Charter School Institute
Main Line: 303-866-3299
  Fax Line: 303-866-2530 
November 2017 Newsletter
Dear CSI Schools,

If you are reading this letter, then you have made it through another October Count Day! Congratulations! Thanks to the data submissions contacts, business managers, and school leaders for their efforts during this very important data collection. This data will be finalized by the state in December and the true up will begin in January. 

CSI staff have been busy the last few months working with our seven renewal schools. As you may recall, this process has been updated to include CSI attendance at a school board meeting and a site visit. While it has certainly made for a busy fall, we believe these adjustments are leading to a more robust renewal process. Renewal decisions will be made at our December Board Meeting.

CSI staff have also been working to finalize the preliminary CARS Reports based off of the changes made last year with CARS 2.0. School leaders and board chairs can expect to see their CARS Report for the 2016-2017 school year in early November. To help ensure you have the information and resources to make the most use of this evaluation, our December Regional Meetings will include an accountability strand with a session focused on CSI’s accreditation process, and specifically how to read and use the CARS Report. More information about the dates and locations of our regional meetings can be found below.

In addition to sharing the big tasks our team has been working through the last few months, I want to provide an update on my situation. While surgery in early October went well, doctors determined that chemo was necessary. I finished my first chemo treatment this past Thursday and am hanging in there. The great news is that I am scheduled for four treatments and they should be completed before the New Year, which is definitely something I look forward to celebrating. Thank you for your continued support, and know that I am slowly but surely working through my email inbox!

Finally, each of us here at CSI wishes you a very Happy Thanksgiving. We are thankful for the partnership we have with each of our schools, and are especially grateful for the work you do on a daily basis to ensure our students are receiving a high quality education. We look forward to seeing you at the Regional Meetings in December! 

Best,

Terry
Upcoming Deadlines 

11/1:
  • Audit of Board Postings

11/2:
  • 16-17 EOY Final Signed Certification

11/3:
  • AEC Task Force Meeting

11/6:
  • CSI Board Committee Meeting

11/7:
  • October Count Signed Certifications due

11/9:
  • SAC office hours

11/14:
  • CSI Board Meeting
  • CMAS Accommodation webinar

11/15:
  • SAC office hours

11/16:
  • CMAS Accommodation in-person training

11/17:
  • SpEd December Count Level 1 errors cleared

11/20:
  • Human Resources Level 1 errors cleared
  • Student Data Privacy & Security webinar

11/23:
  • Happy Thanksgiving! - CSI offices closed

11/24:
  • Day after Thanksgiving, observed - CSI offices closed

11/28:
  • Student Services Screener Report V.2 Feedback Meeting

11/30:
  • AEC Task Force Meeting

For more, access our online calendar
CSI School Highlights
Congratulations to Colorado Early Colleges - Fort Collins!
Listed among 30 schools named "World-Leading Learners" and invited to join the Global Learning Network.
Keep up to date with these highlights and more by liking CSI's Facebook page and sharing your highlights with us!
Assessments and Improvement Planning
CARS 2.0 Report Release
The CSI Annual Review of Schools (CARS) Report is nearing completion and is scheduled to be released in early November. This will be the first CARS Report using the revised performance frameworks (CARS 2.0) and will contain new information for schools regarding the school's academic, organizational, and financial performance. We will provide support reading and interpreting the CARS Report to school leaders and school boards once it is released. In the meantime, please feel free to review the accountability page on the CSI website or the CARS Handbook.

For further information, contact Ryan Marks
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
Questions About State Assessments?
Assessment office hours will touch on some topics, but will also allow for SAC's or other schools staff to ask questions about ACCESS, CMAS, CoAlt, DLM, READ Act, School Readiness, PSAT/SAT.

Thursday, November 9th from 10am-11am
Wednesday, November 15th from 1pm-2pm

For further information, contact Jessica Welch
November Assessment Reminders

Trainings:
UIP Work Sessions
CSI will host additional UIP work sessions in November:
Denver:
Tuesday, November 7, 2017
Time: 8:30am-2:30pm
Location: CSI offices
1580 Logan St., Ste. 210
Denver, CO 80203
Colorado Springs:
Monday, November 27, 2017
Time: 8:30am-2:30pm
Location: Colorado Military Academy
360 Command View
Colorado Springs, CO 80915
Work sessions are open to any staff involved in the writing of the UIP.
Please email Jessica Welch if you plan to attend.
CMAS Accommodations Training
*REQUIRED ATTENDANCE: all schools with 3rd-8th grades
This training will cover accessibility features and accommodations available to students taking CMAS, as well as how to assign in Pearson Access. Unique Accommodations Requests will also be covered.

