| "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. |
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Chipping for Charters Golf Tournament & Dinner
September 15 | Green Valley Ranch Golf Club, Denver
Register a foursome by August 19, and receive 4 free raffle tickets (a $20 value).
Raffle prizes include a chance at a million dollar hole-in-one (sponsored by HUB International Insurance)!
Join the Colorado League of Charter Schools and other charter school and community leaders for the Inaugural Chipping for Charters Golf Tournament, followed by an awards dinner and reception. This year's event will build upon the success of the League's 2010 golf outing.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Colorado League of Charter Schools' Advocacy Fund, which provides the charter school community with timely financial and legal support, when needed, and expands quality public school opportunities for Colorado children.
Featuring:
·Special Guest: Peter C. Groff, President and CEO, National Alliance for Public Charter Schools (plus many elected officials)
·Raffle for Great Prizes, including a Shot at a Million Dollar Hole-in-One (sponsored by HUB International Insurance)
·$10,000 Hole-in-One Contest (sponsored by Staples Advantage)
·Best Ball Tournament with Contests and Prizes
·Networking Opportunities with Charter Leaders and Elected Officials
Click here for more information and to register. Questions? Contact Sarah Pearman at
Tournament Sponsor: Qqest Employer Services Dinner Sponsor: Educational Facility Solutions |
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18th Annual Colorado Charter Schools Conference
"Lead. Innovate. Educate."
February 23-24, 2012 | Omni-Interlocken Resort, Broomfield
The Colorado Charter Schools Conference is the largest annual gathering of charter school leaders, business managers, board members, teachers, parents and community members from new and veteran charter schools across Colorado.
This year's theme "Lead. Innovate. Educate.," will be woven throughout the conference. Participants will learn best practices in all areas of a charter school, from the classroom, to the business office, to the board room, and more.
Click here to register and receive early, early bird rates. Prices increase on September 1. Questions? Email conference@coloradoleague.org. |
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Call for Presentations Now Open
2012 Colorado Charter Schools Conference
"Lead. Innovate. Educate."
The League is seeking conference presentations for the 18th Annual Colorado Charter Schools Conference scheduled for February 23-24, 2012, in Broomfield, Colorado. The theme of the 2012 Conference is "Lead. Innovate. Educate." The audience at this conference will consist of approximately 500 attendees from across the Colorado charter school community, including school leaders, business managers, board members, teachers, parents, and more.
Presentations should support strong leadership at all levels of a charter school, including innovative ideas that promote great practice, and most of all impact and strengthen student performance and school success. The League invites practitioners and experts from across the charter school sector to submit a presentation proposal.
Presentation proposals must be on topics that are relevant to Colorado charter schools, include sound learning goals, and will be delivered by a qualified presenter.
Click here for more information and to access the online application. Proposals are due November 1, 2011 by 5:00pm (MST). Questions? Email conference@coloradoleague.org. |
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Recommendations for Charter School and Charter School Authorizer Standards (HB-10-1412)
In 2010, the Colorado General Assembly created the Charter School and Charter School Authorizer Standards Review Committee through House Bill 10-1412. The 1412 Committee was directed to make recommendations to the State Board of Education and the House and Senate Education committees concerning standards for charter schools and charter school authorizers. The 1412 Committee convened on September 29, 2010 and finalized its work on July 6, 2011.
Click here to review the final 1412 report and recommendations, which will be presented to the House and Senate Education Committees and the State Board of Education. The State Board will adopt rules for charter school standards and charter school authorizer standards by January 15, 2012. |
| Save on Microsoft Office Pro-Premium |
 Summer School Special
Save up to 70% off Microsoft Office Pro-Premium
The Colorado League of Charter Schools is now offering a substantial discount on Microsoft Office Pro-Premium 2010 software packages.
Beginning in July, members of the Colorado League of Charter Schools can purchase Microsoft Office Pro-Premium 2010 for only $2,600, a savings of up to 70% off of the normal package cost of $6,800.
