Jan. 17, 2025

Dear Team DPS,

Denver Public Schools is committed to providing equitable and inclusive environments where all our students feel safe and socially and emotionally supported. With the potential change of federal policies, students, families, and staff who are undocumented are experiencing unease and uncertainty regarding potential mass deportation.

While we still do not know exactly what actions the incoming administration will take at this time, it is important that our staff and families have access to resources and information to establish an action plan.

This Staff Toolkit contains information and resources about the current DPS policy regarding visitors to the building, sharing resources with families, emergency contact updates, and more. Please read this guide and save it so you can refer to it whenever necessary.

A Family Resource Toolkit, available in English and Spanish, contains information and resources about rights, current DPS policies, training, mental health support, DPS resources, community resources, and more.

In addition to reviewing the Family Toolkit, it is important that families update emergency contacts. Each student should have at least two emergency contacts. These individuals do not need to be family members; they can be any trusted adult known by the family. We also ask that families identify those authorized to pick up their students (including older siblings) from school if a parent or guardian cannot. Directions on how families can do this are included in their toolkit.

At the time of this communication, our schools are still designated sensitive locations, meaning that they are places where Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is restricted from conducting enforcement actions. Our schools are safe, and we want our staff and students here. While our function is to provide education for all students, our responsibility is to provide safe and welcoming environments. That has not changed.

In collaboration,

Dr. Alex Marrero
DPS Superintendent