Jan. 17, 2025
Monthly Safety Spotlight: Standard Response Protocols (SRP) Drills
This semester, we will be sharing monthly Safety Spotlights in Our DPS Weekly with the goal of keeping our community informed, engaged and empowered. This month’s topic is Standard Response Protocol (SRP) Drills.
In the coming weeks, students will participate in their second Lockdown Drill of the 2024-25 school year. During a lockdown drill, all students and staff practice locking doors, turning off lights, and staying out of sight. These drills typically last less than ten minutes.
Throughout the drill, team members from the DPS Department of Climate and Safety will monitor the building. They ensure hallways are clear, doors are securely locked, and that students and staff understand the safety procedures. These drills are a vital part of our commitment to creating safe and prepared school environments.
What Are SRP Drills?
The Standard Response Protocol, developed by the ILoveYouGuys Foundation, provides a simple and effective framework for responding to emergency situations in schools. The SRP is built around five clear actions: Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter.
What to Expect During an SRP Drill
Preparation: Teachers and staff will provide age-appropriate explanations before the drill begins.
Practice: Students and staff will practice the specific SRP action in a scheduled, safe and controlled environment.
Debrief: Time is allotted after each drill to address questions, provide reassurance, and reinforce the importance of the protocols.
Learn more about SRP in these videos available in English and Spanish. Access this DoCS Family Resource folder for additional handouts and posters in multiple languages.
Our District’s Commitment to Safety
We understand that emergency drills can sometimes cause anxiety or confusion. That’s why our district is committed to making these drills informational and not traumatic. Through thoughtful planning and communication, we aim to:
Ensure students and staff feel prepared, not scared.
Create opportunities for learning and discussion around safety best practices.
Promote a culture of calm and confidence during drills.
How You Can Support
Parents and guardians play a vital role in supporting our safety efforts. Here’s how you can help:
Review the SRP actions with your student.
Reinforce that drills are a normal part of preparedness and are meant to keep everyone safe.
Share any questions or concerns with your student’s school.
Thank you for your partnership in helping us keep our schools safe spaces where everyone feels prepared and supported. If you have any questions, contact your child’s school.
Sincerely,
Greg Cazzell
Chief, DPS Department of Climate and Safety
Updating Contact Information in Parent Portal
As we kick off the start of the spring semester, it’s important that schools are able to reach families to communicate important information around attendance, assessments, important deadlines and much more. If your contact information has changed since fall registration, please follow these instructions to update emails and phone numbers in Parent Portal.
SchoolChoice is Now Open!
DPS SchoolChoice Round 1 for the 2025-26 school year is now open through 4 p.m. on Feb. 18! This annual open enrollment process is for any student who wants or needs to attend a new school next year, particularly incoming ECE-3, kindergarten, sixth- and ninth-grade students.*
To submit your application:
Research your school options using School Finder and the Enrollment Guides.
Create an account or use your Parent Portal username and password to log in to SchoolChoice.
Rank up to 12 schools in order of preference and submit by Feb. 18.
You’ll be notified of your results in late March. In the meantime, find much more information on the SchoolChoice website. If you have any questions, review our FAQs, call 720-423-3493 or email schoolchoice@dpsk12.org.
*Families applying for ECE-3 with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) from the DPS Department of Special Education should submit the Universal Preschool Colorado (UPK) application to apply for funding. Families who are applying for ECE-4 must submit the UPK application. Read below for more information.
Important Update to the ECE-4 Application Process for 2025-26
The Colorado Department of Early Childhood has announced that for the 2025-26 school year, families applying for ECE-4 must first submit a Universal Preschool Colorado (UPK) application, and the matching process will be completed through UPK (not through Denver Public Schools). To apply:
Submit the UPK application by Feb. 3, 2025.
If your student does not have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) from the DPS Department of Special Education, rank up to 10 schools in order of preference.
If your student has an IEP, the application will ask you to submit your application without making school selections.
Submit the DPS SchoolChoice application to notify Denver Public Schools of your intent to enroll in an ECE-4 program next year. Select “Universal Preschool Program” as the school. DPS will support applicants with IEP in selecting a school at a later time.
The deadline to be matched in the first round of the UPK application process is Feb. 3. Families who submit their application by this date will be notified of their matches on Feb. 24.
Learn more on the SchoolChoice website.
Marrero Moment with 2025 Colorado Teacher of the Year
In this Marrero Moment, DPS celebrates the 2025 Colorado Teacher of the Year -- Janet Damon, a history teacher at DELTA High School and proud DPS alumni. Tune in to hear Janet share her journey and aspirations.
The Department of Activities Presents Saturday School at the National Western Stock Show Parade
Last week, students and staff from Munroe Elementary and Lake Middle School proudly represented the Department of Activities and the Saturday School program in the iconic National Western Stock Show Parade. Joining them in the parade festivities was the DPS Citywide Marching Band who filled the streets of downtown Denver with music and excitement. Watch this recap to relive the moment with our students.
Dr. Marrero and Colorado Education Commissioner Discuss How DPS Is Addressing Chronic Absenteeism
In December, DPS Superintendent Dr. Alex Marrero sat down with Colorado Education Commissioner Dr. Susana Córdova to share how DPS is addressing chronic absenteeism. Commissioner’s Chat on Attendance with Dr. Marrero. Tune into their conversation for more information on DPS’ approach to ensure Every Learner Thrives and is present.
DPS Student-athletes of the Week
The DPS Student-athlete of the Week highlights students who excel not only in their chosen activity but also in academics, leadership, sportsmanship, citizenship and teamwork. Congratulations to our student-athlete of the week, Caroline Johnson and Eduardo Garibay. Keep up the great work!
Moody's Upgrades the DPS Credit Rating Before the Pricing of the 2024 Bond
DPS is proud to announce that Moody's Investors Service has upgraded the District’s general obligation unlimited tax (GOULT) ratings from Aa1 to Aaa credit rating. This is the highest rating that can be given to a general obligation bond by a major credit-rating agency.
This prestigious rating means that the District has the lowest risk of default and is able to meet financial commitment with ease. It also reinforces DPS's sound financial practices and allows the District to issue bonds at a lower interest rate. This will reduce the cost of borrowing, allowing the district and Denver taxpayers to save money on bond repayments. Visit DPSK12.org to learn more.
Upcoming Events in January and February
Click here for more information on upcoming events available to the DPS community.
Multilingual Families and Community Invited to the MLE DAC on Jan. 22
DPS Lunar New Year Celebration at Hadley Library
Join DPS at the National Western Stock Show
Apply for Healthy Food for Denver's Kids Grant!
Virtual Family Learning Opportunities at FACE University!
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