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Happy Holidays
As we prepare for the holiday break, we reflect on our 2024 successes, including securing over $65M for charter schools and defeating anti-charter legislation. Looking ahead, join us at the 2025 Annual Conference, featuring keynote Maggie Jackson and a new esports hub. Are you a local author interested in sharing your book, expertise and stories with Colorado’s charter school community? If so, we want to connect about The Book Nook, a fun new component of our 2025 annual conference.
This Sunday is your last chance to nominate a deserving leader for the 2022 Hall of Fame Awards, and as we look to a new year, don’t forget to complete our flash Waitlist Survey. Your input will help us advocate at the Capitol.
Want to stay up-to-date on Great Schools Colorado? Sign up for the monthly newsletter. If your campus has an update to share, please submit it to us by 12 PM each Thursday.
Celebrating our Accomplishments while Remaining Clear-Eyed about the Future
By Dan Schaller, League President
With the holiday season upon us and the end of 2024 closing in, we have much to celebrate across the Colorado charter school community. In many respects, 2024 was our most successful year on record, including such important accomplishments as:
- Finally attaining full mill levy override equalization for CSI schools and the more than 20,000 students who attend them;
- Securing over $65M in state-level facilities funding for Colorado charters for the next 5 years;
- Decisively defeating the most anti-charter bill in Colorado history at the state legislature;.
- Welcoming seven new schools to the Colorado charter school family;
- Bringing over $100M in new, dedicated funds to Colorado charters via competitive federal grant programs; and
- Preserving a charter-friendly majority on the State Board of Education so that charter appeals can continue to be heard in a fair and impartial fashion.
All of this was accomplished while we continued to deliver compelling results for Colorado’s students and families. By any of these measures, we have much to be proud of, and I hope you’re all able to look back at 2024 with a sense of pride and accomplishment as you take a well-deserved break in the weeks ahead.
At the same time as we celebrate these successes, ... (Read the rest of the article)
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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.
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.
| Register Today |
Hall of Fame Nominations Close Sunday: Nominate Today
The Colorado League of Charter Schools is proud to continue its tradition of honoring leaders, educators, advocates, and board members through the Hall of Fame awards. These awards celebrate individuals who have made a significant impact on the charter school movement in Colorado. It will be held at the Denver Marriott Tech Center on Feb. 26, 2025.
Nominators, staff, friends, and family are invited to attend the award ceremony starting at 6:00 PM or to join us for a free happy hour starting at 4:00 PM. Nominations are open until THIS SUNDAY, December 15—submit yours today to spotlight someone making a difference!
| Nominate Now |
Empowering Education through Agriculture and Environmental Stewardship
By Kim Daly, Contributing Writer
Few students can say that they’ve interacted with animals beyond cats and dogs, but those at The STEAD School and Westgate Community School are among those who can. By integrating agricultural and environmental education into their curricula, these public charter schools offer students unparalleled opportunities to connect with the natural world and pursue impactful STEM-based careers.
Growing Agricultural Talent
At The STEAD School, ninth through twelfth grade students embark on a journey where agriculture meets innovation and inclusivity. Rachel Balkcom, Director of Partnerships and Work-Based Learning, describes the school as a critical response to the needs of Colorado’s agricultural industry, which spans nearly 32 million acres and generates $47 billion annually.
"The average person in agriculture is aging, and the field lacks diversity and educational partnerships," Balkcom notes. STEAD addresses these challenges with an inclusive environment where students explore diverse pathways in agricultural sciences, filling a vital talent pipeline.
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Keeping your Member Profile up-to-Date
The League Member Database is a vital resource for staying connected with the Colorado charter school community. It ensures we have accurate information to provide you with relevant updates, personalized content, and event opportunities.
Updating your profile (or your school's) is quick and easy: simply log into the League website, click My Account in the top-right corner, and select Edit Profile. From there, update your details across four tabs:
- My Details: Update your name, organization, professional title, and more.
- My Address: Add or modify your address (optional).
- Contact Preference: Manage your League newsletter subscriptions and communication preferences.
- Personalization: Tailor your profile for customized updates based on your topic interests.
Keeping your profile current ensures you’ll receive the most relevant resources and communications from the League.
| Update Now |
Meet Tanesha Bell
Tanesha joined the League in October 2024, bringing a wealth of experience in managing federal grants for both educational programs and nonprofit organizations across Colorado. With over 20 years of dedicated service helping students prepare for post-secondary success and supporting community initiatives, Tanesha’s expertise has made a significant impact on the Great Schools Colorado (GSC) program.
