Fall | Issue 39 | Date: October 25, 2023

Funding Great Schools. Rooted in Community. 

Academy 360 is a small school with a big impact—and that’s why it was featured as the first 9News Cool School of the year!

9News reporters Byron Reed and Courtney Yuen talked with Academy 360’s students, families, educators and community partners about the school’s unique learning model, and the safe and welcoming environment it creates. 

The public charter school is also a valued partner with community organizations in Montbello. Together, they provide students and families with access to needed support and resources. 

“There has been a lot happening in the Montbello community, and members of Montbello said, ‘This is what we want, this is what we need,’” Becky McLean, the school’s executive director says.

23 Denver Charter Schools Are Up for Renewal

The Denver Public Schools Board of Education is expected to vote in November on renewal applications for 23 public charter schools. 

Free, public charter schools play an important role in Denver, and provide innovative learning environments that meet the unique needs of students and families. RootED is deeply committed to partnering with Denver Public Schools to provide families with access to free, high-quality public learning environments, including charter, innovation and traditional schools.

Families, students, educators and community members can write to our school board representatives and advocate for their schools. Find your representative here and their contact information here.

Keep an eye on the board's public comment and meeting schedules to know when board members will vote on charter renewal applications.

Don’t miss your chance to participate in the Denver Education Vision Project’s last virtual event of 2023. 

The exciting new citywide campaign has shared a vision for the future of education that would lead to more equitable outcomes through Denver’s public school system. 

And on Thursday, Nov. 30, from 4:30-5:30 p.m., you can hear from members of the Denver Education Vision Project’s Strategy Team. 

During the virtual event, you can share which parts of the vision resonate most with you, and what changes you’d like to see when the vision becomes reality. 

Register for the event now. 

Can’t make it? There are other ways you can get involved:

• Sign up to receive emails about the Denver Education Vision Project.
• Share your own story of your education experience in Denver.
• Visit the Denver Education Vision Project website and read the vision team’s report.

ICYMI: RootED's Annual Impact Report is Live

2023 is RootED’s fifth year providing funding and strategic support to community-based organizations and public charter and innovation zone schools in Denver.

For a half-decade, RootED has facilitated connections and collaboration among advocacy organizations, schools and communities in the metro area. 

We do this so students—particularly students of color, students from low-income households, students who receive special education services, and English language learners—can thrive in their schools and communities.

Learn more about RootED’s 2023  impact in our annual impact report.

Nov. 2

Denver Public Schools Board of Education Work Session

Nov. 6

Denver Public Schools Board of Education Budget Advisory Committee Meeting

Nov. 7

Election Day: Find Resources for Voters in RootED's September Newsletter

Nov. 13

Denver Public Schools Board of Education Public Comment Session and Progress Monitoring Session

Nov. 16

Denver Public Schools Board of Education Board Meeting

Nov. 17

Colorado League of Charter Schools Virtual Town Hall

Nov. 28

Denver Public Schools Board of Education Special Board Meeting