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Nominate your HS students for the annual Charter Champions award (learn more and nominate). And join us TODAY for our bi-monthly Town Hall starting at 9 AM. Login to our site with your email, and use "forgot email" the first time you login to register. Once registered your "My Events" page has the zoom link or click here.
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
Unpopular DPS board further walls itself off from the public
Boardhawk | September 13, 2023
It is sadly predictable that in the same week a bipartisan poll of likely voters showed widespread disaffection with the Denver school board, that same board decided to severely curtail the public’s one monthly opportunity to provide it with in-person feedback. Read more.
Loveland Classical prioritizes “human aspect” of learning in response to artificial intelligence
Denver 7 | September 14, 2023
LOVELAND, Colo. — When ChatGPT entered the artificial intelligence market in November 2022, there were immediate concerns about how it would be used to cheat in educational settings. The technology has performed everything from writing essays to passing college entrance exams. Read more.
Colorado universal preschool standards set low bar, experts say
Chalkbeat | September 13, 2023
Colorado’s proposed rules on preschool quality set a low bar, could hurt kids, and threaten to leave the state with one of the nation’s weakest public preschool programs, some experts say. Read more.
Mountain Middle School experiences high test results after expanding grades
DH News | September 12, 2023
One year after expanding to offer fourth and fifth grade classes, Mountain Middle School students recently earned the school’s highest-ever results for Colorado Measures of Academic Success testing. Read more.
Denver school board wants public feedback on proposed school closure, declining enrollment policies
Chalkbeat | September 11, 2023
Rather than closing schools with enrollment below a set number of students, the Denver school board is considering a new approach. Read more.
How discipline is supposed to work in Denver Public Schools
Boardhawk | September 11, 2023
The fallout from Denver Public Schools firing McAuliffe International School Principal Kurt Dennis continues to ripple across the district, raising important questions over what student discipline is appropriate versus what is excessive. Read more.
Bill Kurtz will step down as CEO of Denver’s DSST charter school network after 20 years
Chalkbeat | September 8, 2023
Bill Kurtz, the CEO of Denver’s largest charter school network, announced Friday that he will leave DSST after 20 years with the organization. Read more.
National
Trump wants to close the Department of Education, joining calls by GOP rivals
CNN Politics | September 13, 2023
Former President Donald Trump said Wednesday he wants to close the Department of Education and have state governments “run the education of our children,” pushing for a long-held Republican goal that has been endorsed by several other 2024 GOP candidates. Read more.
‘Time is Running Out’: COVID-19 Set Back Older Students the Most, Study Finds
The 74 | September 13, 2023
Middle- and high-school students, who have the least time to catch up before they leave the K-12 system, may be suffering the most as schools emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, warns a new report released Wednesday. Read more.
New Data: School Shootings Surge to a Record High — Two Years in a Row
The 74 | September 13, 2023
Despite heightened concerns about campus safety since the pandemic, in many ways America’s public schools are safer today than they were a decade ago, federal campus crime data released Wednesday reveal. Read more.
The ESSER fiscal cliff will have serious implications for student equity
Brookings | September 12, 2023
When the nation’s schools closed to in-person learning, there was little warning and no precedent that could accurately predict the effects. Read more.
A Majority of New Teachers Aren’t Prepared to Teach With Technology. What’s the Fix?
EdWeek | September 12, 2023
Think all incoming teachers have a natural facility with technology just because most are digital natives? Think again. Read more.
Community Annoucments
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.
Charter School Insider Podcast featuring Bill Knous [League Director of Charter School Growth]
Welcome to "Charter School Insider: Lessons from the Nation's Top Charter School Operators" the only podcast dedicated to the ‘behind-the-scenes” business of running a successful charter school. Listen as they sit down with charter school leader, Bill Knous who shares how they are overcoming the biggest operational hurdles facing schools today. Each episode will leave you with unique insights and tactical strategies that you can implement at your school. Enjoy the show! Listen both here and on Spotify.
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.
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 2023-2024 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.
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
Register for the free CDE Equity and Excellence Conference
Registration for the 2023 Equity and Excellence Conference is open. The free Equity and Excellence Conference, titled “Strengthening and Expanding Practices: All Students and All Educators Emerging Stronger,” will convene Nov. 1-2. The goal is for attendees from diverse professional backgrounds to strengthen and share ideas, strategies and plans for how to improve best first instruction through evidence-based and best practices.
Find out more on the Equity and Excellence Conference webpage.
League News & Events
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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
Menstrual Hygiene Products Accessibility grant program applications open
Eligible local education providers can apply for the Menstrual Hygiene Products Accessibility Grant, which was created to provide menstrual hygiene products at no expense to students and make products accessible to students regardless of their gender identity. Approximately $100,000 is available to award for the 2023-24 school year, and awards are anticipated to be between $1,000 and $5,000. Funding can be used to acquire and distribute menstrual hygiene products at no expense to students and install and maintain dispensing machines and disposal receptacles for menstrual hygiene products. An informative webinar is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct 10. This program is open to Colorado educational providers who serve 50% or more students eligible for free or reduced-cost lunch. Review the program website and Request for Applications for more information.
School Nurse Professional Development grant application available
The School Nurse Professional Development grant, funded through CDC’s COVID-19 Public Health Workforce Supplemental Funding, will support local education providers in their efforts to provide professional development opportunities for school nurses that increase current school nurse capacity and/or retain qualified school nurses. Allowable expenses include:
- School nursing professional development tuition and registration fees.
- Travel expenses to attend school nursing professional development events, including lodging, per diem and mileage reimbursement.
- School nursing professional development speaker and/or facilitator fees.
- School nurse-related publications, such as reference texts.
- School nursing professional dues
- School nursing licensing renewal fees.
Approximately $100,000 is available for the 2023-24 school year. Awards will likely range from $1,000 to $5,000, based on the amount of funding requested and the number of applications received. See the Request for Applications on the program webpage for more details.
Jobs
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| Careers |
Recent League Newsletters
- ACT (August 17, 2023)
- NEWS (September 1, 2023))
- MOVE (September 8, 2023)
- LEGISLATIVE UPDATE (May 8, 2023)
- CONNECT COHORT (September 7, 2023)
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