As a proud product of Denver Public Schools and a Bill Daniels Scholar, Tanesha is passionate about advancing charter schools and fostering meaningful collaboration. Outside of work, she enjoys shopping, dining out, attending live events, and traveling, and she’s thrilled to contribute to the League’s mission of supporting high-quality charter schools in Colorado.
| Connect with Tanesha |
Find your next Partner
Our updated Charter Marketplace Directory makes connecting with top vendor organizations easier than ever! Search by category to find trusted partners, access their social media, contact information, and a list of satisfied references instantly. Plus, our join process is now open for organizations interested in partnering with The League to support charter schools statewide.
| Search Now |
Flagstaff Academy 4th Grade Girls' Robotics Team Advances to State and U.S. Championships
Flagstaff Academy Charter School is excited to announce that their 4th-grade girls' robotics team, Team 473B, has qualified for the 2025 Colorado State Championship and the 2025 VEX Robotics U.S. Open Championship in Iowa. This achievement follows their outstanding performance at the St. Vrain Valley School District Robotics Tournament, where they received the Teamwork Champion Award for their excellent robot performance and collaboration. Team members and staff are proud of their hard work and the support they’ve received, with the U.S. Open Championship promising to showcase talent from around the globe. Read the full press release here.
Get Involved
Share your Waitlist Numbers
As the League continues to advocate for the interests of charter schools at the Capitol and beyond, it is essential to understand how many charter schools currently have waitlists. These waitlist data (in aggregate) are an important indicator of unmet parent demand for additional seats at innovative and high-quality public charter schools. Please take a few minutes to answer this very brief survey about the current number of students on a waitlist at your charter school. Up to ten respondents to this survey will receive gift cards for their school.
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 cohorts tailored for board chairs, marketing professionals, school founders, and more to impactful training sessions, there's something for everyone. Don’t miss these valuable opportunities to collaborate, learn, and grow!
Grants & Resources
58th annual HS 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. Participants will use their experiences to create or enhance cross-cultural curricula for their U.S. classrooms. The program covers airfare, room and board, and other costs, while participants are responsible for a cost-share of $750.
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
$1.6M Annual Grant to Strengthen School-based Mental Health Services
The Colorado Department of Education has received a $1.6 million annual grant from the U.S. Department of Education to expand school-based mental health services from 2025 to 2029. The funding will address the shortage of mental health professionals in schools, provide stipends and training, and create pathways for clinic-based professionals to transition to school roles. Commissioner Susana Córdova emphasized the grant’s role in supporting student wellness and engagement. For details, contact [email protected]. Read the full article here.
Purple Star Schools: Apply by Dec. 18
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.
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); Federal and state laws prohibit discrimination based on national origin, race, or color; Schools are protected spaces where immigration enforcement is restricted. 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.
BEST Grant Deadlines
- December 15, 2024: Deadline for all potential applicants to notify CDE of their intent to apply for a Building Excellent Schools Today (BEST) grant in the upcoming FY2025-26 grant round. New this year, only those who complete the notice of intent by the deadline will be able to apply. Please complete the Intent to Apply form.
- January 2025: Required match percentages will be posted.
Colorado State Board of Education finalizes 2024 SPF, highlights improvements across Colorado
CDE Press Release | December 12
DENVER -- At its December meeting, the State Board of Education finalized the 2024 School Performance Frameworks, approving 74 requests to reconsider and plan types for schools. Read more.
Will Trump eliminate the federal role in education or weaponize it?
Fordham | December 12
Perhaps you’ve been wondering why many recent articles, predictions, and speculations about Trump’s plans for the U.S. Department of Education focus on its abolition, while others predict that it will be forcefully deployed to reshape what schools teach.
Adams 14 successful in challenging some ratings, but not the overall low district rating
Chalkbeat | December 11
The Adams 14 school district will not have an improved performance rating this year, despite many district complaints about the state’s system.
Facilities: The Number One Problem Inhibiting the Growth of Charter Schools
CharterFolk | December 10
According to some CharterFolk, “Facilities” is now the number one problem inhibiting the growth of charter schools across the country.
U.S. Reading and Math Gap Is Getting Worse for Adults, Too
EdWeek | December 10
Test after test of U.S. students’ reading and math abilities have shown scores declining since the pandemic.
Are Students Gaining Ground in Math and Reading? Not Very Much…
The 74 | December 10
How did U.S. students fare academically last year? There are three different sources of information to answer that question. Two of them are showing students made no or small gains last year, and the third, NAEP, will come out in early 2025 and provide the final word.
What do special education advocates anticipate from a 2nd Trump term?
K-12Dive | December 9
Special education administrators and advocates are bracing for changes in funding and programming under the incoming Trump administration.
Denver students from low-income families have not recovered academically from pandemic, report says
Chalkbeat | December 6
Denver Public Schools students are experiencing an “inequitable recovery” from academic dips during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new report from the Keystone Policy Center.
Too Many Students Say School Just Isn’t Relevant. It’s Time to Listen to Them.
The 74 | December 5
We send our kids to school to get them ready for a successful future. So, it’s concerning that less than half of middle schoolers and high schoolers in a recent national survey said school challenges them in a good way or gives them a chance to do what they’re best at every day.
Four Insights into U.S. Students’ Drop in Math & Science on International Test
The 74 | December 4
International testing data released Wednesday offered the latest evidence of U.S. learning loss since the pandemic, with American students falling behind some of their European peers and a gender gap re-emerging between boys and girls in STEM disciplines.
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*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.
- ACT (October 23, 2024)
- NEWS (December 6, 2024)
- MOVE (November 15, 2024)
- LEGISLATIVE UPDATE (December 5, 2024)
- CONNECT COHORT (October 24, 2024)
- Sign up for "Charter Sense" on LinkedIn
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