Nominations are open for Colorado’s 2026 Teacher of the Year! The Teacher of the Year program elevates and celebrates exceptional educators. Colorado’s 2026 Teacher of the Year will become a nominee for the National Teacher of the Year award and have an opportunity to travel to Washington, DC with other state nominees from across the country.
We encourage you to nominate the teachers who have made a difference for your child! The nomination form is available online and will be open until Friday, March 14. For more information, visit the Colorado Department of Education's website.
Feb. 21, 2025
Nominations for 2026 Teacher of the Year
DPS Celebrates Black History Month: The Power of Representation in the Classroom
Donnie Staggs, a passionate kindergarten teacher at Joe Shoemaker School, knows firsthand the impact a teacher can have on a student's life. In this powerful video celebrating Black History Month, she shares her journey and how she creates a meaningful environment for her students to feel seen, valued and capable of success.
Michael Atkins, Director of Student Success, also joins the conversation, highlighting the incredible impact Donnie is making for Black students. He emphasizes Donnie’s presence and dedication to help her students and how the Black Student Success team is helping black educators across the district improve student achievement.
Black Voices in Color Podcast: Mental Health
Listen to the latest Black Voices in Color podcast for a powerful conversation, led by student hosts, on mental health in the Black community. Tune in to hear their personal experiences, the unique challenges Black students face and ways to break the stigma surrounding mental well-being. Watch the episode, or listen in on your favorite podcast platform.
Montbello High School Named Newest Demonstration School in Denver
The Center for High School Success (CHSS) announced Montbello High School as the newest national Demonstration School in Denver. CHSS Demonstration Schools are chosen for their exemplary implementation of the CHSS Roadmap, commitment to learning and consistently high 9th Grade On-Track Rates. Since partnering with CHSS beginning in 2022, Montbello's 9th Grade On-Track Rates have improved from 65% to 82%.
Montbello High School will host a 9th Grade Success Showcase on April 30 from 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Registration is open for attendees to learn about CHSS 9th Grade Success Approach and see the work in action at a CHSS Demonstration School.
Lancer Wrestlers Making History
The State Wrestling Tournament took place at Ball Arena this month. Among the talented competitors were five of Lincoln’s own: Jovanna Castro, Tori Bilbrey, Nevaeh Romero, Jordan Romero and Sam Trujillo.
Jojo Castro placed fourth in her weight class, becoming the first female wrestler in Lincoln school history to finish top four in the state tournament.
Jordan Romero, a junior, claimed his first State title with a 4-1 overtime victory.
Kennedy Raises $2,000 for Make-A-Wish Colorado
The Student Council at John F. Kennedy High School helped to raise $2,000 for Make-A-Wish Colorado. Every year, Kennedy students and the Commander Community come together to participate in "Wish Week." Fundraising events included class penny wars, pie-a-staff member and silly string a teacher!
Emily Griffith Technical College Unveils Renovated Welding Lab
Thanks to a generous $900,000 grant secured in 2021 from the State of Colorado (HB21-1264 Funds Workforce Development Increase Worker Skills), the welding lab at Emily Griffith Technical College’s Branch Campus has undergone a complete upgrade and redesign.
The final touches on the long-awaited renovations were completed in January 2025 and include 26 new and wider welding booths, higher quality welding tables and a sophisticated ventilation system which mirrors professional environments. The open layout allows more one-on-one interaction between instructors and students -- equating to a more personal student experience while employing cutting edge welding technology. Additionally, now instructors can offer more efficient vertical and overhead welding guidance. Learn more about the Welding programorbook a tour at the Branch Campus to see for yourself!
DPS Student-athlete 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-athletes of the week, Harper Young and Grayson Robinson. Keep up the great work!
#MyPlanDPS Student Achievement Award Recipient
Carolina has always wanted to be an engineer. At a young age, she loved math and the idea of utilizing math in her career. Carolina's love of math influenced her to pursue a career in engineering. While in high school, Carolina took AP and Concurrent Enrollment
courses to prepare for her dream career. She is most proud of her engineering internship and jokes about one day building a house for her friends. Her advice to freshmen is, "participate in as many events as you can so you can get a great high school experience and try your best in every class, even if it’s not your favorite."
Dine with Dos Amigas
The DPS Foundation’s Dos Amigas fundraiser starts this week. Treat yourself to delicious, authentic Mexican meals while supporting the Denver Public Schools Foundation!
Order now through Tuesday, Feb. 25 and get your meals delivered by Wednesday, Feb. 26. Use code "FOUNDATION" in the notes section of your order for 20% of proceeds to go directly to DPS Foundation. Order at Dos Amigas and make a difference!
Denver Parks and Recreation Spring Activity Guide Now Available!
Mark your calendar: spring activity registration opens Tuesday, Feb. 25 at noon. Browse the guide and plan your season of recreation, from swimming to sports leagues, to arts classes and outdoor adventures. Get ready to dive into spring with Denver Parks and Recreation!
Seal of Climate Literacy Student Resource
High schoolers can explore the Seal of Climate Literacy website for information regarding qualifying for the diploma endorsement. The Intent to Apply deadline is April 1, and applications are due May 1. Email dept_sustainability@dpsk12.net with any questions.
Summer Camp Registration: Extended Learning and Community Schools
DPS' Extended Learning and Community Schools (ELCS) will be offering three different camp options this summer. Please see below:
For questions, email discovery_link@dpsk12.org, enrichment_extendedlearning@dpsk12.org and elcsports@dpsk12.net.
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