There are two options for the training. The same material will be covered in both sessions.
Webinar:
Tuesday, November 14, 2017
Time: 1:30pm-3:00pm
In-person training:
Thursday, November 16, 2017
Time: 9am-11am
Location: CSI offices
1580 Logan St., Ste. 210
Denver, CO 80203
Webinars:
Links for each webinar can be found on the CSI website calendar.
For further information, contact Jessica Welch
Funding Opportunities
Impact Aid Deadline Dec. 4
Impact Aid 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. We have asked schools to share out the Impact Aid Parent Survey Form on/after October 2, 2017 to any families with children enrolled on October 2nd. Schools can then summarize their federally connected students using the Impact Aid School Cover Sheet and submit the cover sheet, along with documentation (parent surveys and any necessary additional documentation), to CSI through Filezilla (Submissions - Impact Aid) by December 4th so CSI can also review documentation and work on the CSI application.



Anti-Bullying ESPN Grant
Implement one of the most effective anti-bullying programs nationwide fully-funded by ESPN. As a part of the Shred Hate Campaign, ESPN X Games will provide 7 Colorado Schools with the funding to be trained by No Bully in its award winning system for ending student bullying. Check out what your school could receive under this sponsorship!



Colorado Capitol Grant
The Boettcher Foundation is offering support for capital campaigns for the purchase, construction or major renovation of a building that is owned and used by a Colorado nonproft early childhood or post-secondary education organization. This opportunity will not be available in 2018, apply today for 2017!




In 2017, the legislature passed HB17-1306, which directs the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to establish a lead testing at public schools. 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.




BEST Grant Cycle
Through the Colorado Department of Education Division of Public School Construction Assistance, the BEST program focuses on helping public schools with a multitude of capitol construction needs, from new roofs and boilers to major renovations and new schools. A charter school intending to apply for financial assistance must send in a letter of intent before the online application opens (December 1, 2017) in order to officially apply for BEST funds. Charter schools are encouraged to notify the Division as early as possible even if they are not certain they will apply. Please email your letter of intent to Anna Fitzer, at CDE, and cc: marciejackson@csi.state.co.us on the email as well.
Mini-Technology Grant
The Jared Polis Foundation is committed to enhancing technology learning opportunities for Colorado's children. Grants for up to $1,500 may be requested for computer hardware, such as digital or video cameras, interactive whiteboards, tablets, e-readers, etc. Applications due November 10, 2017. Check out additional details and requirements.




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.
Stay up to date with the latest and upcoming Private Competitive Grants for 2017-2018!
For further information regarding these funding opportunities, contact Marcie Jackson
CSI Board of Directors
On October 12, 2017 CSI held a Special Board of Directors Meeting at the CSI offices via conference call to further discuss CSI's Request to Reconsider regarding CSI's preliminary district plan type and the option given to remove AEC school data results. The decision was unanimously made that AEC school data results will not be removed as CSI desires to be inclusive and responsible for all of its students and as a means to bring awareness to the inequities in the state district performance framework for districts with AEC schools.

On October 24, 2017 CSI held its monthly Board Meeting at the El Pomar Foundation, Penrose House in Colorado Springs. The CSI Board approved the revised contract for the Colorado Military Academy and the contract amendment and waiver approvals for James Irwin Charter Academy and High Point 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 with school board members and school leaders. Visit the CSI BoardDocs page for up-to-date school policy and procedures, and to view prior CSI Board Meeting Minutes.

The next CSI Board meeting will be held on November 14th at 11am at the Independence Institute in Denver. Join us prior to the CSI Board meeting at 10am for the Denver Regional Board Meeting for school board members.

Location:
Independence Institute
727 16th Ave,
Denver, CO 80203
Communications
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.

For more information, and to share how your school would benefit from these funds, contact Janet Dinnen .
Upcoming Events




Cultural Responsiveness Training for District Administrators
On December 1, 2017, in Fountain School District 8, this professional development opportunity will be available to district directors, coordinators, and administrators who want to focus on cultural diversity and responsiveness. Visit the Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Education (CLDE) webpage for more information and to register.








November 3-5, 2017 at the Embassy Suites in Loveland, Colorado.

Great opportunity for professional growth!




Early Childhood Training
CATCH Global Foundation is offering a free training event in Cortez, CO, November 13-15, 2017. This program is designed to nurture a love of physical activity, provide an introduction to classroom-based gardening and nutrition, and encourage healthy eating in children ages 3-5. Check out the training options:




Title I, II, & III ESEA CDE Meetings
All school and administration staff is welcome to attend ESEA regional networking meetings, particularly individuals responsible for Titles I, II, and III. A variety of topics and areas of administration will be discussed and presented, including topics related to Titles I, II, III, and IV, Federal Guideline updates, and more. Dates and locations can be found at ESEA Regional Networking Meeting.

