Student at Stedman Elementary in Near Northeast
Sept. 12, 2019
It's Election Time: Employee Do's and Don'ts
With Election Day just around the corner on Nov. 5, our legal team has compiled a memo to help members of Team DPS know the legal "do"s and "don't"s of election season.
 
Here are just a few examples of the clarity provided in the memo:
  • Can I donate my own money or walk in support of a ballot initiative or candidate I believe in? Answer: Yes, as long as it is outside of work time and not using district resources. 
  • Can I collect money from colleagues at work in support of a ballot initiative or candidate? Answer: No.
  • Can I print copies of a flier supporting a ballot initiative or candidate on a school/district copy machine? Even after work hours? Answer: No. 
  • Can I wear a campaign t-shirt, hat or button or display campaign materials at work? Answer: No. 
  • What if someone asks me questions about a ballot initiative or candidate -- can I answer if I'm at work? Answer: Yes, but it's complicated. Look to the memo for guidance.
  • Can I use district email to advocate for a ballot initiative or candidate? Answer: No.
  • Can I send unsolicited emails to district email addresses to advocate for a candidate, as long as I do that from my personal email? Answer: No.
  • Can I use my personal social media accounts outside of work hours to advocate for a ballot initiative? Answer: Yes.

Please read the entire memo so you are informed of our legal rights and expectations as public employees as we head into the election season.
Top 5: Fall Favorites
Oh my gourd , Team DPS loves fall ! Be-leaf us when we say it was hard to choose just five of your favorite things about fall. Congratulations to our giveaway winner, Sheryl Frausto of Brown International Academy!
5. “Pumpkin Spice Everything! Have y'all had that cold brew yet? Yum!'" -- Andrea Leggett, DCIS Montbello

4. In my family, fall always means college football. My wife and I got to attend our first Rocky Mountain Showdown, and had a terrific time! I grew up in Louisiana, so I am a big LSU fan; we are looking forward to a great season! " --  Len Bryan , Ed Tech & Library Services

3. “I love the fall. It is a chance for nature to regroup and gather strength. Just as I do as an educator.” -- Molly Anderson, Westerly Creek

2. “I love the sound of the crunching leaves. I love to leave them on my porch and sidewalk for Halloween just so I can hear them crunch under the trick-or-treaters' feet!" -- Angela Hagin, Escalante Biggs Academy

1. “Fall to me means FAMILY. Cooking together, camping, and most of all, watching my grandsons play football. Such a bonding time for families to share and just be together." -- Sheryl Frausto, Brown International Academy
Top 5 Callout: School Spirit Photos
We have spirit, yes we do! We have spirit, how ‘bout you? Send us a picture showing your school pride in action, including posters, jerseys, mascots and any other way you show who you play for. Share your school spirit through this form and you'll be entered to win a giveaway.
Join the Third Annual DPS Employee Back-to-School 5K
Student running at Newlon Elementary
Let's get moving! Sign up for this year's Back-to-School 5K on Oct. 5 at Boulder Running Company at Cherry Creek. The race, which starts at 9 a.m., is open to DPS employees, family members and friends, and is dog-friendly. Don’t forget to stop into Boulder Running Company to receive 20% off all weekend long (exclusions may apply; DPS badge required). Need extra incentive? Grab your co-workers or attend as a team to earn extra raffle tickets to win prizes. Learn more and sign up here
Discount Alert: Wellness Discounts at Gyms and Retailers, including 20% Off at Athleta
At DPS, we want to support the Whole Educator, including a healthy lifestyle. With that in mind, we’ve partnered with organizations, gyms and retailers throughout the city to help make staying healthy easier and more affordable! 
  • As a member of Team DPS, you have access to fitness facility discounts across the Denver metro area. Go to Gym Discounts on The Commons to learn more.
  • Enjoy 20% off your purchase at Athleta in the Cherry Creek Mall today through Sept. 16. Just bring your DPS ID or proof of employment. 
  • Get 20% off at Boulder Running Company in Cherry Creek the weekend of Oct. 5-6. Be sure to bring your DPS badge. 

See more discounts with local and national brands, retailers and services by visiting Beneplace
Living Our DPS Honoree
Sonya Palafox
Counselor, DC-21 at Wyman
Accountability

“Ms. Palafox is a wonderful example of living our Shared Core Value of Accountability. She goes above and beyond for all of our students at DC-21 from 6-12 grade, making sure they have the proper schedules and support in order to be successful in school. Ms. Palafox is in constant communication with our students and their families providing resources and words of encouragement to help students to graduation and beyond. Our scholars visit Ms. Palafox regularly as her office door is always open, and she welcomes everyone graciously. She is a warm, caring and thoughtful counselor who is well respected and appreciated by everyone in the DC-21 family.”
-- Dawn Bauer, DC-21 at Wyman
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