OCS is hiring!
If you are passionate about school choice and want to help educators across the state, consider joining the Office of Charter Schools. With over 200 schools in the state and growing, we stay busy and engaged, providing guidance and support. As a member of our diverse and passionate team, you will have ample opportunity for personal and professional growth, as a team player committed to expanding opportunities for future generations.
Applications are being accepted now through February 16th. Read more and apply through this link.
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OCS Office Hours
Dear charter school leaders,
Effective March 1, 2022, Charter School Office Hours will be held on the 1st and 4th Mondays only! The 4th Monday remains dedicated to Dr. Stegall.
2/21 – Beth Cross / Stephanie Cyrus – AIG – the team wants to support any of you completing plans before the deadline. Only 20 schools have submitted plans at this point with DPI but several of you have indicated you are interested. Join us to hear about support, timelines, and follow-up.
Charter Principal of the Year
On behalf of the Office of Charter Schools, I would like to celebrate and recognize our very special guests at CSAB on Monday. With the support of Wells Fargo and the continued support of Charter One who provided a small honorarium for our finalists, we uplift in celebration the following amazing leaders and finalists for the first ever Wells Fargo Charter Principal of the Year:
Ms. Alicia Rheel – Island Montesorri Charter
Dr. Charles Fuller – Envision Science Academy
Mr. Nealie Whitt – Falls Lake Academy
And… the 2022 Wells Fargo Charter Principal of the Year, Ms. Marie Mills, Carolina Charter Academy
Please check out OCS on twitter for the photos of the event.
Charter Teacher of the Year
We also had the honor of hosting the two finalists for the Burroughs Welcome Fund Charter Teacher of the Year:
Amber Nead – North East Carolina Prep - an absolutely amazing educator in Tarboro who is leading the charge in NC Agricultural Education. Of all of her accomplishments and efforts with her students, I think the exposure and expansion of zip code – the classroom without borders stands out among her successes. With her efforts, Agriculture Education, is in great hands!!!
And… the 2022 Burroughs Welcome Fund Charter School Teacher of the Year is William Keegan Storrs, aka Prof’ by his entire educational ecosystem. His tireless efforts and humble approach and commitment to his students is unrivaled. When a veteran teacher says that watching how you transform students’ lives inspires her to dig deeper, you know you have a special kind of educational soul in the building.
Join us in congratulating all of these amazing educators who represent each of us so very well.
Reminder: People Helping People Scholarship: DUE TO THE ATTENTION OF DR. JONES ON MARCH 18th. ONLY ONE NOMINEE PER SCHOOL…. Please be sure your assigned staff have this information. We are just over a month from the deadline.
2022 NC OCS SECU PHP Scholarship Information
The 2022 North Carolina SECU People Helping People Scholarship Application is now Open! Final submissions should be returned to Dr. Darian C. Jones, darian.jones@dpi.nc.gov no later than March 18th, 2022by 5:00 p.m. with all of the requested information. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Dr. Jones at the above email.
· 2022 NC OCS PHP Eligibility Criteria
· 2022 NC OCS PHP Consent Form
· 2022 NC OCS PHP Application
Important MEMOs from DPI:
Charters & Medicaid
Psychological and counseling evaluation services:
Division of Health Benefits (DHB) LEA Policy 10-C was updated on February 1, 2022, to expand the list of practitioners considered qualified by Medicaid/DHB to be reimbursed for psychological and counseling evaluation services.
Section 6.0 Provider(s) Eligible to Bill for the Procedure, Product, or Service (page 20) now reads that all providers of psychological and counseling services “shall provide documentation of appropriate training and experience, which qualifies them to work with students in an educational setting. All providers shall function within the scope of practice of their state license and certification.”
