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Are you a leader new to your role or to the charter sector? If so, we’d love to feature you in the October issue of MOVE. Please take a moment to tell us here. And join us next Friday for our bi-monthly Town Hall. Login to our site with your email, and use "forgot email" the first time you login to register.
If your campus has an update to share, please submit it to us by 12 PM each Thursday.
Happy September
By Pete Mason, League Vice President, Communications
As classrooms and hallways across Colorado burst with the fresh energy and excitement of a new school year, we at the League are working hard to amplify and support the achievements of charter schools across the state. As a sector, we are stronger together, which is why we are striving to increase engagement across our network of 268 public charter schools serving over 137,000 students.
For starters, our newly launched website is designed to provide you with an experience that is both seamless, engaging, and we hope more intuitive. We think you’ll appreciate the interactive features, including easier access to learning communities and networking groups. To begin, simply login and reset your password. You can then set your newsletter and other preferences, allowing us to tailor your online content to the topics and events in which you're interested.
Running in tandem with this new website is a new customer relationship management (CRM) system called Ready Membership. This platform allows us to better serve you, track our communications, engage more directly, and allows us to do a better job of advocating for you at all levels of government.
Much more than shiny new marketing tools, these new platforms provide the elevated structure and updated technology necessary for the League to continue highlighting, strengthening and growing the charter school sector in our state. Our goal is to expand our two-way communication with you to best meet the needs of students in the next decade and beyond.
Increasing Engagement and Value
Our staff members are increasing the frequency with which we connect with our member schools, seeking regular opportunities to engage with campuses across Colorado. Striving to build awareness and opportunity, these engagement managers will be reaching out to you soon to set up times to talk, find out what you may need from the League and offer opportunities for us to help.
To complement these outreach efforts, the League is once again hosting member gatherings in seven different regions across the state. Co-hosted by a local school leader, each gathering will provide the chance to network with other charter schools from your particular region as well as League staff, learn more about upcoming initiatives for the year, and engage in conversation around common challenges and pressing priorities. Stay tuned for more on this important item.
Events, Trainings, Cohorts and Convenings
And amongst all that, we’re still offering plenty of time to connect with peers, network, and gather together to learn, problem solve, and celebrate achievements. The Equity Convening (sponsored by CDE on 9/29/23), our Leadership Summit (October 9, 2023), the 2024 Advocacy Day (February 1, 2024), and the Annual Conference (February 27-28, 2024) are our major events. But our Learning Communities (cohorts), Networking Groups, and Trainings are in full swing as well. Give a look at each of those on our new website and join us for any and all of them.
Advocacy Never Stops
Continuing to build a stronger, more unified charter school sector remains a steadfast goal of ours, as does enhancing the value of your League membership. Each and every day our Advocacy Team and all those in our organization continue targeted advocacy efforts at the local, state and national levels. We’ll be spending over $2 on advocacy for every $1 in member dues received and our tandem 501(c)(4) CLCS Action will be engaging in key districts around the state in this next school board election. And the legislative session for 2024 is quickly approaching as well and we’re hard at work working on your behalf already.
With all of those efforts and all of the daily effort, what truly makes the League unique is its thriving network of dedicated professionals such as you, who are working to improve public education in Colorado. We hope you enjoy and take advantage of our newly implemented platforms, and our ongoing support through Advocacy and School Services to ensure your ongoing success. Here’s to all of you and every small step we take forward in providing high-quality public charter school options for Colorado students.
How Career & Technical Education Can Position Charter Students for Post-Pandemic Success
By Michael McManus, Career Pathways and School Programs Coordinator, Colorado Charter School Institute
The impact of learning disruptions caused by COVID-19 on schools, teachers, and students has been deep, and time will continue to tell the long-lasting effects those disruptions will have. Since March 2020, anyone engaged with a school has seen the physical, mental, and emotional toll the pandemic has wrought upon our communities. We would like to believe that what we have experienced from this pandemic will be a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence, but our experiences have certainly raised awareness of our vulnerability to be ravaged by another public health crisis. Few subgroups of our population have been as widely impacted by events over the past years as our students, especially those whose focus has been peering over the horizon to see what life had in store after high school.