This Summer School Special is made possible by CounterTrade Products, Inc., a preferred vendor of the Colorado League of Charter Schools. |
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Ben Franklin Academy
 Ben Franklin Academy is in the home stretch! Opening on August 22, Ben Franklin Academy is a pre-school through 6th grade (expanding to 8th grade) Core Knowledge charter school in Highlands Ranch. The school will open with 600 students attending, and 350 more on the waitlist.
BFA's mission is to develop young adults with character like America's founding Renaissance man, Benjamin Franklin: well-read, scientifically curious, and civically engaged.
 Founders of BFA have been hard at work performing due diligence to make sure the school will be a success. They have consulted with the founders of American Academy, SkyView Academy, and North Star Academy, worked with the Colorado League of Charter Schools, Douglas County School District, Colorado Department of Education and numerous other educators, and built many community relationships.
According to BFA's founders, there are three main reasons the school will succeed: 1) They have a fantastic group of parents who are committed to making this school a success. 2) They will measure the effectiveness of the school by regularly assessing the teachers and the students. These assessments will be followed up by adjustments in teaching styles that are specific to classrooms and students, and 3) They have a vision to develop well-rounded children through an excellent academic program focused on individual students. When this vision is implemented it will translate into improved experiences for BFA students.
Congratulations to BFA on their upcoming grand opening. More information about Ben Franklin Academy can be found at http://www.bfacademy.org. |
| Unified Improvement Planning (UIP) Template Trainings |
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Unified Improvement Planning (UIP) Template Trainings
 The Colorado League of Charter Schools is hosting regional trainings to help schools prepare to complete the new UIP planning process. Due to the importance of the new UIP template, the League will use grant funds to greatly decrease the cost of these trainings.
Description: Gain a deeper understanding of the UIP template and research-based practices in school improvement planning. During these workshops, school leaders will engage in meaningful school improvement planning, aligned to research in best practice and state reporting requirements.
Participants will:
·Gain effective tools for school improvement planning.
·Understand the new UIP and reporting requirements.
·Develop a timeline, measures, and metrics for school improvement planning.
UIP Regional Training Schedule
SOUTHERN COLORADO
Date: Tuesday, August 23
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Penrose House, 1661 Mesa Ave, Colorado Springs (is located approximately ˝ mile west of the Broadmoor Hotel).
Cost: League members: $50 per person | Non-members: $100 per person. (Grant funds have been used to subsidize the cost of this training, which would normally cost $325/person.)
Registration: Click here to register. Deadline: August 18.
Date: Tuesday, September 13
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: James Irwin Charter Schools, 5525 Astrozon Blvd., Colorado Springs
Cost: League members: $50 per person | Non-members: $100 per person. (Grant funds have been used to subsidize the cost of this training, which would normally cost $325/person.)
Registration: Click here to register. Deadline: September 8.
NORTH DENVER/METRO
Date: Friday, September 9
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: The Pinnacle Charter School, 1001 W. 84th Avenue, Federal Heights
Cost: League members: $50 per person | Non-members: $100 per person. (Grant funds have been used to subsidize the cost of this training, which would normally cost $325/person.)
Registration: Click here to register. Deadline: September 6.
WESTERN SLOPE
Date: Friday, September 23
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Caprock Academy, 714 - 24˝ Road, Grand Junction
Cost: League members: $50 per person | Non-members: $100 per person. (Grant funds have been used to subsidize the cost of this training, which would normally cost $325/person.)
Registration: Click here to register. Deadline: September 19.
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Additional UIP Support
The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) is also offering numerous school-level UIP trainings in August and September. Trainings focus on school-level data analysis, school-level root cause analysis, and school-level action planning.
Click here for more information, including dates, times and locations. |
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Are You Taking Advantage of the E-Rate Program?
Earn 20-90% discounts on telecommunications and internet services
E-Rate was created in 1996 to provide discounts on telecommunications and internet services for schools and libraries. Discounts range from 20 to 90%!
Unfortunately, the application process to access E-Rate funds can be cumbersome and difficult to navigate, causing many schools to lose out on free money.
