JCAA Spring Issues Forums

JCAA has four objectives and a yearly strategic plan for reaching those objectives. As a step toward reaching the objective of "supporting administrators through representation," JCAA holds Fall and Spring Issues Forums each year. During these forums or focus meetings, JCAA members participate in identifying and discussing key issues facing leaders in the Jefferson County School District. Normally following the forums, a report is generated and distributed. For a list of these reports, refer to the Representation Report List section of the JCAA web site. The forums include an opportunity for members to network with peers while enjoying the complimentary breakfast buffet. Dates and agendas for the Forums are below:

Spring 2005 Issues Forums

Please RSVP by clicking here or calling Mary Wagner at (303) 982-6839, opt. 3 to attend one of the three area breakfast meetings this spring. The Issues Forums are held each fall and spring as an opportunity for members to gather and discuss and problem-solve key issues facing the leadership of the district. The topics of discussion are to be determined by the JCAA Board.

The meeting and full breakfast buffet are complimentary for members. There is a cost for non-members. The meetings are 7:30 - 9:30 AM and include time for networking during breakfast. Members are welcome to attend the meeting which works best for their schedule. Meeting options are:

• South Area - Thursday, April 7, 2005 - New Location! Columbine Country Club - 17 Fairway Lane in Columbine Valley (From Bowles, go south on S. Platte Canyon Rd. then left on Fairway Lane.)
• Central Area - Friday, April 8, 2005 - Rolling Hills Country Club - 15707 W. 26th Avenue (From Youngfield and I-70, go west on 32nd to Kendrick St., follow Kendrick past the tennis courts to the Clubhouse.)
• North Area - Monday, April 11, 2005 - Double Tree Hotel in Westminster - 8773 Yates Drive (Turn east on 92nd off Sheridan and south on Yates.)

Do you have a connection with a legislator?

JCAA is looking for any members who have a connection to any of the legislators and would be willing to serve as JCAA advocates on an as-needed basis when JCAA needs to lobby our positions. You will be provided with Talking Points from our lobbyists before being asked to contact the legislator. Click here to let Mary McNeil know if you would be willing to serve in this capacity.

Based on feedback from several members last session, JCAA is implementing a new structure to take JCAA legislative activity to the next level, which was discussed and amended at the December 1 JCAA Legislative Committee on 12-1-04 and JCAA Board of Directors at the 12-3-04 meeting. The basic changes include adding expert consultants and redefining the JCAA Legislative Committee members' role to become stronger advocates for JCAA. Our lobbyists, Aponte & Hogan, will continue to provide general weekly updates for all membership. Additionally, more detailed updates will be sent as needed to the advocates with direction on what action steps need to be taken.

Spring Leadership Development Seminar Series

CLICK HERE for a brochure in Word format with the registration form and complete workshop descriptions.

CLICK HERE for a brochure in PDF format with the registration form and complete workshop descriptions.

Send in your registration as soon as possible. Seating is limited.

2004-05 Collegial Conversation Series

To register for one of the groups in the Collegial Conversation series, please call Mary Wagner in the JCAA office at (303) 982-6839, opt. 3.

The Collegial Conversations Program is a mentor / networking program designed to meet the needs of 2nd through 5th year principals and assistant principals, beyond induction. All administrators in every experience level are welcome to participate in any of the groups, as long as space is available. Experienced principals facilitate the small mentor groups. The groups meet monthly to discuss specific topics of concern to administrators in carrying out their duties, not only nuts and bolts responsibilities, but also leadership and management issues, as well as gaining a greater understanding of the district's organizational systems. Topics of discussion are prioritized by the individual groups, concentrating on the areas that will make a difference to the participants. The format includes sharing current procedures, strategies, and ideas. Participants will earn in-service credit hours for meetings which they attend.

Administrator Staff Development Fund

The next deadline date for submitting applications is Monday, February 28, 2005.

To apply, click here to download the form and send in your application by the next deadline date. The deadline dates for accepting applications are the last working day of every month while funds are still available. Though the budget has been drastically reduced, money is still available for administrators to attend a professional development workshop or pay for college tuition.

To apply and reserve funds, you only need to know the name, date, and location of the event. Once you've been approved, you turn in your receipts for reimbursement within 30 days following the event. These funds are not available for non-administrators, because they are district funds designated for administrator staff development. Similar funds for teachers and coaches are managed by the JCEA office.

PLEASE NOTE: All expense reimbursement requests are to follow the stipulations outlined in the Jeffco Schools' Policy DKC and the procedures and policy document attached with the application form. Original documentation is required for all employee reimbursements. Forms without original receipts will be returned. For reimbursements made to the department or school by journal entry, you may submit copies of original receipts.

JCAA Spring Break Party! (Spring Networking Social)

Tuesday, March 15, 2005
The Colorado Room at Jillians in the Colorado Mills Mall
4:30 - 6:30 PM

Please RSVP by clicking here or calling Mary Wagner at (303) 982-6839, opt. 3. Drinks and appetizers are complimentary for members. This is a great opportunity to connect with your colleagues and have some fun! All levels of membership are welcome!

