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If your campus has an update to share, please submit it to us by 12 PM each Thursday.
News & Commentary
Top News
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Local
Douglas County schools president to resign but is poised to participate in crucial vote
Colorado Newsline | November 27, 2023
Douglas County school board president Mike Peterson told the current board members in an email last week that he plans to step down from his position “due to a combination of professional and private concerns.” Read more.
A breath of fresh air: Here are some quick wins for new Denver school board
Boardhawk | November 27, 2023
When Denver’s three new school board members are sworn in at 8 a.m. Friday morning Dec. 1, they will have an opportunity to deliver some quick wins to demonstrate to a disgruntled public that the board’s way of doing business will fundamentally change going forward. Read more.
How many missed days of school are too many? Here’s what you need to know about attendance.
Chalkbeat | November 21, 2023
You might have seen recent headlines about the growing number of kids missing school. Read more.
Homework is traumatic: The problem with “mental health”
Boardhawk | November 21, 2023
When I pass the front office in a low-performing middle school, I hear the walls shake. A father is in the conference room, screaming at an administrator. “Why wasn’t I told that my daughter was in therapy?” Read more.
Denver school board votes to increase pay to $33,000 a year for new members
Chalkbeat | November 17, 2023
Three newly elected Denver school board members will be eligible for $33,000 in pay per year, after the current board voted 6-1 Thursday to quadruple members’ compensation. Read more.
National
Night of the Living Ed: Zombie Public Schools, Drained of Pandemic Lifeblood, Haunt the Land
Magnolia Tribune | November 28, 2023
A significant but unknown number of public schools across the U.S., particularly in big cities, have lost so many students in the last half-decade that many of their classrooms sit empty. Gone is the loud clatter of students bursting through crowded hallways and slamming lockers. Read more.
Charters Yield More Learning, Higher Earnings than District Schools Per $1 Spent
The 74 | November 27, 2023
Public schools are about to face a heap of fiscal challenges. With billions of dollars of federal COVID relief about to run out, student enrollment dropping and pension obligations skyrocketing, there are tough choices ahead for districts. Read more.
Why a New Brand of Cyberattack on Las Vegas Schools Should Worry Everyone
The 74 | November 8, 2023
It was a Thursday morning when Brandi Hecht, a mother of three from Las Vegas, woke up to an alarming email from a student in another state whom she’d never met. Read more.
Banning Smartphones at Schools: Research Points to Higher Test Scores, Less Anxiety, More Exercise
The 74 | October 11, 2023
The international debate over technology and youth was jolted last week by a surprising announcement: Schools in the United Kingdom will soon ban the use of cell phones. Read more.
Community Announcements
Learning Opportunities
Nominate Now: The Colorado League of Charter Schools' 2024 Hall of Fame Celebrates Outstanding Leaders in Education
Nominate outstanding school leaders for The Colorado League of Charter Schools' Hall of Fame, a yearly celebration recognizing members, leaders, and supporters of the charter school movement. Commencing on November 8, 2023, nominations for the 2024 Hall of Fame will be accepted until December 15, 2023. The Finalists will be revealed in January 2024, leading up to the grand award ceremony on February 26, 2024, at 6:30 PM during the opening night of the 2024 Annual Conference. Join us in spotlighting those who make significant contributions to the charter community in Colorado. Your nominations play a crucial role in honoring excellence and fostering a sense of community within the charter school movement. Nominate someone today!
Mark Your Calendar for the 2023 Virtual Fiduciary Training Bootcamp
Don't miss the 2023 Virtual Fiduciary Training Bootcamp on December 6th, from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm! Hosted by HUB-RPW, this event, presented in a Ted Talk format, covers crucial topics such as "What It Means To Be A Group Health Plan Fiduciary" and "ERISA Fiduciaries Plan Investments EBSA Enforcement Initiatives." An ERISA Attorney will share insights on avoiding fiduciary lawsuits, and discussions will include the significance of Financial Wellness Programs and the convergence of Healthcare and Retirement. Ideal for Plan Administrators, Human Resources, CFOs, and CEOs, attendees will gain valuable takeaways for workforce development, and strategic total rewards programs, and earn 3 hours of SHRM and HRCI CE Credits for attending the full Bootcamp. Register now for this essential training opportunity!
