Monday, April 7, 2008
Ren10 Update

Letter from the Chief

 

Dear Colleagues:

 

With the release of the fifth ONS Request for Proposals (RFP) on Wednesday, April 2, it is a good time to give an update on Renaissance 2010.

• Renaissance 2010 is on track to exceed our goal of 100 new schools by 2010
• 21 new schools will open in Fall 2008 to bring the overall Renaissance 2010 total to 76
• Thus far Renaissance 2010 schools have served 13 of 25 identified high priority communities

 

Our RFP release is earlier than last year because we wanted to give prospective applicants more time to complete their proposals.  Important deadlines include:

• June 2, 2008 Design Frameworks Due
• July 28, 2008 Final Proposals Due
• October 22, 2008 Board Decisions 

 

The 2008 RFP will target several key district priorities including:

• Options in High Need Communities – we remain committed to offering new school options in neighborhoods that lack quality seats due to low performance or overcrowding
• High Quality High Schools – we are especially interested in attracting applicants excited about working with 9^th – 12^th grade students
• Turnarounds – we are recruiting local and national operators to apply to offer high quality options for students in some of our most challenging schools
• Career Prep – ONS expects at least two applicants for career academies – Chicago Transit Academy and Poly Technical Academy
• Single Sex Schools – Building on the success of the existing Ren10 single-sex schools (Young Women’s Leadership Charter and Urban Prep), the RFP will be calling for additional gender specific schools
• Residential/Boarding Programs/Schools – Applicants will be encourages to submit a concept paper for pilot programs to partner with the district for a 2010 opening

 

Finally, we are excited about broader community engagement through our Community Transition Advisory Councils (C-TAC).

• The 2008 RFP will not list specific CPS facilities available to new school operators as in past RFPs
• The 2008 RFP will list 4 communities – West Garfield Park, East Garfield Park, South Shore and South Chicago – in which new school creation opportunities will be available
• ONS will form community-based C-TACs in targeted communities rather than site-specific TACs

 

We are excited to continue to expand the educational options available for Chicago’s youth through the creation of new schools! 

 

 

Josh Edelman

Executive Officer, Office of New Schools

 

 

REN10 TOP TEN

Ten Things You Must Know About the 2008 Request for Proposals (RFP)

 

10. Who can apply to start a new school? In the past design teams submitting an RFP have ranged from local educators to national management organizations and from those applying to open their first school to groups applying to open their eleventh. 

 

9.   Where can someone obtain a copy of the RFP? The RFP is available online at http://www.ren2010.cps.k12.il.us/ or by contacting the Office of New Schools, (773) 553-1530.

 

8.   Priority neighborhoods. This RFP is calling for new school proposals in four of the priority communities where there is the greatest need for educational options. These communities include: East Garfield Park, West Garfield Park, South Chicago, and South Shore.

 

7.   Community Transitional Advisory Councils (C-TAC).The Office of New Schools (ONS) is dedicated to partnering with the community to understand their educational needs. A C-TAC is a council of community members who act as the voice of the community. C-TACs will be formed in the four priority neighborhoods. Consist of community members interested and invested in education who review proposals of groups interested in opening schools in their community and make recommendations to CEO Arne Duncan.

 

6.   Overcrowded neighborhoods. In addition to the priority neighborhoods, this RFP is also seeking providers who can offer educational options in the top 13 overcrowded neighborhoods as identified by the most recent CPS statistics and who have access to independent sites in these neighborhoods. These neighborhoods include: Clearing, Dunning, East Side, Edison Park, Forest Glen, Gage Park, Garfield Ridge, Hegewisch, Jefferson Park, Norwood Park, Portage Park, West Elsdon, and West Lawn.

 

5.   Turnaround Questions. New to this year’s RFP, providers will have the opportunity to apply to operate a turnaround school. Turnaround schools are a district priority.

 

4.   Questions regarding the RFP. Potential applicants with questions about the RFP may contact Angie Alleman, recruitment coordinator at the Office of New Schools, (773) 553-3631.

 

3.   Information sessions and workshops. ONS along with the Renaissance Schools Fund (RSF) will offer information sessions and workshops for people to learn about the RFP process and to provide resources for those interested in submitting a Design Frameworks. Additional information is available at: http://www.ren2010.cps.k12.il.us/potential.shtml.

 

2.   Deadline to turn in Design Frameworks. Submit online cover sheets by May 2, 2008. Submit Design Frameworks by June 2, 2008.

 

1.    The press conference for the release of the RFP is Monday, April 7, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at the Englewood Campus (6201 S. Stewart). Please come and celebrate with ONS as we begin our fifth round of school openings and pick up your copy of the 2008 RFP.

 

 

Special Section: 2008 RFP 

 

New Schools RFP Release Press Conference? | Englewood Campus (6201 S. Stewart) | Monday, April 7, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. 

