OCS Weekly Newsletter for October 30, 2020

North Carolina Public Schools sent this bulletin at 10/30/2020 08:45 AM EDT

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logoOffice of Charter Schools

6307 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-6307  

Weekly Newsletter- October 30, 2020

Please be sure to keep EDDIE up to date!

 

Upcoming Events and Reminders!

Save the Date!

 

Advanced Placement Update- Time Sensitive

URGENT – Indicator 11 Reporting Issue and Deadline extension

PSU Leaders,

Mark your calendars and consider participating in a webinar on a Digital Learning Standards course that will be available in the Canvas Commons for districts to implement with their educators. The FI, in partnership with DPI, developed this course to support districts as educators integrate the Digital Learning Standards for Students in their curriculums. The webinar will introduce participants to the course, detail course navigation, etc. District and charter leaders can join us to learn more about this course on November 3, at 2:00 PM. Please contact your regional DTL consultant if you need more information.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://ncsu.zoom.us/j/97486359227

Meeting ID: 974 8635 9227

It’s the time of year for Enrollment and Expansion Requests!!

 

School boards and administrative teams should be familiar with the requirements surrounding annual expansion and enrollment increases (https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/PDF/BySection/Chapter_115C/GS_115C-218.7.pdf) and (https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/PDF/BySection/Chapter_115C/GS_115C-218.8.pdf).  

 

A charter school may increase its enrollment by 30% each year (or 20% for low-performing schools). The only exception is for those schools that may have higher enrollment projections outlined in the original charter, in which case the school may “revert” back to those numbers. Any request above those percentages must be approved by the State Board of Education and this request is prompted in the CSADM system. Grade expansion is also regulated by statute (see section 218.8 above).

 

Certain expansions are considered “nonmaterial” meaning the school does not need to seek SBE approval, and others require SBE approval (for example, multiple grade level growth not outlined in the original charter). State Board approved expansion or enrollment requests require an amendment. All expansion and enrollment requests for the 2021-2022 school year should be submitted while conducting the Phase 0 CSADM process which opens in November. Please review the attached PDF to understand how the process works.

 

Refer to this guide: Charter School Enrollment Increase Requests and Grade Expansion
Ashley Baquero, Office of Charter Schools Ashley.Baquero@dpi.nc.gov

Child Count Transfer System -   

The FY 21 Child Count Transfer System is now open.  We appreciate your patience while we prepared the system for the 2020-21 Fiscal Year.  We ask that you please submit your transfers promptly to avoid missing the deadline. Please be advised that the deadline for submitting transfers for students who enrolled from July through October is Nov 10, 2020.  

 

For New Charter Schools opening in 20-21, please have your transfers for students enrolled from July through September submitted no later than October 21st. Students enrolled in October need to be submitted by November 10th.  We need this information earlier to calculate Federal Planning allotments for the Budget and Application process for New Charter Schools.

More detailed instructions have been emailed directly to the Directors of the New Charter Schools.

 

To access the Child Count Transfer System, please use the link below:

 

https://schools.nc.gov/ords/f?p=130:101

 

Remember Access to the System for input has been granted to Data Managers that were reported to the Exception Children Division.  If you have a new Data Manager or want to report a change in Data Manager, please contact Matt Hoskins at matt.hoskins@dpi.nc.gov

 

For detailed instructions on processing transfers, please click the link below:

 

https://files.nc.gov/dpi/documents/fbs/allotments/forms/instructionschildcounttransfersystem.pdf

 

This link can also be found on the instructions tab in the Child Count Transfer System.

 

If you have any questions about the HC transfer system or have had access previously and no longer do, please contact melissa.dearman@dpi.nc.gov or 984-236-2444.

COVID TOP TEN:

To help recap important news of the week, we are pleased to bring you the NCDPI COVID-19 WEEKLY TOP TEN.   The link does not change.  New content is added to the top of the document weekly.  

Here’s a preview:

10. Follow-up: 2020-2021 Purple Star Application Overview Webinar
9. SLD Fact Sheets
8. NCDPI - Advanced Math Course Legislation Data Collection Survey
7. First-Ever UNC System Virtual Open Houses
6. Emergency School-Age Family Support Program
5. Don’t Miss!  Very Special PR Check-In Friday, October 23-11:00 a.m.
4. Follow-up: NCDHHS Updates Webinar-10.20.20
3. Fall Legislative Class Size Report
2. Food for thought… “Transitioning”  vs. “Closing”
1. From the field…Montgomery County Schools Virtual CTE Fall Conference

Please note that the state COVID WEEKLY TOP TEN is not compiled with charter schools primarily in mind, or written by OCS. Charter schools retain flexibility by law, including but not limited to the issuance of emergency leave. If you ever have any uncertainty about a requirement, please reach out to the Office of Charter Schools.

Please see the attachment (DHHS & DPI COVID-19 Webinar 10.20.20 pdf) to accompany the recording link from Tuesday’s webinar. 

