It may seem odd to have me explain about charter schools in a newsletter coming from the charter school your child attends, however, I find it important to provide this valuable and interesting information. I feel it is important for everyone to have a minimum understanding of what charters really are and what we represent. You never know when you will have the opportunity to show off your charter school knowledge. I hope you find this information valuable and reinforce your decision to have your child attend a school of choice.
In 1993, Colorado became the third state in the U.S. to enact a charter school law. In fall of 1993, the state's first two charter schools opened their doors.
Over the years, charter schools have fought many battles for equity, funding and even survival. Below are a few great facts about charter schools.
What is a charter school?
- Charter schools are public schools.
- Charter schools in Colorado are funded in the Public-School Finance Act, along with all other public schools.
- Charter schools receive per pupil revenue (PPR) on the same basis as other public-school students enrolled in the district that granted its charter except that districts may retain up to 5% of charter school students’ PPR for actual administrative costs. Douglas County does not retain this 5%.
- Charter schools are subject to all State and Federal provisions prohibiting discrimination and must enroll students in a non-discriminatory manner.
Charter schools are open to all students. They are:
- Free – No tuition.
- Public, nonsectarian, nonreligious, non-home-based schools.
- Non-selective in enrollment. There are no admission tests or admission requirements.
- Often designed to meet the needs of under-served populations.
- Appealing to students whose needs are not being met by traditional schools.
- Frequently over-enrolled; that is, more students apply than the school can accommodate. In that event, a lottery is held to determine admission.
Charter schools are pioneers and innovators.
- Charters allow parents, teachers and educational leaders to design schools that better serve particular populations.
- Charters can limit class and school sizes. Charter designers often heed to the research that states that smaller schools are generally safer and better able to nurture a community of learners than larger schools.
- Charters select their own curriculum design. They can establish achievement-oriented cultures and choose staff to best support these structures from day one.
- Charters are mission-driven schools created by parents and educators who envision a school committed to a particular purpose and philosophy.
- The tenor of relationships between charter schools and their districts vary widely. Ultimately, accountable implementation of a charter schools’ mission and vision is what best serves students. However, accountability need not be sacrificed for the very spirit of educational innovation and flexibility that the Charter School Act was intended to foster.
Charter School Facts:
- More K-12 students are enrolled in Colorado Charter Schools than any other school district in the state:
- Colorado Charter Schools 131,000
- Denver Public Schools 92,000
- Jeffco. Public Schools 80,000
- Douglas County Schools 67,000
- Cherry Creek Schools 55,000
- There are 266 charter schools in Colorado (there were 2 in 1993).
- The percentage of public-school students attending Colorado Charter Schools during the 2020-2021 school year: 15.0%
I congratulate you on exercising your right to choose a school for your child. You have made an excellent decision by enrolling your child at Aspen View Academy. Your child will be challenged, encouraged, supported and grow in a safe, caring environment. They will know it is OK to take chances and to make mistakes. They will be taught, coached and nurtured by a dedicated and amazing staff. We will challenge your kids but will always give them the tools and resources to be successful. My goal is that your child should love coming to school because they know they belong at Aspen View Academy.
Mr. Barber, Principal
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Attention 7th grade families!
Tonight, Thursday, January 20th there is a parent meeting about the 2023 Washington DC/New York trip. You will find out all you need to know to sign up your 7th grader for this awesome experience including price, sample itinerary, dates and more information!
When: Thursday, January 20, 2022
Where: Ms. Smith's classroom - room 317
Time: 5:30 pm - 6:15 pm (approximately)
Please email Ms. Smith with any questions at krsmith@aspenviewacademy.org
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8th grade parents please get your student's baby pictures and birthdates submitted as well as any dedication pages you have purchased by SATURDAY, JANUARY 22nd. Please submit your info to: photos@aspenviewacademy.org
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Yearbook Cover Contest Winners
Hannah Knight’s artwork will be featured on the front cover of the yearbook and Sanya Garg’s will be on the back cover.
We want to thank everyone for their submissions. All submissions will be included inside the yearbook.
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TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO REGISTER |
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Vision and Hearing Screening
On January 25 and 26, 2022 we will be conducting vision and hearing screening for students in grades Kindergarten, 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7, as well as new students and those receiving special education services. Students who missed last year's screening and are in these grades now will also be included.
We are also looking for volunteers for our Vision and Hearing Screening. Please click here to sign up to volunteer.
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Uniform Sale Items:
Please stop by the office to pick up any unsold clothes, as well as funds earned, from last week's Used Uniform Sale. Any clothes/funds not picked up by Friday, January 21st will be donated to the PTO.
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Help Needed!
Volunteers needed for the January Staff Luncheon. Please help us celebrate our amazing staff. Sign up here to help.
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Happy Grams
Click on the image for more information
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Order your 21-22 Yearbook today.
Click the image to order!
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BASE - Before and After School Enrichment
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Click the image for more information
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Welcome to another school year at Aspen View Academy. We have a lot of volunteer opportunities so keep a look out for Sign-up Genius', Newsletter announcements and emails from the PTO. Below is an excerpt from the AVA Handbook.
VOLUNTEERING COMMITMENT – AVA believes that the success of each student will be a shared responsibility of students, teachers, parents, staff, and community leaders. Volunteers enhance the school and its culture and character through their involvement. Accordingly, a strong family involvement program will be implemented. AVA expects 30 volunteer hours per family per school year. Single-parent families are expected to volunteer 15 hours per school year. The volunteer school year shall coincide with AVA’s fiscal year, and hours shall accrue from July 1 through June 30. If your family has special circumstances that make it difficult for you to meet the expected volunteer hours, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator. Many volunteer opportunities exist within AVA’s PTO. The PTO is an organization comprised of parent volunteers for the purpose of providing community support, fundraising and planning various events within our school community.
Pre-registration is required prior to volunteering. Please visit the Raptor Volunteer site, as this only needs to be completed one time. Once completed we will need you to bring your ID in to scan and link to your profile.
These volunteer opportunities can also be found on the volunteer page of our website.
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Fax: (303) 660-5959
Attendance Line: (303) 660-5940
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Aspen View Academy
2131 Low Meadow Blvd.
Castle Rock, CO 80109
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