Family Toolkit

The Family Resource Toolkit (available in multiple languages here) contains information about rights, current DPS policies, Know Your Rights training, mental health support, DPS resources, community resources and more.

Student Toolkit
The Student Resource Toolkit is available in English and Spanish, and shares resources students and families can use to create action plans. The Student Toolkit should be used as a resource only. Parents/guardians ultimately decide when and if it is appropriate to share with their children.

To request a family or student toolkit in your language, email office_communications@dpsk12.org.

Access more resources in this letter from Dr. Marrero.

Families and community members impacted by the Denver Schools Thrive Initiative are invited to attend upcoming Facility Usage Discussions. A third-party facilitator will be leading these meetings to discuss community feedback on how DPS should utilize school facilities after the 2024-25 school year, and Dr. Marrero will be present to discuss how we make the recommendations come to life. This meeting is open to all, but we want to ensure the voices of impacted families are heard! 

Interpretation services, childcare and light refreshments will be provided at these meetings. We hope to see you there! 

• Castro Elementary: March 10 from 5:30-8 p.m

• Palmer Elementary: March 12 from 5:30-8 p.m.

• Columbian Elementary: March 17 from 5:30-8 p.m.

• International Academy of Denver at Harrington: Fall 2025

• Schmitt Elementary: Fall 2025

The DPS “Your Voice/Tu Voz” Student Survey opens Monday, March 3 and will close Friday, March 21. Students in third- through 12th-grade will receive an email from Superintendent Dr. Alex Marrero with a unique link to complete the survey.

Students will have the opportunity to take the survey in class on a date designated by their school, however, we encourage families to check in with their children to ensure they completed the survey. Preview the questions and review the FAQ. If you have questions, email surveys@dpsk12.net.

Responses to the survey inform decisions on how we can better serve our students, and we want to hear from as many students as possible! 

Click here to see last year’s survey results.

DPS Food and Nutrition Services will offer non-congregate meals to students fasting during Ramadan to consume offsite at a time that honors their religious principles. Families can request meals for their children for the entire period of Ramadan or for select days.

To request non-congregate meals for your child between March 3-21, contact the school’s kitchen manager the week prior. When you call, please let us know:

1. Your child’s student ID number.

2. What meals are being requested (breakfast, lunch or just one meal).

3. If the meals are being requested for the entire period of Ramadan or only for specific days.

In this week’s EDUCA podcast, Wes Ogburn and Malena Reyes, experts in bullying prevention, talk about DPS’ bullying prevention efforts. They share insights into DPS’ approach to fostering a culture of belonging and discuss the latest trends in bullying prevention. Wes and Malena explore the role that social media plays in shaping student interactions and the importance of modeling healthy disagreements. Watch the latest episode in English or Spanish.

The Annual Black Student Alliance Banquet was a powerful celebration of Black students, resilience and achievement. In the largest celebration yet, students from across the district came together to celebrate their identities, accomplishments and future aspirations. 

“Resilience is in our DNA. Brilliance is in our DNA. Greatness is in our DNA,” said Dr. Simone Wright, Chief of Academics. 

This amazing event was coordinated by the Department of Activities. Watch the full recap.

As part of our District's CTE program, Montbello Career and Technical High School (MCT) offers a variety of career pathways to help students explore their passions—and one standout opportunity is in automotive technology. MCT is leading the way with an innovative automotive program, now featuring an exciting new component: electric vehicle (EV) training, a first for DPS! Thanks to a special partnership with Hertz, MCT students have received hands-on experience with the future of automotive tech throughout the school year. Coming soon is the opportunity to participate in EV curriculum, to go from learning the basics to mastering the approach. Check out Denver7’s recent coverage to see the new program in action.

Twice a month, North High School students connect with senior residents of The Gardens at St. Elizabeth, interviewing them, playing games and learning from their life experiences. During these visits, students are capturing and compiling the residents' stories, which will be turned into a book by year's end. One common question asked is, “What advice would you give students today?” The answers are diverse and inspiring. Recently, the Native American Leadership class, led by Ms. Redshirt Tyon, shared stories of tribal heroes with the residents, offering a glimpse into Native American culture. The residents were so impressed, they invited the students back to learn more about Colorado’s early settlers. This community partnership fosters intergenerational understanding and lasting friendships with North’s neighbors across 32nd Avenue.

The DPS Student-athletes of the Week highlights students who excel not only in their chosen activity but also in academics, leadership, sportsmanship, citizenship and teamwork.  Congratulations to Alejandra Covarrubias and Daniel Torres. Keep up the great work!

Are you a parent, teacher, student, educator, school leader or community member who is passionate about improving our local schools and making sure that all DPS students thrive? Consider applying to join the District Accountability Committee (DAC)! As an advisory body, the DAC provides feedback to DPS on decisions that impact our schools.  

The DAC is accepting applications through March 21. The application is available in multiple languages. Learn more about the DAC and apply. View the flyer in your preferred language.

“Big Conversations with Little Children,” by Lauren Starnes: March 19, 5-6 p.m. via Zoom. Learn how to address questions, worries and fears to build and nurture trust. Review key concepts from the book using trivia, and have giveaways for attendees! Register to receive a free copy of the book (while supplies last).

Virtual Calm and Kind Family Program: April 7-10, from 8-9 a.m. or 5:30-6:30 p.m. Learn practical strategies to help your child handle emotions healthily, while regulating your own emotions to provide calmer, more effective support. Parents receive a certificate of completion and there are giveaways for families at each session! This session will be offered in English and Spanish.