Attendance Awareness Month may be coming to an end but attending school every day is always important! Earlier this month we shared this email packed with resources like informative flyers by age group, videos, printable calendars and more to help you and your child build routines that lead to good attendance. For more resources, check out our revamped Attendance webpage with helpful information like how to report and monitor absences online!

Earlier this week, you may have received a message about chronic absenteeism. A student who misses 10% (the equivalent of one to two days per month) or more of the time enrolled in school is considered chronically absent. This includes both excused and unexcused absences, as well as suspensions, and also includes late arrivals and early pick-ups.

To help ensure that your child develops personally, socially, academically and emotionally, it is important that your child gets to school on time each day and stays for the entire day. Attending school every day matters!

The Reverse Trade Fair enables the district to connect with Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs), reinforcing its commitment to equity both in the classroom and through building projects.

Four years ago, Denver voters approved a $795 million bond to renovate schools and fund new construction projects. DPS’ Office of Business Diversity set a goal of 24% utilization of MWBEs in projects funded by the 2020 bond.

“We strive to ensure every women- and minority-owned small business has a fair and equal opportunity to be a part of bond spend. We are excited about the opportunity to continue to grow our supplier base to be reflective of our student population -- rich in diversity,” said Murugan Palani, Director of the District’s Office of Business Diversity.

DPS is proud to announce that we’ve surpassed the targeted 24% goal, with a current utilization of 27.6% of bond construction dollars awarded to MWBEs!

Denver voters rely on relevant information to make informed decisions when it comes to filling out their ballot. The $975 million 2024 bond is one of many initiatives Denver voters will see on the ballot in November and includes several distinct categories for school improvements -- all equally important to serving our students, staff and community well.

Learn more about specific bond categories by checking out our Industry Insider video series. Our first spotlight focuses on Safety with DPS Chief Greg Cazzell.

Did you know that you can search for 2024 bond initiatives using an interactive map on our bond website? Search for 2024 bond initiatives using our 2024 Bond Allocation Dashboard. 

This interactive map allows you to search for initiatives by school, project category or region. Simply use the filter report located in the upper right-hand corner to begin your search.

FACE University is a resource and learning hub for DPS families, teachers and the community. Join us for one of the following upcoming sessions! 

• Trauma-Informed Restorative Practices: Monday, Sept. 30, 5-6 p.m.

  • Up to 80% of students may be identified as needing Tier 1 supports. Learn what it means to overcome behaviors and improve overall social-emotional wellness in your child.

• DPS Bullying 101: Tuesday, Oct. 1, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

  • Bullying statistics are decreasing, but that does not mean it's not a concern (particularly with cyberbullying/social media). Join us for an overview of what bullying means, how to identify it and how to support your student.

Click the title to register or watch via live stream on the FACE Youtube channel! If you have questions, contact Jasmine Rigby. 

Mark your calendars for Colorado Free Application Days on Oct. 15-17! Colorado Free Application Days aim to improve access to further education and training. During this time, Colorado students can apply to public universities, technical colleges and community colleges in Colorado -- all for free! Learn more about Colorado Free Application Days and access instructions. 

Did you know that almost all colleges and universities have application fee waivers for financial hardship throughout the year? If a student is struggling to pay an application fee and wishes to submit an admission application before (or after) Free Application Days, they can visit the Colorado Free App Days website or contact the admissions office at their desired college/university for more information.