School rejection appealed Nov 3, 2009
Somerset Academy, the charter school chain whose application to open a new Palm Bay school was rejected by Brevard Public Schools, filed an appeal with the state Board of Education ... Two other charter schools in Brevard -- Odyssey and Patriot, both in Palm Bay -- also are operated by Academica ... Then the appeal will likely be argued before the Charter School Appeal Commission in December and the State Board of Education is expected to decide in January. (Florida Today)
Big Picture school worthy of community support Nov 3, 2009
Charter schools grow in Valley. Charter schools are gaining momentum in the Valley, despite tiny budgets and some high-profile failures ... But support from state and federal governments -- along with a movement among charter schools to set higher standards for themselves -- is driving growth, officials say. (Fresno Bee)
School working to ease fire department transition Nov 3, 2009
Superintendent John Krupper told the board on Monday that he met with fire officials last week and that safety programming for students will begin shortly (Somerset Daily American, PA)
Mystic Valley Charter School seniors win Adams scholarship Nov 3, 2009
Students from the Mystic Valley Charter School back row, left: Evan Oppedisano, Carolyn Bissex, Cody Cameron, Maija Erickson, Peter Finn, Matthew Pini, Ryan Oppedisano, Principal George Benzie; middle row: Michael Beauboeuf, Alyssa Savarino, Ndindam Ndiwane, Michael OConnor, Carl McPherson, Joseph Vaverka, Meghan Holden; and front row, Jade Lovett, Sophia Elmoussaoui, Adrianna Villalobos, Kirk Toomajian, Joseph Littlewood and Kevin Le all won the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship ...... (Medford Transcript, MA)
Obama tough on himself, but is he too candid? Nov 2, 2009
President Barack Obama walks back to the West Wing of the White House in Washington on Feb. 3 after visiting a local charter school. Earlier that day former Sen. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Location of Obama visit disclosed Nov 2, 2009
Wright Middle School, a 12-year-old charter school, emphasizes community involvement and social action, according to its website. The school is named after the late Rev. James C.Wright, a well-known local civil rights leader. (The Digital Cardinal, WI)
Easy for school to be green Nov 2, 2009
Odyssey Charter School in Palm Bay received a special governor's award this month for being the greenest school in the state. At Odyssey, fresh air is brought in through a filtering system that purifies and dehumidifies it. (Florida Today)
Charter school association: Districts have no case Nov 1, 2009
In view of the expanding list of school systems suing the state over its new charter school commission, I asked the Georgia Charter Schools Association to write an op-ed piece, which runs in the paper Monday ... Five school districts have filed suit against the state of Georgia claiming that the creation and operation of the Georgia Charter Schools Commission is unconstitutional ... Additionally, they seek the closure of two charter schools authorized by the commission: Ivy Preparatory Academy... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Living)
Sanger Unified principal wins national honor Nov 1, 2009
Frustrated with mounting problems at Bullard High School, some parents have waged a reform campaign so intense that they even considered trying to turn the northwest Fresno campus into a charter school. The parents say they are worried by dropping test scores, rising disciplinary problems, a crumbling campus and other issues that they say are chipping away at Bullard's legacy of public school excellence. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Patrick slashes $277M in spending Nov 1, 2009
2 million for charter school reimbursement, $32 million from the University of Massachusetts, $4. 2 million from State Police operations, $251,000 in veterans bonuses, $6. (Belmont Citizen Herald, MA)
Charter School response to School Boards Bok position Nov 1, 2009
Charter School response to School Boards Bok position. Published: Saturday, October 31, 2009 10:08 AM EDT David C. UllmanLake Wales Charter Schools Board of Trustees Chairman ... Bok is a start-up charter school. (Lake Wales News, FL)
501:The magic number Nov 1, 2009
Published: Saturday, October 31, 2009 10:08 AM EDT Five hundred one is a magic little number for enrollment for charter schools. Officials with the Lake Wales Charter Schools System know the number well ... According to Florida statute, sponsors of charter schools (in this case the PCSD) are allowed to keep 5 percent of all money allocated by government for full-time equivalent students. (Lake Wales News, FL)
Im a parent who likes Bok Nov 1, 2009
