation project management team is now producing a new free monthly newsletter called the Roadmap to Innovation Newsletter. Subscribers receive the Driving K-12 Innovation Advisory Board's tips, advice, and resources in order to impact global education changemaking efforts. To sign up for this free CoSN Driving K-12 Innovation monthly publication click the “Subscribe” button found at this link: Roadmap to Innovation Newsletter Registration

CoSN/AASA EmpowerED Superintendents edLeader Panel Series: Season 6 Premier
The CoSN/AASA EmpowerED Superintendents edLeader Panel Series begins its sixth season on Monday, September 11, 2023, at 5:00 pm ET, with “Leading Learning in the 2023-2024 School Year: Challenges and Opportunities”. The featured guest panelists are Dr. Carol Kelley, Superintendent of Schools, Princeton Public Schools (NJ), and Chair of CoSN/AASA EmpowerED Superintendents Advisory Panel; Dr. Aaron Spence, Superintendent, Loudoun County Public Schools (VA), and Co-Chair of CoSN/AASA EmpowerED Superintendents Advisory Panel; and Dr. David R. Schuler, Executive Director, AASA, The School Superintendents Association. The series is co-hosted by AASA and CoSN in partnership with edWeb.net and is once again graciously sponsored by ClassLink. Free registration for the September 11 broadcast – as well as access to previous broadcasts - is available at https://home.edweb.net/supers/.

CoSN Membership
If you, your school or district would like more information about joining CoSN or getting more involved with CoSN, please contact membership@cosn.org.

Three courses, each running in a 7-week mini-term. Our courses are geared to individuals interested in becoming School Business Officials, or people just interested in increasing their knowledge of school business operations. This latter group could include Superintendents, Assistant Superintendents, people working on their 092 or 093 certifications, newly appointed SBOs, individuals working in the school business office, and people working in finance either in the municipal side or the private side.

Each course earns a badge, which you can display on your social media. In addition, complete both courses and you will be awarded a micro-credential certificate.

more information/registration

Defined Learning logo

Defined Learning is a K-12 online project-based learning platform that provides teachers with the educational and assessment tools needed to implement high-quality PBL. Our hands-on projects are based on real-world situations in careers to help learners discover their passions and choose a pathway to a promising future.

www.definedlearning.com

Contact
Brannan Kenny
Vice President of Partnerships
brannan_kenny@definedlearning.com

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We are delighted to extend an invitation to participate in the Virtual Parent Training Institute hosted by the Southern Connecticut State University Center of Excellence for Teaching and Learning. 

A key factor in fostering successful students is the presence of caring, dedicated, and informed parents who prioritize education. Through the SCSU Parent Training Institute, conducted online, we aim to provide you with valuable resources and effective strategies that contribute to nurturing accomplished children.

The Parent Training Institute warmly welcomes parents of children spanning all age groups. For comprehensive information, kindly refer to the attached flyer. To secure your spot, please proceed with registration by visiting: Registration Link.

We look forward to your active participation and meaningful engagement.

Best regards,

Olcay Yavuz
Associate Professor
Department of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies
Coordinator, SCSU Early College Program  
Coordinator, SCSU EDL Internship Coordinator 
Phone: 203-392-5442 
Web Faculty Profile
Founding Editor JELPS
Coordinator IYLA

download the flyer

Cambridge Assessment International Education logo

Cambridge International, a part of the University of Cambridge, is the world’s largest provider of K-12 curriculum, professional development, and assessments.  Offering over 100 subjects, schools have the flexibility to offer this program alongside other curriculum.  We have expertise working with English Language Learners and students of varying backgrounds and academic abilities who find success in our core academics, advanced and pre-advanced levels, as well as CTE  courses.  Cambridge International is another alternative to AP, IB, and dual enrollment where students can earn college credits for advanced course work. Please contact us to learn more: Alan.Bernstein@cambridge.org

Learn more: https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/usa/case-studies/

Contact:
Alan Bernstein
Senior School Development Manager, North USA
alan.bernstein@cambridge.org
(646) 946-6791

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont and Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) Commissioner Vannessa Dorantes today participated in a ceremony at The Village for Families and Children in Hartford to celebrate the grand opening of the new children’s urgent crisis center operated by the nonprofit agency. It is one of four centers opening statewide created by legislation Governor Lamont signed in 2022 addressing the mental health needs of children and teens.

