Charter Schools Weekly Newsletter (Includes Action Items)

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Office of Charter Schools

6303 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-6303  •  919.807.3491


WEEKLY NEWSLETTER  –  March 23, 2018


Upcoming Events

 

April 4 - 5, 2018

State Board of Education Meeting 

 

April 9, 2018

Charter Schools Advisory Board Meeting


Action Items Due

 

March 1 - 31, 2018

Teacher Working Conditions Survey

 

March 23, 2018

2018 Charter School Safety Survey


Action Items Due Next Week


March 26-27, 2018
NCHEP 2018 Learning Institute

 

March 28, 2018

NCDPI & Research Triangle High School Professional Development Opportunity


March 31, 2018

PF Submission #1


 Future Action Items  

 

April 3, 2018

EC Directors' Webinar - 10:00 - 11:00 am

 

April 19, 2018

Preparing to Lead with Character Registration Due - Register Here


April 23, 2018

DLI Grant Due


April 25, 2018

Preparing to Lead with Character Workshop

 

April 30, 2018

PF Submission #2

 

May 1 - June 1, 2018

Charter School Health Report


May 11, 2018

Dyslexia Capacity Building Application Due


May 15, 2018

Coding and Mobile Application Grants Due

 

June 5, 2018

EC Directors' Webinar - 10:00 - 11:00 am

 

June 15, 2018

McKinney-Vento Data Submission


June 26, 2018

Final Opportunity - WS-FTP Historical Download

 

July 15-17

NC  Association for Public Charter Schools Conference


August 7, 2018

EC Directors' Webinar - 10:00 - 11:00 am

 

August 7 - 9, 2018

Growing Success for ELs Conference

 

October 2, 2018

EC Directors' Webinar - 10:00 - 11:00 am

 

December 4, 2018

EC Directors' Webinar - 10:00 - 11:00 am


NCDPI Office of Charter Schools (OCS) Updates


Reminder: March 2018 Performance Framework (PF) Submission - Reminder



The March 31, 2018, PF deadline is quickly approaching. If you have not done so, please take time to log into the SharePoint system and upload at least one required submission this week. Technical assistance provided within the Office of Charter Schools will be limited during the week of March 26th – 30th as the assigned consultant for the Performance Framework will be out of the office.  

 

The submission criteria for March is below:

 

Deadline- March 31, 2018- All Schools

 

                A6- Admissions Policy and Lottery Application

                A11- Board Meeting Schedule

                A12- Board Residency

                A19- EMO/CMO Public Records Request (only for schools contracting with EMO/CMO)

 

            2019 Renewal Schools Only


                B1- Graduation Requirements

                B2- Student Promotion Requirements

                B7- Student Discipline Policy

 

Please use previously established credentials to submit information into the SharePoint system in pdf format only.

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

 

Q.    How do I log into the SharePoint system?

 

A.    Each school lead administrator and board chair received an email with a unique username for the school to access the SharePoint site.

 

Use the web address: https://leadpincgov.sharepoint.com/sites/lea/Pages/pfp.aspx and type the username provided into the login screen.

 

Having trouble logging in? Try the following:

 

1.      Clear the web browser history and clear browsing data (i.e. saved usernames and passwords).

 

2.      Try using an “incognito mode” web browser window.

 

3.      Check with your IT department to ensure that the website provided is not a blocked site for your 

         school’s IT security settings.

 

4.      Ensure you are using the correct login username. This username is not your school or personal 

         email address.

 

·         The username was sent in an email to the lead administrator and board chair listed in EDDIE, and 

           should follow this format cs_LEACODE_lead @lea.dpi.nc.gov

 

·         If the password is not known or forgotten, contact the Help Desk at (919) 807-4357 for a password 

          reset.

 

Q.    What if I don’t see the upload center when I log into SharePoint?

 

A.    Navigate to your school’s homepage and on the left side there should be a section titled “Performance Framework”. Directly under that section is the “upload center” and once you click that link, the page should bring up the document upload center for the 2018 Performance Framework.

