The FCSA’s weekly Principals Chat Session connects charter school principals from around the state. We created this platform in the spring of 2020 when our member schools launched distance learning initiatives to adhere to COVID19 mandates. During Chat Sessions, principals share best practices and discuss the creative ways they are finding solutions to the challenges their schools, teachers, and students are currently facing. Our favorite thing about these chats is that school leaders — whether from small independent programs or network schools — have a place to come together, learn from each other, and get support from colleagues.
Below is a recap of past chat sessions and links to the resources mentioned.
On August 27th, we had a great conversation about the reopening of schools and, thanks to Erika Rains, Principal and Founder of Somerset College Prep in St. Lucie, a realistic picture of what charter schools can expect when they open. Thank you, Erika, for sharing your successes, best practices, and solutions with us. Watch the conversation here.
FL Dept of Education Releases Reopening Plan
The state released its Reopening Florida’s Schools and CARES Act plan on June 11, 2020. The plan outlined initiatives and funding to address achievement disparities and support student learning — investing $64 million in intensive summer programs to combat learning gaps for struggling K-5 students, $15 million for teams of reading coaches to bolster literacy instruction across the state, and a $212 per student allocation to district-run, charter, and private schools from the federal CARES Act. Click here if you missed our Principals Chat Session about the reopening plans.
What Parents Say about K12 Reopening Plans & More
During the Principals Chat Session on June 4, 2020, we discussed surveys outlining parents’ views on K12 reopening plans, teacher 
feedback, CARES Act & charter schools, and other issues critical to school leaders as they wrap up the 2019-20 school year and plan for 20-21. Thank you to Dr. Graham, Executive Director, Office of Independent Education and Parental Choice at FDOE, for joining in on our discussion. Click here to watch that meeting.
Connecting with, and checking in on, students and parents
Principals shared what they’re doing to stay in touch with students and families and the creation of connections that go beyond assigning work and hosting virtual classes. Thank you to the many participants who shared ideas with us.
- The City of Hialeah Education Academy hosts virtual parent academy meetings monthly. More than 100 parents attended a recent meeting where school counselors talked about mental wellness and gave parents coping strategies. Click here to see our conversation with Principal Carlos Alvarez about his team’s virtual parent academy.
- Principal William Staros and his team at Gulf Coast Charter Academy South asked parents and students to take a brief wellness survey to “gauge the impacts of COVID-19 on our school community, work through the challenges with distance learning, and determine where our resources can be best placed within our family circle.”
- Students at Pinecrest Preparatory Charter School in Orlando who made the Honor Roll, Principal’s Honor, or Student of the Month received a special delivery last week. Their Principal, Mrs. Lumpuy, and several teachers each drove around town putting up signs in students’ yards recognizing their amazing
accomplishment. The idea came about when the teachers and principal were thinking about ways to connect with their students during distance learning. “The students have adapted well and feedback from parents has been positive. However, we felt we needed to do something more. So this week, close to 100 recognition signs will be delivered to students. Teachers also received signs that read “A Pinecrest Academy Distance Learning Expert lives here,” explained Mrs. Lumpuy. - Passport Charter School in Orange County launched a virtual extended day program offering music, arts & crafts, and a weekly Zumba class.
How to Best Monitor Student and Staff Progress During Remote Learning and Beyond
Lisa Redman of Harris School Solutions spoke to participants about eWalk – a tool that will help you monitor student and staff progress during remote learning. Harris School Solutions is currently offering a free trial for all FCSA member schools. Based on conversations during the Principal Chat session, Lisa will be addressing the following data concerns around remote learning and re-entry to schools at an upcoming webinar. Through pre-made surveys and templates:- Identify remote learning barriers for teachers, parents, and students for actionable follow-through
- Coach and monitor teachers with targeted goals for growth
- Provide equity by maintaining the service, documentation, and communication necessary for at-risk students
To learn more about the eWalk free trial or contact Lisa Redman at lredman@harriscomputer.com.
Free Math, Language Resources for Educators and Families Courtesy of Carnegie Learning
- FCSA partner Carnegie Learning launched resources for teachers to facilitate an at-home learning model. Carnegie Learning is providing teachers with access to video resources, lessons and skills practice pages. Making the creation of assignments for students much quicker and simpler. Click here for the learning library
- Carnegie Learning’s National Webinar Series includes a variety of sessions designed to connect teachers with other math educators from across the country and to build your capacity to deliver engaging math lessons virtually. Click here for a list of informative webinars and collaboration and networking opportunities geared specifically for your grade and/or course.
- Carnegie Learning is offering iCulture — a unique cultural immersion resource for Spanish, French, and German — free to teachers and students through the summer of 2020. iCulture gives students access to travel videos, day in the life videos, current news articles, and songs that are all 100% target language, age, and school appropriate, and include topics of interest to teens and young adults. More info here.
To join the next FCSA Principals Chat Session, contact Leicha@flcharteralliance.org or Lynn@flcharteralliance.org.