*Click on newsletter image to interact with links and the newsletter in its entirety*
Aug. 28, 2024
Reflecting on Our First Week and Looking Ahead to September
Dear Educators,
Students are back in the building, and the atmosphere is buzzing with positivity! Schools are setting the tone for the year by focusing on strong culture systems and fostering a joyful learning environment. Many schools are already diving into data team meetings and establishing a steady rhythm with their teams. Lake Middle School recently hosted a "signing day" event for clubs, encouraging students to engage in afterschool programs, helping them build relationships and deepen their connection to the school.
At Manual High School, students in English 3 are working on argumentative essays after analyzing two sources. Several secondary schools, including DCIS Baker, South and TJ, are implementing cell phone policies where students turn in their phones at the start of class. At South High School, student leaders took the initiative to introduce these policies to their peers. Meanwhile, students at DSA are thrilled about their new building.
Across our schools, educators are off to a strong start, not only by implementing and explaining school routines and procedures but also by allowing students to practice expectations through modeling and explicit teaching. Our leaders are being intentional about visiting classrooms to see new curriculum in action right from the start, to inform coaching, professional learning and other areas of focus.
Our next Professional Learning Day on Sept. 27 will consist of Equity PL from 8-11:15 a.m. and Teacher-Directed planning time from 12:30-4 p.m. Read more about Equity Professional Learning, and sign up for a learning path by Friday, Sept. 6. A schedule of Principal/SSP Department-Led, Teacher Planning Time, Central Led PL and Equity PL is available here.
Thank you for creating such a warm welcome as our students came back to school, and for your commitment that Every Learner Thrives.
Respectfully,
Dr. Tony Smith
Deputy Superintendent
This Week's Top 5 Things to Know:
New 2024-25 Report of Restraint Form
There are critical updates to the DPS Report of Restraint Form and process.
The DPS Report of Restraint has changed and is now formatted in a Google Form.
The Google Form is required to be completed only when a restraint is utilized as outlined in JKA-R (physically limiting a student's freedom of movement for one minute or longer).
Staff are no longer required to complete a Report of Restraint when utilizing a physical intervention where a student's freedom of movement is restricted for less than one minute.
Restraint instances still require parent notification within 24 hours, document this in the conference tab of Infinite Campus until further notice.
Contact JT Campbell if you have questions.
Submit Interpretation Requests for Fall Parent/Teacher Conferences
Fall Parent-Teacher Conference season is one of the busiest times for language interpreters across the district. If you anticipate that your school will need interpretation services, please submit a request as soon as possible to guarantee in-person interpreters. Interpretations are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more information, visit the Interpretation Services page on The Commons. If you have further questions, email Joaquina Fuentes De Munoz.
SSPs: Complete Required Special Service Provider (SSP) Training
Complete the 20- to 30-minute SSP GPS Annual Orientation Training in Learning Space before the start of SSP evaluations. This is a state requirement for SSPs to understand important information and any updates to SSP evaluations. If you have questions, email SSP_GPS@dpsk12.org.
LEAP Peer Observer Support
Peer Observers (POs) will focus on three priority areas starting this year:
STLs at opted-in Priority Schools
Novice teachers
International teachers
What to know:
Teachers from the above groups can self-select or be recommended by school leaders.
ILT/school leaders may still request PO support with observations, coaching, appendices, calibration, etc.
Experienced teachers not yet rated Effective/Distinguished may still request PO coaching.
Sign-Up Forms:
Teachers: Complete Required LEAP Trainings
Complete the following training before the start of evaluations in your school.
Returning Teachers: Complete the 20- to 30-minute LEAP Annual Orientation training in Learning Space to review LEAP expectations and updates. This is a state requirement.
Teachers New to DPS: Complete the LEAP 101: Introduction to DPS Teacher Evaluation for New Educators training in Learning Space. You do NOT have to take the LEAP Annual Orientation training. This is an induction requirement.
Non-Instructional/Itinerant (NII) Teachers: Complete the following 20- to 30-minute NII Orientation Training in Learning Space before the start of NII evaluations.
Visit the LEAP page on The Commons for more important information and resources. If you have questions, email leap@dpsk12.org.
Additional Resources and Information
Learn more about additional resources and information below.
PDU Application Cycles 2024-25
Register for the 2024 Black Excellence Summit by Sept. 9
Update to Eight Most Spoken Languages
MLE Offering Free Graduate Courses
Spanish/ELA-S Teachers Invited to Specialized SLP Exam Prep Course
MLE Teacher Qualification Courses for ECE Teachers
MLE Teacher Qualification Courses for Special Education Teachers
Register Today for MLE Spanish Courses
Secondary English Teachers Needed for Research Study
Care Solace Behavioral Health Care Coordination
Resources for Sustainability Education
How to Start a GSA Skillshare
Work Comp Injuries
Partner With DoTS Before Receiving Tech Donations or Applying for Tech Grants
Update: Launch of the New Evaluation Tool- GPS (Growth and Performance System)