Charter Schools enrolling as Medicaid Providers, pursuant to SL-2021-180.105 9D.21:
On Feb. 3, 2022, DHB posted a bulletin outlining enrollment requirements to begin participation in the LEA reimbursement program. This bulletin should be read carefully to understand DHB requirements and ensure efficient procedures for Charters who participate in Medicaid reimbursement programs. To support charter school representatives as they begin, NCDPI will host:
- Four Medicaid overview webinars. Building administrators, EC coordinators, and school business/finance officers for charters should attend:
- Medicaid office hours (open time for anyone to come and ask questions) will held on April 7, 11, 18, 25 from 3-4p at https://ncgov.webex.com/meet/lauren.holahan
Please submit your questions for that time here
- A Medicaid in Education CANVAS course will be available in early March
Meanwhile, charter schools are encouraged to investigate the resources at: https://www.dpi.nc.gov/districts-schools/classroom-resources/exceptional-children/program-and-fiscal-monitoring/medicaid-education. On-going technical assistance is available from Bill Hussey at william.hussey@dpi.nc.gov and Laurie Ray laurie.ray@dpi.nc.gov
Sherry H. Thomas
Director
Exceptional Children
Office of Educational Equity
NC Department of Public Instruction
Identification of Charter Schools Safety Personnel
The Center for Safer Schools is looking to improve how the Center communicates with charter schools by identifying the staff member or members within your school who is responsible for school safety. The person(s) you identify will be the point of contact for your organization and they will receive important and time sensitive information related to: upcoming Center trainings, monthly digital newsletter, invitations to attend the quarterly virtual School Safety Directors meetings, invitations to attend the School Safety Summit, emergency notifications from the Center related to possible school threats identified by the NC Homeland Security Intelligence Analysis responsible for school safety and other important school safety related information. Please provide the name, title, email address, office telephone and cellular phone number of the Safety Director and title to Ms. Karen Everett by email at karen.everett@dpi.nc.gov by February 11, 2022. The persons you provide will be identified within the Center as the School's Safety Director.
Several upcoming items to be aware of: Threat/Behavior Assessment Training starting in late February, virtual School Risk Management Plan trainings (where the schools comprehensive safety plans are entered) and of the upcoming School Safety Directors virtual meeting on February 16, 2022, at 11:30 am. Detailed information related to these events will be in our monthly newsletter and disseminated to the school's Safety Director. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Jay Jackson by email at jay.jackson@dpi.nc.gov
NCDHHS/DPI
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For those who couldn't join our February call, click here to access the recording with integrated chat and transcript.
Additional links and resources referenced in the call:
2.1.22 DHHS Slide Deck
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OCR/CRDC - A Message From Partner Support
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) is aware of the technical difficulties that local and state educational agencies have been experiencing with the 2020–21 CRDC submission system. OCR and the Partner Support Center are working to resolve these issues. Consequently, OCR is announcing a new deadline of March 11, 2022, for all educational agencies to submit and certify civil rights data for the 2020–21 school year.
OCR appreciates your efforts to submit the data in a timely manner and we look forward to receiving your certified submission by March 11, 2022.
Please not that there is no need to contact the PSC multiple times - additional outreach attempts will result in a delayed response.
CRDC Partner Support Center
Telephone: 855-255-6901
E-mail: crdc@aemcorp.com
PSC Contact Form: https://crdc.communities.ed.gov/#program/contact-psc
CRDC Resource Center: https://crdc.communities.ed.gov
Terra Lynne Dominguez
Business Systems Analyst
Education Technology and Data Services
School Research & Data Reporting
NC Department of Public Instruction
Get Ready for the 2022 NC Teacher Working Conditions Survey!
Dear Charter Leaders:
Please sign-up for one of these webinars accordingly. Superintendent Truitt’s goal for this year is 95% participation. OCS pushed really hard with the team to ensure appropriate representation and input from our charter educators. Let your teacher’s voices be heard when the survey is released.
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Get Ready for the 2022 NC Teacher Working Conditions Survey!
The NCTWC Survey is administered to every teacher and licensed school-based educator in our public schools every 2 years. For almost two decades, educators have been using NC Teacher Working Conditions Survey (NCTWC) results to drive decision-making in school and district improvements. In addition, our legislators and State Board of Education use data from the survey to help inform policy. The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction will once again provide this anonymous, online teaching conditions survey from March 1-31, 2022. Results will be accessible on www.nctwcs.org. We encourage you to participate in one of the webinars below to become familiar with all aspects of the 2022 NCTWC Survey.
2022 NCTWCS Dates to Remember (click to print)
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February 9 & 10
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February 17-24
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Prior to March 1
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March 1 - 31
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Plan to attend one of the Survey Webinars
(See below for registration links)
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Watch for your Survey Packets to arrive at your school(s)
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Distribute codes to Educators and contact Survey Support for any code issues
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The NC Teacher Working Conditions Survey is open! Be sure to encourage participation!
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February 9, 2022, 4:00 PM: Pre-Survey Webinar for State, District, and School Administrators Register Now!
This webinar will share details about the latest research and provide the larger context of the NC Teacher Working Conditions Survey as related to the work of the North Carolina State Board of Education and NC Department of Public Instruction. Information will be shared for accessing this year’s survey.