Published: Saturday, October 31, 2009 10:08 AM EDT As a parent who chose to send her sixth grader to Bok Academy, I would like to express my support for the Lake Wales Charter School system, and especially Bok Academy, for the wonderful things occurring at the school ... Having sent our children to Hillcrest Elementary, we were so excited to learn that the Lake Wales Charter School system planned to open a middle school to continue with the positive arts and educational programs offered in all... (Lake Wales News, FL)
Future of Faith: What’s next for the Church Universal and Triumphant? Nov 1, 2009
We have 250 groups around the world and a very growing international movement in Russia and in South America, said CUT President Valerie McBride, who was a vice-principal at a charter school in Florida prior to taking the post as head of the church last year. But 23 years after Prophet picked up and moved the church headquarters, complete with 100-plus staff members, from California to the Paradise Valley ranch, local church membership appears to be dwindling. (Bozeman Daily Chronicle)
Charter schooldisappointed in response Nov 1, 2009
Charter schooldisappointed in response ... Published: Saturday, October 31, 2009 10:08 AM EDT Officials with the Lake Wales Charter Schools System fired the second salvo in a war of words with the Polk County School District over the planned expansion of Bok Academy ... David C. Ullman, chairman of the board of trustees of LWCSS, issued the charter school system s official response in a letter dated Oct. 30 and addressed to PCSD superintendent Dr. Gail McKinzie. (Lake Wales News, FL)
Polk Schools should be our partner Nov 1, 2009
Published: Saturday, October 31, 2009 10:08 AM EDT The argument between the Polk County School Board and the Lake Wales Charter Schools System over Bok Academy and McLaughlin Middle School is rooted in recent history and steeped in community pride. The argument began when Polk County school officials acted surprised to learn that more than 500 students want to attend the charter school system s middle school, Bok Academy ... The school board pays the charter school system for each student... (Lake Wales News, FL)
Community activist wants a police oversight commission Nov 1, 2009
Pallatino now lives in Albuquerque and works with the youth program Hogares and at a charter school. Pallatino s attorney Dennis Montoya is in full support of a police oversight commission. (Rio Rancho Observer, NM)
Students fill Hawaii's 'furlough Friday' with field trips, projects Nov 1, 2009
Richard Landford of Maili said furlough Fridays have become a way for him to connect with his three grandsons a pair of twins, age 12, and their younger cousin, age 11 who ordinarily would be attending Ka Wainona O Naauao Public Charter School in Nanakuli. "This has been an opportunity for me to bond with my grandkids since I retired," said Landford, 62, speaking earlier this week. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Spooky events Nov 1, 2009
Get your costume on and head over to Sonoma Charter School tonight, Oct. 30, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. for a fun-filled Halloween Carnival, a school tradition that happens come rain or shine. This free event includes activities such as a cakewalk, haunted house, beanbag toss, sponge toss, ring toss, animal toss, candy in the hay, lollipop tree, fishing for candy and fortune telling. (Sonoma Index-Tribune, CA)
South County Nov 1, 2009
The MAAC Community Charter School, established in 2001 as an alternative to Chula Vista's eight high schools, has had its charter renewed for five years. By Janine Ziga. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Game 4 to shine spotlight on youths Nov 1, 2009
The "Wanna Play?" clinic will be held for local kids from the Phillies RBI Program, the Boys Club of Delaware and the baseball and softball teams from the Mastery Charter School. It will take place at the Southeast Youth Athletic Association Field near Citizens Bank Park, and the aforementioned VIPs participate between 10-11:30 a.m. In addition, volunteers from KPMG and players from Temple University's baseball team will help staff the event. (MLB.com -- Philadelphia Phillies)
NASA probe hits moon's south pole looking for water Nov 1, 2009
About 100 miles northeast of Los Angeles, 70 elementary school students at the Lewis Center for Educational Research charter school in Apple Valley capped off their weeklong "moon camp" experience by rising early to watch NASA television along with 300 members of the public. "It was cool seeing actual pictures of the moon live," said 10-year-old Jackson Bridges, but he added: "I wanted to see the debris flying out.". (Salon)
Americans embrace alternatives to 'pagan' Halloween Oct 31, 2009