Licensed by DCF, the centers function as walk-in clinics, providing youths and their families with immediate access to resources while they are experiencing a behavioral health crisis, such as thoughts of suicide or self-injury; feelings of depression, anxiety, or hopelessness; out-of-control behaviors; substance misuse; and other mental health concerns. They are aimed at diverting youths and their families from making visits to emergency rooms to address behavioral health crises.

more information

Effective School Solutions logo

Since 2009, the mission of ESS has been to provide high quality and cost-effective in-district clinical programming for students with emotional and behavioral challenges. ESS has pioneered a new model of in-school intervention, organized around a Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) framework. We introduce mental health best practices and innovative clinical programs into the traditional school day, providing each student with comprehensive support tailored to their needs. ESS currently partners with over 90 districts across 9 states, including a number of CT districts.

www.effectiveschoolsolutions.com/

Contact
Amy Conklin
Director of District Partnerships
aconklin@effectiveschoolsolutions.com
(860) 970-2402

Sacred Heart University is accepting district membership in the Teacher Leader Fellowship Academy for the 2023-2024 academic year.  Teams from districts throughout Connecticut work together to promote innovation. Teams include ADMINSTRATORS supporting teacher leaders by building collaborative, creative and innovative school cultures to promote student learning, and TEACHERS who are actively involved in leading change. Yearly activities include five collaborative seminars, work groups focused on specific areas of interest identified by teachers/schools/districts, a fall professional leaning conference co-sponsored by leading educational associations including CAPSS, CAS, CEA & AFT-CT, an institute in May featuring interactive sessions with renown educators and policy makers, and international professional learning trips to Finland, Canada & Italy.

Learn more about the Academy

Ädelbrook Academies in Cromwell and Manchester are private special education programs approved by the State Department of Education to serve students with autism, developmental and behavioral disabilities, and other learning disabilities from pre-Kindergarten through grade 12.

Ädelbrook’s Transitional Academy in Middletown serves students ages 18–22 that focuses on life-long learning, life skills, and employment proficiencies through meaningful work experiences and community engagement. The program includes work experience opportunities at Ädelbrook’s educational retail store, The Bark-ery.

Our primary objective is to create a momentum of success for our young people so they will continue to advance when they return to public schools or move on to post-secondary programs. Our goal is to provide each student with a positive, individualized, and highly engaging educational experience.

www.adelbrook.org

Contact
Dale R. Hoyt, Ed.D
Vice President for Education
dhoyt@adelbrook.org

New England Science & Sailing logo

New England Science & Sailing is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization that uses sailing, marine science, powerboating, and ocean adventure sports as experiential learning platforms to increase K-12 academic outcomes. NESS educators teach in classrooms and on the water, using over 100 proprietary lesson plans tied to school standards, including the Next Generation Science Standards, Ocean Literacy Principles, and Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning standards. NESS is the sole school partner program accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

https://nessf.org/

Contact
Kasey Commander
Associate Director of Marketing & Communications
(860) 535-9362

rethinkEd logo

Rethink Ed is a pioneering EdTech leader that believes lifelong learning brings out the best in everyone. Through innovative, technology-based platforms, Rethink Ed delivers professional development, academic instruction and data-informed assessments that simplify the school day, focusing on special education, social and emotional learning, and mental health, strengthen whole-child education, and inspire success in all learners. See how Rethink Ed is transforming education at www.rethinked.com.

Contact:
John Henyecz
Senior Account Executive
(201) 398-6953

Renaissance logo 2023

As a global leader in assessment, reading, and math solutions for pre-K–12 schools and districts, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. Renaissance solutions reach more than 40 percent of US schools and more than half a million students in other regions across the world.

The Renaissance portfolio includes Star Assessments, for reliable, accurate insights into K–12 student learning; myIGDIs, for accurate assessment of early learning; myON, to increase students’ access to high-quality reading materials; Accelerated Reader, to support independent reading practice; Freckle, for teacher-led differentiated instruction; Schoolzilla, to give educators actionable insights into trends in student attendance and achievement; Lalilo, to develop critical foundational skills; and Nearpod, for teacher-facilitated instructional delivery.

For more information, visit Renaissance.com.

