Dear Educators,

As we approach October Count and reflect on Fall Adjustment, we want to thank you for your collaboration in these vital verification processes. October Count is the official student membership headcount for all Colorado public school districts. Your efforts are invaluable in helping us understand the student population we'll be serving in the 2024-25 school year and the conditions needed for their success.

Looking beyond this year, our focus remains on maximizing our resources to provide the best possible education for all of our students. Like many districts nationwide, DPS is experiencing a decrease in student numbers due to changing neighborhood demographics, lower birth rates and rising housing costs. This trend presents challenges in fully supporting our schools and programs, potentially leading to varied educational experiences for students and staff.

We understand that this topic may raise concerns for you and your school communities. DPS will hold regional engagement meetings in September and mid-October to discuss this issue and gather feedback. Your input is crucial as we navigate these challenges together. We will review this engagement in this afternoon’s Principal Call.

Thank you for your commitment that Every Learner Thrives.

Respectfully,

Dr. Tony Smith
Deputy Superintendent

Register Now for Professional Learning Day on Oct. 10

The Thursday, Oct.10 PL Day will consist of SSP-department-led and Principal-led learning from 8-11:15 a.m. and centrally-delivered professional learning from 12:30-4 p.m. Details for each session are listed in the Oct.10 Course Guide. Review the course guide and register for sessions. Registration closes on Tuesday, Oct. 8 at midnight. 

As a reminder, you must be registered to receive credit. If you are in need of ADA accommodations, please complete the Accommodation Request Form. Requests must be made at least two weeks prior to the scheduled session. For more information or questions, email professional_learning@dpsk12.org.

The Executive Director of Early Education, Priscilla Hopkins and the Early Education Director, Eric Love, will host the Fall ECE State of the Union address for ECE teaching staff virtually on Thursday, Oct. 3 from 4:30-5:30 p.m. 

• Here is the Google Meet login link.

• Submit your questions through this questionnaire by the end of the day on Friday, Sept. 27.

If you have any questions regarding this event, email Laura Green.

Last week, we launched the 2023-24 Annual Report. This report reflects the tireless dedication of our educators, team members, students, parents and community. This report was created to serve as the second annual update to our Strategic Roadmap, which helps us understand our journey, recognize our accomplishments and identify areas for growth.

The report showcases the key initiatives of the past year, significant milestones and our future direction. It provides a comprehensive overview of our progress, emphasizing the strides we've made in various areas, especially in improving the Student, Adult and System Experiences.

The Black Education Advisory Council (BEAC) is a group of Denver Public Schools community members who value and honor the richness and diversity that our Black and Indigenous cultures brings to the educational system in Denver Public Schools. 

BEAC is accepting Advisory Council Member applications through Friday, Oct. 11. The selection process will take place between October and November. BEAC is open to all community members, DPS staff, families and students. 

Spread the word to families and staff members using these BEAC promotional materials provided in 11 different languages!

Student Perception Surveys Begin Oct. 9

The fall window for Student Perception Surveys (SPS) is Oct. 9-Nov 13. The Student Perception Surveys are for teachers who are evaluated under LEAP and teach students in grades three through 12. After a review last year by the LEAP Collaborative Committee (LCC), there was a decision to update nine questions in the survey. The summary of those changes is here. Your Survey Site Assessment Leader (SAL) will set up the survey window that works best for your school. Contact your SAL if you have any questions about how it works. For more information, visit The Commons or email leap@dpsk12.net

As a reminder, the 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 online 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.

Learn more about additional resources and information below:

• Reminder: Bridges Reset Sept. 27

• Reminder: Professional Equity Learning: Friday, Sept. 27

• Register Now for Professional Learning Day-Oct. 10

• Now Hiring Regional Team Specialists

• New PDUs for Fall 2024

• Requesting Peer Observer Support for 2024-25

• Care Solace Now Offering Social Services Support

• Submit the Volunteer Services Request For Volunteers Form

• Learn Effective Communication Through the Ombuds Office

• The BESS Screening Window is Now Open

• Sustainability Curriculum and Professional Learning Resources

• Spellbound Storyteller Volunteers

• Teacher Portal Has New Reports

Past editions of Teacher Weekly

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