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April 30, 2025

Making May Meaningful

Dear Educators,

As we approach the end of another remarkable school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we’ve undertaken together. This time of year is not just about finishing the curriculum; it’s an opportunity to celebrate our students' growth, resilience and achievements. By incorporating highly engaging and meaningful activities during these final weeks, we can make sure our students are prepared for the next step in their journey and create lasting memories that resonate far beyond the classroom. These experiences not only foster joy and excitement but also play a vital role in enhancing student attendance—as our students are more likely to participate when they feel engaged and inspired.

Let’s harness this momentum and make the end of the school year a time of continuous learning, connection and celebration. Whether it’s through creative projects, collaborative events or fun learning experiences, let’s ensure that our students leave with a sense of accomplishment and belonging. When we prioritize engagement, we not only uplift our students but also strengthen our school community. Together, we can make this closing chapter a powerful testament to the dedication and passion that drives our mission in education. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to our students and their futures.

Respectfully,

Dr. Tony Smith,
Deputy Superintendent

The CollaboRATE Survey is Now Open Through Sunday, May 4

The CollaboRATE Survey is open now through Sunday, May 4. Your feedback is essential to improving the Adult Experience. Take 15-20 minutes to complete the survey now. There will be prizes for the schools and departments with the highest completion rate when the survey closes on May 4. 

As a reminder, school-based employees have the option to provide skip-level feedback and will see a drop down option allowing them to provide feedback for APs, deans and teacher leaders.

You should have received an email from K12 Insights, with your unique link to the survey, on Monday, April 21. If you did not receive the survey link from K12, please email surveys@dpsk12.net. For more information, visit the CollaboRATE page on The Commons.

Top Five Things to Know

End-of-Year Reminders and Resources

Grades ECE-12

The end-of-year (EOY) LEAP and SSP conversation window is April 7 - May 16. Keep these important deadlines in mind:

  • Wednesday, May 7: Last day to conduct scored observations for all educators (LEAP/NII/SSP).

  • May 16:End-of-year LEAP and SSP conversation window closes.

  • May 23: All LEAP/NII evaluations are final in the DPS Growth and Performance System (DPS GPS). All SSP evaluations are final in the SSP GPS EOY Final Rating Form.

Because the GPS doesn't have a dashboard that shows all observations and indicators evaluated, these resources can be a helpful visual supporting EOYs. 

The following observation templates are available to make copies of:

  • LEAP Observations Visual Dashboard

  • NII Observations Visual Dashboard

  • SSP Observations Visual Dashboard

If you have questions, email leap@dpsk12.org.

Reminder: Register for 2025 Summer Professional Learning Courses

Grades ECE-12

Specialized Summer PL sessions for all educators adopting new curriculum and/or assessments ​are now offered for the upcoming year. Information on both required and optional summer professional learning opportunities can be found in the 2025 Summer Professional Learning Session Guide. ​R​eview the guide and register according to your role and requirements.

Training is required for teachers who will be using any newly adopted curriculum and/or assessments. If you are unsure which curriculum or assessment your school is adopting, check with your school leadership team. 

All required sessions offer multiple attendance options. Summer professional learning will be compensated at the contractual Extra Duty pay rate. ​I​f you have any questions, email professional_learning@dpsk12.org​.

Seal of Climate Literacy Applications Due May 1

Grades 9-12

Students pursuing the Seal of Climate Literacy diploma endorsement must submit applications by Thursday, May 1. For additional support, review the Seal of Climate Literacy resources.

Spring Redesignation 2025

ISA Admin

The Redesignation window is scheduled to open Monday, May 5, pending the on-time release of ACCESS scores. If there is a delay, we will send updated communication. All generated redesignation forms are required and must be submitted to MLE. We especially urge timely completion for fifth and eighth graders to ensure a smooth start at their new schools.

Schools should be able to view ACCESS scores starting today, April 30, which should be used to prepare for the window opening, including collecting BOEs if needed. ISA rights will be removed at the end of the first week of June, meaning access to ISA forms will be lost. If you have questions, email your ISA coordinator.

Paid August Professional Learning Opportunity for All Secondary Teachers

Grades 6-12

DPS is excited to partner with CSU's School of Global Environmental Sustainability to offer a paid professional learning opportunity for teachers of all subjects this August!

Teachers will learn about Climate Science, Environmental Justice, Futures Thinking and Climate Anxiety, as well as resources and strategies for integrating these climate topics into their content. This is not intended to replace any existing or mandated DPS curriculum, but to support teachers' background knowledge of these topics so they are better equipped to discuss them in a variety of curricular contexts.

Learn more about the PL opportunity, and apply by May 12. Spots are limited, and we are hoping for a true cross-section of content areas.

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