The League has a solution to this dilemma. Meet FundEd Consulting Group. This organization advocates for K-12 schools by offering a turnkey solution that helps schools access E-Rate funding. FundEd does all the work including authoring and filing the E-Rate paperwork on your school's behalf. They also manage the entire process from beginning to end, until the funds are dispersed.
For more information about how FundEd can help your school take advantage of the E-Rate Program, contact John Egan at john.egan@getfunded.net, (480) 473-5785 or visit www.getfunded.net. |
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Vendor Spotlight
ServiceMaster Clean
Facilities Management and Maintenance A quality commercial cleaning company can make your school facility shine. A green commercial cleaning company can help make your school facility, along with our beautiful world, a healthier and more sustainable environment. A trustworthy commercial cleaning company can take a weight off of your shoulders that doesn't have to be there. ServiceMaster Clean is all of these things, and we cannot wait to meet you! Contact: Joseph Steffens
3250 Quentin Street, Suite 100
Aurora, CO 80011
Phone: (303) 761-0122
Fax: (303) 225-0006
Email: joes@cleanmyfacility.com Website: http://www.cleanmyfacility.com |
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Vendor Spotlight
Mobile Citizen
Curriculum / Textbooks / Supplementals, Technology
Mobile Citizen provides low-cost mobile Internet EXCLUSIVELY FOR SCHOOLS and nonprofits for applications such as 1:1 computing, Internet for field trips, extend the school day or distance learning programs, laptop loaners for sick kids, telecommuting, tools for administrators or innovative curriculum ideas for teachers. Mobile Citizen's wireless Internet is powered by CLEAR 4G technology, the country's fastest mobile Internet network provider!
Contact:
Marcia Canter
P.O. Box 6060
Boulder, CO 80306
Phone: (303) 477-6278
Email: customerservice@mobilecitizen.org
Website: http://www.mobilecitizen.org
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Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation: Melody Program
Mr. Holland's Opus Melody Program provides musical instruments and instrument repairs to existing K-12 school music programs that have no other source of financing to purchase additional musical instruments and materials.
Maximum award: $8,000.
Eligibility: Music programs that take place during the regular school day. Schools must have an established instrumental music program (i.e. concert band, marching band, jazz band and/or orchestra) that is at least three years old.
Deadline for Pre-Qualification: September 29, 2011.
Click here for more information. |
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P. Buckley Moss Foundation: Grants for Teachers of Children Who Learn Differently
P. Buckley Moss Foundation Education Grants aid and support teachers who wish to establish an effective learning tool using the arts in teaching children with learning disabilities and other special needs.
Maximum award: $1,000.
Eligibility: New or evolving programs that integrate the arts into educational programming.
Deadline: September 30, 2011.
Click here for more information. |
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Core Knowledge Alignment to the New Revised Colorado Content Standards - July 2011
This alignment of the Core Knowledge revised sequence to the new revised Colorado Content Standards was achieved through a collaborative effort by 16 dedicated Core Knowledge teachers, nine Core Knowledge schools, and the Colorado League of Charter Schools. Both the Core Knowledge sequence and the Colorado Content Standards were significantly revised in 2010 necessitating the creation of a new alignment. Because of the hard work and support of these individuals, schools, and the League, the project was completed in a timely fashion. Core Knowledge charter schools and traditional public schools will find the alignment to be a user-friendly and useful tool.
Click here to download the standards. |
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Charter Schools and ELLs: An Authorizer and School Leader Guide to Educating ELLs
By: National Association of Charter School Authorizers (NACSA)
Educators, school administrators, policymakers, and community members are responsible for providing a quality education for all students in the nation's public schools. Traditional and charter schools bear the duty to ensure that special populations of students have access to the best education possible. This responsibility makes it essential for charter school authorizers to not only have knowledge of these diverse student groups, but also to ensure that charter school operators are fulfilling their responsibility of providing quality education for all students.