One school in Maryland, Monocacy Valley Montessori Public Charter School, is hosting an "International Children's day" as an alternative to Halloween, with kids wearing outfits from around the world rather than scary costumes. And the principal at another area school with a large immigrant community, Sligo Creek Elementary School, decided to dispense with the annual Halloween-themed parade and classroom parties in favor of a "Fall Festival" with a "focus on reading and literacy.". (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Patrick spares local aid, education, looks to cut 2,000 jobs Oct 31, 2009
And while celebrating his decision to maintain current funding for public classroom programs, he did not mention he had also approved cuts in special education money, busing money and charter school reimbursements. He took a political potshot at a re-election opponent, Treasurer Timothy Cahill, criticizing the performance of the state Lottery, which Cahill oversees. (Easton Journal, MA)
CV receives shipment of H1N1 vaccine Oct 31, 2009
On Saturday, Nov. 14, the district will hold a clinic at the Eagle View Middle School cafeteria for students who were absent the day the vaccinations were administered at their schools and for home-school and charter school students in the district. Depending on the availability of vaccines, district faculty and staff will have an opportunity to be vaccinated between noon and 2 p.m. at Saturdays clinic, Panzer said. (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
KIPP FOUNDER WANTS TO BRING CHARTER PROGRAM TO PINE BLUFF IN 2011 Oct 30, 2009
The founder of an Arkansas charter school program that has generated significant improvement in student test scores wants to bring the program to Pine Bluff. Scott Shirey, executive director of the KIPP Delta College Preparatory Academy School at Helena told the West Pine Bluff Rotary Club Thursday that he hopes to bring a KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) school to the city in 2011. (Pine Bluff Commercial, AR)
Patrick to end nearly 1,000 jobs Oct 30, 2009
2 million in charter school reimbursements. The overall sense is that people were expecting a cut, and a cut came, said Geoffrey Beckwith, executive director of the Massachusetts Municipal Association. (Boston Globe)
State cuts: 'It could be so much worse' Oct 30, 2009
2 million from charter school reimbursement. Patrick's budget includes $62 million in federal stimulus money to cover higher education budget cuts plus $102 million he hopes to raise in a tax amnesty program and through taxes. (Allston Brighton TAB, MA)
School information Oct 30, 2009
Superintendent Donald Yeoman, 978-251-5100 Chelmsford High School - 200 Richardson Road, 978-251-5111 Nashoba Valley Technical High School - 100 Littleton Road, Westford, 978-692-4711 McCarthy Middle School - 250 North Road, 978-251-5122 Parker Middle School - 75 Graniteville Road, 978-251-5133 Murdoch Middle Charter School - 40 Brick Kiln Road, 978-970-0100 Byam Elementary School - 25 Maple Road, 978-251-5144 Center Elementary School - 84 Billerica Road, 978-251-5155 Harrington Elementary... (Chelmsford Independent, MA)
Sampler for Oct. 29 Oct 30, 2009
The Annual Education Showcase, sponsored by the School/Business Committee of the Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce, will be held Thursday, Nov. 5, 9 to 11 a.m., at the Advanced Math & Science Academy Charter School at 201 Forest St. Also at the Education Showcase will be representatives from and information on the following schools: Marlborough High School, Regis College, Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School, Becker College, Hudson High School, Immaculate Conception School, and... (Marlborough Enterprise, MA)
Charter school vies for CUSD foothold Oct 30, 2009
Posted: Thursday, October 29, 2009 10:42 AM CDT An Irvine company wants to set up an online charter school in Calaveras County, and trustees at the Calaveras Unified School District briefly considered the request Tuesday. Charter School Development Systems sent a letter to CUSD Superintendent Mark Campbell asking the district to approve an online charter school that would be called Global Tides ... At , the company says it is the West Coast implementation specialist group for Ed Futures, Inc.... (San Andreas Calaveras Enterprise, CA)
Boston City Council at-large race: Four will remain standing Oct 30, 2009
Many candidates also called for a reform throughout BPS to combat alarming dropout rates and prepare children for future jobs, but suggested different paths to improvement including the city s charter school program. Connolly and Pressley showed support for increasing charter schools, suggesting that the increased competition and specialized curriculums allow students to benefit from more targeted classes, while Murphy, Gonzalez and Keneally said the specialized schools create a talent disparity... (West Roxbury Transcript, MA)
