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Great cohorts are forming now in over ten topical areas, and trainings are happening now. Hurry, Leadership Summit tickets are going fast—walkup tickets will be limited. Buy yours 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
Survey shows DPS board incumbents, community far apart on top priorities
Boardhawk | October 5, 2023
In March 2023, in the aftermath of a spring of violence at East High School, we formed ResignDPS.org to shine a light on the irresponsible and dysfunctional leadership of the Denver Public Schools Board of Education. Read more.
Will a portrayal of abuse, cultural destruction in Indian boarding schools spur change in Colorado?
Chalkbeat | October 5, 2023
An estimated 1,100 children from 20 Native tribes attended the Fort Lewis Indian Boarding School for 17 years. Read more.
Migrant students boosting Denver Public Schools’ enrollment after years of declines
Chalkbeat | October 3, 2023
Newly arrived migrant students are boosting Denver Public Schools’ enrollment this fall, especially at the elementary school level. Read more.
DPS tried to hide its payout to Tay Anderson
The Denver Gazette | October 3, 2023
Why did Denver Public Schools shell out thousands of taxpayer dollars to help a disgraced board member cover his legal bills for a district investigation — an investigation which found that same board member guilty of behavior so egregious, his board colleagues deemed it worthy of a censure? Read more.
Denver Public Schools releases previously withheld Auon’tai Anderson settlement agreement
Chalkbeat | October 2, 2023
Denver Public Schools signed a settlement agreement with school board Vice President Auon’tai Anderson that said the district would pay Anderson $3,500 — and Anderson agreed not to sue DPS for “damages, costs, or expenses” related to a 2021 investigation. Read more.
Parents: Colorado’s universal preschool program now allows walk-in enrollment
Chalkbeat | September 29, 2023
A recent change to Colorado’s universal preschool rules now permits “walk-in” enrollment, allowing children to start classes more quickly — potentially the same day their families show up at a local preschool. Read more.
Voter guide: Prop II asks Colorado voters to spend extra nicotine tax revenue on preschool
Chalkbeat | September 28, 2023
Should Colorado be allowed to keep $23.7 million raised through a state nicotine tax to help fund preschool? Or should that money be refunded to sellers of nicotine products? Read more.
National
AI is a serious threat to student privacy
Fordham Institute | October 5, 2023
The bulk of commentary and school district policy relating to AI and education focuses almost exclusively on questions regarding cheating. Read more.
Schools Are 100K Counselors Short. Here’s a New Approach to Student Mental Health
The 74 | October 4, 2023
As the new school year gets under way, teachers, students and the data on student well-being are all sounding an alarm: many children are struggling, and their mental health is suffering. Read more.
Will bipartisan education reform be revived? Maybe not any time soon.
Chalkbeat | October 3, 2023
Former Education Secretary Arne Duncan wants the country to adopt a unifying set of ambitious education goals, but he doubts any politician will lead the way in doing so. Read more.
5 Tips to Help Teachers Put the Joy Back in Reading
EdWeek | October 3, 2023
As educators, when we think of reading in the classroom, we typically consider the act of teaching to read (phonics, vocabulary, etc.) or the act of reading to learn. Read more.
Blizzard of state test scores shows some progress in math, divergence in reading
Chalkbeat | October 2, 2023
When it comes to how American students are recovering from the pandemic, it’s a tale of two subjects. Read more.
With More Teachers & Fewer Students, Districts Are Set up for Financial Trouble
The 74 | October 2, 2023
To understand the current state of the teacher labor market, you have to be able to hold two competing narratives in your head. Read more.
How Ed Tech Tools Track Kids Online — And Why Parents Should Care
The 74 | September 22, 2023
As technology becomes more and more ingrained in education — and as students become increasingly concerned about how their personal information is being collected and used — startling new research shows how schools have given for-profit tech companies a massive data portal into young people’s everyday lives. Read more.
Community Announcements
Charting the Course: PPI's RAS Project Explores the Future of Education Reform in Denver
Join PPI's RAS Project for an hour-long virtual webinar, 'Denver and The Future of Education,' on October 11th at 3pm EST. Explore the innovative school model in Denver, birthed from a balance of choice, autonomy, and accountability. Co-sponsored by Progressive Policy Institute and The 74, this session features esteemed panelists like Hon. James Coleman, Alex Magana, and Nate Easley, with Tressa Pankovits from PPI moderating. Dive into the conversation on education reform as a vital tool against racial and income-based educational disparities. Secure your spot!
Colorado Early Colleges Receives $500k Daniels Fund Grant to Boost Career and Technical Education Opportunities, Paving the Way for Statewide Educational Advancement
Long known for being a leader in choice education – and for helping students attain associates and Bachelor’s degrees at no cost while pursuing their high school diploma, Colorado Early Colleges was awarded a $500k grant from the Daniels Fund to support expansion of their career and technical educational opportunities for students. This investment will expand their educational offerings to further serve students of all ages and abilities. This could have a significant impact on economic development in Colorado as well as improve educational opportunities and innovation in the state. Read the full press release here.
Bringing Your School’s Math Vision to Life
Join us at Downtown Denver Expeditionary School (DDES) to learn about our journey to create a student-centered, joyful, and rigorous math culture. Participants will learn about how we used EL’s 10 Steps to Success to change the math culture at our school and our continued work to provide high-quality math instruction that is inclusive of all students and stakeholders. Learn more here.
