September 2013
External Opportunity: Refer Foster Youth to College Readiness Program
Refer LA county foster youth entering 7th, 8th, or 9th grade to the United Friends of the Children College Readiness Program to connect them with free individual college counseling, tutoring, special events, and summer programs.
Progressive Education Network (PEN) Conference Oct-10-12 in LA
Charter school educators can receive a public school employee discount of 25% for the event, which includes some great speakers and more than 90 workshops.
Conference News: Leader & Student Nominations + Amazing San Jose Flight Rates Flights + Super Early Bird Registration Deals!
Why is October the most important month leading up to the annual conference? Because October is when charter school teachers, leaders and supporters from across the state make this their conference by submitting proposals to present and Hart Vision/Sue Bragato Scholarship nominations to the CCSA conference team.
Education Bills Update: Governor Brown Acts on SB 97, SB 344 and SB 379
Governor Jerry Brown has acted on three bills that CCSA is tracking. Any bills that made it through the end of session are currently marked as enrolled and are awaiting signature on Governor Brown’s desk by October 13.
Discuss Student Self-Worth, Engagement and Purpose with Dr. Russell Quaglia on October 9
Join the Pearson Foundation and Seneca Family of Agencies for a discussion led by a leader on the development and achievement of student aspirations.
CCSA Answers: Number of Audits Required for Multiple Charter Schools
Question: Our second charter petition is about to be approved. It will operate under a nonprofit corporation. Are we required to have two audits, one for each charter, or can we have a single audit covering both schools?
Featured Grant: NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing
Honors young women at the high-school level for their computing and IT aptitude, leadership ability, academic history, and plans for post-secondary education
Capitol Update 9/26/13
Included in the Capitol Update this week:
* Governor’s Actions
* State Bond Program Review
* Federal Government Shutdown
* Happenings: Updates and Deadlines
Important Information on Data Correction from the CDE
All Testing and Accountability Coordinators should recently have received information on data correction process for this year’s School Quality Snapshots from the California Department of Education.
Bright Star Schools Expands to the San Fernando Valley
Bright Star Schools is proud to formally announce a merger with Valor Academy Charter School. Both organizations have made the decision to combine forces in order to grow their impact in Los Angeles. Learn more and read the full press release.
Changes to CCSA's Minimum Criteria for Renewal
In June 2013, CCSA’s Board of Directors adopted several important changes to the Association’s Accountability Framework which were recommended by the CCSA Member Council. This includes changes to CCSA’s Minimum Criteria for Renewal. See more details and the timeline for this fall.
The Importance of Creating Job Descriptions for Employees
From CharterSAFE: One of best investments a school can make is to create high-quality job descriptions for all of its employees.
External Opportunity: Register Today to Create a Free Official School Profile on Greatschools.org
By registering your school, you can add useful information for prospective parents, including photos and videos. You will also be able to respond to community reviews.
Register Now: Charter Teacher Development Opportunity
San Jose’s charter schools are offering a teacher workshop on Saturday, October 12 from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm. Learn more about what these schools have to offer teachers and kids.
Foothill Leadership Academy Approved by Tuolumne County Board of Education
Sonora to see a new leadership and arts school opening in 2014
External Opportunity: Free, Online Course on Blended Learning with Silicon Schools Fund
There’s a lot of buzz about “blended learning” and its growing impact on the way students learn in the classroom. But what is it really? Sign up today for a new course kicking off on Oct. 15!
If the Early Bird Gets the Worm, What Does the SUPER Early Bird Get?
CCSA is proud to offer our Super Early Bird Conference Registration Special available until October 18.
Capitol Update 9/20/13
Included in the Capitol Update this week:
* On the Governor’s Desk
* Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF)
* Green Ribbon Schools Application
* Fall Regional Meetings
* Business Managers’ Meetings
* State Board of Education Student Member Applications
* Prop. 39 (Facilities) Requests Due November 1
* CDE Tobacco-Use Prevention Education Funding
Apply for Prop. 39 Facilities by November 1
Every charter school contemplating the need for district facilities should apply for Prop. 39 space within their district by November 1, 2013 so it’s critical to begin the process now.
Risk Management Tip: Portable Computer Thefts
From CharterSAFE: Did you know… that the number one item stolen from California charter schools is portable computers?
Capitol Update 9/15/13
Included in the Capitol Update this week:
* Big Changes in Education as Legislature Ends 2013 Session
* PCSGP Applications are Due!
* Start Preparing Your Prop. 39 Facilities Request
* Last Week! Back to School Conference Registration Special of $350
* Business Managers’ Meetings
Don't Miss CCSA's Business Managers' Meetings!
Do you have questions on the 2013-14 Budget and how the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) will impact your school? Look no further than CCSA’s Business Managers’ meetings.
Nominate a Teacher or Volunteer for the 2014 Hart Vision Awards!
Nominate a teacher or volunteer to win the 2014 Hart Vision Teacher of the Year and Volunteer of the Year awards today!
$2,000 Towards College: Apply Today for the Susan Steelman Bragato Scholarship!
Will a graduating senior from your school be awarded the next Susan Steelman Bragato Scholarship?
Enroll today in CCSA's New Special Education Service-Sharing Map
Now expanding statewide: CCSA’s interactive map to support schools in building their special education infrastructure and to facilitate service sharing!
