JCAA Represents You

The new school year is off and running! The JCAA Board of Directors and staff having already been working hard to represent the interests of Jeffco Schools' administrators:

• JCAA Board of Directors: You are represented by a 30 member Board of Directors who serve as the legal governing body of the association and meet once per month to discuss the programs, services, and events offered by JCAA, as well as make decisions which affect your quality of work life. To ensure that the JCAA Board reps meet their fiduciary responsibilities, JCAA holds an annual training and orientation meeting. This year's training will occur on October 5.
• District Cabinet: The JCAA president serves as an official member of Cabinet. Our president this year, Jean Kelley, has been meeting through the summer and this fall with Cabinet as they develop their action plans for this coming year.
• Anchor Group: The Anchor Group consists of 2 representatives from the Board of Education, the superintendent, chief academic officer, chief operating officer, chief financial officer, executive director Communication Services, and the president and executive directors of each employee association—JCAA, CSEA, and JCEA. For JCAA, Frank DeAngelis serves on Anchor as a past president and Mary McNeil as executive director. Anchor meets once per month as a relationship committee to discuss the hot issues, items of mutual concern, mitigate rumor control, and form common messages.
• JCAA Officers Meet with Superintendent: The JCAA officers (executive committee of the JCAA Board of Directors) meet monthly in addition to the regular JCAA Board meetings. For a portion of the agenda each month, the officers meet with Superintendent Cindy Stevenson to discuss issues of mutual concern. This has been a significant and effective way for us to have our voice heard. Your representatives on the JCAA officers group are:
  • Jean Kelley, President (Principal at West Jefferson Middle)
  • Jim Jelinek, President Elect (Principal at Dakota Ridge HS)
  • Phyllis Emrich, Past President (Principal at Bear Creek HS)
  • Rick Myles, Cabinet Liaison (Community Superintendent)
  • Bob Smith, Central Liaison (Chief Operating Officer)
  • Brady Stroup , Elementary Liaison (Principal at Little Elementary)
  • Kathy Norton , Middle Level Liaison (Principal at Everitt Middle)
  • Frank DeAngelis, Senior Level Liaison (Principal at Columbine HS)
  • Mary McNeil, Executive Director
• JCAA Board Representatives Attend Board of Education Meetings: To help ensure the Jeffco Schools Board of Education knows administrators and professional / technical employees are well represented, JCAA Board of Director representatives attend the regular meetings of the Board of Education to monitor discussions and decisions. Each of the three JCAA presidents attend a third of all meetings and the executive director attends all meetings. The JCAA officers also meet each year with the Board of Education in a workshop setting, as well as a year-end networking dinner.
• JCAA Committee Representatives: JCAA has representatives serving on over 80 different JCAA and district committees and task force teams. Your membership dues help provide the structure to select the representatives and ensure that we have a united voice. Thank you to those members who volunteer their time to represent JCAA!

Please be sure to share any district-wide issues you have with your JCAA Board of Director area representative.

JCAA Legislative Fall Newsletter

Last spring, JCAA and CASE entered into a contractual agreement for CASE to provide political advocacy for JCAA members at the state level. CASE contracts with Salazar and Associates for lobbying work. The job of CASE advocacy is Bruce Caughey’s primary job, but it is also shared among the CASE professional staff (John Hefty, Jana Caldwell and Jan Henwood). The job of advocacy goes well beyond the legislative arena and includes work with the executive branch as well as the Colorado Board of Education meetings and Department of Education. CASE has a place at the table for ensuring that the funds from the state school lands are used effectively. They often work in forums with the foundation community and serve on the Colorado Anchor Group (CASE, CASB and CEA).

In addition, CASE representatives meet with the JCAA Legislative Committee throughout the year to communicate their efforts, gather input on our positions, and strategize.

Please click here for the Fall 2007 Legislative Newsletter, which includes:

• Governor Ritter's P-20 Council Update
• Believe in a Better Colorado Initiative
• A New Vision for CDE

JCAA Fall 2007 Leadership Development Seminars

REGISTER NOW! Please click here for the flier.

This series has been designed to help administrators meet district goals and to support our Creative Leadership theme this year. Be sure to register as soon as possible.

Click here for the flyer and more information.

Seminar #101: Nov 1 - Using Digital Content to Support Student Achievement
Seminar #102: Nov 19 - Got Bounce? Building Resiliency
Seminar #103: Dec 4 - The Application and Interview Process
Seminar #104: Dec 6 - Conflict Management
Seminar #105: Dec 12 - 10 Rules to Fuel Your Life, Work and Team
Seminar #106: Dec 14 - Legal Issues Confronting School Administrators

2007-08 Collegial Conversation Series

REGISTER NOW! Please click here for the flier.

