DPS Snapshots
Infinite Campus Behavior Management Access for 2024
Infinite Campus (IC) Behavior Management access is typically valid for one school year at a time. With the release of the new Discipline Matrix for the 2024-25 school year, the recertification process is as follows:
School Administrative Staff (Principals, Assistant Principals and Deans) will have until mid-fall 2024 to complete the IC Behavior Management eLearning (which will be available in August) or lose access to IC until they do. No access will be removed before mid-fall 2024.
All other school-based staff with an access exception for 2023-24 will lose access on June 30 and will need to begin the access process when they return in the fall. 
       
For more information, please visit the IC Behavior Management page on The Commons.

Mayor Johnston and Dr. Marrero Announce Summer Programs to Curb Youth Violence
In an effort to prevent the risks of summer violence, the City of Denver and DPS have partnered to announce the YouthWorks Initiative and summer opportunities that will connect Denver teens with jobs, summer camps and pop-up events. The program's goal is to engage Denver youth in positive opportunities over the course of the summer. Keep a lookout for local programs, jobs and events that your teen can participate in! Please share the opportunities with the youth in your community.


Denver In-person Hiring Fair
The City of Denver is hosting the Mayor's Job Fair in-person TOMORROW, Saturday, June 1, from 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. at the PPA Event Center. Denver employers who are interested in participating can RSVP here. If you have any questions, email Chance Hofmann. 
 
Tables and chairs will be provided! Just bring your swag and good vibes. We expect attendees to be ages 14-26, creating a jobseeker pool with a variety of experiences!


Google Security Changes
In an effort to secure DPS data, DoTS will make changes to OAuth access beginning July 1. All Microsoft account OAuth will be blocked and team members won't be able to sign into websites utilizing their DPS Microsoft account. Additionally, the following applications/sites will be blocked for Google OAuth:
Form Publisher
Evernote
Khan Academy
Native mail apps (for example: Apple Mail, Samsung Mail, etc). The Gmail app will be the only approved mail app.


Congratulations to the Class of 2024 and Have a great summer 
Class of 2024 is off in the real world, but they couldn’t have done it without your support.  Thank you to all of the educators and faculty who have made a difference in these students’ academic journey. 


That wraps up our last show for the season! We hope you have a wonderful and relaxing summer. Don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss an episode when we return. 
Thanks, team DPS. We’ll talk to you again soon.

In this week's EDUCA DPS Podcast, members of the Multilingual Education Department, Allison Ratchford and Sary Portillo, discuss the remarkable impact of their efforts in supporting our new-to-country students. Our MLE Department works directly with students, families and educators to ensure that Multilingual Learners (MLLs) receive an equitable, high-quality education.
This year, DPS has welcomed nearly 5,000 newly arrived MLL students, a significant increase from the yearly average of 500. Not only are resources being provided to our students and families, but the MLE Department also offers instructional support to schools that are welcoming new arrival students. 

1. Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT)  and Food and Nutrition Service Offerings 
Help inform families in your community about  the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) program, is a new program that provides nutritious food to eligible students in the summer months when they are not in school. The Colorado Department of Human Services has created an outreach toolkit in English and Spanish to help spread the word about Colorado's Summer EBT program.

Similarly, 
Every summer Denver Public Schools participates in the Summer Food Service Program. The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) is a federally-funded, state-administered program and refers to the free meal program offered during summer months that provides nutritious meals to children 18 years and younger at no charge, regardless of income, race or religion. We’ll link to the participating locations in our shownotes. 


2. Ombuds has Finalized their Second Annual Report
The Ombuds Office has published their second annual report. 
To jog your memory, the Ombuds team is a confidential and informal resource, committed to ensuring that fair and equitable practices exist for all employees throughout the systems and structures in DPS.


This annual report includes information, data, and recommendations for how to enhance the district's culture and climate for all DPS employees. The report is linked in our shownotes! 
For additional information about the Ombuds work, visit their webpage on The Commons or give them a ring 720-423-4776. 