Contact:
Amanda Pottinger
Marketing Manager
(561) 962-5314

HUB-Trusted Capital Group logo

Trusted Capital Group (TCG), a HUB International Company provides valuable investment, retirement, and financial education solutions. We are experts at meeting the unique needs of school district leaders facing a growing workforce, shrinking budgets and stringent state standards. Our services include:

Superintendent Wellness Programs - Specialized contract consulting and financial planning for school district leaders.

School District Financial Wellness Programs - We offer education tools with access to financial coaches to assist your employees combined with a robust financial virtual education consultation assistance.
 
Additional Services:
457(b) Retirement Solutions
403(b) Plan Administration
401(a) Teacher/Employee Recruitment & Retention Plan
FICA Alternative Plan Services

www.tcgservices.com

Contact
Randy Feid
Vice President, Business Development
781-364-4996

• FICA Alternative Plan Services

YMCA logo

The CT Alliance of YMCAs is comprised of 21 YMCAs including 36 branches and over 193 program sites. Each YMCA is volunteer led.  The Alliance is a powerful advocate for the needs of children, families, and individuals in communities throughout Connecticut.

As a charitable organization, YMCAs across Connecticut exist to strengthen communities.  The work the Y does every day with thousands of men, women and children ensures everyone — regardless of age, gender, income or background — has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive!

www.ct-ri-ymca.org

Contact
Chris Pallato
CEO
Connecticut Alliance of YMCAs
(860) 670-3261

Equitable logo

Your commitment never falters. Neither will ours.
 
We have always known our children's success comes down to you. Together we can help empower you and your employees to pursue their vision of retirement - from big outdoor adventures to ones a little closer to home.
 
Equitable is not only the No.1 leader in providing retirement solutions to CT educators, but we also are a leader in providing educational content on the public student loan forgiveness program, woman-in-leadership seminars, financial wellness programs, and in providing non-product comprehensive financial education.
 
Equitable advisors are Certified Retirement Education Specialists (CRES) by the National Tax-Deferred Savings Association (NTSA), a sister organization of the American Retirement Association (ARA).

www.equitable.com/educators

Contact:
Michael Linehan
Northeast Regional Vice President
(860) 921-3825

Oak Hill Schools offer a 12-month community-based education program, serving students with moderate to severe disabilities ages 3 to 21 including autism, emotional disabilities, behavioral challenges, as well as students with multiple disabilities placed by public school districts. Each student receives a specialized program emphasizing in academic, social/emotional, daily living skills, motor development, communication, community participation, and self-advocacy.  Secondary school students develop functional academic transition skills, including employment, post-secondary education, training, independent living, and self-help skills within community-based jobs and instruction.  Instructional methodology is evidence based, follows best practices, and skills are taught within meaningful and functional activities.

Contact:
Ana Wittig
Chief Administrator
Ana.Wittig@oakhillCT.org
(860) 769-3860

Staying Balanced in an Unbalanced World: Using “Applied Improv” to Navigate the Changing World
Presented by Izzy Gisell

April 27, 2023 - Aqua Turf Club

Registration is free for school staff

We all need to be nimble, attentive, confident and creative these days in order to personally thrive while positively relating to others. Interestingly, the same is true of improv performers. In fact, the skills that make improvisers so successful are the same ones that make non-performers successful, both personally and professionally. Those skills include thinking on your feet, responding quickly and effectively to unexpected events, using your creativity and expanding your comfort zone without shrinking your safety zone.

more information/registration

Shipman logo 2023

Shipman & Goodwin LLP has more than 135 attorneys in offices throughout Connecticut and New York. The firm is recognized nationally for the depth and breadth of our education practice. Our school law attorneys represent over 125 public school districts and educational entities. Our online resource, www.ctschoollaw.com is dedicated to presenting the latest developments in school law.

www.shipmangoodwin.com

Contact:
Thomas B. Mooney, Esq.
Partner

Bark logo

Bark for Schools is an online safety solution that helps keep students safe online and in real life by monitoring school-issued accounts for potential dangers and mental health concerns. As one of the fastest-growing companies in ed tech, Bark is trusted by more than 3,000 schools and districts across the U.S. to help protect students.

