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Charter School Institute
Main Line: 303-866-3299
Fax Line: 303-866-2530
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Dear School Leaders,
Happy Count Date! As we know, this is a significant day for all our schools and every administrator hopes that the day doesn’t bring any unpleasant surprises such as a family of six children moving out of state or transferring schools on Count Date. Ah, it happens and we cross our fingers and hope the day goes as expected. If you know that your enrollment is lower than projected months ago, I imagine that you are preparing for tightening the budget and looking for ways to reduce expenditures. Please know that we recognize the stress of this time of year and Janet’s team is doing everything they can to help your school through this critical submission cycle.
As you know, many of our staff trekked around the state a few weeks ago facilitating our Fall Regional Meetings and the September Regional Board Meeting in Grand Junction. Many thanks to all of you who attended and shared your fantastic feedback. We continue to have high participation and engaging conversations at all our regional meetings, but unfortunately we still haven’t reached our goal of 100% participation. As it turns out, Colorado Springs came close with 90% participation, but our Denver group continues to lag behind and we had seven schools that did not send any representatives at all. In all fairness, three of those schools must travel a significant distance, so we understand. As for the other schools, please let us know how we can help and share your suggestions about how we can make these meetings more convenient. Again, many thanks to all of you who were able to attend and I’m very sorry that I couldn’t be there. Please count on me at the December Regional Meetings.
As for my personal situation, let me start with expressing my deep appreciation for all your support, thoughtful notes and beautiful flowers. Wow – your generosity and warm wishes mean the world to me. Fortunately I was able to attend the League’s Policy and Facility Summit on Sept. 25
th so I had the wonderful opportunity to see many of you there which was fantastic! So next steps…I still don’t know if my treatment plan will include chemotherapy but I should know that this week after I meet with the oncologist. It’s been a long process since I’ve been waiting on some test results. I do know that I need another surgery which will be fairly minor and it’s scheduled for this Thursday, Oct. 5
th. It’s an out-patient surgery so I plan to work from home on Friday. I’ll keep you posted on everything.
In a couple of weeks, the Leadership Team, some CSI Board Members and Staff will be attending the National Association of Charter School Authorizers (NACSA) Conference in Phoenix. Several of us will be presenting and we look forward to meeting with authorizers across the country to learn and share best practices. Without question, I’m very excited that my situation will not impact this important event.
Once again, best of luck with October Count and remember that those Fall Breaks are just around the corner as well.
Best,
Terry
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Upcoming Deadlines
10/2:
10/3:
- October Count Level 1 Errors Cleared
10/9:
- CSI Board Committee Meeting
10/10:
- UIP Regional Work Sessions: Western Slope
- Student Services Training: Colorado Springs
10/11:
- CCSP Applications due
- UIP Regional Work Sessions: Colorado Springs
10/12:
- UIP Regional Training: Denver
- Student Services Training: Denver
10/16:
- NACSA conference 2017
- Accreditation Report due
- Final Audit due
10/17:
- October Count Summary Report review
- ACCESS Webinar
10/19:
- Human Resources Initial Submission
- SpEd December Count Initial Submission
10/20:
- Student Services Training: Western Slope
10/24:
- October Count Level 2 Errors Cleared
- CSI Board Meeting
10/26:
10/31:
- Happy Halloween!
- School Readiness Collection due
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Keep up to date with these highlights and more by liking
CSI's Facebook page
and sharing your highlights with us!
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Assessments and Improvement Planning
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2016-17 State Assessment Analysis
CSI completed an initial analysis of the CMAS ELA and Math data that looks at school achievement and growth for the last two years and compares school achievement and growth to the geographic district and the state. Both of these analyses are included in the CARS Report and are important indicators of charter viability and sustainability. We have provided this analysis for the school overall and disaggregated by level (elementary, middle, high), when applicable. This report has been placed into the school Syncplicity Assessment folder (School Name_Assessment/2016-17 State Assessment Data). We will continue to analyze the state assessment data and will prove additional reports as they become available.