Click here to download the report. |
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How to ACE an Executive Director Search
Commissioned by: National Alliance for Public Charter Schools
This issue brief presents a meaningful strategy for how charter school boards can hire top-notch, well-suited leaders for their schools. Written by Mollie Mitchell, founder and president of The K12 Search Group, this brief is a how-to guide for managing the process of bringing on a new charter school leader. As Ms. Mitchell notes, the only thing worse than having no ED, is having the wrong ED. This brief will help boards ensure they hire the right leader for their schools.
Click here to download the report. |
| Open Court Materials for Sale |
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Open Court Materials for Sale (K-6)
Bromley East Charter School in Brighton has a variety of Open Court materials (K-6) for sale. They have everything from Kindergarten big books, to teachers' manuals, to student books, to workbooks and DVDs. They are willing to sell the items at a very low price to another charter school. If interested, contact Roberta Harrell at RHarrell@bromleyeastcs.org or 303-558-8527. |
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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.
2011 Alpine User's Conference-Longmont
Hosted by Alpine Achievement Systems
Date: Thursday, August 11
Time: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Location: St. Vrain School District, 395 S. Pratt Pkwy, Longmont
Cost: $100 per person (includes conference materials and lunch)
Description: Take this opportunity to interact with your colleagues and learn directly from Alpine staff as you explore the newest Alpine tools and features. Schools are encouraged to send teams of 2-6 people.Your team will have hands-on opportunities to try out the newest features and brush up on techniques for using the system efficiently.
Registration: Contact Tisha Bouwmeester at tbouwmeester@coloradoleague.org or 303-989-5356, x106.
Bullying Prevention through Early Intervention
Hosted by the Sewall Child Development Center
Dates: Friday, August 12 - Saturday, August 13
Time: 8:00AM - 2:00 PM
Location: Adams 12 Five Star School Conference Center, 1500 E. 128th Avenue, Thornton
Cost: $95 for one day | $150 for two days
Description: The goal of Sewall's two-day conference is to expand the knowledge of educators and families with regards to bullying in early childhood and elementary school settings, particularly related to children with differences and disabilities. Educators and families will work together to develop the skills required to implement age and culturally appropriate pro-social strategies in the classroom as well as the community.
Registration: Click here to register. Questions? Contact Katherine Rains at krains@sewallchild.org or 303-399-1800.
Using the UIP as a Tool for School Improvement Planning: Decision-Making for Results
Hosted by the Colorado League of Charter Schools
Date: Tuesday, August 23
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Penrose House, 1661 Mesa Avenue, Colorado Springs (located approximately ˝ mile west of the Broadmoor Hotel)
Cost: $50 per person for League member schools; $100 per person, non-member schools.
Audience: School Leaders
Description: School leaders engage in meaningful school improvement planning, aligned to research in best practice and in state reporting requirements. Overwhelmed by the new Unified Improvement Planning process and want to make the work meaningful? Gain a deeper understanding of the template and research-based practices in school improvement planning.
Registration: Click here to register Deadline: August 18.
Power Strategies for Response to Intervention (RtI)
Hosted by the Colorado League of Charter Schools
Dates: Thursday, September 1 - Friday, September 2
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Colorado School District Self Insurance Pool, 6857 South Spruce Street, Centennial
Cost: TWO FREE ADMISSIONS per school for League members; $300 per additional person for League member schools
Audience: School Leaders & teachers
Descriptions: Response to Intervention (RTI) is a comprehensive student-centered assessment and intervention model used to address individual academic difficulties. This seminar is designed to provide a comprehensive structure and intervention strategies to help general educators meet the needs of struggling learners.
Registration: Click here to register. Deadline: August 30.
Using the UIP as a Tool for School Improvement Planning: Decision-Making for Results
Hosted by the Colorado League of Charter Schools
Date: Friday, September 9
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: The Pinnacle Charter School, 1001 W. 84th Ave., Federal Heights
Cost: $50 per person for League member schools; $100 per person, non-member schools.
Audience: School Leaders
Description: School leaders engage in meaningful school improvement planning, aligned to research in best practice and in state reporting requirements. Overwhelmed by the new Unified Improvement Planning process and want to make the work meaningful? Gain a deeper understanding of the template and research-based practices in school improvement planning.
