FCI Connect Newsletter

Florida Charter Institute
Powered by Miami Dade College

FCI Connect is the monthly newsletter of the Florida Charter Institute. We aim to provide stories and resources helpful to charter school leaders throughout Florida.

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  1. September 2025 FCI Connect | Florida’s School Grading Scale Adjustments: What it Means and How to Navigate
    Topics in this month’s newsletter:
    • A clear breakdown of the new grading scale requirements for high schools, combination schools, and districts—and what it takes to maintain or achieve an “A” under the new thresholds.
    • Practical guidance for school and instructional leaders on strengthening instructional feedback, diagnosing root causes of performance concerns, and tightening areas like curriculum implementation and subgroup achievement.
    • Tools to help schools better track data and focus efforts, especially for the lowest 25% of students, to ensure no group is left behind.
    • Upcoming opportunities for professional development, including workshops and webinars to build content knowledge, leadership capacity, and instructional practices.
    • New resources from FCI, including the Families Page, designed to help parents better understand charter options and support student success.
    Read more
  2. August 2025 FCI Connect | Setting the Tone: Governing Board & School Leader Partnerships
    Topics in this month’s newsletter:
    • From the desk of our Executive Director, Susie Miller Carello | Importance of Strong Board Governance
    • Setting the Tone: Building Strong Governing Board–School Leader Partnerships
    • Professional Development Programs, featuring our Finance & Business Leaders Networking Summit and Governance Conference
    • Job Opportunities: Job Seekers and Recruiters
    • FCI On The Move: Our Team In Action

     

    Read more
  3. July 2025 FCI Connect | Charter Ready: How Florida’s Schools are Laying the Foundation for a Strong Year

    “Don’t spin your wheels and stress. Take a deep breathe, center yourself and make a plan”

    -Douglas Adams in “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy”

    Topics in this month’s newsletter:

    • Charter Ready: How Florida Schools Are Laying the Foundation for a Strong YearFeature Article
    • Grow Your Potential: A dedicated section in FCI Connect designed to help educators access professional learning opportunities. Find webinars and tools for a successful start to the school year.
    • Voices of FCI: Hear from Susie Miller Carello, Executive Director of FCI, as she shares her thoughts on setting the tone for a successful year.
    • Distinguished Fellow Spotlight: Carlos Gonzalez, Director of Schools at Hive Prep
    • Additional Resources: Curated tools and materials to support your planning and preparation
    Read more
  4. June 2025 FCI Connect | Hurricane Preparedness – Insurance Edition

    “School is a building which has four walls with tomorrow inside of it.” 

    Lon Watters

     

    Topics in This Month’s Newsletter:

    • Hurricane Preparedness – Insurance Edition (Feature Article from EGIS Insurance & Risk Advisors, by Ismary Cardoso) – Learn what charter school leaders should be thinking about during hurricane season. 
    • Launching the Year of Professional Learning Opportunities – Learn about the different opportunities is providing to help charter schools elevate instruction.
    • FCI’s Educational Leader Recommeded Summer Reading List – As you sharpen your tool kit this summer, here are some reads that may assist.
    • Distinguished Fellow Spotlight – Johna Giordano, School Leader | Hollywood Academy of Arts and Science 
    Read more
  5. May 2025 FCI Connect | Finishing Strong: Strategies for Reflecting, Renewing, and Recharging for the Year Ahead

    “All transitions are composed of an end, a neutral zone and a new beginning”

    -William Bridges

    Topics in This Month’s Newsletter:

    • Close the Year with Intention – Reflect on growth, express gratitude, and celebrate the journey you and your students have taken.
    • Embrace Rest and Renewal – Prioritize rest as a form of productivity and personal growth during the summer break.
    • FCI’s Educational Leader Recommeded Summer Reading List – As you sharpen your tool kit this summer, here are some reads that may assist.
    • Renew with Purpose and Evidence – As math achievement continues to decline nationally—especially among our most vulnerable learners—we’re turning to cognitive science for answers. This summer, we invite you to explore the Science of Math instruction with us.
    • FCI Staff Spotlight — Angela Tavarez, Administrative Assistant
    • Distinguished Fellow Spotlight – Dr. Judith Moore, School Leader, Sunlake Academy of Math and Sciences
    Read more
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