Feb. 8, 2018
Living Our DPS honorees -- nominated by their teammates for living our Shared Core Values -- were recognized at our annual DPS Night of Honor. 
Celebrate Your Teammates: Nominations for Night of Honor Awards are Now Open
Do you know someone on Team DPS who embodies the Shared Core Values every day? How about a successful and effective team? Recognize these individuals by nominating them for a Night of Honor award:
  • Leadership Lamp Award: Our most distinguished award honoring our Shared Core Values champions (four awards total).
  • Excellence in Team Award: High-performing teams making a difference (teams of 3-12; four awards total).
  • Living Our DPS: Honoring the actions of individuals living one of our Shared Core Values (up to 50 awards total).
Also, nominate a DPS parent or family who is making a positive impact in their school communities for the Family Leadership Award , presented at an upcoming Superintendent Parent Forum. Nominations are due March 23. Questions? Call 720-423-3151 or email [email protected].
Top 5: Why are Your School Counselors the Best?
This week is National School Counseling Week, and you shared shoutouts for our incredible school counselors. Congratulations to Samantha Haviland, the director of counseling support services and our giveaway prize winner!

5. "My two Denver Online High School students have had Casey Burton and Nadia Coleman as counselors, and they are two of the most professional and caring school counselors. They've always made my kids feel important and supported and they've never been too busy to communicate and give advice. It's obvious that their work means more to them than just showing up. They genuinely care about their students!"   -- Natalie Tennison, Parent
 
4. " My sister Emily Stern is a school counselor at Dora Moore, and she works so hard to ensure her students are thriving emotionally and academically. She does whole group lessons and small group lessons to help her students succeed in class and beyond. " -- Julie Dani, Cheltenham Elementary

3. " Patricia Vaughan at Lowry Elementary goes above and beyond her job description in caring for our students.  She had a 'goodbye circle' for a student who was leaving our school. She passed a wood heart around the circle and every student had something terrific to say about their classmate. I was moved to tears! "   -- Maureen Jarrett, Lowry Elementary

2. " Lauren Forsythe and Jamie Lauters are our dream team at Centennial Elementary. They are the best because they show compassion for our staff, students and families and are always there when we all need them. They don't turn anyone away, they help when needed and they go above and beyond. They are truly extraordinary."  -- Jamie Castillo, Centennial Elementary

1. " The Emily Griffith counseling team is an example of a team so in touch with their students' needs and experiences that they change the game for their students every day. They seek to understand, look for systemic barriers that need to change for success of their kids, and every day problem solve to navigate the academic, personal and career challenges their unique population brings to the table. The EGHS counseling team is all heart with no shortage of bravery, intelligence and fight."   -- Samantha Haviland, Director of Counseling Support Services
Top 5 Callout: Your Favorite Student Valentine
Whether they're silly or sincere, nothing beats a handmade card or a sweet note from a kid on Valentine's Day. Send us photos or lines of the valentines your students give you or each other. Email them to [email protected]. We'll choose the Top 5 for next week's newsletter, and one person will win a giveaway prize!

Fall in Love with DPS Communications this Valentine's Day at Comms U
Make a date this Valentine's Day with the DPS Communications team and attend the Comms U open house and team expo from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Feb. 14 on the 14er of the Emily Griffith Campus. Media relations, social media, the DPS website, The Commons, school marketing, DPS branding, Denver Plan 2020, newsletters, EDUCA and language services are just some of the services that will be highlighted, with team members available to answer questions and discuss how they can best support you and your work. 
 
Sweet treats, a Valentine's Day photo booth and great prizes -- including dinner for two at Osteria Marco -- are all part of the fun, so stop by this Valentine's Day and let Communications sweep you off your feet! If you have questions, email [email protected].

Questions About Tech? Get Answers at the DoTS Tech Fair
Learn more about your technology and the team members who support it. Join the Department of Technology Services (DoTS) for a tech fair from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Feb. 22 at the Emily Griffith Campus on the 14th floor. There will be presentations on the Academic Technology Menu, Schoology, Windows 10, Heat Self-Service and our wireless network. You'll also learn how to identify ransomware and malicious emails, and how and why we protect our students' data. Representatives from Dell, CDW-G, Netbuilders and GovConnection will be available to answer your questions. Snacks will be provided. RSVP below!

#DanceYourMaskOff at a Masquerade Ball for Denver Kids Inc.
Get your tickets to the Denver Masquerade Ball, a fundraiser hosted by the Denver Kids Young Professionals Council. It will have an open bar, entertainment, dancing and a silent auction, and ticket sales will benefit Denver Kids, Inc., a nonprofit that's on a mission to help our kids  reach their full potential through year-round educational counseling; social, emotional and academic skills development; college guidance; career-readiness workshops; and afterschool enrichment. The ball is 8 p.m.-midnight March 3 at Mile High Station and masquerade attire is encouraged. Use promo code DENVERPSSTAFF for $5 off your ticket. Click below to buy today.
 
Living Our DPS Honoree
 
Allison Comer
Art Teacher, Cheltenham Elementary
Fun
 
"Students at Cheltenham Elementary actually jump for joy when they have art class with Mrs. Comer. Allison teaches our students to beautifully express themselves through the artwork they create, while recognizing and valuing their culture. She organizes events that help students and the community come together. Once, she brought a Denver Art Museum installation to our school!

When our music teacher was out, Allison stepped in and took over getting the teacher's plans ready, while doing her own plans and also helping out with extra school activities. She did all of this while being eight-and-a-half months pregnant. Allison always has a smile on her face and a very positive attitude!"

-- Luz Arzola, Liliana Melendez, Luz Melillo and Amy Shortt, Cheltenham Elementary 

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