The National Charter Schools Conference – NCSC25 -- Takes Place in Orlando with Strong Involvement of the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools (FCPCS)

Leaders from FCPCS member schools and FCPCS Preferred Partners attend NCSC25 seminars and network there. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PHOTO CAPTION: Students from Orlando Science Schools Jazz Band perform “Cry Me a River” during a general session at NCSC25, the National Charter Schools Conference of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools.  The Jazz Band’s performance was facilitated by the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools (FCPCS), of which Orlando Science Schools is a member. 

ORLANDO, Fla. (July 9, 2025) – Many representatives of the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools (FCPCS) participated in the recent National Charter Schools Conference – NCSC25 – presented by the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools and held at the Orlando World Center Marriott. 

The National Charter Schools Conference is the largest national education conference of educators, advocates and leaders of the charter school movement.  Participants are empowered by people, resources and expertise to inspire their work.  The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools states the Conference, “offers the best learning experience for those shaping K-12 education.” 

Dozens of NCSC25 sessions covered informative and diverse topics such as the Classroom of the Future, Navigating Digital Distractions, Transforming School Culture, the Age of Artificial Intelligence and STEM Excellence. 

Leaders from member schools of FCPCS attended National Charter Schools Conference general sessions and participated in professional development seminars.  They also networked with other public charter school professionals from throughout the state and the nation.  NCSC25 also attracted many participants in FCPCS’ Preferred Partners Program, including companies that provide goods and services to charter schools. 

Among the National Charter Schools Conference attendees was Sherard Parker, Director of Member Services for FCPCS.  Parker noted the significant involvement of leaders from FCPCS member schools and representatives of FCPCS Preferred Partners. 

“The Central Florida location of NCSC25, the National Charter Schools Conference, presented a great opportunity for participation by representatives of members schools of FCPCS, as well as participants in our Preferred Partners Program” said Parker.  “We heard positive comments from many of our members, who said they were learning a lot and enjoying the opportunity to network with other representatives of charter schools from around the state and the nation.” 

One highlight of FCPCS involvement in the National Conference was a general session performance of “Cry Me a River” by students from Orlando Science Schools’ Jazz Band.  Their performance was facilitated by FCPCS, of which Orlando Science Schools is a member. 

FCPCS President Robert Haag thanked its many member school representatives and Preferred Partners who participated this year. 

“The Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools salutes representatives of many of our member schools who invested their time in learning and networking at NCSC25 in order to increase their knowledge and skills,” said Haag.  “We applaud their commitment to education and note the positive impact it has on their students.” 

About the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools

Celebrating its 25th Anniversary as part of the 2024-2025 school year, the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools (FCPCS) is the leading charter school membership association in the state.  Since its inception in 1999, FCPCS has been dedicated to creating a national model of high quality, accredited public charter schools that are student-centered and performance-driven. FCPCS provides a wide array of technical support, mentoring, training, networking, and purchasing services to its membership, as well as serving as an advocate for all Florida public charter schools.
 

Florida Public Charter Schools to Celebrate National Charter Schools Week, May 11-17, 2025

Member Schools of Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools (FCPCS) Encouraged to Join the National Celebration of the Charter Schools Movement 

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (May 1, 2025) – May 11-17, 2025 is National Charter Schools Week, and many of Florida’s charter schools are expected to take part in a national celebration of the charter schools movement.  

National Charter Schools Week is a recognition and celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the first Charter Schools Program grant award to support the growth and promise of charter schools.  The Charter Schools Program of the U.S. Department of Education is the nation’s only source of dedicated federal funding to support the creation, expansion and replication of public charter schools. 

In cooperation with the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools (FCPCS) is encouraging its member schools to bring elements of the national celebration to their local Florida communities, where the impact of the charter school movement has had the greatest impact on Florida students. 

2024-2025 also marks the 25th Anniversary of the founding of FCPCS, which was created to help facilitate the development of charter schools in Florida.  FCPCS is the leading charter school membership association in the state.  

According to the National Alliance, nearly half of the charter schools educating students today have received Charter Schools Program funds.  They have supported the launch and replication of charter schools in 42 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C.  Because charter schools cannot access per-pupil funding until students enroll, Charter School Program grants provide essential short-term funding to cover school startup costs. 