In our own state, Colorado, the region’s largest children’s hospital declared a “state of emergency” for youth mental health, citing the rise in suicide among school age children and the the chronic stress children are dealing with as factors for this declaration.1 Inside the classroom the impact upon student learning has been equally severe. A recent study from the Brookings showed that test-score gaps between students in low-poverty and high-poverty elementary schools grew by approximately 20% in math and 15% in reading, primarily during the 2020-21 school year. And those gaps increased more between fall 2020 and 2021 than between fall 2019 and 2020.2 Read more.
Crowded Candidate Field Seeking Three DPS Board Seats
From Boardhawk.org | September 5, 2023
Eight candidates and two incumbents are seeking three Denver school board seats for the November 7 election, with the at-large (city-wide) seat looming as the most competitive race.
Four candidates are running for the at-large seat after incumbent Auon’tai Anderson chose not to seek re-election. They are Paul Ballenger, Kwame Spearman, John Youngquist, and Brittni Johnson.
In the other two races, District 1 (southeast Denver) incumbent Scott Baldermann is challenged by Kimberlee Sia and District 5 (northwest Denver) incumbent Charmaine Lindsay is challenged by Marlene De La Rosa, Lacy McDonald and Adam Slutzker.
September 1 was the deadline to file for the Nov. 7 election.
The seven-member board is responsible for strategic planning, student achievement, developing school policies from school choice to student discipline, budget oversight (current annual budget is $1.28 billion), conducting student and employee appeals and adopting the school calendar. The board also hires and fires the superintendent. Read more.
Join Us Oct. 9 at the 2023 Leadership Summit
Our annual Leadership Summit is just five weeks away! Secure your spot now for this one-day event designed to empower and inspire charter school leaders from across Colorado. Hosted at Le Méridian in Downtown Denver this year, it provides a unique opportunity to gather with other school leaders, administrators, board members, and business managers to exchange ideas and gain valuable insights. This year's event promises to be our most impactful yet, featuring nationally renowned thought leaders, provoking breakout sessions, Ed Talks and networking sessions to assist you on your leadership journey. Learn more and register.
Charter Schools are #BestForMe
Next Monday, September 11, the League and the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools will launch their "Best for Me" ad campaign in Colorado, featuring video footage from member charter schools, as well as the staff, families and students who make them run. A special thanks to Westgate Community School and Global Village Academy North for providing the space to support this project. The ads will stream on Hulu, as well as appear on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube through October 29, 2023. Why are charter schools best for you?
Community Accouncements
U.S. - China Pen Pal Program
The US-China Pen Pal Program is looking for schools to partner with for the upcoming academic year! This is a unique initiative aimed at connecting students in the U.S. and China through letter writing. Students who sign up form these two cultures, will foster empathy, promote cross-cultural communication, and instill a sense of global citizenship. For more information or to enroll, please contact [email protected].
Charter Schools Anti-Vaping Webinar
Join the American Heart Association as we explore the vaping crisis and the power of prevention, along with useful tools for schools, parents and students.This webinar will take place on September 12, 2023 at 4 PM ET. Register here. Resources like these are part of the Kids Heart Challenge/American Heart Challenge program which provides students the opportunity to feel good for doing good by raising funds and awareness to help others. The American Heart Association makes it easy to cultivate service-learning in your school and shape the next generation of volunteers.
Colorado Energy Day
On Saturday, Sept. 23 2023 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., hundreds of students and their families will get hands-on experience with robots, monster rocks, a weather center and a pressure house, showcasing how various forms of energy and STEM are applied in real life. Highlighting the importance of energy, conservation, and efficiency in our daily lives, in schools, and in our homes. Colorado Energy Day is held at East High School at 1600 City Park Esplanade. We hope you’ll us on Saturday, Sept. 23. If you have questions, contact Consumer Energy Alliance at [email protected] or 303-916-1002.
Extreme Heat Resources
Due to inclement weather, schools and districts may be asked about extreme heat protocols. Click here to review guidance from the National Weather Service on extreme heat, and to view other school safety and crisis materials from CDE.
The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools Welcomes 10 High School Students to Second Cohort of Rising Leaders
The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools is thrilled to welcome the 2023-2024 class of Rising Leaders, the program’s second cohort. Ten charter high school students were selected from more than 100 applicants to grow their leadership and advocacy skills through intensive programming, team building, and opportunities outside of their school classrooms. Students will receive a year of training and mentorship from policy professionals and various experts. The program was designed to further develop students who have a demonstrated commitment to service, scholarship, and improving their schools and communities. Read the full press release here.
