As a reminder, the timeline for leaders to cascade priorities and for individuals to set LIFT goals was Sept 30. If your team members have not set goals, please follow the steps below and ensure goals are set.   

Next Steps:

1. Watch this screencast offering a high-level overview of the process for cascading goals, the SMART model and best practices for effective goal setting.

2. Obtain a copy of the 2024-25 LIFT Tracker for your Department and create a copy for each of your direct reports.

3. Engage in a beginning-of-year (BOY) conversation with your direct reports using the BOY tab in the LIFT Tracker.

   • Determine individual goals and add them to their LIFT Tracker.

If you have questions, email lift@dpsk12.org. 

Last month, we launched the 2023-24 Annual District Report. This report reflects the tireless dedication of our educators, team members, students, parents and community. This report was created to serve as the second annual update to our Strategic Roadmap, which helps us understand our journey, recognize our accomplishments and identify areas for growth.The report showcases the key initiatives of the past year, significant milestones and our future direction. It provides a comprehensive overview of our progress, emphasizing the strides we've made in various areas, especially in improving the Student, Adult and System Experiences.

Last month, we launched the 2023-24 Annual District Report. This report reflects the tireless dedication of our educators, team members, students, parents and community. This report was created to serve as the second annual update to our Strategic Roadmap, which helps us understand our journey, recognize our accomplishments and identify areas for growth.

The report showcases the key initiatives of the past year, significant milestones and our future direction. It provides a comprehensive overview of our progress, emphasizing the strides we've made in various areas, especially in improving the Student, Adult and System Experiences.

The Superintendent Student Cabinet kicks off on Tuesday, Oct. 22. We are looking for all high school students interested in having input on important district matters and who are excited about working on projects that elevate student voices across the district. Students can sign up through this flyer. Share this opportunity with your students! If you have any questions, email Magnolia Landa Posas.

If you sustain a work-related injury while in the course and scope of your employment with DPS, please call the PMA Care24 Nurse Triage Line at 1-888-502-2613 within 24 hours of the incident. If you have additional questions, contact Risk Management at 720-423-1300 and ask for Judy.

On Sept. 25, The Substance Use Prevention Team hosted Stanford REACH Lab’s Dr. Bonnie Halpern Felscher in an engaging webinar focused on vaping and fentanyl trends and prevention. The webinar slides and recording provide important information for anyone interacting with young people. 

The Stanford REACH Lab offers free evidence-based curriculums that many DPS schools use to prevent and reduce youth substance for elementary, middle and high school. Each interactive lesson is available in English and Spanish and includes teacher talking points, activities, videos and more.

• Vaping Prevention: You and Me, Together Vape-Free Curriculum  

• Cannabis Prevention: Smart Talk: Cannabis Prevention and Awareness Curriculum

• Fentanyl Prevention: Fentanyl Awareness and Prevention Lesson 

For more information, email the DPS Substance Use Prevention team. 

It's essential to remember that how we verbally or nonverbally communicate can prevent, reduce or escalate issues or concerns into becoming a conflict. Every person brings their unique history, background, cultural experiences and expressions of their identities to the workplace. Therefore, we should be mindful that our messages may be received or interpreted positively or negatively. To help with this, explore tips for effective verbal communication that can help prevent or reduce conflicts. 

For more information on the importance of communication, explore the 2023-24 Ombuds Office Annual Report or access these resources for insights on effective communication practices.

Coming up next month: nonverbal communication!

This professional learning opportunity allows you to reflect, look inward and consider what needs dismantling and rebuilding within yourself and your department/team in creating spaces for LGBTQ+ students to thrive. 

The LGBTQ+ 2.0 workshop centers the voices of our students through a documentary film produced over the 2022-23 school year. Through the stories and perspectives of 16 students in 13 DPS high schools, “Reclaiming the Narrative” reframes commonly-held stories about LGBTQ+ youth and celebrates their intersectional identities. Register for this two-day session on Nov. 12 and Nov. 19.

Build your knowledge, emotional intelligence and skills/abilities through CELT's upcoming “Leading with EQ" workshop on Nov. 13. Emotional intelligence (EQ) recognizes and manages emotions to enhance our ability to build relationships and strengthen our capacity to make good decisions. Participants will explore theories and models of EQ and the physiology of emotions to manage interactions with others successfully. If you have any questions, email Melissa Muniz.

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