Oct. 4, 2018
A member of our Transportation team brings smiles to the faces of students.
Share Your Voice: Superintendent Search Survey and Upcoming Forums
As a member of Team DPS, your voice is essential to the board's decision on our next superintendent.  Complete this brief  online community survey  and share your opinions on the qualities, characteristics and competencies that you want to see in the new superintendent. The survey will take about 10 minutes to complete. Make sure to share your thoughts before the survey closes on Oct. 12.  

The Board of Education will use the information provided in the survey as they consider candidates and make their selection. Survey results will also be used to inform the new superintendent when he or she steps into the role. 

Teachers and school leaders are also invited to attend one of these upcoming forums:
  • Teacher Forum from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 9, in the cafeteria at South High School. 
  • Teacher Forum from 5:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 10, in the cafeteria at Northfield High School.
  • Principal Forum from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 10, in the library at South High School. 
  • Principal Forum from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11, in the cafeteria at Manual High School.
For the latest news on the superintendent search, visit supersearch.dpsk12.org
 
Top 5: What Was Your Favorite College Course?
In the spirit of College and Career Readiness month, we asked to hear about your favorite college classes. A few are featured below and the full collection can be found  here. Congratulations to our winner, Becca Kreidler at  West Early College!

5. "One of my favorite classes was Jazz and Show Choir Methods. We spent the course learning about the pedagogy of preparing this kind of group, and performed a show at the end wearing sparkly gold vests. I'll never forget practicing dance moves for 'Under the Sea' (The Little Mermaid) with my roommate in our living room." -- Janie Darone, Samuels Elementary

4. "My most interesting college course was horseback riding. My college had an equestrian team, and offered beginner, intermediate and advanced horseback riding! There was a paper/pencil test and skills assessment for a grade. It was such a fun class and a nice break from traditional college classes." -- Kate Hunter, Merrill Middle School 
  
3. "American Women Authors. After years of reading books assigned in courses, I finally took a class where the material resonated with me. I had read plenty of interesting books before but nothing that really hit home. The course represented a diverse selection of authors based on time period, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, etc. To this day, I still make it a point to seek writing by women of diverse backgrounds." -- Elizabeth Mcluathlin, Human Resources

2. "I was so fortunate to study abroad for a course called The Arts of London and Florence during my senior year in college. I learned about travel and other cultures. Most importantly, however, the experience confirmed how similar we all are as human beings. The course of study cemented my sense of compassion and openness to others, as well as exposed me to beautiful rituals, art, literature and architecture. The memories will last a lifetime." -- Liz Beindorff, Early Education

1. "My favorite class in college was Analytical Chemistry. One time, I forgot to bring in a material sample for atomic analysis. I ran outside and grabbed leaves from a plant on the quad. The results were astounding and built this deep connection between everything I had learned in chemistry across high school and college. To me, that moment epitomized the surprising pleasure of messing up ... and learning from it." -- Becca Kreidler, West Early College

Top 5 Callout: Recognize a Classified Employee 
Whether they are driving buses, supporting in the classroom, preparing healthy meals, keeping the school clean or our students safe, our classified employees keep DPS running every day. Fill out this form and tell us why you're thankful for a classified employee on your team!
Complete Mandatory Reporter and Student Data Privacy Training by Monday
All team members must complete two important training sessions by Monday, Oct. 8.:
  • Mandatory Reporting TrainingClick here to log in to Learning Space with your DPS credentials and access the course. For more information, visit the Mandatory Reporting page on The Commons.
  • Student Data Privacy Training: Click here to log in to the Learning Space with your DPS credentials and register for the course. You must complete a five-question quiz to complete the training. For more information, visit the DPS Student Data Privacy website.
Mark Your Calendar: SchoolChoice Window for the 2019-20 School Year
In DPS' effort to continually improve the enrollment process for our schools and families, the SchoolChoice window for the 2019-20 school year will be Jan. 15 to Feb. 15.

This window will allow our families to receive their school placement results sooner, and also provide schools more valuable time to plan for their incoming students. Questions? Visit schoolchoice.dpsk12.org, email schoolchoice@dpsk12.org or call 720-423-3493.

Help Say Goodbye to Tom by Sharing Your Favorite Memories
Tom Boasberg with students at Goldrick Elementary
As you know, after 10 years as our superintendent, Tom Boasberg is stepping down from his role in DPS. His last day is Oct. 19 -- and before then, we want to make sure we're sending him off in style! Below are a few opportunities to say goodbye to and thank Tom for all his services to Team DPS and our kids. 
  • Selfie Send Off: Share your favorite Tom memory or well-wishes for his future by recording a quick video selfie with your message. Or, if you're feeling camera shy, email your thoughts. Send your messages to newsletters@dpsk12.org by noon Oct. 11. These will be shared in an upcoming special edition newsletter.
  • Goodbye Get Together: Ever wanted to challenge Tom to a game of ping pong? Now's your chance! All members of Team DPS are invited to a casual farewell get-together with Tom from 4-7 p.m. Oct. 16 at Ace Eat Serve restaurant, 501 E. 17th Ave. Questions? Email Leah_Weston@dpsk12.org.
Register for an Upcoming DPS Skills Class
DPS Skills classes are filling up fast! Register to attend one of these  three-hour workshops and strengthen your equity practice, emotional intelligence (EQ) and leadership skills. Upcoming classes include:
  • Foundation Bias on Oct. 9.
  • Leading with EQ (Emotional Intelligence) on Oct. 23.
  • Bias 2.0 on Oct. 24.
  • Creative Conflict on Oct. 30.
  • Micro-Aggression on Oct. 31.
  • Culturally Responsive Leadership on Nov. 6.
All members of Team DPS can sign up for these free workshops, located at the Emily Griffith Campus. Learn more and register here

Perks at Work: Dispatch Health 
Save a trip to urgent care next time you or someone in your household needs medical care for a cold, flu or other ailment. Team members who are enrolled in a DPS medical plan are eligible to receive services from Dispatch Health, which sends a medical provider to your home for about the same cost as a visit to urgent care. 

Kaiser Members can access Dispatch Health by contacting the Telephonic Medicine Center for a referral at 303-338-3800. Aetna members can call Dispatch Health directly at 720-996-1267. Visit the Dispatch Health website for more information on how it works and which services they provide.  Questions? Call Employee Services at 720-423-3900. 
 
Living Our DPS Honoree
Larissa Ausdenmoore
School Psychologist, Cory Elementary
Collaboration
 
"Larissa is new to Cory Elementary, but no stranger to doing what is best for our students. She knows that our Shared Core Value of Collaboration is crucial for our students' success. 

Larissa immediately began working with teachers to identify students that would benefit from time with her. She also made herself available for parents and families of students with unique needs. Teachers seek out Larissa's advice and assistance to personalize the right care for each student so they have success in every classroom. Larissa may have only been here these first few weeks of school but to students, parents and staff she fits in like family -- and treats all of us that way too! "
 
-- Sara Laughlin, Cory Elementary
 
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