Colorado’s Charter School Family Grows by Five
It is always a joy and privilege to welcome new charter schools into Colorado’s public school landscape! Going into the 20232-243 school year, we are thrilled to celebrate the opening of five new charters around the state. Please join us in welcoming Pleasant View Charter (Southwest Colorado), American Legacy Academy (Windsor), Sky Ranch Academy (Watkins), and two new Ascent Classical campuses (Grand Junction and Brighton). Read about the other schools here.
Cahn Fellowship
Cahn Fellowship provides advanced leadership development and recognition in large metropolitan areas to strong, talented school leaders to improve public education. The best schools are led by strong principals. Cahn Fellowship selects high-potential principals to participate in programs that maximize their talents and enhance their skills. These programs aim to have a dramatic impact on the performance of the school, the outcomes for the students, and the satisfaction and commitment of the principals themselves. Learn More.
Does your school need a GymGuard Vinyl Floor Protector and Storage Rack?
Introducing the GymGuard Vinyl Floor Protector and Storage Rack - your ultimate solution for safeguarding your precious floors from unnecessary wear and tear. Our waterproof and rot-resistant floor covers, designed in a versatile tan color, ensure that your gym area remains pristine and protected. The accompanying storage rack provides both convenience and organization, keeping your covers easily accessible when needed.
For only $500 or best offer, you can secure this indispensable duo to preserve your flooring investment. Act now and get in touch with David Boyd at Aspen View Academy for additional information and photos. Contact David at [email protected] or call 720-733-3436 to seize this opportunity and ensure your gym's longevity.
Teaching Dr. King as an Antidote to Violence
Developed by Dr. Shawn Joseph and Dr. Matthew Daniels and endorsed by Ambassador Andrew Young, MLK curricula employs the works of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to teach his unifying, non-violent principles to a digital generation. Also calling upon students to dream on paper as a central project of the course about how they can harness the historically unprecedented power of digital and social media to be torchbearers for these timeless principles in the Digital Age. To learn more about how McGraw Hill Education has incorporated these practices, view their and watch how McGraw Hill and MLK Holiday Commission celebrate new scholarship opportunities here.
Youth Guidance Evolve Program
Youth Guidance’s Evolve program is a Tier 2 Educator social-emotional learning (SEL) program designed to cultivate a culture of support and trauma-informed engagement by delivering training and resources to school-based staff to implement the most effective components of the organization’s most renowned programs – Becoming a Man (BAM) & Working on Womanhood (WOW). The Evolve program model creates the space for youth to thrive in a school ecosystem of supportive, emotionally attuned, and culturally competent adults. The Evolve Model meets the urgent need by bridging the therapeutic principles used to support youth growth and development in a mixed-gendered environment, with relatable engagement formats delivered by trusted school leaders, professional development opportunities, unlimited access to the Evolve Curriculum and youth engagement resources through an online learning community--known as "Evolve Central." Learn more.
Learning Opportunities
TAPP Seeks partners to expand in Colorado
TAPP Online is a five-year study that aims to identify the most effective way to prepare school specialists to implement the Teachers and Parents as Partners (TAPP) intervention in rural communities, while creating family-school partnerships to improve student success.
Our research team is leveraging virtual professional development to bring TAPP to rural communities. Our goals are to support school specialists as they deliver TAPP and promote positive school outcomes for students they serve. Teachers and parents enrolled in the study will be paid for their participation.
For more information and to learn how to get started, please contact Laura Escobedo or Kate Watson.
Charter School Capitol Updated Resources
Charter School Capital broad library of charter school resources aims to provide the information charter leaders need to help their schools thrive! A plethora of resources has recently been updated or created for your use. Each of which have tips, strategies and guides on a range of topics. Check out all of the new material:
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The Charter School Board Governance Guide: Recruit and Manage Your Board
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The Charter School Audits Guide: Preparing for the Annual Audit
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The Charter School Facilities Financing Guide: Buy Your School
CDE Updates
CCSP Start-Up Grant Competition
The Schools of Choice (SOC) Unit at the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) is conducting the 2023 Colorado Charter School Program (CCSP) Start-up Grant Competition and is in need of a number of substantial volunteers with experience in charter schools to read and review grant applications. This program provides grant funds and technical assistance for up to 4-years to new and expanding charter schools across all of Colorado. To learn more information about the CCSP Grant and upcoming competition, see the attached flier, visit http://www.cde.state.co.us/cdechart/grantprograms and/or send inquiries via email to [email protected].
