BLUUM

Collaborative Leadership to Support Teachers and Students During Remote Learning
2020-05-21 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Boise) | Online Webinar
Now, more than ever, instructional coaches and technology leaders are collaborating to provide leadership and support to teachers and students learning from home. These Future Ready Schools® (FRS) leaders believe that all students deserve equitable access to high-quality digital resources and innovative learning environments. Working together, they assess, rethink, and redesign traditional learning to support remote learning.
In this webinar, our guests will share their stories about how their collaborative partnerships support teachers, students, and the community during these unprecedented times. They will share the successes and challenges they encountered as they quickly shifted instruction from a traditional school building to home environment. They also will discuss how they are planning for the start of the next school year with the possibility of continued social distancing requirements.
Guests

Jeremy Wood, Senior Network Manager, Newburgh Enlarged City School District (NY)
Kyle Pace, Director of Technology, Grain Valley Schools (MO) (@kylepace)
Eujon Anderson, Technology Director, Troy City Schools (AL)
Amy Storer, Instructional Coach, Montgomery Independent School District (TX) (@techamys)
Brianna Hodges, Future Ready Schools® Instructional Coaches Advisor, Alliance for Excellent Education (moderator) (@bhodgesEDU)

Be sure to submit any questions you may have when you register so the panelists will have an opportunity to address them.

Literacy in a Changing World
2020-05-21 10:00 - 11:00

Charter Conversations: Jana Wilcox Lavin
2020-05-15 10:00 - 11:00 | Online Webinar
In her role as Executive Director of Opportunity 180, Jana spearheads the organization’s philanthropic investments to provide more kids high-quality education, more resources and data about schools to families, and more great neighborhood schools in Clark County, Nevada. She brings her perspective on keeping focused in challenging times.

How Charter Schools Can Lead a Coordinated Community Response in Times of Crisis
2020-05-14 13:00 - 14:00
Register now to celebrate how the charter school community has gone above and beyond to serve families during the coronavirus pandemic. We will recognize the amazing efforts of our 2020 Above and Beyond honorees, all of which have truly served their communities in a number of creative ways—including some that can be replicated at any school! We will also hear from former United States Senator and National Alliance Board Member Mary Landrieu and take a deep dive into the partnership efforts underway in New Orleans where charter schools and community partners are working together to meet the city’s needs.

Rural Educators Together
2020-05-14 13:00 - 14:00 | Online Webinar
A space for rural educators and rural school leaders to connect with one another for community and immediate problem solving as they navigate the challenges unique to rural education in the midst of COVID-19. Participants will share their own problem of practice while learning from the challenges, successes and approaches of others in rural education. If you’re interested but unable to participate in a Zoom conference call due to limited internet/phone service, you can still register to receive an email with rural education resources. This space is hosted by Teach For America’s Rural School Leadership Academy and is open to anyone working in rural education.

Accelerating Change Through Innovation + Opportunity Now
2020-05-12 09:00 - 10:00 | Online Webinar

Embrace Financial Stewardship: Key Questions Charter School Board Members Need to Ask in These Uncertain Times
2020-05-06 14:00 - 15:00 | Online Webinar
As times become more uncertain, budgeting, a core board responsibility, becomes more difficult. Boards need to be prepared to ask the right questions and plan for many possible financial scenarios. Join our expert panel for a presentation on how to best operate in this unique environment in order to protect your school’s resources. Come prepared with your questions.
Panel:

Melissa Carollo, Finance and Operations Director, Louisiana Association of Public Charter Schools (LAPCS)
Samira Estlai and Anita Landecker, ExEd
Moderator: Lucy Castillo, Partner, Education Board Partners

Facilities Projects in a Time of Risk and Uncertainty: Advice for Charter School Boards
2020-05-05 13:00 - 14:30 | Online Webinar
We will hear from national experts and practitioners, who will share their perspectives and advice, and answer your questions.
Tuesday May 5th, 3:00-4:30 pm EST
Panelists:
Rich Billings, Partner, Charter School Growth Fund
David Umansky, CEO, Civic Builders
Facilitator: Carrie Irvin, CEO, Education Board Partners

The Future of School: Part V
2020-05-05 13:00 - 14:30
Don’t Miss the next exciting part of the CER ACTION Series, introducing you to the school leaders whose schools are fully remote, digital and delivering for all kids.

Guests:

Brian Britton, CEO, of National Heritage Academies has a passion for service, which he strives to live out while serving NHA’s more than 56,000 students around the country. A proud vet, Brian is the recipient of the Navy Commendation Medal for leadership & is past Vice President of Global Park Operations at The Walt Disney Company.

Amy Valentine, ED, of Future of School has been called a social rabble rouser, a turnaround strategist & a fighter of the status quo in K-12 education. She has served as a teacher, school leader, and visionary for helping all achieve success with students.

