OCS Weekly Newsletter for November 8, 2022

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Office of Charter Schools

November 8, 2022

Some upcoming dates of note:

  • 11/10/22 - World Languages Charter School Focus Group
  • 11/10/22 - Deadline for submitting transfers for students who enrolled July-October 
  • 11/14/22 - Nominations due for Beginning Teacher of the Year
  • 11/7-11/21 CSADM Projection Window

Important CSADM and Enrollment/Grade Expansion Information – Read carefully and completely

·        Phase 0 in CSADM opened November 7th and will close November 21st. This is a required submission by all charter schools in order to make initial projections for 23-24 enrollment/grade levels.

CSADM is an online system designed to assist each charter, regional or lab school with improving the accuracy of key components in the budgeting process. This online system is comprised of three phases, each phase has a specific collection period established by the Department of Public Instruction.

Only electronic submissions received from Board Chairs or head administrators identified in the CSADM Submission Directory are accepted. The CSADM Submission Directory is maintained by School Business. Questions and modifications should be emailed to Student Accounting, studentaccounting@dpi.nc.gov.

Phase 0, Material Increase in ADM, or Grade Expansion  

    • Submissions are required of all Charter, Regional and UNC Lab Schools with current school year enrollment.
    • This phase gathers information for the State Board of Education concerning requests for SY 2023-24 enrollment growth and/or grade expansion of the provisions of a charter's application.
    • Only electronic submissions using CSADM will be included in the State Board of Education approval meeting.
  • After reading the above, access the CSADM portal through this link.

Did you know? You can find all School Business newsletters on the website, organized by year. 


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 2023-2024 school year should be submitted while conducting the Phase 0 CSADM process which opens in November. Please review this linked PDF to understand how the process works.

 

Documentation for enrollment and expansion requests will be due by January 1st 2023. Please begin preparing and reach out to Ashley.baqueor@dpi.nc.gov if you have any questions. Ms. Baquero will contact those schools indicating a request following the closure of CSADM PHASE 0.


AUDIT INFORMATION – IMPORTANT

Our office is aware that many auditors are running behind on audits for various reasons. We have reached out to School Business to communicate concerns. School Business plans to prioritize the review of the audit reports for the  schools that are up for renewals. OCS has communicated the urgency for these schools to auditors that have contacted the office. While the renewal process will continue as communicated to those schools, School Business cannot give its opinion of the finances for renewal until it has been received. The financial renewal presentation is scheduled for January 9 or 10th.

As you know, audits are due October 31st, per the normal submission date. There is a 30 day grace period following 10/31. After December 1 School Business will ask any school which hasn’t submitted to get a letter from the auditor explaining the reason for the delay. The letter will need to be addressed to the State Board and DPI should be copied. And the letter should indicate the expected time to complete the audits. Depending on the reason, School Business will consider whether or not to put the school on a cautionary status which gives them an additional 30 days. If your school’s audit is not received by December 1st, School Business will reach out with more detailed information and instructions, but OCS wanted to give you an update so you know what to expect in the coming months.


World Languages Charter School Focus Group Thursday 11/10/22

The NCDPI World Languages Team would like to formally invite your PSU to be part of the World Language Regional Focus Groups. These focus groups are part of the standards review phase and will be conducted virtually to maximize participation from across the state and minimize disruptions to individuals' schedules. These online events are scheduled to run for up to 3 hours for each region and will be recorded to facilitate data collection.
Two representatives from each district will be designated to attend, and participants will earn a Certificate of Attendance for 3 contact hours. The World Languages team will provide copies of the current standards to the focus group participants so that they can review details in advance of the sessions. They respond to a predetermined set of questions, which can be viewed on page 13 of the North Carolina SCOS Internal Procedures Manual.
Representatives need to be practicing World Language educators who have experience implementing the North Carolina World Language Essential Standards, as a classroom teacher, an instructional coach, a professional development coordinator or director, etc.
The focus group for Charters will be held Thursday, November 10; 5:30 - 8:30. Please complete the Qualtrics Form by October 20, 2022 to submit the names and emails of those chosen to represent your PSU.
Should you have any questions, please contact Dr. Ann Marie Gunter at ann.gunter@dpi.nc.gov.

Submit nominations for Beginning Teacher of the Year by November 14th!

The NCCAT 2023 Empower NC Beginning Teacher of the Year Nomination Form is now open for submission. Please complete 2023 NCCAT BTOY Nomination Form asapAs a reminder, the nominee should be in their second year of teaching during the 22-23 school year and be employed in the same district/charter school as last year. Portfolios are due by November 14, 2022. 