https://bark.us/

Contact
Andrea Bucci
Regional Sales Manager
andrea.bucci@bark.us

Eastern DataComm logo

Eastern DataComm is a full-service safety and communications firm with over 200 years of combined experience. Our story begins in 1988 when we opened our doors for business in Hackensack, New Jersey. Our focus since then has been singular - to help school districts, businesses, and municipalities keep their communities connected and protected. Over the past 30+ years, we’ve established ourselves as experts in the areas of:

  • Lockdown and emergency notification
  • Video surveillance
  • Access control
  • VoIP phone systems (Premise, Hosted, & Hybrid)
  • Bell and clock controllers
  • Paging systems
  • Data networking (LAN and WAN)
  • Wireless networking and structured wiring

Collectively, we have the answers to your technology questions. Turn to our team of experienced advisors and technicians for customized solutions that improve the way you communicate and how you safeguard your community.

Eastern DataComm solutions are ESCNJ, NASPO (WSCA), Sourcewell, and PEPPM certified.

easterndatacomm.com

Contact:
Gina Marie Kleinhans
Marketing Director
email: gkleinhans@easterndatacomm.com
(201) 457-3311

College Board logo

The CollegeBoard is a mission-driven not-for-profit organization that connects students to college success and opportunity.

Founded in 1900, the CollegeBoard was created to expand access to higher education. Today, the membership association is made up of over 6,000 of the world's leading educational institutions and is dedicated to promoting excellence and equity in education.

www.collegeboard.org

Contact:
Michelle Cosner
Director
K12 State and District Partnerships
(212) 713-8226

Dell logo

Dell's Education Purchase Program is here to support parents, students, and educators as they seek out the best technology for home use. We have various programs and benefits in place to make this a easy process while also providing savings and benefits to your district, school, or PTA program. Please contact Mitzi_Neville@dell.com to get more information on setting up your campus or district with the program. CAPSS members can access your benefits at www.dell.com/mpp/CAPSS.

www.dell.com/mpp/CAPSS

Contact
Mitzi Neville
Strategic Account Manager
(512) 720-4692


Apple, Inc._logo_pg

Something magical happens when you put Apple products in the classroom. Teachers can create unique opportunities for personal learning at every level. Lessons become more immersive through the power of touch, motion and sound. Assignments can be sketched, scored, chartered, coded, or performed.

When you bring Apple products into a school, they transform traditional classrooms and lessons into learning experiences that inspire creativity and encourage collaboration—experiences that profoundly impact a student’s curiosity for learning and path in life.

Everyday we work to bring teachers the resources they need to design and deliver engaging lessons, and offer students the tools to communicate their best.

www.apple.com

Contact:
Norma Jean Loftus
Account Executive
(408) 996-1010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Fran Rabinowitz, Executive Director, Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents, frabinowitz@capss.org, 860- 236-8640 ext. 160

Hartford, Conn., November 18, 2022 – Old Saybrook Public Schools Superintendent Jan Perruccio, a ten-year veteran in the Superintendency, a consummate advocate for equity and student voice, and a leader in public education, has been named Connecticut’s 2022 Superintendent of the Year by the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (CABE) and the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents (CAPSS) at their 2022 annual conference.

“This has been a challenging year to be a superintendent and was a year like no other. As such, we present a Connecticut Superintendent of the Year who represents all of us, who carries the banner for all of us. Jan Perruccio will make all of us proud as she exemplifies the work that we do and the role from which we do it”, said Frances Rabinowitz, Executive Director of CAPSS.

Jan Perruccio stated, “I am honored and proud to receive this recognition and I accept it on behalf of all superintendents across the State of Connecticut.  I know how important the leadership we provide can be to a school district and the students we serve, and I couldn’t be more pleased to represent our role and profession.”

read the complete press release

FranklinCovey logo

FranklinCovey Education is one of the world’s most prominent and trusted providers of educational leadership development, school culture, and change management.

