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Welcome to the NEWS for October 4, 2024
Did you hear? The U.S. Department of Education chose the League to administer $68 million in Charter School Program (CSP) funding! See what's in store for the new "Great Schools Colorado," plus discover how Latino students are being inspired to pursue STEM careers this Hispanic Heritage Month. Then, uncover the habits of seven highly effective schools and learn why Highline Academy Southeast is getting national recognition.
Tickets are almost gone for the 2024 Leadership Summit, which will be held next Friday, Oct. 11, at the Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center. Join us as we explore the theme of Catalysts, featuring multiple workshops, keynote speaker Kelli Harding, a mini-authorizer session, and much more. Can’t make the entire Summit? Join us just for the happy hour: sign up here for free! We hope to see you there.
We want to know what’s happening in your community. Share your campus news with us by noon each Thursday for inclusion in the NEWS.
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Congratulations to Janet Damon, Colorado's 2025 Teacher of the Year!
CDE | Oct. 3
With over 25 years in Denver Public Schools, she empowers her students at DELTA High School to tackle real-world issues through innovative, student-centered learning.
Building a Future where DPS Students don’t Just Survive; They Thrive
Boardhawk | Oct. 2
My story begins with my birthplace – El Paso, Texas, a border town where my mere existence was and continues to be political.
Former superintendents Bennet and Boasberg make an Affirmative Case for their Denver Reforms
Boardhawk | Sept. 30
It’s hard to argue that Denver Public Schools has ever had a golden age. Too many students cannot and never have been able to read, write or do math at anything approaching grade level.
Closing Struggling Schools Helped Student Achievement in Denver, Study Finds
Chalkbeat | Sept. 27
The architects of Denver Public Schools’ former reform efforts are lauding a new study that validates a strategy that largely has been abandoned both in Denver and nationwide: closing low-performing schools and opening new ones that might serve students better.
Colorado Provides Second Round of School Supply Grants to Thousands of Educators
Chalkbeat | Sept. 27
When Colorado Gov. Jared Polis announced a flash $2.7 million grant program for classroom supplies in August, thousands more teachers applied than there was money to serve.
Cool Schools: DPS Charter School Earns National Attention
9News | Sept. 27
Highline Academy Charter School Southeast is getting national recognition for creating a curriculum to help close the learning gap.
Improving Academic Outcomes: Access to Grade-level Material is Equity Work
Boardhawk | Sept. 27
As the leader of DSST: Montview Middle School, I see providing an equitable education to each and every one of our students as how we actualize DSST’s mission.
Large parent survey reveals dissatisfaction with schools, but reluctance to move kids
Boardhawk | Oct. 3
Colorado has long prided itself on allowing parents to choose any school in the state that has room for their child and to which they are able to transport them.
How My HS Helped Me Find My Career Path When I Realized College Wasn’t for Me
The 74 | Oct. 2
It’s been a year since I graduated high school. Today, I have my own business photographing weddings, engagements and senior portraits, and my work has been featured in art galleries around the state of Washington.
As NY District Implements Science of Reading, Parents Push for New Focus on Math
The 74 | Oct. 1
One of New York’s largest school districts has grappled with a long list of challenges, including a revolving door of eight superintendents in the last decade and an enrollment drop of 15,000 students since 1998.
Enrollment Drops are Forcing Leaders to Make Tough Choices
District Administration | Sept. 30
For some schools, it may take decades to reverse pandemic-related enrollment declines. As a result, many of them are forced to close their doors, especially those that are underperforming.
‘Fake Guns, Fake Blood, Fake Gunshots:’ Biden Order Seeks to Make Much-Debated School Shooting Drills Less Traumatic
The 74 | Sept. 27
President Joe Biden signed an executive order Thursday that seeks to ensure active school shooter drills are helpful without causing unnecessary panic amid a record spike in campus gun violence and pushback to sometimes dubious prevention strategies.
ESSER Post-Mortem: How Did Districts Spend $190B in Federal Funds? Did It Work?
