NCDPI Office of Charter Schools (OCS) Updates

EPICENTER

To ALL Charter School Leaders and Staff

The Office of Charter Schools is very excited to announce that we are implementing a "software tool" called  

EPICENTER

which will assist with automating and streamlining our compliance and performance processes. 

More exciting information to follow! Stay tuned!

The 2018 Charter School Leadership Institute is coming!      What is it?    The Charter School Leadership Institute is an annual gathering of charter leaders, staff, and board members from across the state. Join us for informational sessions, hands on workshops, and panel discussions on a wide range of topics including specific tracks for finance and serving special populations. Sign me up!   When is it?  Great question! Thursday, October 18 (8am-4:30pm) and Friday, October 19 (8am-1pm)   Where is it?  Even better question! This year’s Institute will be at Pine Springs Preparatory Academy at 220 Rosewood Centre Drive, Holly Springs, NC 27540. Huge thanks to Pine Springs for hosting!   How much does it cost?  Less fun, but extremely relevant question. The registration fee is $55 per participant.   Where should I stay?  There are a few options in the immediate vicinity. Here are some recommendations: Hampton Inn and Suites Holly Springs (3.3mi); Comfort Inn Apex (2.7mi); Holiday Inn Express Apex-Raleigh (3.2mi)   What else should I know?  Lunch will be provided both days. Agendas, speakers, logistics, and more coming soon!

 LICN-001 Update ***Action Required*** 

Please see very important message from Dr. Thomas R. Tomberlin

Director, School Research, Data, and Reporting

Request+for+Permit+to+Teach.xlsx

LICN-001_Flowcharts_SBEMeeting_07_2018_v15.pptx

Webinars for Low Performing Schools, Districts     The following webinars for Low Performing Schools and Low Performing Districts provide information for leaders concerning the policies, expectations, and deadlines for the Comprehensive Plan required for Low Performing Schools and Low Performing Districts, respectively. Please find the registration links below for the upcoming webinar sessions.    PLEASE NOTE: Each webinar, one for Low Performing Schools and one for Low Performing Districts, will be offered twice, and participants need only attend one of the offered webinars. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.    Low Performing School Webinar Sessions: (Select one)    Low Performing Schools Webinar 1 on Sept. 17 at 2:00 PM    Low Performing Schools Webinar 2 on Sept. 21 at 3:00 PM   Low Performing District Webinar Sessions: (Select one)    Low Performing Districts Webinar 1 on Sept. 17 at 3:00 PM   Low Performing Districts Webinar 2 on Sept. 21 at 2:00 PM

The annual NCCAT Charter Conference

Join us in Cullowhee, NC on January 28-31, 2019 for the annual NCCAT Charter Conference. This program, designed specifically for charter school teachers, will focus on teacher leadership through advocacy, best practices, and school growth.

We will explore how teachers can better advocate for their specific school and charters in general, and how to utilize your own leadership style to help support school initiatives. Teachers will learn best practices in STEM, literacy development, and digital learning and discuss ways to model these practices in your schools.

Interested participants must apply online and a select number of attendees will be selected. One teacher per charter school may apply and spots are limited. Apply Here!

Congratulations to Lake Norman Charter for winning the 2017-2018 2A Wells Fargo Cup for North Carolina! 

On September 7, under a beautiful August sky with a large crowd looking on, Lake Norman Charter proudly received the Cup during halftime of the football game. The Wells Fargo Cup recognizes just four schools in the state for overall athletic excellence. Read more here.

When asked what winning the Cup means to our school, HS Principal Craig Smith replied, “This is a tremendous accomplishment that is truly shared by our entire athletic department, including coaches, student-athletes, administration and parents.” Athletic Director Matt Schlegel added, “The 2017-18 2A Wells Fargo Cup Championship is a great accomplishment for our coaches and student-athletes. I believe this award brings our LNC community together.

