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DC21 students pose for a photo

May 2, 2025

DPS Senior Spotlight: Ali

The DPS Senior Spotlight series celebrates the incredible journeys of five graduating seniors from across the district. The first feature is Ali, a student at East High School whose passion for storytelling, civic engagement and community-building has left a lasting mark. 

From producing student-led broadcasts to registering seniors to vote, Ali has made every moment at East count. She is a proud member of the sustainability club, an advocate for student voices and helped launch an Asian-American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander course at East. 

Ali is heading to the University of Southern California to study cinematic arts and hopes to produce stories in the future. 

Watch Ali’s full story and celebrate the Class of 2025!

Columbian Building Utilization Survey

Denver Public Schools is committed to a community engagement process to determine possible uses for the Columbian Elementary facility in the 2026-27 school year and beyond. This commitment was made through the Denver Schools Thrive Initiative (DSTI).

To share your input on the usage of the Columbian Elementary facility for the 2026-27 school year, please complete this survey. Note: This survey is intended for the Northwest Denver Public Schools community. Your responses will remain anonymous and confidential. Responses will be viewed in combination with all other responses.

Thank you for your input. If you have any questions, email facehelpline@dpsk12.net.

Calling DPS Community Members: ProComp Trust Board Opportunity

The ProComp Trust Board is seeking a new community member to join the Trust Board. This position will hold a three-year term, starting in the 2025-26 fiscal year. Those interested should complete this form. 

The ProComp Trust Board ensures the financial stability of the funds raised by the ProComp Mill Levy. The ProComp Trust Board is responsible for monitoring how DPS spends the funds derived from the Trust, ensuring they are spent only on ProComp-related expenses and are consistent with the ProComp Agreement.

The ProComp Trust Board will only consider applicants not employed by the district for this role on the Board.

EDUCA DPS Podcast: Family Support Services

English

Spanish

In the latest EDUCA DPS Podcast, Kate Diaz, Family Constituent Services (FCS) manager, and Malena Reyes, Family Services Specialist, share how the FCS team supports families, staff and schools navigate district resources. FCS also supports school-based resolutions and family-school partnerships to ensure every student has a welcoming school environment. 

Learn how the FACE Helpline connects families to key services and how FCS bridges communication between families and schools. 

Need support? Call the FACE Helpline at 720-423-3054 or email facehelpline@dpsk12.org.

Listen to this episode on your favorite podcast platform or watch in English or Spanish.

41st Annual DPS Shakespeare Festival

Last week, DPS welcomed thousands to the 41st Annual Shakespeare Festival. The Shakespeare Festival is the largest and longest running student Shakespeare festival in the world. The event featured 17 stages with back-to-back performances put on by students from across the district. It was a true celebration of creativity, courage and an appreciation for the performing arts. Watch the highlights!

DPS Spark Summer Job Shadow Program: Application Deadline Monday!

Students do wall sits

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 by completing this form by Monday, May 5!

Seal of Climate Literacy Awards Ceremony

DPS Seal of Climate Literacy Awards Ceremony Monday May 12, 5-7 PM

Friends and Family of high school students who have achieved the Seal of Climate Literacy are invited to celebrate students' climate action at the awards ceremony at North High School on Monday, May 12 from 5-7 p.m. RSVP at this link. 

Mayor's YouthWorks Initiative: Upcoming Job Fairs

Mayor's Youth Works Initiative

The Mayor’s YouthWorks Initiative rewards eligible youth for their employment over the summer. If you meet the requirements and complete all steps, you can receive a $500 retention bonus in the fall! Applications are open now through July 1. Join an upcoming in-person or virtual job fair to learn about available opportunities through this program:

In-Person Job Fair

  • Saturday, May 17: Career Expo from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Lowry Conference Center, 1061 Akron Way #Building 697, Denver, 80230

Virtual Job Fairs

  • Thursday, May 29: Virtual Career Fair from 5-6 p.m.

  • Thursday, June 26: Virtual Career Fair 5-6 p.m.

Check the Mayor’s YouthWorks Initiative website and flyers in English and Spanish for more information. Plus, check out the Nexsum job board—a network for students by students!

For students interested in a youth leadership position, the Mayor’s Youth Commission is accepting applications for the 2025-26 school year. Commissioners work to improve our shared community with their civic engagement and leadership. For more information on the opportunity check out this video, or complete the interest form.

Interested in other summer programs? Use the Denver Youth Program Locator to find summer opportunities near you.

#MyPlanDPS Student Achievement Award Recipient

Holland has a passion for business and has curated a path for his dream career. This passion motivated him to excel in AP classes, join finance club, serve as the president of Future Business Leaders of America and win first place at the DECA Colorado State Competition for Financial Literacy Project. Holland was accepted into UChicago and USC, receiving presidential scholarships at both universities. His advice to freshmen is, “Make the most of your time and enjoy it by taking all the opportunities you can.”

Upcoming at FACE University

Preventing Summer Slide: Resources to Support Summer Learning

Family Learning Session: Preventing the Summer Slide | Tuesday, May 13 from 4-4:30 p.m. via Zoom
Did you know students can lose learning during the break? Help your child stay sharp and confident all summer long with simple, fun and free ways to keep your child learning. Get access to local resources around the Denver Metro area. Complete the course at your pace and you’ll be entered into a prize giveaway! Join us for a quick Zoom walkthrough video, available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.

Supporting Students During Times of Uncertainty | Tuesday, May 27 from 5–5:30 p.m. Live on Zoom, Presented by Denver Children's Advocacy Network

Join us for a powerful 30-minute session designed to equip parents and caregivers with tools to support students facing stress and uncertainty. Learn practical ways to help your child cope with environmental stressors, build family-wide resilience and navigate challenges while waiting for therapy or additional support.

Protecting Your Family from Rising Measles Cases

Large measles outbreaks are occurring throughout the United States, including in states bordering or close to Colorado. Measles is more than a rash. It's a serious respiratory illness that can lead to severe complications. Measles is easily spread and can remain in the air for up to two hours and stays on surfaces, too. If one person has it, nine out of 10 people who are unprotected around them will get measles. A person can spread measles to others even before they show symptoms.

Making sure your child is protected is key to keeping your family and community safe. Find a vaccine provider near you by visiting cdphe.colorado.gov/immunizations/get-vaccinated.

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