Spooky events Oct 30, 2009
Get your costume on and head over to Sonoma Charter School tonight, Oct. 30, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. for a fun-filled Halloween Carnival, a school tradition that happens come rain or shine. This free event includes activities such as a cakewalk, haunted house, beanbag toss, sponge toss, ring toss, animal toss, candy in the hay, lollipop tree, fishing for candy and fortune telling. (Sonoma Index-Tribune, CA)
Swine flu closes 100s of schools Oct 29, 2009
The charter school, with about 430 students, closed due to a high number of kids absent with H1N1 symptoms, even as the federal government has been advising schools to close because of the swine flu virus as a last resort. (AP Photo/ The Journal Gazette, Samuel Hoffman, File) NEWS-SENTINEL OUT FILE - In this Oct. 21, 2009 file photo, Jesus Monroy, a maintenance man at St Charles East High school, mops the floor in the empty Intro to Business classroom as the teacher Eric Buhot organizes his... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Delano charter school to mark grand opening Oct 29, 2009
The academy -- a public charter school -- opened in August with about 100 sixth- and ninth-grade students. It is a joint project involving the Delano community, Paramount Agricultural Companies and Bard College. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Legislature should move on school reform by Thanksgiving Oct 29, 2009
The Obama administration has made clear that it won t look kindly on federal Race to the Top applications in states where teachers unions or school districts try to tamp down the innovative charter school movement. In August, Governor Patrick wisely filed bills that would raise the cap on charter schools in the lowest-performing 10 percent of school districts and give the Board of Education the muscle it needs to take control of the curriculum and scheduling in chronically bad schools, even if... (Boston Globe)
Bok Academy plan irks county Oct 29, 2009
Published: Wednesday, October 28, 2009 10:34 AM EDT The Polk County School District fired the first shots Tuesday afternoon in a battle with the Lake Wales Charter School System over middle school supremacy ... The charter school system was not represented at the meeting ... Carolyn Bridges, senior director of magnet, choice, and charter schools for the Polk County School District, told the board the mid-year request would bandage the operational contract between the two school systems that... (Lake Wales News, FL)
Good schools aren't only for rich kids Oct 29, 2009
My first instinct was to begin down the path of opening an all-male minority charter school. In Connecticut, charter schools are publicly funded and privately run, with no teachers' unions, no school board influence and no centralized curriculum ... Brothers and sisters were gonna open a successful charter school. (CNN)
New MCAS data shows individual student progress Oct 29, 2009
In comparison, City On A Hill Charter School in Boston had a composite of 86 in English and 94 in math, while Silver Hill Horace Mann Charter School of Haverhill received SGPs of 32 and 26. The DOE said that most scores fall between 40 and 60, and differences of 10 points are insignificant. (Woburn Advocate, MA)
Kingsburg student stabbed on school bus Oct 28, 2009
Family member of boy wrote on Oct 23, 2009 7:22 AM:" Kingsburg Charter School District and The Community of Kingsburg needs to open their eyes to what is going on in this little "perfect" town, Violence is not exceptable no matter what form. If any one would like to speak to me I am willing to talk I am the sister and guardian of the boy. I was told about what is being said on this topic and I would like to answer any questions? I would really like my brothers story to be told because this is... (Kingsburg Recorder, CA)
Controversial commission wins national award Oct 28, 2009
Georgia s newest charter schools authorizer has received a national award for growing campuses focused on excellence ... The Georgia Charter Schools Commission was recently named a winner of the National Association of Charter School Authorizers Fund for Authorizing Excellence Awards ... The commission was established by legislators in 2008 andgiven the power to authorizenew charter schools. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
S-O board to address 10 percent funding cut Oct 28, 2009