External Opportunity: East Bay Charter Connect - Common Core Symposium
The theme of this year’s Symposium is Deeper Learning through Common Core: Emerging Practices.
$350 CCSA Conference Registration Rate Extended to Friday, September 20!
We’ve extended this special rate to ensure that as many stakeholders as possible can attend the first ever CCSA Conference hosted in the Bay Area! Register today!
Featured Grant: Tobacco-Use Prevention Education (TUPE)
Funding for tobacco-use prevention education projects that implement research-validated prevention programs for the general school population, provide youth development activities for both general and priority populations, and provide intervention and cessation services to students currently using tobacco
CCSA Answers: Suspending Students for Failure to Wear a School Uniform
Question:Although all of our students and their parents sign a uniform commitment agreement, we have several students who are arriving at school without their uniforms on a regular basis. Can students be held in in-school suspension until they arrive with a school uniform or a parent arrives with a uniform for them?
Heat Stress - Avoidance, Symptoms, and When to Call for Medical Help!
From CharterSAFE: Every summer, incidents occur as a result of heat stress. Whether you are an employee or a student, learn what to know when temperatures rise.
Updates on SB 97/AB 103 (LCFF Concentration Cap) and AB 948 (State Funds for Facilities)
CCSA asked members to make their voice heard on two important issues: facilities (AB 948) and funding (SB 97/AB 103). Thank you for taking the time to make advocacy a priority and reaching out to legislators on these important bills.
Capitol Update 9/10/13
Included in the Capitol Update this week:
* Federal Communications Commission Accepting Comments on E-Rate Funding
* We asked and you responded
Different Decision Makers Make Different Decisions
Nonpartisan voter registration helps get charter school families to the polls
Your Graduating Seniors Could Earn $2,000 Towards College!
Through the 2014 Susan Steelman Bragato Scholarship, a graduating senior from your school could earn $2,000 to help pay for his/her first year of college.
Member-Get-A-Member Campaign: Earn $100 Off Your CCSA Dues
Support CA charters and earn at least $100 off your CCSA dues. Classical Academies did, and they will enjoy $700 off their dues in 2014!
Check Out the Upcoming Charter School Development Information Sessions
Upcoming topics include Special Education, Mission and Petition, How to Recruit Students and more!
Now Is The Time To Start Preparing Your Prop. 39 Facilities Request!
The 2014-15 Prop. 39 cycle is already underway; the request deadline is November 1, 2013! CCSA’s resources, templates, and information can help get you started.
San Diego County Curriculum and Instruction Meeting on September 26
Don’t miss the next Curriculum and Instruction Meeting at the San Diego County Office of Education.
Nominate Your Outstanding Teacher or Volunteer Now to Receive a 2014 Hart Vision Award
Do you know a teacher or volunteer who does outstanding work for your school? Nominate him/her for the Hart Vision Awards!
Last Week! Back to School Registration Special of $350
This is the last week to register at the low rate of $350 for the 21st Annual California Charter Schools Conference taking place March 3-6, 2014 in San Jose, CA.
By Appointment Only: PCSGP Application Consultations THIS WEEK
CCSA’s Knowledge Management Team will be offering one-hour consultations on September 11 or 12 for any Member school that has questions related to completing the Public Charter Schools Grant Program (PCSGP) application.
Featured Grant: The Gates Millennium Scholars Program
Scholarships for high school students to apply toward college or university attendance;
CCSA Answers: Requiring a Release in Writing from a Student's Resident District
Question: We are a conversion charter school. Must we require any student coming from another district’s attendance area to be released in writing from their resident district?
Capitol Update 9/05/13
Included in the Capitol Update this week:
* AB 948, CCSA’s sponsored bill to expand eligibility for charter school facility funding, was held in committee for no apparent reason: alert Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg TODAY that charter schools need action now!
* Legislative Session Drawing to a Close
* State Board of Education (SBE)
* Happenings: Updates and Deadlines
Letters in Support of Charter School Founders, Eugene Selivanov and Tatyana Berkovich, Due Soon
Eugene Selivanov and Tatyana Berkovich are seeking assistance from the charter school community as they face sentencing for their convictions and are asking those interested to write a letter of support to the judge.
STREAM Charter Petition Approved by Oroville City Elementary 8/28
Congratulations to Don Phillips and the founders of Science Technology Engineering Math Arts and Music (STREAM)! The founding team of educators and community leaders has deep ties in the community and are CCSA Developer Members. The school will serve grades…
The 2014 California Charter Schools Conference is Proud to Offer $2,000 Scholarships to 5 Deserving Students!
Do you know a graduating senior of a California charter school looking for scholarship money for college? Applications are now available for the Steelman Bragato Scholarship Program.
New Member Publication: 2013-14 California Charter Schools Buyers' Guide
Access advice and best practices from charter leaders on purchasing, procurement and building an operationally sound school, as well as a complete listing of CCSA Vendor Members.
New Report on LAUSD's Special Education Reorganization Shows Promising Results
Read about the progress to date in this detailed report on the first year of the program.
Featured Grant: Samsung Superhero Competition
Awards for student projects in which a student portrays his or her favorite historical character on video.
CCSA Answers: Cell Phone Usage by Charter School Students
Question: What rights does a charter school have to specify student cell phone usage during the school day?