Regional Accountability support tour – In-person training, work sessions and consultation
Beginning next week, CDE's School Improvement and Planning team will offer in-person sessions to support district and school leaders with accountability and improvement planning efforts. Participants can select from multiple session options, including options for work time with available consultation of CDE staff. Click here for training dates, location and registration links.
Insufficient State Data Ratings Webinar
Join this webinar for an explanation of the Insufficient State Data or ISD rating definition and description in the performance frameworks, and provide general considerations for improvement planning. Register here to join the webinar at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 8.
Grants Administration Implementation and Navigation System (GAINS) Trainings
The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) is excited to launch our first department-wide, grants management system in the fall of 2023. This new system, the Grants Administration Implementation and Navigation System (GAINS), will streamline and consolidate multiple application systems and processes into a single location and system.
In preparation and support for the launch and transition, CDE, in collaboration with the system vendor, will be hosting a series of in-person trainings for Local Education Agencies (LEAs)/Local Educational Providers (LEPs), and post a recording of one virtual training. Attendees will receive hands-on training and resources on how to access, login, and navigate funding applications in GAINS. These trainings are open to district or school staff involved with accessing, writing, submitting, reviewing, approving, or managing Colorado state and federal grants administered by the CDE.
This training is the first of several that aims to provide LEAs with the necessary tools and knowledge to support the grant application process. The focus will be on the following key areas:
- General Navigation
- Applications for Funding
- Reimbursement Requests
- Checklist, History Log, and Comments
CDE is committed to providing system training to all potential applicants and system users and will announce future opportunities as individual grant applications open and upon request. Register and find a location near you.
Proposed Changes to Public School Finance Rules
The Colorado Department of Education's School Finance Unit is currently seeking feedback on proposed changes to the Public School Finance Act (PSFA) rules and will continue collecting feedback through mid-August. Your perspectives and ideas will play a vital role in creating a fair and effective PSFA framework that benefits our schools and students. You can find the proposed rule changes linked below. The Department has recently been in conversations with the State Board of Education to explore making revisions to the Public School Finance Act (PSFA) rules (1 CCR 301-39) to modernize the rules to reflect the educational delivery system of today and make some technical updates/changes. Your early participation is critical in influencing the decision-making process. After this initial feedback phase, the State Board of Education will announce a formal rulemaking process, which will afford additional opportunities for input. This is an excellent opportunity to have your voice heard and contribute to shaping the future of public school financing in Colorado. Please respond below.
- To review the proposed draft edits to the School Finance rules: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WHiUICSxbpBq9TCNft_xGtz-v9f7r0DE/view?usp=drive_link
- To provide feedback on the draft edits through the feedback survey by mid-August: https://forms.gle/pNqwp5u3EYrbfCLU8
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to the CDE team below:
- Questions about the full rules – Amy Carman, Executive Director of School Finance and Grants, CDE
- Questions about the Blended Learning Initiative – Mallorie Klemm, Blended Learning Sr. Consultant, CDE
League News & Events
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Top News
Local
Five candidates will be on the ballot for Aurora’s school board election this November
Chalkbeat | September 6, 2023
Five candidates have qualified to run for three open seats on the Aurora school board, at a time when the district is in the midst of a leadership change and is grappling with low state ratings. Read more.
Fired McAuliffe principal Kurt Dennis sues Denver Public Schools, alleging retaliation
Chalkbeat | September 5, 2023
Kurt Dennis, who was fired in July from his job as principal of McAuliffe International School, sued Denver Public Schools, Superintendent Alex Marrero, and six of the seven Denver school board members in federal court Tuesday. Read more.
Commissioner: Adams 14 school district doesn’t have to reorganize
Chalkbeat | September 1, 2023
Accepting a committee recommendation submitted in August, Colorado Education Commissioner Susana Córdova has released the school district from a State Board of Education order that it reorganize — a process that could have led to school closures or seen parts of the district absorbed by neighboring districts. Read more.
For educators, the day before the first day of school has rituals all its own
Chalkbeat | September 1, 2023
We are lucky to work in an environment where there is such a clear beginning, middle, and end of every year of work. Read more.
