 Welcome to the NEWS for March 7 The must-read articles of the week, all in one place. From local headlines to national views, we highlight the latest insights that matter to our charter school community. Submit your Intent to Apply for the 2024-2025 Charter School Facility Assistance Program (CSFAP) by Monday, March 17, 2025. Plus, nominations are open for our next class of Charter Champions! This advocacy training opportunity is for high school charter students who aspire to be leaders in their communities. Submit by March 25. Want to know what’s happening at the Capitol? Join today's 12 PM webinar. Share your campus news with us by 12 PM each Thursday for inclusion in the NEWS.    STEAD School prepares future agricultural leaders with innovative curriculum
9News | February 28
The STEAD School in Adams County is creating a pipeline of agricultural innovators for Colorado. The public charter high school is based around Science, Technology, Environment, Agriculture and Design. Flagstaff Academy 6th Graders Address Global Issues at Community Event
Press Release | February 21
Sixth graders at Flagstaff Academy Charter School took the stage at the school’s annual Global Problems Community Event, presenting research on some of the world’s most pressing challenges. All-girls charter school closing in Denver
Denver Business Journal | March 3
The GALS prioritizes physical movement and social-emotional learning in its curriculum, but its high school has struggled with enrollment.   School ‘Pairings’ Can Foster Racial, Socioeconomic Integration
The 74 | March 4
The majority white school boasted an award-winning International Baccalaureate program and was the reason many parents with young children bought homes in the neighborhood. An Unprecedented Start for the Education Department’s Latest — and, Some Hope, Last — Secretary
The 74 | March 4
Following a chaotic six weeks of cuts, terminations and unusual vitriol, Linda McMahon begins her first full day Tuesday as the latest and, some hope, last U.S. Secretary of Education.  After Outcry, Education Department Walks Back Diversity Guidance
The 74 | March 3
After casting doubt on almost everything schools do to foster racial diversity in a Feb. 14 letter to schools, the U.S. Department of Education appears to have walked back the tone — and much of the substance — of its message. What’s the Best Way to Tell If an Ed Tech Product Works? Science of Learning Can Help
The 74 | March 3
Educational technology such as apps and learning platforms are used by millions of children in classrooms and at home.  Education Department Launches ‘End DEI’ Website to Solicit Complaints About Schools
EdWeek | February 27
The U.S. Department of Education is asking the public to report practices of diversity, equity, and inclusion in public schools, the Trump administration’s latest move to go after schools for what it calls “divisive ideologies” and “indoctrination.” *Featured League Staff or Board Member  
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
 Webinar: Better FAFSA
Join the Colorado Department of Higher Education’s Better FAFSA Lunch & Learn webinar to stay informed on financial aid updates for students. The final session will be held on Wednesday, March 12, from noon to 1 PM. Webinar: Trauma-Informed Practices in Arts Education
Join CDE’s Arts team for a webinar on Trauma-Informed Practices (TIPs) in Music, Dance, Drama, and Visual Arts classrooms. This session will provide strategies to help arts educators foster inclusive, supportive learning environments. Register here for the webinar taking place on April 21, 2025 from 1:00-2:30 PM. Enhance Your Math Instruction with Evidence-Informed Strategies
CDE’s Powerful Practice: Evidence-Informed Math Teaching course is now accepting statements of interest for its third cohort. This free, asynchronous course helps K-12 educators strengthen math instruction through key concepts and effective strategies. With 14 modules, facilitation guides for school-wide learning, and optional graduate credit, this course supports professional growth. Complete the interest form for priority registration in 2025.
GET INVOLVED
 Nominate a Student for the Charter Champions Advocacy Program
The Charter Champions program is an advocacy training opportunity for charter high school students who aspire to be leaders in their communities. Through four interactive online sessions in April and May, participants will develop skills in advocacy, leadership, communication, and charter school policy, preparing them to make a meaningful impact. Ideal candidates are rising student leaders eager to strengthen their voices and drive change in their schools and beyond. Nominations are due by March 25, 2025. Nominate an Outstanding Teacher for Colorado’s 2026 Teacher of the Year
The nomination process for Colorado’s 2026 Teacher of the Year is officially open! Anyone can nominate a teacher—including teachers themselves! Help spread the word by using this Teacher of the Year Communications Toolkit, which includes ready-to-use graphics, emails, and social media posts in English and Spanish. The nomination window closes on March 17, and all nominees will be invited to apply.  Join a Friday Legislative Lunch
Legislative Lunches are free, and virtual weekly meetings are designed for charter school leaders and board members to stay informed about key legislative updates affecting education and the charter school sector. This cohort provides concise updates on developments at the state capital, helping attendees stay engaged and connected with issues impacting their schools. Join us every Friday from 12:00 - 12:30 PM during the legislative session. Join our Next Regional Gathering in Durango
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 Durango on March 12. 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. Don’t miss these valuable opportunities to collaborate, learn, and grow.
