| "Focal Point" is the Colorado League of Charter Schools' e-newsletter. Each month, it provides charter school news, facts about the League, upcoming events, advocacy information, vendor spotlights, grant opportunities, research and resources, and much more.
If you have suggestions for stories...or ideas on how we can improve YOUR newsletter, please contact Stacy Rivera, Director of Communications at the League. |
 State Budget Cuts Update
Last week, some welcome news was heard at the State Capitol when proposed K-12 budget cuts for 2011-12 were reduced from an estimated $332 Million to $250 Million. Should the $250 Million number stick, it would equate to an approximate, average cut of $300 per student from Per Pupil Revenue (down from $500 per student).
While the budget bill is likely to pass as proposed, it is highly recommended that charter schools continue to budget for 2011-12 as if the worst case scenario could still happen. By budgeting for the original $500 per student decrease in revenue, charter schools can be prepared for any unforeseen rescissions that could happen down the road. And if no rescissions take place, the difference in PPR can be placed into a school's reserves, helping them prepare for future budget cuts, which are still on the horizon for 2012-13.
Under the Dome Webinar - April 19For more information about budget cuts and other legislative updates, join the Colorado League of Charter Schools for "Under the Dome," a webinar on April 19 from 9:30-10:30am. Click here for more information and to register. |
 Charter School Essay Contest and Rally Update
This year, nearly 1400 essays were received for the Colorado Charter School essay contest (winners will be announced next week).
Winners will receive their awards during the Colorado Charter Schools Rally on Thursday, April 28 from 11:30am-1:00pm on the west steps of the Colorado State Capitol in Denver.
The Colorado Charter Schools Rally is a great educational opportunity, not only for students, but for parents, teachers, administrators and Colorado legislators as well. It is also a great chance for the charter school community to come together to voice support for equitable funding and treatment for Colorado charter school students -- and to educate elected officials about why "Charter Schools Rock!"
New this Year -- Pre-Rally Student Debate
High school students from Jefferson Academy and Woodrow Wilson Academy will debate the important topic of state budget cuts to K-12 public education. The debate will begin at 10:00am in the Old Supreme Court Chambers at the State Capitol. This will be a great learning opportunity, particularly for high school students. Don't miss it!
Capitol tours are still available, visit www.coloradoleague.org/charterweek for more information. Any tours not reserved by 5pm on Friday, April 15, will be released to the general public.
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 Nominate a STAR Teacher
"Those Who Rise Above Must Lead the Way"
The inaugural STAR Teacher Council will honor the amazing work of the most talented charter school educators, elevate best practice in education in the state, and inform important decisions about the work of the Colorado League of Charter Schools, lawmakers and other education-focused organizations.
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Chugging for Charters
Join the Colfax Marathon to Support Charter Schools
Run, jog, walk, or volunteer with the Colorado League of Charter Schools at the 2011 Kaiser Permanente Colfax Marathon. Simply register for the Colfax Marathon (as a runner or volunteer), then collect pledges. All proceeds will benefit Colorado League of Charter Schools programming for member schools including advocacy, professional development, and more.
Participation options include running the full marathon, the half marathon, joining a 5 person marathon relay team (relay lengths: 3.8 miles (6.1K), 5.8 miles (9.3K), 6.6 miles (10.6K), 4.6 miles (7.4K), and 5.4 miles (8.7K), or volunteering at the Marathon.
When: Sunday, May 15, 2011
Time: Start times for the full, half, and relay marathons vary
Visit www.coloradocolfaxmarathon.org for exact times
Where: Starting line is in City Park, Denver, CO
If you only run when being chased, you can make a donation online then sleep in on the day of the event. Click here to make a pledge. |
| National Charter Schools Conference |
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2011 National Charter Schools Conference
June 20-23 | Atlanta, Georgia
The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools hosts the largest annual gathering for professionals working in the charter schools community. Join us for this year's National Charter Schools Conference at the Georgia World Congress Center. Leave with practical ideas and renewed inspiration to help every child at a charter school succeed:
ˇ Nationally recognized general sessions and featured speakers
ˇ More than 120 sessions and workshops covering all facets of school operations
ˇ Enhanced opportunities to network and collaborate with your peers
ˇ Energizing site visits, tours, and special events
Keynote speakers include: Arne Duncan, U.S. Secretary of Education, Honorable Cory A. Booker, Mayor of Newark, Eva Moskowitz, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Success Charter Network, and Marian Wright Edelman, Founder and President, Children's Defense Fund.
