From School Boundaries to Student Art - DPS Snapshots with Natalie B.

Our first story is a big one: Redrawing Our District Equitably: School Boundary and Enrollment Zone Update 

1. Redrawing Our District Equitably: School Boundary and Enrollment Zone Update

All families deserve equitable access to the schools that are the best fit for their students. Denver’s changing population means that DPS must adapt to ensure every student has access to robust programming. The Redrawing Our District Equitably: School Boundary and Enrollment Zone Update initiative allows for DPS to evaluate the boundaries and zones to better balance resources, support healthy school enrollments and address Denver’s shifting population. The goal is to ensure every student in DPS can thrive, regardless of their zip code. DPS is committed to making community-informed decisions, and you are highly encouraged to get involved in this conversation. At the moment, there are two ways to do that. 

• You can share your thoughts via the survey linked in our shownotes, which is open through June 5.
• You can RSVP to attend one of the Virtual Community Engagement sessions happening on :
• Thursday, May 21 at 5 p.m.or Friday, May 22 at 7:30 a.m.

Additional engagement opportunities will be coming in fall 2026.

Next up is a story about the Device Policy Sentiment Survey

2. Device Policy Sentiment Survey Closes at 5 p.m. Today

The DPS Board of Education is set to vote on June 8 on a new policy regarding students having access to communication devices (such as cellphones, headphones, smart watches, etc.) during school hours. 

DPS is conducting a survey to understand the DPS community's current sentiment to ensure upcoming communications about this policy clearly address concerns and questions. The Device Policy Sentiment survey (Linked in our shownotes) closes at 5 p.m. today, May 15. The questions take 5-7 minutes to answer and all responses are confidential.

You can learn more about the policy on the Communication Devices Advisory Committee (CDAC) website, also linked in our shownotes. 

3. Our third story is about Recognizing National Prevention Week: Anti-Vaping Resources

In honor of National Prevention Week, DPS is highlighting the importance of vaping prevention. E-cigarettes remain the most common tobacco product used by students nationwide, and we are committed to providing our community with tools to combat this trend. Our goal is to help students navigate the social pressures and health risks associated with vaping. Most middle and high school students who vape want to quit.

Visit the Anti-Vaping campaign page, linked in our shownotes,  to learn more about the impacts and to find resources for those who may need help quitting. By staying informed, we can work together to foster a safer, healthier environment for every learner.

 
4. Our fourth story is about the 2026-27 Back to School Shopping Experience 

While most people are winding down for the year, the Family and Community Engagement (FACE) team is looking ahead to help students start next year ready to learn and succeed!

The new 2026–27 Back-to-School Shopping Experience has been redesigned to give families a more relaxed and personalized experience at our Community Hubs. The Back-to-School Shopping Experience is a free one-stop shopping experience where students can pick out grade-level backpacks and school supplies in a welcoming and stress-free environment. All DPS families are welcome.

To help families avoid long lines and have enough time to shop comfortably, visits will take place by scheduled appointment during the week of August 10–14.

• The first step is to Complete the interest form, linked in our shownotes. 
• Next, a team member will contact you before August 10–14 to schedule your shopping day and time.
• Finally, On your scheduled day, bring your student’s ID number (lunch number) and enjoy the experience.

Our fifth and final story is about Student Art On Display at Denver International Airport 

5. Student Art On Display at Denver International Airport 

In celebration of 150 years of Colorado history, Denver School of the Arts, Hill Campus of Arts and Sciences and Kunsmiller Creative Arts Academy collaborated to create a DPS student art exhibition at Denver International Airport! 

The “Mile High Expressions” exhibit forms a collective portrait of a state that is both deeply rooted in history and constantly evolving. This is more than an opportunity for students to share their work; it is a chance for them to contribute to Colorado’s story. 

Travelers looking to celebrate America’s 250th and Colorado’s 150th milestones are invited to view the exhibition. The exhibition is on view now through Nov. 2, and is located on the upper level of C Concourse, Mezzanine Level 3.

Head to our shownotes to watch the student artists share why this exhibition is special to them. You can also visit dpsk12.org/page/history to see how DPS plans to celebrate 150 years of Colorado statehood.  

That’s all for this week! 

• Please remember to like and subscribe to never miss an episode. 
• As always, thank you to the DPS External Communications team for their help editing and producing this week’s show.
• We’ll see you next week on DPS Snapshots.