 Welcome to the NEWS for October 18, 2024 Today is the deadline to nominate your school’s Charter Champion. Give a student the recognition they deserve and an opportunity they’ll remember! It’s also the final day to give the State Board of Education feedback on revisions to health, mathematics, reading, writing and science standards. Our annual Finance Seminar for heads of operations, school leaders, and governing board members happens Oct. 29 at the Adams 12 Conference Center — join for free; lunch is on us! Come January, Denver Families for Public Schools and RootED Denver will merge. Plus James Irwin gets a jeep, Adams 14 seeks new funding and what a Harris presidency might mean. We want to know what’s happening in your community! Share your campus news with us by 12 PM each Thursday for inclusion in the NEWS.   El Paso County donates Jeep to Colorado Springs skilled trade school
The Gazette | Oct. 16
On Wednesday, El Paso County Public Works presented Power Technical charter school — a James Irwin Charter School located in east Colorado Springs — with a gift that officials say will give its students an invaluable opportunity for hands-on instruction.  This Denver advocacy group says it’s ‘ready to put the education wars of the past in the past’
Chalkbeat Colorado | Oct. 16
On a hot summer day, Darlenne Guerra Arevalo knocked on doors in southwest Denver. She had an armful of fliers, a small digital tablet with addresses, and a spiel. Houston ISD superintendent didn’t illegally funnel state money to out-of-state schools, TEA says
The Gilmer Mirror | Oct. 16
The Texas Education Agency has cleared acting Houston school district Superintendent Mike Miles of wrongdoing after he was accused of improperly diverting millions of dollars in state funds to his Colorado charter school system.  SHIFT Chronicles: What makes a quality school?
Boardhawk | Oct. 10
“What makes a quality school?” As a junior now doing online school, I’ve definitely seen my fair share.  Grade inflation: Why it matters and how to stop it
Thomas Fordham University | Oct. 17
Grade inflation influences the environment in which teachers teach and students study, shaping their behavior and relationships.  What would a Harris presidency mean for education? Nobody knows, but we can hope for a return to ed reform.
Thomas Fordham Institute | Oct. 17
Predicting the future is often compared to reading tea leaves. In the case of forecasting what education policies Vice President Kamala Harris might pursue as president, though, a more apt analogy might be reading her mind. Q&A: Katy Knight’s Quest to Fund Ed Tech’s ‘Deeply Unsexy Things’
The 74 | Oct. 16
Over the past year and a half, Katy Knight has been on a quiet quest to uncover good education-related tech tools, often powered by artificial intelligence.  GOP Groups Funnel Millions into State Races to Defeat Critics of Education Savings Accounts. Their Target: Republicans
The 74 | Oct. 15
Supporters say the cash is necessary to offset the ‘humongously large coffers’ of teachers unions. But is it fueling a Democratic backlash? White House Plan Yields 323K Tutors, Mentors to Aid COVID Learning Recovery
The 74 | Oct. 10
The response topped a goal for 250,000 — 9 months early — but the effort’s future depends ‘100% on the election,’ one leader said.    Denver Families for Public Schools and RootED Denver to Merge
Beginning in January 2025, the combined organization will continue under the name Denver Families for Public Schools. “Together, we will build on our collective strengths to deepen our commitment to ensuring high-quality public schools that serve all families in Denver. Our decision to unite is rooted in a history of shared work and vision for public education in Denver.”
GET INVOLVED
Nominate a Student Charter Champion
This four-month advocacy training program 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 today, October 18.  Attend a Regional Gathering
Our Regional Gatherings bring together charter leaders from across the state to connect with peers, engage with League staff, and discuss state-level and policy efforts. Drinks and appetizers are on us. Join one or sign up for multiple to strengthen your connections. Join a Learning Community
Take your professional growth up a notch with our lineup of ten specialized Learning Communities and three training events designed to enhance your skills and strengthen the charter school community. From cohorts tailored for board chairs, marketing professionals, school founders, and more 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!
GRANTS & RESOURCES
Healthy Smartphone Use
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. For questions, contact [email protected].  Open Education Resources (OER)
OERColorado provides free PK-12+ learning materials to Colorado educators. 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.
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
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.
CDE UPDATES
 Building Excellent Schools Today (BEST) Grant Application Deadlines
December 15, 2024: Deadline for all potential applicants to notify CDE of their intent to apply for a BEST grant in the upcoming FY2025-26 grant round. New this year, only those who complete the notice of intent by the deadline will be able to apply. Please complete the Intent to Apply form. January 2025: Required match percentages will be posted.
January 8, 2025: Application will open.
February 10, 2025: Application will close at 4 p.m.
March-April, 2025: Staff will review grants and work with applicants to finalize applications.
May 13-15, 2025: The Capital Construction Assistance Board will hear applicant presentations, review applications, and create a prioritized list of projects.
No later than June 20, 2025: The State Board of Education will meet to review and vote on the prioritized list.
No later than July 15, 2025: The Capital Development Committee will meet to review and vote on those projects recommended for financing through lease-purchase agreements. Submit Your Charter School Capital Construction Report
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. 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. 
| 29 October 2024 |
| Annual Finance Seminar |
| A yearly convening for heads of business operations, school leaders, and governing board members. |
| Adams 12 Conference Center |
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| 15 November 2024 |
| Town Hall November 2024 |
| A virtual meeting for the charter school community featuring timely topics. |
| Town Hall |
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| 27 – 28 February 2025 |
| Annual Conference 2025 |
| Join us for the 2025 Colorado Charter Schools Annual Conference, where innovation meets inspiration for educators, administrators, and stakeholders. Explore cutting-edge strategies, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and connect with visionaries shaping the future of education. Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your educational journey—register now! |
| Major events |
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| Safe Routes to School Funding Opportunity |
| The Colorado Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Fiscal Year 2025 grant application is now open, offering approximately $7M for infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects to enhance safe transportation for students, including high school programs. Applications are due by noon on November 4, 2024, with funding for infrastructure projects increasing to $1M; eligible applicants include political subdivisions of the state. For more information, visit the CDOT Safe Routes to School website. |
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| Girls Movement Program |
| The Girls Movement is a new FREE program powered by Marathon Kids that is dedicated to empowering girls through running. Qualifying schools may receive a grant-funded Coach Empowerment Kit which includes a coach stipend! The awarding cycle for the Coach Empowerment Kit starts on July 31st, so sign up to join the interest list today. |
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| CDE Distinguished Speakers Series (Free) |
| CDE is excited to bring back the wildly popular Distinguished Speakers Series to help you be highly effective and inspired in the work you do each day. Join us this Fall & Spring for an amazing virtual line up of some of the country’s leading voices. |
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  SUBSCRIBE NOW TO OUR NEW CHARTER SENSE NEWSLETTER ON LINKEDIN ACT (September 18, 2024) NEWS (October 4, 2024) MOVE (October 11, 2024) LEGISLATIVE UPDATE (October 17, 2024) CONNECT COHORT (September 26, 2024)
| The League provides a variety of quality professional development opportunities for member schools. |
Vendors and partners are ready to support our membership. Check out options across all categories. |
The League's ACT Network mobilizes charter school communities to strengthen and support schools statewide. |
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