 

Q.    What should I do if I selected the incorrect LEA code or measure?

 

A.    Nothing is required of schools to correct the selected LEA code or measure. The user accounts created for schools do not have editing permissions. A consultant in the Office of Charter Schools will make the edits to correct LEA codes and measures for uploaded documents.

 

Q.    What is new with the Performance Framework for 2018?

 

A.    Submission requirements have changed. This year, all schools are required to submit all applicable documents per the established reporting times. Additionally, two new submission requirements have been established (A20 and A21).

 

Q.  What is the required evidence for A12- Board Residency criteria?

 

A.  Provide a Board Membership list for the 2017-18 board of directors and include the city and state of residence for each board member.

 

Q.  What happens after I submit the required documents?

 

A.  Process for review and notifications are below.

 

·         OCS consultants will review the March 31, 2018 submission documents from April 1 through April 30, 2018. As a reminder those documents for review will include A6, A11, A12, A19, B1, B2, and B7.

 

·         Correspondence will be sent ONLY in the event that a required document was not submitted properly, the document provided is not compliant, or a required document was not submitted at all. This correspondence will be sent to the Lead Administrator and Board Chair and will include a deadline for correction.

 

Q.  Will I receive correspondence that my documents were received and will be marked compliant?

 

A.  No, see the question and process above. Schools will receive correspondence if documents are not compliant, improperly submitted, or in the event a school failed to submit the required documents.

 

For questions regarding the required documents for the 2018 Charter School Performance Framework, please contact Ms. Stephenie Clark at stephenie.clark@dpi.nc.gov.

 

For technical support, please contact the Help Desk at (919) 807-4357.


Ribbon

Ms. Cheryl Turner, Director, Sugar Creek Charter School and Charter Schools Advisory Board Member Receives Recognition as one of 50 Most Influential Women in Charlotte

 

 

Please see the information linked below on Ms. Turner's recognition. OCS and the Charter Schools Advisory Board sends a huge congratulations to Ms. Turner for this accomplishment. 

 

 

Attachment:    MeckTimes - 50 Most Influential Women


School Safety Survey - All Charter Schools Must Respond - Final Reminder

 

 

Eighty-one of 173 charter schools have responded to this request. Thanks for your diligence and we look forward to receiving responses from the remaining charter schools today. With the recent tragedy in Florida, OCS has received many questions on how our charter schools are ensuring safety.  Legislation about lockdown drills passed the General Assembly back in the 2015 Session. It is an annual requirement for district schools and an annual recommendation for charters. Charter language is at NCGS 115C-218.75(b):

 

(b)        School Risk Management Plan. - Each charter school, in coordination with local law enforcement and emergency management agencies, is encouraged to adopt a School Risk Management Plan (SRMP) relating to incidents of school violence. In constructing and maintaining these plans, charter schools may utilize the School Risk and Response Management System (SRRMS) established pursuant to G.S. 115C-105.49A. These plans are not considered a public record as the term "public record" is defined under G.S. 132-1 and shall not be subject to inspection and examination under G.S. 132-6.

 

Charter schools are encouraged to provide schematic diagrams and keys to the main entrance of school facilities to local law enforcement agencies, in addition to implementing the provisions in G.S. 115C-105.52.

 

Please complete the brief survey by March 23, 2018 to help OCS accurately report safety measures in charter schools. 

 

 

Attachment:     2018 Charter School Safety Survey

 


North Carolina Public Schools Logo

Scam - Charters Beware 

 

Please see the linked article about a scam at a charter school. 


Attachment:     Company takes $10000 from local school but doesn't deliver robotics equipment


April is School Library Month

 

How will your schools, districts and charter schools celebrate School Library Month? Consider borrowing ideas and graphics from AASL: http://www.ala.org/aasl/advocacy/slm

 

Board members from the NC School Library Media Association will be kicking off the celebration by showcasing school libraries at the NC State Board of Education Meeting on April 5! 


Character Matters

NC Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) Updates

 

Preparing To Lead With Character  -  April 25, 2018




Do you want to change the climate and culture of your school? 


Are you seeking strategies to enhance your character development efforts?


