Last week, we asked you to share your Día de los Muertos celebrations! Check out the top five submissions below and see each submission here.
Nov. 7, 2024
Top 5 Call Out Results: Día de los Muertos Celebrations
5.“DSISD Spanish students and school Community learned about the art of ofrenda making from guest artist Cal Duran. They culminated the project with their own community ofrenda!” -- Tiffany Owusu, DSISD
4.“This year, I had the wonderful opportunity to share the rich tradition of Día de los Muertos with my colleagues by creating an ofrenda in our office. The ofrenda, or altar, serves as a way to honor and remember loved ones who have passed away. I set up the ofrenda in the front of my cube, inviting everyone to participate in the process. I encouraged them to bring in pictures of their own loved ones to place on the altar. Building the ofrenda not only helped to educate my colleagues about this beautiful tradition but also fostered a sense of community and connection in our workplace. It was a meaningful way to bring a piece of my culture to the team, and I hope to make it an annual tradition!” -- Jeannette Alvarez, Accounts Payable
3.“We were excited to celebrate Día de los Muertos once more by creating a school-wide ofrenda. Every student helped make a part of the decoration and families and staff were invited to share photos on the ofrenda of their loved ones. While we may not all celebrate this holiday, it's nice to come together for the shared celebration of loved ones!” -- Janelle Constance, Oakland Elementary
2.“Munroe Día de los Muertos ofrenda.” --Hazael Roman Lagunas, Munroe Elementary
1.“At Valverde Elementary, we came together to celebrate Día de los Muertos by creating a beautiful ofrenda with the support of parents, students and community members. This meaningful tradition allows us to honor loved ones who have passed while also highlighting the importance of mental health, wellness and self-expression through art.” --Kristina Barboza, Valverde Elementary
Call Out: Shoutout a School Psychologist
Next week, Nov. 11-15 is National School Psychology Week (NSPW), which highlights the critical work school psychologists do to help students thrive. The 2024 NSPW theme, "Spark Discovery," recognizes school psychologists' work to help their communities seek new ideas, effect change and expand horizons for children and youth. DPS has over 200 licensed school psychologists and graduate students who take leadership roles to support students, families and the DPS community. They hold expertise in building student success from system-level impacts to individual direct services. Our school psychologists guide the next generation through strong supervision of graduate students and mentoring new staff members.
DPS is celebrating this week by highlighting the important work school psychologists do to help all students thrive. Shoutout a school psychologist through this form to be featured in next week’s newsletter!
Bond FAQ Quiz Results
Thank you to all who participated in our Bond FAQ mini quiz over the last four weeks!
The answer to last week’s question, “What does the acronym CPAC stand for and what are the three 2024 CPAC subcommittees?” is CPAC= Community Planning and Advisory Committee. Subcommittees: Enabling Conditions, Pursuit of Passion, Safe and Welcoming.
The winners from last week are Lea Chapman, Molly Siemann and Angela Clementi! We will be in touch shortly with next steps.
Dr. Tony Smith Among 11 Educators to Join Michael Casserly Leadership Institute
DPS’ own Deputy Superintendent Dr. Tony Smith has been selected as one of 11 senior-level education administrators to participate in the third cohort of the Michael Casserly Urban Executive Leadership Institute for Superintendents! The cohort prepares urban educators with the skills and expertise needed to lead a large urban school system successfully. This is done by providing realistic expectations and sessions on school board relations, academics, media relations, operations, finances and labor relations. Congratulations on this prestigious achievement, Dr. Smith!
DPS CARES: Employee Volunteer Program is Back
DPS offers opportunities for non-school-based staff to connect with students and support the amazing work happening in our schools. This program strengthens our district while encouraging employees to live our Shared Core Values -- especially Students First, Collaboration and Fun.
What is DPS CARES?
Volunteers pick opportunities that match their interests, including academics, enrichment and one-day events.
View the Opportunities Directory.
How it works:
Supervisor approval is required.
Volunteers can commit up to four hours per month.
Employees can volunteer individually or as a team.
Schools and Departments Looking for Volunteers
Submit a School and Department Opportunity Inquiry Form to promote upcoming volunteer openings. Your opportunities will be highlighted in the Opportunities Directory!
Nonverbal Communication: We Are Always Communicating, Even In Our Silence
As shared last month, how we verbally communicate is crucial. Even more critical is how we communicate nonverbally. Often, our actions might unknowingly communicate for us even when we are not saying a word. By being mindful of our verbal and nonverbal communication, we can more effectively navigate conflicts, enhance understanding and work toward a resolution that respects all parties involved.
For more information on the importance of nonverbal communication, access this resource for insights on effective communication practices.
Coming up next month: the importance of active listening. Learn more about our office by reading the 2023-24 Ombuds Annual Report.
DPSTeams Slots Available!
There are slots available for the upcoming Dec. 10-13 DPSTeams cohort! DPSTeams is a three-day, two-night values-based leadership experience designed for school and central office teams of 5-12 people. DPSTeams supports building strong teams by providing the time, space, skills and tools for teams to begin to develop high-performing cultures. For more information or to register, contact Melissa Muniz.
Save the Date and Register for the DPS Belong Social
Register for the We Belong Social on Dec. 18! All DPS team members and their families are welcome. Join us any time between 4-7:30 p.m. to network, learn about the different Belong Groups, feast, play games and make meaningful connections! Location to be determined.
Work Comp Injuries
Should you sustain a work-related injury while in the course and scope of your employment with DPS, call the PMA Care 24 Nurse Triage Line at 1-888-502-2613 within 24 hours of the incident. Call Risk Management if you have any questions 720-423-1300 and ask for Judy.
Living Our DPS Honoree
Rossanda Jackson
School Counselor, Thomas Jefferson High School
Students First
"Rossanda is a fierce advocate for her students. She consistently goes the extra mile to ensure that her students receive the appropriate supports and resources. Rossanda is calm and kind under pressure, and never turns an in-need student or family away. She is passionate about her students' cultures, backgrounds and values. I feel honored to work alongside such a dedicated school counselor. Thank you for all that you do for the TJHS community!"
-- Annie Berg, Social Work
Denver Public Schools | 1860 Lincoln Street, Denver, CO 80203