Welcome to the NEWS for September 27, 2024

Colorado Early Colleges extends an offer to a new CEO and DSST Cedar High adds a Blue Ribbon to its wall. While some local school districts retain pandemic initiatives despite an end to funding, the nation’s nation’s youngest learners still have not reached pre-COVID-19 academic levels.  

What’s happening in your community? Share your campus news with us by 12 PM each Thursday for inclusion in the NEWS.

25th September 2024 CDE reports charter students continue raising the bar Boardhawk New data has again shown that charter school students are receiving quality opportunities. The Colorado Department of Education recently released its School Performance Framework (SPF) results for 2023-24, providing another fundamental lesson that charter schools are getting it right.

23rd September 2024 Four Colorado schools, including DSST Cedar High School, win national Blue Ribbon recognition Chalkbeat Four Colorado schools are among more than 350 nationwide to be named 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools for high achievement or progress in narrowing achievement gaps.

23rd September 2024 As COVID relief ends, Denver and Jeffco school districts to keep some aid-funded initiatives Chalkbeat As the deadline approaches to spend federal pandemic relief for schools, Colorado districts face a decision: Which programs and staff funded by that aid will they keep?

23rd September 2024 Recovery coaches use lived experience to help students at Denver recovery high school Denver 7 High school can be challenging, but for students at 5280 High School in Denver, there's an additional set of challenges to overcome.

20th September 2024 Colorado attorney general announces $50,000 grants so schools can cut student cell phone use Chalkbeat Colorado school districts will soon be able to apply for grants of up to $50,000 to help their students reduce cell phone use during the school day.

Denver school officials hold town hall on closures
Denver Gazette   |   Sept. 24
More than 100 people turned out Tuesday for the first town hall held by Denver Public Schools officials to address school closures because of the district’s enrollment decline.

Days after announcing retirement, Utah’s highest-paid school superintendent is offered a job in Colorado
Salt Lake Tribune   |   Sept. 24
Last week, Utah’s highest-paid superintendent, Jill Gildea of the Park City School District, announced plans to retire, amid questions about potential contract violations. Four days later, she received a job offer to lead Colorado Early Colleges, a public charter school network.

Denver Public Schools’ reform policies improved academic performance — but not for everyone, study finds
Denver Post   |   Sept. 23
The controversial education reforms implemented by Denver Public Schools more than a decade ago positively affected students’ academic outcomes, including increasing their likelihood of graduating, according to a new study released Monday.

Denver sets ambitious goals for Latino students, including 80% reading at grade level by 3rd grade
Chalkbeat   |   Sept. 19
Denver Public Schools is setting ambitious goals for Latino students, families, and employees in response to a report from earlier this year that highlighted “serious barriers” to their success.

School accountability should factor in environmental hazards like pollution, Adams 14 says
Boardhawk   |   Sept. 19
The Adams 14 school district in Commerce City faces some of the most serious environmental hazards of any in Colorado. It’s also one of the lowest performing.

Artificial Intelligence and Schools: When Tech Makers and Educators Collaborate, AI Doesn’t Have to be Scary
The 74   |   Sept. 26
As we enter another school year, the debate over AI’s role in education is intensifying. There’s a sharp divide between those urging us to take advantage of these tools and others who support a more cautious approach.

How Team-Based Teaching Can Support Student Learning and Reduce Teacher Burnout
The 74   |   Sept. 24
Schools have been dealing with a number of unique challenges over the last few years. Labor shortages. Low morale. Declining student enrollment. Meanwhile, they’re trying to re-engage students and get them back on track academically.

18 Years, $2 Billion: Inside New Orleans’s Biggest School Recovery Effort in History
The 74   |   Sept. 24
In July 2023, 18 years after Hurricane Katrina left most of New Orleans underwater, NOLA Public Schools hosted a ribbon-cutting at the last school building reconstructed in the wake of the storm. 

24 Charter Schools Honored as 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools 
NAPCS   |   Sept. 24
This week, the U.S. Department of Education recognized 356 schools as 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools, 24 of which are public charter schools. 

In the Rush to COVID Recovery, Did We Forget About Our Youngest Learners?
The 74   |   Sept. 20
The country’s youngest elementary school students suffered steep academic setbacks in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic – just like students in older grades. But new research shows that they aren’t catching back up to pre-pandemic levels in reading and math the way others are. And when it comes to math, many are falling even further behind.

COVID money countdown: Schools exhaust pandemic aid as federal help winds down
Chalkbeat   |   Sept. 19
Over the last three years, an influx of pandemic aid has been transformative for many schools. Some were able to hire social workers or give every child a laptop for the first time.

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GET INVOLVED

The Denver Language School Community Event: Sat., Sept. 28
Denver Language School is exploring replication in the far northeast Denver area. Interested parties are invited to attend a community event tomorrow intended to gauge alignment with community needs. 

Join a League Regional Gathering Near You
Our Regional Gatherings bring together charter leaders from across the state to connect with peers, engage with League staff on local and statewide issues, and discuss state-level advocacy and policy efforts. These in-person events also provide a platform to showcase charter school successes to local elected officials. Join us at one or sign up for multiple to strengthen your connections and share insights with fellow leaders.

Nominate a Student Charter Champion
Nominations are now open for the 2024-2025 Charter Champions program! This four-month advocacy training 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 October 18th.

