Our DPS Weekly
Nov. 22, 2019
“ Teaching first grade was the joy of my life. I believe it is there that one lays the beginning of a sound education foundation upon which a child can continue to learn successfully.”
--Marie L. Greenwood, Denver’s first African-American, tenured teacher
Remembering a Trailblazing Educator, Appreciating Those Blazing Her Trail Today
Dear Team DPS,

This has been an emotional and inspirational week for me. We learned a week ago, on Nov. 15, of the passing of Marie L. Greenwood — the first African-American, tenured teacher here in the Denver Public Schools. She lived to the age of 106, taught first grade in DPS for three decades, and will forever be a shining inspiration to our students and educators.

Including me. As a student at Barnum, I can still vividly remember Ms. Bernice Juarez Johnson, the kindergarten teacher who was marching down the trail that Marie blazed back in 1935. People like Marie Greenwood and Bernice Juarez Johnson helped me to see myself on that trail of teaching and leading. And that became my life’s work, 30 years ago when I started my career as a sixth-grade teacher at what was then the Horace Mann Middle School.
When I think about my trail to becoming the first Latina superintendent in Denver, I see a straight line back to Marie Greenwood and her pioneering service and leadership to our city.
And as the leader of a school district serving about 70,000 students of color, I owe my gratitude to Marie and have an unending appreciation for the nearly 7,000 employees of color we are lucky to have working in Denver today. In fact, on Wednesday night, we hosted our educators of color to celebrate their contributions and create a space to network and connect on what continues to motivate us to work in public education.

We need more educators of color in our schools. It can be absolutely life-changing for students to see someone who looks like them standing in front of the classroom, providing not just an education but a living example of success, professionalism and service. And it’s part of our equity focus to work harder at keeping our educators of color and recruiting more to come to Denver’s schools.

Seeing our educators of color assembled together on Wednesday brought so much joy to my week and even deepened my gratitude and appreciation for Marie and every single educator who has followed on the trail she blazed, to educate and inspire our children. I take those wonderful feelings with me into next week’s holiday, and I want to extend my warmest wishes to you for a relaxing and joyful Thanksgiving with your friends and family.

Warm regards, 
Susana

Pictured above: Marie L. Greenwood (center) poses with Greenwood Academy students during a luncheon celebrating her 105th birthday in 2017.
John H. Amesse Students Share Notes of Gratitude
As part of a project with The Montbello Children's Network, students at John H. Amesse Elementary posted hundreds of notes of gratitude -- sharing their love for family, friends, teachers and their education.

"It feels full. My heart feels full," said Amesse Principal Dr. Angelina Walker, adding her own note of gratitude: "I'm extremely grateful to be principal here."
CEC School Psychologist Named Nuggets’ ‘Most Valuable Teacher’
School psychologist Mario Zuccaro is always there for our students -- and last week, the CEC Early College educator was given a thank-you in return when he received the Denver Nuggets' Most Valuable Teacher award. 

The honor recognizes Colorado teachers for their outstanding work in empowering youth in our community – and for the school team at CEC, Mario was an easy choice to nominate. 
 
"He's such a rock for our school, for our students and our staff," said CEC Assistant Principal Polly Beck. "Every student here knows him and trusts him, and will go to him for support that they need. He has such an amazing way of talking to students and building trust with them."

On Friday, Mario along with some of the students he works most closely with were visited by former NBA player Ervin Johnson, who presented Mario with a banner, plaque and tickets to a Nuggets game. Thank you for all you do, Mario!

Do you know an outstanding educator? Nominate them for the Most Valuable Teacher award. 
DPS Students Harmonize at Citywide Choir Festival
The annual Citywide Choir Festival for middle and high schools was held Nov. 16 at the University of Denver’s Newman Center, when 165 students representing 18 DPS schools came together for a three-choir performance.

Throughout the experience, participating students were able to work with and learn from distinguished choral director clinicians through rehearsals. Their hard work culminated with this festival performance, which was enjoyed by more than 450 parents, family members and community members who attended to support our students. Explore photos of the event and learn more about DPS' Citywide Arts Events. 
Upcoming Events
Nov. 25-29: Thanksgiving Break
Contact Us
Connect with Us