Set Lift Goals by Monday, Sept. 30

The time to cascade priorities and set individual LIFT goals has arrived! Through collaborative leadership, offices have named the 2024-25 priorities based on the DPS Strategic Roadmap and the outcomes delineated in the Board of Education Ends Statements. 

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 BOY conversation with your direct reports (using the BOY tab in the LIFT Tracker.)

4. Determine individual goals and add them to their LIFT Tracker by Monday, Sept 30. 

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

Confirm your department’s Employee Space Champion by Oct. 23. These champions will be key to ensuring a smooth transition when the platform goes live in January 2025.

Champions will:

• Gain early access to the platform.

• Provide feedback on training materials.

• Guide their team to the right resources.

• Collaborate on solutions to refine the transition.

If you have new team members or just need a refresher, check the Employee Space Champion list to see if your department already has a champion or needs one. If you have questions, email Yani Torres. 

Join us for the 23rd Annual Second Wind Fund walk/run on Sunday, Sept. 22. This event raises money to support the Second Wind Fund’s mission: to decrease the incidence of suicide in children and youth by removing the financial and social barriers to treatment. 

There are various ways to participate:

• Register to walk or run with Team DPS at the event.

• Donate and/or create a peer-to-peer fundraiser. Top fundraisers will receive awesome Second Wind Fund swag items!

If you have questions, email Joanna Barker.

The Black Education Advisory Council (BEAC) is a group of Denver Public Schools community members who value and honor the richness and diversity that our Black and Indigenous culture brings to the educational system in Denver Public Schools. 

BEAC is accepting Advisory Council Member applications through Oct. 11. The selection process will take place between October and November. BEAC is open to all community members, DPS staff, DPS families and DPS students.

Spread the word to families and staff members using these promotional materials provided in 11 different languages!

In response to supporting the needs of the whole community, DPS is providing an additional layer of support by adding social services through Care Solace. In addition to mental health care and substance use treatment coordination services, Care Solace can connect DPS families and staff to food assistance, shelter support and community health services. For more information, access the Social Services flyer.

Now that we are in the midst of another school year, the Ombuds Office is here to help DPS employees with recommendations from our 2023-24 Annual Report:

• Effective communication.

• Intentionally focus on organizational culture and climate.

• Provide ongoing support and training to DPS employees.

Each month, topics shared will focus on approaches to support DPS employees with effective communication methods. Topics will include a glimpse into different communication styles and forms when individuals have a conflict. Stay tuned for monthly communication.

For additional information about our support and services, visit the Ombuds page on The Commons.

The Climate Champions Grant Program provides funding for DPS students to implement climate action projects in their schools. This program engages DPS students in real-world problem-solving, leadership development and project-based learning, allowing for innovative and creative solutions to climate change. 

This is the second year of the program and it is run through the DPS Sustainability Team. There is $225K available to fund multiple projects and project teams can request up to $25K. Pre-application is due Oct. 22 and the application is due by Dec. 3. If you have questions, email dept_sustainability@dpsk12.net. For inspiration, review the previously funded climate action projects.

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