It was learned the district must add the new protected classes of sexual orientation and gender identity to the district's policies as well as update the anti-bullying/harassment policy; * Reviewed the video "Two Million Minutes" and the sequel, "Two Million Minutes - The 21st Century Solution" which compares the amount of time students in the United States, Europe and China spend on education as well as a look at a top-achieving charter school in the United States; * Learned the district is in... (Ocheyedan Press Melvin News, IA)
Charter schools agency gets grant Oct 28, 2009
The has selected the Georgia commission and two other public agencies engaged in funding charter schools for grants through a private foundation to help develop comprehensive strategic plans ... The state commission was created by the General Assembly last year to review charter school applications and approve those it deems suitable, whether or not the board of education of the affected local school system approves ... So far, the commission has approved two charter schools: Ivy Preparatory... (Atlanta Business Chronicle, GA)
Marlborough charter school may get another bus Oct 28, 2009
School officials last night said they like an idea to add another bus for the charter school to help alleviate long ride times ... Only a handful of Immaculate Conception students use that bus, which could service the first nine stops on one of the charter school's routes, he said ... The charter school must accept the proposal. (Allston Brighton TAB, MA)
Washington Montessori dedicates new classrooms Oct 26, 2009
Published: Tuesday, October 20, 2009 2:21 AM EDT Students, staff, parents and members of the community gathered Monday morning for the dedication of a new classroom building on the campus of the Washington Montessori Public Charter School ... What has always impressed me about Washington Montessori Public Charter School is the complete dedication and drive of the volunteers, the parents and, especially, the faculty, Jennette said. (Washington Daily News, NC)
BESE considering more charter school applications Oct 26, 2009
- The number of charter schools in Louisiana is on the rise as dozens of the state's public schools maintain the academically unacceptable label. The state has 77 operating charter schools ... Charter schools are public schools that are supposed to offer innovative teaching methods without much of the red tape found in traditional public schools. (Nola.com -- Sports)
Get Out Events, Hunting & Fishing Calendar: 10/25/09 Oct 25, 2009
8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Environmental Charter School, Frick Park, Regent Square. Free. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Corzine for governor Oct 25, 2009
He increased preschool education and charter school opportunities; on his watch, the state's schools have narrowed the achievement gap for minority and low-income students. He launched a renewable-energy program and signed laws to provide paid family leave, expand the senior tax freeze, reduce the number of children without health insurance by tens of thousands, overhaul the child welfare system and impose caps on local-government spending that have reduced the rate of increase in local property... (NJ.com -- Times)
Editorial: Sac High turnaround can't be ignored Oct 25, 2009
Closing a school and turning it over to a nonprofit to run as a public charter school is not for the faint of heart ... Today we feature the transformation of Sacramento High School into a charter school ... Former NBA star and Sac High graduate Kevin Johnson's St. HOPE nonprofit submitted a charter school proposal, which the board approved (rejecting two others). (Sacramento Bee -- Opinion)
Protesters rally in support of education Oct 25, 2009
Alapaki Nahalea, president of Hawaii Charter School Network, said his group knows times are hard ... Alapaki Nahalea, president of Hawaii Charter School Network, said his group knows times are hard. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Saving any money now? Oct 25, 2009
Maybe the town should have been allowed to operate their own charter school like they petitioned for. But we all know how that vote ended, too. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
Gilbert enlists citizens to help fix budget Oct 24, 2009
Jared Taylor, business manager for Heritage Academy charter school, agreed. He was a vocal opponent of the tax hikes. (AZCentral -- News)
Open house in Wilmington to feature green chemistry Oct 24, 2009
There will also be a display of artworks made by middle and high school students from the Innovation Academy Charter School in Tyngsboro. Responding to different green chemistry slogans, students have created images of how they represent a better future for themselves and the planet. (Wilmington Advocate, MA)
FDA: Swine Flu Scams Lurk on the Internet Oct 23, 2009
Daniana Alcantar wears a face mask and gloves as she sanitizes a classroom entry door at the Golden Rule Charter School in Dallas, Texas. Jim Mahoney / The Dallas Morning News / Corbis. (Time.com)