The discussion moderated once again by CER’s Jeanne Allen, will explore unique ways that educators and schools are successfully serving students in this brave new world. Join the conversation!

Webinar: Strategies for Districts to Support Self-Care for Educators During the COVID-19 Pandemic
2020-04-29 13:00 - 14:30
Many lives are significantly disrupted with millions of students now at home, thousands of educators teaching from home, and entire families and communities on lockdown. In order to support others, however, we must support ourselves first.
This webinar, hosted by REL West, the Region 15 Comprehensive Center, and the National Center to Improve Social & Emotional Learning and School Safety, will offer practical information and guidance backed by research to help school staff cope with the stresses of school closures, service provision, and quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Presenters will define the concept of self-care as well as discuss the importance of self-care for educators to address their own needs, so they are better able to support the needs of students and their school community. Strategies will address:

Healthy mindsets
Connectedness and belonging
Healthy, realistic boundaries and interactions

This webinar is the first in a three-part series on supporting the social and emotional needs of educators and students during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Supporting Exceptional Students Through Student-Centered Learning Strategies
2020-04-29 12:00 - 14:00 | Online Webinar
In this webinar, Sharon Plante and Leslie DiChiara will share how they work with teachers and students across curriculum areas and classrooms to prioritize the learning needs of students with disabilities. From coaching, mentoring, and coteaching to using adaptive technology hardware and software, educators can personalize learning for their students. Also, joining the webinar will be Ace Parsi, a spokesperson for the National Center for Learning Disabilities, sharing how advocacy and research can improve outcomes for people with learning and attention issues and other disabilities. Mr. Parsi will lend his perspective on about how to shape local and national policy to reduce barriers and ensure opportunity and access for all students.
Guests will explore the following questions:

How can educators enhance what they already do to support students with learning disabilities? What new adaptive technology can they incorporate into their current work?
What challenges can students with disabilities experience in these environments and how can schools proactively address these challenges
What are some strategies to coach and mentor content-area teachers for supporting students with disabilities?
How do content teachers and special education teachers work together to create and implement lessons that support the universal design learning principles?
What federal policies should educators keep in mind when they want to increase their knowledge on the rights of students with disabilities?
During this time of national crisis, what should educators do to ensure they apply the latest and greatest strategies to support students?

Guests

Leslie DiChiara, Assistive Technology Specialist, Instructional Technology Specialist, North Bellmore School District (NY) (@lrdichiara)
Sharon Plante, Chief Technology Integrator, The Southport School (CT) (@iplante)
Ace Parsi, Director of Innovation, National Center for Learning Disabilities (@ncldorg)
Avril Smart Goggans, PhD, Research and Engagement Manager for Future Ready Schools®, Alliance for Excellent Education (@DrAvrilSmart)

A New Way Forward: Building a Learner-Centered Future
2020-04-28 13:00 - 15:00
A virtual summit that invites educators, parents, and students to explore new and powerful ways to think about education and continue learning even in this challenging time. Keynotes include Carlos Moreno, Big Picture Learning; Pam Moran, former Albemarle County Superintendent; Young Yao, Professor at the University of Kansas; Tony Wagner, author; and Maya Green, an incoming Stanford freshman.

The Future of School: Part IV
2020-04-28 13:00 - 14:30
Don’t Miss the next exciting part of the CER ACTION Series, introducing you to the school leaders whose schools are fully remote, digital and delivering for all kids.

Guests:
Patricia Brantley from Friendship Public Charter School (11:00a)
Antonio Rocca of Academica Virtual Education (11:40a)

Moderated by Jeanne Allen, CER’s CEO, to dig into how, and what they are doing that can be models for thousands of others around the country, with Q&A to answer YOUR questions.

Charter Schools Serving Students Experiencing Homelessness during the COVID-19 Crisis
2020-04-24 10:00 - 11:30 | Online Webinar
In these times of crisis, students experiencing homelessness are even more vulnerable than under “normal” circumstances. Join SchoolHouse Connection and the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools for a conversation on how charter schools can meet the needs of students experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 crisis. During the webinar, you will learn about legal requirements as well as best practices in serving students experiencing homelessness.