Registration: Click here to register. Deadline: September 6.
Using the UIP as a Tool for School Improvement Planning: Decision-Making for Results
Hosted by the Colorado League of Charter Schools
Date: Tuesday, September 13
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: James Irwin Charter School, 5525 Astrozon Blvd., Colorado Springs
Cost: $50 per person for League member schools; $100 per person, non-member schools.
Audience: School Leaders
Description: School leaders engage in meaningful school improvement planning, aligned to research in best practice and in state reporting requirements. Overwhelmed by the new Unified Improvement Planning process and want to make the work meaningful? Gain a deeper understanding of the template and research-based practices in school improvement planning. Registration: Click here to register. Deadline: September 9.
Chipping for Charters Golf Tournament
Hosted by Colorado League of Charter Schools
Date: Thursday, September 15
Time: Golf: 1:30 PM | Dinner: 6:00 PM
Cost: $100 per person for golf and dinner | $30 per person for dinner only
Location: Green Valley Ranch Golf Club, 4900 Himalaya Road, Denver
Description: Join the Colorado League of Charter Schools and other charter school and community leaders for the inaugural Chipping for Charters Golf Tournament, followed by an awards dinner and reception. This year's event will build upon the success of the League's 2010 golf outing.
Registration: Click here to register.
Using the UIP as a Tool for School Improvement Planning: Decision-Making for Results
Hosted by the Colorado League of Charter Schools
Date: Friday, September 23
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Caprock Academy, 714 - 24˝ Road, Grand Junction
Audience: School Leaders
Cost: $50 per person for League member schools; $100 per person, non-member schools. (Grant funds have been used to subsidize the cost of this training.)
Description: School leaders engage in meaningful school improvement planning, aligned to research in best practice and in state reporting requirements. Overwhelmed by the new Unified Improvement Planning process and want to make the work meaningful? Gain a deeper understanding of the template and research-based practices in school improvement planning.
Registration: Click here to register. Deadline: September 19.
Rigorous Curriculum Design
Hosted by the Colorado League of Charter Schools
Dates: Tuesday, September 27 - Wednesday, September 28
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: The Leadership and Learning Center, 317 Inverness Way S., Suite 150, Englewood
Cost: $300 per person for League member schools; $400 per person, non-member schools. (Grant funds have been used to subsidize the cost of this training, which would normally cost $655/person.)
Description: School leaders and teacher explore a thorough model for the development of robust curriculum, fully aligned to state standards, including clear learning outcomes with matching assessments, engaging learning experiences organized into sequenced units of study, and more. School leaders and teacher explore a thorough model for the development of robust curriculum, fully aligned to state standards, including clear learning outcomes with matching assessments, engaging learning experiences organized into sequenced units of study, and more. Rigorous Curriculum Design is a model for designing or redesigning curriculum so that it truly represents a rigorous 21st century set of comprehensive units of study. This two day seminar will provide an overview of the entire process so that educators and leaders can, over time, follow the plan to create rigorous curricular units of study.
Registration: Click here to register. Deadline: September 23.
Quantum Learning's Put Me In, Coach!
Hosted by CIVA Charter School
Date: Tuesday, September 27 - Wednesday, September 28
Time 8:15 AM - 3:45 PM
Location: CIVA Charter School, 4635 Northpark Drive, Colorado Springs
Cost: $320 per person per day for individuals, $300 per person per day for groups of five or more registered from the same school and attending the same days. Program materials and manuals included in fee.
Description: Coaching works! Significant improvement in teacher practice evolves as a result of experience, reflection, collaboration, and continued learning. These positive changes are accelerated through the sustained support of knowledgeable, well-trained coaches. Quantum Learning's Put Me In Coach! is a robust, two-day train-the-coach program that enhances the observation and coaching skills of those in instructional coaching, mentoring and tutoring roles. A synthesis of best science-based coaching practices, this course provides theory, best practice models and tools for improving teacher effectiveness and student achievement.
Registration: Click here for more information. Click here to register.
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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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