Register by May 31 for advance registration rates. Visit www.nationalcharterconference.org to register now. |
| Introducing EdNews Parent |
New Website for Colorado Parents!
EdNews Parent (www.ednewsparent.org) is a new website/e-mail newsletter providing updates on current educational news, tip sheets and abundant resources related to healthy schools, safe schools and teaching and learning. The site - created in partnership with Education News Colorado and funded by the Colorado Health Foundation - is a free resource for parents interested in education. Parents can sign up for an e-mail newsletter they'll receive every other week, pose questions to a panel of experts in the three topic areas and interact with other parents. Another unique feature to the site is the Colorado School Data Center where readers can find and compare data/information regarding ALL schools in Colorado.
EdNews Parent brings together people interested in educational issues beyond the scope of their child's own school or district. At the same time, the content can be personalized through the Ask an Expert feature. Readers can also follow EdNews Parent on Facebook and Twitter.
The Colorado League of Charter Schools is a proud supporter of EdNews Colorado and EdNews Parent. |
| Resources for New School Developers |
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New School Development - Webinar Series The Colorado League of Charter Schools offers a free, monthly webinar series for new charter school developers. These 90-minute webinars are designed for those in the process of developing a charter school application; however, anyone is welcome to attend. Each webinar focuses on an area of critical importance to groups in the process of designing a school and writing a charter application. Each webinar runs from 10:00 AM-11:30 AM (MST). All you need is a computer and internet access to participate!
Upcoming Webinars
April 21, 2011: Writing SMART Goals
May 19, 2011: New School Budgeting
June 16, 2011: Facilities Support for Developing Charter Schools
July 21, 2011: Overview of Special Education and the RtI Process
To RSVP, click the link above for the session you are interested in joining. For more information, contact Kathy Zlomke at kzlomke@coloradoleague.org. Webinar access instructions will be sent at least one week prior to each webinar. |
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Realize your Vision....Create a School The Get Smart Schools Fellowship is a highly competitive Denver-based program that trains education entrepreneurs to start and lead high-performing, autonomous public charter and district schools. The fellowship offers a unique opportunity to participate in a one-year, intense fellowship that will prepare participants to make a dramatic impact on the lives of kids. For general information about the fellowship, visit www.getsmartschools.org/aboutfellowship.
The Health and Wellness Fellow will found a charter school in Denver that will open in 2013.
The school will be a demonstration site that exemplifies what a healthy school looks like. More information about this stipend is available at www.getsmartschools.org/placements. |
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César Chávez Academy Denver
César Chávez  Academy Denver is a charter school serving Kindergarten through 8th grade students in Northwest Denver. The mission of César Chávez
Academy is to prepare Denver's children for success as young scholars, citizens of the world, and community leaders by providing them with an ambitious academic program in a supportive and challenging learning environment.
César Chávez Academy Denver opened in 2009 and focuses on College Preparation. This year they are proud to have approximately 64% of students reading at grade level -- up from 30% last year. The school focuses heavily on reading. They feel a proficiency in reading is a key to success in all subjects.
For the third consecutive year, César Chávez Academy will join Standley Lake High School and other Denver metro schools, in "A Day Without Hate." On Friday, April 29, from 10:30-11:30 am, Cesar Chavez Academy students, teachers, parents and other family members will join together to acknowledge the victims of school shootings. "A Day Without Hate," is an opportunity for schools across the Denver metro area to create a sense of unity, and learn to set aside their differences and learn to be accepting and tolerant. At César Chávez Academy, students and staff will wear "A Day Without Hate," T-shirts instead of their traditional CCA-Denver uniform polo shirt. And, teachers will have various age-appropriate activities planned throughout the day to help students understand the purpose of the event. In addition, the school will be decorated with posters containing messages of love, peace and inspiration.