CHARTER SCHOOLS:   DID YOU KNOW? Many charter schools wonder whether the NCEES (NC Educator Evaluation System) is required as an evaluation tool.   No, charter schools are not required to use NCEES. Per State Board Policy EVAL-004, “A local board shall use the North Carolina Professional Teaching Standards and North Carolina Teacher Evaluation Process unless it develops an alternative evaluation that is properly validated and that includes standards and criteria similar to those in the North Carolina Professional Teaching Standards and North Carolina Teacher Evaluation Process.” You can find the entire policy here.

Confirmation of Funds for Annual Financial Statement Audits by CPA firms:

DPI is providing the appropriate reports to your independent auditors via the internet.

These reports for FY18 are now posted in a public application at the following site:

http://apps.schools.nc.gov/auditorconfirmationreports (Annual Reports).

Please direct your independent Auditor to the site provided.

Please contact Roxane Bernard at roxane.bernard@dpi.nc.gov with any questions.

Cash Management and MSA Training (Charter Schools):

We are planning Cash Management and MSA training classes for Charter Schools in October 2018 at the Department of Public Instruction in Raleigh, NC.  There will not be a registration fee for the class, but you must register to attend.  The class will be designed for those who work in the charter school’s finance office.  The class consists of "Hands-on" training with the emphasis on understanding the monthly financial reports, a brief lecture on Compliance & Monitoring, and a brief overview of the Cash Management System.  Instruction is geared to the beginner or new user and as a refresher for others

The time and dates of the October 2018 training sessions will be forthcoming.  If you have questions, please contact Roxane Bernard at roxane.bernard@dpi.nc.gov.

Registration for the September 2018 Planning Year Session

This correspondence is a small reminder that registration closes Sunday, September 16th. While the September 2018 Planning Year Session is not required for your board, we highly recommend sending at least one board member or school leader to the session as attendees will receive an introduction and training to Epicenter, a web-based software system that will be utilized by the Office of Charter Schools and all operating charter schools across the state.

This is a wonderful opportunity for a member of your school to learn about how the system functions and some of the expectations for engagement.

In anticipation of the effect Hurricane Florence will have as it heads our way, I wanted to reach out to ensure you have ample time to register. Here is a link to the registration form for the September 2018 Planning Year Session.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out!

We are wishing you safety and care during this impactful storm.

Best regards,

Stephenie Clark

Charter Schools Consultant

NCDPI Office of Charter Schools

6307 Mail Service Center

Raleigh, NC 27699-6307

stephenie.clark@dpi.nc.gov

(P) 919-807-3492

(F) 919-807-3496

MULTI-TIERED SYSTEM OF SUPPORT     In order to establish readiness and begin implementation of MTSS, it is imperative that school level administrators understand MTSS as a total school improvement framework for ALL, NOT A PROCESS FOR STRUGGLING STUDENTS. Many educators across the state are still working to fully conceptualize MTSS as a total school improvement framework, rather than a process for struggling students. For this reason, it is imperative that those in leadership roles have a clear conceptualization of MTSS and are able to establish a common understanding among all stakeholders. Your school leaders must also build capacity and infrastructure, prepare for change, and determine readiness before beginning implementation.   It is recommended this first be addressed by: Creating an empowering culture Establishing effective teams Providing ongoing staff support   Please consider accessing the MTSS LiveBinder  which has a thorough section on establishing readiness. As always, if your charter team needs additional coaching to install an MTSS reach out to us at integratedsystems@dpi.nc.gov.

U.S. Senate Youth Scholarship   North Carolina applications and entry materials for the United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) became available August 1. The United States Senate Youth Program is a scholarship program that provides an educational opportunity for juniors and seniors interested in pursuing college coursework in history or political science. Student delegates winning the $10,000 scholarship and attending the week-long event in Washington, D.C. in March 2019 will hear major policy addresses by Senators, cabinet members and directors from other federal agencies.     Deadline for submission in N.C. is October 7, 2018.   Eligibility requirements and application materials can be found at http://senateyouthnc.webs.com/.   For additional information please feel free to contact Michelle McLaughlin at michelle.mclaughlin@dpi.nc.gov.

