Top 5 Principal Shoutouts: Principal Shaikh, Munroe Elementary

October is National Principals Month! This is our opportunity to thank our principals for all they do in supporting our students and families. Read the Top 5 submissions below and more shoutouts here. Thank you to our principals for all you do!

5. “I would like to shout out her principal Jodie Carrigan. She always makes everyone feel wanted and accepted and listens to everything we have to say about school and ourselves. She also makes our school fun and inviting, the kids all love her so much!” -- Debra Stanley, Doull Elementary

“Principal Anthony Smith epitomizes what it is to put students first. He is a problem solver and allows his instructional leadership team to dig into the work and grapple with instructional decisions. He loves his students and will do anything to help them. We had a new student start last spring, and he went out of his way to welcome her son, as well as her to Vista. His way of connecting with his heart is very appreciated.” -- Barbara Koenig, Vista Academy

4. “I want to call out Ms. Andrea Renteria for being an incredible principal and making Garden Place Academy a place where everyone feels valued, seen and heard. She lights up our school with her joy, genuine love and support for the entire school community, starting with the students, their families and all staff. Thank you, Ms. Renteria.” -- Andrea Renteria, Garden Place Academy

2. “Vanessa Diaz has been working tirelessly to make a huge impact on our kids. From school SPF to connecting with shelters and the city to get transportation to our most underserved, Vanessa is impacting our community in the best way. Her vision for supporting our kids and community is really taking shape. Keep it up!” -- Ryan Bailey, Swansea Elementary

1. “Ms. Shaikh is an exceptional leader who constantly advocates for our students, community and staff. She seeks out feedback, is transparent with her goals for the school and plans to reach them, and is always willing and able to lend a listening ear. She leads by example and with equity at the top of her mind and always puts students first while prioritizing the mental health and needs of our staff. We are lucky to have her at Munroe!” -- Cristhina Shaikh, Munroe Elementary

Calling all Latinas in education! Join us for the upcoming CO ALAS Latina Conference on Saturday, Nov. 11 from 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Elevate your professional journey with workshops, networking and inspiring speakers. Colorado Commissioner of Education Susana Cordova, our former superintendent, is the keynote!

Click here to view the event flyer for additional details and registration information. Don't miss this chance to grow and connect.

Join us for the DAC-CSC/SAC virtual kick-off event on Thursday, Nov. 9 from 5:15-6:30 p.m. Collaborative School Committee (CSC) and School Accountability Committee (SAC) members can RSVP here.

The DAC is building a new DAC-CSC/SAC communications pipeline to hear directly from schools as the DAC provides recommendations to the district. The DAC is hosting this interactive, fun and impactful event to provide resources, conversation and an opportunity for connection for CSC/SACs throughout the district. If you have questions, contact the DAC at denverdac@gmail.com.

Join us at one of our upcoming sessions on Thursday, Nov. 9. Sessions are available in-person froom noon-1:30 p.m. on the 14th Floor of the Emily Griffith Building or virtually from 3-4 p.m.

The Adults Assisting Youth class will teach the five-step action plan to assess a situation and help, review the impact of mental and substance use disorders, and share local resources and where to turn for help. The next class is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 29 from 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Register here. 

If you have questions, please contact WellPower's Mental Health First Aid Coordinator, Jasmine Breeden, at jasmine.breeden@wellpower.org.

Visit the Employee Wellness page on The Commons for more information.

For more information, visit the following pages on The Commons: Duo and Cybersecurity.

Trauma and Restorative Informed Practices (TRIP) Newsletter is a new monthly newsletter for DPS employees to read and enrich their understanding of Restorative Practices and Trauma-Informed Practices. The newsletter also has information about the TRIP team and vital information on how and when to reach out to the TRIP team.

The Office of the Ombuds provides DPS Employees with confidential, independent, impartial and informal assistance in resolving work-related concerns, conflicts and issues. Employees who visit the Ombuds Office may do so for many reasons. The office seeks to empower individuals to overcome their disputes, conflicts and barriers by helping them find options for the best possible resolution. Please read more to learn how we assist all DPS Employees.

-- Guadalupe Martinez, Pascual LeDoux Academy

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.