The 74 | Sept. 26
Say your boss gives you an unexpected bonus at work. Would you save the money, make those home upgrades you’ve been putting off or splurge on a nice vacation?
Does spending on school facilities raise student test scores?
Fordham | Sept. 26
Schools across the country spend billions of dollars each year on the construction and renovation of their facilities — everything from roof repairs to new science labs and from classroom expansions to whole new buildings.
Report: Nearly 500 Schools Under Enrolled and Chronically Underperforming
The 74 | Sept. 26
Low performing schools are twice as likely to have lost substantial numbers of students – with nearly 500 losing 20% or more since the pandemic, marking them potential candidates for closures, a new national report has revealed.
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GET INVOLVED
A Bright Future: $68 Million Boost for Colorado Charter Schools
The League’s application for the federal Charter Schools Program (CSP) has been approved, securing $68 million in funding for Colorado charter schools over the next five years. This incredible support, through the Great Schools Colorado program, will award up to $2 million to six sub-grantees each year. Stay tuned for updates on the application process and technical assistance schedule. Read the full press release.
Celebrate Success: Leadership Summit Happy Hour with CSI and The League
Join us for a celebratory post-Leadership Summit Happy Hour hosted by The League, in collaboration with the Colorado Charter School Institute (CSI). We'll be toasting to recent legislative victories while celebrating 20 years of CSI and 30 years of the League! Charter school leaders, partners, funders, and supporters are all welcome. The event takes place at the Gaylord Rockies next Friday, Oct. 11 from 4-6 PM, with remarks at 4:30 PM. If you're already attending the Leadership Summit, you're automatically RSVP'd for the happy hour. If you'd like to join us just for the happy hour, sign up here for free!
Unlock Funding for Healthy Smartphone Use in Schools
The Colorado Department of Law (DOL) invites Local Education Providers (LEPs) to participate in a survey aimed at developing policies for student smartphone use. To be eligible for funding of up to $50,000 for innovative interventions in 2025, LEPs must complete the survey by October 18. The survey takes about 10-15 minutes and requires only one response per LEP. For questions, contact [email protected].
Join a League Regional Gathering Near You
Our Regional Gatherings bring together charter leaders from across the state to connect with peers, engage with League staff on local and statewide issues, and discuss state-level advocacy and policy efforts. These in-person events also provide a platform to showcase charter school successes to local elected officials. Join us at one or sign up for multiple to strengthen your connections and share insights with fellow leaders.
Nominate a Student Charter Champion
Nominations are now open for the 2024-2025 Charter Champions program! This four-month advocacy training is designed for exceptional high school students (grades 9-12) who are passionate about leadership, advocacy, and community service. Selected students will receive leadership training, participate in online sessions, and be honored at the League's Annual Conference. Don’t miss the chance to highlight a deserving student—submit your nominations by October 18th.
Nominate your Hero for the 2025 Hall of Fame
Everyday across the state, charter school leaders, educators and supporters make decisions and take actions that improve student lives and family trajectories. Our annual Hall of Fame awards honors these outstanding individuals and we want to hear their stories.
We invite you to nominate those within your circle whose dedication and impact deserves to be celebrated. Nominations are due by Monday, Oct. 14, and nominees will be announced in late fall, followed by finalists in January. The celebration reaches its pinnacle on February 26, when winners will be revealed during a ceremony to kick off the 2025 Colorado Charter Schools Conference. Don't miss this chance to recognize the outstanding individuals who are shaping Colorado's exceptional charter school landscape.
Submit an RFP for the 2025 Annual Conference
Are you passionate about sharing your knowledge and inspiring others? RFPs for the 2025 Colorado League Annual Conference, themed "Synergy in Education," are now open! Held from February 26-28 at the Denver Marriott Tech Center, we’re seeking impactful workshops that foster collaboration among educators and leaders in Colorado's charter school community. Share your expertise on topics like curriculum, school leadership, technology, and social-emotional learning. Submit your proposal by this Monday October 7. This year, presenters covering non-advocacy topics will receive a complimentary two-day event ticket, with more details coming soon.