Mandatory In-Person Applicant Training, Twin Falls
2020-02-11 14:00 - 16:00 | College of Southern Idaho, 315 Falls Ave., Twin Falls, ID, 83301, United States
In coordination with consortium partners, Bluum will conduct in-person introductory Charter School Grant workshops across the state (in Boise, Southeast Idaho, and Northern Idaho) to announce the CSP grant, to explain how to apply, and to answer questions. Please see bluum.org/idaho-csp-grant to see if your school meets eligibility requirements.
This event will take place at the College of Southern Idaho’s Health Sciences and Human Services Building – Room 139 | Campus Map

Mandatory In-Person Applicant Training, Idaho Falls
2020-02-11 08:00 - 10:00 | College of Eastern Idaho, 1600 S 25th E, Idaho Falls, ID, 83404, United States
In coordination with consortium partners, Bluum will conduct in-person introductory Charter School Grant workshops across the state (in Boise, Southeast Idaho, and Northern Idaho) to announce the CSP grant, to explain how to apply, and to answer questions. Please see bluum.org/idaho-csp-grant to see if your school meets eligibility requirements.
This event will take place at the College of Eastern Idaho in Building 6, room 152.
Campus Map | Building 6 Map

Mandatory In-Person Applicant Training, Boise
2020-02-10 13:00 - 15:00
In coordination with consortium partners, Bluum will conduct in-person introductory Charter School Grant workshops across the state (in Boise, Southeast Idaho, and Northern Idaho) to announce the CSP grant, to explain how to apply, and to answer questions. Please see bluum.org/idaho-csp-grant to see if your school meets eligibility requirements.
This event will take place in the Hyatt Place Boise Downtown, in Meeting Place 1.
Parking for this event is free, in the lot adjacent to the event venue.

Student Well-being and School Safety Summit
2019-10-25 08:30 - 12:00 | Elevate Academy, 114 W. Chicago Street, Caldwell, ID, 83605, United States
We have gathered eight experts on student safety, social-emotional learning, restorative practices, and mental health to share best practices for increasing student well-being and safety in your school. This free professional learning opportunity, paid for in part the Idaho’s Communities of Excellence Federal CSP Grant, is open to superintendents, school leaders, counselors, social workers, students service coordinators, and others who support K-12 education. Please join us, and share this opportunity with your colleagues!

LEARNING GOALS

Best practices for assessing and implementing school safety plans.
Develop your risk and threat assessment team (RTAT) to support the safety and well-being of your students.
Identify and serve students facing social or emotional challenges such as trauma, neglect, and mental illness.
Access mental health professionals for your students and families in need.
Build a strong school culture using restorative practices.

_____________________________________________________________________________
AGENDA

8:30 – 8:45 am – Welcome and brief overview of sessions
*Guests, please choose one topic per session (you’ll participate in two out of the five offered at this event)
9:00 – 10:20 am – First Session
– Best practices when assessing and implementing your school safety and emergency plan
Jim Sawyer, Security Director of Seattle Children’s Hospital
– Student Mental Health and Wellness
Jill Brown, Generation Text Online
– Preparing for Mass Casualty Incidents
Brian Armes, Program Manager for the Idaho Office of School Safety and Security
– Using Restorative Practices to Build a Strong Culture and Climate in Your School
Darrell Jackson, Jon Munn, and Kat Armstrong | Licensed Restorative Practice Trainers
10:35 – 11:55 am – Second Session
– Best practices when assessing and implementing your school safety and emergency plan
Jim Sawyer, Security Director of Seattle Children’s Hospital
– Social and Emotional Learning
Jill Brown, Generation Text Online
– Developing your Risk and Threat Assessment Team (RTAT)
Brian Armes, Program Manager for the Idaho Office of School Safety and Security
– Using Restorative Practices to Build a Strong Culture and Climate in Your School
Darrell Jackson, Jon Munn, and Kat Armstrong | Licensed Restorative Practice Trainers
– Access a school-based Mental Health Therapist at no FTE cost to your school or district
Angela Hernandez-Harris and Nina Dowdy, Terry Reilly Health Services

