Newcomer Support Cohort Information

CDE Newcomer Support Learning Cohort

The Cohort 

In December 2023, the Newcomer Support Cohort was established in response to the increase in Newcomers to Colorado. This initiative, led by DISO and other offices in the Colorado Department of Education (CDE), aims to provide support for district and school leaders in order to ultimately support families and students facing relocation challenges. This cohort meets virtually and in person regularly, promoting collaboration across districts and empowering leaders through activities such as site visits and professional learning with external partners. The cohort goal is to empower leaders who are responding to the unprecedented challenges posed by this large-scale migration. Events below include many professional learning opportunities for Newcomer support, including events for Newcomer Cohort Members and events open to all educators. If you are a district or school leader interested in joining the Newcomer Support Learning Cohort, contact Victory Molina - molina_v@cde.state.co.us.

*2024 Newcomer Support Cohort Events (*Additional events will be added throughout the year.) 

1. Newcomer Program: Site Visit and Cohort Session in Boulder Valley School District 

• Date: February 1, 2024 
• Part 1: 8:30 AM - 12:15 PM 
• Part 2: 12:15 PM - 2:30 PM 
• Description: The session is divided into two parts. Part 1 involves visiting one of three Newcomer Programs, followed by a session at the Ed Center in BVSD at 10 am, featuring Kristin Nelson-Steinhoff, Director of CLDE. Part 2 includes optional lunch, group discussions, and team planning time. 
• Audience: Cohort Members - District Leaders, CLDE Directors, Student Services, Superintendents, and School Leaders 
• Format: In-person 
• Registration: Open to Newcomer Cohort Members  - Contact Victory Molina for more information: molina_v@cde.state.co.us  

2. Supporting Colorado Immigrant Students & Families with Natasha Quiroga, Esq 

• Date: February 7, 2024 
• Time: 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM 
• Description: Virtual session with guest speaker Natasha Quiroga, Civil Rights Attorney and Director of Education Policy & InsideSchools, The New School’s Center for New York City Affairs. 
•  Audience: Cohort Members and CDE - District Leaders, CLDE Directors, Student Services, Superintendents, School Leaders, State Agency Staff 
•  Format: Virtual 
•  Registration:  Open to Newcomer Cohort Members  - Contact Victory Molina for more information: molina_v@cde.state.co.us 

3. From the Border to the Classroom: Experiences of Unaccompanied Children with Natasha Quiroga, Esq 

• Date: February 27, 2024 
• Time: 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM 
• Description: Virtual session with Natasha Quiroga, focusing on understanding the immigration process for children entering the U.S. legal system, detention facilities, educational services, landmark cases, and more. 
• Audience: Open to all - Educators, Educational Leaders, Community Leaders, and anyone supporting Newcomers 
• Format: Virtual 
• Registration: Register Here for Virtual Session 

4. Trauma-Informed Education for Newcomer Students with Elise White-Diaz 

• Date: March 4, 2024 
• Location: Adams 12 Five Star Schools, 1500 E. 128th Ave., Thornton CO, 80241 
• Part 1- Time (In-person): 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM 
  • Description: In-person session addressing factors for Multilingual Learners related to stress and unacknowledged adverse childhood experiences. Keynote by Elise White-Diaz on Trauma Informed Education, followed by group discussions and plan time. 
  • Audience: Cohort Members - District Leaders, CLDE Directors, Student Services, Superintendents, and School Leaders 
  • Format (In-person): In-person 
• Part 2 - Time (Virtual): 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM 
  • Format (Virtual): Virtual presentation from Elise White-Diaz on Trauma Informed Education
• Registration: Open to Newcomer Cohort Members  - Contact Victory Molina for more information: molina_v@cde.state.co.us 

5. The Long Road Ahead: The Path to the U.S. and the Legal Journey of Immigrant Students with Natasha Quiroga, Esq 

• Date: March 26, 2024 
• Time: 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM 
• Description: Virtual session with Natasha Quiroga, providing knowledge about students' backgrounds, educational experiences, treacherous journeys to the U.S., immigration court system, and challenges they face. 
• Audience: Open to all - Educators, Educational Leaders, Community Leaders, and anyone supporting Newcomers 
• Format: Virtual 
• Registration:  Register Here for the Virtual Session

6.  Engaging Immigrant and Refugee Families: Bridging the Language and Cultural Gap

• Date: April 30, 2024
• Time: 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM 
• Description: Virtual session with Dr. Don Vu has been an elementary school teacher and principal for 24 years.  Dr. Vu and his former school staff chartered a literacy campaign in 2013 to foster the love of reading in all students.  In 2017, he received the Celebrate Literacy Award from the California Reading Association for his outstanding leadership in literacy.  In 2018, his school was one of five schools nationally to receive the Exemplary Reading Program Award from the International Literacy Association (ILA). In 2020, the school received the California Distinguished School Award for its work in closing the opportunity gap for all kids. Having fled Vietnam with his family in 1975, Dr. Vu understands the challenges children face when learning a new language and culture.  He also knows that reading can be transformative and life-changing.  
• Audience: Open to all—This session is open to all K-12 Colorado educators. Participants will receive 1.5 credits, which can be applied towards the CLDE 45-hour renewal licensing requirement.
• Format: Virtual 
• Registration:  Register for this event  for the Virtual Session

For more information contact: Alice Collins, collins_al@cde.state.co.us.

Contact Us 

Adrienne Cruz - Director, District Improvement Strategy Office -  cruz_a@cde.state.co.us

Alice Collins-ELD Senior Consultant, Office of Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Ed -  collins_al@cde.state.co.us 

Victory Molina- Professional Learning Coach, District Improvement Strategy Office -  molina_v@cde.state.co.us