Supt. Tom Boasberg

It's an exciting time in DPS, as many of our families get ready to participate in our nationally recognized enrollment system, SchoolChoice.

 

Started in 2011, SchoolChoice gives every family equitable access to the school they think is best for their student, regardless of their background or address. Through our one-deadline, one-application SchoolChoice window -- which is open Feb. 1-28 this year -- virtually every DPS school , both district-run and charter -- is a potential option for families.

We believe that students thrive when they have high-quality education choices, and the top goal in the Denver Plan is to have great schools in every neighborhood. We encourage f amilies to first look at their neighborhood school, where they have a guaranteed seat. We also know that different kids thrive in different environments -- and we are fortunate to have a rich mix of traditional, innovation and charter schools that offer a variety of programs, services and cultures. All of these are open to families through SchoolChoice.

 

	Families met with educators from George Washington High School at Tuesday's Southeast regional expo.

Equity is at the heart of SchoolChoice, and one

of the priorities we use to match students to schools is designed to build more integrated schools that reflect the diversity of our communities. This year, we've expanded a pilot program at some of our higher-performing, lower-poverty schools to prioritize enrollment for students eligible for free- and reduced-price lunch, an indicator of poverty.

 

Research shows students of all income levels and races benefit from diversity in their school. We believe these schools offer the best education for our kids by breaking down stereotypes, building bridges and promoting vibrant neighborhoods throughout Denver.

 

Finding the right school for each student is a big decision, and an important part of our SchoolChoice process is giving our families the resources they need to make informed decisions. This week, we held a series of five regional Great Schools Expos so families could meet face-to-face with leaders from schools in which they might be interested.

 

We've also introduced a new online, mobile-friendly school search tool called School Finder . This user-friendly website makes it easy for families to look up schools by address, interests or programs. When families are ready to rank their top five school preferences, they will be accessing the new online application at schoolchoice.dpsk12.org using a cellphone, tablet or computer.

 

DPS is proud to have the strongest choice system in the country, as well as some of the highest participation rates -- and we're always striving to make it even better. I look forward to another great SchoolChoice season when families take that first step in finding the school their children will love .

This week, we announced the expansion of our enrollment pilot program, which gives low-income families access to high-performing schools. And during our five regional SchoolChoice expos this week, families from all over Denver met school leaders and educators from schools they are interested in for 2018-19. Learn more about this week's events in 60 seconds!

English: DPS News Now -- Jan. 22-26

Spanish: Lo último en DPS -- Jan. 22-26

	South High School received a banner to hang in the school and a gold logo to post on their websites.

The National Education Policy Center, located at the University of Colorado-Boulder, has recognized South High School for its extraordinary commitment to equity and excellence by giving all students the opportunity to succeed! The policy center awarded South High School with a Gold Recognition by the Schools of Opportunity Recognition Program. South High School is DPS' only Newcomer Center serving refugee students who have had limited or interrupted formal education.

	For the first time in its history, DPS is being governed by an all-female Board of Education.

January is School Board Month, an opportunity to recognize and thank school board of education members around the country for their commitment to our kids. Here in Denver, we're fortunate to have our Board of Education members, who are all volunteers and who give countless hours in service of making our schools a better place and ensuring all students receive the best education possible.

• Anne Rowe, District 1 and Board President
• Barbara O'Brien, At Large
• Allegra "Happy" Haynes, At Large
• Angela Cobián, District 2
• Carrie A. Olson, District 3
• Jennifer Bacon, District 4
• Lisa Flores, District 5

Be sure to thank your region's board member on social media using #SchoolBoardMonth!