RESOURCES & GRANTS
 Last Chance to Apply: AEI’s Free Fellowship for Educators
The deadline to apply for AEI’s FREE Fellowship is fast approaching! This fully funded opportunity is open to educators passionate about inspiring personal agency in young people. During the 2025–26 school year, fellows will pilot a new curriculum developed with Johns Hopkins University, designed to empower students to reach their full potential. Participants will also gain access to exclusive networking and educational events in Washington, DC, and beyond. Applications close Friday, March 14—apply or share with your network today! Immigration Resources for School Leaders
In response to requests from schools, the League has compiled a list of immigration-related resources to help members navigate regulations, rights, and responsibilities. This curated collection provides guidance and will be updated as new information becomes available. Access the resources here and find information on how to view the recorded webinar. Free K-12 Math Resources
The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) has released free K-12 math resources to support educators, families, and out-of-school professionals in improving student math proficiency. Developed with Colorado teachers, higher education institutions, and the Colorado Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the toolkits provide research-based instructional materials, assessments, and activities. Aligned with House Bill 23-1231, this initiative addresses declining math scores since 2020.  Modular Classrooms Available for Purchase
Chavez-Huerta Preparatory Academy has 10–15 modular units available for purchase. View this list for the makes and models, along with pricing details. Interested buyers will be responsible for all removal and transportation costs associated with relocation. For more information or to inquire about purchasing, please reach out.
CDE UPDATES
 New Charter School Facilities Assistance Program Now Available — INTENT TO APPLY MARCH 17
The Colorado Department of Education is launching the Charter School Facilities Assistance Program to help charter schools secure and improve high-quality learning spaces. This program provides funding for facility acquisition, lease payments, renovations, and other facility-related improvements to ensure students have access to safe and well-equipped educational environments. View the webinar from March 4, eligibility materials, and intent forms on the CDE site. CDE Statement on DHS Directive Change Regarding Sensitive Locations and Protected Areas
The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) is aware of the recent directive from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rescinding previous guidance that designated schools as “sensitive locations” or “protected areas.” This change means that federal immigration authorities are no longer required to obtain prior approval before conducting enforcement activities in these locations. CDE remains committed to ensuring that all students, regardless of immigration status, have access to a safe and supportive learning environment. We encourage school leaders to review available federal resources, including the Dear Colleague letter on Resources for Ensuring Equal Access to Education for Immigrant Students (issued January 8, 2025), to help support immigrant students and their families. For more information, please refer to DHS’s official statement on the directive here. US Department of Education Releases FAQ on February 14 Dear Colleague Letter
On Friday, February 28, the US Department of Education released a new FAQ document providing additional clarification on its February 14 Dear Colleague Letter. The FAQ addresses key questions and concerns, offering further guidance on the policy updates outlined in the original letter. Charter Enrollment Grows as Overall Student Count Declines
The 2024-25 October Count data shows a 0.1% decline in overall PK-12 enrollment, totaling 881,065 students. However, charter schools saw an increase of about 1,000 students statewide. Visit the CDE website for a full breakdown of enrollment trends. Graduation Rates Hit Highest Level in a Decade
Colorado’s four-year graduation rate rose to 84.2% in 2023-24, the highest in over a decade. The state’s dropout rate also improved, falling to 1.9%. More details on graduation, dropout trends, and student mobility are available on the CDE website.   The Great Schools Colorado-CSP Prospect Cohort held its first session on February 11, bringing together charter school developers from nine schools and networks to explore this federally funded initiative. Participants gained insights into program objectives, funding allocation, and the Year 1 competition timeline for Spring 2025 awards, along with guidance on strong authorizing practices and all available grant support. This cohort is part of Great Schools Colorado, a five-year, $68 million program designed to expand access to high-quality charter schools for traditionally underserved students, including students with disabilities, English learners, and other educationally disadvantaged groups. The initiative supports new, replicating, and expanding charter schools that meet rigorous state academic standards. Stay tuned for details on the subgrant application process, with a focus on federal performance measures to promote equitable access and growth. Next Session: March 11 – Learn about Applicant Eligibility for new, replicating, and expanding schools, plus compliance expectations and application tips.
Stay Informed
Sign up for the Great Schools Colorado monthly newsletter for the latest updates. Read the February newsletter here.
| 15th January 2025 |
| Gillem Staffing |
| In 2003, GS was established to deliver speech and language therapy in school settings due to the shortage of speech language pathologists. |
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| Stewards of Children Training |
| In recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month this April, we invite you to attend Stewards of Children, a live, virtual training on practical strategies to prevent child sexual abuse. This free, evidence-informed training is offered by Illuminate Colorado and is open to anyone interested in creating safer environments for children. Trainings take place on April 24 from 9:00-11:30am and April 30 from 2:30-4:00pm. |
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| Building a Caring and Connected School Community |
| Join the Alliance for a Healthier Generation and Kaiser Permanente Thriving Schools for a three-part professional learning series dedicated to building a caring school community —including include establishing a caring presence, creating a caring environment, and uplifting student voice. Learn more. |
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| Save the Date! A Day of Connection, Learning and Movement |
Colorado Healthy Schools Collaborative Meeting
Wednesday, April 30, 2025, 9am–4pm
Location: Lowry Conference Center, 1061 Akron Way, Denver, CO 80230
This is a great chance to network, share ideas, and explore strategies that support student and staff well-being. Plus, we’ll get outside for some fresh air and fun with field games! |
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