Welcome to the third edition of our Monthly Safety Spotlight! This series keeps you connected to the incredible work happening across DPS’ Department of Climate and Safety. Each month, we highlight the teams ensuring that every student, staff member and family feels safe, valued and supported.

This month, we’re focusing on School Climate -- because a positive learning environment isn’t just nice to have, it’s essential for student success. Let’s take a closer look at the teams working behind the scenes to create safe, welcoming schools for all.

Meet the Teams Making an Impact

Youth Violence Prevention

Mission: Empower students to build positive relationships and reduce violence.
How: Mentorship, student-led initiatives and community partnerships that break cycles of violence.
Impact: Fewer school-based violence incidents, stronger student connections and increased access to support.

Bullying Prevention

Mission: To create the conditions where bullying cannot thrive.
How: Evidence-based programs, student-centered policies and family engagement.
Impact: A culture where every student feels safe, seen and supported.

School Climate Development

Mission: Foster trust, belonging and collaboration across our schools.
How: Coaching, engagement strategies and system design that transform school environments.
Impact: Stronger staff support, improved student relationships and enhanced well-being.
Bonus: Collaborating with the Campus Safety Training Academy to develop tailored training programs!

Emergency Management

Mission: Ensure our schools are ready for any crisis.
How: Hands-on training, emergency preparedness and coordination with first responders.
Impact: A district-wide culture of readiness that enables quick, effective responses.
Bonus: Leading safety training sessions to help staff feel prepared for emergencies.

Project Management

Mission: Bring safety initiatives to life with seamless execution.
How: Coordinating resources, managing timelines and ensuring smooth implementation.
Impact: Transforming big ideas into lasting school climate and safety improvements.

Data-Informed Practices & Continuous Improvement

Mission: Use data to make informed decisions that keep schools safe and effective.
How: Analyzing service calls, surveys and key metrics to guide strategy.
Impact: A school climate that continuously adapts to student, staff and community needs.

Why This Matters

A strong school climate isn’t just about positive energy -- it’s the foundation for academic success, emotional resilience and community trust. When students feel safe, they thrive. When staff have resources, they excel. When families engage, we all win.

Want to learn more? Check out SchoolSafety.gov and Colorado’s vision for positive school climates at CDE’s Landscape.

Stay informed. Stay engaged. Stay safe. Together, we’re shaping a future where every student has the opportunity to learn, grow and shine.

Lockdown drills are an essential part of keeping our schools safe. At DPS, all drills are scheduled in advance. Our goal is to teach and coach, celebrating what goes well and improving where needed. 

DPS schools work closely with the Department of Climate and Safety to ensure that these drills are conducted effectively. A recent drill at Trevista Elementary showcased how schools practice safety protocols and use the CrisisGo app, which allows school leaders to quickly activate a lockdown or secure perimeter. Practicing these drills ensures that in an incident, everyone knows how to respond. 

Watch this video to see the drills and learn more about safety procedures.

In response to increasing measles activity in neighboring states and across the country, the Denver Department of Public Health & Environment (DDPHE) and DPS have issued this guidance. 

Measles is a reportable communicable disease condition in Colorado, which means when a case of measles is suspected, public health officials will work directly with healthcare providers and school districts to investigate and respond to cases, to ensure the ongoing health and safety of students, staff and the surrounding community.

The best way to protect your family from measles is to receive the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The MMR vaccine is a two-dose series, the first dose given at 12-15 months and the second dose at 4-6 years old. Read the guidance above to learn more.

The DPS “Your Voice/Tu Voz” Student Survey is open through Friday, March 21! Responses to the survey inform decisions on how we can better serve all our students. 

Students in third- through 12th-grade should have received 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. If you have questions, email surveys@dpsk12.net.

DPS has been recognized as a 2025 Best of Green Schools Award Recipient in the School System category, presented by the Center for Green Schools. The Best of Green Schools Awards celebrate the hard work being done by individuals and groups who are making significant strides toward sustainability in education. The district has a strong commitment to creating environmentally friendly learning environments that benefit both students and the community, as outlined in the district’s Climate Action Plan. Read our press release for more information. 

All high schoolers interested in applying for the Seal of Climate Literacy this year must fill out an Intent to Apply by April 1. Final applications are due May 1. Reach out to dept_sustainability@dpsk12.net with any questions.

Social-emotional learning (SEL) is a key part of student success at DPS. It helps young learners build essential life skills like emotional regulation, leadership and communication. Teachers like Paulina Lerma-Banuelos at Barney Ford Elementary and Joe Szwaja at Lake Middle School integrate SEL into their daily routines to create supportive inclusive learning environments. 

In this video, students from Barney Ford Elementary start their day with SEL focus, engaging in activities that help them navigate school. At Lake Middle School, students are visualizing their confidence and developing a success-oriented mindset, similar to how professional athletes prepare for competition. 

Watch the video to learn more about how SEL is helping students succeed.

In celebration of National Women in Construction Week (March 2-8), DPS partnered with Adolfson & Peterson Construction, Eidos Architects and DPS project managers to inspire students at Legacy Options High School. This special event highlighted the diverse career opportunities available in the construction industry and showcased the vital role women play in shaping our communities. 

Professionals shared their career paths with students and encouraged them to explore the many possibilities in the construction industry. The story also gives a sneak peek at the exciting renovations coming to the CTE Construction room this summer, which will provide students with a brand-new workplace to develop their skills as part of the 2020 Bond.

Register to join DPS and our partners on Saturday, March 22 from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. for an important discussion about harmful anti-LGBTQIA+ policies and their effects on youth and schools. This town hall will provide a platform for learning, asking questions and exploring how we can take meaningful action to protect LGBTQIA+ rights. Together, we’ll empower our community to stand up against harmful legislation and work toward a more inclusive and supportive future for everyone. Location details will be disclosed upon registration. 

Hagan clic aquí para leer este mensaje en español.

“Big Conversations with Little Children,” by Lauren Starnes: Wednesday, 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.

The district aims to audit three systems this school year to ensure equity. One of these, the CSC Equity Audit, will be conducted through a self-assessment to identify strengths and areas for improvement within DPS systems.

The results will help determine where additional resources and support are needed to strengthen CSCs across DPS.

We encourage all school leaders, principals and CSC members to complete the self-assessment honestly. The assessment will be open March 13-April 30 and takes 5-10 minutes to complete. Share this information with your committees -- we encourage you to add it to your next meeting agenda!