Our comprehensive solutions help schools address common challenges such as: Learning Recovery, Educator Wellness & Efficacy, Family Engagement, Leadership Development, School Improvement, and Student College, Career & Life Readiness. How to Close Academic Gaps using the "4 Disciplines of Execution" | Watch Replay & Claim your Free Book!

www.leaderinme.org

Contact
Ashley Lupinacci
Client Partner
ashley.lupinacci@franklincovey.com
(203) 530-6087

CCi Voice logo

CCi Voice (https://www.CCiVoice.com) is a full service local telecommunications company with a history of 42 years in the phone business! We offer our own hosted phone service, on-site traditional phone systems, Internet, networking, surveillance cameras, access control & cabling. We have become especially attuned to the unique needs of Connecticut's educational institutions. We know you have to stay up to date with technology while grappling with older infrastructure. We love that challenge! Call or email us; we'd love to hear from you!

Sales@CCi.tel or (203) 372-5500.

CCi Voice

Contact
Michael LeBlanc
CEO
mleblanc@cci.tel
(203) 372-5500

AtmosAir Solutions logo

AtmosAir Solutions is a Fairfield, CT based company and was established in 2004. Our technologies have been installed in over 8,500 facilities including thousands of classrooms and school buildings around the country. It has been extensively tested by 3rd party labs, independent engineering consultants and industry associations. The technologies dramatically reduce (between 95% and 99.2%) harmful contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, mold, allergens, and odors providing a healthier and safer indoor environment for students, teachers, and staff. We have units that can be easily integrated into existing HVAC systems or portable units for areas not services by a central system. School related testimonials and case studies are readily available.

www.atmosair.com

Contact

Jim Keplesky
Regional Manager
jkeplesky@atmosair.com
(917) 972-2455

Twin Lakes Consulting logo

Twin Lakes Consulting was founded to support both public and independent schools in Connecticut. We specialize in school business management, human resources, and information technology services.

Services provided include:

  • School Business Manager Services
  • EFS Reporting/ Audit Services
  • Human Resources
  • School Financial Reconciliation Services
  • Information Technology Professional Services
  • Multi-Year Technology Planning

https://twinlakesconsulting.org/

Contact
David Fiorillo
Owner
(860) 362-1200

In January 2021 the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents (CAPSS) put forth a Blueprint to Transform Connecticut’s Public Schools. It is a comprehensive and long-term vision for continuous improvement. In this update we share again the 30 recommendations of the Blueprint as well as a commentary on what has changed in the last year and what should be Connecticut’s priorities for the next few years.

read the Update

Dalio Education is launching Teachers of Connecticut, a new platform that gives teachers a channel to share their stories, have their voices heard, and raise awareness around their experiences and ideas.

Over the next few weeks Dalio will be sharing stories from educators throughout the state on the dedicated website, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, where you will find inspiring teacher stories, images, news clips, and more, including videos from WTNH News Channel 8, which will be featuring the platform beginning with a segment this Wednesday, August 18th.

We hope that you will join us in elevating these wonderful educators who are shaping the leaders of tomorrow by following and reposting the content, and please encourage your networks to do the same!

In partnership,

Fran Rabinowitz

The Connecticut State Department of Education, Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents, Connecticut Association of Boards of Education, Connecticut Association of Schools, American Federation of Teachers Connecticut, and Connecticut Education Association are committed to the Connecticut State Board of Education’s goal of improving the academic lives of Connecticut’s increasingly diverse student body. This includes sustaining equitable and welcoming learning environments in which all students feel valued, respected, and safe to learn and grow.

This diversity, which represents a multitude of backgrounds and identities encompassing race, gender, gender identity or expression, religion, nationality, status of citizenship, and sexual orientation, is a strength to be celebrated. In response to challenges to our public education system, and to continue the mission of advancing opportunity for all, it is our shared priority to affirm, value, and leverage this diversity as an asset embodied and mirrored in teaching and learning.

Education must continue evolving to remain relevant to, and reflective of, students’ social, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds to assist in the development of their lifelong respect and compassion for themselves, their classmates, their communities, and the world around them. Engaging in inquiry-based learning that broadens students’ appreciation of perspectives beyond their own results in stronger motivation, open-mindedness, and critical thinking skills.

