February 2026
SPOTLIGHT
February celebrations include African American Heritage Month, Youth Leadership Month, Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, and so much more. Check out the link to see what celebrations can enrich your student's engagement and appreciation of different cultures and experiences.
https://nationaltoday.com/february-holidays/
@AAETeachersOrg on Instagram!
Love Teaching Week is celebrated in the United States every year from February 14 to February 21. The purpose of the week is to raise awareness of the amazing work teachers do and to encourage more people to pursue careers in education. Love Teaching Week also raises awareness of the problems that teachers face in their day-to-day professional lives and aims to solve these issues. There’s also an emphasis on making education accessible to all, especially at grassroots levels. Love Teaching Week is a great way to find out what schools and teachers need and advocate for positive changes. The celebrations are dedicated to teaching, leading, and learning.
CHARTER LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE #3
March 6, 2026
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Saginaw Valley State University - Bachand Hall 138 (Building connected to Gilbertson Hall)
Charter Leadership Registration
2025-2026 Outstanding Employee Award Nomination Information
These guidelines aim to capture the unique contributions of school support staff while allowing nominators to provide specific and detailed information about each nominee's achievements.
One school support staff person per school building in the following areas can be nominated: New Teachers (certified teacher within their first 3 years of teaching) and Elective/Specials Teachers (Art, Music, PE, etc.).
Nomination Guidelines:
- Nomination submissions should be concise and focus on specific achievements in their field or contributions to the school community.
- Nominations should be submitted by a staff member or administrator familiar with the nominee's work.
Nominations due by March 6, 2026.
Outstanding Employee of the Year Nomination Form
See The Charter Collaborative website for additional information.
PUBLIC SCHOOL ACADEMY PHOTO CONTEST 2026
Stakeholders from SVSU charter schools (school leaders, teachers, staff) have the opportunity to win a cash prize for their school for submitting photos of student learning, experiences, and activities that illustrate the theme of the year. Each photo must include a caption (1-3 sentences that links the photo to the theme).
2026 Theme - Uncomplicated JOY
Uncomplicated
- Not complex or difficult
- Free from confusion, trouble, or mixed feelings
- Simple; easy to understand or experience
Joy
- A feeling of great happiness or delight
- A deep sense of positive emotion, often spontaneous
- An uplifting emotional state
To enter the contest, submit the Photo Contest Terms & Rules form, photos, and Media Release Forms to Dawn Gillespie (drg@svsu.edu).
Deadline April 10, 2026
First place - $500, Second place - $250, Third place - $100.
For additional information and forms, see The Charter Collaborative website.
NEWS YOU CAN USE
STUDENT SERVICE UPDATES
Legal News in Student Services
Thrun Law: Guide to Prior Written Notice Under IDEA
Prior Written Notice is provided as a template within most IEP documentation applications such as MiPSE, PSSE, and MISTAR-Q. Please review the article link above to update your district on the use of PWN (Prior Written Notice).
It is important to remember that this notice is required before the change or implementation being documented occurs. For example, an annual IEP delivered with a PWN should not indicate implementation on the day it is provided to the parent (or even worse, the date of the meeting). Parents must have time to review the PWN and exercise their procedural safeguards if they disagree with the offer. (Thrun, 1/26/26)
Best Practice Corner
MDE has provided new key guidance regarding transition, personal curriculum, and specially designed instruction. Please review the links below:
Specially Designed Instruction
Transition Planning for Students with Disabilities
We are adjusting our coffee hours and will be publishing our dates soon.
Our next session will focus on: Data Driven Decision Making in Special Education
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
MICHIGAN SCHOOL TESTING CONFERENCE
The 2026 Michigan School Testing Conference (MSTC) will be held in-person on February 10-12, 2026. The annual Michigan School Testing Conference consists of a day for workshops and two days of plenary and clinic sessions.
Registration is now open!
Take advantage of early-bird pricing and reserve your spot today. A special hotel rate is available at the Sheraton Ann Arbor for MSTC attendees.
When: February 10-12, 2026
Where: Sheraton Ann Arbor
Cost: Varies (see registration option in the promotional booklet or at the online registration link below)
Register to Attend
ASPIRING SUPERINTENDENTS BOOT CAMP (MASA)
MASA is hosting an Aspiring Superintendents Bootcamp to help emerging leaders get the tools, resources, and networking opportunities they need to become superintendents.
This two-day bootcamp will focus on emerging trends in the superintendency as well as critical steps to take on your journey towards taking on this important new role. We need skilled top leaders who are ready to be lead learners, build relationships/partnerships, and take on the tough role of leading a school district.
When: February 26-27, 2026
Where: Crowne Plaza, Lansing
Cost: $450
Register to Attend
MAC ANNUAL CONFERENCE - BELONGING BY DESIGN, THRIVING TOGETHER
Join OST professionals, youth leaders, partners, and advocates from across Michigan for the 2026 MAC Annual Conference, happening February 26–27 at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi.
This year’s theme, Belonging by Design. Thriving Together, focuses on how intentional design, youth-driven practices, and community-centered strategies strengthen the future of out-of-school time in our state.
Agenda
Register to Attend (Last day to register - February 13)
Registration Notes:
A MiRegistry account is required to receive professional development credit. You can learn more about MiRegistry and create an account here.
BOLD BY CHOICE 2026 SUMMIT - DESIGNING PATHWAYS FROM KINDERGARTEN TO CAREER
The success of tomorrow starts with the bold choices we make today.
The 2026 Bold by Choice Summit brings together leaders, educators, students, policymakers, advocates, and employers to reimagine what young people need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Students’ futures depend on the connection between K–12, higher education, and the workforce. This Summit is where those worlds intersect to create real choices, real pathways, and real opportunities.
More than a conference, it’s a working space for leaders committed to building bold paths and brighter futures for every student. Join us April 27-29, 2026, in Grand Rapids, Michigan!
Register Today!
Early Bird Rate: $450
General Rate: $550
ANNUAL MICHIGAN CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT FACILITATORS NETWORK (MCIFN) CONFERENCE
June 10-12, 2026 (In-person Only)
Traverse City
June 10, 2026 (half-day): $55
12:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
June 11, 2026 (full-day): $110
8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
June 12, 2026 (half-day): $55
8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
https://gomasa.org/michigan-continuous-improvement-facilitators-network-mcifn/
FREE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
AMERICA 250 IN THE CLASSROOM
Engaging Students with History, Media, and Civic Voice
Free webinar - March 11 - 4-5 pm PT / 7-8 pm ET
America 250 - Free Webinar for Educators
LET'S LEARN
This collection of resources for children ages 3-7 is drawn from the public television series Let’s Learn.
Let’s Learn aims to provide our young learners with knowledge and skills to learn and succeed in school and beyond. While the series is aimed at a wide range of ages, segments might serve as introduction, reinforcement, or enrichment to material depending on students’ needs. To paraphrase Catherine Snow, expert on language and literacy development in children, the teaching that is taking place “…is helpful for all children, harmful for none, and crucial for some.”
Let's Learn Link
CONTACT US.
The Charter Collaborative
Office Location: Gilbertson Hall
Email: charterschools@svsu.edu
Phone: (989) 964-4623