 

You can find timeline information and portfolio directions at www.nccat.org/btoy.

 

 Please feel free to reach out to Karen Sumner (karen.sumner@nccat.org) with any questions. 


Child Count Transfer System -   

The FY 23 Child Count Transfer System is now open. 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, 2022.  

Keep in mind that only students transferred within the first 60 days from the start of the school year can be transferred.

For New Charter Schools opening in 22-23, 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.

 

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 any questions about the HC transfer system, please contact melissa.dearman@dpi.nc.gov or 984-236-2444.


Multilingual Learner/Title III Update

This is a reminder that the A5 EL/ML Task in Epicenter is due on December 1, 2022. The submission requirements have changed. Please make sure you have reviewed the training materials before completing the task.
The NCDPI ML/Title III Team is hosting online hours for Q&As, join as needed:
  • Weekly ML/Title III Office Hours - Tuesdays 3-4 pm - Joining link
  • Quarterly Charter School Check-ins - Thursday, November 17, 3-4 pm -  Joining link
Bookmark these links to stay up-to-date with ML/Title III information:
  • 22-23 ML/Title III Timeline - This document has all the coordinators' tasks per month and it includes links to guidance and training archives.
  • ML/Title III BOY Training Sessions - This document has a list of all the scheduled BOY webinars. We have linked the video recordings and presentation slide decks.
    • This is the direct link to the session we offered on October 27th. Program Quality for Charter Schools - We talked about the LIEP and the changes to the submission in Epicenter. 
We would also appreciate your feedback on technical assistance using this document - Share Your Thoughts!

2022-2023SY Homeless Education Compliance Forums

Please note the following dates for upcoming Compliance Forums in your prosperity zone. Participation in your region’s Compliance Forum is required and for designated homeless liaisons only.

  • Wednesday, November 16th- Southwest Prosperity Zone
    • For more information and to register for the event, REGISTER HERE.
  • Thursday, November 17th- North Central Prosperity Zone
    • For more information and to register for the event, REGISTER HERE.
  • Friday, November 18th- Northeast Prosperity Zone
    • For more information and to register for the event, REGISTER HERE.

McKinney-Vento Subgrant Information Sessions

If you are interested in applying for the 2023-2026SY McKinney-Vento Subgrant, please note the following dates for upcoming Subgrant Information Sessions. For more information on the Subgrant and Information Sessions, CLICK HERE

  • Tuesday, November 29th- Morganton, NC
  • Wednesday, November 30th- Burlington, NC
  • Friday, December 2nd- Beaufort, NC

If clarification or assistance is needed, please contact your program specialist. Check out who your program specialist for homeless education is by visiting the NCHEP Contact page.

 


Now Open: All-Stakeholder Surveys and Data Review Committee Applications for K-12 Arts, Guidance, and World Language Standards

 

In August, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) Office of Academic Standards’ team kicked off the review phase for K-12 Arts, K-12 Guidance, and K-12 World Language Standards.  This cohort of standards will follow the NC Standard Course of Study Manual in terms of process and timeline.

 

Surveys:

Per the Internal Procedures Manual, the review phase consists of data collection and analysis, as well as research.  The NCDPI team is seeking input on the current K-12 Arts, K-12 Guidance, and K-12 World Language standards from educators, administrators, parents, students, institutions of higher education, business/industry representatives, national organizations, and other education agencies. 

These surveys are being shared to gather thoughtful input and comments from stakeholders familiar with the Arts, Guidance, and/or World Language Standard Course of Study in order to inform revision decisions, which may include changes, clarifications, additions, deletions, or replacements to the current standards.

Any individual who wishes to provide input on the Standard Course of Study may complete this survey.  This survey is estimated to take about 10 to 20 minutes to complete, depending on how many grades or courses you choose to review.

We thank you for your time and input. Your feedback is extremely valuable to the standards review and revision process. 

To complete the All-Stakeholder survey for each of the areas above, visit the Office of Academic Standards’ webpage.

Data Review Committee Applications:

Applications for the K-12 Arts, K-12 Guidance, and K-12 World Language Standards Data Review Committees (DRC) are now open through Friday, November 18.  DRC members review the data collected and compiled from Standard-by-Standard surveys, regional focus groups, and interviews, as well as research, policies, and legislation.

 

Note: The DRC analyzes the feedback and makes recommendations that help drive both the review and revision phases, so individuals chosen for the DRC cannot serve on the Standards Writing Team (SWT) that is convened during the revision phase.

 

Applications can be submitted through November 18, 2022. The DRC will consist of a range of external stakeholders, including: K-12 educators, educational leaders, university professors, content professionals, experts from partner organizations, and community members. The DRC members will be chosen from across the state’s eight regions and represent varying perspectives and experiences regarding the current Standard Course of Study for these areas.

