Connecticut Association Of Schools

The Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS) is pleased to announce that Diurca Lugo-Tomasella, principal of Roberto Clemente International Dual Language School (RCIDLS) in Waterbury, has been named the 2026 Elementary School Principal of the Year. Chosen through a highly competitive statewide nomination process, Tomasella was selected for her transformative leadershi...

As a middle school principal, I especially enjoy and learn from your CAS Legal Mailbag posts. A recent post included the following statement: “The exception related to Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-154a is rarely applicable, because the prohibition against access to educational records under that statute relates only to ‘professional communications,’ i.e., a communication made privat...

It’s that time of year again, when student behavior starts to increase and teachers are struggling more to manage classes. Yesterday, a parent came to me and wanted to make a report of bullying in her middle school son’s class. The bullying she is referring to is the continuous misbehavior of his classmates, because it impacts his learning. Under the current state law, she is...

As you can imagine, personnel issues are a frequent challenge for school principals like me. A recent challenge has been figuring out a way to complete psychological evaluations of students in a timely manner. Student mental health problems are on the rise, and the school psychologist whom we share with the middle school is overwhelmed. Though you wouldn’t know it to look at ...

Each year, the Connecticut Association of Schools recognizes outstanding schools through its School of the Year awards, a process designed to highlight growth and excellence across multiple measures. Schools submit a comprehensive application outlining their work in student achievement, school culture, instructional practices, and systems of support. A review committee select...