The Office of New Schools is pleased to announce the release of the Request for Proposals (RFP) for new schools to open in 2009 and 2010. Renaissance 2010 has been one of many CPS initiatives to improve the quality of education in Chicago. Currently there are 55 Renaissance 2010 schools, with 21 schools scheduled to open Fall 2008. We celebrate schools that are currently open and look forward to many more innovative high quality options. We look forward to seeing you there.

 

For more information on starting a new school contact Angie Alleman, Recruitment Coordinator, aaalleman@cps.k12.il.us.

 

RFP Information Sessions: Want to Start a New School | April 7-10, 2008 

In preparation to launch the 2008 Request for Proposals (RFP), during the beginning of April the Office of New Schools will conduct four general information sessions for those interested in starting a new school. The sessions will provide a better understanding of the following:

 

• Overview, goals, and purpose of Renaissance 2010

• Current performance indicators that demonstrate Renaissance 2010’s success

• Process and timeline for the RFP

• Components of a “high quality proposal” and a “high quality school”

 

 

 

EVENTS 

 

New Ventures in Education: An Educational Entrepreneurship Series | TAMS building (501 W. 35^th Street) | Thursday, April 3, 2008 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

To assist educational leaders in starting their own Chicago public school, the Renaissance Schools Fund hosts New Ventures in Education: An Educational Entrepreneurship Series.  With major funding provided by The Boeing Company and support from United Airlines, New Ventures is a series of 13 seminars from April to July that will expose participants to best practices of new school development and assist them in the Renaissance 2010 Request for Proposals (RFP) process.  The seminars are free but require an RSVP as seats are limited.  The series begins this Thursday, April 3^rdwith Building and Managing Your Team through the RFP Process. 

 

Building and Managing Your Team through the RFP Process is targeted to Chicago’s educational entrepreneurs looking to start a new school through the Ren10 process. This seminar will prepare participants to submit a strong new school proposal to the Chicago Public Schools.  Topics to be covered include: building a strong school design team, management of the school design process, critical components of competitive proposals, and new school start-up challenges and opportunities. 

 

Register for this seminar and any other seminars you may be interested in attending at: http://www.rsfchicago.org/rsvp.html. For more information on the series, please visit www.rsfchicago.org/nve. 

 

The ABCs of Growing Green | Polaris Charter Academy (620 N. Sawyer) | Saturday April 26, 2008 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 

Polaris Charter Academy is a new K-8 charter school serving the Humboldt Park neighborhood of Chicago’s West Side. Founded by three award-winning teachers, Polaris provides an under-resourced community with a high-quality educational option for its children.

 

Discover and explore methods of city gardening, organic cooking, and all things “green” during hands-on workshops and a luncheon to support Polaris’s school-wide gardening initiative. Learn from experts as they take organic products from ground to plate at this unique event. Adult and child-oriented workshops will be offered. Families are welcome. Please RSVP by April 10 to the Development Office, Polaris Charter Academy, 620 N. Sawyer Avenue, Chicago, IL 60624.

 

“Free to Choose, Free to Succeed: The New Market of Public Education,” The Renaissance Schools Fund Symposium | The Mid America Club (200 E. Randolph, Chicago, IL) | Tuesday, May 6, 2008 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

The Renaissance Schools Fund (RSF) invites education leaders from across the country to the Symposium, “Free to Choose, Free to Succeed: The New Market of Public Education.” RSF is a strategic partner to the Renaissance 2010 initiative to create 100 new schools of exceptional quality in Chicago’s most underserved communities.

 

Guests will learn how Chicago’s business, civic, and local communities have come together with the district to drive education reform through new school development. Presenters will include education leaders from organizations such as: Green Dot Public Schools, New Schools Venture Fund, KIPP, Chicago Public Schools, and many more. Early registration is strongly encouraged as space is limited.  To register or for more information, go to: www.rsfsymposium.org. 

 

Swing for CMSA Golf Outing & Fundraiser | White Pines Golf Course (Bensenville, IL) | Friday May 9, 2008 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 

Founded in 2004, Chicago Math and Science Academy (CMSA) has built a reputation of being an effective learning environment through high test scores, attendance rate, student and teacher retention rate, and parent satisfaction. 

 

CMSA needs your support in order to reach their vision. Their goal is to add a mobile computer lab, including interactive smart boards. This technology will allow them to continue providing students with a high-caliber education, fully preparing them for college. For $125 you can enjoy a delicious lunch and a round of golf at this beautiful west suburban golf course. For more information visit: http://cmsaonline.net.

 

 

NEWS/ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

North Lawndale College Prep Men’s Basketball Team Wins 2A State Championship 

On March 8, 2008 North Lawndale’s men’s basketball team became the first charter school in Chicago to win a men’s basketball state championship. With a 30-4 season record, North Lawndale went on to defeat Peoria Manual in the 2A championship 56-42. This state championship is the first in any sport for North Lawndale in their 10 year history.

