Important Upcoming Dates
Watch for the following announcements from CDE in October and November (exact dates are subject to change)

Mid-October
2003 API Growth Scores
Phase II of 2003 AYP

Early November
California Teacher of the Year

November 13
2003 Reading and Math NAEP scores

CalSPRA event info...

Recent Events

Missed the Cyber PR Institute? Or just want to re-live it? Now CalSPRA members can view a video of the institute. Click here to access the password-protected members section.

Are you a member in need of the password? E-mail jski@cccoe.k12.ca.us to request it.

Why care if you have the initials “APR” after your name?
Two CalSPRA members weigh in on the importance and process of becoming accredited in public relations...

:: New streamlined process for APR offers more flexibility, feedback
By Richard F. de la Torre, APR; L.A. County Office of Education

:: APR: Your PR diploma, our professional insignia
By Gary Leatherman, APR; Fremont Unified School District

Listserv provides timely tips
Challenged to empower employees feeling the impact of slashed budgets, CalSPRA members turned to the listserv for answers.

:: Time-saving tips for school communicators to share with employees stressed for time

Annual Communication Contest showcases best practices

:: PR practitioners can find a bundle of great ideas from the winners of CalSPRA’s annual communications contest
By Kelly Avants; Clovis Unified School District

Creation of the Barry Gaskins Mentor Legacy Award
The NSPRA Board approved the creation of the Barry Gaskins Mentor Legacy Award in memory of the many contributions of immediate past president Barry Gaskins, APR, who died unexpectedly in March at the age of 49. This recognition will be awarded for the first time at the 2004 Nashville Seminar. The award recognizes a practicing school public relations professional for outstanding efforts in mentoring colleagues in school PR. The recipient will be allowed to designate a mentee of their choice to receive a scholarship to the following year's Seminar. For a copy of the criteria and nomination form, go to www.nspra.org/MentorLegacyAward.pdf.

Reporters for four-day AASA conference wanted
Jay Goldman, from the American Association of School Administrators (AASA), has contacted CalSPRA President Cindy Sabato with a paid opportunity for CalSPRA members with news writing experience. AASA is holding its national conference in San Francisco, February 19-22 (Thursday through Sunday morning). During the conference, the organization produces a 12- to 16-page newspaper each morning.

Goldman is looking to hire a few experienced education communicators and news writers to join the newspaper reporting staff at the national conference. Writers would cover speakers and topical sessions on leading K-12 issues.

AASA doesn’t have a large budget to support travel expenses beyond car mileage reimbursement and the minimum commitment is two days. For more information, contact Jay Golden at AASA: jgoldman@aasa.org or (703)875-0745.

:: California Superintendent's Challenge
This first annual California Superintendent's Challenge is a coordinated effort between the California Department of Education and the California Task Force on Youth and Workplace Wellness. The Superintendent's Challenge is a challenge to all local school districts across California to improve their school nutrition standards and the health of all their students through the development and implementation of policies that promote proper nutrition and regular physical activity.

:: Raising the Bar for School PR
NSPRA has released a new document to help school PR professionals and others who are in a position to create, fund and implement school public relations programs entitled, Raising the Bar for School PR: New Standards for the School Public Relations Profession.