Massachusetts Charter Public School Association

Recently, Russell Johnston, Acting Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education, visited New Heights Charter School of Brockton to learn firsthand about their groundbreaking wall-to-wall early college model! 🏫✨ Thank you to New Heights for empowering students with a head start on higher education and for showcasing the incredible impact of our charter public schools! #EarlyCollege #EducationInnovation #EdThatAddsUp

🎉 Big thanks to MA Senator John Cronin for joining us at our recent Advocacy-in-Action workshop! We’re so grateful for the words of wisdom he shared around the importance of connecting with your legislators, “Establish a relationship with your elected official through constant touch points…If you only go to your legislator when you need something, but don’t have that relationship, you’re less likely to get the outcome you’re looking for.” Senator Cronin is quite the advocate himself – the West Point graduate is a combat veteran. After serving two tours in Afghanistan, he was honorably discharged in 2018 from the Army as a Captain. He then went on to law school to represent veterans and advocate for their rights. He’s just completed his second term as a senator representing North Central MA, and was recently re-elected for a third! 🗳️ We’re thankful for his commitment to charter public schools and his belief that all children deserve access to a high-quality public education. #AdvocacyInAction #EdThatAddsUp

We're thrilled to have our Charters SPEAK members in-person today to talk ALL THINGS ADVOCACY! 📣 Check out Nereida from Prospect Hill Academy Charter School, and Katrina from Veritas Prep Charter School working on their "whys" for doing this impactful work. Earlier today, Nereida shared, "I try to make sure that I'm showing up as a resource and a support person for all of the underserved students and families I come across. I'm inspired by the educators who showed up for me. I want to be the strong advocate for students and families facing different life barriers." Leave a comment below 👇🏼 -- What's your why? What inspires you to advocate for students and families? #AdvocacyInAction #EdThatAddsUp

🚨 Historic Moment for Education in Massachusetts! 🚨 The Educator Diversity Act has officially passed, marking a monumental victory for students, families, and educators across the Commonwealth. With over 4 years of relentless advocacy and collaboration, MCPSA and our member schools helped lead the charge to make this vision a reality. Spearheaded by Latinos for Education and the Educator Diversity Act Coalition, this groundbreaking law addresses barriers to recruiting and retaining diverse educators, helping create classrooms where every student sees themselves represented. We thank our legislative champions, House Assistant Majority Leader Alice Peisch, Chairperson of the Joint Committee on Education, Senator Jason Lewis, the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus, and every coalition partner for making this possible. #EdThatAddsUp #EducatorDiversityAct

This season of gratitude gives us the perfect opportunity to reflect on the wonderful relationships built within our charter public school communities. Check out these heartfelt notes from parents who have experienced the transformative power of our schools. 💙 🌟 “I am deeply thankful for the amazing staff who truly care for my child, make her feel safe, and help to give her the strength she needs to get through the day. Thankful for the school’s efforts to keep me updated with every incident, invite me to participate, and the work that we do together as a family to help our kids in the school. I feel so inclusive with the school. May the Lord continue to bless all the FRCS children, teachers, staff and family as we continue to make our children's lives safe, strong, and loved each day.” – Jesuina Nunez, proud parent at Foxborough Regional Charter School 🌟 “Thank you for creating a community where everyone is welcome and for recognizing every child who walks in the door for their unique talents, gifts, and passions. You've given our children a place where they can learn to be more than just great students -- they can become great humans.” – Kim Nothnagel, MARBLEHEAD COMMUNITY CHARTER PUBLIC SCHOOL parent These powerful testimonials are a testament to the dedication within our schools. What are you grateful for this season? Share your story in the comments below! #QuestionOfTheMonthMonday #Gratitude #EdThatAddsUp

"When I got in the seat, I wanted to be part of the education committee, because I wanted to create a baseline. And it's still a fight now, but I want to create a baseline where everyone's getting the same education across the board and the same opportunities." ROXBURY PREPARATORY CHARTER (DISTRICT) hosted State Representative Christopher Worrell for their Family Champion Event this week. The night started out with a lot of laughs in a game of This That Boston. Rep Worrell got serious when he talked about educational opportunities for all Boston students and invited families to speak out on issues that impact them most. #EdThatAddsUp #AdvocacyInAction

Today, charter public school leaders across the state convened to celebrate 30 years of success, strength, and innovation! 💙 In the words of Nikki Barnes, KIPP Massachusetts Executive Director and MCPSA Board Chair, "The Education Reformation Act of 1993 led to the creation of charter public schools – a new type of free, public schools that would provide options to families within the public education system. A group of trailblazing leaders saw, in this new model, the opportunity to reimagine public education. They saw the ability to be nimble, and better meet the needs of students so that they can be their very best. And now, here we are today -- 68 charters, and 46,000 students strong." #EdThatAddsUp #ThrivingForThirty

If you could write a thank-you note to your charter public school, what would you include in your list of things for which you’re thankful? 🍁 Let’s celebrate the incredible impact of our charter public schools 🧡 -- Share your response in the comments below or using the google form! https://lnkd.in/eRg6T_nJ #ThankfulForCharters #EdThatAddsUp

On this #VeteransDay, we honor the incredible educators who’ve served our country both in the armed forces and in the classroom. Today, we highlight Modesto Montero-Forman, founder and executive director of Libertas Academy Charter School. Sergeant Montero-Forman proudly served in the Army National Guard from 2007 to 2013. Thank you for your service and dedication, both to our country and to the future of our students! 🇺🇸🎓 #VeteransDay2024 #ThankYouForYourService #MilitaryToEducation #EdThatEddsUp

📢 Yesterday, Bill Spirer from Springfield Prep Charter School took the stage at Rennie Center for Education Research and Policy's Condition of Education in Western MA event! Alongside Secretary of the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, @Patrick Tutwiler, PHD , who shared his education vision with the crowd, Bill shared about the work happening at Springfield Prep. Bill highlighted the school's Associate Teacher Program as a 🔑 key initiative in building a diverse pipeline of teachers: 75% of their Associate Teachers identify as BIPOC. Bill also emphasized Springfield Prep's school-wide commitment to family engagement, noting that 100% of their families participate in parent-teacher conferences! We know that his insights around educator diversity and strengthening relationships with student families, added much to what was already a powerful conversation around the state of education in Western Massachusetts!