 

The character of the team was tested as they faced countless adversities on their way to the state title. A great article about the championship team can be found at: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-09-2a-boysmar09,0,3864091.story. Congratulations to the young men on the team for all their hard work, the coaches and staff, and the entire North Lawndale College Prep community.

 

Perspectives Middle School 1 of 5 Schools to Share $18 Million Grant

The Atlantic Philanthropies is sponsoring a four year, $18 million grant to fund the Integrated Services in Schools program in 5 Chicago Public Schools. Perspectives Middle Schools will share the grant along with Ames, Orozco, Marquette, and Reavis. With the grant schools will have the opportunity to offer additional programs before and after school, on Saturdays, and during the summer. More information about the grant can be found by reading the following article from the Chicago Tribune:http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/content/education/chi-cps-grantmar26,0,3158808.story.

 

University of Chicago Donoghue Named EPIC Winner

The University of Chicago-Donoghue was named an Effective Practices Incentive Community (EPIC) National Charter School Consortium award-winning school.

 

New Leaders for New Schools developed the EPIC initiative in order to identify and learn from schools with significant student achievement gains and to honor educators in these schools for sharing their knowledge and skills with colleagues nationally. School leaders, teachers, and teacher aides in EPIC award-winning schools will receive financial awards for sharing their time and expertise. Funded through a federal Teacher Incentive Fund grant, EPIC is in its first pilot year of a five year program.

 

This year’s award-winning schools were selected using a value-added model that determined which schools had the largest one-year gains on state math and reading tests. In this pilot year, test scores were collected from 2005-06 and 2006-07.  The Gold-Gain schools had the highest gain, and the Silver-Gain schools had the next highest level of Gain. The University of Chicago Donoghue was identified as a Silver-Gain school. Congratulations to the U of C – Donoghue team for this recognition and for sharing their success with the education community.

 

Austin Polytechnical Academy Places 9^th out of 42 at Robotics Competition

In their first year, a team of nine freshmen students from Austin Polytechnical Academy (the Tech Tigers) finished 9^th out of 42 teams at the FIRST Robotics Midwest Regional Competition, February 28-March 1 at the UIC Pavilion. The Tech Tigers ranked as high as fourth place at one point during the three-day competition, but finished ninth after a showdown on Saturday.

 

The students were the recipients of this year's Rookie Inspiration Award, which is given to the most inspiring first-year team. Team mentor Antigone Sharris, coordinator of engineering technology at Triton College in River Grove, said the Tech Tigers also held the distinction as one of the only all-freshmen teams in the Midwest regionals.

 

The students built their robot from a box of raw materials they received the second week in January and worked late into the evenings after school to ready their invention for competition. In January the Tech Tigers had a chance to show off their work in progress to dignitaries touring the school, including Kathleen Kennedy-Townsend, former lieutenant governor of Maryland and daughter of the late Senator Robert Kennedy. Congratulations to these nine freshmen and their teachers and advisors. They will surely be an even great threat at next year’s competition with a year of experience under their belts.

 

3 Pershing West Middle School Students Speech Arts and Young Authors Winners

3 students from Pershing West Middle School were named Speech Arts and Young Author Winners from Area 15.  The 1st Place winners will proceed to the CityWide Competition.  

 

Speech Arts Competition Winners 

Intermediate Category 

Justus Eason (1^st Place) Pershing West School

 

Upper Grade Category 

Tylar Zanders (2^nd Place) Pershing West School

 

Young Authors Winners

Upper Grade Category 

Tyanna Patino (1^st Place) Pershing West School

 

Congratulations to these students, their families, and the teachers and staff at Pershing West.

 

Sandra Aguilar from Prologue Early College Receives ICEARY Award

Sandra Aguilar’s journey to academic success has been filled with several barriers and hardships. Until she was seven Ms. Aguilar lived in abject poverty in a small town in Honduras. At the age of eight Ms. Aguilar journeyed to the US with her father, but her life was anything but easier. She and her father were captured by Immigration and Naturalization Service and detained in a migrant camp. Ms. Aguilar’s mother recovered her from the camp only to abandon her shortly thereafter.

 

Living with older siblings, Ms. Aguilar took the initiative to obtain her education. She enrolled in five different schools before finding a home at Prologue Early College. Ms. Aguilar took first-place in the 2006 Safe Alternative Schools (SAS) Science Fair and participated in the SAS Academic Bowl. While expecting her first child, Ms. Aguilar held a 100% attendance rate and earned 10 credits in her first year at Prologue.

 

The Illinois Coalition for Educating At-Risk Youth (ICEARY) optimizes the positive growth of at-risk youth and those individuals working with at-risk youth through educational program support, training, legislative leadership, information exchange, advocacy, and other support services. Ms. Aguilar was 1 of 8 student recipients of the 2008 ICEARY award. Congratulations to Ms. Aguilar and Prologue Early College for not letting anything stand in the way of academic success.