Team DPS Weekly
Students at McKinley-Thatcher Elementary having fun in fall leaves!
Nov. 15, 2018
Top 5: What are You Grateful For?
As we get ready for Thanksgiving break next week, we asked members of Team DPS to share what they are thankful for this year. Check out these Top 5 responses and read all of the great things Team DPS is thankful for here . Congratulations to our giveaway prize winner, Hannah Williams at Mathematics and Science Leadership Academy!
5. "I am grateful for my third-grade team. We don't always agree, but we laugh together, have great conversations about data and curriculum -- and when necessary, we make compromises that are in the best interest of our students. Go team!" -- Sarah Clark, Cory Elementary

4. "Over the course of 11 years, I am thankful that I have been given the opportunity to work in DPS in many different roles, across several departments. Each experience has brought such joy to my life due to the people I work with. I am grateful for each and every one of you!" -- Jen Jones, Human Resources

3. "I am truly grateful to provide a clean, safe and healthy environment for the kids each and every day, and to see them smile when we had Halloween at the school." -- Michael Potter, McKinley-Thatcher Elementary 

2. "I am most grateful for the families here at KCAA, as they are so involved in the lives of their students. It's the norm to communicate weekly with my parents, and I've seen a huge investment in the scholars because of these connections." -- Kristie Burke, Kunsmiller Creative Arts Academy

1. "I am so thankful to work with such a great staff that embodies all of our DPS values, especially Students First!" -- Hannah Williams, Mathematics and Science Leadership Academy
Top 5 Callout: Thanksgiving Break Plans
Planes, trains and automobiles! Tell us how you are getting to your Thanksgiving destination.
Flight to another country
Flight to a U.S. destination
Drive on a road trip
Nothing -- I am not leaving my couch!
Review Upcoming Improvements to Sick Leave Bank
In order to make the Sick Leave Bank (SLB) equitable for all employees, the Benefits Board -- comprised of representatives from all DPS employee associations -- has made improvements to the SLB policy. Beginning Jan. 1, the following changes will be in effect for all team members enrolled in the SLB:

  • Sick day contribution will be one sick day (8 hours) both to join SLB and to maintain membership. The deduction will be taken annually in November.

  • Access up to 40 sick days per year. This increases the number of available days for up to half of all DPS team members.

For additional information, visit the Benefits Resource Center on The Commons and review the SLB Guidelines and Procedures.
I Give For Team DPS Annual Employee Giving Campaign
Participate for a Chance to Win a Cooking Class for Two
Does your department contribute to DPS Foundation’s I Give for Team DPS annual employee giving campaign? This year, the school or department with the most participation will win a surprise treat!

Participate by 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16, and be eligible to win a cooking class for two from Panzano and a one-night stay at Halcyon.

To participate, complete the form here and return it to DPS Foundation via email, in-person or mail. Or, make a donation here. No contribution is necessary to qualify for prizes.
Perks at Work: Opportunities to Give Back
There are lots of opportunities at DPS to give back this holiday season -- and year round! To find a volunteer role that works for you, check out these resources:


Or, collaborate with your Wellness Champion to find a group volunteer activity with your team!
Living Our DPS Honoree
Eve Ulloa
School Community Liaison,
Castro Elementary
Integrity

"Ms. Eve is the backbone of Castro Elementary and lives our Shared Core Value of Integrity. She grew up and still lives in the Castro neighborhood, so community members near and far know, trust and still connect with Ms. Eve. She organizes field trips, assemblies, after-school programming and volunteers to connect families with resources. Eve is incredibly involved with our Castro families and knows each and every student on a personal level. Inside the school, her presence is ubiquitous and her spirit is contagious. Eve assists in the office and ensures our students’ safety with crossing guard and pick-up/drop-off procedures. She also steps in to help teachers with behavior and emotional support. With her laugh and her signature ‘Lady!’, Eve’s positive energy is ever-present throughout the school. She is such a crucial member of our DPS community and we thank her for absolutely everything that she does!"

-- Lauren Paley, Sabin World School
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