Teacher Weekly: New Emergency Messaging System for Families Starting in November

Oct. 9, 2019

New Emergency Messaging System for Families Starting in November

Starting in November, DPS will begin using SchoolMessenger to send emergency messages to parent and guardian contacts, as well as high school students who have signed up to receive them. These messages include email, text and phone communications related to school closures, early releases or late starts, and messages about lockdowns or lockouts. In the past, these messages have been sent using Infinite Campus Messenger.

During this first phase of the transition, the Department of Safety and the Communications team will send emergency messages using the new SchoolMessenger system. Schools will continue to distribute their school-based communications through Infinite Campus Messenger. Over the course of the year, DPS will transition entirely to School Messenger for all district and school-based communications that have previously been sent through IC Messenger ; more information about your school’s transition to the new platform will be shared as it’s available.

For more information about the transition to SchoolMessenger, please refer to this FAQ . If you have questions, please email communications@dpsk12.org .

This Week's Top 5 Things to Know

Review New Weather Delay Schedule for All Schools

New for the 2019-20 school year, all DPS schools (regardless of start time) will be delayed by two hours if a Weather Delay is called by DPS. This Weather Delay Schedule is designed to provide school buses additional time to pick up students and reduce student wait time in severe weather. The decision to close or delay school will be made by the superintendent based on information provided by representatives from DPS Transportation Services, transportation agencies and the weather bureau. Review this flier outlining the process in the event DPS calls a weather delay.

Professional Development Opportunity: Equity Boot Camp on Oct. 10

DPS team members are encouraged to attend the Equity Boot Camp session on Oct. 10 , titled “Raising Our Consciousness of Trauma and its Impact on African-American Students.” This one-day session will explore historical trauma and oppression and its impact on African-American families, and engage with experts on how to mitigate student trauma and enhance resiliency. Register online here .

Reminder: Register for the Oct. 21 Teal Day Sessions Now

Professional learning on Teal Days supports the success of every student by building educators’ capacity to deepen their understanding of content and best practices with a focus on the district cornerstones of Equity, Instructional Excellence and Collaborative Teamwork. Secure your spot for the Oct. 21 Teal Day Sessions. Find session descriptions, outcomes, registration links and more on the Teal Day webpage . Session locations will be finalized in October. Please work with your school leader to identify the sessions that are best for you. If you have questions, please contact professional_learning@dpsk12.org .

Now Accepting Applications for the PDU Advisory Council

The PDU Advisory Council is now accepting applications. Council members will serve in an advisory capacity, providing feedback to improve the PDU process and experience for both leaders and participants. Meetings are held four times throughout the academic year, typically on Thursdays from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Apply by Oct. 25 by completing this form . If you have questions, please reach out to Professional_Learning@dpsk12.org .

Apply to Serve on the Special Education Advisory Committee

The Denver Special Education Advisory Committee (DSEAC) is a district-level committee that meets officially four times a year to learn about progress by the Special Education Department in its strategic plan. It also provides advice to the director of special education, superintendent and Board of Education on issues and improvements to special education in DPS. Participation is districtwide and representative of diverse disabilities. More information about DSEAC is available in the Committee Handbook . Applications will be taken via this link until Nov. 1 . Please direct any questions to Robert Frantum-Allen, director of special education, at robert_frantum-allen@dpsk12.org .

BONUS: 2020-21 Principal and AP Pool Now Open

The assistant principal and principal pool for 2020-21 is now open. Please share this information with your internal and external network and help us get the word out. Click here for the principal and AP pool application process. See below for how and where to apply:

Principal pool: External candidates | Internal candidates (Search for Job ID# 37775)
Assistant principal pool: External candidates | Internal candidates (Search for Job ID# 37774)

Additional Resources and Information

Click here to learn more about these resources and opportunities:

Regional Engagement Continues in Southwest Denver

STL: Math and Literacy Capstone Calibration Webinars Available

Celebrate Red Ribbon Week Oct. 23-31: Resources Available

Beginning Spanish Class Available for DPS Teachers

Nuggets Math Hoops Program Open for Students in 4-8 Grade

Access Additional Info and Resources

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