"A Day Without Hate," was created four years ago, when after hearing about the tragedy at Virginia Tech, a small committee of students and teachers at Standley Lake High School felt they had to do something to acknowledge the combat with all too frequent acts of school violence. César Chávez Academy
was proud to join in the effort during its first year of operation in 2009.
More information about César Chávez Academy Denver can be found at www.cca-denver.org. |
Vendor Spotlight
All Aboard Tours & Travel
College Tours and Educational Travel
All Aboard Tours & Travel college tours bring a brighter future to a new generation. All Aboard Tours & Travel's focus is to bring your first generation college bound students onto a college campus. Students will obtain information on enrollment requirements and financial aid necessary in the planning stages of attending a college or university. All Aboard Tours & Travel's turnkey operation services include 24/7 on call customer service, a wide range of destinations, balance of college tours with cultural enrichment activities, transportation, accommodations, meals and more. Now is the time to book your next college tour, and in support of your charter program - choose from ONE of the following offers:
$500 scholarship or
5% off your college tour or
$500 gift card.
Call today for details.
Contact:Wayne Weinzoff All Aboard Tours & Travel Phone: (800) 896-0046 Email: wweinzoff@allaboardtours.comWebsite: www.allaboardtours.com |
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Vendor Spotlight
Fransen Pittman General Contractors
Facilities Design and Construction
Fransen Pittman General Contractors is based in Englewood and was incorporated in 1994. Fransen Pittman is engaged exclusively in commercial, institutional and light industrial construction, both new and remodel. Fransen Pittman's work is primarily negotiated and bid on a select list basis. Fransen Pittman specializes in conceptual estimating, comprehensive pre-construction services and team approach to the design-construction process. In the last 15 years, Fransen Pittman has constructed 45 academic facilities along the Front Range -- they excel in building for owner occupants.
Contact:
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Carol M. White Physical Education Program
Carol M. White Physical Education Program offered through the U.S. Department of Education PEP GRANT is offering millions in guaranteed grant money to charter schools and districts throughout the United States.
Eligibility: Contact Resource Associates for a free consultation to determine if you are eligible at 505-326-4245 or email development@grantwriters.net. More information about Resource Associates may be found at www.grantwriters.net.
Deadline: May 13, 2011
Click here for more information. |
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The Expelled and At-Risk Student Services (EARSS) Grant Program
The Expelled and At-Risk Student Services (EARSS) Grant Program at the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) is authorized by Colorado Revised Statute (C.R.S.) 22-33-205 to assist in providing educational and supportive services to expelled students and students at-risk for expulsion. Through Amendment 23 funding, EARSS grant funds are available for a new, four-year funding cycle.
Maximum Award: $4,000
Eligibility: Eligible applicants include: School districts; Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES); Non-public/non-parochial schools; Alternative schools within a school district; Charter schools; Approved facility schools. Grantees that have been funded previously may apply to implement a new strategy if the previously funded strategy has been sustained in the district, non-public/non-parochial school facility or BOCES. Proposed programs may target specific buildings, the entire school district, or involve multiple districts.
Deadline: May 18, 2011
Click here for more information. |
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LibertyGives Grant
Liberty Media Corporation has announced that its LibertyGives Foundation will continue its support of organizations providing proactive and preventative services to Colorado's at-risk youth.
Maximum Award: $150,000
Eligibility: LibertyGives Foundation is to support causes benefiting underprivileged and at-risk youth in Colorado, focused on proactive and preventative services.
Deadline: May 31, 2011
Click here for more information. |
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Ruckus Wireless: Back to School Wi-Fi Makeover Contest
Ruckus Wireless, a Sunnyvale, CA based wireless networking company, is offering three complete WLAN deployments to three worthy schools (any qualified .edu, .org, .k-12) in its "Back-to-School Wi-Fi Makeover Contest." Over $100K worth of Wi-Fi and networking hardware and services will be given away - no strings attached- for schools that nominate themselves in a simple contest. Visit www.ruckuswireless.com/back_to_school.
