Dear DPS Community,

We are nearing the final weeks of the 2024-25 school year! While May is often a month of celebration and closing chapters for many of our students, it is also a month when consistent attendance is still important. Each student’s presence at the end of the year plays a vital role in ensuring they finish strong and are prepared for their next year of learning.

We understand that families have many commitments and that the end of the year can be a busy time. However, regular school attendance in these final weeks is essential as teachers are wrapping up important lessons and finalizing projects that contribute to your child’s overall educational growth.

We urge you to prioritize school attendance during these final weeks of the year. Your support in ensuring your child is present and engaged is key to their continued progress. If there are any challenges preventing regular attendance, please contact your child’s school. We are here to support families and students to ensure students are in class each day for the full day.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership in your child’s education. Let’s finish this year on a positive and successful note!

Discovery Link registration for next school year will go live on Tuesday, April 29 at 6 a.m. Check out the resources below for more information.

• Details and how to register.

• Discovery Link program information.

Questions? Email discovery_link@dpsk12.org.

DPS is proud to feature Safa, a remarkable student at Robert F. Smith STEAM Academy, in honor of Arab American Heritage Month. Originally from Syria, Safa came to the U.S. at eight years old and took on the challenge of learning a new language, culture and school system. 

Safa has thrived despite the differences in writing right to left in Arabic and adjusting to a new school environment. “I celebrate my heritage by gathering with my community, playing Arabic music, sharing Arabic food and wearing traditional dresses,” she said. 

Safa’s resilience, academic passion and pride in her identity are a reminder of the strength that diversity brings to our schools. 

Watch her story here.

In this Black Voices in Color podcast, the hosts discuss the college application process, financial aid and how to make your scholarship applications stand out. They also share details about the Common Black College App, which allows students to apply to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) all with one application. 

Mr. Hap Legg, a school counselor at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Early College, shares his college journey and discusses how to navigate the college process and how to succeed in college. 

Tune in for tips on navigating financial aid, insider advice and college resources that support first-gen and BIPOC students. Whether you're a student, parent or educator, this episode is packed with valuable tools to help you through your college journey. 

Listen now wherever you stream your podcasts or on YouTube.

DPS is proud to announce the grand opening of a state-of-the-art, energy-efficient greenhouse at Bruce Randolph School. This new greenhouse is a living classroom where all 650 students will have the opportunity to engage in real-world, hands-on learning. The greenhouse features a climate control system where students will learn how to grow fresh produce through a sustainable pathway in agriculture. Watch the full video here.

Happy (belated) Earth Day! Whether you’re an artist, a foodie, or a techie, there’s a role for you in protecting our future -- because when passion meets purpose, change actually happens.

Watch this video from the Sustainability Team to learn how you can take meaningful climate action that resonates with both your skills and interests, and be one step closer to making change in your community!

Identify your climate action by asking yourself these questions and seeing where they overlap:

1.  What are you good at?

2.  What work needs doing?

3.  What brings you satisfaction and joy?

Emily Griffith Technical College, the adult education arm of DPS, is leading the nation in the expansion of registered apprenticeship as a viable higher education opportunity. We are excited about the signing of HB25-1221 by Governor Jared Polis, which allows Emily Griffith to award an Associate Degree of Applied Science—opening new pathways for registered apprentices to advance their education and careers. Emily Griffith Technical College Executive Director, Randy Johnson, stated, "This groundbreaking degree elevates apprenticeship and the workforce.”

The college expects registered apprentices to begin working towards their Associate degree by August 2026. This will open doors to well-paying jobs in high-demand fields, benefiting their families, future generations and the local economy.

For more information, email apprenticeship@emilygriffith.edu.

Calling all DPS rising seventh and eighth graders! Have you ever wondered what it's like to step into the shoes of a professional for a day? Join us for an exciting four-hour job shadow program this summer right here in the Denver Metro Area! Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at a career path, hands-on experience and meet professionals in the field! Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to explore your interests and ignite your passion for success! Apply using this form.