 

Jessica B. Swencki | District & Regional Support-Sandhills Region

N.C. Department of Public Instruction-Sandhills RST

jessica.swencki@dpi.nc.gov | 910-524-7020 | @JessicaBSwencki

 

10/6 PPE training for Charter School Staff-PPT presentation:

Annette Richardson, MSN, RN, NCSN

Charter School Health Nurse Consultant

Division of Public Health - Children and Youth Branch

NC Department of Health and Human Services

Immunization assessments extended to December 30, 2020

Follow-Up-Communications Leaders' Biweekly Call-10.6.20 Lots of info linked!

NCDPI Agency Horizontal Logo

Thank you for attending the 2020-2021 Purple Star Application Overview Webinar. Links to the recordings and other helpful sites are provided in this attachment. For questions, please email Angie.Mullennix@dpi.nc.gov.

Please send the attached memo, Summer Programs 2020–21, from Dr. David Stegall and Dr. Tammy Howard to all Charter School Directors.

Please see the attached memo, K-3 Formative and Diagnostic Assessment Data Sharing, from Deputy Superintendent, Dr. David Stegall and Director of K-3 Literacy, Dr. Tara Galloway.

As outlined in the attached memo, K–3 Formative and Diagnostic Assessment Data Sharing, public school units (PSU) are required to submit student assessment data from the selected Read to Achieve diagnostic assessments for K–3rd grade students. The suggested method for this data collection is submission of the data by the vendor.   If PSUs choose to provide the data to NCDPI instead, the attached directions should be used.

 Direct any questions concerning the assessment data to your NCDPI K-3 Literacy Consultant.  Direct any questions about processing the data files to your Regional Accountability Coordinator.

 

Presentation from Superintendents' Monthly Check-In 10/15/20

Comprehensive Continuous Improvement Plan (CCIP) for Charters 10/15/20

Important Info Update from the School Financial Reporting Section

What’s New – FY 20-21

Please check out the What’s New section of DPI’s website at https://www.dpi.nc.gov/districts-schools/district-operations/financial-and-business-services.  It will provide you the latest information about the COVID funding and Teacher and Instructional Support Bonus.

 

COVID Funding

Review the COVID Allotment Policy manual 2020-21, which reflects which COVID PRCs charters are eligible.

If you have COVID funding questions, please contact Sue Holly at susan.holly@dpi.nc.gov.

Exceptional Children Division

Memo: The 2021 Session of the North Carolina Governor's School
Superintendents and Charter School Leaders,

Please review the below memo, The 2021 Session of the North Carolina Governor's School, from Dr. Beverly Emory, executive director of the Leandro Implementation, and Sherry Thomas, director of the Exceptional Children Divison.

Please review the attached ECATS communication. 

 

  • Tip Sheet: Related Service Support Descriptions (RSSD) The EC Division has received questions regarding how to document supplemental aids and supports that were previously included on a separate stand-alone form, RSSD, prior to the implementation of ECATS and the new EC forms. While this information was previously provided at the May 2017 Regional Director’s Meeting, it is appropriate to update the information and re-release in a Tip Sheet.  Please see the updated version attached.

Resources Galore:

 

October 2020 From the Board Room

New standards mapping resource for SEL from the NC SEL implementation team

Advancing Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) as a Lever for Equity and Excellence - Equity Insights Report

NC Homeless Education Program

Arts Ed Newsletter - October 26, 2020

Digital Teaching & Learning Insider - October 23, 2020

ADVANCED MATH COURSES LEGISLATION UPDATE

School Business Resources 10/23/20

Oct. 23, 2020 - Home Base Bulletin

October 2020 - AP/IB/CIE Update

Free HS Student and Educator - Ethics and Leadership Conference: October 30th

NCDPI School Counseling Updates October Newsletter

2021 NC Governor's School Announcement

NCDPI Webinar Series: Integrating SEL in the Content Areas

Fall 2020 NCStar Professional Learning Opportunities

Global Education Newsletter --October 2020

SALC PD on 10/24 for French and German Teachers

October 2020 K12 Mathematics Monthly Update

STEMtastic Newsletter - October

Digital Learning Standards & ELA Standards Crosswalk - New Resource

Character Education News & Updates: October 2020

Please Help Announce the Senate Youth Program Opportunity through December 6th

LinguaFolio: Resources Available 10-23-20

Mark Your Calendars for Our November NCELAReads!

Please Share- Ready, Set, App! Cycle 2 Live for HS Students

Jacobs Teen Innovation Challenge Sign up By November 20 Middle and High School

Sign Up for November NCELAReads Now Open!

Office of Charter Schools (OCS) Updates

logo

 

Please don't miss this information for the EC Child Transfer Count: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1I4GhEYxm1OY6Kgs4vt1CgnUgjhH4iy4ufMltBlw4-jE/edit?usp=sharing

 

Melissa Dearman is the technical contact for any inquiries on this.