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Elevate Your Expertise with the League’s Specialized Learning Communities and Training
Take your professional growth to the next level with our exciting lineup of ten specialized Learning Communities and three powerful training events designed to enhance your skills and strengthen the charter school community. From Learning Communities tailored for board chairs, marketing professionals, school founders, and operations leaders, to impactful training sessions covering finance, Title IX, and community engagement, there's something for everyone. Don’t miss these valuable opportunities to collaborate, learn, and grow!
Enhance Your Classroom with Cybersecurity Curriculum
Looking to teach cybersecurity in your high school but lacking resources? Register by Friday, Oct. 25, for a two-day overview of the RING cybersecurity curriculum, happening Nov. 6-7 in Colorado Springs or via Zoom. You'll earn 18 hours of professional development credits while engaging in hands-on activities that make learning fun and effective.
Improve Instructional Walkthroughs at Your School
Is your school on the Accountability Clock or ESSA identified? Join the CDE for an in-person learning session at the Adams 12 Conference Center on Wednesday, Oct. 23, from 9 a.m. to noon to enhance your instructional walkthrough routines. Register by Tuesday, Oct. 15, and learn how to create effective structures and tools that support change management.
OERColorado Offers Free Digital Resources for Colorado Classrooms
OERColorado provides free PK-12+ learning materials to Colorado educators, supporting schools by reducing costs and offering adaptable resources. This statewide platform aligns with the state’s educational requirements under 22-5-119, C.R.S. Explore the OERColorado curriculum library and find resources tailored to your classroom needs. Join the upcoming OERColorado and ISKME webinar series in October to learn about "Vetting and Adopting OER" on October 1st and "OER Leadership and Advocacy" on October 8th.
Edge Foundation Event: Executive Function Coach Training
Join the Edge Foundation for a two-day Executive Function Coach Training on October 9-10, 2024, in Lakewood, CO. This event is designed for educators, parents, and caregivers to gain tools and techniques that support young people with Executive Function challenges. Learn how to engage and empower students, while earning a certification and CEU credits.
CDE UPDATES
Share Your Input on Standards Revisions
The State Board of Education is seeking your feedback on revisions to standards in comprehensive health, mathematics, reading, writing and communicating, and science. Make your voice heard by completing the Colorado Academic Standards Revision Survey by Friday, Oct. 18. For more information, contact Shelly Ramos.
Join the Facility Schools Board
The Office of Facility Schools is looking for applicants for an interim position on the Facility Schools Board. The ideal candidate will have expertise in special or general education and will represent Colorado school districts during monthly meetings through June 2025. To apply, please send your resume and a letter of interest to Judy Stirman by Friday, Nov. 15.
Submit Your Charter School Capital Construction Report by Oct. 31
All eligible charter schools must complete the annual Charter School Capital Construction Report (CSCC-01) by October 31st. This report is essential to confirm your eligibility and determine funding levels for the next fiscal year. Click HERE to submit!
FREE RESOURCES
Free Wheelchair Lift Available
Pinnacle Charter School is donating a Hercules II 600 Residential Vertical Lift in excellent condition. With a load capacity of 600 lbs, this lift can benefit schools or organizations in need of accessible equipment. If interested, please contact Dawn Gioia at [email protected] for more information.
Free Camera and Security System
Firestone Charter Academy is offering a set of functional interior and exterior cameras, along with a Network Video Controller, to a school in need. The cameras, installed between 2017 and 2024, offer decent resolution and were in working condition when taken down. The controller is a 32-channel model from CCTV Security Pros, with expansion capabilities. This is a great chance to upgrade your school’s security system—must take all equipment. If you are interested, please contact [email protected] or [email protected].
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ACT (September 18, 2024)
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NEWS (September 27, 2024)
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MOVE (September 13, 2024)
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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE (September 5, 2024)
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CONNECT COHORT (September 26, 2024)
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