We want our students to graduate as responsible, well-rounded, and productive citizens who are ready to engage with others and thrive in our interconnected, diverse global society. Our students are best served when empowered with the tools to understand and investigate the countless lived experiences that exist in the world around them.
To ensure the well-being of and positive life outcomes for Connecticut’s students, we pledge ourselves to carrying out the following:

  • Building a culturally sustaining and responsive education system that fosters our children’s cultural awareness and development.
  • Cultivating authentic relationships with all members of a school community, including culturally diverse families, via two-way, reciprocal conversations around the development of curriculum, instructional methods, and expectations for student learning.
  • Supporting the State Board of Education’s 2020 Position Statement on Culturally Responsive Education – updated from 2011 – which strongly encourages public school districts to adopt policies that demonstrate their commitment to all students because we know there is a greater impact on student outcomes when we meet them with culturally and socially relevant content that resonates.
  • Aligning and providing resources, guidance, and support to districts to continue developing and implementing policies, procedures, and relevant curricula that affirm their students’ identity and their sense of belonging.

We believe and fully support fostering inclusive and culturally responsive educational environments that welcome, respect, and acknowledge the individual identities of all members of a school community as a cornerstone of preparing each and every student to succeed in college, career, and civic life.

###

To address historical inequities in Connecticut’s public education system and provide all students with equal educational experiences, CAPSS has released the CAPSS Blueprint to Transform Connecticut’s Public Schools, which includes 30 recommendations the organization deems critical to Connecticut public education over the next 15 years and beyond.

The CAPSS Blueprint’s recommendations touch on every financial, educational and operational aspect of schooling, with the aim of equitable funding, economies of scale, and resources for all school districts.

VIEW/DOWNLOAD CAPSS BLUEPRINT HERE

9-1-20
CAPSS CSDE and CABE logos

Joint Statement from Education Commissioner, CAPSS Executive Director and CABE Executive Director on Importance of Strong Board-Superintendent Relationship to the Safe and Effective Delivery of Education this Fall

The COVID-19 crisis has forced us to adapt and innovate in our classrooms and schools in ways none of us ever thought likely, or even possible. Connecticut’s PK-12 leaders find themselves addressing an unprecedented educational emergency under ever-changing conditions. In this rapidly evolving landscape, leadership matters now more than ever.

As we prepare to return to schools this week and in the coming weeks, doing so safely is and always will be our top priority. At the same time, each and every single decision must be made using the lenses of public safety, and equity and access. While this decision-making is an imperfect science, we all share the same sense of urgency to serve all of our students.

A strong board-superintendent relationship has a direct correlation to the success of a district. In these unprecedented times with COVID-19, it is more essential than ever that Boards and Superintendents work together on behalf of their students and the community.  It is imperative that Board members and their superintendents be accountable in their respective roles, lead by example, and be of one voice when decisions are made. These leadership actions are key to developing and implementing sound policy tied to the pandemic as well as the best possible solutions for individual school communities.

The state’s reopening plan, “Adapt, Advance, Achieve”,  acknowledges the challenges Boards of Education and superintendents face recognizing that there is no one perfect solution that applies to every community in Connecticut. In fact, the diversity of our state is why “Adapt, Advance, Achieve” gives districts the flexibility to make decisions in relation to this pandemic based upon their unique conditions and leaders’ beliefs on what is best for the communities they serve.

As we embrace the uncertainty in education in our state and country due to COVID-19, please know that you have partners at CSDE, CAPSS and CABE committed to supporting and guiding you during this journey forward into uncharted waters. Take consolation in the fact that we are all in this together.  By sustaining the degree of collaboration and partnership that brought us to this point, coupled with a deep commitment to serve all students across the State, we will prevail in these uncertain times and come through stronger on the other side.

Sincerely,

Miguel A. Cardona, Ed.D.
Commissioner of Education

Frances M. Rabinowitz
Executive Director, CAPSS

Robert Rader
Executive Director, CABE

Thanks to a unified movement across CT, starting this fall, all early childhood through high school, including afterschool program, staff will have the opportunity to take a course on managing emotions during difficult times from Yale at no charge thanks to generous support from Dalio Education. Social and Emotional Learning in Times of Uncertainty and Stress: Research-Based Strategies is a 10-hour online course to support school staff in managing the unprecedented emotions of the new school year to provide the best learning environment for students. Join the thousands of CT school staff who have already pre-registered for the course, and get ready to learn from leading experts in the fields of psychology, education, and research at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence.

CT Course Flyer

Learn more at www.ycei.org/selcourse

August 14, 2020

(Hartford, Conn.) – Today, a new social and emotional learning (SEL) course was announced to help staff in Connecticut’s schools as they navigate unprecedented times of uncertainty and stress, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and racial, political, and socioeconomic divides.

