Sept. 12, 2018
Students from Ellis Elementary in Southeast Denver.
Updates about DPS' Search for the Next Superintendent and How to Share Your Voice

On Thursday, the Board of Education announced that it was extending the search process an additional six weeks in order to gather as much input from the community as possible during the search for DPS' next superintendent. We want to hear your voice during this search, to understand your hopes and dreams for this position. See future community meeting dates and locations at SuperSearch.dpsk12.org. 
 
Also, tune in to Facebook for our series of livestream videos where members of the DPS Board of Education will answer questions from the community about the superintendent search process. Last week, Board of Education member Dr. Carrie Olson participated in the first livestream video of this series. Today, at 12:15 p.m., board member Jennifer Bacon will go live to answer questions.  
 
Stay tuned to our social media channels for more livestreams and check SuperSearch.dpsk12.org for the latest news and updates. 
Teacher Tidbit: Kid Quotes
Kids say the darndest things! Our favorite kid quote was submitted by Veronica Cruz, a first-grade math and science teacher at Samuels Elementary:

"When I asked my student why he wouldn't stop singing in class, he said, 'I'm just so happy, I need to get it out.'"
Teacher Tidbit Callout: Lead by Example
We know that teachers play a big role in our students' lives, and kids learn best when they have great examples. We want to know how you teach your students to lead by example. Share your Teacher Tidbit response through this form, and we'll share the top response in the next edition of Teacher Weekly!
This Week's Top 5 Things to Know
2018 CMAS Individual Reports Now Available in Parent and Student Portals
Individual student 2018 CMAS reports are now available in the Parent and Student Portals. Parents and students can now access these detailed, individual reports in the portals by visiting the District and State Test Results page and clicking the link in the Available Reports section at the top of the page. These reports breakdown students' strengths and areas for improvement. Encourage your families and students to review the reports prior to attending conferences.
2018-19 Unit Assessment Calendar is Now Available
Read the 2018-19 Unit Assessment Calendar for an outline of the suggested administration timeline for unit, supplemental and course assessments for math, literacy, science and social studies, in alignment with the DPS scope and sequence. You can reference this calendar throughout the year to check current progress and anticipate upcoming lessons. If you have questions, email Accountability, Research and Evaluation (ARE) or Curriculum and Instruction (C&I) .
2018-19 District Map and Handbook for Families and Students are Now Available
The 2018-19 District Map and Handbook for Families and Students are now available.

The District Map is available to print and view online . To request hard copies of the map, please fill out the 2018-19 District Map order form .
 
The new and improved Handbook for Families and Students provides families with a directory of resources, programs, services and policies -- and it's now easier than ever to navigate. Printed copies were delivered to each school. The handbook is also available to download, print or view online in English and Spanish ; other languages will be available in mid-September.
Access Schoology Training and Support
Have you taken the DPS Schoology 101: Getting Started course? Schoology 101 is an online course that shows educators how to navigate Schoology and use it effectively in the classroom. Log in to Schoology > Courses > Join and use access code: B88J4-WCXX5 . The Professional Learning Catalog also contains a list of courses to learn how to use Schoology in the classroom and the Schoology Help Center offers resources with navigational guides and videos as well. Looking for live support? Schoology experts are available to provide live support and answer your questions at 888-239-7067 from 6 a.m.-6 p.m Monday through Friday. When calling, use the DPS Schoology account support code: 9919-1208 .
Earn Professional Development Credit with DPS Aspire
Attend a DPS Aspire session as your structured learning opportunity this fall. During this two-day program, participants learn to strengthen leadership capacity, navigate difficult conversations and create action plans to grow and improve. As one participant put it, "Aspire will exceed your expectations and renew your sense of power."

Sessions are available in October, November and December. Substitute pay and contact hours are available for completed programs. For additional details and to register, click here . (Sign in using your DPS username and password). If you have questions, email [email protected] .
Myth Busters: Answers to Questions about DPS' Superintendent Search 
We have received many questions from the DPS community through [email protected]. You can find answers to some of the most common questions:
  • "I'm looking for the calendar of community meetings in regard to the search, and can't seem to find it on your website. Can you please direct me to it?"
    • Answer: Click here for the most up-to-date calendar and RSVP links.
  • "The teachers at my building are very interested in the superintendent search. I was wondering if there was an official process or a particular form that the search committee had by which we could provide input."
    • Answer: The board recently announced that it was extending the search timeline in the interest of gathering as much community input as possible. That said, anyone can email their input to [email protected], attend a community meeting or communicate directly with their board of education representative. Additionally, in the near future, the board will release a community survey. Check SuperSearch.dpsk12.org often for more information.
DPS Myth Busters: Send Us Your Questions
We know you have questions -- whether it's about new curriculum, district resources or how you can get more supports as an educator. Share your DPS question through this form and the answer may be featured in an upcoming edition. 
Other Resources and Information
Click here to learn more about these resources and opportunities:
  • Review Updated LEAP Appendices
  • Attend a New Teacher Learning Lab with Your In-building Instructional Coach
Denver Public Schools sends all district newsletters and critical employee communications through Constant Contact. Please do not unsubscribe your dpsk12.org email address from any message; if you unsubscribe from one newsletter or one communication, you will be removed from all other district-managed email lists in Constant Contact. 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].