 

Applicants will be notified of their selection at the end of November - early December, and DRC work will begin in late January - early February of 2023.

*Please note these dates are tentative and subject to change.

 

To complete the DRC application for each of the areas above, visit the Office of Academic Standards’ webpage.

 


POSTPONED: School Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management Training

The School Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management Training sessions that were scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 2; Wednesday, Nov. 9; and Wednesday, Nov. 16 have been postponed. The Center for Safer Schools will send another bulletin when the sessions have been rescheduled.

About the Center for Safer Schools

The Center for Safer Schools serves to promote safe learning environments for North Carolina K-12 schools. The CFSS serves as a hub of information and technical assistance on school safety to school faculty and staff, law enforcement, youth-serving community agencies, juvenile justice officials, policymakers, parents/guardians and students. CFSS staff focuses on school climate, school discipline and emergency preparedness concerns for North Carolina’s public K-12 schools. CFSS staff is available to provide training, guidance and technical assistance upon request for school faculty and staff and those working with children and adolescents. The CFSS is headed by Karen W. Fairley, executive director.


2022 NC Healthful Living Coordinators Meeting

Friday December 9th

Koury Convention Center

Greensboro NC

9 am - 4 pm

The NC Healthy Schools team is pleased to announce the 2022 Healthful Living Coordinators Meeting on Friday, December 9th at the Koury Center in Greensboro.

As we continue to adjust and move forward from the impact of COVID-19, we recognize an influx of new staff and shifts in responsibilities. The 2022 meeting will provide a “back to the basics” look at the role and responsibilities of a Healthful Living Coordinator. The day will include intentional networking and collaboration opportunities to explore the challenges and barriers faced across the state as well as hot topic issues in small group sessions. Topics may include: Healthful Living Standards, Graduation Requirements, the Healthy Active Children Policy, Strategies for Impact, Virtual Programs, School Health Advisory Councils, and other relevant issues. 

Those encouraged to attend include district and charter Healthful Living Coordinators, those who oversee Health and/or Physical Education teachers at any level, as well as roles that include oversight of the implementation of the Healthful Living standards and objectives.

To register:

https://ncdpi.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0cUFiBOm2hv2ebk


K-12 Guidance Standards Review

For individuals to complete by November 17th by 5:00 p.m.

In August, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) Office of Academic Standards’ team kicked off the review phase for K-12 Guidance Standards.  This cohort of standards will follow the NC Standard Course of Study Manual in terms of process and timeline.

Per the Internal Procedures Manual, the review phase consists of data collection and analysis, as well as research.  The NCDPI team is seeking input on the current  K-12 Guidance standards from educators, administrators, parents, students, institutions of higher education, business/industry representatives, national organizations, and other education agencies. 

This survey is being shared to gather thoughtful input and comments from stakeholders familiar with the Guidance Standard Course of Study to inform revision decisions, which may include changes, clarifications, additions, deletions, or replacements to the current standards.

Any individual who wishes to provide input on the Standard Course of Study may complete this survey. This survey is estimated to take about 30 to 45 minutes to complete. Click here to begin the survey.


2021-2022 Academic Data is now available through this link


Medicaid in Education office hours and resources

Please see all options listed below to receive support for your PSU’s Medicaid program.

If you are just beginning or considering participation in a Medicaid program, we suggest you start with the NC DPI OEC Medicaid in Education On-demand Course.

Intention- Share ideas, procedures & policies, answer questions, clarify issues, network, brainstorm together

(Details for many virtual meetings/office hours, including Medicaid Office Hours, can be found here)

  • NC DPI OEC Medicaid in Education On-demand Course
    • These on-demand modules provide background on why public schools recover costs for health services from Medicaid, the three programs available for Public School Unit (PSU) participation, how each program works, helpful practices and considerations for all who participate (and much more…).
    • This course includes 4 modules; and will provide .3 CEUs (3 hours). Module 1 provides the context for Medicaid cost recovery. Modules 2-4, intended for school administrators, personnel and contractors cover Medicaid programs, documentation, and additional relevant information. We hope you find this course helpful.
    • If you have trouble with accessing the NCEES Medicaid in Education course Complete this form- Canvas/NCEES Access Request to troubleshoot you issue with accessing NCEES system for the Medicaid in Education on-line modules.

Important Communication- Diabetes Care Law and Epinephrine

Important Resources for Charter Schools: (Please Read)

Please click on each link.