_____________________________________________________________________________
Meet Our Nationally Recognized & Idaho Education Speakers
Angela Hernandez-Harris, LCPC-5805
Angie Hernandez-Harris is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and registered supervisor in the State of Idaho. Angie has undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Spanish from the University of Idaho as well as a Master’s Degree in Counseling with an emphasis in Addiction from Boise State University. Angie works with children and adults and provides therapy in English and Spanish. She is a Certified EMDR therapist and approved consultant who specializes in treating sexual abuse and facilitating the protective parenting classes for SANE Solutions. Angie is also the clinical supervisor for the School Based Therapist Program for Terry Reilly Health Services. Outside of Terry Reilly, Angie works with Boise State University’s Graduate Counselor Education Program teaching as an adjunct and providing live-supervision to practicum students.
Brian Armes, Idaho Office of School Safety and Security
Brian has served as the program manager of the Idaho Office of School Safety and Security since 2016. He is passionate about his work and the mission of his office to promote and foster safer student environments by supporting school communities with assessment, training and expertise across our state. Brian also served in education as a teacher and school administrator in the Idaho Falls and Bonneville school districts, and is the owner of Citadel Education Consulting LLC and a Partner with EducationEyes LLC.
Darrell Jackson
Darrell has worked in education for 17 years serving at-risk youth in alternative education settings. He is a licensed Restorative Practice Trainer. He has his Masters in Education focused on Special Education and is currently working on his Educational Doctorate for Education Leadership focusing on how teacher to student relationships affect discipline outcomes. He is a member of the Council for Exceptional Children and has been a very active in Canyon County serving students and their families.
Jim Sawyer, Security Director Seattle Children’s Hospital
Jim Sawyer has been a Crime Prevention and Personal Safety presenter for over 30 years. He is a certified instructor in Nonviolent Crisis Intervention, a member and presenter with Homeland Security, President and Past President with the Washington State Crime Prevention Association, and board member with this association for over 20 years. He is also certified as a Nat’l Crime Prevention Specialist with the National Crime Prevention Association. Jim instructs ongoing classes for Seattle Children’s staff on Workplace Violence, Personal Safety, and began an in-house self defense course for women. Jim has also taught classes on verbal de-escalation throughout the region for hospitals, schools, seminars and businesses. Jim has spent over 30 years working in Security Services at Seattle Children’s Hospital and has a Bachelor degree in Society in Justice.
Jill Brown, Generation Text Online
Jill is internationally recognized for her work and commitment to addressing the mental health and wellness of adolescents and young adults. She is the President and Founder of Generation Text Online. Jill’s vision is to equip universities and colleges, K-12 schools, sports organizations/clubs, youth organizations and families on an international level with the necessary support system for the psychological, social and emotional well-being of today’s youth, adolescents and young adults. Jill assembled a team of experts in their fields – doctors and pediatricians, neuroscientists, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, educators, and mental health professionals to develop a 21st Century Social and Emotional Framework and a Mental Health and Wellness curriculum. This framework and curriculum are being used around the world to support young people in academic success, provide them with life skills, and prepare them for the workforce in a global economy.
Jon Munn
Jon has over 10 years of experience in social work. He is a licensed Restorative Practices Trainer. He currently serves as the Vice President of the School Social Work Association of Idaho. He is on the United Way of Treasure Valley’s Education Vision Counsel. He also serves as a board member for the Gates of Hope organization serving refugee families across the Treasure Valley. He has led pioneering efforts to bring trauma care and restorative justice to the Nampa School District and is proud that Union High School was the first school in the Treasure Valley to initiate comprehensive trauma informed care and restorative practices.
Kat Armstrong
Kat Armstrong has worked for the Nampa School District for 18 years, 13 years with the Alpha One Suspension program, focusing on behavior modification with at risk students and the last 5 years at Union High School as the Learning Through Internship Coordinator. She is a licensed Restorative Practices Trainer and always excited to share with others about Restorative Practice and how it has transformed Union High School and its culture. Kat Armstrong attended College University of New York and obtained her B.A from University of Utah in Human Development FCS and holds CDAC licenses in drug and alcohol treatment.
Nina Dowdy, LMSW-34859
Nina is a licensed master social worker clinician in the state of Idaho. Nina has an undergraduate degree in design from Brigham Young University with a minor in Spanish and a Master’s degree in Social Work from Boise State University. Nina works with children, teens, and adults, providing mental health therapy in English and Spanish. She has also previously worked with victims of sexual abuse and is a trained EMDR therapist. Nina recently joined the School Based Counseling Program and is working with children and families in the Melba School District as well as providing therapy at the Melba Medical/Dental Clinic.

This free professional learning opportunity hosted by Bluum and funded in part by Idaho’s Communities of Excellence Program. This is a competitive public charter school grant program funded under the Congressional Every Students Succeeds Act (ESSA, Public Law 114-95), which reauthorized the Elementary and Secondary Act of 1965 (ESEA). $6,375.00 (75%) of this event funded by Federal CSP Grant dollars; $2,125.00 (25%) of this event funded by Bluum; total cost $8,500.00

Idaho’s Rural Charter School Development Opportunities
2019-09-30 10:00 - 13:15 | Treasure Valley Classical Academy, 500 SW 3rd St., Fruitland, ID, 83619, United States
Visit one of Idaho’s newest rural charter schools and meet experts who will present the latest research on USDA Rural Development and charter public schools, development opportunities for all rural public schools, and some examples of finished facilities projects from the field.
AGENDA (download)

10:00 – 10:05 am – Welcome to Treasure Valley Classical Academy
Steven Lambert, School Director
10:05 – 10:15 am – Overview
Judy Boyle, Idaho House of Representatives District 9

Getting Things Done in Rural Idaho

10:15 – 10:45 am – USDA Rural Development and Charter Public Schools
Jim Griffin, Momentum Strategy & Research

