We value transparency and want to share with Team DPS information related to COVID-19 cases that are impacting our schools. We have launched the COVID-19 DPS Dashboard to track current cases and quarantines among students and staff, as well as schools that are currently impacted or closed. The dashboard will be updated twice a week with current data that we have available on positive cases and quarantines within DPS.

Please note that there are limitations to the data. This dashboard reflects positive cases within DPS and subsequent quarantines based on information that is reported to us. While we ask that students and team members report all positive cases to their school or manager, it is possible that those who are learning or working remotely may not report a positive case to DPS. Additionally, students or staff who have been directed to quarantine due to contact with COVID-19 outside of DPS will not be reflected in this data. In order to adhere to HIPAA rights and maintain the privacy of our staff and students, DPS is also unable to share any information about individual cases.

The overall goal of this dashboard is to provide a snapshot of positive cases within DPS and their current impacts to DPS school communities. For information on the overall health conditions in the City and County of Denver, we will continue to provide these metrics and share with you how these indicators are guiding our decision-making around a safe return to in-person learning.

Top 5: Extracurricular Activities

In honor of Career and College Success Month, we asked Team DPS to remember the glory days of high school and all the activities they were involved in! A few favorite extracurricular activities are featured below, and read all of them here. Congratulations to our giveaway winner, Sarita Armendariz of Student Equity and Opportunity!

5. "I loved sports in high school. I played volleyball, basketball and soccer. And...I was not very good at sports. The Schrepfers (my maiden name) were not built for speed. But I'll tell you what, I won Most Dedicated on every team, every year. I am so grateful for the no-cut policy at my high school that allowed me to develop a love of exercise and teamwork. Here is a photo of me after my first half marathon for my 30th birthday. I wouldn't have done that without my high school sports!" -- Kate Berger, North High School

3. "I miss the days of being a member of the Elite Majorettes of Booker T. Washington High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma. There's nothing like the sound of the drumline in the football stadium. Those were the days!" -- Cherie Crosby, Talent Acquisition

4. "I was extremely passionate about theatre when I was in high school. Not only was I president of the drama club, but I took part in every performance our school held. One year we were fortunate enough to perform our one act play at the statewide competition in Texas, beating out hundreds of other schools to get there. Pictured is me as Terry in the production of Side Man. Learning a Boston accent to play this character was quite the challenge!" -- Michelle Chait, OT/PT

2. "I have always played for Team DPS! I remember helping start the first girl's lacrosse team at Thomas Jefferson where we combined with George Washington to make a complete team. In the second year, I became team captain when TJ had a team all on their own! Such great memories... and only a few red cards." -- Karen Casner, Willow Elementary

1."I am DPS alumni, North High School Class of 1999! I was involved in numerous activities throughout my high school career. Everything from photography, choir, our a cappella singing group, Vikorale, swim team, soccer and (my favorite) volleyball. My experience with extracurricular activities left such a positive impact on me that I continued the relationships with some of my volleyball teammates. We play together on various recreational teams around Denver and we have even recruited our spouses and friends. I cherish these high school memories and I now encourage my own children to get involved in their school’s activities. Go Vikings!" -- Sarita Armendariz, Student Equity and Opportunity, Operations

Even though Halloween may look different this year, there's one thing that's the same -- CANDY! We want to know Team DPS' favorite Halloween candy. Will Reese's Peanut Butter Cups be the favorite again? Answer the poll question below and check back next week for the results!

This month, we’re focusing on Disability Awareness throughout DPS as part of our Cultural Moments celebrations. Our teammates in Student Equity and Opportunity and the Academics Division have curated resources for you to share in the classroom and/or deepen your personal learning about disability. Access curriculum supports in Art, Music and Physical Education, and learn about inclusionary practices and more on The Commons.

The results are in from the 2019-20 School Support Customer Service Survey, and we'd like to give a big kudos to the Top 3 Teams for delivering excellent service to all of DPS! Please join us in congratulating these teams below.

Celebrate Career and College Success Month with a district-wide College Spirit Day on Oct. 26! Use this day to start conversations with students about post-graduation plans and the importance of planning for their futures to determine a path that’s right for them -- whether it’s college, vocational training, the military or entering into a career.

Capture the college spirit of your team and classrooms with a photo or a screenshot and send to Gary_Cooper@dpsk12.org. Make sure to continue the celebration by sharing the photos on your school’s social media and tagging #MyPlanDPS.

If you are going to be working in a school, please complete the Health and Safety Protocols for In-Person Learning training. This training will prepare you with the health and safety protocols that you need to know to be in-person with students. It is critical for anyone who is returning to in-person learning and/or is in a building where students are present to complete this training prior to being in the building. If you were not automatically registered for the training, you may access it here.

Cyber threats are a daily reality. Every day our schools are targeted with cyber attacks focused on stealing student data, employee financial information and personal information. We are in this together -- let’s keep each other secure by following a few best practices:

The Department of Technology Services (DoTS) Information Security Team is committed to increasing security knowledge, preventing cyber attacks and creating relationships across teams to drive awareness of cyber threats. They have made these resources available for our team members to learn more about keeping information secure:

Fulfilling our civic responsibility is a critical component of our democracy. As such, DPS offers approved leave should you be called to serve. Did you know that under COVID-19, DPS employees are essential and may request the court to defer jury duty for 6-12 months? If called to jury duty, call the court one week prior to your report date, inform them that you are an essential worker for DPS and request a deferral.

Librarian, McAuliffe Manual MS and Manual HS

"Julie turned her personal vehicle into a book-mobile. She treks all over Denver giving physical books to students. Her car, 'Coop' has distributed over 100 titles to students in just the short time she has been mobile. Julie also goes to the students' homes to pick the books back up. She is absolutely putting Students First!"

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