National
Schools fine-tune services to address influx of migrant students
K-12Dive | September 6, 2023
As hundreds of thousands of migrant students enroll in U.S. schools annually, districts are responding in a variety of ways to help welcome students to schools, as well as support their academic and social needs once they are enrolled. Read more.
Food Trucks and Cooking Demos Spark School Meal Excitement For Detroit Students
The 74 | September 6, 2023
From the time she started Detroit public schools, 12th grader Allison Woodard was served budget “struggle meals” — with cafeteria workers counting each grape a student received. Read more.
Exclusive: Phonics? Learning Styles? Teachers Confounded by Education Research May Soon Turn to New AI Chatbots for Help
The 74 | September 6, 2023
As students across the U.S. enter their first full school year with access to powerful AI tools like ChatGPT and Bard, many educators remain skeptical of their usefulness — and preoccupied with their potential to help kids cheat. Read more.
Schools Struggle to Properly Count Native Students. Some States Want Them to Try Harder
EdWeek | September 5, 2023
For decades, thousands of Native American students nationwide have been overlooked or miscategorized in enrollment and academic performance data, thanks to data collection design flaws that often leads to Native students being lumped in with other demographic groups or erased altogether. Read more.
Schools are cutting recovery programs as U.S. aid money dries up. Students are still struggling.
Chalkbeat | September 5, 2023
Davion Williams wants to go to college. A counselor at his Detroit charter school last year helped him visualize that goal, but he knows he’ll need more help to navigate the application process. Read more.
The public is souring on American education, but parents still give own child’s school high marks
Chalkbeat | September 5, 2023
There remains a startling disconnect between the public’s perception of American schools versus parents’ views of their own child’s education, according to the latest polling data from Gallup. Read more.
Talking Points: Education spending increases as test scores continue to lag post-pandemic
CBS News | September 3, 2023
Thousands of Minnesota kids are already back in school and the rest will be going back on Tuesday. This is a critical time for Minnesota's K-12 education system. Test scores are still down from before the pandemic, and the legislature approved record funding for K-12 education. Read more.
Back-to-school season is an exciting, exhausting, and anxious time, even for veteran teachers like me
Chalkbeat | September 1, 2023
The question for all but the strongest, most charismatic teaching personalities: How do you want to come across to your new students? Read more.
A Four-Day School Week? Here Are the Costs and Benefits
Rand Review | August 31, 2023
In recent years, hundreds of small school districts like Athens have cut one day a week from their school calendars. Read more.
Health & Wellness
Back-to-school with Healthy School Meals for All (HSMA)
Colorado is one of the few states in the nation to serve free breakfast and lunch to all students at districts participating in the Healthy School Meals for All program. Meal participation is expected to increase under HSMA and we are excited to see how the program grows this year.
Sponsors must complete their program application in the Child Nutrition Portal no later than Friday, Sept. 15. Flexibilities allowed under the Keep Kids Fed Act expired on June 30 and are no longer available to sponsors. To prepare for the school year, access these trainings and resources:
- The back-to-school checklist outlines key requirements and tools for a smooth start to the school year.
- View the HSMA FAQ.
For questions or support, reach out to your school nutrition point of contact. For questions or more information about Healthy School Meals for All, contact Jenny Herman at [email protected] or 720-812-3119.
The Colorado Health Foundation
Oct. 15, 2023 Grant Deadline
- Advancing Advocacy and Justice with Communities of Color
- Building a Pipeline of Primary Care Providers to Serve Diverse Communities
Feb. 15, 2024 Grant Deadline
- Building a Pipeline of Primary Care Providers to Serve Diverse Communities
- Capital Infrastructure - Increasing Access to Care for Coloradans of Color
- Equitable Community-Designed Outdoor Spaces
- Supporting Coloradans in Recovery through Nonclinical Programs
- Supporting Holistic, Culturally Responsive and Youth- Driven Physical Well-being
Jobs
| Charter School Job listings |
Recent League Newsletters
- ACT (August 17, 2023)
- NEWS (September 1, 2023))
- MOVE (August 18, 2023)
- LEGISLATIVE UPDATE (May 8, 2023)
- CONNECT COHORT (September 7, 2023)
Upcoming TrainingsThe League provides a variety of quality professional development opportunities for member schools. |
Our MarketplaceVendors and partners are ready to support our membership. Check out options across all categories. |
Health & WellnessThe Healthy Schools Hub: Join the League at a new One-Stop Location for Health & Wellness Resources. |
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