Nominate your Hero for the 2025 Hall of Fame
Everyday across the state, charter school leaders, educators and supporters make decisions and take actions that improve student lives and family trajectories. Our annual Hall of Fame awards honors these outstanding individuals and we want to hear their stories. 
We invite you to nominate those within your circle whose dedication and impact deserves to be celebrated. Nominations are due by Monday, Oct. 14, and nominees will be announced in late fall, followed by finalists in January. The celebration reaches its pinnacle on February 26, when winners will be revealed during a ceremony to kick off the 2025 Colorado Charter Schools Conference. Don't miss this chance to recognize the outstanding individuals who are shaping Colorado's exceptional charter school landscape.

Submit an RFP for the 2025 Annual Conference
Are you passionate about sharing your knowledge and inspiring others? RFPs for the 2025 Colorado League Annual Conference, themed "Synergy in Education," are now open! Held from February 26-28 at the Denver Marriott Tech Center, we’re seeking impactful workshops that foster collaboration among educators and leaders in Colorado's charter school community. Share your expertise on topics like curriculum, school leadership, technology, and social-emotional learning. Submit your proposal by October 3.

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

OERColorado Offers Free Digital Resources for Colorado Classrooms
OERColorado provides free PK-12+ learning materials to Colorado educators, supporting schools by reducing costs and offering adaptable resources. 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. Join the upcoming OERColorado and ISKME webinar series in October to learn about "Vetting and Adopting OER" on October 1st and "OER Leadership and Advocacy" on October 8th. 

Edge Foundation Event: Executive Function Coach Training
Join the Edge Foundation for a two-day Executive Function Coach Training on October 9-10, 2024, in Lakewood, CO. This event is designed for educators, parents, and caregivers to gain tools and techniques that support young people with Executive Function challenges. Learn how to engage and empower students, while earning a certification and CEU credits.

CDE UPDATES

Collaborate with Rural Principals Across Colorado
If you're a rural principal balancing countless responsibilities, don’t miss this opportunity! The Rural Principal Learning Cohort application window is extended until Monday, Sept. 30. Join fellow rural leaders to share experiences, address common challenges, and build a stronger professional network as you work toward solving the unique issues faced by rural schools.

Submit Your Charter School Capital Construction Report by Oct. 31
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!

CDE and AIR Seek Public Input on Colorado's K-12 School Funding
The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) and the American Institutes for Research (AIR) are conducting a study on Colorado's K-12 school funding system. They are inviting stakeholders to participate through an online survey and virtual town hall meetings from late August to September. Feedback will help inform future funding policies. Visit the Colorado Financial Adequacy Study website for more details and to participate.

Educator Recruitment & Retention Program Offers $10K for Aspiring Educators
CDE invites aspiring educators to apply for up to $10,000 in financial assistance for educator preparation program fees. The Educator Recruitment and Retention program provides direct support for qualified individuals interested in teaching in a shortage area and who can commit to working in that area for three years. Learn more and apply by Sept. 30.

FREE RESOURCES

Free Wheelchair Lift Available
Pinnacle Charter School is donating a Hercules II 600 Residential Vertical Lift in excellent condition. With a load capacity of 600 lbs, this lift can benefit schools or organizations in need of accessible equipment. If interested, please contact Dawn Gioia at [email protected] for more information.

Free Camera and Security System
Firestone Charter Academy is offering a set of functional interior and exterior cameras, along with a Network Video Controller, to a school in need. The cameras, installed between 2017 and 2024, offer decent resolution and were in working condition when taken down. The controller is a 32-channel model from CCTV Security Pros, with expansion capabilities. This is a great chance to upgrade your school’s security system—must take all equipment. If you are interested, please contact [email protected] or [email protected].

11 October 2024 Leadership Summit 2024 Join us at the Colorado League of Charter Schools Leadership Summit on October 11, 2024, to celebrate Catalysts: Supporting & Celebrating Agents of Change. This event brings together visionary leaders from across Colorado to drive innovation and progress in public education. Be part of the movement shaping the future of education in our state! Major events

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

29 October 2024 Annual Finance Seminar The Annual Finance Seminar is intended for charter school business operations professionals, school leaders, and governance board members. This yearly seminar discusses changes in policy or innovations in the field of operations and finance management. Adams 12 Conference Center

Purchasing Finance Specialist at Charter School Contract type: Full-Time Salary: 40,000 - 45,000 Closing date: Oct 06, 2024 12:00 AM Ascent Classical Academy of Northern Denver, 5061 East 160th Avenue, Brighton, CO 80602, USA

High School Business Teacher Contract type: Full-Time Salary: $52,000-$79,126.53 Closing date: Sep 25, 2024 12:22 PM Belle Creek Charter School, Brighton, Co

Restorative Practices Coordinator Contract type: Part-Time Closing date: Oct 31, 2024 12:00 AM Pagosa Peak Open School: K-8 District Charter, Pagosa Springs, CO

• ACT (September 18, 2024)
• NEWS (September 20, 2024)
• MOVE (September 13, 2024)
• LEGISLATIVE UPDATE (September 5, 2024)
• CONNECT COHORT (September 26, 2024)

Upcoming Trainings The League provides a variety of quality professional development opportunities for member schools.	Our Marketplace Vendors and partners are ready to support our membership. Check out options across all categories.	ACT for Charter Schools The League's ACT Network mobilizes charter school communities to strengthen and support schools statewide.
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