APSRC Bulletin
Stay informed with the latest updates and explore insightful articles.
Countdown to Spark Symposium: Are You Ready to Engage?
The 2025 Spark Symposium is just two months away, and it promises to spark ideas, connection, and growth within the charter school community. Taking place on May 20th, 2025, the event offers an incredible opportunity to engage with key speakers, participate in customizable Spark Zones, and gain insights through discussions on important topics like student attitudes, legislative updates, and more. Don’t wait – online registration closes on May 6th! Secure your spot now to take advantage of exclusive benefits and avoid higher onsite registration costs.
Spark Zones: Customize Your Experience at Spark Symposium
At the 2025 Spark Symposium, we’re bringing you an exciting way to design your day with Spark Zones! This new format lets you customize your experience by choosing from a blend of roundtable discussions and breakout sessions based on your interests and professional needs. Whether you're looking to exchange ideas or dive into expert-led discussions, the choice is yours! Join us for an interactive, engaging experience where you can explore a variety of topics that matter most to you. Curious about resources for charter schools, teaching strategies, or the latest legal updates? We’ve got something for everyone.
Celebrating Outstanding Academic Growth in Arkansas Schools
At APSRC, we are excited to share the announcement of the 2024 OEP Growth Awards, recognizing Arkansas schools for their outstanding academic growth. These awards, presented by the Office of Educational Policy (OEP), spotlight schools focused on student academic progress, which is less influenced by demographics and more indicative of the impact schools have on their students' learning. This year’s awardees from elementary, middle, and high school levels are setting the bar high for academic excellence across the state.
Highlighting Academic Gains: Beating the Odds in Arkansas Schools
At APSRC, we celebrate the incredible progress made by high-poverty schools in Arkansas through the Beating the Odds awards. These schools are recognized for their impressive academic growth in Mathematics and English Language Arts (ELA), despite the challenges of serving students with higher academic risk factors. This year’s awardees from elementary, middle, and high school levels highlight the outstanding efforts of educators ensuring that financial challenges don’t hinder students’ learning opportunities.
Be Inspired by Principal Baruti Kafele— Spark25 Keynote Speaker
Get ready to be inspired by Principal Baruti Kafele, a renowned educator and transformational school leader, at the 2025 Spark Symposium. With over 35 years of experience, Principal Kafele will share his powerful insights on how to create positive change in your school, whether you're a teacher, administrator, or community member. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from one of the most sought-after speakers in education today!
What's waiting for you at the 2025 Spark Symposium?
The 2025 Spark Symposium is packed with opportunities for growth and connection in the charter school community. From a powerful keynote by Principal Baruti Kafele to interactive breakout sessions and live legislative discussions, here's what you can look forward to at this year's event.
Introducing the Charter Leader Collective
The Charter Leader Collective (CLC) is here! APSRC’s new program offers Arkansas Charter Leaders a space to connect, collaborate, and grow. The first session, “Effective Instructional Walkthroughs,” will take place on March 7th, 2025. Register today!
APSRC Office Closure: February 18-19, 2025
APSRC offices are closed due to hazardous weather conditions across the state. The office will remain closed on February 19th, 2025, unless conditions improve. APSRC staff will operate remotely during this time.
Save the Date for the 2025 Summer Professional Learning Retreat
APSRC is thrilled to announce the 2025 Summer Professional Learning Retreat, happening virtually from June 17th to 19th. This three-day event offers a flexible learning experience with sessions tailored to support your professional growth and student needs. All sessions are eligible for PD hours. Stay tuned for more details and make sure to join our mailing list to receive updates!
Joining Virtual or Hybrid Events in Discere
Joining virtual or hybrid events in Discere is simple! No Zoom links needed—log in, access the session page, and click the "Join" button 15 minutes before your event begins. Find out how to easily attend and ensure your attendance is properly recorded.
APSRC Announces the launch of the Financial Management System (FMS) Google Group
APSRC is proud to announce the launch of the Financial Management System (FMS) Google Group, following the decommissioning of the current DIS Listservs by the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE). This new platform is designed to continue fostering collaboration, discussion, and knowledge-sharing among finance professionals in the education sector. The APSRC FMS Google Group provides a space to connect, share insights, ask questions, and engage in meaningful conversations on finance-related topics.
Registration is now open for Spark25!
We’re thrilled to announce that registration is now open for the 2025 Spark Symposium for Charter Schools! Join us on May 20th at the Statehouse Convention Center for a day filled with roundtable discussions, a legislative Q&A, an awards ceremony, and more. This year’s event promises to ignite ideas and foster growth within the charter school community. Don't miss out—visit the Spark website for more details about speakers, the full schedule, and breakout sessions!
Arkansas DESE 2025 School Safety Grant: Apply Now Before the Deadline!
The Arkansas Department of Education is offering the 2025 School Safety Grant to help districts and charter schools enhance safety measures. With a deadline of February 28, 2025, eligible schools can receive up to $25,000 plus $19 per student. Learn more and apply today!
January 2025 Professional Development Events: Register Now to Jumpstart Your Year with APSRC
Start the year off strong with APSRC's January 2025 professional development events! Whether you're looking to sharpen your skills with standalone sessions or elevate your work with special ATLAS writing sessions, we have a variety of exciting opportunities to boost your professional growth. Don't wait – register today and secure your spot!
APSRC Holiday Office Closure Notice
The APSRC offices will be closed from December 23, 2024, to January 2, 2025, in observance of the holidays. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
New CFAM ‘Where Do We Stand’ Worksheet
Do you want to know where district finances stand with regards to the current year budget? Check out the new CFAM Daily worksheet 701 - Where Do We Stand? This new worksheet will forecast the district ending legal or unrestricted legal balance based upon actual revenue/expenditures and projected revenue/expenses.
Charter Leadership Institute with APSRC
We're excited to introduce the NEW and Improved Charter Leadership Institute (CLI)! Starting October 21st, this 5-day program is designed for charter school leaders, offering essential updates, strategies, and resources to enhance school success. Stipends are available for those who complete the program and implement the content in their schools.
Introducing the Spark Symposium for Charter Schools Spring 2025
Get ready for the Spark Symposium for Charter Schools in Spring 2025! Join us for a day full of interactive roundtable discussions, legislative Q&A, an awards ceremony, and expert presentations. Don’t miss the chance to network and engage with charter school professionals from across the state.
Foundations & Futures Professional Learning Program
Foundations & Futures brings together the expertise of The PEER Network and our Leading to Read Initiative. If your district is applying for a Professional Learning Grant through DESE, we can be your partner in this work!
Get Ready for APSRC's 2025 Annual Fall Conference
APSRC is already preparing for our 2025 Annual Fall Conference, and we’re excited to invite you to join us! Mark your calendars for October 21st, 2025, and get ready for a day filled with breakout sessions, networking opportunities, and more. Stay updated by joining our mailing list.