Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2016
Students at Marie L. Greenwood Academy enjoy lunch together during the first days of school.
ICYMI: Reminders Regarding Discrimination and Harassment Policies
As we all settle into the new school year, we wanted to take a moment of your time to remind you about our important policies regarding discrimination and harassment.
 
As a part of Team DPS, each one of us has a role to play in ensuring that we create an inclusive working environment. What is inclusion? An inclusive workplace is an environment of involvement, respect and connection -- where uniqueness of beliefs, positions, backgrounds, talents, capabilities and ways of living are welcomed and leveraged. 
 
Read the full letter from Superintendent Tom Boasberg for information on: 
  • Diversity and bias trainings and workshops
  • What a "protected class" is
  • What a "hostile work environment" is
  • Complaint processes for discrimination and harassment
We strongly encourage you to reflect on what you can do to build inclusive cultures and, when necessary, make the courageous choice and report potential violations of our discrimination and harassment policies. Please read the full letter for our complete complaint process, or simply email [email protected] or call the Employee Relations hotline at 1-855-295-6776 for more information and assistance.
LIFT/EPMP Goal Setting Deadline Approaching on Sept. 30
Team members must have three to five SMART goals approved and active in Infor GHR by Sept. 30. Learn more with the step-by-step guide on how to approve employees' goals and this online tutorial.   Read Full Story >>
Questions About the New Federal Education Law ESSA?
Last year, the U.S. Congress passed the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) as a replacement to the former law known as No Child Left Behind (NCLB). This fall, the Colorado Department of Education is working to develop a state plan to implement ESSA, and members are seeking local input. Email [email protected] if you have questions about the state planning process or specific policies.  Read Full Story >> 
Mentoring Program for Educators of Color
DPS is launching a mentor program to foster greater inclusiveness across the district with a focus on educators of color. Apply here by Sept. 27 to be a part of the program, and contact Gwen Henderson-Gethers if you have any questions or would like to serve as a mentor. Read Full Story >>
Grants Administration Resources Available on The Commons
Do you have a grant, or would you like to seek funding for a special project in your school or department? At DPS, the Grants Administration team is here to provide guidance on grant funds, including applications, management, compliance, reporting and more. (Please note you must be on the DPS network to access The Commons at this time.) Read Full Story >> 
DPS Honors! Recognition Tools Available -- Order More Today
The  DPS Honors! program supports recognition across DPS with tools and opportunities for every team member to recognize each other for values-based work. The Shared Core Values pins, notecards, Wall of Fame boards, anniversary pin program, and Living Our DPS and other awards are all part of this program. Leaders can replenish their DPS Honors! recognition tools through the DPS Honors! website (Journal entries, or JEs, will be made to your budgets). Read More >>  
Grow Stronger Teams and Leaders through Values-Based Leadership Opportunities
The Culture, Equity and Leadership Team offers a variety of values-based leadership opportunities that are free for teams and team members. Upcoming opportunities include DPS Teams, DPS Leadership and DPS Aspire. Read Full Story >> 
COMING UP...
Sept. 22: Character Day
Note: We send many DPS communications via this platform. Please do not unsubscribe from these messages or you will not receive future and important messages. If a specific message doesn't interest you, simply delete it and stay tuned for a future communication that will be of more interest. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].