February 10, 2022, 4:00 PM: Pre-Survey Webinar for School Representatives Register Now!
This webinar will guide you through details about the 2022 North Carolina Teacher Working Conditions Survey, including background, key talking points, and frequently asked questions. You will also have an opportunity to ask questions to clarify your role.
If you have any questions regarding the North Carolina Teacher Working Condition Survey email Alessandro Montanari at Alessandro.Montanari@dpi.nc.gov.
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Social Studies Leaders' Institute
We are excited to invite you to attend the Social Studies Leaders’ Institute. This year’s institute will consist of two half-day virtual sessions. The theme of the institute is Supporting the Implementation of the Social Studies Standards. It will take place from 9 AM - 1:30 PM on Tuesday, March 29, and 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM on Wednesday, March 30.
The NCDPI Social Studies Leaders' Institute is a meaningful way to increase the capacity of social studies leaders to build strong curricula support. It is also an excellent opportunity for district leaders to network and interact with other leaders across the state.
The tentative program includes sessions focused on standards implementation, elementary social studies, civic literacy, and financial literacy. Please use the link below to register for the Institute. Once you get to the WebEx site, click on the link by Session Status (circled in the screenshot below) to register for the institute.
Registration Link: https://ncgov.webex.com/ncgov/k2/j.php?MTID=t338b539ab449fdea76b490b55e770af2
Best,
The NCDPI K-12 Social Studies Team
Tom Daugherty
K-12 Social Studies Education Consultant
Division of Academic Standards
NC Department of Public Instruction
(W) (984) 236-2824
Thomas.Daugherty@dpi.nc.gov
New Charter Nurse Consultant
The newest member of the Charter School Health Community is Amy Johnson, and she will serve as the Charter School Health Nurse Consultant for the Western half of the state (Districts 5-8). Annette Richardson will continue to serve the Charter School Health Community for the Eastern half of the state. The school nurse consultant map here for your convenience when determining which consultants serves your charter school.
Amy Johnson is a nationally certified school nurse with experience as a lead nurse. Over the past two years, Amy has been a regional nurse consultant for the Piedmont-Triad District providing technical assistance and guidance to school nurses and other school health professionals. As staff in the School Health Unit, her responsibilities include 1) program assessment, planning, and development, 2) program implementation, monitoring and quality assurance, 3) clinical and program consultation, 4) coordination and collaboration, and 5) training and resource development. The Charter School Health Nurse Consultant position continues as a member of the regional nurse consultant team. Amy received her BSN from Western Carolina University and MSN from Appalachian State University with a concentration in Nursing Education.
North Carolina’s charter schools are required to comply with the Care of Students with Diabetes law (G.S. 115C-375.3.) and with the School Supply of Epinephrine Auto-Injectors law (G.S. 115-375.2A.), as well as charter specific state board policies regarding some student health services. Annually, charter schools report on compliance with these, providing information that identifies staff educational and support needs related to compliance and student safety. Amy will provide support and assistance to the charter schools in Districts 5-8 to ensure these requirements are met. Her email address is amy.t.johnson@dhhs.nc.gov.
 NCEES News
Professional Development Leads!
EdStar Analytics is now offering courses through NCEES/Premium Library!
Join us on Wed., Feb. 16, 2022 from 12:30-1PM EST to learn how you can provide this PD to your educators!
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NCEES: Self-Paced PD Course Catalog List updated
Looking for a listing of self-paced courses available in NCEES?
Click here for the NCEES LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES CATALOG updated 01/12/2022.
View Courses, Credit Types/CEUS and more, then return to NCEES > Professional Development Tab to search and start a self-paced course.
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Did you know NCEES will be at NCTIES 2022?
Presentation Title : Growth, Goals & Credits in NCEES
Presenter's Name: Cami Narron, Room: 302B
Date: 03/04/2022; Time: 9:00
Join Us In Raleigh! March 2 - 4, 2022 at the Raleigh Convention Center.
NCTIES is a membership association for educators and educator leaders engaged in advancing excellence in learning and teaching through the effective use of technology. We are the North Carolina ISTE affiliate.
NCTIES 2022 Registration is now Open!
EC Division
Please see the attached newsletters.