Maximum Award: Wireless LAN
Eligibility: Any qualified .edu, .org or .k-12
Deadline: June 15, 2011
Click here for more information. |
| Free Resources for Science Teachers |
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Free Resource for Science Teachers
Watts Up? Meters for Science Classrooms
Watts up? wants to help kids learn about electricity, and thereby improve their math and science skills. Watts up? Electricity Meters, and the associated teaching materials are an excellent way to accomplish this goal. For over 10 years, science teachers all across the country have utilized these resources to teach students in elementary classes through college. Through the generous support of an anonymous foundation,a limited number of Watts up? resources are now available free of charge to qualified schools. For more information, and to participate in this program, click here to download a short application, email the completed form to jfincham@wattsupmeters.com or call 877-928-8701. |
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Charter School Authorizer Tool Box
The Authorizer Tool Box offers a variety of publications and tools for charter school authorizers. These tools are designed to assist charter school authorizers in improving practices around charter approval, oversight, renewal, and closure. The Charter School Authorizer Tool Box was created by the Colorado League of Charter Schools, the Colorado Department of Education - Schools of Choice Unit, and the Colorado Charter School Institute.
Click here to view the Tool Box.
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Pioneering Teacher Compensation: K-12 Educator Pay Innovation in Colorado
Author: Ben DeGrow, Independence Institute
The transformation of teacher compensation is an integral piece of improving the overall quality of the K-12 instructional workforce. Research overwhelmingly shows the predominant single salary schedule, which pays teachers strictly according to seniority and academic credentials, to be ineffective and financially unsustainable. Numerous local innovations place Colorado at the forefront of teacher compensation reform.
Click here to view the report. |
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Community Calendar
 Looking for a calendar of upcoming community events and professional development seminars? Check out the League's website at www.coloradoleague.org
Below are some of the many events currently listed on our site.
Have an event to post? Email it to Sarah Pearman at the League at spearman@coloradoleague.org.
Slice of Pi
Hosted by Denver School of Science and Technology
Date: Friday, April 15
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: DSST Stapleton High School, 2000 Valentia St., Denver, CO
Description: Honoree: Laura Barton. Laura has been a DSST supporter and advocate since DSST's earliest days and DSST is proud to recognize her contributions. Proceeds support existing DSST Public Schools programming. DSST Public Schools operates open-enrollment STEM Charter Schools and is part of the Denver Public Schools district. Click here for more information.
North Area Regional Lunch Meeting
Hosted by the Colorado Department of Education
Date: Tuesday, April 19
Time: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Tavola Italian Grill, 801 9th Street, Greeley, CO 80631
Click here to register. After submitting the registration, a confirmation screen will appear.
Introduction to Using Scantron
Hosted by the Colorado League of Charter Schools
Date: Wednesday, April 20
Time: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM (lunch will be provided)
Location: Colorado League of Charter Schools, 725 S. Broadway, Denver, CO, 80209
Cost: FREE (lunch will be provided)
Description: School leaders and teachers will gain a thorough understanding of Scantron assessments and how to get the most out of this computer adaptive assessment. To register click here no later than Wednesday, April 13. Event is contingent upon 10 confirmed attendees.
Introduction to Galileo K-12 Online Instructional Improvement System
Date: Thursday, April 21
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Colorado League of Charter Schools, 725 S. Broadway, Denver, CO, 80209
Cost: FREE (snacks will be provided)
Description: During this interactive seminar participants will learn how teachers and schools are implementing Galileo and receive an overview of the system. Attendees will also learn about Galileo system alignment with Common Core State Standards and next steps for Galileo implementation in participating Colorado schools. To register, click here no later than Thursday, April 14. Event is contingent upon 10 confirmed attendees.
Writing S.M.A.R.T. Goals Webinar
Date: Thursday, April 21
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Location: Online
Cost: FREE
Description: An interactive webinar that will address critical insights to writing focused, rigorous goals for a charter school application. Click here to register.
Administrator Mentoring Cohort
Hosted by the Colorado Department of Education
Date: Friday, April 22
Time: 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Location: Compass Montessori Golden Campus, 4441 Salvia Street, Golden, CO 80403
Description: For lunch, click here to register at Survey Monkey by Wednesday, April 20. After submitting the registration, a confirmation screen will appear.
Reach Out to Teach Out - Again!
Hosted by Elements Academy
Date: Saturday, April 23
Time: 10:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: Montbello Rec Center, 15555 E. 53rd Avenue, Denver, CO 80239
Description: Our last event was such a success, and we secured support from over 140 community members for the opening of Elements Academy. When you're on a roll, keep going! Click here for more information.