 

Join NCDPI for a no-cost workshop on April 25, 2018, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Workshop participants will:



·     Apply the 11 Principles of Effective Character Education as a  

      tool to evaluate your character education program



·     Understand strategies to implement effective character 

      education initiatives



·     Use implementation science and the 11 Principles of Effective 

      Character Education to develop a "Plan of Action" for your school or district



Register Here

 

The deadline to apply is April 19, 2018. You will be responsible for your travel to the workshop and lunch will be on your own. Attendees will receive a certificate for 6 contact hours each day, which may be submitted for CEU credit. It's strongly encouraged that schools bring teams of educators from your school and/or district to develop your "Plan of Action." Please contact Justyn Knox at Justyn.Knox@dpi.nc.gov or 919-807-3835 for additional questions.


DPI Seeks Proposals for Coding and Mobile App Grants

 

State Superintendent Mark Johnson announced that the Department of Public Instruction is now accepting grant applications for a new round of the state’s Coding and Mobile App Development competitive grant program, totaling $800,000 in awards for the 2018-19 school year.


The second year of the initiative will fund up to $80,000 per school to provide opportunities for middle and high school students to learn computer science, coding and mobile app development to help them gain the skills needed to contribute to the digital economy and engage as informed citizens. All district and charter schools are eligible, including schools that received grants for the current year.


“I know that this year’s grant recipients are helping students gain skills that are now just essential for many jobs in our digital world,” Johnson said. “I’m looking forward to seeing these opportunities provided to even more schools and students in 2018-19.”


Through public-private partnerships with school districts and charter schools, industry, and community leaders, the program aims to help build local capacity and curricular programs through three key approaches:



 ·     Professional development for teachers and administrators

·      Development of locally relevant digital computer science curriculum that is part of kindergarten-

       career pathways for students

·      Engagement of industry professionals to ensure a partnership that supports connections between      

       local school curriculum, future career opportunities for students, and industry demand. 



The deadline for schools to submit applications is May 15, 2018. School districts and charter schools can use grant funds to purchase equipment, digital materials, and for other purposes, including teacher professional development.  Grant recipients will be announced in the summer and will implement their programs in the fall. Applications and instructions are attached. Coding and Mobile App Development Grant Program Application for 2018-19
(docx, 958kb)


Superintendent's Arts Initiative

Submit Student Artwork: State Superintendent’s Arts Initiative


State Superintendent Mark Johnson is sponsoring a statewide arts initiative. The Superintendent’s Arts Initiative is an opportunity to recognize student artists and to encourage participation in all of the arts throughout the state, as well as in each school district and charter school. Charter schools may submit one work each.

 

The initiative is open to all K-12 public school students in all arts disciplines (dance, music, theatre arts, and visual arts.) All two-dimensional artwork, such as painting, drawing, printmaking, and photography, will be displayed permanently at the Department of Public Instruction building in Raleigh.

 

Artwork can be mailed to the department or brought in person to the Education Building. In order to be displayed, the Student Release Form and Originality Certification need to be completed and must accompany the artwork. Download the necessary forms and find more information at this link or contact Slater Mapp


Spring 2018 Statewide Meeting of Related Services Representatives 

 

Please see the attached announcement of the Spring 2018 Statewide Meeting of Related Services Representatives.  

 

 

If you have any questions, please contact the appropriate discipline contact.

 

Attachment:     Memo+-+LEAD+Meeting+-+May+2018.pdf


Multi-Tiered System of Support

Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) Updates

 

Tools to Assist with Determining School Readiness

 

Charter school MTSS Teams are provided with two tools to assist in determining school level readiness for implementation, North Carolina MTSS Beliefs Survey (NCMTSS Beliefs Survey) and North Carolina Self-Assessment of MTSS Implementation (SAM).  The NC MTSS Beliefs Survey is designed to measure educator beliefs about student learning, problem solving, and expectations for instructional effectiveness.  Often after surveys are completed, schools find there is a need for professional development and coaching around those underlying belief systems that drive a healthy MTSS.

 

The SAM is designed for assessment of MTSS implementation, and the purpose of the SAM is to help identify and prioritize implementation steps.  The SAM can be used at any time during the year, but once a year (between April and June) the school team should complete the assessment with facilitation from the MTSS Team member to allow an opportunity to review the evidence provided for implementation.  These two pieces of implementation data help determine where to start with implementation, and continuous problem solving of these types of data will drive next steps for schools.

