As we transition into the holiday season, we want to take a moment to remind you of the importance of consistent school attendance. Regular attendance not only builds students’ ability to follow daily routines but also is important to their personal, social, academic and emotional development.

With the upcoming holiday breaks, we encourage you to plan family activities around our school calendar to ensure your child is present in school all day, every day. Each day of instruction is vital in helping our students meet their educational goals and maintain their learning progress. Make-up work does not fully help students recover missed instruction, and one student’s absence affects classmates’ progress due to the collaborative nature of learning.

Access the 2024-25 school year calendar to plan appointments and travel around the following breaks:

• November Break: Nov. 25-29

• December Break: Dec. 23, 2024-Jan. 6, 2025

Note: Some schools may have their own calendars so be sure to also check your child's school calendar for any important, school-specific dates.

The Colorado Department of Education also has printable calendars for families and students to track their attendance. These calendars are available in English and Spanish.

We appreciate your partnership in supporting your child's education and look forward to seeing them at school each day!

The DPS SchoolChoice Round 1 open enrollment window for the 2025-26 school year opens at 10 a.m. on Jan. 15 and runs through Feb. 18, 2025 at 4 p.m. 

SchoolChoice Round 1 is for any student who wants or needs to attend a new school for the following school year. All incoming ECE students, as well as incoming students who reside in an enrollment zone, must complete an application. Learn more about the ECE application process here. 

Keep an eye on schoolchoice.dpsk12.org and visit our School Finder to start researching schools. Call the SchoolChoice Hotline at 720-423-3493 or email schoolchoice@dpsk12.org if you have questions.

We closed out National Principals Month with a special visit to Oakland Elementary School, where Principal Quiroga-Beck sat down with one of her students to answer questions about being a principal. Dara, an Oakland fifth-grader, asked questions that covered everything from a dream of having a real eagle mascot, to the school’s secret candy stash. Watch this heartwarming video.

Students at Montclair School of Academics and Enrichment celebrated Dia de los Muertos with beautiful ofrendas (altars) honoring ancestors, delicious churros and music. This rich tradition, celebrated with colorful marigolds, photos and cherished mementos, gave students the opportunity to connect with Mexican heritage and reflect on the importance of remembrance. 

Shout out to our DPS Culture, Equity and Leadership Team for helping bring this memorable event to the students at Montclair. Watch the celebration!

Students across the district gathered for the LGBTQ+ Student Awards Banquet, an event celebrating student accomplishments and honoring LGBTQ+ History Month. The event featured student performances, delicious food and awards. Watch the event recap. 

In this week’s 2024 Bond Industry Insider series, Director of Athletics Kevin Bendjy shares how 21st Century updates impact the athletic and academic experience of our young scholars. Andrew Huber, Executive Director of Enrollment and Campus Planning, explains what New Capacity means and addresses how the district is responding to changing enrollment needs in Denver. He also shares the current plan in place to make sure all students have access to a robust education.

This year’s ballot is the longest in Denver history! School initiatives are often at the end of ballots. The students at Polaris Elementary have an important message: vote and remember to read your entire ballot!

Our Word is Our Bond is a quarterly district newsletter that reports on school bond projects. Stay informed by signing up to get future editions of the newsletter and visit the archive to catch up on previous editions.

Meet Mary Dully, a beloved member of the Merrill Middle School community and a dedicated Nutrition Services employee for more than 45 years. With a deep passion for nourishing young minds, Mary believes that a full stomach is key to a successful learning experience. Her unwavering commitment to providing healthy, delicious meals ensures that every student is prepared to thrive in the classroom. Through her tireless work and heartfelt interactions, Mary has become not just a provider of food, but a source of support and inspiration for countless students over the decades. Check out her feature story on CBS Colorado!

Photo credit: CBS News Colorado

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-athletes of the week, Genesis Lujan and Brian Villalba! Keep up the great work!

Parent Village, a part of the DPS Family Advocacy Program, exists to create a world where parent voices are elevated and strengthened through advocacy practice and community-building. Learn basic advocacy skills and community resources to support causes that are important to your family and school community.

Join us on Nov. 14 from 4:45-7 p.m. at Abraham Lincoln High School for the first session, “Foster Community and Collective Identity.” Dinner and childcare will be provided.

Stay tuned for time and location information for the second session, “Explore Your Advocacy Style” on Nov. 21 and the third session, “Fight for Change” on Dec. 5.

Join the DPS Substance Use Prevention Team on Nov. 20 at noon for an informative session on how to discuss substance use with your children. This conversation can be daunting, but we are here to help you navigate it. Register here. Spanish interpretation will be available.