AEC Task Force Meeting
Thursday, November 3rd: 9am-2pm
*Please note the change of date & time.
If you are able to attend this meeting, please contact Ryan Marks.
Finance
2017-18 Post-Award 1 Revision Timeline
November 3, 2017 - Schools receive Post Award 1 Revision Notebooks
  • Notebooks will only be used for revisions. Continue to use your original workbooks for regular RFF submissions
  • Read the revision instructions before revising your budget

November 17, 2017 - Revised budgets are due back to CSI
  • Email final revised workbook to Nick Stachokus by 4:00pm on November 17, 2017

December 1, 2017 - Schools will have received feedback from CSI on revision requests

December 6, 2017 - Deadline for any additional CSI revisions required

For further information, contact: Marcie Jackson
Legal and Policy
Feedback on Colorado Academy Standards
The Colorado Department of Education developed an online standards review feedback system to allow people to participate in the review and revision process. Educators, parents, school and district staff, as well as interested members of the community, are encouraged to provide specific feedback on proposed revisions within all content areas by November 27. Click here to learn more.
Reminder: School Website Review
As communicated in the 2017-18 Organizational Submissions and Audits Calendar, during the month of November, CSI will review each school's website to ensure posting of the following Board information in compliance with Colorado Open Meetings laws, the charter contract, and CSI Policies and Colorado Open Meetings Laws.
Please be sure your websites are up-to-date with:
  • Board Meeting Notices, Agendas, and Minutes
  • Board membership and contact information for the Board Chair; and
  • Board meeting calendar
*NEW* Student Data Privacy & Security Guidance
As you may recall, HB 16-1423 made a number of changes to Colorado law relating to Student Data Transparency and Security. Attached is guidance and a compliance checklist relating to these requirements. As communicated in the 2017-18 Organizational Submissions and Audits Calendar, CSI will be auditing each school's compliance with the bill's requirements.
Timeline:
  • Review the attached guidance and compliance checklists.
  • Attend the Student Data Privacy and Security Webinar on November 20th at 10am. (Presented by Jill Stacey, Data Private Analyst at CDE, and Trish Krajniak.) This will be an opportunity to ask questions and gain a better understanding of the requirements.
  • Submit your DRAFT policy, along with the completed compliance checklists in Totara by December 15, 2017
  • Incorporate any CSI feedback and submit revised DRAFT in Totara by January 19, 2017
  • Provided the policy is compliant, obtain approval by your board.
*NEW* Attendance Guidance
CSI Staff has identified a need for additional guidance around attendance policies and practices. Attached is guidance developed by CSI Staff on Attendance Policies, Accountability, and Data/Submissions. Please review your policies and practices to ensure compliance.
Student Services
Save the Date for CSI's Winter Regional Meetings & Board to Board Events

Focus Area: Assessment and Evaluation

Western Slope: Friday, December 8, 2017
Location: Two Rivers Community School (195 Center Dr., Glenwood Springs, CO 81601)

Denver: Thursday, December 14, 2017
Location: The Pinnacle Charter School (1001 W. 84th Ave., Federal Heights, CO 80260)

Colorado Springs: Friday, December 15, 2017
Location: Colorado Military Academy (360 Command View, Colorado Springs, CO 80915)

Help us complete our goal to have all of our schools attend at least one Regional Meeting during the 17-18 school year!

**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
Student Services Screener Report V.2 Feedback Requested
The Student Services and Evaluation & Assessment teams are currently working on revisions to the Screener Report to be released in January 2018 and would like your feedback on any additions to the rubric. We have heard from schools that they would like an n-count listing and would like to move to a best-of graduation rate (rather than 4 year on the current tool) and are planning to include those in V.2. We'd love to hear any other ideas you have for making this tool a helpful and useful resource for schools and CSI. Bring your ideas and join us for a virtual conversation on Tuesday, November 28th at 1pm (Secondary schools) and 1:30pm (Elementary). Join the conversation
Immunization Reporting Deadline - December 1
Colorado Board of Health rule 6 CCR 1009-2 requires most schools and licensed child care centers to report aggregate immunization and exemption data to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) annually. The deadline for data submissions is December 1.
Who must report: Public, private and parochial schools with grades K-12, as well as child care centers, preschools and Head Start programs with 10 or more children.
The CDPHE now has the 2017-2018 online reporting form available. The online reporting form will remain open through December 1. Hard copies of data submitted to CDPHE will not be accepted.

Sign up for an optional general reporting orientation and Q&A webinars to be held late October, early November.

For further information, contact CDPHE
Early Access for Gifted Students Webinar
CSI will host an Early Access for Gifted Students Webinar on November 9, 2017 from 8:30am-9:30am to cover the requirements of Early Access, including the application process, timeline and approved assessments. Elementary School Administrators and Gifted Coordinators are encouraged to participate. The webinar will be recorded and posted on the CSI website.

For further information, contact Kim Caplan
Charter School Institute
1580 Logan Street Suite 210
Denver, Colorado 80203
303-866-3299