Office of Charter School News Link:

School Leaders:

Please see the memo linked below, "Read to Achieve Alternative Assessments," from Dr. Eric Hall and Dr. Tammy Howard.

RtA+Alternate+Assessment_EH_TLH_090718.pdf

Do Charter Schools Take Districts’ Money?

NC Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) Updates

Webinar for District Leaders concerning HB 986

Math Legislation HB986

Please register for Understanding and Implementing Session Law 2018-32 (Enrollment in Advanced Mathematics Courses) on Sep 19, 2018 3:00 PM EDT at:  

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5520515234931459075 

During this webinar the Math and Advanced Learning/Gifted Education teams will share critical information to help districts understand and implement the new mathematics legislation (SL 2018-32).  

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

This meeting will be recorded and made available to those who cannot attend.

PRC 118 Autism Funding Submissions and Professional Learning Opportunities     LEAs and Charter Schools are reminded to submit the required request for funding form for PRC 118 Autism Funding  by Friday, September 21, 2018.   Late submissions may not be considered for funding. Please follow the link in the attached memorandum to access the form. If you have questions, please send an email to ncauteam@gmail.com.     Memo-PRC+118+Funding+Submission.pdf

Registration: Webinar for Determining NC Extend1 Eligibility

Registration link for the professional development training regarding NC Extend1 Determination for IEP teams is added below. 

If you have questions, please contact Matthew Martinez at (919) 807-4059 or matthew.martinez@dpi.nc.gov; or Dreama McCoy at (919) 807-3920 or dreama.mccoy@dpi.nc.gov.

All interested participants should join the Webinar using the link https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5496351267707046402

 or dial in at (415) 930-5321 with access code 573-752-678.

For questions, please contact Matthew Martinez ( matthew.martinez@dpi.nc.gov)  or 919-807-4059 or Dreama McCoy at dreama.mccoy@dpi.nc.gov or 919 807 3920.

 Memo+-+webinar+for+NCExtend+1+%28002%29.pdf

NC EVAAS Exploration Summit Save the Date & Call for Proposals We are pleased to inform you that SAS is hosting the third annual NC EVAAS Exploration Summit on Thursday, November 15, 2018, at SAS World Headquarters in Cary, NC. What is this? The NC EVAAS Exploration Summit is an engaging and informative daylong event focused on using data to drive school improvement and fostering student growth. Sessions led by North Carolina educators and SAS EVAAS trainers will help you to learn and share best practices, build a network of data leaders, and expand your EVAAS toolkit. There is no charge to attend the summit, and participants will receive conference certificates to request continuing education units (CEUs) as determined by their district. Call for Proposals To provide the most engaging and useful sessions to attendees, the Summit is asking for presenter proposals. If your district currently engages in effective EVAAS practices, please have your data leaders register for the conference and submit a proposal highlighting your district’s best practices. The session topics will focus on three key areas: ·      School Improvement ·      Supporting Students Equitably ·      Teachers & Data for Continual Growth.   Proposals will be accepted until September 12, 2018.  Please submit your call for proposals here by September 12, 2018 at 5:00 pm.   Who should attend? Our goal is to have educational leaders who promote data leadership and are interested in how EVAAS can support them. Each district should coordinate the participation and registration of three leaders. Participants can be district-level administrators, principal leaders, data coaches, and educational leaders at the district, school and classroom level. What is next? Registration will open soon.  You and some of your district leaders will receive an email from usersconnections@sas.com with additional information about registration, featured speakers, hotels, and deadlines. November 15th is fast approaching, so we encourage your 3-person district team to save the date! In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact us at usersconnections@sas.com. We look forward to seeing your district’s data leaders at the NC EVAAS Exploration Summit!