This is a mentor / networking program designed to meet the needs of 1st through 5th year principals and assistant principals beyond induction.

Click here for the flyer and more information, including dates. These on-going 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. The groups are:

• Group A (Elementary Level) Facilitated by Luann Schwartz and Robin Weikel
• Group B (Elementary Level) Facilitated by Warren Blair and Martha Tate
• Group C (Secondary Level) Facilitated by Kathy Norton and Patty DeLorenzo

JCAA Leadership Experience Opportunity Program (LEO)
- Developing Tomorrow's Leaders

APPLY NOW! Please click here to download the application form.

LEO is an intentional program to develop leadership potential by offering meaningful leadership experience opportunities and venues for aspiring administrators. Aspiring administrators who are accepted in the program are matched to a mentor who is an experienced principal, assistant principal, or central manager, depending on interest levels. The mentor works with the participant throughout the year, assigning him/her meaningful leadership experiences. Mentors and participants attend the LEO Orientation on Tuesday, October 23, 3:30 - 6:00 PM to learn about the expectations and come up with a plan for the year. At the end of the year, mentors and participants attend the LEO Summit on Tuesday, May 20, 2008, 8:00 - 11:00 AM, which is a symposium designed for self and group reflection of the experiences and evaluation of the program.

Be a Mentor: JCAA is looking for experienced leaders to serve as mentors for this program. If you are an experienced principal, assistant principal, or central manager and are interested in serving as a mentor, please call Mary McNeil at 982.6839, opt. 2 by October 10.

Be a Participant: Are you interested in becoming a school administrator? Would you like more opportunities to engage in meaningful leadership experiences?
Please click here to download the application form. The deadline to submit your application to JCAA is October 10, 2007.

Last year, JCAA initiated this program as a pilot and have since revamped the program based on participant feedback. Improvements to the program include holding a LEO Orientation meeting before the program starts to set expectations and a plan for the year. In addition, there will be a greater emphasis on self reflection and interaction with peers, as well as interaction with the School Management department. 

JCAA Winter 2008 Major Event - Michael Gurian
The Minds of Boys and Girls:
How to Help Our Sons and Daughters Do Their Best in School and Life

JCAA Winter 2008 Professional Development Event
Michael Gurian
Friday, January 11, 2008
Arvada Center for the Arts
7:30 - 8:30 AM Check-in and Full Breakfast Buffet
8:30 - 11:00 AM Presentation and Q&A

REGISTER NOW! Click here for the registration form.

We are very pleased to bring in Michael Gurian, a foremost expert on brain development and gender differences. Michael is a social philosopher, family therapist, corporate consultant, and the New York Times best selling author of twenty books published in fifteen languages. The Gurian Institute, which he co-founded, conducts research internationally, launches pilot programs and trains professionals. As a social philosopher, he has pioneered efforts to bring neurobiology and brain research into homes, workplaces, schools and public policy. His newest work NURTURE THAT NATURE (May, 2007) provides a revolutionary new framework, based in neurobiology, by which to understand and care for the needs of children from birth all the way into the twenties. Michael's work has been featured in various media, including the New York Times, the Washington Post, USA Today, Newsweek, Time, the Wall Street Journal, Parenting, Good Housekeeping, Redbook, and on the Today Show, Good Morning America, CNN, PBS and National Public Radio. His speaking engagements include Harvard University, Johns Hopkins University, Stanford University, Macalester College, University of Colorado, University of Missouri-Kansas City, and UCLA.

Workshop Description: In this inspiration, practical, and humorous presentation, renowned educator and best selling author Michael Gurian (THE MINDS OF BOYS, THE WONDER OF GIRLS, BOYS AND GIRLS LEARN DIFFERENTLY!) focuses on helping children of all ages to succeed in school and life. Because boys and girls experience their home and school life differently, Michael explores how the minds of boys and girls develop distinctly--and how parents, educators and concerned citizens can care for and support the needs of both daughters and sons.

Based on twenty years of research in brain science, education, and practical parenting, this keynote traces how a child's learning mind grows, how girls and boys learn and grow differently, how acculturation influences boys and girls and how crucial school success has become to life success. Michael brings to life not only the developmental science of girls' and boys' minds, but practical methods by which to raise and educate those minds. Michael also focuses on learning and life difficulties that boys and girls suffer as distinct groups.

