As COVID-19 cases climb in Colorado and Denver, we all have a role to play in keeping the community healthy. Even if you feel well and have no symptoms, you can still have COVID-19 and be contagious. Many people spread the virus and never feel sick at all, we call this asymptomatic spread. We recommend the core prevention strategies -- keeping distance, wearing masks, and washing hands -- and being tested regularly. Ongoing testing will be key to supporting DPS’ return to school strategy, and keeping each other safe.

For Team DPS, testing is free, easy, and quick. Make your appointment online and stay well!

We want to ensure our team members, both those working in buildings and remotely, understand the overall systems we have in place to manage COVID-19 health and safety in DPS.

We have developed a DPS COVID-19 Health and Safety Resource Guide to summarize how our systems work together -- from how we report COVID-19 cases to the public health department, what symptom screening looks like in schools, free testing to DPS staff, the layered protections of the DPS 5 and the required Health and Safety Training for staff that are working in buildings during this time.

As a reminder, team members can also find detailed information for all of our health and safety protocols, access return to worksite forms, search a comprehensive resource library, and learn the steps for reporting a positive COVID test -- plus more -- all on thecommons.dpsk12.org/return.

As a reminder, team members who test positive for COVID-19 should notify their supervisor, who will initiate the reporting process with our COVID-19 Reporting Hotline. Click here for step-by-step instructions on what to if you need to report a positive COVID-19 test.

Thank you to DPS team members who shared their incredible Halloween costume pictures! See all the photos here and click the information icon in the top-left to read each caption. Congratulations to our winner, Adam Houzner of Skinner Middle School!

5. "The one and only, Elton John." -- Nickolas Ralston, Product Manager

4."A suspicious strawberry and a relaxed reindeer enjoying a beautiful fall day just because." -- Heather Hansing, Denison

3."At the Hoofin’ Through the Hollows 5k in Centennial, CO!" -- Beth Kellim, Thomas Jefferson

2."Happy Halloween to all of the hardworking DPS Students, Faculty, Staff and Communities! From Terita and my 11-year-old daughter, Chloe (Disney’s Maleficent and Mal of 'Sleeping Beauty' and 'The Descendants')" -- Terita Walker, East High School

1. "I am thankful that 'the force' is strong with this team. I am reminded of some of the quotes I have heard over the past two years with this team at Skinner, including: 'There will be no bargain, young Jedi,' from Ryan Olsen (as Jabba the Hutt), when students ask if they can use their phones." -- Adam Houzner and the Affective Needs Team, Skinner Middle School (pictured above)

Smiles are contagious -- even through masks! We want to know what has made you smile lately. A great book, a heartfelt card, a funny article or a cute picture? Send us your smiles and you could be entered to win a prize!

As a "thank you" to DPS team members for their dedication to supporting students, DPS Foundation is hosting a drawing for a two-night stay at the Hyatt Regency Downtown Denver at Colorado Convention Center this November. To enter, complete this form with your name and email address by noon, Nov. 9.

Beginning Nov. 16, join the Work of Art Challenge to learn and practice activities that elevate emotional fitness. This four-week challenge includes guided exercises to increase optimism, enhance mindfulness, share gratitude, make stronger connections and more. You can participate either individually, as a team with your coworkers or with household members (18 years and older). Find out more about the Work of Art challenge and sign up to be entered to win a $50 Visa gift card.

Looking to boost your resilience in the meantime? At 4 p.m. Nov. 5, learn short mindfulness practices that can be integrated into daily life during a 60-minute, virtual workshop. Register here.

Get ready to nominate an African American/Black student who is demonstrating the joy of reading! We will be highlighting the exciting connections students are making to African American authors in different ways during our Anchored in Literacy virtual event on Dec. 8 from 5-7:30 p.m. Use this reading log, which has some examples of authors, to share the opportunity with students and families.

Disrupting Bias: Beyond the Basics: 2:30-4:30 p.m., Nov. 10. This session provides experiences in exploring the topics of equity, bias and its impact on school communities and work environments. The content includes the comparison of implicit, explicit and oppression bias with opportunities for participants to learn about the development of bias and to reflect on their personal bias. To learn how to disrupt bias, participants will discuss and practice the "Detect, Reflect and Reject" strategy. Click here to register.

Navigating Change: 9-11 a.m., Nov. 11. Change is constant and is the one thing we all experience in our personal and professional lives. For some of us change can be challenging, yet for others, it can be a welcomed opportunity. During this workshop, learners will discuss those things that drive change, as well as the role that transitions play in change. Learners will develop and improve their skills to help lead change at DPS. Click here to register.

Attend a virtual workshop at 4 p.m. Nov. 9 with AIG financial experts and learn how to gain control over your finances so you can focus on other areas of your life. AIG and non-AIG members are welcome to attend.

"Since remote learning started last March, Warren has gone above and beyond in all aspects of his job to make sure Archuleta students, families and staff have what they need to successfully engage in their online education. He has spent countless hours troubleshooting technology issues with students and families over the phone. Warren has made himself immediately available to individual teachers and teams to make sure they have the equipment and knowledge they need to provide quality instruction for students.

Although his workload, as an STR, has absolutely intensified during remote learning, his patience, positive attitude and dedication to the students and staff of Archuleta has never wavered. We have heard so many teachers comment, too many times to count, that they would not be able to do their jobs without Warren. It is impossible to list just one example of how Warren shows Integrity in the work that he does. He gives so much of himself to his job, every day, and does it all with a smile on his face. Warren is an amazing STR and an amazing human being. He truly is a shining example of what it means to live the DPS values."

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