“This year marks a significant anniversary for both the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools and the national Charter Schools Program,” said FCPCS President Robert Haag.  “We encourage our member schools to find meaningful ways to celebrate the success of charter schools in their communities.” 

About the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools    

The Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools (FCPCS) is the leading charter school membership association in the state.  Since its inception in 1999, FCPCS has been dedicated to creating a national model of high quality, accredited public charter schools that are student-centered and performance-driven. FCPCS provides a wide array of technical support, mentoring, training, networking, and purchasing services to its membership, as well as serving as an advocate for all Florida public charter schools.
 

Florida Public Charter Schools to Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, May 5-9, 2025 

Member Schools of Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools (FCPCS) Encouraged to Honor and Thank Their Teachers 

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (April 4, 2025) – With this year’s Teacher Appreciation Week planned for May 5-9 – one month from now – many of Florida’s public charter schools are making plans to recognize, honor and thank their teachers. 

In 1985, the National Parent Teacher Association (National PTA) designated the first full week in May as Teacher Appreciation Week.  According to the National PTA, the 2025 Teacher Appreciation Week celebration will be based on the theme, “Teachers Light the Way to Brighter Futures.” 

According to the National PTA website, “Teachers illuminate paths of knowledge, guiding students toward limitless possibilities.  From morning greetings and classroom discussions to after-school support and thoughtful feedback, teachers shine their light on every aspect of student growth and development.  Each day, they spark curiosity, kindle creativity and brighten the future for every student in their care.” 

The National PTA offers a Teacher Appreciation Week Toolkit that can be downloaded in both English and Spanish.  It includes thank-you cards, certificates, flyers, coloring pages, social media graphics, web ads and more. 

In Florida, finalists for the state Teacher of the Year Award are announced in mid-May by the Florida Department of Education.  The winning Florida Teacher of the Year and all of the finalists are honored in July.   

The Florida Department of Education says its Florida Teacher of the Year program, “celebrates and elevates the education profession and recognizes outstanding educators in the state and their achievements.” 

Member schools of the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools (FCPCS) are encouraged to recognize, honor and thank their teachers as part of the 2025 Teacher Appreciation Week.  

“FCPCS congratulates its member schools for recognizing and honoring their teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week,” said FCPCS President Robert Haag.  “Teachers are the backbone of our schools and we applaud them for their hard work, which has shaped the charter school movement in Florida and been a major reason for its success.” 

About the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools    

The Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools (FCPCS) is the leading charter school membership association in the state.  Since its inception in 1999, FCPCS has been dedicated to creating a national model of high quality, accredited public charter schools that are student-centered and performance-driven. FCPCS provides a wide array of technical support, mentoring, training, networking, and purchasing services to its membership, as well as serving as an advocate for all Florida public charter schools.
 

Florida Public Charter Schools to Celebrate Florida School Volunteer Appreciation Month During April 2025 

Member Schools of Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools (FCPCS) Encouraged to Recognize and Honor School Volunteers 

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (March 28, 2025) – Many of Florida’s public charter schools are expected to celebrate Florida School Volunteer Appreciation Month during April, 2025, including a special focus during National Volunteer Appreciation Week from April 20 to April 26. 

Member schools of the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools (FCPCS) are encouraged to participate in the 2025 celebration of Florida School Volunteer Appreciation Month, supported by the Florida Department of Education and Volunteer Florida. 

According to information posted on the Florida Department of Education website, “School volunteers are a vital part of building relationships between schools, parents, community members and business partners, while adding value to the educational experience of students.” 

The FDOE description of Florida School Volunteer Month continues, “From donating time to assist with classroom and school activities to mentoring students, volunteers play a significant role in our schools.  We are grateful to our volunteers who have shown outstanding dedication and commitment to quality education in Florida.” 

Schools are encouraged to share volunteer recognition activities at @EducationFL and tag #FLSchoolsVolunteer as another means of highlighting their school volunteers. 

The Florida Department of Education annually recognizes school volunteers by honoring volunteers in three categories as part of its Outstanding School Volunteer Award.  The three categories of award honorees are volunteer, youth volunteer and senior volunteer.  The window for Outstanding School Volunteer Award nominations reopens in the fall. 

April is Florida Volunteer Month 

In addition, Florida Volunteer Month is celebrated every year during April.  Volunteer Florida features outstanding volunteers on social media each day in April during Florida Volunteer Month. 

