Recognizing Women's Impact on Education |
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Dear Team DPS and DPS Community,
Not only is this month one of our busiest times of the year, but it is also an important one: Women’s History Month! I want to take this opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the remarkable achievements, resilience and enduring impact of women across the globe and in DPS.
From pioneering educators who blazed trails in education to tireless advocates who champion equity and inclusion, women have been at the forefront of driving positive change in our schools and communities. In the early days of our nation’s education system, women fought for a place in the classroom as educators and students. Today, they make up the majority of public school teachers and principals. Women also make up the majority of the Extended District Leadership Team at DPS. In fact, 74% of our employees are women!
However, we must also acknowledge the ongoing challenges that women, especially women of color, continue to face in the workplace. Disparities in pay and barriers to advancement still persist. It is crucial that as a public school district where 38% of all staff are women of color, we remain steadfast in our commitment to dismantling systemic inequalities and fostering an environment where all individuals, regardless of gender or background, can thrive and excel.
This Women’s History Month, let’s amplify the voices of DPS women, uplift their stories and honor their contributions to our schools. Stay tuned to DPS social media (including my X and Instagram) and the DPS newsletters for Women’s History Month highlights to see how women inspire and lead our educational community each and every day. And, if you haven’t already, I encourage you to submit nominations for the Women’s Herstory Awards. Today is the deadline to nominate!
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to the success of our young scholars.
In collaboration,
Dr. Alex Marrero
Superintendent
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The Second Annual Black Student Alliance Award Banquet |
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Denver Public Schools proudly hosted the Second Annual Black Student Alliance Award Banquet, a momentous event that featured over 400 students from more than 22 schools. This event is dedicated to celebrating and acknowledging achievements within the Black student community. It featured a keynote address from the esteemed Demi Singleton, renowned for her compelling portrayal of Serena Williams in the movie "King Richard."
Students enjoyed various performances and breakout sessions geared toward promoting the Black student experience. South High School senior, Tinah, was awarded the Superintendent Award for her outstanding contribution to DPS.
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Round 2 of SchoolChoice Opens April 10 |
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We are delighted to have had thousands of families complete their SchoolChoice Round 1 applications! Families will be notified of their matches in late March.
Applications for Round 2 will open on April 10 at 10 a.m.
- Missed the Round 1 window.
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Have changed their minds since submitting a Round 1 application. If you are happy with your school placement following Round 1, you do not need to take part in Round 2.
- Are new to DPS for the 2024-25 school year.
There is no lottery in Round 2, but priorities are given. Round 2 applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis within school priority groups.
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The 'Your Voice/Tu Voz' Student Survey: March 4-15 |
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The DPS “Your Voice/Tu Voz” Student Survey opens Monday, March 4 and will close March 15. Students in third- through 12th grade will receive an email from Superintendent Dr. Alex Marrero with a unique link to complete the survey.
Students will have the opportunity to take the survey in class on a date designated by their school. However, we encourage families to check in with their children to ensure they completed the survey. Preview the questions and review the FAQ. If you have questions, email surveys@dpsk12.net.
Responses to the survey inform decisions on how we can better serve our students, and we want to hear from as many students as possible! Unlike previous years, DPS now administers the survey to families once in the fall and to students once in the spring. Click here to see last year’s survey results.
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Volunteers Needed to Support New Arrival Students and Families |
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DPS Volunteer Services is looking for volunteers, specifically those who are bilingual, to support welcoming new arrivals to our schools with immediate needs. Volunteer opportunities available include tutoring, mentoring, and support, as well as lunch and recess opportunities. Volunteers are needed now!
Interested individuals can start the volunteer application process through this form. If you have any questions, email sarah_rice@dpsk12.net with Volunteer Services.
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Apply for the District Accountability Committee |
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DPS is looking for parents, teachers, students, school leaders and community members who are passionate about improving our local schools. Read more about the District Accountability Committee (DAC) and apply here by March 22 to join the DAC! If you have questions, contact the DAC at denverdac@gmail.com.
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DPS STEAM Expo Registration Now Open |
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The DPS STEAM Expo immerses Denver students, families and schools in the world of opportunities that exist through STEAM learning. Mark your calendars for May 4! We encourage all students to participate -- whether through submitting work or attending the expo itself! Register here.
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Northwest Community Hub and Talent Acquisition Career Opportunity Event |
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The Northwest Community Hub at Colfax Elementary and the Talent Acquisition team are hosting a career opportunity event. Join us on Friday, March 15 from 10 a.m.-noon at the Northwest hub located at 1526 Tennyson St., Denver, CO 80204. There will be an informational session about the different career opportunities with DPS, as well as recruiters and workforce coordinators on site to support any questions and assist with getting applications submitted.
Additional information is available here. Contact Kristi_Waters@dpsk12.org if you have questions.
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FACE University Offers Social-Emotional Learning At Home |
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FACE University is a virtual resource and learning hub for parents and families in the Denver area. They will be offering a Social-Emotional Learning At Home session on Tuesday, March 5 from 5-6 p.m. Attendees will learn how to bring SEL skills to life in their home for themselves, their child and their family. Click here to register.
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Say Yes to DPS Hiring Fair: Location Change |
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Due to an overwhelming response rate, the Say Yes to DPS Hiring Fair will now be held at Bruce Randolph Middle School located at 3955 Steele St, Denver, CO 80205. The event will still take place on Saturday, March 9 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Register here! If you already registered, you will not need to register again.
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Balarat Outdoor Education Celebrates 55 Years with New Legacy Fund |
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DPS community members have a new way to promote access to outdoor education opportunities for future generations of Denver students. Balarat Outdoor Education has served DPS students and teachers since 1969. In celebration of the 55th year of this incredible program, the Balarat Outdoor Education Legacy Fund has been established through The Denver Foundation to help ensure the perpetuity of this vital program.
If Balarat's outdoor nature experiences had a positive impact on you as a DPS student, parent or teacher, your assistance can make a big difference. Click here to make a donation. Read more about the legacy fund in this Denver Post article.
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Monthly SORA Reads: March Collection |
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Library Services curates SORA collections and showcases cultural celebrations that are available to the DPS community. Each month, different collections are advertised. In March, we will be showcasing Women’s History Month, Ramadan, Denver March Pow Wow 2024, Vernal Equinox, St. Patrick’s Day, Holi: Festivals of Color and Cesar Chavez Day.
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