Students from Colfax Elementary in Northwest Denver.
Oct. 24, 2018
Register for Culturally Responsive Education PDUs
Dear Teachers,

Research shows that when teachers develop strong relationships with their students and express high expectations for them, students of color thrive. To support this, D PS has launched a multi-year strategy to build Culturally Responsive Education (CRE) practices across the district. T he Professional Learning team has the following opportunities availab le now:
 
  • Growth Through Connections (GTC): Anchoring learning in Dr. Christopher Emdin’s book, “For White Folks Who Teach in The Hood,” GTC is an ongoing professional development unit that helps educators build strong relationships with their students and provides them with engaging and culturally relevant learning experiences. (A stipend is available after completion of the program.) Register here.
 
 
The work of eliminating opportunity gaps belongs to everyone in DPS. We’re excited to provide these resources to focus on student engagement and achievement for targeted groups of underserved students.
 
If you have questions, please email Jamie Bassett .

Warm Regards,
Susana
Teacher Tidbit Response: #HumbleBrag
Thanks to everyone who shared their #humblebrags! We hope that you can continue reflecting on your accomplishments -- big and small -- throughout the year. The top response was submitted by Alison Kapsalis, a gifted education specialist at Lowry Elementary:

"I volunteered to be part of the DPS Science Curriculum Review Committee. We just finished up 40 hours (evenings, weekends and workdays) meticulously analyzing, evaluating, judging and finally selecting for recommendation a new district science curriculum that aligns with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Being able to be a voice for future generations of district science learners was a unique and empowering experience, and one I'm glad I accepted."
Callout: Why Did You Become a Teacher?
It's not often that we get the opportunity to share the stories behind why we do what we do. Tell us why you decided to become a teacher. Share your story through this form, and we'll include the top response in the next edition of Teacher Weekly!
This Week's Top 5 Things to Know
Encourage 11th and 12th Graders to Apply for the Seal of Biliteracy
Do you have students who are fluent in multiple languages? They may qualify to earn the DPS Seal of Biliteracy, a prestigious award for graduating seniors who can demonstrate literacy in English and any other world language, including American Sign Language. The seal appears on transcripts as a certification to colleges and employers that the student has attained high-level literacy skills. Although formally awarded during senior year, juniors are also encouraged to apply so that they can list the seal on college applications. Much more information, including criteria, planning materials and a link to the online application, are available on the Seal of Biliteracy website . The deadline to apply is Oct. 31.
Attend an Upcoming Equity-Based Program: Full-Day and Evening Options Available
Attend these upcoming equity-based programs focused on building an inclusive classroom and leading through relationships:

  • ED Talk: Supporting our LGBTQ+ Community: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Nov. 12. Join DPS team members and the Denver community for a free interactive workshop on how we can support our LGBTQ+ community. Presented by nonprofit organization Youth Seen. Click here to register.

  • Equity Boot Camp: Relational Leadership: Nov. 13 or 14. This Equity Boot Camp session focuses on how to transform leadership for the modern day, build inclusive cultures and create more equitable outcomes for students. Click here to register.

Questions? Email DPSEquity@dpsk12.org .
2019-20 Principal and Assistant Principal Pool Now Open
DPS’ Talent Acquisition team has announced that the 2019-20 principal and assistant principal candidate pools are now open. If you are interested in applying or know of a qualified candidate, follow or share these links:
Principal Pool:
Assistant Principal Pool:
Access and Share Veterans Day Curricular Resources
Teachers can now access a new set of Veterans Day Curricular Resources to promote a schoolwide effort to honor veterans this Veterans Day, Nov. 11 . These resources, available by grade level and grade-level band for kindergarten through 12th grade, include grade-appropriate activities and a prompt for an essay contest. If you have questions, contact Tony Sievert .
K-12 Dedicated ELD Open-Access Online Modules Now Available in Schoology
The ELA Department has created online modules focused on building capacity for K-12 Dedicated English Language Development (ELD) in Schoology. Each module contains research, resources, tools and turnkey facilitator PowerPoints for on demand learning, instructional tools and professional development. The first module, Assessing for Language in ELD , is now available here .
DPS Myth Busters
Myth Buster: Amendment 73
Question: What can we do as educators to promote Amendment 73? -- Teacher at Hamilton Middle School

Answer: Although the Fair Campaign Practices Act prohibits public employees from spending taxpayer dollars to advocate for ballot initiatives or candidates, there are lots of options for team members to support the amendment if they choose to do so outside of work. A few options include:
  • Canvas and knock on doors.
  • Attend and advocate at rallies and marches.
  • Share information on social media.
  • Write letters to your local newspapers and online media.
  • Fundraise for campaigns.
 
Please refer to this Election Guidance Memo for more information about the legal do’s and don’ts of election activity as a DPS employee. Learn more about Amendment 73 in this Board of Education resolution, and this FAQ about 2018 ballot initiatives. Above all else, we encourage those who are eligible to register to vote to cast ballots and participate in our democratic process.
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:

  • New Literacy Assessment Tool Available

  • Elementary Math Teachers: Bridges Curriculum Account Reset
Contact Us
Connect with Us
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