"We need to help students and parents cherish and preserve the ethnic and cultural diversity that nourishes and strengthens this community -- and this nation." -- Cesar Chavez
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Student Voice and Leadership Participate in 9th Annual Challenge 5280 |
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On April 21, members of the DPS Student Voice & Leadership’s (SVL) Student Board of Education and Young African American and Latinx Leaders groups came together for the ninth annual Challenge 5280. Challenge 5280 is a full-day event with student-led workshops open to DPS students, and the policy competition where students in SVL have spent the year answering the question, “How can you transform your education to be just and equitable?” The day provides an opportunity for students to share their diverse thoughts, opinions, ideas and experiences to learn and grow together in conversation across differences.
Students at each participating school worked together to propose a policy solution to solve social justice issues impacting them, their school and their school community. They engaged with their peers, community members, and school and district decision-makers to identify root causes, conduct research and propose solutions. Students presented their research and had open dialogue around the hard, complex issues facing their peers.
This year, 23 schools participated in the policy challenge and 14 of those schools had teams compete for first, second and third place. Winners received prize money that their school can use for the students to partake in educational travel or an educational experience.
This year’s winners include:
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First Place: Northeast Early College |
Policy narrative: “Comprehensive Health Standards: Accelerating and Re-Evaluating the Implementation of Comprehensive Heath Curriculum to Mitigate Sexual Assault”
Prize: $15,000
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Second place: DCIS Baker
Policy narrative: “Ethnic Studies Policy” (implementing a course requirement for graduation)
Prize: $10,000
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Third place: Northfield High School
Policy narrative: “The Drive Towards Equity: The Transportation Tragedy”
Prize: $5,000
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Congratulations to these teams and all of the student groups that participated in this incredible work! More than 400 community members attended the competition portion of the event, which was also live streamed on the SVL Facebook page. Check out the stream here to catch students in action! |
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Our DPS Equity Statement
Racial and Educational Equity is our collective responsibility. We will achieve equity when we dismantle deeply rooted systems of oppression that have historically resulted in inequitable access and distribution of opportunities and resources for those who represent marginalized identities, including race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, language and ability. We will create conditions where we all belong, are included, have clear purpose (why) and have the autonomy to lead in our respective areas. By creating these conditions, we will eliminate the predictability of success or failure for our students and team members.
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Each month, we'll showcase celebrations big and small, and the work being done to create more equity for students and team members throughout DPS. Share what you and your team have been doing to make a change for a more equitable DPS here.
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The Know Justice Know Peace Podcast Fights for Black History in Colorado Schools |
On April 13, the Know Justice Know Peace Podcast leveled up their fight for Black History in Colorado public schools in a meeting with the Colorado State Board of Education. Students from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Early College spoke about the importance of having Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) immersed in each school subject beginning in kindergarten through 12th-grade. Their focus was to break down their Know Justice Know Peace Resolution and provide recommendations to the State Board. The students also highlighted the social studies standards and HB20-1336 Holocaust and Genocide Studies in Public Schools that had been passed in the House a few weeks prior.
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DPS Second-graders Explore a World of Music |
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On Tuesday, 843 students from 14 DPS elementary schools attended a Musical Explorers Program concert at the Newman Center at the University of Denver. The concert celebrated different cultures of music where students sang and danced along to Native American songs, Classical Indian songs and Spirituals with local Denver musicians.
This is an annual event for all DPS second-graders that promotes arts integration, learning of different cultures and an opportunity to visit local performing arts centers. The experience was best summed up by music educator Melissa Bishop from Castro Elementary, "That was the most amazing experience! Just incredible. My kids loved it and were singing the songs on the bus!"
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Cultural Moments: Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Call for Submissions |
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Throughout the month of May, DPS honors Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, paying tribute to the generations of Asian and Pacific Islanders who have enriched America’s history and are instrumental in its future success, according to the official website.
We are currently seeking student submissions that highlight how they are learning about, connecting with, and celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Submissions will be accepted through Friday, May 20.
To learn more about the history of the month, how to submit work and find celebration resources, click here.
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Participate in the Achieving Excellence Academy |
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The DPS Culture, Equity & Leadership Team (CELT) works collaboratively to create a culture of equity that examines the systems, structures, beliefs and narratives about our culturally-diverse students, families and communities. CELT strives to provide engaging, culturally-relevant student learning and leading opportunities and experiences that build trust within the communities DPS serves. CELT is excited to announce a new summer program that is being offered as part of the district’s efforts to ensure equitable opportunities especially for (but not exclusive to) our diverse student populations.
The Achieving Excellence Academy (AEA) summer program is an in-person, immersive four-week pilot taking place June 21-July 14 at Denver School of the Arts. AEA will serve as a cultural identity and ethnic studies program especially for -- but not exclusive to -- Black/African-American and Latinx families, students and educators to learn more about these experiences and ancestral histories. Students and families can learn more and enroll here.
Interested in leading or teaching at AEA? Learn more and enroll here! Please note that all applicants are accepted on a first come, first serve basis.
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Resources to Support Educators |
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Resources Available to Honor Better Hearing and Speech Month 2022 |
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Better Hearing and Speech Month is observed in May each year to increase awareness about communication disorders and hearing health. Founded by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), this month is an opportunity to honor the roles of speech language pathologists and audiologists who provide equitable treatment to those affected by speech and hearing disorders.
Access fact sheet resources provided by ASHA that aim to help your school learn about school-based audiology and speech-language pathology services. And, share your appreciation for your school’s speech language pathologists and audiologists and the incredible work they do to support students affected by speech and hearing disorders.
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Calendar of Upcoming Events |
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