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Optional Interim Assessment Analysis
CSI provides optional interim assessment analyses for CSI schools. To request a Fall to Spring 2016-17 interim analysis report for your school, please contact
Aislinn Walsh
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Fall Assessment Reminders
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WAPT
The deadline has now passed for administering the WAPT to all newly enrolled students with a "YES" on their Home Language Survey. Any students enrolling late must be assessed within 14 calendar days.
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READ Act
The initial 20 days window for administering a state-approved interim reading assessment has now passed. Schools have an additional 60 calendar days to administer an approved diagnostic assessment to all students initially identified as Significant Reading Deficient.
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School Readiness
Schools have 60 calendar days to assess all Kindergarten students on the 6 legislated domains (both academic and non-academic).
The deadline to submit the School Readiness Data collection file to CSI is October 31st.
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Interim Assessments
Schools should follow the vendor guidelines for administering fall interim assessments. As a reminder, at least 85% of students must be assessed during interim windows if schools would like interim data included in accountability and authorization analysis.
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Impact Aid
Impact Aid is a federal grant that provides additional funding for federally connected children (i.e. children with parents in active duty military or working on federal property as well as children living on federal property, Indian lands, or eligible low-rent housing). This will be the first year that CSI applies on behalf of CSI schools for this funding. As part of the paplication requirements, CSI schools are asked to send out the Impact Aid Parent Survey Form on/after October 2nd, review forms for completeness and eligibility, then submit the parent survey forms, any additional documentation and a completed school cover sheet to CSI by December 4th. Training and resources can be accessed on
CSI's website.
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In 2017, the legislature passed HB17-1306, which directs the Colorado Deptartmnet of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to establish
a lead testing at public schools grant program.
The CDPHE conducted a stakeholder process to gather feedback and input related to the new program. The proposal will be submitted to the Water Quality Control Commission for a rulemaking hearing on November 13, 2017. The rulemaking will consider changes to the existing rules of the Water Quality Improvement Fund (Regulation 55). The changes will establish criteria for the award of grants to complete lead testing.
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This opportunity is designed to connect system and local level efforts to create a sustainable network that fosters health and wellness and provides a thriving environment for kids throughout Colorado. Multiple grants available.
Caring for Colorado Foundation is seeking grant proposals from organizations for
one-time only funding to support efforts to develop effective strategies for promoting adolescent behavioral health through prevention and early intervention activities. Grant deadlines are October 6, 2017 and March 2, 2018.
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Nominate a teacher today!
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This opportunity is designed to connect system and local level efforts to create a sustainable network that fosters health and wellness and provides a thriving environment for kids throughout Colorado.
Multiple grants available.
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For further information regarding these funding opportunities, contact
Marcie Jackson
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On September 19, 2017 CSI held its monthly Board Meeting at the Bray Real Estate Training Center in Grand Junction, CO. The CSI Board approved the revised contract for Monarch Classical School of the Arts and approved the revised contract for the Colorado Military Academy. Prior to the CSI Board Meeting, CSI held its School Board of Directors Regional Meeting in which the CSI budget and services were discussed.
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Following the CSI Board Meeting, the CSI Leadership Team and CSI Board members toured Monument View Montessori Charter School in Fruita, CO, one of three schools which opened this fall 2017. The CSI Board Members and Leadership Team enjoyed a tour of the facility as well as observing the Montessori method as school was in session.
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The next CSI Board meeting will be held on October 24th at at 11am the Penrose House Conference Center in Colorado Springs. Join us prior to the CSI Board meeting at 10am for the Colorado Springs Regional Board Meeting for school board members.
Location:
Penrose House
1661 Mesa Ave.
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
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Mill Levy Equalization - Share Your Stories!