Charter Financings, 2008 – 2018
Key Findings
Lessons Learned & Next Steps

10:45 – 11:15 am – Idaho’s Rural Charter School Development Opportunities
Noel J. LaRoque, Acting Program Director USDA Idaho)

Overview of USDA Charter Financing Projects in Idaho
Criteria and Expectations for Projects
Process and Timelines for Interested Partner Schools and Supporters

11:15 – 11:30 – Expanding Opportunities for Rural Schools
Michael Chamberlain, Special Assistant for Rural Outreach US Ed
11:30 – 12:00 pm – Idaho’s Charter Public Schools and Opportunities for Rural Districts

Legal and Regulatory Structure (Chris Yorgason, Yorgason Law Offices)
Challenges and Opportunities – (Terry Ryan, Bluum)

12:00-12:15 pm – Break and Lunch is Served
12:15 – 12:30 pm – Idaho Charter School Facilities Finance Landscape
Group Discussion
12:30– 1:00 pm – Getting Facilities Projects Done: Examples & Insights from the Field
Treasure Valley Classical Academy (Steven Lambert) and Building Hope (Tom Porter)
1:00– 1:15 pm – Summary & Next Steps
Blake Youde, Idaho Charter School Network

Key Questions & Challenges
Information & Support Needs
Resources & Expertise to Assist

1:15 pm – Adjourn

Can Districts and Charter Schools Work Together to Better Serve Students?
2019-09-16 09:00 - 12:00 | Idaho State Board of Education, 650 W. State Street, Suite 307, Boise, ID, 83702, United States
A Discussion Around School Districts as Charter School Authorizers and Federal CSP Grant Funding Opportunities
Bluum and the Idaho State Board of Education are hosting a workshop to share ideas on how public school districts can work as charter school authorizers to support educational opportunities for students in their communities. Idaho’s Communities of Excellence federal CSP grant has provided the Gem State with $17.1 million to open, expand or replicate high performance public charter schools, especially those targeting higher need and rural students.
INVITEES:

K-12 District Superintendents or Designees
Decision-makers from Universities and Community Colleges
State policy makers and lawmakers

GOALS:
1. Better understand ways school districts can use charter school authorizing to provide new learning opportunities for students.
2. Better understand opportunities around Idaho’s $17.1M federal Communities of Excellence Charter School Program (CSP) Grant
3. Better understand supports available to school districts who currently authorize or may want to authorize charter schools
4. Learn from the work of school district authorizers in other states
Agenda at a Glance

Introductions and Opening Remarks
The History of Idaho’s Public Charter Schools
Overview of Idaho’s Communities of Excellence federal Charter Schools Program (CSP) Grant
School Districts as Charter School Authorizers – Benefits & Barriers
Authorizing Lessons and Success Strategies from Other States

Coffee and water will be provided

About Our Nationally Recognized & Idaho Education Speakers
Alex Medler
Alex Medler, Ph.D, has been a national expert on charter school policy since the opening days of the movement, analyzing the first laws in 1992. He leads the Tri-State Alliance to Improve District-Led Charter Authorizing, which helps school districts in California, Colorado, and Florida strengthen their charter authorizing practices. As part of this work he directs the Colorado Association of Charter School Authorizers. He previously led the National Charter School Resource Center and directed policy, research, and technical assistance initiatives for the National Association of Charter School Authorizers (NACSA). He also served on NACSA’s Board of Directors from 2007 to 2009.Additionally, Alex chaired the board of the state-wide charter authorizer in Colorado; directed research and policy development for the Colorado Children’s Campaign; led national activities for the U.S. Department of Education’s Charter Schools Program; and directed charter school and school choice work for the Education Commission of the States.
Chris E. Yorgason
An Idaho attorney, Chris Yorgason’s practice focuses on municipal government, education, charter schools, real estate and general business. Chris attended Brigham Young University where he graduated in 1995 with a double major in political science and finance, with an international emphasis. In 1998, Chris graduated from the J. Reuben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University, where he was a member of the Moot Court Board of Advocates and a member of the team that competed in the Willem Vis International Moot Arbitration competition in Vienna, Austria. During law school, he externed with the Honorable Larry M. Boyle (US Federal District Court of Idaho) and after law school he clerked for the Honorable D. Duff McKee (Ada County Fourth Judicial District).
Chris is a member of the Idaho Bar Association and its Government, Real Estate and Alternative Dispute Resolution sections. He is admitted to practice before all state and federal courts in Idaho. Chris has served as a member of the board of directors of the Congressional Award Council of Idaho and Serve Idaho, the Governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism. He is currently serving as a board member of the Cantus Youth Choirs and is the president of the Idaho Mediation Association.
Terry Ryan
Terry Ryan is CEO of Bluum and Board Chair of the Idaho Charter School Network. Ryan is responsible for leading Idaho’s effort to double the number of students in Idaho high-performing public charter schools. Ryan leads Idaho’s federal Charter School Program (CSP) grant of $17.1 million.
Ryan served as Vice-President for Ohio Programs and Policy at the Thomas B. Fordham Institute for twelve years from 2001 to 2013. He began his career in education as a teacher in Poland and worked with the Polish Ministry of Education and the Foundation for Education for Democracy on education policy and civic education. In the 1990s, he served as research director for the UK-based 21st Century Learning Initiative.
He is a member of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools Policy Advisory Council, and served as a Commissioner for the CAEP Commission on Standards and Performance. He has co-authored two books on education. Ohio’s Education Reform Challenges: Lessons from the Frontlines with Chester E. Finn, Jr. and Michael Lafferty of (Palgrave Macmillan, 2010), and The Unfinished Revolution with John Abbott (ASCD Press, 2000).