3. Register Your School For the FNE Hiring Fair
Do you work for or with a school in the Far Northeast Region? Register your school for the Far Northeast Region Hiring Fair on June 4 by May 29 at Northeast Early College from 5:30-7 p.m. The goal for this fair is to connect candidates who are open to employment opportunities with the DPS schools in the area. If you cannot attend, please invite someone who can represent your school on your behalf. If you have questions, contact Jeremy Eddie.  



4. Reminder: Collect Chromebooks and Chargers from Students Before Summer Break
Students must return their Chromebooks and chargers for schools to be stored over the summer. Unfortunately there are no exceptions. Check out our show notes for more information about the recommended processes around device collection.



5. Don’t Forget to Ensure Families Update their Addresses in Infinite Campus 
Please encourage families to update their addresses in Infinite Campus (IC) before the end of the school year. Even though it’ll be summer before we know it, we want to remain connected with students and families to effectively support them.

1. Check your calendars! All room reservations at Emily Griffith Campus scheduled for dates from July 1, 2024 onward will be canceled from the Google Calendar. Users will need to reschedule rooms for all recurring and one-off meetings that have been scheduled on/or after July 1st. Rescheduling starts on June 3 .

2. The Team DPS End-of-Year Well-being Check-in survey will close Friday, May 17. Make sure you take the time to complete this confidential survey ahead of the 17th. . Invitations with unique links to complete the survey were emailed to all employees on May 1. If that email is long buried, don’t worry, a reminder email with the link is scheduled for Thursday, May 16. 

3. Summer is around the corner! Make sure you’re sharing Community resources with your students before school is out of session. Visit the Family and Community Engagement  webpage for resources, hosted by the City of Denver and DPS.

4. ICYMI: Effective July 1, SchoolMessenger, Constant Contact and Mailchimp will be deactivated and replaced by a new platform. Trainings on how to use the new Apptegy platform will be available soon! Contact DPS Webdeveloper Jacob Turner for more information. jacob_turner@dpsk12.net


5. The DPS Latinx Student Success (LSS) Team is now official! This team will lead the charge improving the experience for Latino students, families and employees within the district and help celebrate Latino successes. Speaking of Latino success, the DPS Communications team just highlighted the Latinx Student Alliance banquet. Make sure to check out that video. It lives on the district social media channels and the DPS website.   dpsk12.org

Graduation season is here and with it the annual Seal of Biliteracy event. Members from the Multilingual Education Department joined our hosts to talk about their upcoming event. 

The Seal of Biliteracy celebrates and recognizes students proficiency in two or more languages.  Watch the show in English and in Spanish to see how the Seal of Biliteracy impacts students' opportunities and helps improve the student experience in the ever increasing interconnected world. 

Spanish https://youtu.be/fG01vD8juZc

English https://youtu.be/ERXkHERLIQg 

In this week's episode of Snap Shots, we're diving into a whirlwind of events and updates from the Denver Public Schools district. First up, it's all about expressing gratitude as we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week. Tune in to hear heartwarming stories of the incredible educators shaping the lives of students across the district.

Next, we're shining a spotlight on Heritage Month celebrations. From vibrant cultural events to educational initiatives, discover how DPS is honoring diversity and heritage within its schools and communities.

But that's not all – we're also reminding families about the upcoming deadline for the Summer Connections summer program. Learn how your child can stay engaged and continue learning over the summer break.

In our technology update segment, we'll provide an important update on internet access for families. Ensuring equitable access to online resources remains a top priority for DPS, and we'll share the latest developments in bridging the digital divide.

Lastly, we'll take a look at some of the exciting events that took place recently, including the STEAM Expo and Lunch Hero Day. Plus, don't miss our special shout-out to three outstanding students who have been awarded the prestigious Boettcher Foundation Scholarship.

Join us for this dynamic episode of Snap Shots as we celebrate the achievements, initiatives, and milestones within the Denver Public Schools community.