As we work to secure mill levy equalization dollars for CSI schools, we need your help. We know the best way to convey the importance of these funds is for each of you to share what mill levy equalization funding would mean for your school and students, so we are asking you to share those ideas with us.
At last week's Regional Meetings, CSI shared out the estimated equalization dollars that CSI schools would receive next year should the budget request be approved. To request the estimated dollar amount for your school, please contact
Amanda Karger
.
For more information, and to share how your school would benefit from these funds, contact
Janet Dinnen
.
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Join Alternative Education Campuses across the state to improve your learning and understanding for supporting high-risk students.
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October 16-17, 2017 at the Embassy Suites in Loveland, Colorado.
Great opportunity to explore all aspects that make each and every gifted child unique.
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November 3-5, 2017 at
the Embassy Suites in Loveland, Colorado.
Great opportunity for professional growth!
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Colorado Safe Schools Summit
Register now for the
2017 Colorado Safe School Summit (Oct. 18-19). The
agenda includes topics relating to utilizing threat assessments, mandatory reporting, suicide prevention, and many others
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(PD opportunity for counselors)
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Join us for the next AEC Task Force: Thursday, October 26: 9am-12pm.
Register today!
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Upcoming Training & Webinars
Trainings:
UIP In-Person Training/Work Sessions
CSI's Department of Evaluation and Assessment will be hosting in-person UIP work sessions the week of October 10th. This will be an excellent opportunity for school UIP teams to complete the first draft of their UIP and receive real-time feedback. Trainings will be hosted in Eagle (10/10), Denver (10/11), and Colorado Springs (10/12).
ACCESS for ELLs In-Person Training
October 19, 2017: 9am-12pm
Location: CSI offices: 1580 Logan St. Denver, CO 80203 (street or paid lot parking)
Best suited for: Primary SACs and ELL coordinators/ACCESS SACs
Student Services October Training
- Tuesday, October 10, 2017: Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs Early Colleges: 4405 North Chestnut, Suite E Colorado Springs, CO 80907
- Thursday, October 12, 2017: Denver
The Pinnacle Charter School: 1001 W. 84th Ave Federal Heights, CO 80260
- Friday, October 20, 2017: Western Slope
Caprock Academy: 714 24 1/2 Road Grand Junction, CO 81505
Contact
Matt Hudson to RSVP for the Student Services trainings.
Webinars:
Links for each webinar can be found below and on the
CSI website calendar.
All webinars will begin at 10:00am. MAYBE ADJUST LANGUAGE SINCE THERE IS ONLY ONE WEBINAR?
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2017 Pupil Count Day is TODAY!
To be eligible for funding, students must either be in attendance on October 2 (Count Day) or in attendance prior to Count Day and resuming attendance within 30 days of Count Day. Please ensure that you have all the necessary documentation for students included in your October Count, which derives your PPR funding.
Schools will provide CSI with required audit documentation before, during and after the count window, including attendance reports, secondary student schedules (pulled on count date), additional documentation for various student types and scenarios, and FRL eligibility documentation. Detailed information with submission deadlines will be emailed to schools. Schools are encouraged to consult the audit resources available on the CSI October Count webpage for more information on supporting documentation required for this collection.
Happy Counting!
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Training Webinars
Recorded training webinars are now available for both the Human Resources and December Count collections, which officially kick off later this month. These are available in a version for new contacts and for returning contacts.
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Financial EOY Dates to Remember
October 11, 2017
- CSI CCSP Application deadline
CDE's Schools of Choice Unit received notification on Friday that CSI's waiver request to amend the per pupil funding formula awarding CCSP grantees was approved. Our request increased the per pupil funding amount from $1500 per pupil to $1750 per pupil for a total possible award of $687,750. High scoring schools may receive up to $743, 250. In addition to this increase in funding, please note the variances from the 2016-17 RFP you may be currently working from. In light of the delay in release of the year's RFP and the changes you will need to consider, please note that SOC has moved the application due date to October 18, 2017 at 11:59pm. Incomplete or late applications cannot be considered.