Eye on Education: Thurgood Marshall School on a college mission Oct 23, 2009
"When you walk across the threshold, it's under the assumption you will be going to a four year college or university, said Michael Booker, principal at the Thurgood Marshall Early College High School. WWL-TV.com The Thurgood Marshall Early College High School, part of the charter school network run by UNO, not only offers counseling to help students prepare for college life, but also offers college courses where students can graduate high school with higher education credits or even an... (WWLTV.com, LA)
Concord Academy Boyne succumbs to illness Oct 23, 2009
The charter school now joins three other public school districts in the area including Boyne City, East Jordan and Harbor Springs that have closed their doors for the remainder of the week as a result of illness. Once school let out Wednesday, Oct. 21, Larry Kubovchick, administrator and principal for Concord Academy Boyne, announced that his school would be closed today, Thursday, and Friday. (Gaylord Herald Times, MI)
This weekend's festivals, fairs and events Oct 23, 2009
Warren Easton Charter School Golf Tournament, Laplace, Friday, October 23rd. For more information. (WWLTV.com, LA)
$2.8 million in cuts needed Oct 23, 2009
Some recommended renting the site out to social or religious organizations, or maybe even as a charter school. The school board will study the cost-cutting recommendations in January, with an ultimate budget vote set for June. (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
Suits filed over Furlough Fridays Oct 23, 2009
And it contends that charter school students are being deprived of equal protection because the Department of Education is withholding funding for their special education teachers ... And it contends that charter school students are being deprived of equal protection because the Department of Education is withholding funding for their special education teachers. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Lawsuits aim to block Hawaii's school furlough days Oct 23, 2009
A hearing has been set for this afternoon before Ezra on a request for a temporary restraining order in a separate lawsuit filed by attorney Eric A. Seitz on behalf of regular, special education and charter school students. "We don't believe that the lawsuits have merit and we're going to defend against them," state Attorney General Mark Bennett said in a statement. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Fired Waco Charter School Director Reaches Deal On Severance Pay Oct 22, 2009
WACO (October 21, 2009)Fired Waco EOAC Charter School director Robert Glinski reached a severance pay agreement Wednesday with the Economic Opportunities Advancement Corporation, or EOAC. ... "It is time for the staff to be able to put this behind them and move on. I believe that would be best for the children and families of Waco Charter School." Glinski said ... Glinski had been director of the Waco Charter School since 2006. (KWTX.com, TX)
Oakland festival to feature heritage, nature and art Oct 22, 2009
The day will include arts and crafts vendors, plant suppliers, food vendors, displays by community organizations and businesses, history tours and a history tent, hay rides, children s activities, art displays from Oakland Avenue Charter School and Whispering Oak Elementary and dessert and chili cook-off contests. There will also be narrated eco-boat tours of Lake Apopka (for a 10 fee); music by local choirs, the Lakeview Middle School Jazz Band, Winter Garden composer-artist Dominic Gaudious... (Winter Garden West Orange Times, FL)
Oakland readies itself for next manager Oct 22, 2009
accepted the audit for Oakland Avenue Charter School from Berman, Hopkins, Wright ... voted to approve the purchases of several programs for the charter school: the MAP Program, A+ Money and Accelerated Math. (Winter Garden West Orange Times, FL)
Charter schools face more suits Oct 22, 2009
Charter schools grow but so do legal challenges ... The growing pains of Georgia charter schools will be discussed Friday at an annual address tracking the school choice movement ... Gains in student achievement and an increase in charter school startups have made the state a competitive player in the education enterprise industry, say state administrators and leaders of the Georgia Charter Schools Association. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
Drug testing to begin next week Oct 22, 2009
Discussed changes to the Juneau Community Charter School's contract ... Juneau Community Charter School is receiving about $166,000 more in funding than previous years due to an increase in state funding. (Juneau Empire)
