Oct. 1, 2024

Dear Team DPS,

October marks both Disability Awareness Month and Dyslexia Awareness Month, and we are thrilled to celebrate and honor individuals with disabilities across our community. In DPS, we are committed to being intentional in our efforts to support the 17,000 students with disabilities be successful and accelerate their trajectory.

In alignment with our 2019 Board Resolution for Inclusive Practices, we’re proud to celebrate key District achievements including:

• A 5% increase in the four-year graduation rate for students with disabilities.

• Demonstrated growth in early literacy skills for students with disabilities.

• DPS achieved a perfect score in the compliance category of the Colorado Department of Education’s (CDE) Special Education District Yearly Determination Report.  

• Districtwide alignment on quality indicators for center-based programs.

• New Project SEARCH student internship partnership at St. Joseph’s Hospital for students with disabilities aged 18-21.

Celebrating exceptionalities and neurodiversity in our classrooms and schools throughout DPS is a powerful way to ensure that students and families feel acknowledged, respected and appreciated. By uplifting our students with disabilities, we cultivate a safe and welcoming environment, a deep sense of belonging, and pride within our school communities. This celebration helps build inclusive learning spaces that challenge stereotypes and biases while encouraging positive and authentic representation.

To our incredible students, staff and families, thank you for being part of our mission and commitment to establish an inclusive and empowering learning environment where Every Learner Thrives. A special thank you to our special education teachers, Special Services Providers, school leaders, our Department of Special Education and all of our community partners for your tireless dedication in this area.

While October is dedicated to celebrating Disability Awareness, we recognize that our work to center inclusivity in every school must happen all year long. We’ll continue to celebrate the remarkable contributions of our students with disabilities and the DPS teams that make an impact every day throughout the year.

In collaboration,

Dr. Alex Marrero
Superintendent