- Final Audit due
- Assurances for Financial Accreditation Report due
*New schools that received federal or other grants and donations but did not receive PPR, and whose revenues or expenditures were less than $750,000, were required to file an audit exemption by September 30. If either revenues or expenditures exceed $750,000, the school needs to complete an audit. In addition, the new school must also submit the Data Pipeline file and the Assurances for Financial Accreditation report by the deadlines noted above.
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Homeschool Programming
Interested in or are already providing part-time programming for homeschool students? Please see the FAQ:
Programming for Homeschool Students
to answer some of the common questions and provide guidance on relevant considerations.
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Questions on the Claire Davis Act?
Do you still have questions about the Claire Davis Act and what it means for your school? The Colorado Safety Resource Center has compiled a
one-page overview of the Act and has posted a number of additional resources on its
website.
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Winter Storm Checklist
It is tough to think that winter is coming, but good to be prepared. If your school provides transportation services, check out this
Winter Storm Checklist. This is designed to help you determine whether you should provide transportation services in inclement weather and help document and justify why a decision was made.
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New I-9 Form Released
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released a new I-9 form in July that must be used by employers no later than 9/18/17. This new version has a revision date of 7/17/17 and an expiration date of 8/31/2019.
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Employers Council Update
The Mountain State Employers Council (MSEC) changed its name to 'Employers Council' last month, as part of a push for the organization to grow its membership beyond Colorado, Utah and Arizona. CSI's membership with the Employers Council will remain the same and your school will continue to be able to use this valuable resource. As a reminder, Employers Council can help you manage critical Human Resources and Employment Law issues and your school is able to identify 2-3 people (typically the School Leader, HR Manager, and Board Chair) to use the membership.
Contact
Allegra Matus
to update your membership contact detail with the Employers Council. Once your membership is complete, you can call MSEC at #303-839-5177 with your HR and Employment Law questions.
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Policy and Procedures Reminder
Please remember that changes to certain material items of your contract require advanced CSI approval. More information on the Governing Document Modification process is available on the
CSI website.
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Thank you to everyone who joined us at our Regional Meetings in September!
CSI staff enjoyed connecting with schools at our 3 September regional meetings, held in Grand Junction, Colorado Springs and Fort Collins. We are happy to report that we had 27 schools attend these meetings throughout the week. Our goal is to have all of our schools attend at least one Regional Meeting during the 17-18 school year!
Save the Date for our next meeting:
Winter Regional Meetings & Board to Board Networking & Training Event
Focus Area: Assessment and Evaluation
Western Slope: Friday, December 8, 2017
Denver: Thursday, December 14, 2017
Colorado Springs: Friday, December 15, 2017
**If you would like a certificate to document your participation in last month's Regional Meetings, please email
Kimberly Caplan
For further information on the Regional Meetings, contact
Clare Vickland
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Hurricane Displaced Students
Students in Colorado displaced by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma are considered homeless and have likely moved to Colorado without immunization records. The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11431 et seq.) requires that each state ensure that homeless children have equal access to public education. Students displaced by hurricanes Harvey and Irma who have relocated to Colorado are covered by this law, and may attend Colorado public schools without immunization records until those records can be obtained.
The Act requires that schools assist these children so they can obtain the immunizations or immunization records needed to attend school.
If your school has hurricane displaced students enrolling, please ensure that the homeless liaison works with the family to complete the McKinney Vento Residency Form.
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Mandatory Educator Reporting Requirements
Annually, CDE reminds districts, charter and private schools of the mandatory reporting requirement. To learn more or access information about mandatory reporting and the required reporting forms, visit the
enforcement reporting webpage.
For further information, contact
Colleen O'Neil
, Educator Talent | Colorado Department of Education
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Charter School Institute
1580 Logan Street Suite 210
Denver, Colorado 80203
303-866-3299
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