Volume 11, Issue 23, November 3, 2006

Charter Leader News

 

 

This edition of the Charter Leader News features information on the following  . . .

 

 

Charter Center Survey 

Operations Listserv

Audit Training

Fundraising Consortium

New Building Council Toolkit

Fall Teacher Certification Workshop

Wilson Language Training 

 

 

HELP US HELP YOU! GIVE US YOUR OPINIONS ON CHARTER CENTER VIA ONLINE SURVEY  

 

After two years of experience as a support organization and "critical friend" of public charter schools, the New York City Center for Charter School Excellence is asking school leaders to help us assess our performance and effectiveness.

 

On Monday, NYC charter school leaders and executive directors will receive a confidential online survey requesting information about your school's priorities and your views about the Center’s strengths, weaknesses and impact. This is our opportunity to learn from your expertise and experience as we re-examine the Center’s goals and assess our progress.

 

The survey, which should take about 15-20 minutes to complete, will be administered by Perseus Survey Solutions. The results will be analyzed by an experienced independent consulting firm, Anthony Knerr & Associates. 

 

We understand your time is valuable. By participating in this survey you will help us ensure that our strategic goals are consistent with serving your needs as charter school leaders.

 

Thank you.

 

 

OPERATIONS NEWS

 

Operations Listserv

 

An Operations Listserv has been created to facilitate regular communications and "best-practices" amongst charter schools on everything from transportation, food services, and health to security, discipline policies, and other areas of mutual interest. Follow this link: http://lists.nycchartercenter.org/ to the "CharterOpsList" and immediately begin posting questions to other charter schools.

 

For questions, please contact Vinice Davis, Director of School Operations, at: vdavis@nycchartercengter.org

 

  

Audit Training for NYC Charter Schools - Nov 8 and 9:

 

To ensure that all NYC charter schools are prepared for audits of their internal controls conducted by the State Comptroller, the Charter Center is partnering with Fiscal Management Associates (FMA) to offer interactive workshops to schools on the audit process.

 

The purpose of the workshop is to strengthen each school's capacity to manage the audit process, assess school readiness and develop action plans to address areas of weakness.

 

Participants will receive an Audit Readiness Guidebook, Audit Readiness Self-Assessment Checklist, Pre-Audit Action Plan, and PowerPoint presentation. We ask that School Leaders, Directors of Operations/Finance, Board Chairs and/or Board Treasurers attend.
 
The three-hour workshops will take place at the Center's 111 Broadway headquarters (Suite 604) on November 8 and 9 from 3:30 - 6:30pm. Please RSVP (for either the Nov. 8 or 9 session) by clicking on the following link: https://secure.elliance.com/ennectEvent/Sitepages/B/RegisterB.aspx?eventID=558

 

 

New Building Council Toolkit:

Shared space is fast becoming the option of choice for facilities solutions throughout the New York City Department of Education. In order to better facilitate the sharing process, a "Building Council Toolkit" is now available online at http://schools.nyc.gov/Offices/NewSchools/toolkit.htm.

The toolkit is targeted to all schools--Elementary, Middle or High, Charter and District 75--and will help schools to build the foundations of a strong and sustainable Building Council. Download your copy today for your next Building Council meeting.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Fundraising Consortium Workshop - Nov 9:

The Introductory Workshop for the Fundraising Consortium will be held this Thursday, November 9, 2006, from 10am to 12 noon, at the Charter Center.

Consortium goals and objectives for charter schools in Tracks One, Two and Three will be reviewed during the session. In addition, private philanthropy consultant Linda Spencer and government grants consultant Gary Wartels will provide descriptions, objectives and schedules for their workshops. We are pleased with the response from charter schools for this workshop. Registration to join the Consortium will close on Monday, November 6, 2006.

 

For more information please contact Tony Lopez at 212-437-8304 or email: alopez@nycchartercenter.org

 

 

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

 

Fall Teacher Certification Workshop - November 18, 2006:

 

Based on the success of two summer certification workshops and the ongoing need for uncertified teachers to have a plan of action towards achieving certification, the Charter Center is hosting a fall workshop on Saturday, November 18, 2006.

 

 

Current and prospective uncertified teachers and teacher assistants (as well as teachers from out-of-state who need assistance with the New York State certification process) are encouraged to register for the workshop.  Each participant will be assigned a half-hour time slot between 9 am and 4 pm to meet individually with a certification specialist who will recommend an education plan leading to certification.

 

 

Please share this announcement with current and prospective hires and advise them that they need to register in advance by emailing Caryl Cohen at ccohen@nycchartercenter.org no later than November 14, 2006.

 

All workshop participants must bring student copies of complete undergraduate and graduate transcripts (if applicable) PLUS a photo ID to gain building access. Direct all questions to Caryl Cohen.

 

Middle School/High School Wilson Language Training:

 

Harlem Children's Zone/Promise Academy Charter School is offering Wilson Language Training for any charter school teachers interested in learning more about implementing the program. The training series will be held November 17, 20 and 21. All three sessions should be attended to complete the training.

 

TIME: 8 am - 3:30 pm (Breakfast will be served from 7:30 am to 8am, lunch served around noon)

 

PLACE: 35 East 125th Street, between Madison and 5th Ave (Inquire at front desk for exact location where the training session will take place.)

 

To attend, please RSVP to Jared Ware at jware@hcz.org. For more information about the Wilson Language Program visit www.wilsonlanguage.com

 

 

MISSION

 

The mission of the New York City Center for Charter School Excellence is to stimulate the supply of high-quality charter schools and support ongoing student excellence in all NYC charter schools, impacting the effectiveness of public education. As an independent nonprofit, the Charter Center is an advocate, bridge and catalyst for the achievement of academic and operational success and sustainability of all NYC charter schools for each young person.