Dear Educators,

As we continue our journey of accelerating trajectories, I am filled with optimism about our collective mission in Denver Public Schools.

Celebrating Equity and Excellence

We are excited to recognize DPS principals exemplifying our newly reaffirmed Shared Core Values at our first Principal Quarterly next Friday at Auraria Campus. Please take a moment to highlight a principal for living one of our Shared Core Values by submitting nominations here.

This weekend, we hope to see you at the Black Excellence Summit on Saturday, Sept. 14. This event is open to all families, educators, community members and allies. We will feature professional development, a resource fair and opportunities to celebrate Black Excellence in DPS. We are providing free childcare, food and engaging activities. I encourage all school leaders to attend if you are able and spread the word in your communities.

Getting Better Together: Professional Learning Schedule

Professional learning (PL) days throughout the school year are shared among principals, SSP department leaders and central office teams. They will include Academics and Equity content. Access the 2024-25 Professional Learning Schedule.

Due to the unique nature of SSP positions and their specialized licensure and professional learning needs, these roles will engage in department-led learning during certain principal-led PL times throughout the year, as indicated in the above PL Schedule. The remaining shared SSP/Principal-Led dates are Oct. 10 and Feb. 14 from 8-11:15 a.m., followed by central-led professional learning in the afternoon.

Save the dates:

• Sept. 27: Equity PL, 8:00-11:15 a.m.

• Oct. 10: Central PL Day: Principal/SSP Department-led, 8:00-11:15 a.m.

• Oct. 10: Central-led role-based PL, 12:30-4 p.m.

Every time we gather to learn and grow, we're elevating the entire DPS community. Your dedication to continuous improvement inspires me daily, and I'm honored to be on this journey with you.

Respectfully,

Dr. Tony Smith
Deputy Superintendent

Research shows that timely redesignation is a key factor in preventing students from becoming long-term MLLs. Students who meet the rigorous ACCESS trigger (4+ Overall and 4+ Literacy) and demonstrate the ability to access grade-level content are ready for redesignation. Redesignated students will be closely monitored for two years, continue receiving ICLD support and can still participate in bilingual program services where available. It’s important not to hold students in programming as a safety net—our goal is to celebrate their progress and move them forward. Ensure to redesignate students with a pending ISA form by Sept. 27. If you have any questions, email isateamhotline@dpsk12.org.

The deadline for teachers to submit SLOs is Sept. 27. Traditional teachers with limited student contact time (one to three days per week) have a deadline of Nov. 1. It is recommended that all new teachers take SLOs 101 in Learning Space. Keep in mind that SSPs and NIIs will NOT complete SLOs. For more information on student growth measures for these groups click here. 

SLOs make up 20% of teachers’ end-of-year ratings. Please read the SLO timeline to preview the SLO process. Your school’s designated Student Growth Lead will be able to support you throughout the process. Please see the SLO Handbook for more information and email slohelp@dpsk12.org with any questions or concerns.

The annual reset of Bridges Math Curriculum user accounts will take place on the evening of Sept. 26. This reset ensures that all teachers and administrators have the appropriate access to the Bridges Math Curriculum while confirming DPS does not exceed allotted curriculum licenses. All educators should receive additional instructions from your school leader. If you do not receive an email by the designated date or if you have questions, contact Elise Rozema.

Special education teachers, Specialized Service Providers (SSPs) and school building 504 Coordinators will have up to four school days per semester (32 hours) of release time to work on IDEA and Section 504 compliance mandates. The release time can be taken in half or whole-day increments. Educators who are less than full-time will receive their release time prorated by their FTE. For example, a 0.5 special education teacher would receive two release days per semester (16 hours). Providers will work with their school teams or ESS teams to schedule these release days.

FACE University is a resource and learning hub for families in the Denver community. Invite your school community to join us for the virtual Attendance Matters session on Thursday, Sept. 12 from 5-6 p.m. Interested families can register here. 

Three families in our first live session will be entered to win tickets to the Children's Museum, the Museum of Nature and Science and the Colorado History Museum.

Visit our website to view the full event calendar and subscribe to our YouTube channel to access recorded sessions: @DPSfaceuniversity.

Additional Resources and Information

Learn more about additional resources and information below:

• Register Now: DPS Skills Fall 2024

• Save the Date: Upcoming Equity Professional Learning Day on Sept. 27

• Submit Your Proposal for Latinas Rising Conference by Sept. 30

• #MyPlanDPS Student Achievement Award

• DPS Leadership Oct. 16-18

• Reach One Mentorship: Now Accepting Applications for Mentors and Mentees

• Join the Women of Color Belong Group

• Join a DPS Belong Group Today

• Register for Our Water PDU

• Apply to the DPS Climate Champions Grant Program

• Sustainability Curriculum and Professional Learning Resources

• New Look in Infinite Campus

• Elementary ELD Updates: Newcomer Resources and Progress Monitoring

• Reminder: SCV Spirit Week: Mon. Sept 16 - Fri. Sept 20

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