May 16, 2025
DPS Senior Spotlight: Meet Keana
Keana is a standout senior at John F. Kennedy High School who brought heart, hustle and humility to everything she did. A top student and star athlete, she earned the DPS Female Athlete of the Year for her school and holds records in basketball. Off the courts, Keana is known for lifting up her peers and creating space for others to succeed.
After graduation, she’s heading to Colorado State University to study business and encourages young students to get involved, show up and take command of their future.
Congratulations, Keana! Watch her story here.
Final Reminder to Complete the Columbian Building Utilization Survey
Today is the last day for the Northwest Denver community to share your input on the usage of the Columbian Elementary facility for the 2026-27 school year. The survey closes at 11:59 p.m. today, May 16. Responses will remain anonymous and confidential and will be viewed in combination with all other responses. If you have any questions, email facehelpline@dpsk12.net.
Collecting Student Technology for the End of the School Year
To ensure DPS is prepared for students to have Chromebooks at the start of next school year, all students must return their Chromebook and charger at the end of this school year.
Students should also return their hotspot and hotspot charger if they have one. Graduating seniors must turn in all of their equipment.
Schools will collect and inspect Chromebooks and hotspots when they are turned in. If there is any intentional damage or loss, a fee will be added to the student's MySchoolBucks account.
DPS Celebrates Asian American Pacific Islander Month
The DPS Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) story features Ali, a senior at East High School, who helped bring the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) History class into her school's curriculum. Of Chinese and Thai descent, her culture has helped shape her passions and she wants to leave a lasting impact. Ali led the conversations of starting the AANHPI course which led to 45 students taking the course this year. A member of the Asian and Pacific Islander Student Association (APSA) Club, Ali hopes to leave lasting impressions so that students can continue to feel seen in a curriculum that reflects their culture.
Watch her story and help celebrate AAPI month.
DPS Celebrates Jewish American Heritage Month
Across DPS, Jewish students are finding connections and community through Jewish Cultural Clubs, offered in partnership with JEWISHColorado. These student-led spaces celebrate culture, identity and traditions. Whether dancing, making bracelets, sharing stories or enjoying food, students come together to learn, laugh and feel at home. Clubs are open to all and hosted at multiple schools throughout Denver.
See how students are building community.
Applications Open! Join LEAC and Support Latine Students in DPS
We are now accepting applications for our Latine Education Advisory Council (LEAC) through June 9! LEAC seeks to improve educational opportunities and to provide quality education for Latine students across Denver Public Schools. We are looking for students, alumni, families, staff and community members to join our council. More information can be found in the application. Influence positive change and apply today!
Enjoy Your Summer Hiring Fair is Almost Here
Join Denver Public Schools for an in-person hiring event on Tuesday, May 20 from 4:30-7 p.m. at Lake Middle School (1820 Lowell Blvd, Denver). Whether you're a teacher, support staff or community member exploring a new path in education, come connect with our team and learn about open roles. Bring your resume, ask questions and take the next step toward a meaningful career!
The Annual DPS STEAM Expo
This year’s DPS STEAM Expo was the biggest yet, with 2,500 visitors and students from 40 schools exploring how science, technology, arts and media can inspire action. From drones and esports to cooking demos and sustainability showcases, students showcased their creativity through projects like goal-scoring robots.
Hosted at CSU Spur, the event highlights how DPS does STEAM differently, with a focus on movement, media literacy and hands-on learning that prepares students for the careers of tomorrow.
Take a look at all the innovation in action!
Amplify Reading Award Winner
#MyPlanDPS Student Achievement Award Recipient
Esther is dedicated to academic excellence, leadership and community service. She takes pride in her contributions to the DPS community, building strong relationships and actively engaging in various clubs and activities. As a member of the Student Voice and Leadership Club and host of a podcast, Esther has played a key role in fostering a positive environment. She is also involved in planning Spirit Week and focuses on celebrating Black excellence and civil rights. In preparation for her future, Esther took concurrent enrollment and CTE courses, gaining valuable educational experience in business and law while earning college credits. Her advice to incoming freshmen is, “Get involved in everything you can, as you never know what opportunities or accomplishments may come from saying yes.”
#MyPlanDPS Student Achievement Award Recipient
Abraham exemplifies leadership, resilience and determination. He launched the boys' volleyball team at Manual High School, working closely with school leadership to create new opportunities for students. Academically driven, he earned 21 college credits through concurrent enrollment while in high school. As an active member of Student Voice and Leadership, the Principal’s Committee and student council, Abraham plays a key role in shaping school policies and advocating for student needs. As a proud gay Latino student, he continues to break barriers and inspire others through his authenticity and courage. Abraham never settles for less than excellence, always pushing himself and those around him to grow. His advice to freshmen is, “High school is more than just academics—it’s about growth, networking and making the most of every moment.”
DPS Back-to-School Events
Denver Public Schools is excited to welcome our families to the 2025 Back-to-School events!
Choose the location that works best for you:
Aug. 9 | 11 a.m.–2 p.m. – Lincoln High School
Aug. 13 | 3–7 p.m. – Manual High School
Aug. 16 | 11 a.m.–2 p.m. – Evie Dennis Campus
RSVP today
Denver Public Schools | 1860 Lincoln Street, Denver, CO 80203