INCubatoredu Webinar Series by Uncharted Learning
Uncharted Learning invites you to a transformative webinar series featuring alumni panels sharing their experiences with high school entrepreneurship through INCubatoredu. Over the next two months, join three dynamic sessions to hear directly from students whose lives were shaped by this program. Discover how INCubatoredu prepared them for college success and propelled them into thriving careers. Engage in interactive discussions, pose your burning questions during Q&A sessions, and be inspired by real-world success stories. Save the dates, register now, and unlock the entrepreneurial journey with Uncharted Learning!
- Wed. 12/6, 1pm MT: https://bit.ly/3GgKZ7J
- Thurs. 1/11, 3pm MT: https://bit.ly/3GjfVUH
- Wed. 1/31, 10am MT: https://bit.ly/46AEszt
Technical Advisory Panel (TAP): Rural Representative Membership Opportunity
CDE seeks one rural representative to serve on the TAP for Longitudinal Growth, an advisory body to CDE regarding the Colorado Growth Model and the Educational Accountability Act. Applicants must represent a rural community and demonstrate expertise with educational assessment, growth (including the Colorado growth model), research, and accountability. Apply by Dec. 4.
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. To get started, please contact Laura Escobedo or Kate Watson.
Volunteers Needed for 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. Learn more.
Professional Learning & Exploration Program with Educational Tours
Join fellow district leaders from around the country in Japan and South Korea during July ‘24 to build global competency, explore educational innovation, connect with community and take part in professional networking in an international setting. Scholarships are available - applications are due by January 19, 2024. Apply here. For more information reach out to Heather Keeton.
Boosting Student and Staff Mental Health: What Schools Can Do
Join on Thursday, December 7, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET for a virtual exploration of successful school initiatives addressing the surge in mental health needs. Delve into the latest research on how this crisis affects teachers and students, and gain insights from experts on prioritizing wellness. Engage in real-time discussions with colleagues nationwide, focusing on diverse approaches to managing cellphones on campus and their impact on students' mental health. Your invitation to this vital conversation awaits—don't miss out!
Enrichment
Youth Guidance Evolve: A Tier 2 SEL Initiative
Youth Guidance's Evolve program is a Tier 2 Educator SEL initiative, merging the best elements of BAM & WOW programs. It empowers school staff with training and resources for trauma-informed support, fostering a nurturing, culturally sensitive environment. The Evolve Model fills a crucial gap, blending therapeutic principles for youth development in a co-ed setting with engaging, trusted leadership. Accessible through "Evolve Central," it offers professional development, unlimited curriculum access, and a vibrant online community. Thrive in a supportive school ecosystem with Evolve. Learn more.
Funding Opportunities
Accelerated Exam Fee Program now open
The Accelerated College Opportunity Exam Fee Grant Program provides funds to high schools to pay all or a portion of AP and IB exam fees on behalf of eligible students. Applications are due Friday, Jan. 12.
For more information contact Marina Estrada Kokotovic at [email protected] or 303-866-6267.
Applications Open for FY24 CSP Grants
The U.S. Department of Education has published the Notice Inviting Applications (NIA) for the Fiscal Year 2024 Charter Schools Program (CSP) Grants to Charter Management Organizations for the Replication and Expansion of High-Quality Charter Schools (CMO Grants) competition. Applications are due January 5, 2024. The NIA can be accessed in the Federal Register here. The competition website can be accessed 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.
2023-24 Local Food Program Grantees
The list of School Food Authorities participating in the 2023-24 pilot year of the Local Food Program is available on the Reimbursement and Funding Nutrition webpage. Approximately $500,000 was awarded to the sponsors for the purchase of Colorado grown, raised, processed and value-added products. The goal of this program is to help bolster farm to school activities and support Colorado producers, farmers and ranchers.