How Technology Departments Can Support School Safety”

In October, NCDPI's Digital Teaching and Learning Division is partnering with the School Planning Division and the Center for Safer Schools to hold 8 regional days around the topic of “How Technology Departments Can Support School Safety”  The goal is to bring together cross functional teams consisting of district and school safety directors, technology directors, maintenance directors, and executive leadership to talk about best practices in school safety. Topics may include anonymous reporting apps, surveillance cameras, lock systems, 911 connections, automated call systems, and other topics.

We are asking one representative from each district or charter be responsible for signing up one team to bring to the event in the district or charter's region. The team may consist of up to five people.  Again, potential attendees could include:

• Superintedent/Assistant Superintendent/Charter School Executive
• CTO/Technology Director
• Maintanence Director
• School Safety Director

To Register for the Event please follow this link:     How Technology Departments Can Support School Safety Registration     

The dates for the events are as follows:

October 8: Region 1 -Wayne County Public Schools

October 9:  Region 2 - Beaufort County Schools

October 10:  Region 5 - Guilford Technical Community College

October 15:  Region 3 - McKimmon Center

October 17:  Region 8 - Asheville Event Center

October 18:  Region 7 - Wilkes Community College

October 22:  Region 4 - Cumberland County

October 23:  Region 6 - UNC Charlotte

Sign-in starts at 9 and the agenda will begin promptly at 9:30.  

Agenda:

9:30 - 9:35:  Welcome

9:35 - 10: 20:  Safety Best Practices - School Planning

10:20 - 11:05:  Anonymous Reporting Tool Requirements

11:05 - 11:35:  911 Communications

11:35 - 12:00:  Local Spotlights

12:00 - 1:00:  Lunch and Networking

1:00 - 2:30:  Roundtable Discussions

Lunch will be included as part of the day.  Additional details and confirmation will be sent to the email addresses provided prior to the event. 

If you have any questions, please contact Nathan Craver, nathan.craver@dpi.nc.gov or Jill Darrough, jill.darrough@dpi.nc.gov

Nathan Craver

Data, Assessment, and Continuous Improvement Consultant

N.C. Department of Public Instruction

(336) 448-4178

Other News     Immunization and Health Assessment Compliance Reporting   Each year, all schools are required to report the immunization status of their kindergarten and 7th grade students, according to G.S. 130A-155(c) and G.S. 130A-440. The purpose of these reports is to ensure that all children enrolled in North Carolina schools are protected against vaccine-preventable diseases and to determine the number of children who meet state immunization requirements.    Additionally, all North Carolina public and public charter schools are required annually to report on the status of Health Assessments for those students who are enrolling for the first time in a North Carolina public or public charter school (G.S. 130A-441(c)).   Report submission can take place after the 30th calendar day from the school’s official first day.  A combined compliance report is available this year, by school name, and must be completed on-line at this link: Annual Health Assessment and Immunization Report.  You may use the link to access instructions as well as worksheets to gather your responses prior to entering the online report.     Compliance reports are due no later than November 1, 2018 but may be completed at any time prior to that date.    Communication From The Consultant The Technical Assistance Summary provides valuable school health information.  School Health Coordinators and/or School Nurses are encouraged to review this quarterly circular so you can stay up-to-date with news and announcements from the Charter School Health Nurse Consultant.   Do You Have a School Nurse or School Health Coordinator? In order to ensure proper delivery of School Health Services information, please use this link to provide contact information.  The contact information provided will be used to ensure receipt of important school health requirements and continuing education opportunities.  Please have your school nurse or school health coordinator fill out this quick survey so they may be included on our distribution list.     Kristin Wike, MSN, RN, NCSN Charter School Health Nurse Consultant NC Division of Public Health - Children and Youth Branch NC Department of Health and Human Services   828 230 7148    office 828 230 7148    mobile kristin.wike@dhhs.nc.gov

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT – EDDIE is the authoritative source for NC public school numbers and demographic information, is used by multiple NCDPI technology systems including: Accountability, PowerSchool, NC School Report Cards, and is used to meet federal reporting requirements. LEAs and charter schools are responsible for ensuring their data in EDDIE are complete, accurate, and current. EDDIE is located at: http://apps.schools.nc.gov/eddie