March 20, 2026

As we craft our district’s next Strategic Roadmap, we are creating a list of “Student Promises” and asking, “What are the things every student can count on?” We want to know what you believe should be true for every student so we can ensure DPS meets those expectations. If we deliver on those expectations, we know our students will be future ready.

Take the Strategic Roadmap Student Promises Survey and help us refine what we promise to all students. The survey is open now until 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 29. It takes only 7-10 minutes to complete and all responses are confidential.

If you have questions, please contact surveys@dpsk12.net.

The Communication Devices Advisory Committee (CDAC) is supporting the development of a new Board of Education policy outlining rules for student possession of communication devices (such as cell phones) during the school day as required by Colorado HB25-1135. 

If you are interested in observing the CDAC at work, their sixth meeting is on Tuesday, March 24 and their seventh meeting is on Tuesday, April 7. Both meetings will be from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on the 14th floor of the Emily Griffith Campus (1860 Lincoln St.) Childcare and Spanish interpretation services will be available for meeting observers. If interpretation services are needed for languages other than Spanish, email CDAC.groups@dpsk12.net.

Visit the CDAC webpage for more information.

As part of Governance Policy 15, board members will engage with the community within their respective districts over the next few months. At these engagement sessions, board members will be talking about various policies and getting community input. Details for next week’s session are listed below. Childcare, light refreshments and interpretation services will be available at each meeting.

Board District 1 (Southeast Denver)

Director Kimberlee Sia

Monday, March 23 from 5:30-8 p.m.

Location: Slavens K-8 School (3000 S Clayton St.)

RSVP English | RSVP Spanish

Please note that an engagement session for District 4 (Far Northeast) for Vice President Hunter has been added to the schedule for April 30. The details and RSVP forms for all board engagement sessions are available on the Board website.

Abraham Lincoln High School recently hosted a powerful Spanish-language panel featuring alumni who once navigated high school as Spanish-speaking students and are now thriving in college and their careers. They shared real stories, practical advice and encouragement with current students, showing that language is not a barrier, but a strength. This inspiring conversation highlights what’s possible when students stay motivated, embrace who they are and keep pushing toward their goals.

Listen into this special edition podcast episode to hear their stories and advice firsthand. 

The latest EDUCA DPS podcast features a conversation with Dr. Cori Canty on attendance trends, chronic absenteeism and what is working across schools.

The episode highlights a districtwide approach to attendance built on three principles: being positive, proactive and focused on problem-solving. It also clarifies how chronic absenteeism is defined – including how excused absences and partial-day attendance factor in – and why maintaining at least a 90 percent attendance rate remains a critical benchmark.

Tune in to learn the importance of communication with families, the role of consistent routines and the need to address barriers through school-based supports and partnerships. Listen on the DPS Podcast Network or watch the English EDUCA or the Spanish EDUCA.

This month, the DPS Department of Sustainability and City and County of Denver awarded 13 schools with Climate Champions grants. The schools will use the money for various environmental projects. Watch the Climate Champions grants video to see the schools that were surprised with a giant check.

1. Book Talk Trivia: Big Conversations (Zoom): Wednesday, March 25 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Play trivia while learning how to talk to kids and families about "big" life topics. Every family or staff member will receive a free book and qualify for our giveaway! 

2. Teacher Talk Tuesdays: 2nd Grade ELD (Zoom): April 7 at 6:15 p.m. (English) or 7:15 p.m. (Spanish). Watch a real lesson in action! Teachers will show you exactly how to help your child with schoolwork at home and answer questions you have about your child's current or transitioning grade level.

The Department of Climate & Safety launches a new series of Student Safety Summits this spring. The first summit will take place on April 7 at North High School, in collaboration with DPS’ Family and Community Engagement (FACE) department and The Tucker Project, covering critical safety topics like substance use prevention and awareness. Food will be provided at this event. View the event flyer (PDF) for more information. Register for the North High School event today!

There will be six summits total. Each will give families the opportunity to connect with the people and programs that support student safety and well-being across DPS. All events will include a community resource fair and two rounds of breakout sessions on topics such as bullying prevention, youth violence prevention and emergency preparedness. View this document for more information on the upcoming Student Safety Summits (PDF).

Join North High School's Sustainable Solutions Club and the DPS Students for Climate Action for the North Denver Sustainability Fest (JPG) on April 14 from 1-4 p.m. All DPS schools are invited! Register for the North Denver Sustainability Fest today, space is limited. Email Kevin Lowe with any questions.

“My Plan is to be a Veterinarian!" As a child, Brallan worked in a farm and spent much of his time around animals, which inspired his dream of pursuing a PhD in Veterinary Medicine. In pursuit of this dream, he has taken full advantage of DPS programs, including CE, CTE, AP and honors courses. Brallan has also participated in extracurricular activities such as Inspire and LatinX Student Alliance that reflects his dedication to serving both his community and his cultural heritage. The challenges Brallan has overcome have made him resilient, equipping him to face obstacles with determination and achieve success. His advice to freshmen is, “Surround yourself with positive people who lift you up.”

The Denver Fire Department is launching a free CO and Smoke Detector Installation Initiative. Through a recent grant, Denver Fire has received over 2,500 detectors to install in homes across Denver communities. If you know families who could benefit from this support, encourage them to sign up for free detector installation.

This service is completely free for Denver families. The goal is to ensure that every home in Denver that needs detectors is equipped with a new 10-year carbon monoxide and smoke detector. Once the form is completed, Denver Fire will contact families to schedule the installation.

Want to view a past issue of the Our DPS Weekly newsletter? Check out the Our DPS Weekly newsletter archive on DPS' website.

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