Office of Charter Schools (OCS) Updates
The Office of Charter Schools joins with Lake Norman Charter in congratulating Ms. Shannon Stein on her great accomplishment leading one of the most successful charter schools in the state for over 10 years. The school community lavished her with week-long celebrations expressing their gratitude, culminating with a surprise recognition at the most recent meeting of the board of directors. Thank you Ms. Stein for modeling what a truly great charter school leader can be! |
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Letter of Intent to apply for the Charter School Transportation Grant Program due in Epicenter February 28th
A new Epicenter task appeared in the queue of all operating schools on Thursday, 2/10/22. This is not a compliance requirement, but is necessary for eligible schools to receive the Transportation Grant funds. A template document will be included as a resource on the submission task, to be filled and uploaded signed. Any school's completed and signed form not received as of 2/28/22 will be marked Not Applicable. On the form, Nonprofit Name can be the same as Name of Charter School, but both fields require content per the grant requirements.
OPEN NOW: 2022 NC Charter Applications
The 2022 North Carolina Charter School Application is now open, as of Friday, January 28th at 5 pm. The 2022 charter application window will close on April 29, 2022 at 5pm. Applicants who are interested in opening a charter school in 2023 under the accelerated timeline, or in 2024 under the standard timeline must submit their charter applications on or before the April 29, 2022 application close date.
Both the online application and $1,000 application fee must be submitted on or before April 29, 2022 at 5pm.
The link to the 2022 NC Charter School application is posted on the NCDPI Charter Schools Application page found here.
For questions about the charter application process, please reach out to Melanie.Rackley@dpi.nc.gov.
2022 NC OCS SECU PHP Scholarship Information
The 2022 North Carolina SECU People Helping People Scholarship Application is now Open! Final submissions should be returned to Dr. Darian C. Jones, darian.jones@dpi.nc.gov no later than March 18th, 2022 by 5:00 p.m. with all of the requested information. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Dr. Jones at the above email.
New Charter Leaders Institute
Registration link for the New Charter Leaders Institute, June 8th & 9th, 2022.
This is an institute for school leaders in the Ready to Open year but is also open to schools who have new leadership.
OCS Consultant Sites:
The NC ACCESS Program has added more professional development opportunities for this spring. Visit the NC ACCESS [ncaccessprogram.com/learn]website to learn more and register!
A VIRTUAL VISIT TO THE HOUSE OF SEESAW!
with Dr. Vickel Darby
Attention Amazing Teachers! Looking for a platform for student engagement? Have no fear! Seesaw is here! Learn how you can empower your students to create, reflect, share, and collaborate.
Mar 22, 2022
EVERYONE NEEDS A HERO! KAMI IS OUR HERO!
with Dr. Vickel Darby
Explore, Engage, Execute on how Kami provides super powers to empower learning! Learn how to gain your super powers by driving engagement, streamline academic feedback and assessment to improve learning outcomes!
Apr 13, 2022
NC ACCESS ASPIRING MINORITY SCHOOL LEADERS PROGRAM
SEEKING INTERESTED PARTICIPANTS FOR A FALL 2022 COHORT
The NC ACCESS Program is looking to potentially offer two cohorts of the Aspiring Minority School Leaders Program with only 20 slots available! One track for applicants WITH a master’s degree to complete a MSA Add-on Licensure program AND one track for applicants WITHOUT a master’s degree to complete a Masters in School Administration program. Learn more about the Add-on Licensure Program here. The full MSA program would be a new offering.
PLEASE SEND THE NAMES AND EMAIL ADDRESSES OF POTENTIAL CANDIDATES FOR THE PROGRAM TO DR. BARBARA O’NEAL.
NCCAT Charter School Conference
NC Colleagues,
Are you ready to grow your network of charter school educators and learn innovative strategies for your classrooms? If so, join NCCAT for our annual Charter School Connections Conference held March 7-9th on our Cullowhee Campus. Come ready to share, collaborate, and grow new ideas for your school. Lodging and meals are provided for this event. Click here to apply.
NC Public Virtual School Resource
Did you know you have access to FREE professional development courses (available to all NC Public and Charter School Teachers/Administrators) through IAM/NCEdCloud?
Follow these simple steps to access our course directory:
-Log in to your IAM/NCEdCloud account
-Click on the "blue P" to access NCEES
-Click the Professional Development link on the top menu
This path will take you to a wide variety of FREE courses available to you. Check them out today! All courses are self-enrolled and self-paced.
Other Resources from DPI:
Leadership Opportunities:
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 / Email: ocs@dpi.nc.gov
Dave Machado 984 236 2702
Director of the Office of Charter Schools
Shaunda Cooper 984 236 2707
Consultant, Stakeholder Support
Claire Porter 984 236 2709
Consultant, Renewals, 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
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