This free professional learning opportunity hosted by members of the Communities of Excellence Consortium, and funded by Idaho’s Communities of Excellence Program.

$4,338 (90%) of this event funded by Federal CSP Grant dollars; $500.00 (10% admin cost) of this event funded by Bluum; total cost $4,838.00. This is a competitive public charter school grant program funded under the Congressional Every Students Succeeds Act (ESSA, Public Law 114-95), which reauthorized the Elementary and Secondary Act of 1965 (ESEA).

Mandatory In-Person Applicant Training, Post Falls
2019-09-06 12:00 - 14:00 | Hampton Inn, Coeur d’Alene, 1500 Riverstone Dr., Coeur d'Alene, ID, 83814, United States
In coordination with consortium partners, Bluum will conduct in-person introductory Charter School Grant workshops across the state (in Boise, Southeast Idaho, and Northern Idaho) to announce the CSP grant, to explain how to apply, and to answer questions. Please see bluum.org/idaho-csp-grant to see if your school meets eligibility requirements.
This event will take place at the Hampton Inn and Suites in the Riverstone North Room.

Mandatory In-Person Applicant Training, Twin Falls
2019-09-05 13:00 - 15:00 | Hilton Garden Inn – Twin Falls, 1741 Harrison Street North, Twin Falls, ID, 83301, United States
In coordination with consortium partners, Bluum will conduct in-person introductory Charter School Grant workshops across the state (in Boise, Southeast Idaho, and Northern Idaho) to announce the CSP grant, to explain how to apply, and to answer questions. Please see bluum.org/idaho-csp-grant to see if your school meets eligibility requirements.
This event will take place at the Hilton Garden Inn – Twin Falls, in the IB Perrine Room
$502.40 (93.11%) of this event funded by Federal CSP Grant dollars, $37.20 (6.89%) of this event funded by Bluum; total cost $539.60

Mandatory In-Person Applicant Training, Idaho Falls
2019-09-05 08:00 - 10:00 | Hilton Garden Inn – Idaho Falls, 700 Lindsay Blvd., Idaho Falls, ID, 83402, United States
In coordination with consortium partners, Bluum will conduct in-person introductory Charter School Grant workshops across the state (in Boise, Southeast Idaho, and Northern Idaho) to announce the CSP grant, to explain how to apply, and to answer questions. Please see bluum.org/idaho-csp-grant to see if your school meets eligibility requirements.
This event will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn – Idaho Falls, in the Teton River Room
$994.97 (97.18%) of this event funded by Federal CSP Grant dollars; $28.92 (2.82%) of this event funded by Bluum; total cost $1,023.89

Mandatory In-Person Applicant Training, Boise
2019-09-04 13:00 - 15:00
In coordination with consortium partners, Bluum will conduct in-person introductory Charter School Grant workshops across the state (in Boise, Southeast Idaho, and Northern Idaho) to announce the CSP grant, to explain how to apply, and to answer questions. Please see bluum.org/idaho-csp-grant to see if your school meets eligibility requirements.
Parking for this event is free, in the lot adjacent to the event venue.
$882.00 (93.33%) of this event funded by Federal CSP Grant dollars; $63.00 (6.67%) of this event funded by Bluum; total cost $945.00

Forge International School Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
2019-08-28 16:00 - 17:00 | Forge International School, 208 S. Hartley Ln., Middleton, ID, 83644, United States
Please join Forge International School, a Bluum Portfolio School, in celebrating the cutting of the ribbon on their brand-new facility.

Compass Public Charter School Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
2019-08-13 12:00 - 13:00 | Compass Public Charter School, 4667 W Aviator St., Meridian, ID, 83646, United States
Come help Compass Public Charter School, one of Bluum’s partner schools, celebrate the ribbon cutting ceremony for their brand-new facility. This will be the first time that all of their grades – K-12 – will be together at one campus.

