December 3, 2004
Denver Peak Academy Charter Approved
The Denver Board of Education this week gave the go-ahead for Denver Peak Academy, a new charter school that would serve students from age 15 - 20 who are experiencing homelessness or unstable living situations.
The Denver Peak Academy charter school plans to collaborate with Urban Peak Denver, Colorado Youth Charity and the Jared Polis Foundation to establish this new, small high school. The projected enrollment for 2005-2006 would be 40 students, growing to a total of 130 students (and no more than 200 students) over time.
The school would offer classes with a student/teacher ratio of no more than 15 to 1; an individualized academic program that allows students to progress based on competency (and not seat time); a consistent tutoring program; and a support team that includes the student, advisor, mentor and/or guardian, teacher, case manager and employment counselor.
Denver Peak Academy would also provide opportunities for students to participate in college-level courses, a vocational technical school and a senior seminar course. The school plans to be located close to Urban Peak Denver (1669 S. Acoma St.) so students can utilize the cafeteria and intensive wraparound services including employment and housing assistance, case management, healthcare, substance abuse counseling and shelter.
The Board declined three other charter school applications:
- The 21st Century Charter School at Denver was denied, according to the Board's resolution, due to "inadequate evidence that the program is a research-based educational program that has been proven to be effective," among other reasons.
- The Baker Arts and Technology Academy was denied, according to the Board's resolution, because there is "insufficient evidence that an adequate number of parents, teachers, pupils or any combination thereof support the formation of this charter school," among other reasons.
- The Academy Internacional Charter School was denied, according to the Board's resolution, because "the educational program defined in the original application ... was wholly insufficient and no evidence of its research base or effectiveness has been provided," among other reasons.
"Montclair School of Academics and Enrichment" Proposed Under Revitalization
Montclair Elementary School would be transformed to the "Montclair School of Academics and Enrichment" under a proposal funded by the district's Revitalization Process and forwarded to the Board of Education this week.
The plan calls for implementation of the Early High Strides program as well as the Schoolwide Enrichment Model.
Early High Strides is an accelerated instructional model for highly motivated students built on the premise that learning should be individualized. It requires a commitment on the part of students, parents and teachers. Instruction in the core content areas is delivered with a project-based emphasis at a rigorous pace. Students would apply for Early High Strides.
The Schoolwide Enrichment Model is a detailed blueprint for total school improvement that is based upon the vision that "schools are places for talent development." This model takes into account the varying abilities, backgrounds, experiences and learning styles of each student and capitalizes upon those strengths and interests. The report delivered to the Board states that the model is "research-proven" and "experience-tested."
The plan also envisions library redevelopment, an emphasis on character education and improved community engagement.
The Revitalization Process was one of the initiatives launched with the $20 million mill levy proposal strongly supported by voters in 2003.
"Hill Middle School Campus of Arts and Science" Proposed
Hill Middle School forwarded a proposal this week to the Board of Education that would move forward with an ongoing commitment to academic excellence, high expectations and dynamic learning opportunities for all students.
Under the proposal, the school would be reborn as the "Hill Middle School Campus of Arts and Science."
The proposal calls for a primary focus in two areas:
- Infusion of state-of-the-art computer technology into all areas of student learning;
- Expansion and enrichment of the elective arts program and afterschool enrichment and tutoring.
The "campus" part of the proposal means that selected classes and teachers would be shared between Hill students and students at surrounding elementary schools. Steck Elementary School is located across the playground to the west of Hill and would serve as the first school to test the concept - sharing instrumental music instructors, for instance.
Additionally, the revitalization plan calls for continuing with a strong academic Honors Program.
As with the companion proposal from Montclair - and many others underway around the city - the revitalization at Hill is being supported by funds raised with the $20 million mill levy supported by voters in 2003.
Enrollment Options For Cole Students
District staff this week spelled out 2005-2006 school year enrollment options for students who currently attend Cole Middle School.
Cole is being transformed to a charter school next year under the state's accountability process. The Colorado Department of Education recently selected the Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP) to negotiate a contract with Denver Public Schools to offer a charter school at Cole.
Under the plan, however, KIPP won't begin implementing its full program - beginning with fifth-graders only - until the 2006-2007 school year. That has prompted questions from parents about their future enrollment options.
This week, Assistant Superintendent Wayne Eckerling spelled out options:
- Students who will be sixth graders next year will be assigned to their current elementary school. (Cole's five feeder elementary schools are planning to add grades six, seven and eight.) Those students may also attend Merrill Middle School (1551 S. Monroe St.) or another middle school to be determined by the district. Transportation would be provided. Sixth-graders may also attend any middle school or K-8 program in the district via the Choice process, which allows for open enrollment across the city.
- Students who will be seventh graders next year will be assigned to a new DPS middle school based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to each student's home address, the district's transportation routes and capacity of the school. Those students may participate in the new charter school at Cole. (A school with many features akin to the KIPP model is planned for Cole next year, under the terms dictated by the state Board.) Seventh- and eighth-graders may also take advantage of any middle school program or K-8 program in the district through the Choice process. They may also attend Merrill or another middle school to be determined by the district (with transportation provided).
Tremendous Turnout For DPS School Fair
Wow !
The "Got Kids? Got Choices!" school fair drew 700 parents, students and community members to North High School on Tuesday, November 30 for an exciting night of presentations from 90 schools eager to showcase their programs in advance of the 2005-2006 school year.
Hallways at North were jammed with colorful tables and dynamic displays as principals and other school representatives talked throughout the night with curious parents in search of the best fit for their children. Many parents were engaged by special Choice Counselors who offered an equally personal touch.
The Communications Office and School of Choice Office send thanks to those schools and departments that participated and eagerly put their best information forward to promote Denver Public Schools. Special thanks to the extremely hospitable principal, assistant principals, staff, teachers, custodians, and JROTC students who helped make the event a huge - and smooth - success.
The event was generously underwritten by the Piton Foundation.
Board of Education Public Comment Sessions
At 6 p.m. on the first Thursday of the month during the school year, the Board of Education holds public comment sessions to listen to comments about issues affecting Denver Public Schools.
Speakers must sign up through the Board office by 5 p.m. the day before the meeting by calling 720-423-3210. Please provide the following information when you sign up to speak: name, address and telephone number; item to be discussed; group or organization represented, if any; and indicate whether you will be speaking pro or con.
The Board of Education will set the order of speakers. Generally, speakers on issues directly related to student achievement, budget policy or matters currently under consideration by the Board will be heard first.
The Board of Education encourages the involvement of citizens in the public school system. One means for members of the public to assist the Board is by providing public comment on issues affecting the school system, especially issues directly affecting student achievement, budget policy and those matters currently under consideration by the Board.
Guidelines for Speakers
- Each speaker will have three minutes to speak
- Groups of four or more people speaking on the same topic will have 10 minutes collectively to speak
- The Board may prioritize speakers - Issues related to student achievement, budget policy or matters currently under consideration by the Board will be heard first
- The Board may limit the total time of each public comment session to 90 minutes
Board Notes
In other action this week, the Board of Education:
- Honored Diana Howard, a recipient of the Wright Way Award from the Colorado Principals' Center. Howard is the principal of the Polaris Program at Ebert.
- Recognized the South High School cross country team, recent winners of the 4-A Cross Country State Championship.
- Approved a construction contract for an eight-classroom addition at Schenck Elementary School.
- Approved a construction contract for a new K-8 school in the Stapleton redevelopment area.
- Ratified the agreement with the Association of Food Service Employees.
- Certified the 2004 mill levies for the general fund and bond redemption fund.