Welcome back, Christy!

We hope the past few months of summer have given you all healthy space to breathe. Our team is thrilled to kick off the 2025–2026 school year with you and our growing CONNECT Learning Community — a space designed specifically for marketing, communications, and engagement leaders in Colorado’s public charter schools.

This isn’t just another group or another meeting. CONNECT is a dynamic community where you can share ideas, tackle real challenges, and walk away with practical strategies that help you build enrollment, strengthen communications, and elevate your school’s unique story.

In an era of declining enrollment, strategy is more important than ever. Whether you are a seasoned pro or new to the game, you’ve found your people.

🧭 What’s new?

More opportunities to engage: It’s you who make this community great, so this year, we’re turning up the energy, with more chances to learn from and connect with each other. 

We’re counting on you to jump into discussion posts, share insights, and support each other. The more you engage, the more points you earn, and the closer you get to fun incentives. Let’s learn, lead, and level up — together.

Open discussion forums: This year, following the guest presentation at each of our virtual meetings, we will end the recording and open up the floor for you to address current challenges, exchange ideas, and brainstorm solutions in a safe, confidential environment.

We’ve brought CONNECT fully in-house. This year’s CONNECT group is co-lead by Melia Nuñez, Associate Director of Communications and Kim Daly, Communications Consultant, with support from the fabulous Nora Dooling. Big shoutout to Christy Slavin and Hive Digital Minds for the foundational support they have provided over the years; we wouldn't be here with out them!

✨ Four ways to jump in 

1. Join the online community
If you aren’t already a member, log in to the League’s website, head to My Groups > CONNECT Learning Community, and click “Join Group.” There, you’ll find Zoom links, meeting dates, and a growing library of resources.

2. Update your profile
Once logged in, go to My Account > Edit Details. Ensure your contact information is up to date. Under Contact Preference, toggle ON your email communication preference, and confirm that CONNECT is checked for at least one of the emails you’d like to receive.

3. Save the dates
From building trust to developing a sibling referral campaign, we’re bringing in topics and speakers from whom we can all learn. Except for two special in-person events at the Leadership Summit and Annual Conference, all meetings are virtual.

4. Bring a friend
Know another charter leader who’s juggling comms and enrollment? Forward this email or have them reach out to us. CONNECT is always free.

🗓️ First Meetup

Sept. 11 | 12–1 PM
Lunch + Learn: Building trust through transparency
With guest speaker Jerry Gallagher from the Donovan Group

Realistically, many in your community only experience school buildings through sports or concert performances, missing the incredible learning happening in classrooms daily. Without clear communication about student achievements and educational initiatives, a vacuum can form, often filled by damaging narratives.
It's time to move beyond hesitant or inconsistent communication and reveal your school’s achievements more boldly.

Join Jerry Gallagher, Partner at Donovan Group, as he explores how a consistent, brand-focused approach can transform relationships, both internally and externally. He’ll also address the importance of setting boundaries and having a clear crisis communication plan. While this may not demand a dramatic increase in workload, it could necessitate a mind shift. Join us Sept. 11 and get actionable tactics for rethinking your school's communication strategy this school year. 

🙏🏽Thanks for being part of CONNECT. We can’t wait to learn alongside you this year!

📨 Questions? Reach out anytime: [email protected].