Links:
Internet Connectivity  - https://www.affordableconnectivity.gov/
Photo of Dr. Marrero - https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=845986800897652&set=pcb.845987180897614

In the latest episode of the EDUCA DPS Podcast, representatives of the Gary Community Venture’s, MyFriendBen program, sat down with our hosts to talk about a new and unique program geared towards helping DPS families. 

MyFriendBen is an online form that when filled out, will share benefits and tax credits that families are eligible to receive. The form takes around six minutes to complete and has over 40 programs that families could be eligible for. 

To find out more about MyFriendBen, listen to the EDUCA DPS Podcast. 

🎶Let's talk music! In this episode of the Black Student Voices in Color podcast, students chat about their favorite musicians, genres, and problems facing the music industry today.🎙️Listen in at youtu.be/jQER_9x_jR8 or find it on your favorite #podcast platform by searching for "The Denver Public Schools Podcast."👂

In this week’s episode of the EDUCA DPS Podcast, our hosts are joined by Grant Van Pelt, Wes Ogburn and Carson Biederman, members of the DPS Team who all have a hand in bullying prevention. 

“Problems are going to come up between students all the time that are not going to be categorized as bullying,” said Biederman. “Conflict is a totally normal part of human interactions. If there is equal power and they are disagreeing, then it is just conflict. But if there is an imbalance of power, if there is intentional harm, then it's bullying.”

The DPS EDUCA podcast hosts are joined by staff members and students of the Student Voice and Leadership (SVL) program. With Challenge 5280 on the horizon, this showcase, spearheaded by the SVL participants, sees student leaders presenting policy solutions and leading educational workshops to foster collaboration in DPS. Students from across the district showcase their initiatives through competition, engage in meaningful dialogue and inspire change on a broader scale.

“Student voice and leadership is important to me because I think it allows kids to utilize their voice in a good way,” said Sesina, a junior at Northfield High School. “I think everyone has a voice, but they may not know how to use it.” 

Listen in on the latest episode of the Black Voices in Color Podcast where our hosts discuss Black Movies that have influenced their experience. 

In the latest episode of the BVC podcast, students are joined by Montbello Principal Neisa Lynch and Mr. Roman. Listen in as they discuss the black student experience at Montbello High School. 

In the second episode of the Black Voices in Color podcast (BVCP), students chat about what they found while getting ready for Black History Month. The BVCP is joined by special guest, Ms. K’iara Roberts, who's not just a teacher, but also an advisor of the podcast. Ms. Roberts has made it her mission to make sure that black students achieve academic excellence. In her interview, she shares this saying that really hit home for her, "If you want to hide something from a Black person, put it in a book."

The BVCP hosts get into a deep discussion about black culture and how it has not only shaped their experience as students but how it is also shaping the world. From colloquialisms to fashion and music, black culture has been a heavy influence. 

Find the Black Voices in Color Podcast on our YouTube channel, or listen on any podcast platform by searching for The Denver Public Schools Podcast. 

https://youtu.be/cMgcN9O1DI0 

Led by students at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Early College, East High School and Montbello High School, the Black Voices in Color Podcast covers Black Excellence and the student experience in DPS. In this episode, students engage in authentic conversations that go beyond the surface and take a deep dive into the importance of elevating black student voices. 

Tune in and be part of the conversation as we strive to uplift and honor the voices that contribute to the dynamic tapestry of the DPS community. Find the Black Voices in Color Podcast on our YouTube channel, or listen on any podcast platform by searching for The Denver Public Schools Podcast. 

⚽My Spark Denver gives students the opportunity to explore their interests without worrying about the financial burden. DPS middle school students who qualify for free and reduced lunch can receive $1,000 to cover the cost of enrollment and after school program participation.💸 With over 185 programs to choose from, there are extracurricular activities that fit every student’s needs. 🎙️Learn more about My Spark in this week's DPS EDUCA Podcast episode.