Free crisis services available through Colorado Crisis Services
Colorado Crisis Services provides free, confidential and immediate support from trained professionals and peer specialists. Help is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by calling 844-493-TALK(8255), or texting TALK to 38255. Colorado residents can also seek services in-person at walk-in centers, regardless of ability to pay. To get help with a mental health, substance use or emotional concern—for you, or for someone you know visit the Colorado Crisis Services website.
CDE Updates
Innovative Learning Opportunities Pilot Program Intent to Apply deadline next week
The Innovative Learning Opportunities Pilot Program supports a variety of learning experiences that usually occur outside of the classroom. Schools interested in participating during the 2024-25 school year should complete the Intent to Apply form by Wednesday, Dec. 6. The ILOP Application process webpage has more detailed information about the application process.
TLCC Survey - Update headcount by Friday, Dec. 1
The 2024 Teaching and Learning Conditions Colorado survey, set to launch on Wednesday, Jan. 24, is a vital anonymous online assessment for all school-based educators and professionals. In November, the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) emailed estimated headcount numbers derived from the 2022-23 Human Resources Collection, requiring districts to confirm these figures by Friday, Dec. 1. Accuracy is crucial as schools and districts need at least 50% participation to access their data, and any discrepancies could impact the timely retrieval of TLCC survey results. Ensure your institution's active involvement for valuable insights into teaching and learning conditions.
Colorado Special Education Advisory Committee openings
CSEAC has openings for new members who are interested in the quality of education received by children and youth with disabilities. CSEAC is a state-level committee mandated by federal and state law that includes parents of individuals with disabilities, educational service providers, administrators and representatives from a variety of related agencies. The committee is statewide and representative of diverse disabilities. Click here to view the application and current list of vacancies on the CSEAC website.
Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching Awards nominations and applications open
PAEMST Awards are the highest honors the U.S. government bestows upon kindergarten through sixth grade teachers of science, technology, engineering, mathematics and/or computer science. Principals, teachers, parents, students and members of the general public may nominate exceptional Colorado STEM teachers who teach grades K-6 for the 2023-24 award year. Eligible teachers may also apply directly on the PAEMST website.
Important Update on 2024 Framework Targets and Measures
Wishing you the best as you sprint towards maximizing instruction before the holiday break! A quick update on the 2024 framework targets and new measures: the state board has decided to maintain consistency in the 2024 Target Methodology, reintroduce Science Achievement, delay the On Track Growth indicator, and defer PWR Higher Bar measures for further study. Your valuable feedback and the Technical Advisory Panel's expert recommendations played a crucial role in these decisions. Look out for more updates in December, including finalizations of 2023 plan types and accreditation contracts.
The Office of Online & Blended Learning is hiring!
The position will support our office with data analysis and reporting in relation to online school & programs and blended learning practices in Colorado and will also serve as the office lead in the development, planning, and facilitation of professional learning opportunities, resource development for online schools/programs & blended learning, and educational technology trends and practices. You can find more information about the opportunity here about the Online & Blended Learning Data Analysis and Professional Learning Senior Consultant position here. If you know of any great candidates for the position, please share the announcement. The posting is scheduled to close on November 23rd. For more information, please reach out to Renee Martinez, Supervisor, CDE Office of Blended and Online Learning, [email protected].
League News & Events
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Health & Wellness
The Colorado Health Foundation
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
Health Equity
Check out the Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC)’s 90-minute recording of Equitable Language and Why it Matters.
School Health Professionals play a vital role in student health! Enroll in the Health Equity Online Module, a 2.5-hour, self-paced online course from the Rocky Mountain Public Health Training Center. The course is free and meant for those who are serious about walking their health equity talk but aren’t quite sure how to get started.
Jobs
| Careers |
Recent League Newsletters
- ACT (November 1, 2023)
- NEWS (November 17, 2023)
- MOVE (November 10, 2023)
- LEGISLATIVE UPDATE (November 30, 2023)
- CONNECT COHORT (October 27, 2023)
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| © 2023 Colorado League of Charter Schools |