Michael has been called "the people's philosopher" for his ability to dynamically combine cutting edge science with stories from people's everyday lives. His presentation leaves audiences with a new vision of what boys and girls need both in school and in life, new tools by which to interpret the signals of our growing children, and new confidence to love and educate both sons and daughters in a high-pressure world. Check out www.gurianinstitute.com.

Central Managers and Principals are welcome to bring a team for this workshop! See registration details.

What Keeps You Awake at Night? Discussion Series

This is a new JCAA support program to provide the opportunity for a series of one-time discussions on any range of topics which are of most concern to our general members. The conversations will be facilitated by retired members with excellent facilitation skills. These sessions will give you the chance to process and share ideas with each other for addressing the challenging issues you face every day. The conversations will be held from 4:00 - 5:30 PM, on various dates throughout the school year, in a relaxed atmosphere at local venues. Participation is complimentary for JCAA members and $35 per session for non-members.

Watch for more information and the registration form to come out the first week of October.

What is the difference between the What Keeps You Awake at Night Series and  the Collegial Conversations Series?

What Keeps You Awake is a series of one-time discussions with specific topics. The facilitator is there to help facilitate the shared conversation and guide participants through problem-solving. It is for both school-based and central-based administrators. You can attend any of the meetings with topics of interest to you.

The Collegial Conversations series offers a choice of three on-going school-based groups meeting once per month throughout the school year. The groups are facilitated by experienced principals who serve as mentors for the group.

Administrator Staff Development Fund

Though the budget has been drastically reduced, a limited amount of money is available for administrators to attend a professional development workshop or pay for college tuition. 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.

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.

If you were approved for funding this year and no longer plan to attend the conference, please let us know so we can pass those funds on.

You Can Check-Out Videos from JCAA

NAESP Standards of the Principalship: This is a 6-part video series which explains and gives real-life examples of principals following the NAESP standards. There is also a video facilitation guide to follow. This video series was used for the JCAA Building Leadership Capacity Workshop Series offered the last 2 years. JCAA will not be offering this workshop series again this year, but new principals, assistant principals, and aspiring administrators are welcome to check the videos out.

FISH and FISH STICKS: JCAA has one copy of each of these videos. Learn how the Seattle Fish Co. keeps the morale of their employees flying high! FISH is the original video and Fish Sticks is a follow up version. We still have quite a few schools requesting this video from us, so please call in advance to reserve your date.

Please call Mary Wagner at 303.982-6839 opt. 3 to reserve the videos.

Did Your Contact Information Changed?

You should have received a memo from Mary Wagner asking you to confirm your contact information for the JCAA Pictorial Directory. This information is critical, Please be sure to respond if you have any changes. You can click here to send an email to Mary Wagner. Thank you!

Advertise Your Business in the Directory - Free

If you are a JCAA member, you may advertise your business in the JCAA Pictorial Directory at no charge to you. Click here to send an email to Mary Wagner with the following information:

• Name of the Business or Service
• Your Name
• Business Address, Phone, Email
• Max 50 Word Description

JCAA Care, Concern, and Celebration Messages

As a service to our members, JCAA sends out Care, Concern, and Celebration messages to keep our colleagues connected and supported. We've had many positive comments about how much the membership appreciates hearing about their colleagues. If you have a concern or celebration or you know a colleague in need of support, please let Mary McNeil or Mary Wagner know. Please note that we always check with the person to make sure it's OK to send out the message, so that we honor his/her wishes. Thank you.

Serving Kids Clothing Program

Do you know a child in need of clothing or shoes? 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, JCU, and The Jefferson Foundation. If you know a child in need of clothing, please click here to learn how you can request clothing -- Serving Kids has our own web site. Check us out! Here is our new web site address:

http://www.jcaajeffco.org/servingkids/

JCAA Retired Members Reunion Breakfast!

REGISTER NOW! Please click here for the flier.

Monday, October 22, 2007
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Indian Tree Golf Clubhouse, 7555 Wadsworth Boulevard, Arvada, CO (303) 463-4277

Has it been awhile since you’ve seen your former colleagues?
Would you like to learn more about the new education initiatives happening in JeffcoSchools, the state of Colorado, and our federal government?

Please join us for a morning of reconnecting with your former colleagues.
Following breakfast, Superintendent Dr. Cynthia Stevenson will share an update on the current initiatives within the K-12 education world.

Captain Underwear Drive:Help support our JCAA charitable cause, the Serving Kids Clothing Program, by bringing new socks or underwear for students in grades K-12.

JCAA Retired Members First Day of School Gathering - A Success!

A number of our retired members enjoyed the "First Day of School" gathering on Wednesday, August 22 at Nancy Sommer's home. Great mountain views, food, drinks, and company!