Charter School Diabetes Memo

Charter School Epinephrine Memo


Student Accounting Manual Update (SASA)

The SBE approved the attached updated draft of the SASA Manual at their meeting on November 3, 2022. We have linked the full SBE packet so you can see the changes that were made. Most are technical corrections for legislative changes such as the Student Code of Conduct and those applicable items now applies to ALL PSUs and not just LEAs. We also have provided the update to the PMR Attestation statement as well as updated coding that is no longer applicable post-pandemic. If you have any questions, please contact LaShon Creech at lashon.creech@dpi.nc.gov. Please make sure your LEA Data Managers are aware the manual has been updated.


Important MEMOs:


Exceptional Children Logo

Please review the attached Exceptional Children communication updates and Guidance. 


OCS

Office of Charter Schools (OCS) Updates

School Business Services presentation at OCS Office Hours: AUDITS+

There was a lot of very important information shared with Charter School leaders on Monday October 17th, including the annual school audits which have an automatic grace extension to November 30th.

 

Please download the Presentation Slides and share with your team as appropriate.


Courtesy share from the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte

Greetings Charter School Leaders,

The Jewish Federation Community Relations Council (JCRC) builds relationships throughout communities in North Carolina, and advocates on issues of concern to the Jewish community. Over the years, we have worked diligently with public, private, and charter schools to promote diversity and sensitize staff and school leadership to our unique needs. School systems throughout North Carolina have been very responsive and we are grateful for all of the support. Attached is a five year calendar of Major Jewish Holidays and Religious Observances that can be used in planning and support for Jewish families, students, and staff, especially as the holiday season approaches.  We want to encourage school faculty to be sensitive to how religious holidays may impact the behavior, appearance or attendance of students and staff, we also encourage school personnel to use sensitivity and good judgment when scheduling school activities around holidays. If you have any questions please reach out to your local Jewish Federation.

Greensboro Jewish Federation   5509-C West Friendly Avenue Greensboro, NC 27410

336.852.5433 info@shalomgreensboro.org

 

Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte 5007 Providence Rd Suite 101 Charlotte, NC 28226

704.944.6757 info@jewishcharlotte.org

 

Jewish Federation of Raleigh-Cary

8210 Creedmoor Road, Suite 104

Raleigh, NC 27613

919.676.2200

info@shalomraleigh.org

 

ACCESS

NC ACCESS Sponsored Professional Development for all Charter Schools – Fall 2022

 

November 16, 2022 | 3:30-5:30pm

Dr. Vickel Darby, Instructional Technology Specialist

Register

 

Are you ready to try something different with your students? Let's  unite and learn about Quizaliz.

The best quiz platform for remote or face-to-face classrooms. Engage your class with fun, standards-tagged quizzes. Get instant data on student mastery. Automatically assign differentiated follow-up activities. Delivers game-changing results.

  • Save time by instantly identify student learning gaps
  • Conduct targeted instruction for students with shared strengths and weaknesses
  • Quickly obtain data on student performance
  • Have data-based discussions with students on their progress and learning
  • Improve student engagement

Other Resources from DPI


Charter School Job Postings 

If you have current teaching/leadership positions open and wish to share them in this newsletter, reach out to Joseph.Letterio@dpi.nc.gov and provide a link to the posting/s. 


Whom Should I Contact at the Office of Charter Schools?

OCS Main Number: (984) 236-2700 / Email: ocs@dpi.nc.gov

Name

Email

Phone

Workflow

Ashley Baquero

Ashley.Baquero@dpi.nc.gov

984.236.2708

Director; 

SBE/CSAB/Amendments/Risk Assess.

 

Anita Holbrook

anita.holbrook@dpi.nc.gov

984-236-2753

Executive Assistant/Communications

Joseph Letterio M.

Joseph.Letterio@dpi.nc.gov

984.236.2703

Performance Framework/ Epicenter/ Comms&Data

Lakisha Robbins

Lakisha.robbins@dpi.nc.gov

984.236.2704

NC ACCESS Finance

Davida Robinson

Davida.robinson@dpi.nc.gov

984.236.2878

NC ACCESS Program Manager

Barbara O’Neal

Barbara.ONeal@dpi.nc.gov

984.236.2706

NC ACCESS Program Coordinator

Jay Whalen

Jay.Whalen@dpi.nc.gov

984.236.2711

NC ACCESS Program Administrator

Jenna Cook

Jenna.Cook@dpi.nc.gov

984.236.2707

Renewals & RTO

Darian Jones

darian.jones@dpi.nc.gov

984.236.2705

Prof. Dev./Stakeholder Support

Melanie Rackley

Melanie.Rackley@dpi.nc.gov

984.236.2712

Applications