Dec. 13, 2017
Students line up for learning at Escalante-Biggs Academy in Far Northeast Denver.
This Week's Top 5 Things to Know
New Grants Available to Fund Your Next Big Idea
Are you looking to revitalize your playground, spice up your school's salad bar, upgrade your classroom's technology or invest time in professional development for STEM programs? The new Funding Opportunities for Educators document makes it easy for educators to browse new grants by topic and deadlines. Educators can find funding opportunities for academic, art, health, environmental education and public safety programs -- plus so much more! The document is updated regularly on thecommons.dpsk12.org/grants in the "Notices" section on the right side of the page, so check back often for new grant opportunities. If you are interested in applying for a grant, complete the Intent to Apply form. If you have questions, contact Lora Langlee at 720-423-3432.
Interested in Becoming a Teacher Leader? Build Your Skills before Applying for a Role
Register here for a full-day workshop as well as other learning opportunities for teachers who are interested in becoming a Teacher Leader. This workshop, held on Jan. 27 at North High School, will help aspiring Teacher Leaders think about their leadership goals and the steps they need to take to get there, and aims to further develop the talent they already have and increase confidence and preparation for the Teacher Leader role. Current Teacher Leaders will facilitate the full-day workshop to provide authentic examples of what the real work of teacher leaders looks like.
Fight the Summer Slide and Join a Summer Literacy Loss Focus Group
Teachers who want to address summer literacy loss are encouraged to join a focus group led by the Literacy and Library Services teams. Summer literacy loss, also known as "summer slide," is crucial to mitigate in order for students to both sustain reading growth made over the school year and also build a love of reading. The Literacy and Library Services teams are seeking to learn more about student and family literacy needs during academic breaks in order to best provide resources and supports during this critical time. If you are interested in participating in a short focus group around summer literacy loss, please contact Nicole Hensel.  
Review Important Dates for Teachers Retiring, Taking Leave of Absence 
The deadline to complete and submit forms for Early Notification of Retirement or to request general leave for the 2018-19 school year is Feb. 1. Please refer to the following forms and information:
Questions? Contact HR Connect.
Olweus Bullying Prevention Materials Available on Teacher Portal
Olweus Bullying Prevention videos and materials are available online to all DPS team members who have access to the Teacher Portal. To review these materials, follow these steps:
  1. Click on Teacher Portal and log in.
  2. Go to Resources and Supports tab.
  3. Go to Instruction and Curriculum.  
  4. Scroll down and click on Olweus Bully Prevention Materials.
  5. Click on Resources for Middle or Resources for Elementary.
Other Resources and Information
Click here to learn more about these resources and opportunities: 
  • CollaboRATE Survey FAQs Now Available
  • Two Ways to Access No Nonsense Nurturer Professional Development
  • All Teacher Leader Roles: Register for New Spring Leadership Development Opportunities
  • Register for Paid Professional Development for ELA-S Teachers
  • ELA-S Teachers Wanted for Elementary Spanish Literacy Assessment Creation
  • Registration Open for EL Achieve Dedicated English Language Development Training
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