Remember the Sunflower Seeds We Gave Away at the JCAA Year End Event in June?

Hannah Ramsey planted the seeds and brought in a flower with the bloom at least 12" in diameter. We asked her to submit a photo. Thanks, Hannah!

6th Annual Second Wind Walk/Run/Ride

Now in its 6th year of paying for counseling for youth that are deemed at risk for suicide and are not adequately insured or underinsured. The program has referred almost 700 youth from across the Denver Metro area. Within the past school year, Second Wind has provided counseling to youth in every school district, from elementary through high school, in the Denver Metro area.

Saturday, September, 22nd — Pre-registration, t-shirt and bib pick-up
Green Mountain High School, 13175 W. Green Mountain Drive, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sunday, September 23rd —6th Annual Second Wind Walk/Run/Ride
Start Events Green Mountain High School
7 a.m. - 10 a.m. Pancake Breakfast
9:30 to 12:15 Registration, entertainment and speakers including:
Colorado First Lady, Jeannie Ritter, Lakewood Mayor, Steve Burkholder, and Superintendent of Jeffco Schools, Dr. Cindy Stevenson.
12:25 Remembrance Dove Release
12:30 Bike Ride
12:33 3 Mile Run
12:36 3 & 1 mile Walk

Finish Events Green Mountain Presbyterian Church
12:45 Community picnic, massages, prizes for race winners and top pledge earners, and entertainment by Tempa & the Tantrums and Rare Vintage.
Second Wind was established as one church’s response to teen suicide in 2002.

For more information contact Jeff Lamontagne:
303-988-2645 www.thesecondwindfund.org

Employee Assistance Program Article

JCAA supports the EAP Program and JCAA representatives serve on the EAP Advisory Committee.

Welcome back to the new school year!  The beginning of school each year brings challenges and changes for most Jeffco Schools employees, whether you are returning after a summer off, or if you’ve worked all summer long.  This is an incredibly busy time, with meetings to attend, decisions to make, and deadlines for new projects.  You may be welcoming new students and staff.  You may be working at a new site, teaching new courses, or working in a different classroom.

Most of us are fairly resilient but sometimes we encounter problems that seem overwhelming.   Even healthy people can have trouble coping with life’s challenges. The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides a positive, constructive way to help employees resolve personal and work related problems.  EAP services are offered at no cost to employees.  A simple phone call can start you on the road to getting help.

What services does the EAP provide?

• Assessment and short term counseling
• Referral to community resources
• Consultations for supervisors about troubled employees or work teams
• Training
• Conflict resolution/mediation

What can the EAP help with?

• Job related concerns
• Life transitions
• Grief and loss
• Depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems
• Domestic violence
• Balancing work and family
• Financial problems
• Stress management
• Couples/ family issues
• Alcohol/ drug abuse
• Conflict resolution

Will going to EAP affect my job?
Participation in the EAP is voluntary and will in no way jeopardize your job security or opportunities for advancement.  Your participation will neither cause nor prevent disciplinary action.

Is EAP really confidential?
Information shared with an EAP counselor is completely confidential with the following exceptions:

• Threats of violence to others
• Danger of suicide
• Known or suspected child abuse
• Disclosure of a substance abuse problem by employees in positions covered by the District's Controlled Substance and Alcohol Testing policy

If you would like further information on the EAP, or to speak with an EAP counselor, please contact your confidential Employee Assistance Program at 303-982-0377 or visit our website at http://jeffcoweb.jeffco.k12.co.us/eap/  Your EAP offers no-cost assistance to all Jeffco Schools employees, their family members over age 15 and retirees.

Colorado Principals Center Workshops

JCAA helps inform you about professional development offerings from local associations.

No school has ever become great without exceptional leadership – without a leader who can connect the efforts of their entire team to the critical goals and objectives of the overall organization. The Colorado Principals Center is proud to offer a new program this fall which will help you become this kind of leader: Leaders Make the Difference in Great Organizations

Please click here to see the attached flyer in order to register for this workshop.

For more information about the Colorado Principals Center, please contact:
Frank A. Bingham, Ph.D.
Executive Director, Colorado Principals' Center
Ph. 303-556-2190
Fax  303-556-4479
www.ColoradoPrincipalsCenter.org

Helping Kids Thrive - Free Parenting Workshop

JCAA is a sponsoring member of the Helping Kids Thrive Steering Committee.

17th Annual Parenting Conference
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Lakewood High School
5:30 - 9:00 PM
Parents can register online at http://www.jcmh.org/ or call 303-432-5156.

Request to Principals: Schools will be receiving fliers for this event. Please make sure they get home to the parents.