 Happy Holidays & Welcome to the NEWS for December 20, 2024 As we all wind down for a holiday break, we have one last NEWS for 2024. Below, find stories on KIPP Colorado’s No-Cost Grocery Program, helping families in need while the state’s Universal Preschool Program expands access to early childhood education. Meanwhile, local schools are pushing for better outcomes in third-grade reading and working to reduce chronic absenteeism. Register today for the 2025 Annual Conference, featuring our first keynote by Maggie Jackson, new additions like The Book Nook and Esports Learning Hub, and dynamic workshops. The NEWS will be back on January 10th as we ramp up to the start of the Legislative Session. Happy Holidays to all of the charter schools, staff, leaders, networks, volunteers, students, and families who make quality education free, public, and open to all. We'll see you next year.    Denver School Choice Waitlists: Look up 2024 Data Here
Chalkbeat | December 18
The number of students waitlisted each spring at Denver public schools continues to decline. Data shows about 2,900 students were on waitlists after Round 1 of Denver Public Schools’ school choice process this past spring. Colorado Lawmakers Weigh Options for Closing Budget Gap in Free School Meals Program
Colorado Newsline | December 18
Colorado’s voter-approved program to provide free meals to public school students will once again face a revenue gap next year as lawmakers face an already challenging budget year.  After Hopes of Progress, Some Colorado School Districts Fear Deep Cuts Under Proposed Budget
Colorado Sun | December 18
The joy that overwhelmed Colorado school districts in the spring when state leaders ushered in major funding progress for education has morphed into serious concern, with the prospect of significant funding cuts for many districts outlined in Gov. Jared Polis’ budget proposal. Colorado School Leaders Worried About Immigration Raids Hear from One who Experienced It
Chalkbeat | December 17
It was just two weeks from the end of the semester and the start of holiday break in 2006, when Superintendent Steve Joel got a phone call from the police chief. Federal immigration agents were raiding his community.  Local Schools Receive Grants to Put Colorado-Grown Food in Lunches
Coloradoan | December 15
The Thompson and Windsor-Severance school districts, along with two local charter schools, are among the 32 recipients of Local Food Program grants that provide funding for the purchase of Colorado-grown, raised or processed products for school meals. Cutting Absenteeism, Boosting 3rd Grade Reading Among Colorado Education Department’s Goals
Chalkbeat | December 13
Slashing chronic absenteeism rates, boosting third grade reading scores, and ensuring high school graduates earn college credit or work experience alongside their diplomas are among the Colorado Department of Education’s new strategic goals.  Here’s How Colorado’s Doing in Bid to Meet Key Early Childhood Goals
Chalkbeat | December 13
Colorado leaders want to boost enrollment in the state’s already popular universal preschool program, mint more highly rated child care programs, and create more seats for infants and toddlers — the age group hit hardest by child care shortages.  Elon Should Stick to Cars, Rockets, and Tech
Fordham | December 19
Elon Musk has revolutionized tech with feats like parallel parking rockets and designing popular electric cars. While greatness and eccentricity often go together, his education ideas would likely fail on a large scale.  Don’t want to close under enrolled schools? Here’s how to make the math work.
Fordham | December 19
As enrollments drop, city after city is facing pressure to close half-empty schools. Fewer kids means fewer dollars. Potential for Immigration Arrests at Schools Under Trump Spurs Push to Shield Families
Chalkbeat | December 18
For three decades, federal policy has limited immigration arrests at or near schools, treating the places where children learn as “sensitive” or “protected” areas.  Advancing Rigorous and Actionable Charter School Research
CharterFolk | December 17
Over the past 30 years, charter schools have expanded nationwide. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, charter schools enrolled 7 percent of U.S. public school students in 2021, up from 4 percent in 2010. Facing Four More Years of Trump, Democrats Wonder: How Did They Lose Parents?
The 74 | December 16
As they attempt to draw lessons from a devastating presidential defeat, Democratic strategists must grapple with a question that could shape their approach to education policy over the next four years: How can the party of educators win back the support of parents?  Pandemic, Politics, Pre-K & More: 12 Charts That Defined Education in 2024
The 74 | December 15
Nearly five years after the emergence of COVID, the pandemic’s after-effects still ripple through schools and communities, with student learning persistently failing to reach levels seen in 2019. Oliver Sicat – “We Are All Building Upon and Standing On the Shoulders of Each Other’s Work
CharterFolk | December 13
Oliver Sicat’s parents immigrated to the U.S. from the Philippines and had big hopes and dreams for their son. They settled in Southern California where they experienced the inequity that often occurs when students are assigned to schools based upon their place of residence. *Featuring League Staff or Board Member    Join us for the 2025 Annual Conference, the premier gathering for Colorado's charter school community! This event is your chance to connect with school leaders, educators, and advocates while exploring the latest trends and strategies in education. Don’t miss this opportunity to network, learn, and celebrate the incredible impact of charter schools together! Featuring Keynote Maggie Jackson  Drawing from her award-winning book, Uncertain, Maggie will explore how embracing uncertainty can spark innovation, collaboration, and adaptability — essential elements of synergy within the charter school community. Her thought-provoking session will empower attendees with strategies to navigate challenges and strengthen school communities. New! The Book Nook (plus, authors wanted) This new addition to the conference will showcase books authored by local writers and experts in education, leadership, and related fields. Explore The Book Nook for a curated selection of thought-provoking titles to inspire your journey. Adding to the experience, live author meet-and-greet sessions will provide a unique opportunity to engage with the minds behind the words. PR OPP: Are you a local author interested in sharing your book, expertise and insight? Email [email protected] no later than Mon., Jan. 10. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect with Colorado’s vibrant charter school community! New! Esports Learning Hub Harness your students' passion for gaming and transform it into a positive learning experience! Esports — or competitive video gaming — has surged in popularity. Research shows it fosters character development, discipline, self-esteem, communication skills, and sportsmanship, while coaches report improved grades, attendance, and inclusivity for students who may not connect with traditional sports. Linked with career and technical education (CTE), esports provides a structured space for students to develop valuable skills. Explore our esports hub, featuring walk-up-and-play stations, live game demonstrations, insights from industry experts, and practical tips to engage students and prepare them for success beyond gaming. Dynamic Workshops  Discover the power of collaboration in our dynamic workshops, where diverse ideas converge to tackle the most pressing topics in education. Explore the full list of workshop details here and prepare to take your school to the next level. 
