The following is a message from CTCSA Executive Director Ruben Felipe:
The Connecticut Charter Schools Association is excited to join public charter school communities across the country to recognize National Charter Schools Week from May 7 to 13.
The annual celebration of charter schools aims to recognize the work being done by educators, students, parents, and leaders that helps ensure a brighter future for their communities. This year, as it coincides with Teacher Appreciation Week, the Charter Schools celebration will bring special focus on the work our educators do every single day.
From classroom innovation and enriching extracurriculars to championing charter school advocacy efforts, our teachers routinely go above and beyond. We are all indebted to them for their tireless efforts. The fact that roughly one in three charter school teachers and school leaders nationwide are educators of color means they better reflect the population they serve. In Connecticut charter schools, ninety-four percent (94%) are students of color and sixty-three percent (63%) come from low-income households.
Like the teachers at Connecticut’s 21 public charter schools, we do not take lightly the responsibility of creating the best possible educational opportunities for our students. It is an honor and a privilege to play a small role in supporting their education and ensuring every student has their needs met.
Throughout this week of celebration, we also want to acknowledge the efforts of our charter school families. Your passionate support and advocacy on behalf of the state’s 11,000 public charter school students is an invaluable part of making our community stronger.
The Connecticut Charter Schools Association would like to extend our gratitude to all of our members and the entire public charter school community for the integral role you play in our children’s success. We are honored to be alongside you in the fight to ensure equal educational opportunities for all. While we use this week to highlight the incredible work you do, we promise to support and celebrate your efforts all throughout the year.