At DPS, we have an ethical and organizational responsibility to equity. Having digital content that is not available has real impacts that keep students, teachers, guardians, staff members and community members from getting the information they need to learn, make decisions and work. It’s up to all of us to make sure our digital content is accessible. Watch digital accessibility in action in this DPS video.
May 15, 2025
Digital Accessibility in Action, Featuring DPS Staff Members
Online Registration Staff Processing Recertification
To support the ongoing commitment to student data security and the proper use of Infinite Campus (IC), all users who were granted access to IC Online Registration Staff Processing before the launch of the 2023–24 school year are required to complete the recertification process by June 30. Full details are available on the Infinite Campus Online Registration/Staff Processing page of The Commons.
Failure to complete the recertification quiz by the deadline will result in the removal of access. To regain access, users will be required to meet all initial access requirements, including completion of the full eLearnings.
For more information, visit the Infinite Campus page on The Commons or submit an incident to DoTSHelp.dpsk12.org.
Accessibility Toolkit in Spanish
The DPS Accessibility Toolkit in Spanish is now available. The purpose of this toolkit is to help DPS employees prepare for and implement digital accessibility in their daily work. It provides background information before offering resources on digital accessibility.
Digital Accessibility Tip: Google Sheets
In June 2021, Colorado passed House Bill 21-1110 to strengthen state discrimination laws for people with disabilities. It makes sure that everyone has access to digital content created by local government organizations, including school districts.
When creating a Google Sheet, make it more accessible by following these tips:
Use descriptions for tabs, file names and titles.
Use merged cells sparingly.
Do not split cells.
For further guidance, follow the DPS Google Sheets Digital Accessibility Guide. Learn more on the Digital Accessibility page on The Commons. Watch for more digital accessibility tips in future issues of Team DPS Weekly.
Big Win for the School Year: Chemistry & Student Support Leadership
"One of my biggest wins this school year was leading the student support teams and collaborating closely with the 10th-grade team to develop targeted strategies for academic success. By working together, we identified student needs and designed interventions that supported their learning and personal growth.
In my chemistry classroom, I focused on breaking the stigma that science is “too hard” by finding interactive and student-centered ways to teach complex concepts. For example, I used tools like Pear Deck for real-time engagement, incorporated peer discussions to deepen understanding and introduced the triangle method to simplify stoichiometry. As a result, students gained confidence and were better able to tackle problems independently.
Additionally, I prioritized building meaningful relationships with students and maintaining regular communication with parents. Sharing student successes and keeping families informed about progress helped foster a strong, supportive learning community."
-- Renee Chaffatte, Career Education Center Early College
Collaborative Teaching Through Operations
At McKinley-Thatcher Elementary, Facility Manager, Michael Potter, is a standout example of how Operations staff can support and elevate teaching and learning. Each day, Michael wears a "word of the day" on his forehead to spark curiosity and conversation with students, making vocabulary a school-wide experience. His creative approach blends leadership, learning and collaboration—so much so that students remind each other not to make messes “because it makes Mr. Potter’s job harder.” During the monthly Eagle Awards, he presents the “Cleanest Classroom Award” and shares the word of the day with a standout student in front of families and staff. The Office of Operations is proud to have Michael on our team as we embed learning into every role—proving education can happen everywhere, especially when led with heart.
Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Services Year-End Deadline Memo
Review the Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Services Year-End Deadline Memo for upcoming and important dates regarding year-end close. Complete these year-end close processes before June 30 to avoid implications for the 2025-26 fiscal year. If you have questions, contact your financial partner.
Browser Sponsored Advertisements
Sponsored browser advertisements are a cybersecurity risk to user privacy and content. Google has been increasingly placing sponsored ads first in results, which threat actors have been buying to place phishing lures to encourage victims to visit fake websites. These ads are displayed based on keywords that businesses have chosen and paid for, with their placement determined by both the bid amount and a "quality score." Essentially, businesses pay to have their ads appear in search results when users search for terms related to their products or services. DPS employees are encouraged to use caution when searching on a browser.
Help Us Reach DPS Families for Back-to-School Events
This August, we’ll be hosting three big community events where families can receive free supplies, enjoy fun activities and prepare for a strong school year.
Save the dates:
Aug. 9 | 11 a.m.–2 p.m. – Lincoln High School
Aug. 13 | 3 –7 p.m. – Manual High School
Aug. 16 | 11 a.m.–2 p.m. – Evie Dennis Campus
Download our Media toolkit with event details, flyers and ready-to-share content. We’d love your support in spreading the word. Thank you for helping us reach and support more DPS families!
2024-25 Office of the Ombuds Annual Report
The Ombuds Office at Denver Public Schools supports employees through conflict resolution. Operating independently of other district departments, the Ombuds Office provides guidance on conflict resolution options with coaching support to navigate these challenges.
In the 2024-25 annual reporting year, employees indicated that communication with supervisors, direct reports, or peers is among the top concerns related to workplace conflict. Unresolved conflicts lead to increased levels of stress and anxiety, negatively affecting productivity and goal attainment.
While addressing workplace conflict is not new, the Ombuds Office offers an informal, confidential and impartial approach to helping employees navigate these issues. To learn more about our support and services or if you need support, visit the Ombuds Page on The Commons or call us at 720-423-4776.
Support Students Year-Round!
With Summer Break on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to think about ways we can give back and invest in our community year-round.
Team DPS GIVES is the employee-giving program that makes it easy to support the DPS Foundation through simple payroll deductions. Just $5 per paycheck can help fund key initiatives like Afterschool Programs, Career and College Success, Community Hubs and more—creating lasting change for our students and city all year long.
And here’s a fun bonus: by joining Team DPS GIVES, you’ll be automatically entered into all prize drawings we host throughout the year. Start your summer off strong and sign up today!
If you have questions, please email Erin Shelby.
Living Our DPS Honoree
Noelle Reeves
Dean of Instruction, Isabella Bird Community School
Fun
"Noelle exemplifies the Shared Core Value of Fun in every aspect of her work and presence in our school community. Each morning, she greets students with a warm, uplifting smile that sets a positive tone for the day. Her energy is contagious and her thoughtful gestures—like delivering staff’s favorite snacks and treats—brighten even the busiest of weeks.
She is a creative force behind building a joyful staff culture, developing engaging games and playful moments that foster connection, laughter and a sense of belonging. Whether it’s through games/challenges or spontaneous appreciation shout-outs, Noelle ensures fun is not just an extra—it’s a foundation.
Her leadership during CMAS testing was a testament to how fun and excellence can go hand in hand. With care and intention, she created a calm, encouraging environment where students felt not only ready, but genuinely excited to show their growth. From personalized encouragement to celebrations of effort, Noelle made sure every child felt proud to be a learner.
Noelle reminds us that fun is a powerful driver of connection, motivation and pride. Her ability to infuse joy into both everyday routines and high-stakes moments uplifts our entire school community."
— Rebecca Mercer, Isabella Bird Community School
Denver Public Schools | 1860 Lincoln Street, Denver, CO 80203