Professional Learning, RTO, and Renewals Newsletters

Professional Learning 101

 

The Scoop With Coop-All Things Renewals 

 

BRAND NEW! Ready to Open/Planning Year

ACCESS News

The Office of Charter Schools is thrilled to announce that the NC ADVANCING CHARTER COLLABORATION AND EXCELLENCE FOR STUDENT SUCCESS (ACCESS) PROGRAM has launched a new website at ncaccessprogram.com. The site is designed not only to provide more information about the NC ACCESS Program and its impact on North Carolina charter schools, but also to provide resources and development for charter school leaders to remove barriers and support all students. Some of the great new features of the site include:

  • Subgrant Program Application Resources
  • Best Practices and Strategies for Charter School Leaders
  • Professional Development Opportunities Open to All Charter Schools
  • Aspiring Minority School Leaders Program Information and Application

Visit the site today and check back regularly as new strategies and professional learning opportunities are continuously added. We look forward to your continued support of the NC ACCESS Program.

Leading Equity-Based MTSS for All Students 1st Edition

NC ACCESS Program Reading List featured Monthly

Leading Equity-Based MTSS for All Students 1st Edition

Amy McCart and Dawn Dee Miller 

Ensure that Every Child Achieves Academic and Social Success 

 

An equity-based multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) helps school teams engage all students across the full range of learning needs. MTSS ensures that the vision of equity for every student is achieved, with high expectations and quality instruction, while not straining a school’s budget or personnel. This strategy filled book teaches you how to  • Engage all students in learning through an equity-based approach   • Analyze and utilize your resources  • Apply strengths- and evidence-based principles for implementation  • Incorporate effective tools to systematize MTSS

Other News about Our Charter Schools:

Alpha Visit
The Fayetteville Observer reports -
Secretary of Education Betsy Devos pushes school choice at Fayetteville roundtable

 

Alpha Academy hosted the event, joined by Mr. Machado and Dr. Oneal!
NECP US Cellular recognition

North East Carolina Preparatory School distributes
mobile hotspots to keep classrooms connected for
remote learning. Recognized in US Cellular Business publication for "A True Commitment to Education"
Charlie Adams Distinguished Service Awards

NCHSAA Announces Regional Winners for the Charlie Adams Distinguished Service Awards

Region 6 – Jeff Morris, Gray Stone Day – Jeff Morris has been involved in education-based athletics for over 25 years as both an administrator and a coach. Morris has built the athletic program at Gray Stone Day from the ground up and is a former president of the North Carolina Athletic Directors Association (NCADA). Morris is a lifetime member of the NIAAA, serving on the accreditation committee and as a part of the LTI program. Morris has served as a conference president for numerous years and recently concluded a four-year term on the NCHSAA Board of Directors, where he represented the NCADA as an affiliate member.

 
Shining Rock breaks ground on future school site

The Mountaineer reports - Shining Rock breaks ground on future school site
T74 Achievement Gap Closing

T74 Reports - Charters Close Achievement Gap With District Schools, Study Finds, With Black and Low-Income Students Making the Greatest Gains

Leadership Opportunities:

MINA Charter School – Lead Administrator

Voyager Academy Operations Manager

Telra Institute K-5 Director of Instruction

Brevard Academy EC Teacher

Pine Springs Prep 8th Grade Science Teacher and 4th Grade Teacher

The Exploris School K-8 ESL Teacher

Lake Lure Classical Academy Classroom Teacher K-12, Curriculum Resource Teacher (CRT), and Assistant K-12 Principal

Socrates Academy Elementary school teachers, middle school ELA teachers, and middle school band teacher

Island Montessori Charter School Instructional Coordinator

Whom Should I Contact at the Office of Charter Schools?

 

Please note that response times to voicemails left on our phones will be much slower than usual due to the COVID-19 response efforts. Sending us an email is ideal.  Clicking the link on our names will bring up an automatic email prompt. Thank you!

OCS Main number: 984 236 2700 ocs@dpi.nc.gov

Dave Machado         984 236 2702

Director of the Office of Charter Schools

Shaunda Cooper      984 236 2712

Consultant, Renewals & Stakeholder Support

Claire Porter              984 236 2707

Consultant, Planning Year & Ready to Open Process

Ashley Baquero         984 236 2708

Consultant, Amendments & Compliance

Joseph Letterio       984 236 2703

Consultant, Epicenter Tech Support & Performance Framework

Darian Jones           984 236 2705

Consultant, Professional Development

Melanie Rackley     984 236 2712

Consultant, Charter Applications

Jay Whalen              984 236 2711

Program Administrator, NC ACCESS Program

Barbara O'Neal        984 236 2706

Program Coordinator, NC ACCESS Program

Davida Robinson   984 236 2878

NC ACCESS Subgrant Program Manager

Lakisha Robbins  984 236 2704

NC ACCESS Finance Administrator