Campus Safety Officers, Valeria Mota, Greg Hogan and Crystal Enriquez (pictured left to right) played a crucial role at this year's Denver South High School Homecoming Game, held at All City Stadium on Sept. 20. Their presence created a safe space for students, parents and faculty.
Oct. 3, 2024
National Bullying Prevention Month: How to Support a Student Being Bullied
October is National Bullying Prevention Month. Check out how you can support a student being bullied below.
Immediate Response: Act directly when witnessing bullying. This shows awareness and commitment to halting the behavior immediately.
For guidelines, explore Responding-On-The-Spot guidance.
Addressing Reports: Responding to bullying reports promptly shows that such incidents are taken seriously and ensure student safety.
For detailed procedures, read Working With Reports To Bullying.
Promote Kindness: We aim to create a culture where bullying doesn't live. We do this by promoting Random Acts of Kindness.
Read a statement from Wes Ogburn, DPS' School Culture and Bully Prevention Program Manager.
Mandatory Cybersecurity Awareness Training
In conjunction with Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October, there is a new mandatory Cybersecurity Awareness training in Learning Space. All Team DPS members must complete this course by Nov. 1.
This training will provide you with the knowledge, skills and tools necessary to combat cyber threats that could compromise our district systems and sensitive employee and student information.
Review the training enrollment email sent last week to access the course, or you can find it by searching Cybersecurity Essentials in Learning Space. More information is available on the DoTS Cybersecurity page on The Commons.
October is Career and College Success Month
October is Career and College Success (CCS) Month. To celebrate, DPS will highlight CCS programming and students who have used these opportunities to prepare for their future. We will also explore the Career and Technical Education Multimedia pathway, the Career and Development Team Xplore program and the Higher Education TREP program. Finally, we’ll conclude the month by delving into meaningful ICAP planning and how it positively supports students in their path to college and career. This month is an opportunity to celebrate DPS CCS programming and its role in ensuring Every Learner Thrives.
And, don't forget to celebrate the month by showing your college pride and wearing your favorite college gear on College Spirit Fridays!
Top 5 Call Out Results: TV Show Recommendations
Last week, we asked you to share your favorite shows to binge in the fall! Check out the top five responses below and see all responses here.
5. “One TV show that I am looking forward to binging this fall is the new season of 'Love is Blind.' The new season comes out Oct. 2!” -- Sandra Carrillo, FACE/Community Hubs
4.“So many great shows to choose from! 'Night Agent,' 'Lioness' and 'Tulsa King.'” --Lisa Zinn, Bradley International School
3.“I love watching 'Mysteries of Prague' and 'The Rings of Power' on Amazon.” --Monica Wendelin, ECE
1.“I decided to watch 'Over the Garden Wall' after it being suggested to me by some old students of mine. It has everything: An autumnal setting, semi-creepy atmosphere, silly characters and a great story!” --Karley Ford, Authorizing and Accountability
2.“'Survivor' is my favorite TV show in the fall. I have been watching all 46 Seasons, now on 47, and never missed an episode. To me, it's so interesting to watch all the different personalities trying to be friends while being enemies at the same time. I've actually learned a few things on how to deal with people and how to compose myself in different situations. Although, I know I wouldn't last very long in this game of outwit, outplay and outlast.” --Heike Parks, Green Valley Elementary
Top 5 Call Out: Recognize a Classified Employee
Next week is DPS Classified Employee Recognition Week! Classified employees are paraprofessionals, facilities managers, food service workers and other team members who keep DPS running every day. Share your shoutout of a dedicated classified employee and their impact through this form!
Work Comp Injuries
If you sustain a work-related injury while in the course and scope of your employment with DPS, please call the PMA Care24 Nurse Triage Line at 1-888-502-2613 within 24 hours of the incident. Call Risk Management if you have any questions at 720-423-1300 and ask for Judy Straight.
Checking Your Blood Pressure is Now Easier Than Ever
Take a moment to check in on your health! There are blood pressure checks at Acoma, 780 Grant or any of the four privacy rooms at the Emily Griffith Campus. These machines are quick and easy, and are a great way to stay on top of your well-being. Dr. Marrero took a few minutes last week to check his blood pressure -- so can you!
Keeping an eye on your blood pressure is a simple step toward a healthier, happier you. Take care of yourself and ensure you’re feeling your best. Your health matters to us, and we're here to support you every step of the way! If you have questions, contact staffwellness@dpsk12.net.
Achieving Excellence Academy (AEA) Year Three Recap
The AEA summer program is a multi-week cultural identity and ethnic studies program on Black/African-American, Latine, Asian-American/Pacific Islander and Native American/Indigenous experiences and ancestral histories. Students can develop within their community, see themselves in the curriculum and be represented in the faces of other students, teachers and leaders.
The AEA program creates an environment for students to express pride in their cultural and racial identities. It also helps students gain a sense of belonging and receive the support they need to become agents of cultural change. Take a look at our AEA Year Three Video!
New DPS Skills Course: LGBTQ+ 2.0
This professional development course is an opportunity to reflect and consider what needs dismantling and rebuilding within yourself and your department or team to create spaces for LGBTQ+ students to thrive.
The LGBTQ+ 2.0 workshop centers the voices of our students through a documentary film, “Reclaiming the Narrative,” produced over the 2022-23 school year. This documentary reframes stories about LGBTQ+ youth and celebrates their intersectional identities. Register for this two-day session on Nov. 12 and Nov. 19. Note: You must have attended DPS LGBTQ+ 1.0 SKILLS within the last three years to register.
Upcoming CELT Workshop: Leading with EQ
Build your knowledge, emotional intelligence and skills through CELT's upcoming workshop "Leading with EQ" on Nov. 13.
Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the ability to recognize and manage emotions to enhance our ability to build relationships and strengthen our capacity to make good decisions. Participants will explore theories and models of EQ, as well as the physiology of emotions to successfully manage interactions with others. Register now!
Employee Wellness Weekly Highlights
Check out this month’s wellness happenings below!
Ask a Dental Hygienist: Your go-to for all things dental. Our district’s dental hygienist is geared up to help you shine that smile!
Cancer Series: Chances are that you or someone you know has been affected by cancer. Stay informed and proactive by participating in this series.
Exercise for Beginners :Tuesday, Oct. 8 at noon. Discover the differences between improvement and maintenance programs.
Maternity Resources: Explore resources tailored to each stage, from prenatal care through postpartum support, including nutrition, exercise, depression and more.
Walktober Registration closes Sunday, Oct 6.
If you have questions, email staffwellness@dpsk12.net.
Living Our DPS Honoree
Brenda Quezada
Family Liaison, Northfield High School
Equity
"Brenda Quezada has been a transformational colleague at Northfield when it comes to our efforts to increase our supports for families and putting equity in the center of our work. She has developed and run parent support groups at Northfield the past couple of years. This year, she is collaborating across various teams to offer expanded programming for our Spanish-speaking families, such as our first-ever Spanish-speaking college admission event. The students and families that Brenda supports are lucky to have such a hard working and dedicated professional in their corner. We are so thankful for Brenda each and every day. She is the epitome of equity in action here at Northfield High School."
-- Nicholas Krese-Bond, Northfield High School
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