Developed by the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, in collaboration with the Connecticut State Department of Education, American Federation of Teachers Connecticut, Connecticut Education Association, Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents, and Dalio Education, Social and Emotional Learning in Times of Uncertainty and Stress: Research-Based Strategies will provide Connecticut school staff with the knowledge, skills and strategies to understand and manage their emotions and those of their students.

The 10-hour online course is being offered to all Connecticut school staff, including teachers, paraprofessionals, counselors, principals, and non-teaching staff in preK-12 schools for free, thanks to the generosity of Dalio Education. Upon completion, school staff will earn a certification from the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence.

John King Jr., President and CEO of the Education Trust and former U.S. Secretary of Education, is facilitating a roundtable discussion about this innovative new effort. Participants provided the following comments:

Governor Lamont: “Addressing the trauma and disengagement experienced by so many students and teachers over the spring semester requires that our school communities are supported with the most effective instructional and behavioral practices and interventions. Study after study shows us that healthy social-emotional development leads directly to an improvement in student academic success and behavioral outcomes to the benefit of both the student and the staff working with them. This course, developed by some of the best in the field of SEL, is a great opportunity for educators and staff to add to the knowledge, skills, and strategies they will need to reengage all students this fall.”

Marc Brackett, Founder and Director, Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and author, Permission to Feel: “Research shows that where there is an emotionally skilled adult present, students focus more, disrupt less, and perform better academically. These adults also have lower levels of stress and burnout, fewer intentions to leave the profession, greater job satisfaction, and more engaging classrooms.”

Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers: “We are living at a time with no modern precedent: we are in the midst of a health pandemic, an economic recession, and a long overdue reckoning with racism. People are scared, frustrated, and anxious. We need to be able to manage the compounded stress and trauma everyone is experiencing, and this course is a tool do that. The more we can equip our teachers to handle what we’re inevitably going to see in the classroom—in person or remotely—the more we will be able to manage our way through these global crises.”

Lily Eskelsen García, President of the National Education Association: “We know that the best learning happens with relationships that make learning challenging, engaging, and meaningful. The current pandemic crisis has brought into stark relief the inequities many students face, including the need for social and emotional skills that are critical to being a good student and a good citizen. We’re so thankful that the Dalio Foundation is launching this invaluable resource that will help our educators meet their students’ needs regardless of where they learn.”

Barbara Dalio, Founder and Director of Dalio Education: “One of the most important skills to develop during these very stressful times is social emotional learning. We are thrilled to make Connecticut the first state in the country to offer this free to all its teachers, paraprofessionals, principals, and school staff. We especially appreciate the support of Governor Lamont, Commissioner Cardona, Randi Weingarten, Lily Eskelsen Garcia, and all of our Connecticut partners.”

Miguel Cardona, Connecticut Commissioner of Education: “Our readiness this fall to tackle Connecticut’s educational emergency revolves around having in place the social emotional learning and mental health supports necessary to create compassionate academic spaces anytime, anywhere. Given the intensity of the trauma, anxiety, and isolation related to the pandemic, our department has prioritized assisting school communities with embedding the most effective social emotional and well-being practices into every aspect of teaching and learning. This professional development course will reinforce efforts to provide all students with equitable access to opportunities to thrive inside and outside of the classroom.”

Jan Hochadel, President of the American Federation of Teachers Connecticut: “Our teachers, paraeducators, and support personnel need resources and tools to help address the stress and anxiety of an unprecedented ‘back to school’ season. Helping them with their own ‘self-care’ empowers them to be more responsive to their students. We’re particularly concerned in this uncertain time about the healthy emotion regulation of children with special needs and those struggling with poverty. Their caregivers are often not able to work from home, making engagement in distance learning a greater challenge. Tragically, that also has made them more susceptible to COVID-19 infection. Bottom line — equipping our educators with strategies and support for dealing with their own emotions, as well as those of their students is a ‘win-win.’”

Jeff Leake, President of the Connecticut Education Association: “Strong student-teacher relationships are vital to students' success in school. Those relationships as well as trauma-informed practices will be more critical than ever this fall, as our teachers welcome back students who have faced significant challenges at home, many of them related to the pandemic. The partnership with the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence will provide our dedicated teachers with the skills, resources, and knowledge to identify and address student trauma, ensuring students receive all the support they need.”