GET INVOLVED
Register for Denver School Choice Expo 2025
Transform Education Now invites schools to the Denver School Choice Expo on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Infinity Park Event Center. From 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, families will explore school options, meet school representatives, and get on-site enrollment assistance. This fun, free event features music and food, offering schools a great chance to connect with families. Space is limited to the first 65 schools—register early to secure your school's spot!  Next Regional Gathering, January 14 in Denver
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. Our next Regional Gathering will take place in Lakewood on December 14. Register today! 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 specialized cohorts for board chairs, marketing professionals, and school founders to impactful training sessions on community engagement, there’s something to benefit everyone.
GRANTS & RESOURCES
58th Annual High School Bridge Building Competition: Sat. March 1
The annual Model Bridge Building Contest is a statewide program aimed at providing interaction and communication among practicing engineers, high school students, and other professionals. Its underlying objectives are to enhance the appeal of engineering careers to high school students, begin establishing their relationships with the professional community, and improve the prospects that such careers will be mutually beneficial to both society and the individual. The top winners from each region in the state competition are eligible to advance to the International Contest. Awards and scholarships are available. Learn more. Seminars Abroad Program
The Fulbright-Hays Seminars Abroad program is now accepting applications for the summer 2025 session, with a deadline of January 7, 2025. This program offers U.S. educators in the arts, social sciences, and humanities the opportunity to participate in short-term seminars in Uruguay, Peru, India, Greece, and Türkiye. Each thematic seminar includes educational lectures and interactive cultural activities, such as visits to local schools and meetings with education officials and students.
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
READ Act Training
Amendments to the READ Act require K-3 teachers providing literacy instruction, 4-12 reading interventionists, and school administrators (including principals) to complete specific training (SB19-199 and SB22-004). The Office of Elementary Literacy and School Readiness will host monthly live informational webinars to provide updates on the training requirements for teachers and school administrators.
CDE UPDATES
Accepting Applications for Purple Star Schools Program
The Colorado Department of Education is now accepting applications for the Purple Star Schools Program, which recognizes schools that support military-connected students and families. The program, created through House Bill 24-1076, honors schools addressing the unique challenges military students face, such as frequent relocations and parental deployments. Schools selected for recognition will receive a certificate and participate in a ceremony in April 2025. Read the full article here. Guidance for Supporting Immigrant Students
The Colorado Department of Education shared guidance for superintendents and BOCES directors on fostering safe, welcoming schools for immigrant students. Key points include:
- Schools cannot deny enrollment based on immigration status (Plyler v. Doe).
- Laws prohibit discrimination based on national origin, race, or color.
- Schools are protected spaces, restricting immigration enforcement.
Districts are encouraged to remind families of their rights, anti-discrimination policies, and commitment to belonging for all students. For more information, contact them directly.   The League is excited to share an update about the successful application for the Federal CSP grant, now called Great Schools Colorado. This five-year, $68 million program aims to support schools that serve traditionally underserved communities, focusing on expanding access for students with disabilities, English learners, and other educationally disadvantaged groups. The program’s goal is to encourage growth, replication, and the creation of new charter schools that meet challenging state academic standards. In the coming months, the League will roll out specific details about the application process for subgrants, with a focus on meeting federal performance measures to ensure equitable access and growth. Read the full email with updates here. To get updates on new information and updates, sign up for the Great Schools Colorado monthly newsletter.  
| 14 January 2025 |
| Regional Gathering: Denver West |
| Join your Denver West Charter School leaders for a League Hosted Happy Hour. |
| Regional Gatherings, Lakewood |
|
| 17 January 2025 |
| Town Hall January 2025 |
| A virtual meeting for the charter school community featuring timely topics. |
| Town Hall |
|
|
|
| 28 January 2025 |
| Advocacy Day |
| Join us January 28, 2025, for Advocacy Day, uniting charter leaders, educators, parents, and students in impactful conversations. |
| Major events, Denver |
|
| 27 – 28 February 2025 |
| Annual Conference 2025 |
| Experience the 2025 Annual Conference—where educators, leaders, and visionaries shape the future of charter education. |
| Major events |
|
*Note special posting for SFIG Grant Manager above: The Colorado Department of Education is excited to announce an opening for a Grant Manager to oversee the Federal State Charter School Facilities Incentive Grant (SFIG). This role will manage $35.5 million in federal funding to support charter school facilities across Colorado. The position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on education and help charter schools thrive. Read more.
  SIGN UP FOR OUR NEW CHARTER SENSE NEWSLETTER ON LINKEDIN ACT (December 18, 2024) NEWS (December 6, 2024) MOVE (December 13, 2024) LEGISLATIVE UPDATE (December 5, 2024) CONNECT COHORT (December 19, 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. |
Thank you to our Premium Sponsors |
 |
|
