As we enter the Google Transition homestretch, here are a few reminders before our official transition to Google next week on Dec. 11:

Visit the Google Resource Library on The Commons for more opportunities to learn about G Suite before Microsoft is uninstalled from all DPS devices on Dec. 11.

We hope everyone had their fill of fun, food and pie last week! Over 800 of you let us know your favorite pie -- and it was close, but pumpkin took the win! Check out the results in this pie graph below!

During this season of giving, we want to know how members of Team DPS are giving back to our community. While we are limited this year with in-person volunteering, we want to hear your creative ways to give back during the holiday season and year-round. Tell us here, and you could be featured next week!

Taking time to care for yourself is always important and can be essential during these challenging times. We want to ensure all members of Team DPS know about the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which provides free and confidential services, including counseling sessions, work-life solutions, legal support, financial information and more. You can also access a COVID-19 Toolkit, which is designed to help you manage the emotional impacts of the outbreak. Learn more about all of the benefits available through EAP by visiting The Commons.

The Employee Wellness team also provides free resources to support your emotional well-being. Today, Dec. 3, at 4 p.m., participate in a 60-minute, guided mindfulness meditation intended to help you reduce stress and practice self-care. Register here.

If you visited friends or family over Thanksgiving, now is the time to get a free COVID-19 test. The Colorado Department of Public Health recommends that people who may have been exposed to the virus get tested seven days after exposure, which makes this week the perfect time to schedule your test and ensure that you and your household remain healthy.

To help make it easier than ever, we have extended testing-site hours and are opening two new locations to allow for more testing and shorter wait times! Testing sites are now open from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. at locations throughout Denver Metro. Plus, COVIDCheck Colorado is opening sites at Montbello (beginning today) and Lincoln (beginning next week). These sites will be available when reserving an appointment for both DPS team members and the community.

We recommend DPS team members and educators get tested regularly, regardless of whether you are showing any symptoms. Getting tested for COVID-19 helps prevent the spread and can enable earlier care if needed. Keep an eye on trends in Denver and DPS on the DPS COVID-19 Dashboard. Schedule your free test online today!

A to Z Fund: Second-Cycle Applications Due Jan. 12

A to Z Fund Classroom Grants for Teachers applications for the second cycle of the

2020-21 school year are now open. Apply by 5 p.m. Jan. 12 for up to $2,000 for materials, resources and opportunities that fall outside the school budget in order to make a lasting impact. We encourage educators to get creative with their application by finding ways to support remote learning, equity and more. Our goal is to support your efforts in educating students!

Successful financial planning begins with knowledge and continues throughout your life. At 4 p.m. Dec. 7, receive a comprehensive financial planning overview on the following topics from a financial expert: cash management, retirement planning, investment planning, tax planning, risk management and long-term care. Register here.

Join a PERA Planning for Retirement session at 4 p.m. on Dec. 9 and Dec. 10. Learn about different retirement budgeting tools that can be helpful when planning for your PERA retirement. Register here.

Last month, all DPS team members received an email from Human Resources that contained the demographic information DPS has on file for you, including your address, personal email, phone number, emergency contact, race and ethnicity, as well as information on whether you have elected electronic delivery of your W2 and 1095-C tax forms. To update your contact information and emergency contacts, please sign into Employee Space from the Employee Action Center on The Commons.

Updates to your personal information can be made year-round, but for federal reporting purposes, please make any necessary changes by Dec. 4.

"Dave has been a tremendous help not only to me but to every master scheduler in the district. No matter how small my question, Dave responds with an email and sometimes even a quick phone call to help walk me through whatever question I may have. All of DPS would not be where we are today without Dave and his leadership and guidance. He helped schools do four months of work on a master schedule in three weeks and I cannot express my gratitude enough for his assistance and patience."

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