Sept. 10, 2025

Dear DPS Community,

It saddens us to share yet another announcement of a tragedy at a school, this time in our own state in a neighboring school district. As you may be aware, a school shooting took place today at Evergreen High School in Jeffco Public Schools. We are sending our deepest sympathies to the Evergreen community and our neighbors in the Jefferson County school district.

For families, we encourage you to talk to your children about what they are thinking and feeling in response to this community incident. Please monitor the following signs, which may indicate that your child is having difficulty in the wake of this news, and know that with time, they should decrease. Signs of stress include: 

• Marked changes in usual ways of behaving, such as mood changes.

• Difficulty sleeping.

• Difficulty making decisions or following through with plans.

• Withdrawing behaviors.

• Physical symptoms such as loss of appetite, stomach pain, headaches.

• Acting out behavior, including aggression.

• Tearfulness.

For faculty and staff in our schools and district offices, we know this is also difficult for you as you work through the feelings of disbelief, anger, grief and sadness. We appreciate all you do to answer questions and help our students during this time. 

The following resources may be accessed by students, families and staff to support in times of crisis and/or grief:

• Safe2Tell Colorado: An anonymous way to report any concern impacting students (phone, app, online reporting options.) Reports can be submitted by calling 1-877-542-SAFE (7233), through their website, through the mobile app (download via the Apple App Store or Google Play Store) or by texting S2TCO to 738477.

• School-based Health Centers: There are 19 School-based Health Centers located in our schools around the city. If there is not a location at your child's school, you may use the one located closest to you.

• Care Solace: Offers behavioral health care coordination services for students, family members, staff and their family members.

• Lock2Live: Lock2Live is an interactive web-based tool to aid in decision-making about temporary strategies for safe storage. Read the FAQ for more information. The Lock2Live website is also available in Spanish.

• Colorado Crisis and Support Line: A resource for mental health, substance use and emotional crisis help – information and referrals. Call 844-493-8255 or Text TALK to 38255.

• I Matter Colorado: Directs students to an online survey for their needs and connects them to a therapist.

• 988 Lifeline: A resource that aids in mental health struggles, emotional distress and more. Call or text 988, or chat with a counselor.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): A confidential, no-cost service available to all DPS employees and their dependents.

For additional support or assistance in accessing resources, please reach out to your school psychologist, school counselor or school social worker. Additional assistance may be accessed by contacting the Family and Community Helpline at 720-423-3054 or FACEHelpline@dpsk12.org.

Sincerely,

Dr. Alex Marrero, Superintendent
Dr. Carrie A. Olson, Board President
Marlene De La Rosa, Vice President
John Youngquist, Secretary
Kimberlee Sia, Treasurer
Xóchitl Gaytán
Michelle Quattlebaum
Scott Esserman

dpsk12.org