 

Questions? Please contact us at integratedsystems@dpi.nc.gov.


Unified English Braille (UEB) for Math and Technical Materials Professional Development Opportunity

 

Please see attached memo regarding the upcoming professional learning opportunity for Teachers of the Visually Impaired and Braillists.

 

If you have any questions, please contact Crystal Patrick (crystal.patrick@dpi.nc.gov) or Amy Campbell (amy.campbell@dpi.nc.gov).

 

 

Attachment:     Memo+-+VI+UEB+Training+Spring+2018.pdf


Don't Miss This

NCDPI Newsletters

 

DPI Seeks Proposals for Coding and Mobile App Grants 

 

Preparing To Lead With Character Workshop

 

Eight Teams Advance in N.C. Jr. Chef Competition

 

State Superintendent Mark Johnson issues “sweet” challenge to teachers to encourage responses to statewide teacher survey

 

K-12 Education Legislative Update - Friday, March 23, 2018 


NC Department of Public Instruction Joins with NC Businesses for Students@Work℠ Week March 19-28, 2018 is Students@Work℠ Week

 

 


Charter Schools in the News

 

Endeavor 10 Yr Anniversary Celebration


Other News

 

NC Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Updates

 

North Carolina’s charter schools are required to comply with the Care of Students with Diabetes and with the School Supply of Epinephrine Auto-Injectors laws. Annually, charter schools report on compliance with each law, providing information that identifies staff educational and support needs related to compliance and student safety. 

 

The Charter School Health Report is designed to assist schools in addressing the healthcare needs of students.  Responses will be used to inform future training topics and to report on compliance with required legislation and policies such as Care of Students with Diabetes (§ 115C-375.3.) and School Supply of Epinephrine Auto-Injectors (§ 115C-375.2A ).  The summary will open May 1, 2018 and be completed no later than June 1, 2018.

 

Please contact Ms. Kristin Wike at kristin.wike@dhhs.nc.gov with questions or concerns. 


NC Homeless Education Program (NCHEP) Updates

 

McKinney-Vento data submission is due June 15, 2018. 

Data collection training materials have been updated and are now posted on the NCHEP data collection web page.

 

Reminders:

 

 

  • Review “Requested LEA Actions” found on data collection page.
  • Preschool and out-of-school siblings of identified students should be captured in your data collection as soon as possible to avoid conflict with any pre-enrollments for the coming school year.
  • Siblings with multiple program school identifications (McKinney-Vento, CECAS, migrant) can be captured in all relevant programs. Consult data collection FAQs (Multiple Program Identification (CECAS or Migrant) or contact your program specialist with questions.
  • If your LEA’s last school day occurs after June 15th, and you have not already notified your program specialist, please provide written notification as soon as possible. Please include:
  • Name of Homeless Liaison with phone number and email address
  • LEA, charter school or lab school name with LEA code
  • Date of your last school day within the current academic school year
  • Data submissions are currently blocked until May 1, 2018.

 

Program specialist contact information: 

Email Paullett Wall or phone (336) 315-7407  (Regions 1, 2, 3, 4) 
Email Patricia Lentz or phone (336) 315-7402 (Regions 5, 6, 7, 8)

 

 

LEA Website Posting – Updated Information


 

As mentioned in the Fall Regional Compliance Forums, all LEAs are required under ESSA to have McKinney-Vento information posted to your website.  

Regular LEAs can visit the NCHEP website to find the McKinney-Vento website information details

Charter schools should note that due to smaller student populations, there is no requirement to post specific data counts to your website.  

Instead, charter schools should post a link to the NCHEP Profile web page (https://hepnc.uncg.edu/about/) 

In addition to this link, please provide the following:

 

 

  • Homeless liaison name (first & last)
  • Homeless liaison contact information (phone and email)
  • State Coordinator’s name and phone number:  Lisa Phillips – 337-315-7491
  • NCHEP website  ( https://hepnc.uncg.edu/)
  • Definition of “homeless” from McKinney-Vento Act