Engaging Classroom Assessments
Dates: Monday, April 25 - Tuesday, April 26
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Colorado School District Self Insurance Pool, 6857 South Spruce Street, Centennial, CO 80112
Cost: League members: $300 per person | Non-members: $400 per person. (Grant funds have been used to subsidize the cost of this training, which would normally cost $655/person.)
Audience: Teachers & Teacher Leaders
Description: Teachers use "Power" standards to develop meaningful performance assessments. This two-day seminar focuses on each participant's effective design, creation, and use of performance assessments that are the foundation of powerful standards-based instructional and assessment tools. Performance assessments are a powerful teaching and learning tool that make differentiated instruction and assessment possible.
Registration: Click here to register. Deadline: April 22
2011 Colorado Charter Schools Rally
Hosted by the Colorado League of Charter Schools
Date: Thursday, April 28
Time: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: West Steps, Colorado State Capitol, Denver
Description: The Colorado Charter Schools Rally is a great chance for the charter school community to come together to voice support for equitable funding and treatment for Colorado charter school students -- and to educate elected officials about why "Charter Schools Rock!" Click here for more information and to register for tours of the State Capitol.
Best Practices in Gifted Education
Hosted by Academy for Advanced and Creative Learning
Date: Saturday, April 30
Time: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: Academy for Advanced and Creative Learning, 510 North Chestnut, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
Cost: $15 Includes lunch and a certificate of participation.
Description: Academy for Advanced and Creative Learning seeks to support the gifted educational needs of students in the Pikes Peak Region. Our focus will be to provide a solid introduction to giftedness and best practices in education for these students. We will review definitions of giftedness, characteristics of these learners, their unique social-emotional needs, and Colorado requirements. Teachers will have the opportunity to work on differentiating actual lessons and units for these students, and to explore differentiation techniques with those units. Cancellations after Thursday, April 28th at 4 p.m. will be billed for lunch. To RSVP, please visit http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/bestpracticesapr30 and mail your check to AcademyACL, 2510 North Chestnut, Colorado Springs, CO 80907. We will email you to confirm your registration once your check has been received. For any questions, contact office@academyacl.org or call 719-434-6566.
High Point Academy Playground Community Build
Hosted by High Point Academy
Date: Saturday, April 30 - Sunday, May 1
Time: The weekend will be divided into four work sessions: 8:30 - 12:30 and 1:00 - 5:00 on Saturday, and same times on Sunday.
Location: 6750 N. Dunkirk St, Aurora, CO 80019
Description: Over 100 people will join together to build two playgrounds that will provide a safe and fun outdoor play area for over 600 HPA students and the local community. It promises to be an amazing weekend, filled with hard work, new friends, and the satisfaction of building something that will bring joy to children for years to come. For more information or to volunteer, please contact Annette Sloan at asloan@highpointacademy.net.
Performance Management Training for Boards
Date: Tuesday, May 3
Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Colorado League of Charter Schools, 725 S. Broadway, Denver, CO, 80209
Cost: League members: $100 per person | Non-members: $150
Description: Introduces charter school boards to internal and external accountability expectations and outlines the board's responsibility in maintaining a strong performance management system within their school. This training will educate charter school board members about their role in monitoring the academic program and results at their school. The training will also provide boards with tools and resources to assist in the role of appropriate oversight and evaluation. The focus of this session is on understanding student performance data, key questions board members should know how to answer, and how boards can establish sound practices in providing academic performance oversight and monitoring. Other topics typically included are key school performance expectations and measures as well as state and authorizer performance expectations and measures.
Registration: Click here to register. Deadline: April 29. | | | |
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Contact us!
Colorado League of Charter Schools
725 S. Broadway, #7
Denver, CO 80209
303-989-5356
info@coloradoleague.org
www.coloradoleague.org
 
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| Take Action! Join the Colorado Charter Advocacy Network. |
| Join the Charter School Advocacy Network, a project of the League, to receive news, legislative updates and ALERTS about political issues impacting your charter school.
Easily send emails to state legislators weighing in on important matters affecting your child's school!
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