Elevate Academy Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
2019-08-01 16:00 - 17:00 | Elevate Academy, 114 W. Chicago Street, Caldwell, ID, 83605, United States
Elevate Academy, an Idaho New School Fellowship school, is excited to welcome the community into their new building.
Please help them celebrate our ribbon cutting; enjoy refreshments, take a tour, meet the team, and try the slide. Everyone is welcome!

Addressing Civil Rights Issues in Education
2019-04-16 08:00 - 16:00 | Red Lion Boise Downtowner, 1800 W Fairview Ave., Boise, ID, 83702, United States
Red Lion Hotel Boise Downtowner
Group rate sleeping rooms available upon registration

Don’t wait, registration closes April 9th!
Goals

Understand civil rights issues in education including bullying, sexual harassment & assault, special education, and discipline
Understand and adapt to the New Approach of the US Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights
Develop strategies to help solve real and ongoing challenges in schools today

Agenda at a Glance
A breakfast snack and lunch will be provided

Check-in
Welcome & Introductions
Bullying/Cyber-Bullying
Sexual Harassment & Assault
Breakout Sessions:
* Serving Undocumented Students and LEP Parents/Guardians
* Changes in Policies, Practices and Guidance: Understanding and Adapting to the New Approach from the Office Civil Rights
* Rights and Limitations in Protecting LGBT Students
Facilitated Collaboration -Emerging/challenging issues and discuss potential approaches
Special Education & Discipline with Related Discussion on School Safety
Breakout Sessions:
* Serving Undocumented Students and LEP Parents/Guardians
* Changes in Policies, Practices and Guidance: Understanding and Adapting to the New Approach from the Office Civil Rights
* Rights and Limitations in Protecting LGBT Students
Civil Rights in Education Conclusion
Closing Remarks

About Our Nationally Recognized Civil Rights &
Idaho Education Speakers
Renita K. Thukral
In addition to being a partner at Civil Rights Solutions, Renita Thukral serves as the Sr. National Legal Advisor at the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. In these roles, she leads and grows a national network of charter school attorneys known as “The Alliance of Public Charter School Attorneys”; provides technical assistance and training to charter school operators, authorizers, attorneys and advocates seeking to improve school-level civil rights policies and practices; addresses fiscal equity and labor issues confronting charter schools; provides litigation and strategic assistance to state partners considering litigation; and supports charter school advocates and operators seeking to improve their regulatory and authorizing environments.
Prior to this work, she served as the Policy Director at the Louisiana Association of Public Charter Schools and the Director of Policy and Advocacy at New Schools for New Orleans. Renita earned her B.A. from Stanford University and her J.D. from Yale Law School. She taught junior high school math in Los Altos, California, before attending law school, and she served as a public defender for over six years in New York City before joining the charter school community.
Lauren E. Baum
In addition to being a partner at Civil Rights Solutions, Lauren Baum is an attorney in private practice in Washington, DC, representing charter schools in DC and Maryland. In these roles, Lauren advises charter schools on a variety of civil rights issues, including but not limited to issues related to students with disabilities, English Language learners, bullying/harassment, student discipline, single gender schools and other Title IX issues, enrollment, weighted lotteries and other access and equity challenges.
Since 2008, Lauren has represented over 30 charter schools in the District of Columbia and Maryland. Lauren also has led multiple trainings and presentations to members of the charter school community across the country on civil rights issues. Lauren received her undergraduate degrees from the University of Texas and her J.D. from Washington College of Law.

Chris E. Yorgason
An Idaho attorney, Chris Yorgason’s practice focuses on municipal government, education, charter schools, real estate and general business.
Chris attended Brigham Young University where he graduated in 1995 with a double major in political science and finance, with an international emphasis. In 1998, Chris graduated from the J. Reuben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University, where he was a member of the Moot Court Board of Advocates and a member of the team that competed in the Willem Vis International Moot Arbitration competition in Vienna, Austria. During law school, he externed with the Honorable Larry M. Boyle (US Federal District Court of Idaho) and after law school he clerked for the Honorable D. Duff McKee (Ada County Fourth Judicial District).
Chris is a member of the Idaho Bar Association and its Government, Real Estate and Alternative Dispute Resolution sections. He is admitted to practice before all state and federal courts in Idaho. Chris has served as a member of the board of directors of the Congressional Award Council of Idaho and Serve Idaho, the Governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism. He is currently serving as a board member of the Cantus Youth Choirs and is the president of the Idaho Mediation Association.
Terry Ryan
Terry Ryan is CEO of Bluum and Board Chair of the Idaho Charter School Network. Ryan is responsible for leading Idaho’s effort to double the number of students in Idaho high-performing public charter schools. Ryan leads Idaho’s federal Charter School Program (CSP) grant of $17.1 million.
Ryan served as Vice-President for Ohio Programs and Policy at the Thomas B. Fordham Institute for twelve years from 2001 to 2013. He began his career in education as a teacher in Poland and worked with the Polish Ministry of Education and the Foundation for Education for Democracy on education policy and civic education. In the 1990s, he served as research director for the UK-based 21st Century Learning Initiative.
He is a member of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools Policy Advisory Council, and served as a Commissioner for the CAEP Commission on Standards and Performance. He has co-authored two books on education. Ohio’s Education Reform Challenges: Lessons from the Frontlines with Chester E. Finn, Jr. and Michael Lafferty of (Palgrave Macmillan, 2010), and The Unfinished Revolution with John Abbott (ASCD Press, 2000).