Charter Development Summit Series
Join the Schools of Choice Unit for our first of three webinars in our Charter Development Summit Series as we explore the ups and downs of opening a charter school in Colorado. Dr. Jim Christensen will facilitate our conversation as we explore the steps to opening a charter school in Colorado and the importance of understanding community needs in the creation of a charter school. Amanda Marquez will tell us about her journey to open Be the Change High School in Adams 14. This webinar is open to charter school developers at all stages with a particular focus on those in the beginning stages. Register for the first part of the series on October 19, 2023 at 12 PM.
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].
Inviting Applications FY24 Charter Schools Program (CSP) Grants to Charter Management Organizations
The U.S. Department of Education has published the Notice Inviting Applications (NIA) for the Fiscal Year (FY) 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. CSP will host a webinar to review the competition’s eligibility requirements, priorities, selection criteria, application requirements, and assurances. The webinar will also review the steps required to complete the Grants.gov registration and submission processes and answer participants’ questions. Register for the webinar.
Daniels Scholarship Application Is Now Open
The Daniels Scholarship Program helps make college possible for motivated students from Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming, allowing them to attend the college of their choice. Daniels Scholars receive financial and personal support, plus a new laptop computer. Scholarships range from $30,000 over four years to a full ride, depending on college choice. The application for the Daniels Scholarship Program will be open from September 15 through October 15, 2023 at 4:00 pm MT and typically takes students less than one hour to complete. Apply online now!
Elevate Charter Voices: Nominate Your Champion Today!
We are excited to announce the launch of the Charter Champion program for 2023-2024, an initiative aimed at recognizing and empowering the exemplary student leaders in charter high schools across Colorado. The Charter Champions program is a four month advocacy training endeavor designed for outstanding high school students in grades 9-12. It offers a platform for these aspiring leaders to collaborate, define what it means to be a student leader, and foster a culture of excellence within their communities. To learn more and nominate a Charter champion, click here.
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.
MindSpark's Education Accelerator funded by The Daniels Fund
This program will allow your school to bring forward a team of 2-8 individuals to solve your largest problem of practice. The Education Accelerator (EA) is an innovative, fully customizable leadership program lasting five months. It is designed to support schools in developing an innovative culture, solving their biggest problem of practice, and elevating their future by leveraging entrepreneurship. It is a cohort-based model, where several teams bring forth a problem and we help you work through it! This opportunity is completely free thanks to The Daniels Fund! Please feel free to reach out to Kiki Huckaby, [email protected] if interested in learning more, or use this link to register.
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.
Colorado Gives More Than $17 Million to Fund DonorsChoose Program
Colorado teachers can apply now to receive $1,000 to purchase supplies, resources, learning materials, and more that will improve the learning experiences. I encourage all teachers to apply today while funding lasts! We are investing a total of $7.1 million to support school supplies, and Colorado teachers can submit projects to receive funding by visiting: www.DonorsChoose.org/colorado.
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.
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.
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
Charter School Capital Construction Annual Reporting due Tuesday, Oct. 31
All charter schools eligible to receive Charter School Capital Construction funding are required to complete the Charter School Capital Construction Report on an annual basis. This online report is due by Tuesday, Oct. 31, and determines the funding levels for the next fiscal year. Click Here for Additional Information.
Family, School and Community Partnerships Framework and Rubrics Released for Community-Based Partners
The Family, School, and Community Partnerships Framework and Rubrics has been released specifically for community-based partners, who may include out-of-school time programs, local community businesses and external partners such as libraries, faith-based communities, cultural organizations and public health organizations who engage regularly with youth and families. These rubrics will help community partners self-assess their partnership practices and programs with families and schools. Access the new FSCP P-12 Framework for Community-Based Partners here.
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].
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
Annual Colorado Youth Suicide Prevention Symposium Register Now!
Don't miss out on the Annual Colorado Youth Suicide Prevention Symposium happening on Thursday, November 16, 2023. The event will be held both at the Lowry Conference Center and virtually via Zoom, ensuring accessibility for all participants. In collaboration with our partners from the Department of Public Health & Environment’s Office of Suicide Prevention, this symposium promises to be an insightful and impactful gathering. Secure your spot now by registering here.
Community grant opportunity to support and promote Healthy School Meals for All
The Blueprint brings people together to make sure Coloradans can easily get food where and when they need it. By supporting the Healthy School Meals for All program with a statewide marketing and outreach campaign, we’re on a mission to transform the lives of Colorado public students and their families – one nourishing school meal at a time.
To ensure every child has the right to access nutritious and delicious meals, we pledged $370,000 for community-based organizations to support and actively promote the new program locally.
The online application opens on Monday, September 25. Colorado-based organizations and coalitions are eligible to apply for one of three levels of grants that range from $5,000 - $20,000 for roughly a year of activity. This includes those who are traditionally overlooked for funding. Organizations led by BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) folks and/or non-staff community members directly affected by Healthy School Meals for All are encouraged to apply!
Find out more about this upcoming grant opportunity.
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.
Suicide Prevention
September is Suicide Prevention Month. 17% of youth who participated in the 2021 Healthy Kids Colordo survey reported thoughts of suicide, with LGBTQIA youth disproportionately represented. Here are ways to help along with resources from SAMHSA:
- Educate yourself and others about suicide prevention: Learn the warning signs and risk factors for suicide, how to support someone considering suicide, and familiarize yourself with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
- Read and share SPRC’s new resource: Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention for LGBTQIA2S+ Youth: A Resource Guide for Professionals, Families and Communities.
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.
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Recent League Newsletters
- ACT (September 20, 2023)
- NEWS (September 29, 2023))
- MOVE (September 8, 2023)
- LEGISLATIVE UPDATE (May 8, 2023)
- CONNECT COHORT (September 28, 2023)
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