“Our school hosted Back To School on the sidewalk in front of the school. Our students and family members decorated a paper handprint with their name, grade, and one goal they had for this school year." -- Megan McQuinn, Farrell B. Howell
Read more back-to-school moments in the Top 5!
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Top 5: Favorite Back-to-School Moments |
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Thank you to everyone who shared their favorite back-to-school moment! While each memory is unique, one thing is clear -- Team DPS is excited to be back in the classroom with our students!
Congratulations to our giveaway winner, Claudia Castaneda of Collegiate Prep Academy! Read more back-to-school moments here.
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5. “Made the front page of The Denver Post after a visit from the Superintendent in my art room!” -- Gia Nold, Marrama
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4. “After being at home for what seems like two years, my favorite thing is hearing the buses outside my window. Hearing the drivers laughing and happy to be back on the road. School is in session.” -- Sherri Love-Jones, Transportation
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3. “The best part about back to school has been, without a doubt, being able to see my students work together to solve tasks. So much of last year did not allow cooperative learning. They are so eager to learn and work together. It feels like so much learning has happened already!” -- Kaitlyn Carson, McKinley-Thatcher
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2. “We have a new student who only speaks Japanese and our amazing fifth-grade crew has made her feel so welcome! They work so hard to translate for her and to make sure she is included. I could not be more proud of this sweet bunch of students!” -- Sara Lewis, Inspire
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1. “My favorite moment has been when students hear me talk in Spanish! This way, we can connect and start building that teacher-student relationship. I think staff must understand and have lived the same experiences as their students. As a DPS alumni and now a DPS team member, I see representation as key.” -- Claudia Castaneda, Collegiate Prep Academy
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Callout: Would You Rather ... |
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In the spirit of our Shared Core Value of Fun, we want to know what you would rather do. Answer this poll question and check back next week to see Team DPS' results! |
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Have one elephant-sized duck?
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Have 100 duck-sized elephants?
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In-person Support Available for Team Members Uploading Proof of Vaccine Compliance |
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As we all work toward being in compliance with the city's public health order, please take action and upload your vaccination card or exemption form in Employee Space by Sept. 30. Employees who are already fully vaccinated are encouraged to have their documentation uploaded as soon as possible. Those requesting a medical or religious exemption are encouraged to have their documentation uploaded by Sept. 3.
To support those who may not have regular access to a computer or would like assistance in uploading their information, members of our Human Resources team are available to help in person. View these in-person opportunities here. Please note, those supporting on-site will not be able to answer medical questions or other questions beyond how to show proof of compliance in the system. If you have specific concerns regarding your unique situation, please contact HR Connect by email at hr_connect@dpsk12.org or over the phone at 720-423-3900. Visit the COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs on The Commons for more information about the city’s mandate and what it means for members of DPS.
To find an appointment to get your vaccine, click here. |
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Be Cautious of COVID-Related Phishing Themes and Lures |
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Cyber criminals have adapted to the digital-hybrid world and increased attacks against schools -- attempting to steal personal and financial data with COVID-themed phishing emails. According to the U.S. Inspector General, criminals are using phishing emails offering fake vaccine cards, Medicare products/services, and contact-tracing services.
DoTS is aware of incidents involving staff data being exposed after posting photos of COVID-19 vaccination cards. Never share photos of vaccination cards on social media or any other request you're not sure about. Anything showing your date of birth, health information or other personally identifiable information can be used to steal your identity.
COVID-19 Cyber Scam Reminders
- Scammers are using calls, texts, social media, and door-to-door visits for COVID-19-related scams.
- Do not respond to or open hyperlinks in text messages about COVID-19 from unknown individuals.
Additional Resources about COVID-19 Cyber Scams
If you are a victim of a scam or attempted fraud involving COVID-19, report it immediately to the DoTS Information Security Team or call 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477). You can also submit a hotline complaint to the U.S. Office of Inspector General here.
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Free COVID Testing Available Through COVIDCheck Colorado |
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As a reminder, COVID testing is available through a partnership with COVIDCheck Colorado and CDPHE, thanks to the continuing investment from the State of Colorado. Testing sites in and near DPS include: Kunsmiller, Rocky Mountain Prep Berkeley, All City, George Washington, Clayton Early Learning, DMLK, 16th Street Mall, Union Station and others across the metro area. Note: COVID-19 tests are provided completely free of charge to DPS team members. Click here to schedule a test.
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Review the Employment Practice Manual |
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Important items to review:
- The COVID addendum contains our mutual obligations to ensure that we can keep our staff and students safe.
- Expectations regarding the public health order mandating that all employees, volunteers, contractors and others at DPS be vaccinated against COVID-19.
- Our commitment to being anti-racist in our policies and actions, as well as information about the systems we have for addressing discrimination and harassment.
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Apply to Be a Paid Employee-Wellness Champion by Sept. 9 |
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Are you passionate about health and wellness? Are you interested in positively contributing to your workplace culture? Would you consider yourself a messenger and motivator among your coworkers? If so, you could be the perfect fit as your worksite’s Employee Wellness Champion!
The Employee Wellness Department is looking for paid onsite Wellness Champions to help build a staff culture focused on health and wellness at DPS schools or central-support buildings (including Hilltop, Northeast Terminal, Regional Offices, and more.) Champions receive a stipend up to $600 and funding up to $1,200 to support wellness initiatives at their DPS worksite.
If you work at a school, submit your application here; and if you are not school-based, submit your application here by Sept. 9.
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Register for The Colfax Marathon in Support of DPS Foundation |
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Participate in Denver Colfax Marathon's 15th Anniversary Race Weekend while supporting the DPS Foundation on Oct. 16-17! When you sign up to run, list the DPS Foundation as your nonprofit partner and your miles will count for more! Support students and educators by fundraising for the DPS Foundation programs and initiatives, which are designed to help ensure every child has the tools and resources needed to succeed. Learn more and register here.
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Gabriel DelReal
Facilities Manager, Gust Elementary
Integrity
"Gabe was alone here at Gust, but the building always looks beautiful. He has worked so very hard these past weeks to help teachers set up their rooms by carting furniture from the central storage location. Gabe has maintained his good humor throughout a very, very busy time!"
-- Barbara Laff, Gust Elementary
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Denver Public Schools sends all district newsletters and critical employee communications through Constant Contact. Please do not unsubscribe your dpsk12.org email address from any message; if you unsubscribe from one newsletter or one communication, you will be removed from all other district-managed email lists in Constant Contact. If you have any questions, please email newsletters@dpsk12.org.
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