Fran Rabinowitz, Executive Director, Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents: “Social and emotional learning is the foundation of a positive district culture in which all students and school staff flourish. It is more important now in these challenging COVID times than it ever has been.”

Jason Adler, School Counselor at Waterford High School and President of the Waterford Federation of Classroom Teachers, AFT Local 2038: “We need to support the social emotional learning of educators so that they may, in turn, create an emotionally supportive environment for their students. A social-emotionally literate teacher is far more capable of creating a safe and nurturing space for their students. This solace is desperately needed by our children in today's world. It will provide them the stability necessary to learn and build their own social emotional resiliency. Education is not (and may never) go back to what it was pre-COVID. This new program is a golden opportunity for teachers and students to make great strides together in this brave new world.”

Erin Daly, Third Grade Teacher, Danbury Public Schools and President of NEA Danbury: “Our dedicated educators understand the importance of a comprehensive approach to addressing student trauma and promoting social-emotional learning, especially in districts like Danbury where the need is high and the budgets for student support services have been decimated. We know that when students return to school they will have greater needs and trauma caused by the pandemic, and will require additional resources and assistance from school counselors, social workers and teachers. This professional learning program will provide educators with the training they need to integrate social emotional learning and trauma-informed instruction into the classroom and promote the well-being of their students.”

For additional information about the course, please visit www.ycei.org/selcourse.
# # #
MEDIA CONTACT:
Theresa Gilbert
tgilbert@globalstrategygroup.com
202.525.3696

Yale School of Medicine - site link to article

“Public education is our greatest pathway to opportunity in America…”
— Former First Lady Michelle Obama

The Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents (CAPSS) stands with our nation in anger and grief over the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery. These three lives, needlessly ended, are the most recent manifestations of historic and systemic racism that permeates our society, our institutions and our laws perpetuating discrimination against people of color.

These events represent yet another blow to communities of color, which are disproportionately suffering and dying from the COVID-19 pandemic. Blacks and Latinos represent the majority of those employed in front-line retail, restaurants, transportation, delivery and hospitality sectors who have lost employment. Without income, they are now challenged to pay their bills, put food on their tables, and support their children’s education through distance learning while often not having the technology and support required for online learning.

We at CAPSS condemn all acts of violence, overt and covert, against Black and Latino communities. We also condemn the systems in place that promote and sustain discrimination against people of color. As an educational organization, we have a moral imperative to fight for justice for all people regardless of race, ethnicity, country of origin, religion, gender, gender identification, or intellectual ability. We also have an obligation to address within our schools any hostile environments, discriminatory attitudes and biased actions against students and families of color, knowing such actions limit their opportunities for success and cause them to distrust our schools.

Education is the strongest weapon we have to address the racial and economic disparities that have plagued our nation since its inception. Connecticut’s public school teachers must work every day to uphold ideals of equality, fairness, justice and democracy. It is essential to provide our students – every student – with the skills, knowledge and dispositions to succeed. This requires that every student is reading by grade three, because this is the most important predictor of success.

To achieve these goals, we must be vigilant in ensuring that the needs of each and every student is met. We must work tirelessly to create environments in which every student can grow and thrive emotionally, socially and academically.

As we head into a new school year, we will be challenged to help students and parents cope with upheaval, economic uncertainty and fear for their future. We must remain sensitive to the tremendous stress our students and families have experienced over the past few months.

While progress has been made in addressing the conditions, attitudes and environments that foment inequity, more has to be done to address the devastating impact of COVID-19 and civil rights abuses on economic inequality and mental health.

Historical inequities – and the resulting societal wounds laid bare in 2020 – will not be solved immediately or easily.

Governor Lamont, the state department of education, our school districts, educators and community leaders have been important collaborators with CAPSS in addressing these issues. This model of collaboration promises to help our state address and eliminate the roadblocks that perpetuate racial, social and educational disparities.

CAPSS’ October 2019 statement on schools’ role in addressing racial injustice:
Statement Regarding Issues Around Racial Intolerance

Resources to help families during Covid-19:
Dealing with Covid-19 Resources For Supporting Families

UPCOMING EVENTS

December