“The School Counseling Team at Thomas Jefferson is phenomenal. They are innovative in solving problems and making sure to put student needs first! Jillian Gleason, Maggie Kennedy, Erin Thompson, Rossanda Jackson and Jeremy Anderson work collaboratively in supporting the whole child. From present and future academic/career pursuits to social emotional needs, they do it all! They are often found challenging each other to find creative ways to support our diverse student population. We are so thankful to work alongside them!” -- Thomas Jefferson Mental Health Team
Feb. 6, 2025
New Brand Snapshot Available
DPS Communications is excited to launch the new DPS brand snapshot. This quick-reference sheet contains a high-level overview of updated DPS colors and fonts. These new brand elements will ensure that all DPS-branded materials meet accessibility standards in compliance with Colorado House Bill 21-1110.
Stay tuned for an updated, detailed Brand Standards booklet as well as new templates and logos, which will be available this spring. All departments and schools will have their branding audited for accessibility, and DPS Communications will reach out with new materials for your team.
If you have any questions, please email communications@dpsk12.org.
2025-26 School Year Calendars Now Available
The school year calendars for the 2025-26 school year are now available.
Log into your Canva for Education account using your dpsk12.net account, and go to File → Make a Copy to edit the calendar for your needs.
Please visit the calendars webpage for more information. The calendars will be available in additional languages in early February.
Top 5 Callout Results: National School Counselors Week
In celebration of National School Counseling Week, we asked Team DPS members to shout out an outstanding school counselor. Thank you to all our school counselors across DPS for the work you do in support of our students! Read about some amazing school counselors below and here.
5.“Ms. Malia Bodhaine is an absolute ray of sunshine at Denver Montessori and we are so lucky to have her! I admire her dedication to her work while also prioritizing her own personal wellness and balance. She is one of the kindest humans I know and is a present, loving, intelligent force to have on our team here. We appreciate you!” -- Lauren Lyon, Denver Montessori JR/SR High School
3.“Lauren Fabri is our amazing school counselor at Morey. Not only is she a trusted person for so many students and staff, she really supports our students exploring passions and careers beyond our campus. Every month, Lauren leans into student voice and interests to organize excursions off campus and/or bring in experts and connect them to our children. She is always open to different ways to make ICAP meaningful for our kids and helps lead the critical work of our GSA group, Sources of Strength cohort, and our calming after school art club. Additionally she champions our partnership with Upstream and recently organized focus groups so we could best understand how to strengthen the practices with student feedback at the forefront. Finally, with Lauren's help we have applied for various grants and funds to further support our mental health team -- with her advocacy our team has grown!! We are so so lucky to have Lauren with us! Happy School Counselors Week!” -- Courtney Wickham, Morey Middle School
4.“Laeren Egan is amazing, she eats lunch with every grade daily, responds to calls, created a grocery/clothes store and an amazing Christmas shopping event at our school. Students are so excited when she comes in to teach SEL. Her enthusiasm, support of kids and families and overall energy is amazing!” -- Gust Elementary
2.“Katy Wafaie is one of the most amazing people I have ever had the privilege of working with. Her role as a school counselor at CTD has helped create a school environment that is warm, welcoming and psychologically safe for students, staff and families. She is able to juggle so many responsibilities with a smile on her face and gets things done! Kids love Ms. Katy and the community is very fortunate to have such a strong advocate and ally in Katy. She is the perfect mix of the energy of a golden retriever with the heart of a lion, willing to be tenderhearted with others while showing strength in the time of need. We love Ms. Katy!” -- Kevin Chao, Center for Talent Development at Greenlee
“I want to take a moment to recognize and appreciate Sonya for all the incredible work she does as our school social worker and mental health lead. Sonya goes above and beyond in her role, consistently looking for new and innovative ways to meet the mental health needs of our students. Her initiative in accessing grants to expand and build our school’s mental health capacity is truly inspiring, and it has made such a positive impact on our community. Sonya is a tireless advocate for our students, always putting their well-being first. Her deep knowledge, organization, and passion for mental health make her an invaluable resource for both students and staff. She has a unique ability to connect with students and create an environment where they feel supported, heard, and understood. Thank you, Sonya, for your unwavering dedication to the mental health and success of our students. Your hard work and commitment don’t go unnoticed, and we are so fortunate to have you on our team!” -- DC21
Top 5 Callout: Super Bowl LIX Winner Predictions
Super Bowl LIX is happening Sunday, Feb. 9! Are you rooting for the Kansas City Chiefs or the Philadelphia Eagles? Cast your vote and check back next week to see if DPS got it right.
Photo credit: Fox News
Nominate a School Psychologist or School Social Worker of the Year
Exceptional Student Services (ESS) is excited to honor one DPS School Social Worker of the Year and one DPS School Psychologist of the Year. Nominate your outstanding School Social Worker and/or School Psychologist. All nominations must be submitted by Feb. 21 to be considered. Nominations will be reviewed by the Department of Mental Health Leadership Team in March and April. Awards will be announced at the Department of Mental Health Professional Learning Day on April 18.
Belong Group Membership and Co-Leadership Opportunities
Just like every puzzle piece is unique in its shape, size and details, we all have different parts that make up who we are. DPS Belong Groups are created to meet the needs of everything that makes you, you! Check out this month's flyer and find a group of DPS people that you’d like to join or help lead today! Want to establish a new group? Email dps_belong@dpsk12.org.
Unspoken Words: A Foundation for Conflict Growth
Unspoken words can affect the healthiest organizations, teams, or relationships. Failing to communicate feelings, concerns or issues effectively can lead to negative emotions such as bitterness or resentment. To address challenges, engaging in crucial conversations can be an effective communication practice to discuss important issues and concerns openly.
Learn more about crucial conversations. If you seek impartial support to have productive conversations with other district employees, contact the Ombuds Office at 720-423-4776 for confidential and informal assistance.
Living Our DPS Honoree
Taylor Roholt
Teacher, John F. Kennedy HS
Students First, Equity, Fun
"Taylor Roholt will be celebrating his 10th year as a teacher at the end of this year, and throughout his career so far, he has consistently demonstrated the values of Equity, Students First and Fun. He is constantly implementing new schools of thought to his teaching, like Total Physical Response (TPR), to ensure his students are truly comprehending the course content and having fun as they learn. Throughout his lessons, you’ll see Mr. Roholt strumming the ukulele, acting out French verbs and encouraging students to demonstrate their French knowledge. He takes pride in preparing his students for a multicultural and multilingual world, and he believes that learning new languages is beneficial for student literacy and the development of student interests."
-- Natalie Brigham, Communications
Denver Public Schools | 1860 Lincoln Street, Denver, CO 80203