“Volunteers make major contributions at member schools of the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools,” said FCPCS President Robert Haag.  “We applaud the strong efforts of our member schools to recognize and honor their volunteers, especially during Florida School Volunteer Appreciation Month.” 

More information is available from the Florida Department of Education at Florida School Volunteer Appreciation Month. 

About the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools 

The Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools (FCPCS) is the leading charter school membership association in the state.  Since its inception in 1999, FCPCS has been dedicated to creating a national model of high quality, accredited public charter schools that are student-centered and performance-driven. FCPCS provides a wide array of technical support, mentoring, training, networking, and purchasing services to its membership, as well as serving as an advocate for all Florida public charter schools.
 

Two Florida Charter Schools Named Finalists for 2025 National Building Hope IMPACT Awards; A Volunteer from a Third Florida Charter School Named a Finalist for Another Prestigious Award 

All Three Schools are Members of the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools (FCPCS) 

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., (February 24, 2025) – Two member schools of the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools (FCPCS) have been named finalists in the 2025 National Building Hope IMPACT Awards.  A volunteer from a third FCPCS member school has been named a finalist for another prestigious award. 

Suncoast School for Innovative Studies of Sarasota, Fla., is one of five finalists for the Community Engagement Award, one of four categories of Building Hope IMPACT Awards.  SouthTech Schools of Boynton Beach, Fla., is one of five finalists for the prestigious S. Joseph Bruno Model Charter Award. 

Three final winners will be announced in each category and $160,000 in grants will be awarded at the Fourth Annual Building Hope IMPACT Summit Awards Gala on May 7, 2025 at the InterContinental Miami Hotel.  Building Hope will present $40,000 in grants for each category, awarding one $20,000 grant to the top winner in each category and two $10,000 grants to the runners-up. 

Twenty Building Hope IMPACT Awards finalists were selected from nearly 200 applications from charter schools located in 41 states and the District of Columbia.  Two other categories for 2025 Building Hope Awards include Student Empowerment Awards and Education Innovation Awards. 

Hema Rodriguez of Choices in Learning Elementary Charter School also Named an Award Finalist 

In addition to the semi-finalists named for the Building Hope IMPACT Awards, Hema Rodriguez of Choices in Learning Elementary Charter School in Winter Springs, Fla., has been named one of five finalists for the prestigious Shellie Ann Braswell Shine Brighter Award.  According to Building Hope, the award recognizes a charter school volunteer who creates cherished memories and makes a meaningful impact on their school community.  The winner will receive a $5,000 grant to further their impactful work within their school community. 

“The Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools congratulates Suncoast School for Innovative Studies and SouthTech Schools for their focused efforts to provide high quality charter school education,” said Robert Haag, President of the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools.  “We also want to extend special congratulations to Hema Rodriguez of Choices in Learning Elementary Charter School in Winter Springs, Fla.  She exemplifies the amazing volunteers found at FCPCS member schools throughout Florida.” 

In 2024, HIVE Preparatory School of Hialeah, Fla., and River City Science Academy of Jacksonville, Fla., won awards and grants as part of the prestigious Building Hope awards program.  Both schools are members of FCPCS. 

Now in its fourth year, the Building Hope IMPACT Awards Program recognizes schools for their profound impact on the communities, families and students they serve.  According to Building Hope, each application was evaluated by judges based on measurable impact, innovative educational approaches and the strength of their engagement with students and their communities. 

The program has awarded $440,000 to 33 charter schools and $40,000 to eight school volunteer leaders.  For more information about the Building Hope IMPACT Awards or to register for the 2025 IMPACT Summit in Miami, visit https://impactawards.buildinghope.org/. 

Building Hope is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to increasing educational opportunities for K-12 students through its expertise in real estate, finance and operational services.  During its 21-year history, Building Hope has supported over $1 billion in the development of school facilities. 

About the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools

The Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools (FCPCS) is the leading charter school membership association in the state.  Since its inception in 1999, FCPCS has been dedicated to creating a national model of high quality, accredited public charter schools that are student-centered and performance-driven. FCPCS provides a wide array of technical support, mentoring, training, networking, and purchasing services to its membership, as well as serving as an advocate for all Florida public charter schools.
 
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