Serving Kids Clothing Program

Do you know a child in need of clothing, shoes, a coat? We can help!

JCAA and The Jefferson Foundation manage this charitable program, which provides near new clothing to Jeffco School Children in need and is cosponsored by JCAA, CSEA, JCEA, Jeffco PTA, and The Jefferson Foundation. If you know a child in need of clothing, please click here to learn how you can request clothing -- or Serving Kids now has our own web site. Check us out! http://jeffcoweb.jeffco.k12.co.us/partners/servingkids/

JCAA Annual Scholarship

Click here to download a copy of the JCAA scholarship form. Completed applications must be received by the JCAA office no later than the deadline date of Friday, April 1, 2005.

JCAA will award a $1000 scholarship to a graduating son or daughter of a JCAA general or emeritus member. The scholarship is provided through the generous support of JCAA members. The JCAA scholarship provides an opportunity to recognize the achievements of our colleagues' children and to demonstrate our commitment to the future through continuing education.

Employee Values Awards Program

The district believes that providing a quality education for student success requires employees who demonstrate Integrity, Valuing People, Teamwork and Exemplary Performance. The Values Awards program will recognize up to four employees from each school and department. The honorees will be recognized at a ceremony from 4 to 6 PM Wednesday, April 27 at the Arvada Center.

Anchor Group composed of leaders from the Board of Education, District Cabinet and the employee associations sponsors the employee recognition program to promote these District values by recognizing and reinforcing individual behaviors that exemplify the values. The awards are funded by Anchor Group and a grant from The Jefferson Foundation.

How To Nominate Employees from Your School or Department:

• Each school and work site may nominate a maximum of four people who represent district values. Nominees may be classified, certificated and/or administrative staff. Part- and full-time employees are eligible.
• More than one person can be nominated for the same value. However, the maximum number of nominees per site is four. For example, a school might nominate two people for integrity, one for teamwork and one for exemplary performance. Individuals, not teams, should be nominated.
• Research in employee recognition indicates it only has meaning if it is sincere and authentic. The Employee Recognition Committee requests that every school/department use a fair, thoughtful, inclusive (all school employees, classified and certificated) process to select honorees. Individual employees should NOT be submitting names of their colleagues for Values Awards; the nominations should come from a consensus process at the school/department.
• Nomination forms are available online on the district's web site under Employee Recognition, http://jeffco.k12.co.us/communications/recognition/
• Submit completed forms online by Friday, March 4, 2005.

The employee recognition program is administered by the Employee Recognition Committee, which includes representatives of JCEA, CSEA, JCAA, the Board of Education and Communications Services. The committee reserves the right to make final decisions about questions that arise concerning nominees/nominations.

Questions? Call Communications Services, 303-982-6808.

Save These Dates!

Registration information for these 2 events will come out later.

JCAA Year End Event Celebration!
Wednesday, June 8, 2005
Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities
Featuring: Moonlighting Teachers

JCAA School Year Kick-Off Motivational Event!
Friday, July 29, 2005
Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities
Featuring: Albert Mensa

For more information about these events, see the networking events web page:
http://jeffcoweb.jeffco.k12.co.us/jcaa/networking_events.html

Good News Breakfast - Nominations Due

Our community has many individuals and organizations helping people overcome obstacles and reach their full potential. This year the Good News Coalition will honor the individuals and organizations who are "Building Bridges." To nominate someone or an organization, please call Kay Pride (303) 275-2203 or Leslie Levine (303) 279-2790 for a nomination form. You can also pick one up at the JCAA office. Nomination forms are due no later than February 10.

Whether you nominate someone or not, please plan to attend the breakfast:

Tuesday, April 26, 2005
Jefferson County Fairgrounds
6:59 AM - 8:29 AM

This year, Jeffco Schools' Jefferson articulation area will be featured in the program! Now in its 14th year, the breakfast draws about 500 people in celebration of the "good news" in Jefferson County. Contact the JCAA or JCEA office to find out how to register for the event.

Colorado Staff Development Council Workshops

Click here for the flyer on CSDC's spring workshops. You can register for either of the 2 workshop online at http://www.co-csdc.org/

"Powerful Designs for Professional Development"
Featuring Lois Easton, Eagle Rock School and Professional Dev. Center
February 24, 2005

"Creating Change from Within"
Joellen Killion, National Staff Development Council
April 21, 2005

If you have any questions about CSDC, please contact:

Mary Ann Grenawalt
CSDC
PO Box 1289
Morrison, CO 80465
Ph: 303.697.1517
http://www.co-csdc.org/

Colorado Principals' Center Workshops

Click here for the schedule and registration information for the Colorado Principals' Center Spring Workshop Calendar. This year CPC is offering programming of particular interest to district administrators, assistant principals, and aspiring administrators, as well as principals.

Click here for the flyer on the next CPC workshop titled, "Through Another Lens" scheduled for February 17.

If you have any questions about CPC, please contact:

Frank A. Bingham, Ph.D.
Director, Colorado Principals' Center
pH: 303.556.2190
Fax: 303.556.4479
www.coloradoprincipalscenter.org