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Oct. 11, 2024

The DPS 'Your Voice/Tu Voz' Survey Is Now Open

Your Voice/Tu Voz

The DPS Your Voice/Tu Voz Family Survey is open now through Friday, Nov. 1. Responses to the survey are critical as they inform decisions on how we can better serve your children. Thank you in advance for completing this survey while juggling all the other priorities that come with being a busy parent or guardian!

New this year: Based on feedback we heard last year, families with multiple children in different DPS schools now only need to complete one survey for all of their children! Check out our videos in English and Spanish to learn more about why it is so important to share your voice.

DPS Hosts National Walk and Roll to School Day

Wednesday was National Walk and Roll to School Day, a day to highlight the importance of reducing emissions while keeping our school crosswalks safe for students. DPS, in collaboration with community partners and volunteers, hosted this districtwide event featuring participation from over 40 schools. As in previous years, local celebrities served as guest crossing guards, including Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston and Superintendent Dr. Alex Marrero! Watch a recap of the event. 

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Through Gaming and Community at Montbello High School

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we are highlighting the Montbello High School’s all-Hispanic Esports team! Esports, now an official Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) sanctioned sport, is opening new doors in high school athletics. This team’s success showcases their digital talents and teamwork, as well as the rich contributions of Hispanic students in shaping the future of Esports. Watch the inspiring story. 

#MyPlanDPS Student Achievement Award Recipient

Ever since Beckett can remember, he knew he wanted to become a surgeon. In pursuit of this, Beckett took numerous medical classes at Denver South High School and concurrently enrolled in a community college to earn his EMT certification. With Nearly 875 volunteer hours as part of the Arapahoe Rescue Patrol, Beckett is on call 24/7, and responds to technical and medical rescues. After graduation, Beckett wants to pursue a career as an emergency room surgeon. His advice to freshmen is "Explore volunteer opportunities and hobbies in areas you would like to work in." See Beckett's #MyPlanDPS here.

Career and College Success My Plan

Our Word Is Our Bond Updates

2020 Bond Testimonial: Abraham Lincoln High School

Thanks to the 2020 Bond, Abraham Lincoln High School received $375,000 toward high-impact investments for their school. The funding helped improve the learning environment for students and staff through several projects, including an auditorium and theater program refresh. Watch this video to see the results. Similar school investment projects are recommended for funding in the 2024 bond package, which will appear on Denver ballots on Nov. 5.

Become an Industry Insider: Air Conditioning and the 2024 Bond

In the newest episode of our Industry Insider series, we explore a popular topic: air conditioning. In this short video, Troy Garner, DPS Executive Director of Planning, Design and Construction, discusses how DPS partners with contractors to bring cooling to our schools. Watch to learn more about the potential for future funding and the timeline of these important air conditioning projects.

Marrero Moment: School Finance and School Bonds with DPS' Chief Financial Officer Chuck Carpenter

In this episode of Marrero Moment, Dr. Marrero sits down for a candid conversation about all things school finance with DPS Chief of Finance, Chuck Carpenter. Chuck discusses his approach to his work and what funding looks like inside our public school system. Chuck also explains what a school bond is, what it supports and its impact on taxpayers. Tune in to learn more.

"La Raza Report" Toolkit for the DPS Community

"La Raza Report" outlines the barriers, opportunities and recommendations to improve the experiences of Latine students, families and employees in DPS. Please utilize this “La Raza Report” Toolkit to share important information on the report with your community. For more information, visit dpsk12.org/laraza or contact Dr. Patricia Hurrieta, Director of the Latine Student Success Team.

ICYMI: New Monthly Board of Education Newsletter

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Earlier this week, the DPS Board of Education (BOE) sent the first edition of their BOE Newsletter. Each month, the newsletter will share important updates and recaps from the Board. Explore new topics in the Policy Governance Corner to help expand your knowledge of how Policy Governance works here in DPS!

If you'd like to sign up to receive this newsletter, complete this form. All editions of the newsletter will also be available in the BOE Newsletter archive.

Superintendent Student Cabinet Sign Up!

The Superintendent Student Cabinet kicks off on Tuesday, Oct. 22. All high school students who are interested in having input on important district matters and who are excited about working on projects that elevate student voices across the district are encouraged to register!

Save the Date: Climate Champions Application Workshop on Oct. 15

Do you know any students who are eager to solve real-world challenges within their community, develop leadership skills and engage in project-based learning? The DPS Sustainability Team encourages applications for student-led climate action projects across all grade levels for this year's Climate Champions Grant Program. Note: DPS charter schools are not eligible to apply at this time.

Join us on Tuesday, Oct. 15 from 4:15-5 p.m. for a virtual workshop where we will discuss how to engage youth voices and inquiry as you support students in the application process. This is also an opportunity to get feedback on your project idea. Students, staff and community members are invited to attend.

  • Join with Google Meet

  • Add the event to your calendar.

If you have questions, email dept_sustainability@dpsk12.net. Applicants are required to submit their pre-application by Tuesday, Oct. 22.

Upcoming Events in October and November

For more information on upcoming events available to the DPS community, click here.

  • MLE DAC at the Zoo on Oct. 16

  • Screenagers Under The Influence on Oct. 17

  • DPS Discount Days: Magic of the Jack O'Lanterns on Oct.9-Nov.2

  • FACE U Learning Series on Oct. 22

  • Family Cultural Festival on Nov. 9