May 8, 2025
Benefits Open Enrollment Ends Tomorrow, May 9
Open Enrollment ends tomorrow, May 9! This is the one time per year that you can make changes to your benefits without a Qualifying Life Event. Visit the Open Enrollment page on The Commons to view your options, learn about supplemental coverage and enroll today! The Benefits Enrollment Guide is also packed with helpful information and is available in English and Spanish.
To access the Benefits portal, log into Oracle and click on the Benefits icon.
As a reminder, if you have an HSA or FSA, you must take action and re-enroll to continue your plan -- these benefits will not roll over. This year is a passive enrollment. That means that all benefits eligible employees are able to enroll or waive in benefits. If you do not take action, your benefit elections from last plan year will roll over into the new plan year.
If you have questions about benefits enrollment, contact the Benefits team at emailbox@dpsk12.net or call 720-423-3900, option 1.
Blocksi: New Web Filtering Tool on Student Devices
DoTS is in the process of changing DPS’ web filtering tool for student web traffic. This new tool will replace the current system and enhance how DPS monitors and secures student web activity.
What it does: The new tool blocks harmful, inappropriate and distracting web content on student devices and will provide detailed reports on internet activity, usage and other data insights. In time, it will allow DPS to create custom blocklists specific to each school's needs.
What you'll notice: You may notice slight changes to the look of the web filter page.
If you need assistance or have questions about web filtering, please log a Blocksi incident at dotshelp.dpsk12.org.
Digital Accessibility Tip: Third-party Vendors
In June 2021, Colorado passed House Bill 21-1110 to strengthen state discrimination laws for people with disabilities. The bill makes sure that everyone has access to digital content created by local government organizations, including school districts.
Vendors in the State of Colorado must demonstrate that their products or services are accessible to people with disabilities. The district requires its vendors to meet WCAG 2.2 Level AA standards. To assess a vendor's compliance, the district requires the vendor to provide the following accessibility compliance reports: (a) Voluntary Product Accessibility Template 2.5 (demonstrating compliance with WCAG 2.2 Level AA), and (b) VPAT 508 (demonstrating compliance with the Americans with Disability Act). Stay tuned for more digital accessibility tips in future issues of Team DPS Weekly.
Top 5 School Nurse Shout Outs
Happy National Nurses Week! Thank you to all Team DPS members who shared shoutouts for our wonderful school nurses! Check out the Top 5 below, and read more about DPS’ hardworking school nurses here.
5.“Ms. Thuy is our wonderful nurse at Barnum Elementary. She is a valuable member of our special education team, besides everything else she does on a daily basis to support our students. She brings her knowledge, professionalism and grace to our team. Thank you, Ms. Thuy!” -- Thais Simoes-Pryor, Barnum Elementary School
4.“Shout out to Nurse Jen Halbach for all the incredible work she does with our Summit community! Nurse Jen has increased access to health services for our students by bringing in vision clinics, vaccine clinics, connecting students to virtual appointments, supporting mental and behavioral health care support, and has incredible relationships with students. Thank you, Nurse Jen!” -- Jilly Veidenheimer, Summit Academy
3.“Stacy Dorian is an indispensable member of the 504 and SPED teams at Denver Online! If you need someone dependable, Stacy is your person! A ton of students come to Denver Online due to health challenges and Stacy does everything she can to ensure that they are supported and have everything they need to be successful. She always follows through with her commitments and is willing to help. Our staff and students benefit from Stacy's never-ending hard work. We appreciate you, Stacy!” -- Nadia Coleman, Denver Online
2.“Nurse Miriam does so much for the McMeen community. I work in the office and students are always coming up to me asking for the nurse, so I know she is very busy! When students enter her office, they are always distressed over their injury or sickness -- sometimes they're even crying -- and they always leave with a smile.
Nurse Miriam is such a kind presence at McMeen, not only for the students but for the staff as well. She makes me feel welcome and I look forward to chatting with her whenever she has a free moment. Plus, her funky earrings always bring a pop of color! Thanks for all you do, Nurse Miriam!” -- Emma Calkins, Communications
1.“Regan is an incredibly caring and dedicated nurse! In addition to her normal (if there is such a thing) duties, she is constantly seeking ways to support our students and families. This year, she has coordinated:
Four vaccination clinics for our students during the school day to keep them in school while also helping them to meet their health requirements.
Walk-in vaccination clinic opportunities for parents, students and community members.
Two days of eye exams and free glasses for all students in need, no insurance needed.
Her amazingness doesn't stop there! She is consistently advocating for all students in our building. If there is ever a problem, she always comes at it with a solution mindset. She is such an incredible asset for Hamilton! We are so lucky to have her!” -- Sherri Winger, Hamilton Middle School
Top 5 Call Out: A Big Win from the School Year
The end of a school year is a great time to reflect on our accomplishments. Tell us one big win you celebrated this year. Whether it was professional development or an activity that improved your physical or mental well-being, we'd love to hear about your success! Submit your big win here for a feature in next week’s newsletter.
DPS Honored at 2025 Afterschool Professional Award
On April 24, Afterschool professionals and organizations were honored by the City of Denver's Office of Children's Affairs. ELCS' Senior Supervisor, Sara Ulricksen-Avila was presented with the Quality & Capacity Building Champion Award. Take a look at the highlights here!
Parent Teacher Home Visit (PTHV) Impact Collection Night
The Family, School and Community Partnerships team will be hosting a special community event where we’ll gather input from educators and families about the impact of the PTHV program. We will be collecting data on everyone's experience with the PTHV program through intentional conversations and reflections. Join us May 27 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Lowry Conference Center (1061 Akron Way, Denver, CO 80230).
PTHV educators will receive compensation at their PTHV hourly rate for their time at the event and food will be provided for everyone.
RSVP is required, click here to fill out the RSVP form by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21.
Questions? Email Odalys Melgoza.
Patricia Quezada
Senior Team Lead, Godsman Elementary
Students First
"Patricia consistently demonstrates an unwavering commitment to our students and their families. She goes above and beyond to ensure that every student feels supported, valued and cared for. Her willingness to help and her dedication to going the extra mile make her an invaluable asset to our community. Patricia is a shining example of what it means to put students first, and her tireless efforts truly make a difference in our school."
-- Joana Gutierrez, Godsman Elementary