🔗More info- MySparkDenver.org

Financial Literacy will be a graduation requirement beginning in 2027. Tune into this informative conversation, in English and Spanish, with two of our district leaders as they discuss the comprehensive courses that will be offered to our students. In addition, you will learn where the financial literacy initiative came from and why it is an essential part of our duty to ensure that every learner thrives at DPS.

In this special episode of the EDUCA DPS Podcast, guests Mario Quezada and Claudia Tarango, members of the Enrollment services team at DPS, sit down with our hosts to talk about School Choice, Universal Preschool (UPK) and general enrollment. 

In this podcast episode, families can learn about the important changes regarding enrollment schedules, application dates and the new unified process that allows families to enroll their students from Jan. 11 to Feb. 12.

Families can visit the enrollment centers in person, dial the enrollment hotline or email directly to get help with the enrollment process. 

Watch the show in English and in Spanish. You can also listen on your favorite podcast platform here, or say “ALEXA, play the Denver Public Schools Podcast.” 

Enrollment Centers:

Green Valley Ranch

4800 Telluride St.

Building 5

CMS Elementary

1300 S. Lowell Blvd

Main entrance, door 10

Enrollment Hotline: (720) 423 - 3493

Email: schoolchoice@dpsk12.org

Watch in Spanish: https://youtu.be/RfKlGJBujOA

Watch in English: https://youtu.be/OKO9mypkIuo

On the latest episode of the EDUCA DPS Podcast, our hosts are joined by Troy Alexander and Saira Galindo Vazquez, members of the Transformative Social Emotional Learning (tSEL) team for DPS. In this episode we talk about the differences between tSEL and mental health, how tSEL improves academics and how tSEL connects to culture and equity. 


“That's the culture piece of social emotional learning, the transformative piece, students are using their voice and listening to what they need. The more we learn about who they are, the better off our students are,” said Troy Alexander. 


“tSEL is about creating the space where students feel comfortable, when students feel seen they are more likely to be successful academically," said Saira Galindo Vazques.

Applying for colleges can get expensive- did you know Colorado waives college application fees for a few days each year? This year’s Colorado Free Application Days are Oct. 17-19. 

In this episode of the Educa Podcast, Senior Manager of PR and Media Javier Ibarra sits down to discuss FAFSA, also known as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, with DPS’ Senior Manager of Counseling and Career Success, Katie Gianastacio. 

What’s Katie’s superpower? “I think my superpower is helping students figure out what their superpowers are. I get to work with kids all the time talking about what their strengths and interests are and how to connect those passions to their future,” she shared on our show. 

Katie wants to simplify the college application process for students and help them reach their dreams.

Watch the full episode in English and Spanish to learn how to navigate the entire college application process, including how you can apply to receive free money for education from the government through FAFSA. For those applying to a post-secondary school in Colorado, you may also benefit from CASFA, also known as Colorado Application for State Financial Aid.

DPS’ College and Career Success Team is deeply committed to engaging families, students and communities and fostering student agency, voice and choice.  

This informative talk with Jen Hanson, Director of Higher Education and Academics, gives insight into nine programs that motivate and educate students on the choices they have after high school. 

In this week’s EDUCA DPS Podcast, our hosts are joined by Danielle Ford, Manager of DPS School-based Health Clinics to discuss the importance of oral health. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) up to 10% of children aged two to five have untreated cavities and more than half of adolescents aged 12 to 19 have had a cavity in at least one of their permanent teeth.

“Some studies have linked common oral problems to illnesses, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, premature birth, osteoporosis, and even Alzheimer's disease,” said Ford. 

Thanks to our School-based Health Clinics, all of the services talked about in this episode are free to our students. 

In the week's EDUCA DPS Podcast, our experts, district psychologist Grant Van Pelt and Student Safety Coordinator Dr. Jane Lineman, debunk common myths about suicide and discuss resources available to students, families and staff. Listen to learn about the importance of suicide prevention and how you can help!

In the latest episode of the Marrero Moment, Dr. Alex Marrero is joined by Dr. Simone Wright, DPS’ new Chief of Academics. 

Dr. Wright shares more about her role and how her teams impact the education of our students.