This free professional learning opportunity hosted by Bluum and funded in part by Idaho’s Communities of Excellence Program. This is a competitive public charter school grant program funded under the Congressional Every Students Succeeds Act (ESSA, Public Law 114-95), which reauthorized the Elementary and Secondary Act of 1965 (ESEA). $9,923.02.00 (70.26%) of this event funded by Federal CSP Grant dollars; $4,200.00 (29.74%) of this event funded by Bluum; total cost $14,123.02.00

Civil Rights in Today's School Environment: Legal Updates, Guidance, & Practical Planning Strategies
2019-04-13 08:00 - 2022-04-13 16:00 | car-18
This event will be held at the Boise Centre, Rooms 110 A&B

Bluum, in partnership with Civil Rights Solutions, is excited to provide all interested educational stakeholders with the opportunity to spend a day learning with civil rights experts Renita Thukral and Lauren Baum. Topics will include Title IX, FAPE, discipline for students with and without disabilities, and many more timely, important issues.
There are only 75 seats available at this training, so reserve yours today!

A breakfast snack and lunch will be provided
Agenda at a Glance

Welcome & Breakfast
Introductory Session: Honoring the provision of FAPE in today’s school environment
Discipline Policies
Civil Rights Issues
OCR Updates related to use of Restraint and Seclusion
Identification of SWD & Significant Disproportionality
ELL and SPED
Title IX
General Reflection and Feedback

About Our Nationally Recognized Civil Rights Education Speakers
Renita K. Thukral
In addition to being a partner at Civil Rights Solutions, Renita Thukral serves as the Sr. National Legal Advisor at the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. In these roles, she leads and grows a national network of charter school attorneys known as “The Alliance of Public Charter School Attorneys”; provides technical assistance and training to charter school operators, authorizers, attorneys and advocates seeking to improve school-level civil rights policies and practices; addresses fiscal equity and labor issues confronting charter schools; provides litigation and strategic assistance to state partners considering litigation; and supports charter school advocates and operators seeking to improve their regulatory and authorizing environments.
Prior to this work, she served as the Policy Director at the Louisiana Association of Public Charter Schools and the Director of Policy and Advocacy at New Schools for New Orleans. Renita earned her B.A. from Stanford University and her J.D. from Yale Law School. She taught junior high school math in Los Altos, California, before attending law school, and she served as a public defender for over six years in New York City before joining the charter school community.
Lauren E. Baum
In addition to being a partner at Civil Rights Solutions, Lauren Baum is an attorney in private practice in Washington, DC, representing charter schools in DC and Maryland. In these roles, Lauren advises charter schools on a variety of civil rights issues, including but not limited to issues related to students with disabilities, English Language learners, bullying/harassment, student discipline, single gender schools and other Title IX issues, enrollment, weighted lotteries and other access and equity challenges.
Since 2008, Lauren has represented over 30 charter schools in the District of Columbia and Maryland. Lauren also has led multiple trainings and presentations to members of the charter school community across the country on civil rights issues. Lauren received her undergraduate degrees from the University of Texas and her J.D. from Washington College of Law.

This free professional learning opportunity hosted by Bluum and funded in part by Idaho’s Communities of Excellence Program. This is a competitive public charter school grant program funded under the Congressional Every Students Succeeds Act (ESSA, Public Law 114-95), which reauthorized the Elementary and Secondary Act of 1965 (ESEA). $16,000.00 (100%) of this event funded by Federal CSP Grant dollars.

Mandatory In-Person Applicant Training, Post Falls
2019-03-20 12:00 | Hampton Inn, Twin Falls, 1658 Fillmore Street North, Twin Falls, ID, 83301, United States
In coordination with consortium partners, Bluum will conduct in-person introductory Charter School Grant workshops across the state (in Boise, Southeast Idaho, and Northern Idaho) to announce the CSP grant, to explain how to apply, and to answer questions. Please see bluum.org/idaho-csp-grant to see if your school meets eligibility requirements.
$748.10 (96.14%) of this event funded by Federal CSP Grant dollars; $30.00 (3.86%) of this event funded by Bluum; total cost $778.10
